Nutrient Uptake Research Articles

Effect of Water Deficit on Secondary Metabolites and Nutrient Content on Forage Sorghum

Agronomic properties are more likely to be impacted by water deficits that affect the nutrient uptake and production of secondary metabolites based on their timing and intensity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the water deficit on the nutritional quality of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) hybrids. For that purpose, a factorial, completely randomized experiment was conducted by considering three forage sorghum hybrids (AGRI 002-E, BREVANT SS318, and BRS 658) and two levels of evapotranspiration water replacement (50% and 100% of ETc). Parameters relating to water consumption, secondary metabolites (isoflavones daidzein, daidzin, genistein, and genistin), leaf nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, and Zn), and bromatological attributes (dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and mineral material) were evaluated at the end of the crop cycle. Isoflavone levels differed between the hybrids and were highest in water-deficient sorghum. There was a significant interaction between the factors only for the daidzin. The leaf content of the other compounds was influenced either by hybrids (genistein) or by the replacement of evapotranspired water levels (daidzein). The leaf content of P and S was influenced by the interaction between the factors, while the levels of K, Ca, and Mg were influenced by the effect of a single factor. The leaf contents of Mn and Zn were not influenced by the treatments. There was a difference between the hybrids for dry mass and crude protein contents, and hybrids x water deficit was only significant for dry mass. The hybrids Brevant SS318 and BRS 658 had the highest crude protein. The presented results are novel and demonstrate that water deficits can significantly affect the levels of secondary metabolites and the nutritional quality of forage sorghum, depending on the hybrid. The mentioned indices are important parameters for evaluating the nutritional quality and development of agricultural crops, particularly in response to adverse environmental conditions such as water stress.

An environmentally friendly coating: Excellent self-cleaning, efficient antimicrobial, and durability properties

The development of non-polluting and non-toxic polymer antimicrobial agents is a prominent focus in contemporary research and development. Polymer quaternary ammonium salts are particularly promising for their antimicrobial efficacy. In this study, we synthesized quaternary imidazole derivatives using butylimidazole and 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane. We then prepared PDMS/BIS/PPS hydrophobic antimicrobial composite coatings by incorporating quaternary ammonium salt chemically grafted silica (BIS), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The resulting composite coating displayed a high contact angle of 136.4°±1° and a low sliding angle of less than 5°±1°, indicating its hydrophobic nature. Electrochemical assessments demonstrated exceptional corrosion resistance, with a corrosion inhibition rate of 99.967 %. Bacterial assays confirmed the coating's effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial proliferation, especially against E. coli. The quaternary ammonium-modified silica particles in the coating facilitate bacterial adsorption through electrostatic interactions, which compromise cell membrane permeability, obstruct nutrient uptake, and induce apoptosis. With its anti-fouling, self-cleaning, and anti-corrosion properties, this coating has substantial potential for applications in various fields, including medical devices, and food packaging.

Impact of Conservation Tillage on Soil Fertility, Productivity and Nutrient Uptake by Chickpea in Soybean-Chickpea Sequence on Vertisols

Impact of Conservation Tillage on Soil Fertility, Productivity and Nutrient Uptake by Chickpea in Soybean-Chickpea Sequence on Vertisols

Effect of Nano-Zinc Oxide, Rice Straw Compost, and Gypsum on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Yield and Soil Quality in Saline-Sodic Soil.

