Nutrient Uptake Research Articles

Effects of Compost and Compost Tea on Soil Properties and Nutrient Uptake of the Moroccan Date Palm Cultivar "Mejhoul" under Organic Cultivation

Effects of Compost and Compost Tea on Soil Properties and Nutrient Uptake of the Moroccan Date Palm Cultivar "Mejhoul" under Organic Cultivation

A Bioorthogonal Dual Fluorogenic Probe for the Live‐Cell Monitoring of Nutrient Uptake by Mammalian Cells

AbstractCells rely heavily on the uptake of exogenous nutrients for survival, growth, and differentiation. Yet quantifying the uptake of small molecule nutrients at the single cell level is difficult. Here we present a new approach to studying the nutrient uptake in live single cells using Inverse Electron‐Demand Diels Alder (IEDDA) chemistry. We have modified carboxyfluorescein‐diacetate‐succinimidyl esters (CFSE)—a quenched fluorophore that can covalently react with proteins and is only turned on in the cytosol of a cell following esterase activity—with a tetrazine. This tetrazine serves as a second quencher for the pendant fluorophore. Upon reaction with nutrients modified with an electron‐rich or strained dienophile in an IEDDA reaction, this quenching group is destroyed, thereby enabling the probe to fluoresce. This has allowed us to monitor the uptake of a variety of dienophile‐containing nutrients in live primary immune cell populations using flow cytometry and live‐cell microscopy.

A Bioorthogonal Dual Fluorogenic Probe for the Live-Cell Monitoring of Nutrient Uptake by Mammalian Cells.

Cells rely heavily on the uptake of exogenous nutrients for survival, growth, and differentiation. Yet quantifying the uptake of small molecule nutrients at the single cell level is difficult. Here we present a new approach to studying the nutrient uptake in live single cells using Inverse Electron-Demand Diels Alder (IEDDA) chemistry. We have modified carboxyfluorescein-diacetate-succinimidyl esters (CFSE)-a quenched fluorophore that can covalently react with proteins and is only turned on in the cytosol of a cell following esterase activity-with a tetrazine. This tetrazine serves as a second quencher for the pendant fluorophore. Upon reaction with nutrients modified with an electron-rich or strained dienophile in an IEDDA reaction, this quenching group is destroyed, thereby enabling the probe to fluoresce. This has allowed us to monitor the uptake of a variety of dienophile-containing nutrients in live primary immune cell populations using flow cytometry and live-cell microscopy.

Molecular and structural basis of oligopeptide recognition by the Ami transporter system in pneumococci.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport systems are crucial for bacteria to ensure sufficient uptake of nutrients that are not produced de novo or improve the energy balance. The cell surface of the pathobiont Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is decorated with a substantial array of ABC transporters, critically influencing nasopharyngeal colonization and invasive infections. Given the auxotrophic nature of pneumococci for certain amino acids, the Ami ABC transporter system, orchestrating oligopeptide uptake, becomes indispensable in host compartments lacking amino acids. The system comprises five exposed Oligopeptide Binding Proteins (OBPs) and four proteins building the ABC transporter channel. Here, we present a structural analysis of all the OBPs in this system. Multiple crystallographic structures, capturing both open and closed conformations along with complexes involving chemically synthesized peptides, have been solved at high resolution providing insights into the molecular basis of their diverse peptide specificities. Mass spectrometry analysis of oligopeptides demonstrates the unexpected remarkable promiscuity of some of these proteins when expressed in Escherichia coli, displaying affinity for a wide range of peptides. Finally, a model is proposed for the complete Ami transport system in complex with its various OBPs. We further disclosed, through in silico modelling, some essential structural changes facilitating oligopeptide transport into the cellular cytoplasm. Thus, the structural analysis of the Ami system provides valuable insights into the mechanism and specificity of oligopeptide binding by the different OBPs, shedding light on the intricacies of the uptake mechanism and the in vivo implications for this human pathogen.

