Nutrient Uptake Research Articles

MEDICAGO sativa-mediated green synthesis of Zinc nano-complex: Impacts on the phytochemical properties of Hyssopus officinalis under Alkaline stress

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between sodium bicarbonate stress (SBCS) (0, 10, 20, and 40 mM) and zinc nanocomplex (Zn NC) (0, 1, 2, and 4 mM) on the growth and bioactive compounds of Hyssopus officinalis L. plants at the growth stage. The application of Zn NC increased essential oil (EO) production and the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds (PCs) and flavonoids in the plant. The accumulation of these compounds amplified the plant's antioxidant capacity compared to control. Treatment with Zn NC increased these compounds significantly more than alkalinity. 2 mM and 4 mM Zn NCs increased average APX activity substantially by 37 % and 55 %, respectively. The oxidative damage and depletion of mineral nutrients in the leaves were caused by SBCS. However, Zn NC-treated plants significantly increased nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and iron concentrations in the bicarbonate-stressed plants. A 44 % increase in proline content with 20 mM SBCS and 4 mM Zn NCs compared to control was revealed. In alkaline soils, Zn NC can be a beneficial and environmentally acceptable zinc supply that increases plant growth and bioactive compound production. Totally, applying 2 and 4 mM Zn NC treatment can counteract the negative effects of SBCS on plant growth and nutrient uptake.

An Expedited Qualitative Profiling of Free Amino Acids in Plant Tissues Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) in Conjunction With MS-DIAL.

The estimation of relative levels of amino acids is crucial for understanding various biological processes in plants, including photosynthesis, stress tolerance, and the uptake and translocation of nutrients. A wide range of liquid chromatography (LC; HPLC/UHPLC)-based methods is available for measuring the quantity of amino acids in plants. Additionally, the coupling of LC with mass spectrometry (MS) significantly enhanced the robustness of existing chromatographic methods used for amino acid quantification. However, accurate annotation and integration of mass peaks can be challenging for plant biologists with limited experience in analyzing MS data, especially in studies involving large datasets with multiple treatments and/or replicates. Further, there are instances when the experiment demands an overall view of the amino acids profile rather than focusing on absolute quantification. The present protocol provides a detailed LC-MS method for obtaining a qualitative amino acids profile using MS-DIAL, a versatile and user-friendly program for processing MS data. Free amino acids were extracted from the leaves of control and Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPalV)-infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Extracted amino acids were derivatized and separated using UHPLC-QTOF, with each amino acid subsequently identified by aligning mass data with a custom text library created in MS-DIAL. Further, MS-DIAL was employed for internal standard-based normalization to obtain a qualitative profile of 15 amino acids in control and virus-infected plants. The outlined method aims to simplify the processing of MS data to quickly assess any modulation in amino acid levels in plants with a higher degree of confidence.

Exploring rice tolerance to salinity and drought stresses through Piriformospora indica inoculation: understanding physiological and metabolic adaptations.

Drought and salinity are significant challenges to global food security. This study investigated the interactive impacts of Piriformospora indica inoculation with salinity and drought stresses on rice. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted. Thefirst experiment evaluated two P. indica inoculation levels and three salinity levels (0-, 50-, and 100-mM sodium chloride), while the subsequent experiment assessed two inoculation levels under three drought intensities (25%, 50%, and 100% of available water content). P. indica spores were inoculated following optimized seed disinfection and germination processes. The shoot and root biomass under salinity stress were consistently higher in inoculated plants compared to controls. Sodium concentrations in shoots and roots exhibited an overall upward trend, with the trend being less pronounced in inoculated plants due to increased potassium uptake. Under salinity stress, nitrogen, magnesium, and calcium concentrations significantly increased in inoculated plants. With increasing salinity, there was a significant increase in catalase enzyme activity and soluble carbohydrate concentrations across all treatments, with a greater increase in inoculated plants. Plants under drought stress experienced reduced root and shoot biomass, but inoculated plants maintained higher biomass. Increasing drought stress led to decreased nitrogen, magnesium, and calcium concentrations in all treatments, with the reduction being less severe in inoculated plants. Catalase enzyme activity and carbohydrate increased with rising drought stress, with the increase being more pronounced in inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated ones. By promoting plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance, P. indica inoculation has a significant potential to enhance crop productivity in extreme climate conditions.