The salinity and alkalinity of soils are two fundamental factors that limit plant growth and productivity. For that reason, a field study conducted at Sakha Agric. Res. Station in Egypt during the 2022-2023 winter season aimed to assess the impact of gypsum (G), compost (C), and zinc foliar application in two images, traditional (Z1 as ZnSO4) and nanoform (Z2 as N-ZnO), on alleviating the saline-sodic conditions of the soil and its impact on wheat productivity. The results showed that the combination of gypsum, compost, and N-ZnO foliar spray (G + C + Z2) decreased the soil electrical conductivity (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) by 14.81%, 40.60%, and 35.10%, respectively. Additionally, compared to the control, the G + C + Z2 treatment showed improved nutrient content and uptake as well as superior wheat biomass parameters, such as the highest grain yield (7.07 Mg ha-1), plant height (98.0 cm), 1000-grain weight (57.03 g), and straw yield (9.93 Mg ha-1). Interestingly, foliar application of N-ZnO was more effective than ZnSO4 in promoting wheat productivity. Principal component analysis highlighted a negative correlation between increased grain yield and the soil EC and SAR, whereas the soil organic matter (OM), infiltration rate (IR), and plant nutrient content were found to be positively correlated. Furthermore, employing the k-nearest neighbors technique, it was predicted that the wheat grain yield would rise to 7.25 t ha-1 under certain soil parameters, such as EC (5.54 dS m-1), ESP (10.02%), OM (1.41%), bulk density (1.30 g cm-3), infiltration rate (1.15 cm h-1), and SAR (7.80%). These results demonstrate how adding compost and gypsum to foliar N-ZnO can improve the soil quality, increase the wheat yield, and improve the nutrient uptake, all of which can support sustainable agriculture.

Multiplexed Microfluidic Platform for Parallel Bacterial Chemotaxis Assays.

The sensing of and response to ambient chemical gradients by microorganisms via chemotaxis regulates many microbial processes fundamental to ecosystem function, human health, and disease. Microfluidics has emerged as an indispensable tool for the study of microbial chemotaxis, enabling precise, robust, and reproducible control of spatiotemporal chemical conditions. Previous techniques include combining laminar flow patterning and stop-flow diffusion to produce quasi-steady chemical gradients to directly probe single-cell responses or loading micro-wells to entice and ensnare chemotactic bacteria in quasi-steady chemical conditions. Such microfluidic approaches exemplify a trade-off between high spatiotemporal resolution of cell behavior and high-throughput screening of concentration-specific chemotactic responses. However, both aspects are necessary to disentangle how a diverse range of chemical compounds and concentrations mediate microbial processes such as nutrient uptake, reproduction, and chemorepulsion from toxins. Here, we present a protocol for the multiplexed chemotaxis device (MCD), a parallelized microfluidic platform for efficient, high-throughput, and high-resolution chemotaxis screening of swimming microbes across a range of chemical concentrations. The first layer of the two-layer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device comprises a serial dilution network designed to produce five logarithmically diluted chemostimulus concentrations plus a control from a single chemical solution input. Laminar flow in the second device layer brings a cell suspension and buffer solution into contact with the chemostimuli solutions in each of six separate chemotaxis assays, in which microbial responses are imaged simultaneously over time. The MCD is produced via standard photography and soft lithography techniques and provides robust,repeatable chemostimulus concentrations across each assay in the device. This microfluidic platform provides a chemotaxis assay that blends high-throughput screening approaches with single-cell resolution to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of chemotaxis-mediated microbial processes. Key features • Microchannel master molds are fabricated using photolithography techniques in a clean room with a mask aligner to fabricate multilevel feature heights. • The microfluidic device is fabricated from PDMS using standard soft lithography replica molding from the master molds. • The resulting microchannel requires a one-time calibration of the driving inlet pressures, after which devices from the same master molds have robust performance. • The microfluidic platform is optimized and tested for measuring chemotaxis of swimming prokaryotes.

Yield, Nutrient Availability and Soil Properties of Pearl Millet as Influenced by Enriched Phosphocompost

Aims: Soil Properties, Yield and Nutrient Availability for Pearl Millet as Influenced by Enriched Phosphocompost Study Design: Randomized Block Design Place of Study: Bajra Research Scheme, College of Agriculture, Dhule. Methodology: There were 10 treatments viz. T1- Control, T2- 100 % Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), T3- 100% RDF + 2.5 t Bajra straw phosphocompost ha-1, T4- 100% RDF+ 2.5 t Cotton stalks phosphocompost ha-1, T5- 100% RDF + 2.5 t FYM ha-1, T6- 100% RDF + 5 t FYM ha-1, T7- 75% RDF + 2.5 t Bajra straw phosphocompost ha-1, T8- 75% RDF + 2.5 t Cotton stalks phosphocompost ha-1, T9- 75 % RDF + 2.5 t FYM ha-1, T10- 75% RDF + 5 t FYM ha-1. Results: The results indicated that yield, nutrient uptake and soil properties viz. organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, soil available N, P, K and micronutrients were found highest in treatments T4- 100 % RDF+ 2.5 t Cotton stalks phosphocompost ha-1 and treatment T3- 100% RDF+ 2.5 t bajra straw phosphocompost ha-1 and lowest in treatment T1- Control. Conclusion: Based on the experimental findings application of 100 % RDF+ 2.5 t Cotton stalks phosphocompost ha-1 and 100% RDF+ 2.5 t bajra straw phosphocompost ha-1 were beneficial in terms of yield parameter, plant nutrient uptake and soil chemical properties on pearl millet.

Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Alleviating Salinity Stress and Improving Physiological Parameters of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): A Review

Salinity stress poses a significant threat to global wheat production, impacting crop yield and food security. In recent years, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) have gained attention as potential bioinoculants capable of mitigating salinity-induced stress and improving plant physiological parameters. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the role of AMF in alleviating salinity stress and enhancing physiological parameters in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Through a systematic analysis of relevant literature, we explore the mechanisms underlying the beneficial interactions between AMF and wheat under saline conditions. Key findings from various studies demonstrate that AMF colonization enhances wheat growth, nutrient uptake, and antioxidant enzyme activities, while reducing the adverse effects of salinity stress. However, challenges such as variability in AMF effectiveness and compatibility with modern agricultural practices persist. Future research directions should focus on refining AMF inoculation techniques and developing strains with enhanced salt tolerance to maximize their potential in sustainable agriculture. Overall, this review underscores the promising role of AMF in revolutionizing wheat cultivation in saline environments, offering insights for enhancing crop productivity and resilience to salinity stress.

Potential of phragmites australis in vertical flow constructed wetland for heavy metals removal from urban wastewater

ABSTRACT Constructed wetlands (CWs) have emerged as effective biotechnological solutions for wastewater treatment in recent decades. While plants are recognized components of these systems, their specific role in nutrient and heavy metal (HM) uptake warrants further investigation. This study assesses the efficacy of a vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) unit planted with Phragmites australis in treating HM-laden wastewater. Through standard methods, wastewater samples from inlet and outlet were analyzed for HMs (Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu), alongside plant and sediment samples. Planted CWs demonstrated remarkable removal efficiencies: 89.34% for Cd, 76.27% for Zn, 68.14% for Cu, and 66.42% for Pb, surpassing unplanted systems (18.27% to 33.16% removal). Notably, P. australis exhibited strategic pollutant absorption, with highest HM concentrations below-ground. Though above-ground HM accumulation was relatively minor, it exceeded soil concentrations. Analysis of accumulation factors confirmed roots and rhizomes as primary bio-accumulators, with transfer factor values (Cd > Pb > Zn > Cu) indicating efficient uptake. These findings underscore the pivotal role of P. australis in enhancing HM removal within VFCW systems, emphasizing the importance of plant-based strategies in HM remediation. Recommendations include further exploration of plant-assisted methods to optimize HM treatment in CWs.

Neodymium and zinc stimulate growth, biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake of lettuce plants in hydroponics

ABSTRACT We evaluated the effects of neodymium (0.000, 2.885, 5.770 and 8.655 mg · L−1) and zinc (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg · L−1), as well as their interaction on lettuce plants in hydroponics. Applications of 2.885 mg Nd · L−1 and 5.770 mg Nd · L−1 increased plant height, number of leaves and leaf area, as well as fresh and dry stem, root and total biomasses. Root volume was greater in plants treated with 2.885 mg Nd · L−1. With 0.1 mg Zn · L−1, plant height, leaf area and fresh stem, root and total biomass were greater, while applying 0.3 mg Zn · L−1 increased the ratio of dry biomass of stems and roots. Plants exposed to 5.770 mg Nd · L−1 + 0.3 mg Zn · L−1 exhibited greater leaf length. The ratios of fresh and dry biomass of stems and roots increased in plants treated with 8.655 mg · L−1 Nd + 0.3 mg Zn · L−1. Dry biomass weights of stems, roots and total were the highest in plants treated with 20 mg Nd · L−1 + 0.1 mg Zn · L−1. Nd significantly increased foliar concentration of N, P and K. Hence, Nd and Zn improve growth and nutrition.