Planting date and tillage effects on yield and nutrient uptake of two sorghum cultivars grown in sub-humid and semi-arid regions in South Africa

IntroductionSorghum is emerging as a viable crop option to increase food production under changing climate due to its resilience to drought and marginal soils. Appropriate planting date, crop cultivars, type of tillage and rotations, under contrasting climatic conditions, could make significant contribution on the effective management of sorghum under changing climatic conditions. A short-term study was carried out to investigate the effects of planting date, crop cultivar, tillage type and rotations on the growth and primary nutrient uptake of sorghum in contrasting climatic regions.MethodsThe study was conducted in Free State - (FS) and KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Provinces of South Africa over two seasons (2020/21 and 2021/22). The two cultivars (Pan8816 and Macia) were sown in December (PD1) and in January (PD2) under conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) and with two rotations (Sorghum-Cowpea-Sorghum and Sorghum-Sorghum-Sorghum) resulting in 2×2×2×2 factorial experiment.Results and discussionIn KZN, in both the first (2020/21) and second (2021/22) seasons, the effects of all the factors, except cultivar in the second season, were not significant on yield, and uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). In the second season, Pan8816 (4.40 t/ha) produced 3.3 times higher yield than Macia (1.32 t/ha), and took up higher N, K and P. In FS, the early planted sorghum (1.15 t/ha for season one; 3.39 t/ha for season two) had significantly higher yield than late planted sorghum (0.434 and 0.91 t/ha for seasons one and two, respectively). Furthermore, the early-planted crops took up higher N, K and P than when planted late, while Pan8816 took up 1.74 times more P than Macia. Plants grown under CT (2.61 t/ha) produced significantly higher yield than under NT (1.70 t/ha), with plants under CT taking up significantly more K than those grown on NT. These findings suggest that in the drier FS, early planting under conventional tillage, while in the wetter KZN, selecting the appropriate cultivar (PAN8816), are essential for sorghum grain yield, at least in the short-term.

Effect of Planting Geometry and Inorganic Fertilizers with Nano Urea Quality and Nutrient Uptake of Rice Crop (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation entitled “Influence of planting geometry and inorganic fertilizers with nano urea on productivity of rice crop (Oryza sativa L.).” was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Faizabad-224229 (U.P.) during Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023. Fifteen treatment combinations comprised of three planting geometry C1 (20 cm × 10 cm), C2 (20 cm × 15 cm) and C3 (20 cm × 20 cm) in main plot with five fertility levels F1 - 100% RDF (150:60:40), F2 [100% RDF + Two foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1(Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)], F3 [75% RDF + Two foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1(Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)], F4 [50% RDF + Two foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1(Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)] and F5 - Control [no fertilizers] were executed in split plot design keeping fertility levels in sub plot with three replications. The soil of experimental plot was silty loam in texture with low in orgainic carbon and nitrogen médium in phosphorus and high in potassium. The treatment combination C1 (20 cm × 10 cm) along with F2 [100% RDF + two foliar applications of nano urea at 3000 ml ha-1 (during Tillering and Panicle initiation stages)] demonstrated significantly elevated levels of quality and nutrient uptake, including protein content (%), yield (kg ha-1), NPK content (%), and NPK uptake (kg ha-1). This performance was comparable to the combination of C1 (20 cm × 10 cm) with F3 [75% RDF + two foliar applications of nano urea at 3000 ml ha-1 (during Tillering and Panicle initiation stages)], and notably surpassed other treatments. In summary, the utilization of C1 (20 cm × 10 cm) coupled with F2 [100% RDF + foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1 (during Tillering and Panicle initiation stages)] exhibited superior outcomes across all parameters of quality and nutrient absorption, leading to increased rice crop yield and profitability over both study years.

Influence of Various Nitrogen Levels and Herbicides Application on Nutrient Uptake and Quality Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The present study determines the Influence of Various Nitrogen Levels and Herbicides Application on Nutrient Uptake and Quality Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.). A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season 2022 and 2023 at Agronomy research farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology Kumarganj, Ayodhya Uttar Pradesh, (India), which consisted of three levels of nitrogen 80, 120 and 160 Kg/ha in main plot and five weed management practices Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT, Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT, Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT fb Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT, Weed free and Weedy check in subplot thereby, making fifteen treatment combinations and replicated thrice in split plot design . Results indicated that protein content and protein yield, N, P and K content in grain and straw and their uptake after harvest were maximum recorded with the application of 160 Kg N ha-1 and Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20g a.i/ha (PE) at 0-3 DAT fb Bispyribac sodium 10 % SC @ 25g a.i/ha (PoE) at 25 DAT which was comparable to weed free during both the years of investigation on transplanting rice.