Mitigation of heavy metal toxicity in pigeon pea by plant growth promoting Pseudomonas alcaliphila strain PAS1 isolated from contaminated environment.

The risk of arsenic contamination is rising globally, and it has negative impacts on the physiological processes and growth of plants. Metal removal from contaminated soils can be accomplished affordably and effectively with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)-based microbial management. From this angle, this research evaluated the mitigation of arsenic toxicity using the bacteria isolated from contaminated site, Mettur, Salem district, South India. The newly isolated bacterial strain was screened for plant growth promotion potential and arsenic tolerance such as (100ppm, 250ppm, 500ppm, 800ppm and 1200ppm). The metal tolerant rhizobacteria was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as Pseudomonas alcaliphila strain PAS1 (GenBank accession number: OQ804624). Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) plants were used in pot culture experiments with varying concentrations of arsenic, (5ppm, 10ppm and 25ppm) both with and without bacterial culture, for a period of 45days. At the concentration of 25ppm after the application of PAS1 enhanced the plant growth, protein and carbohydrate by 35.69%, 18.31% respectively. Interestingly, P. alcaliphila strain PAS1 significantly reduced the stress-induced elevated levels of proline, flavonoid, phenol and antioxidant enzyme in pigeon pea plants was 40%, 31.11%, 27.80% and 20.12%, respectively. Consequently, PAS1 may significantly reduce the adverse effects that arsenic causes to plant development in acidic soils, improve plant uptake of nutrients, and increase plant production. The findings of this study reveal that P. alcaliphila PAS1 is intrinsic for phytoremediation by reducing arsenic accumulation in the root and shoot.

The Impact of Integrated Weed Management Practices on Nutrient Uptake in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The study investigated the impact of integrated weed management practices on nutrient uptake in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and weeds at 90 days after transplanting (DAT) over the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons at the Crop Research Centre (CRC) farm of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut. Various weed control strategies, including the application of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides combined with manual weeding, were evaluated for their effectiveness in enhancing the uptake of essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) by rice, while also reducing nutrient loss to weeds. Among the strategies tested, the combination of Pyrazosulfuron at 150 g active ingredient per hectare (a.i. ha⁻¹) as a pre-emergence herbicide and Penoxsulam at 22 g a.i. ha⁻¹ as a post-emergence herbicide, supplemented with one manual weeding at 40 DAT, proved to be the most effective. This approach resulted in the highest nutrient uptake by rice and the lowest nutrient uptake by weeds. In this treatment, nitrogen uptake in the rice grains reached 62.7 kg per hectare in 2022 and 67.4 kg per hectare in 2023, significantly outperforming other treatments. The weed-free treatment, which involved complete weed eradication, also demonstrated high nutrient absorption, highlighting the importance of thorough weed control for optimal rice growth. Conversely, the untreated weedy check, where no weed control was implemented, led to the highest nutrient uptake by weeds, severely limiting the availability of nutrients for the rice crop. Manual weeding alone, without the use of herbicides, showed moderate effectiveness but was less efficient compared to the integrated approach combining herbicides and hand weeding.

Evaluating the effect of organic NPK granules on yield, nutrient uptake, post-harvest soil fertility and soil microbial population in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice is the most important and staple food crop for more than two third of population of India. India is the second largest rice producing country in the world after China. Although, rice planted area in India is 40 per cent higher than in China, Indian rice production is 30 percent below Chinese production because of lower yields. Among several constraints of production, nutrient management plays a key role in realizing sustainable yield from any given cultivation practices. Integrated nutrient management system plays a vital role in balancing the soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimum level through the judicious and efficient use of chemical fertilizers, green manure, FYM and biofertilizers leading to an eco-friendly approach and economically viable solution for this problem. Continuous integrated use of organic manures with chemical fertilizers would be quite promising in assessing the sustainability of a cropping system vis-à-vis monitoring the soil properties. To investigate further, a field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu from June to September 2023 with a key objective of evaluating the effect of combined application of graded levels of conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules in lowland rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments comprised of different levels of conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules. Among the nutrient management evaluated, all the yield attributes of lowland rice viz., grain yield, straw yield, uptake of nutrients and post-harvest soil available nutrients were significantly influenced by the application of 70% NPK through synthetic fertilizers and 30% NPK through organic granules. Combining conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules improved nitrogen use efficiency via metabolite production, enzyme activity stimulation, and microbial rhizosphere interactions significantly enhancing the yield attributes and yield.