Effect of caffeic acid and cobalt sulfate on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants in the presence and absence of nanoparticles-coated urea

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are a significant food crop cultivated around the world. Caffeic acid (CA) can enhance plant growth by promoting antioxidant activity and stimulating root development, contributing to overall plant health and vigor. Cobalt sulfate (CoSO4) boosts plant growth by promoting nitrogen (N) fixation, healthier root development, and chlorophyll synthesis, enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant health. Nanoparticle-coated urea (NPCU) improves nutrient uptake, promoting plant growth efficiency and reducing environmental impact. This study investigates the effects of combining CA, CoSO4, and NPCU as amendments on potatoes with and without NPCU. Four treatments, control, 20 μM CA, 0.15 mg/L CoSO4, and 20 μM CA + 0.15 mg/L CoSO4 with and without NPCU, were applied in four replications using a completely randomized design. Results demonstrate that the combination of CA + CoSO4 with NPCU led to an increase in potato stem length (~ 6%), shoot dry weight (~ 15%), root dry weight (~ 9%), and leaf dry weight (~ 49%) compared to the control in nutrient stress. There was a significant rise in chlorophyll a (~ 27%), chlorophyll b (~ 37%), and total chlorophyll (~ 28%) over the control under nutrient stress also showed the potential of CA + CoSO4 with NPCU. In conclusion, the findings suggest that applying CA + CoSO4 with NPCU is a strategy for alleviating potato nutrient stress.

Progressing beyond colonization strategies to understand arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal life history.

Knowledge of differential life-history strategies in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is relevant for understanding the ecology of this group and its potential role in sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration. At present, AM fungal life-history theories often focus on differential investment into intra- vs extraradical structures among AM fungal taxa, and its implications for plant benefits. With this Viewpoint we aim to expand these theories by integrating a mycocentric economics- and resource-based life-history framework. As in plants, AM fungal carbon and nutrient demands are stoichiometrically coupled, though uptake of these elements is spatially decoupled. Consequently, investment in morphological structures for carbon vs nutrient uptake is not in competition. We argue that understanding the ecology and evolution of AM fungal life-history trade-offs requires increased focus on variation among structures foraging for the same element, that is within intra- or extraradical structures (in our view a 'horizontal' axis), not just between them ('vertical' axis). Here, we elaborate on this argument and propose a range of plausible life-history trade-offs that could lead to the evolution of strategies in AM fungi, providing testable hypotheses and creating opportunities to explain AM fungal co-existence, and the context-dependent effects of AM fungi on plant growth and soil carbon dynamics.

A Novel Bi-Directional Channel for Nutrient Uptake across Mycobacterial Outer Envelope.

Nutrients are absorbed by special transport proteins on the cell membrane; however, there is less information regarding transporters across the mycobacterial outer envelope, which comprises dense and intricate structures. In this study, we focus on the model organism Mycolicibacterium smegmatis, which has a cell envelope similar to that of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as well as on the TiME protein secretion tube across the mycobacterial outer envelope. We present transcriptome results and analyze the protein compositions of a mycobacterial surface envelope, determining that more transporters and porins are induced to complement the deletion of the time gene in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis. The TiME protein is essential for nutrient utilization, as demonstrated in the uptake experiments and growth on various monosaccharides or with amino acids as the sole carbon source. Its deletion caused bacteria to be more sensitive to anti-TB drugs and to show a growth defect at an acid pH level, indicating that TiME promotes the survival of M. smegmatis in antibiotic-containing and acidic environments. These results suggest that TiME tubes facilitate bi-directional processes for both protein secretion and nutrient uptake across the mycobacterial outer envelope.