Ecological regulation of chemical weathering recorded in rivers

We provide a new generalized framework accounting for the effects of water and nutrient uptake by roots in the weathering zone on broad patterns of solute concentration - discharge relationships in rivers. As plants withdraw water from the subsurface, they decrease the area-normalized fluid drainage rate. This results in a discharge flux to springs and streams which is a function of water use by plants, leading to ecosystem regulation of the characteristic timescales of chemical weathering reactions and fluid flow rate. Our predictive framework quantifies the pore water and river solute chemistry generated from water-rock interactions, regulated by the effects of vegetation on water flow rates. To this we add the capacity for vegetation to enrich, passively admit, or discriminate against a given dissolved solute based on ecophysiological needs, thus further modifying the local concentration of a given chemical species in solution across a weathering profile. This uptake flux is not lost to the atmosphere in the same manner as water is removed from the subsurface via evapotranspiration. Rather, these extracted chemical species become incorporated into the topsoil as litter which may be partially or fully resolubilized, creating an upper boundary condition which depends on the uptake and recycling characteristics of the ecosystem. These processes are united through a new solution to the advection-reaction equation which allows vegetation to regulate broad patterns of stream concentration - discharge relationships. We show that ecosystems are capable of both accelerating and impeding water-rock reaction rates across the weathering profile, ultimately leading to both thermodynamic and ecological controls on the baseflow concentration of rock-derived solutes in rivers.

Combined effect of gallic acid and zinc ferrite nanoparticles on wheat growth and yield under salinity stress

Salinity stress significantly impacts crops, disrupting their water balance and nutrient uptake, reducing growth, yield, and overall plant health. High salinity in soil can adversely affect plants by disrupting their water balance. Excessive salt levels can lead to dehydration, hinder nutrient absorption, and damage plant cells, ultimately impairing growth and reducing crop yields. Gallic acid (GA) and zinc ferrite (ZnFNP) can effectively overcome this problem. GA can promote root growth, boost photosynthesis, and help plants absorb nutrients efficiently. However, their combined application as an amendment against drought still needs scientific justification. Zinc ferrite nanoparticles possess many beneficial properties for soil remediation and medical applications. That’s why the current study used a combination of GA and ZnFNP as amendments to wheat. There were 4 treatments, i.e., 0, 10 µM GA, 15 μM GA, and 20 µM GA, without and with 5 μM ZnFNP applied in 4 replications following a completely randomized design. Results exhibited that 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP caused significant improvement in wheat shoot length (28.62%), shoot fresh weight (16.52%), shoot dry weight (11.38%), root length (3.64%), root fresh weight (14.72%), and root dry weight (9.71%) in contrast to the control. Significant enrichment in wheat chlorophyll a (19.76%), chlorophyll b (25.16%), total chlorophyll (21.35%), photosynthetic rate (12.72%), transpiration rate (10.09%), and stomatal conductance (15.25%) over the control validate the potential of 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP. Furthermore, improvement in N, P, and K concentration in grain and shoot verified the effective functioning of 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP compared to control. In conclusion, 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP can potentially improve the growth, chlorophyll contents and gas exchange attributes of wheat cultivated in salinity stress. More investigations are suggested to declare 20 µM GA + 5 μM ZnFNP as the best amendment for alleviating salinity stress in different cereal crops.

Metabolically-versatile Ca. Thiodiazotropha symbionts of the deep-sea lucinid clam Lucinoma kazani have the genetic potential to fix nitrogen.

Lucinid clams are one of the most diverse and widespread symbiont-bearing animal groups in both shallow and deep-sea chemosynthetic habitats. Lucinids harbor Ca. Thiodiazotropha symbionts that can oxidize inorganic and organic substrates such as hydrogen sulfide and formate to gain energy. The interplay between these key metabolic functions, nutrient uptake and biotic interactions in Ca. Thiodiazotropha is not fully understood. We collected Lucinoma kazani individuals from next to a deep-sea brine pool in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, at a depth of 1150m and used Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing to obtain high-quality genomes of their Ca. Thiodiazotropha gloverae symbiont. The genomes served as the basis for transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to characterize the in situ gene expression, metabolism and physiology of the symbionts. We found genes needed for N2 fixation in the deep-sea symbiont's genome, which, to date, were only found in shallow-water Ca. Thiodiazotropha. However, we did not detect the expression of these genes and thus the potential role of nitrogen fixation in this symbiosis remains to be determined. We also found the high expression of carbon fixation and sulfur oxidation genes, which indicate chemolithoautotrophy as the key physiology of Ca. Thiodiazotropha. However, we also detected the expression of pathways for using methanol and formate as energy sources. Our findings highlight the key traits these microbes maintain to support the nutrition of their hosts and interact with them.