Mycorrhizal fungi compromise production of endophytic alkaloids, increasing plant susceptibility to an aphid herbivore

Abstract Symbiosis plays a critical role in plant biology. Temperate grasses often associate with several symbiotic fungi simultaneously, including Epichloë endophytes and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, in shoots and roots, respectively. These symbionts often modulate plant–herbivore interactions by influencing nutritional traits (i.e. AM fungi‐mediated nutrient uptake) and/or the secondary chemistry (i.e. endophytic alkaloids) of their host plant. Moreover, such grasses also accumulate large amounts of silicon (Si) from the soil, which can be deposited in tissues to act as a physical anti‐herbivore defence. Recent evidence suggests that both endophytes and AM fungi independently facilitate Si uptake. However, the consequences of their interactions with piercing‐sucking insects (i.e. aphids), or whether Si supply, endophytes, and AM fungi interact in this regard, are currently unknown. While Si deposition may be less effective against aphids than other herbivores (i.e. chewing caterpillars), Si supply can also alter plant secondary metabolite defences, which could affect sucking insects. In a factorial greenhouse experiment, we evaluated whether these components, acting alone or in combination, altered (1) foliar primary chemistry, (2) Si and symbiont‐chemical (endophytic alkaloids) defences, as well as (3) performance of the bird cherry‐oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) feeding on tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Endophytes decreased all aphid performance parameters, including population growth and reproduction by 40%, but their impact was reversed by the presence of AM fungi, leading to a 52% increase in aphid performance compared with plants solely hosting endophytes. This improvement in performance was associated with reduced loline alkaloid levels and higher shoot nitrogen in AM‐endophytic plants. Endophytes and AM fungi exhibited antagonism, with endophytes reducing AM colonization by 34% and AM presence decreasing endophyte loline alkaloids by 44%. While both fungi jointly increased Si accumulation by 39% under Si‐supplied conditions, Si had no noticeable effects on aphids. Moreover, although Si supply had no identifiable effects on AM colonization, it reduced endophyte peramine alkaloids by 24%. Synthesis. Our findings indicate that symbiotic fungal partnerships and silicon provision may benefit plants but could weaken anti‐herbivore defences when combined. Revealing the complex interactions among diverse fungal symbionts and showcasing their effects on different anti‐herbivore defences (chemical and physical) and herbivore performance for the first time.

Recent advances of CRISPR-based genome editing for enhancing staple crops.

An increasing population, climate change, and diminishing natural resources present severe threats to global food security, with traditional breeding and genetic engineering methods often falling short in addressing these rapidly evolving challenges. CRISPR/Cas systems have emerged as revolutionary tools for precise genetic modifications in crops, offering significant advancements in resilience, yield, and nutritional value, particularly in staple crops like rice and maize. This review highlights the transformative potential of CRISPR/Cas technology, emphasizing recent innovations such as prime and base editing, and the development of novel CRISPR-associated proteins, which have significantly improved the specificity, efficiency, and scope of genome editing in agriculture. These advancements enable targeted genetic modifications that enhance tolerance to abiotic stresses as well as biotic stresses. Additionally, CRISPR/Cas plays a crucial role in improving crop yield and quality by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient uptake, and resistance to lodging, while also improving taste, texture, shelf life, and nutritional content through biofortification. Despite challenges such as off-target effects, the need for more efficient delivery methods, and ethical and regulatory concerns, the review underscores the importance of CRISPR/Cas in addressing global food security and sustainability challenges. It calls for continued research and integration of CRISPR with other emerging technologies like nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and machine learning to fully realize its potential in developing resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural systems.

Impacts of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Trichoderma spp. on Pac Choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) grown in different hydroponic systems.