Antibacterial Activity and Multi-Targeted Mechanism of Action of Suberanilic Acid Isolated from Pestalotiopsis trachycarpicola DCL44: An Endophytic Fungi from Ageratina adenophora.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a highly threatening foodborne pathogen capable of causing severe organ and life-threatening diseases. Over the past years, various commercial antibiotics have been used to treat MRSA infections. However, these commercial antibiotics have not yielded efficient results and also cause other side effects; therefore, there is a need for the development of effective alternatives to replace these commercial antibiotics. Suberanilic acid, an amide alkaloid obtained from the endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis trachycarpicola DCL44, has been identified as a significant antimicrobial agent. However, its antibiotic properties on multi-drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA have not been fully explored. Therefore, to investigate the potential antimicrobial mechanism of suberanilic acid against MRSA, a quantitative proteomics approach using tandem mass tagging (TMT) was used. The results obtained in the study revealed that suberanilic acid targets multiple pathways in MRSA, including disruption of ribosome synthesis, inhibition of membrane translocation for nutrient uptake (ABC transporter system), and causing dysregulation of carbohydrate and amino acid energy metabolism. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of action of suberanilic acid against MRSA and offer technical support and a theoretical basis for the development of novel food antimicrobial agents derived from endophytic fungal origin.

Transcriptional responses of durum wheat to chronic chromium exposure reveal candidate proteins involved in metal detoxification and compartmentalization

Chromium phytotoxicity results in relevant alterations to plant physiology, gene expression, and genomic DNA methylation at a transgenerational level. Herein, transcriptional responses of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) to chronic chromium exposure were explored in roots and leaves by RNA-seq approach. Plants grown all the time in a hydroponic system supplemented with 2.5 and 10 µM hexavalent chromium were compared to unstressful control plants, assessing biomass and seed yield analyses after senescence. Then, transcriptomic analysis was performed with these plants kept under 10 µM chromium 50 days after the onset of exposure. The chromium concentrations used were considered the lowest dose sufficient to alter gene expression without impeding plant development, while the sampling time reflected the effects in the pre-harvest phase and long-lasting defense mechanisms. Root and leaf samples from plants kept under 10 µM chromium stress and from unstressful control plants were analyzed, generating 12 RNA-seq libraries. In total, 965 and 810 transcripts were found to be differentially expressed, respectively, in roots and leaves in response to 10 µM chromium stress. In roots, transcriptional changes were noted in the primary and secondary metabolism, redox homeostasis, protein modification, solute transport, nutrient uptake, and external stimuli responses. Meanwhile, the transcriptional changes in leaves were primarily found in the secondary metabolism, hormone-related pathways, chromatin modifications, cell division, protein modification and homeostasis, solute transport, and nutrient uptake. In particular, the metal uptake and translocation pathways were studied with greater emphasis to identify key proteins involved in chromium transport and compartmentalization. Furthermore, several genes involved in the biosynthesis of malate-derived organic acids, trace metal transport/detoxification/chelation, and vacuolar compartmentalization were linked to primary defense responses, and some of them were also associated with two putative gene clusters. Therefore, these genes and gene clusters are suggested as valuable biotechnological targets for future proof-of-concept studies aimed at genetic engineering of durum wheat to improve plant tolerance to chromium exposure.

Nitrate Starvation Induces Lateral Root Organogenesis in Triticum aestivum via Auxin Signaling.

The lateral root (LR) is an essential component of the plant root system, performing important functions for nutrient and water uptake in plants and playing a pivotal role in cereal crop productivity. Nitrate (NO3-) is an essential nutrient for plants. In this study, wheat plants were grown in 1/2 strength Hoagland's solution containing 5 mM NO3- (check; CK), 0.1 mM NO3- (low NO3-; LN), or 0.1 mM NO3- plus 60 mg/L 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) (LNT). The results showed that LN increased the LR number significantly at 48 h after treatment compared with CK, while not increasing the root biomass, and LNT significantly decreased the LR number and root biomass. The transcriptomic analysis showed that LN induced the expression of genes related to root IAA synthesis and transport and cell wall remodeling, and it was suppressed in the LNT conditions. A physiological assay revealed that the LN conditions increased the activity of IAA biosynthesis-related enzymes, the concentrations of tryptophan and IAA, and the activity of cell wall remodeling enzymes in the roots, whereas the content of polysaccharides in the LRP cell wall was significantly decreased compared with the control. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic microscopy revealed that the content of cell wall polysaccharides decreased and the cell wall elasticity of LR primordia (LRP) increased under the LN conditions. The effects of LN on IAA synthesis and polar transport, cell wall remodeling, and LR development were abolished when TIBA was applied. Our findings indicate that NO3- starvation may improve auxin homeostasis and the biological properties of the LRP cell wall and thus promote LR initiation, while TIBA addition dampens the effects of LN on auxin signaling, gene expression, physiological processes, and the root architecture.