Determining the Effect of Nutrient Management and Weed Control Practices on Weed Dynamics in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

An experiment was carried out at Agronomy Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) during Rabi season (2022-23 & 2023-24) to investigate the effect of nutrient management and weed control practices on dynamics of weed in different treatments in wheat crop. Split plot design was used in the experimental field with three nutrient levels in main plot and six weed control practices in sup plot and replicated thrice. Among the nutrient management treatments 75% RDF + 10 t ha-1 FYM + one spray of nano-urea @ 4ml/lit was found to be more effective for controlling weed density, weed dry weight, weed control efficiency (%), and weed index (%) during both years of experimentation. Sequential spray of Clodinofop + Metsulfuron (60 + 4 g a.i. ha-1) reduced the density and dry weight of weeds, however recorded highest weed control efficiency (89.57% & 90.77%) and minimum weed index (1.99 & 1.96) during 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively. The better control of weeds and higher uptake of nutrient in this treatment resulted in higher yield. Thus it might be concluded that application of 75% RDF +10 t ha-1 FYM + one spray of nano-urea @ 4ml/lit with the spraying of Clodinofop + Metsulfuron (60 + 4 g a.i. ha-1) found to be more effective in reducing weed infestation in wheat crop.

Optimizing Agriculture: A Review of Chemical Priming in Crop Production

Agricultural productivity faces increasing challenges due to climate change, soil degradation, and the need for sustainable practices. Chemical priming, a technique involving the pre-treatment of seeds or plants with specific compounds, has emerged as a promising approach to enhance crop resilience, productivity, and stress tolerance. This review synthesizes current literature on the application of chemical priming in crop production, focusing on its mechanisms, effects on plant physiology, and its potential to optimize agricultural practices. Chemical priming operates through diverse mechanisms, including the induction of stress-responsive genes, enhancement of antioxidant activity, and modulation of hormone signaling pathways. These mechanisms result in improved germination rates, accelerated seedling growth, increased nutrient uptake, and enhanced tolerance to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Moreover, chemical priming has been shown to promote crop yield and quality under adverse environmental conditions, making it a valuable tool for sustainable agriculture. The effectiveness of chemical priming depends on various factors, such as the type of priming agent, concentration, timing of application, and the specific crop species. Furthermore, interactions with other agricultural practices, such as irrigation regimes and fertilization strategies, can influence its outcomes. Therefore, optimizing chemical priming protocols requires a comprehensive understanding of crop-specific responses and environmental factors. Despite its potential benefits, the widespread adoption of chemical priming in agriculture faces challenges related to cost-effectiveness, regulatory approval, and potential ecological impacts. Addressing these challenges requires further research to refine priming protocols, assess long-term effects on soil health and ecosystem functioning, and develop sustainable approaches for large-scale implementation.

Design of Microbial Consortia Based on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Yeasts, and Bacteria to Improve the Biochemical, Nutritional, and Physiological Status of Strawberry Plants Growing under Water Deficits.

Drought affects several plant physiological characteristics such as photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and chlorophyll content, causing hormonal and nutritional imbalances and reducing nutrient uptake and transport, which inhibit growth and development. The use of bioinoculants based on plant growth-promoting microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), yeasts, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) has been proposed as an alternative to help plants tolerate drought. However, most studies have been based on the use of a single type of microorganism, while consortia studies have been scarcely performed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate different combinations of three PGPR, three AMF, and three yeasts with plant growth-promoting attributes to improve the biochemical, nutritional, and physiological behavior of strawberry plants growing under severe drought. The results showed that the growth and physiological attributes of the non-inoculated plants were significantly reduced by drought. In contrast, plants inoculated with the association of the fungus Claroideoglomus claroideum, the yeast Naganishia albida, and the rhizobacterium Burkholderia caledonica showed a stronger improvement in tolerance to drought. High biomass, relative water content, fruit number, photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, quantum yield of photosystem II, N concentration, P concentration, K concentration, antioxidant activities, and chlorophyll contents were significantly improved in inoculated plants by up to 16.6%, 12.4%, 81.2%, 80%, 79.4%, 71.0%, 17.8%, 8.3%, 6.6%, 57.3%, 41%, and 22.5%, respectively, compared to stressed non-inoculated plants. Moreover, decreased malondialdehyde levels by up to 32% were registered. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of maximizing the effects of inoculation with beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms based on the prospect of more efficient combinations among different microbial groups, which is of interest to develop bioinoculants oriented to increase the growth of specific plant species in a global scenario of increasing drought stress.