Soilless production systems (i.e hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics) have become commonplace in urban settings and controlled environments. They are efficient nutrient recyclers, space savers, and water conservers. However, they lack high levels of biological richness in the root microbiome when compared to soil production systems, which may affect plant health and nutrient uptake. To address this issue and incorporate more sustainable practices, beneficial microorganisms (i.e. Trichoderma spp., Bacillus sp.) can be added in the form of biofertilizers. However, many factors affect impacts of microorganisms and their interactions with plants. In this experiment, Black Summer Pac Choi (Brassica rapa var. Chinensis) was grown for two trials in a Deep-Water system (DWS) or a Nutrient Film Technique system (NFT) with commercial biofertilizers containing Trichoderma spp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, a combination of both, and a control. Plant physiology, nutrient composition, and nutrient uptake efficiency (NUE) were generally negatively affected by Trichoderma spp. both growing systems, indicating that Trichoderma may not be recommended for hydroponic production. However, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens showed promise as an effective biofertilizer in the NFT systems and had a positive influence on NUE in DWS.

Mitigating gadolinium toxicity in guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) through the symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: physiological and biochemical insights

BackgroundGadolinium (Gd) is an increasingly found lanthanide element in soil; thus, understanding its impact on plant physiology, biochemistry, and molecular responses is crucial. Here, we aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Gd (150 mg kg− 1) impacts on guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) plant yield and metabolism and whether the symbiotic relationship with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can mitigate Gd toxicity of soil contamination.ResultsAMF treatment improved mineral nutrient uptake and seed yield by 38–41% under Gd stress compared to non-inoculated stressed plants. Metabolic analysis unveiled the defense mechanisms adopted by AMF-treated plants, revealing carbon and nitrogen metabolism adaptations to withstand Gd contamination. This included an increase in the synthesis of primary metabolites, such as total sugar (+ 39% compared to control), soluble sugars (+ 29%), starch (+ 30%), and some main amino acids like proline (+ 57%) and phenylalanine (+ 87%) in the seeds of AMF-treated plants grown under Gd contamination. Furthermore, fatty acid and organic acid profile changes were accompanied by the production of secondary metabolites, including tocopherols, polyamines, phenolic acids, flavones, and anthocyanins.ConclusionsOverall, the coordinated synthesis of these compounds underscores the intricate regulatory mechanisms underlying plant-AMF interactions and highlights the potential of AMF to modulate plant secondary metabolism for enhanced Gd stress tolerance.

Silicon nanoparticle(s) induced morpho-anatomical traits and improved micropropagation of white fleshed dragon fruit [Selenicereus undatus (Haworth)]

Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) improve plant growth and yield by enhancing nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. These nanoparticles boost plant defense mechanisms against pathogens and environmental challenges. In this study, seedlings-derived explants of white-fleshed dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus) were used for differentiation and high-frequency shoot regeneration on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP, 0.5 mg L−1) and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA, 0.25 mg L−1). The complementation of 3.0 mg L−1 SiNPs in the optimized nutrient medium enhanced the shoot multiplication rate to 23.0 cladodes per explants. The regenerated cladodes were structurally well-suited with thick cuticles, well-developed epidermis, hypodermis, aquiferous cortex, and collateral vascular bundles compared to the control and other concentrations of SiNPs tested. SiNPs promoted the development of 3-5 aerial and adventitious roots per cladode enabling preferred direct hardening of cloned plants on soilrite ex vitro. The morphological transformations improved by SiNPs, including the formation of robust cladode and spines, played a pivotal role in achieving a high rate of acclimatization success (96%) in the field. The incorporation of SiNPs in vitro at the shoot amplification stage of micropropagation of S. undatus induced morphogenesis and structural changes, and promoted qualitative and quantitative improvements in the regenerated cladodes which helped in enhanced survival of plants in vivo.