Sink strength, nutrient allocation, cannabinoid yield and associated transcript profiles vary in two drug-type Cannabis chemovars.

Cannabis sativa L. is one of the oldest domesticated crops. Hemp-type cultivars, which predominantly produce non-intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD), have been selected for their fast growth, seed, and fibre production, while drug-type chemovars were bred for high accumulation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). We investigated how the generation of CBD-dominant chemovars by introgression of hemp- into drug-type Cannabis impacted plant performance. The THC-dominant chemovar showed superior sink strength, higher flower biomass and demand-driven control of nutrient uptake. By contrast, the CBD-dominant chemovar hyperaccumulated phosphate in sink organs leading to reduced carbon and nitrogen assimilation in leaves, which limited flower biomass and cannabinoid yield. RNA-seq analyses determined organ- and chemovar-specific differences in expression of genes associated with nitrate and phosphate homeostasis as well as growth-regulating transcription factors that were correlated with measured traits. Among these were genes positively selected for during Cannabis domestication encoding an inhibitor of the phosphate starvation response SPX DOMAIN GENE3, nitrate reductase and two nitrate transporters. Altered nutrient sensing, acquisition or distribution are likely a consequence of adaption to growth on marginal, low-nutrient input lands in hemp. Our data provide evidence that such ancestral traits may become detrimental for female flower development and consequently overall CBD yield in protected cropping environments.

Plant Microbe Interactions an Implications for Sustainable Agriculture

Plant-microbe interactions are vital to the health and productivity of agricultural systems, influencing plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress resistance. These interactions involve a diverse range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Symbiotic relationships, such as those between legumes and rhizobia or mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots, enhance nutrient availability and plant growth—commensal interactions with endophytic microbes further support plant health by producing growth-promoting substances and offering protection against pathogens. However, pathogenic interactions pose significant challenges, necessitating a deep understanding of plant immune responses and microbial pathogenicity. This review explores the intricate mechanisms underlying plant-microbe interactions, focusing on the complex signaling pathways and molecular dialogues facilitating these relationships. It highlights the benefits of these interactions, such as improved nutrient cycling, enhanced plant growth, and increased resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. It underscores their potential to revolutionize sustainable agriculture. Practical applications are examined through case studies, demonstrating the successful integration of beneficial microbes into farming practices and the development of commercial microbial inoculants. Despite their promise, implementing plant-microbe interactions in agriculture faces challenges, including field variability, crop compatibility issues, and environmental concerns related to introducing non-native microbes. Addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining genomics, biotechnology, and sustainable management practices. Continued research is essential to harness these interactions effectively, aiming to enhance crop productivity, reduce chemical inputs, and promote environmental health, thereby contributing to a more resilient and sustainable food production system.

Proteomic Insights into Trichome Responses to Elevated Elemental Stress in Cation Exchanger (CAX) Mutants.

Research on elemental distribution in plants is crucial for understanding nutrient uptake, environmental adaptation, and optimizing agricultural practices for sustainable food production. Plant trichomes, with their self-contained structures and easy accessibility, offer a robust model system for investigating elemental repartitioning. Transport proteins, such as the four functional cation exchangers (CAXs) in Arabidopsis, are low-affinity, high-capacity transporters primarily located on the vacuole. Mutants in these transporters have been partially characterized, with one of the phenotypes of the CAX1 mutant being altered tolerance to low-oxygen conditions. A simple visual screen demonstrated trichome density and morphology in cax1 and quadruple CAX (cax1-4: qKO) mutants remained unaltered. Here we used SXRF (Synchrotron X-Ray Fluorescence) to show that trichomes in CAX-deficient lines accumulated high levels of chlorine, potassium, calcium, and manganese. Proteomic analysis on isolated Arabidopsis trichomes. showed changes in protein abundance in response to changes in element accumulation. The CAX mutants showed an increased abundance of plasma membrane ATPase and vacuolar H-pumping proteins, and proteins associated with water movement and endocytosis, while also showing changes in proteins associated with the regulation of plasmodesmata. These findings advance our understanding of the integration of CAX transport with elemental homeostasis within trichomes and shed light on how plants modulate protein abundance under conditions of altered elemental levels.