Effect of Crop Residue Management and Weed Management Practices on Nutrient Content and Nutrient Uptake in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The field experiment was carried out during two successive Rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Agronomy Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.).The treatment combinations of 4 crop residue management, viz. conventional tillage without residue, conventional tillage with residue (3 t/ha rice residue), zero tillage without residue, zero tillage with residue (3 t/ha rice residue) and 5 weed management practices, viz. Triallate 50% EC @ 1250 g a.i. ha-1, Triallate 50% EC @ 2500 g a.i. ha-1, Clodinafop propargyl 15% + Metsulfuron methyl 1% (60 g + 4 g a.i. ha-1), hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) and weedy check in wheat were tested with 3 replications in split-plot design, keeping crop residue management in main plots and weed management practices in subplots. Among the different crop residue management, zero tillage with residue was found most effective in maximizing nutrient content and nutrient uptake followed by conventional tillage with residue. Conventional tillage without residue showed lowest values of on nutrient content and uptake by crop. While in case of weed management practices hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) had a significant impact on maximizing nutrient content and nutrient uptake followed by post-emergence application of Clodinafop propargyl 15% + Metsulfuron methyl 1% (60 g + 4 g a.i. ha-1).

Seasonal variations in coupled nitrogen and phosphorus uptake across various NO3¯-N/NH4+-N addition ratios in a vegetated stream: The effect of hydromorphology

In-stream nutrient uptake is essential in regulating nutrient transport in fluvial ecosystems, yet knowledge of interactions between multiple nutrient uptake still needs to be improved. To reveal the characteristics of interactions between N and P uptake and their seasonal variability, we conducted a series of short-term (i.e., minutes to hours) nutrient addition experiments, including individual nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and combined N plus P additions, in a vegetated forested stream during two contrasting seasons (i.e., the late spring and autumn). Moreover, we explored the responsiveness of N or P uptake rates to their concentrations under the conditions of varying ratios of nitrate-N (NO3¯-N) to ammonium-N (NH4+-N) in all N additions. We found a significant interaction between N and P retention and uptake in the stream where it was P-limited. Across all experiments, the responsiveness of NH4+-N uptake to increased P concentrations increased with decreasing ratios of NO3¯-N/NH4+-N additions in late spring or autumn. In contrast, NO3¯-N uptake showed an opposite pattern. Partial least squares regression results suggested that the hydromorphology (e.g., discharge, channel heterogeneity, aquatic macrophytes) was the main driver and powerfully impacted the whole-reach N and P uptake and their interactions.

Seaweed Extract for Sustainable Rice Production- A Review

Seaweed extract is a bio-simulant that obtain from seaweeds like Agar, and Alginate and many more species of seaweed. By application of seaweed extract in rice crop (Oryza sativa L.) can increase the growth, grain yield, biological yield and improves the nutrient content in grain. Seaweed extract application also reduces the biotic and abiotic stress on crops. This seaweed extract can be applied in many ways to crop plants like foliar spray, soil incorporation, etc., based on crop type. It can impact the cellular respiration of plants and incorporates many enzymes like NAA, auxins, vitamins, cytokinin’s and many other growths promoting hormones in plants. This extract also has growth stimulating properties. It can increase nutrient absorption capacity by increasing root growth. Most of the marine algae are rich in auxins that increase root growth. The application of seaweed extract in soil can improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. It can improve Arbuscular mycorrhiza by providing potassium to plant. Application of seaweed extract to soil can improve the availability of nutrients like calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Moreover, foliar spray of seaweed extract in rice crop increases crop growth, yield, nutrient uptake, water uptake, increases photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance. So, seaweed extract incorporation in rice cultivation could be a better approach to gain long-term sustainable production.

Biostimulant induce growth, chlorophyll content and fresh herbage yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and variegated alfalfa (Medicago × varia Martyn) plant