Combined Effects of Nitrogen Addition and Warming on Shrub Growth and Nutrient Uptake through Microbially Mediated Soil Fertility

Plant restoration strategies are ubiquitously employed for the purposes of soil and water conservation and ecological improvement in forest ecosystems. Despite N and temperature being acknowledged as pivotal factors affecting plant restoration outcomes, their effects on soil fertility, microbial communities, and shrub biomass remain underexplored, particularly in the loess hilly regions of China. Here, we examined the growth patterns and nutrient acquisition abilities of three shrub species, Periploca sepium, Amorpha fruticosa, and Vitex negundo, along with the attendant alterations in soil properties and microbial community composition under controlled greenhouse conditions. Specifically, we imposed three levels of N fertilization (200, 400, and 600 kg ha−1; designated as N1, N2, and N3, respectively) and temperature regimes (18–23, 25–30, and 32–37 °C; labeled T1, T2, and T3, respectively). The results indicated a significant interplay between the combination of N fertilization and temperature significantly affecting shrub growth. Optimal growth conditions, as evidenced by the highest dry biomass accumulation, were identified as N3T1 for A. fruticosa, N1T1 for P. sepium, and N2T2 for V. negundo, with these conditions differentially influencing roots, stems, and leaves. Furthermore, soil microorganisms also responded significantly to the N fertilization and temperature. However, this was largely dependent on shrub species and soil nutrients. For A. fruticosa under N3T1 conditions, Actinobacteria and Basidiomycota abundances correlated strongly with soil C, N, and P contents, while leaf N uptake significantly correlated with the structure of both bacterial and fungal communities. For P. sepium at N1T1, Acidobacteriota was dominant in response to soil N and C, while leaf C uptake and leaf and stem N uptake positively correlated with bacterial and fungal communities, respectively. For V. negundo at N2T2, Chloroflexi had the greatest abundance, responding to the greatest variation in soil N and C, while its stem N uptake was significantly related to the structure of the fungal communities. Thus, our findings underscored the intricate interplay between abiotic factors, shrub growth, soil fertility, and microbial community dynamics, providing insights into the optimization of plant restoration efforts in ecologically sensitive regions.

Silicon Modifies Photosynthesis Efficiency and hsp Gene Expression in European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) Seedlings Exposed to Drought Stress.

Background: Climate change is leading to severe and long-term droughts in European forest ecosystems. can have profound effects on various physiological processes, including photosynthesis, gene expression patterns, and nutrient uptake at the developmental stage of young trees. Objectives: Our study aimed to test the hypothesis that the application of silica (SiO2) influences photosynthetic efficiency and gene expression in 1- to 2-year-old Fagus sylvatica (L.) seedlings. Additionally, we aimed to assess whether silicon application positively influences the structural properties of leaves and roots. To determine whether the plant physiological responses are genotype-specific, seedlings of four geographically different provenances were subjected to a one-year evaluation under greenhouse conditions. Methods: We used the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Wilcoxon's test to evaluate the differences in silicon content and ANOVA followed by Tukey's test to evaluate the physiological responses of seedlings depending on treatment and provenance. Results: Our results showed a significantly higher Si content in the roots compared with the leaves, regardless of provenance and treatment. The most significant differences in photosynthetic performance were found in trees exposed to Si treatment, but the physiological responses were generally nuanced and provenance-dependent. Expression of hsp70 and hsp90 was also increased in leaf tissues of all provenances. These results provide practical insights that Si can improve the overall health and resilience of beech seedlings in nursery and forest ecosystems, with possible differences in the beneficial role of silicon application arising from the large differences in wild populations of forest tree species.

Effects of Sewage Sludge Biochar (Sewchar) Application on Nutrient Uptake and Yield of African Marigold

Effects of Sewage Sludge Biochar (Sewchar) Application on Nutrient Uptake and Yield of African Marigold