Combined inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi with Meso‐rhizobium improves nutrient uptake, growth performance, and moisture stress tolerance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

AbstractBiofertilizers can be better alternatives to chemical fertilizers to enhance plant nutrition and productivity as they improve the soil fertility and crop productivity in an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective manner. A pot experiment was conducted between December 2018 and March 2019 in southern Ethiopia to evaluate the combined inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Meso‐rhizobium (MR) on biomass yield, nutrient uptake, and moisture stress tolerance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) (variety: Habru). The experiment was executed as a factorial arrangement using a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments were control (non‐fertilized), sole AM fungi inoculation, AM fungi inoculation with phosphorus fertilizer (20 kg P ha−1) and MR, and sole inorganic fertilizers (20 kg P;10 kg N ha−1) at four different moisture levels (optimum throughout the growing season, stressed at vegetative, flowering, and seed filling stages). The results demonstrated that biomass yields were limited by moisture stress, especially at vegetative and flowering stages of chickpea. Sole and co‐application of AMF with MR and inorganic P increased biomass yields on average by 19%, 39%, and 33% under water stress conditions, respectively, compared to the non‐inoculated control. The application of AMF with MR and inorganic P also significantly increased nodulation, AMF colonization, and nutrient uptake, but these effects were dependent on soil moisture status. In conclusion, there are potential advantages to be gained from sole and combined AMF application with rhizobium to improve growth and productivity of chickpea through enhanced nutrient and water uptake, though the results of this pot experiment should be validated through field trials.

Effect of irrigation regimes on nutrient uptake and nitrate leaching in maize (Zea mays L.) production at Birr-Farm, Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia

Sustainably managed irrigation water is essential to agriculture. In order to identify the best irrigation strategies for maximizing agricultural productivity and environmental health, this study examines the effects of various irrigation depths on nutrient uptake, nitrate leaching, and maize yield. The study was carried out at Birfarm, in the Jabitehnan District, Amhara, Ethiopia, throughout the irrigation periods of 2022/23 and 2023/24. The experiment used a (RCBD) with three replications testing five application depths to apply irrigation (50 %, 75 %, 100 %, 125 % and 150 % ETc). ANOVA was performed to determine the influences of irrigation levels on nutrient uptake and nitrate leaching. Irrigation levels significantly impacted N, P and K uptake. Maximum nutrient uptake occurred at 150 % ETc with higher nutrient uptake observed in the second experimental season. Irrigation levels significantly affected nitrate leaching, with the highest leaching at 150 % ETc. Excessive irrigation increased nitrate leaching, aligning with findings from other studies. Maize yield, thousand grain weight (TGW) and above-ground biomass yield (ABY) were significantly influenced by irrigation depth. Optimal irrigation (100 % ETc) produced the maximum yield of 6.08 and 5.83 tha-1, the maximum thousand grain weight of 682.51 g and 685.12 g, and the highest above-ground biomass yield of 31.41 and 32.74 tha-1 in the second and first experiments, respectively, while excessive and deficit irrigation reduced yield. The study highlights the importance of optimizing irrigation depth for nutrient uptake, nitrate leaching and maize yield. While increased irrigation improved nutrient uptake and yield, excessive irrigation led to higher nitrate leaching, emphasizing the need for balanced irrigation practices to enhance productivity and environmental sustainability. Farmers should implement 100%ETc to enhance productivity, ensure efficient nutrient utilization, and protect the environment from the adverse effects of nitrate leaching.