The use of biostimulants is associated with promoting plant growth by stimulating cell division and improving nutrient availability and uptake. A study was conducted at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, to examine the effect of biostimulants on alfalfa growth, chlorophyll content and fresh herbage yield. The experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design with three biostimulant treatments plus control replicated three times. Data collected were subjected to analyses of variance using Genstat, where significantly different means were separated at a probability of 5% using the least significant difference. The findings show no different variation in plant height or chlorophyll content (SPAD) throughout the early stages of growth. Nonetheless, a notable impact was noted in the latter stages (28 days after biostimulant treatment application) on the growth of the alfalfa plant. Biostimulant treatments did not had effect on fresh yield for second through fourth cuts, but the fifth cut showed a significant effect, with T1 treatment recording the highest herbage yield of 19745 kg ha-1 followed by T2 (Tricho Immun plus Ino Green) and T3 (Tricho Immun), with yields of 19528 kg ha-1 and 17273 kg ha-1, respectively, while the T0 (control) recorded the lowest herbage yield of 12060 kg ha-1. However, the average mean yield indicated the application of biostimulants significantly increased fresh yield herbage by 20.5%. Correlation coefficient values suggested plant height at both 14 and 28 DAH (days after harvest) strongly correlated with fresh herbage yield (r = 0.7756 and 0.7455) which reflected in the increase in fresh herbage yield. Therefore, our results suggest that the use of biostimulants in alfalfa cultivation holds promise for improving growth and yield potential through their positive effects on chlorophyll content and the growth of alfalfa plant.

Exploring glycine root uptake dynamics in phosphorus and iron deficient tomato plants during the initial stages of plant development

BackgroundPhosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) deficiencies are relevant plants nutritional disorders, prompting responses such as increased root exudation to aid nutrient uptake, albeit at an energy cost. Reacquiring and reusing exudates could represent an efficient energy and nitrogen saving strategy. Hence, we investigated the impact of plant development, Fe and P deficiencies on this process.Tomato seedlings were grown hydroponically for 3 weeks in Control, -Fe, and -P conditions and sampled twice a week. We used Isotope Ratio Mass-Spectrometry to measure δ13C in roots and shoots after a 2-h exposure to 13C-labeled glycine (0, 50, or 500 μmol L−1). Plant physiology was assessed with an InfraRed Gas Analyzer and ionome with an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrometry.ResultsGlycine uptake varied with concentration, suggesting an involvement of root transporters with different substrate affinities. The uptake decreased over time, with -Fe and -P showing significantly higher values as compared to the Control. This highlights its importance during germination and in nutrient-deficient plants. Translocation to shoots declined over time in -P and Control but increased in -Fe plants, suggesting a role of Gly in the Fe xylem transport.ConclusionsRoot exudates, i.e. glycine, acquisition and their subsequent shoot translocation depend on Fe and P deficiency. The present findings highlight the importance of this adaptation to nutrient deficiencies, that can potentially enhance plants fitness. A thorough comprehension of this trait holds potential significance for selecting cultivars that can better withstand abiotic stresses.

Nutrient uptake, growth, and physiology of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) varieties under NaCl stress

Nutrient uptake, growth, and physiology of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) varieties under NaCl stress

Dynamics of micro and macronutrients in a hydroponic nutrient film technique system under lettuce cultivation

While hydroponics is considered an efficient vegetable production system, there is a compelling need to investigate the efficiency of the current generic nutrient dosing recommendation primarily based on electrical conductivity (EC) measurements. Such information is critical to fine-tune and optimize the current hydroponic management practices for improved nutrient uptake efficiency. This study investigated the dynamics of some micro and macronutrients (N, P, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, and Mn) in a recirculating nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system under lettuce cultivation. The research was conducted in an indoor controlled environment growth chamber with lettuce grown in different EC levels (1.2 and 1.6 dS m−1). Each treatment had four hydroponic cultivation units, each one with 24 plants. Nutrient solution and tissue samples were collected two to three times per week. Nutrient dynamics, including nutrient uptake efficiencies and environmental losses, were calculated using a mass balance approach. The effects of EC level on fresh and dry lettuce biomass and nutrient uptake were insignificant. Observed variations in nutrient solution composition during lettuce cultivation included the almost complete removal of ammonia nitrogen, nitrate decreases towards the end of the experiment, consistent increases in aqueous Ca concentration, and corresponding decreases in K and Mn. Average N losses ranged between 27 and 40 %, presumably through denitrification, while 10–14 % of N was assimilated into the plant biomass. The remaining N in the recirculating nutrient solution was estimated to be between 50 and 59 %. The average P loss was 11–35 %, likely due to precipitation, while 52–77 % remained in the nutrient solution. Nutrient uptake efficiencies averaged 19–31 % K, 12–21 % P, 9–16 % Mn, 4–6 % Ca, 3–4 % Mg, and 2–4 % Fe. These results suggest that elevated nutrient concentrations in recirculating nutrient solutions led to losses and underutilization. Findings from this study provide a comprehensive dataset critical to improving hydroponic nutrient management beyond N and P. Hydroponic nutrient management should target providing essential nutrients needed by plants at the correct proportions considering the plant growth stage.