Combined Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Linkage Mapping Identifies Genomic Regions Associated with Seedling Root System Architecture (RSA) under Different Nitrogen Conditions in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) in the roots of seedlings is beneficial for increasing crop yield. Creating marker-assisted selection for wheat root traits can assist wheat breeders in choosing robust roots to maximize nutrient uptake. Exploring and identifying the effect of different N supply conditions on root system architecture (RSA) is of great significance for breeding N efficient wheat varieties. In this study, a total of 243 wheat varieties native to the Yellow and Huai Valley regions of China were utilized for genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Furthermore, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of 123 lines derived from the cross between Avocet and Chilero was utilized for linkage examination. A hydroponic seedling experiment using a 96-well tray was conducted in the lab with two treatments: normal N (NN) and low N (LN). Five RSA traits, including the relative number of root tips (RNRT), relative total root length (RTRL), relative total root surface area (RTRS), relative total root volume (RTRV), and relative average root diameter (RARD), were investigated. GWAS and linkage analysis were performed by integrating data from the wheat 660 k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip and diversity arrays technology (DArT) to identify genetic loci associated with RSA. The results showed that, based on the ratio of RSA-related traits under two N supply conditions, a total of 497 SNP markers, which are significantly associated with RSA-related traits, were detected at 148 genetic loci by GWAS. A total of 10 QTL loci related to RSA were discovered and identified by linkage mapping. Combining two gene localization methods, three colocalized intervals were found: AX-95160997/QRtrl.haust-3D, AX-109592379/QRnrt.haust-5A, and AX-110924288/QRtrl.haust-7D/QRtrs.haust-7D. According to the physical location of the colocalization of these two sites, between 39.61 and 43.74 Mb, 649.97 and 661.55 Mb, and 592.44 and 605.36 Mb are called qRtrl-3D, qRnrt-5A, and qRtrl-7D. This study has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of selecting root traits in wheat breeding programs, offering valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of NUE in wheat. These results could help in breeding wheat varieties with higher NUE by implementing focused breeding strategies.

Bilberry Expansion in the Changing Subalpine Belt.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) expansion in subalpine and alpine ecosystems is increasing due to climate change and reduced land management. This review examines bilberry traits, environmental responses, and ecosystem impacts. As a stress-tolerant chamaephyte, bilberry thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils across various habitats. It propagates effectively through rhizomes and demonstrates a phalanx growth form. Bilberry's growth and distribution are influenced by elevation, soil structure, pH, water availability, and nitrogen content. Mycorrhizal associations play a crucial role in nutrient uptake. The species modifies the microclimate, facilitates litter accumulation, and influences soil microbial communities, affecting nutrient turnover and biodiversity. Bilberry shows moderate tolerance to herbivory and frost, with the ability to recover through rapid emergence of new ramets. However, severe or repeated disturbances can significantly impact its abundance and reproductive success. Climate warming and atmospheric nitrogen deposition have accelerated bilberry growth in treeline ecotones. The management of bilberry expansion requires a nuanced approach, considering its resilience, historical land-use changes, and environmental factors. The goal should be to limit, not eliminate, bilberry, as it is a natural part of subalpine communities. Long-term comparative monitoring and experimental manipulation are necessary for effective management strategies.

Effect of fertility levels and stress mitigating chemicals on nutrient content, uptake, intercropping advantage and competition effect in cowpea-baby corn intercropping

The primary goal of this study was to analyze how various row ratios of intercrops, in conjunction with different fertilizer levels with spray of two stress mitigating chemical, affect nutrient content, land productivity, and economic viability during Summer season. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the competitive dynamics within legume/cereal intercropping systems. Hence, A field experiment at Agriculture University, Kota, during the summers of 2019 and 2020, investigated different cowpea + baby corn intercropping system's intercropping indices, nutrient dynamics, uptake, and post-harvest soil nutrient balance under varying recommended fertilizer levels and foliar spray of stress mitigating chemicals. Using a split-split plot design replicated four times, the experiment involved thirty treatment combinations, including five intercropping techniques viz. Sole cowpea, sole baby corn, cowpea + baby corn 2:1, cowpea + baby corn 3:1, cowpea + baby corn 4:1 in the main plot, three fertility levels viz. 100 %, 125 % and 150 % recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) in subplots, and two stress mitigation chemicals; CaCl2 0.5 % and KNO3 1% in sub-subplots. The findings revealed notable trends, including nitrogen (N) and (P) content in cowpea seeds and straw, baby corn cobs and fodder, as well as enhanced land-equivalent ratio (LER) and monetary advantage index (MAI) within the cowpea + baby corn 2:1 row ratio. However, despite these advantages, total N and P uptake were markedly higher in sole crops. Notably, sole cowpea demonstrated the highest actual N and P balance and lowest was under sole baby corn. Among the fertility levels, the 150 % RDF level exhibited the most favorable outcomes across various parameters, including LER, MAI, NP content, and uptake in both crops. Additionally, higher fertility levels correlated with increased apparent and actual soil nutrient balances. While, among stress mitigation chemicals, CaCl2 0.5 % resulted in significantly heightened N and P uptake. Hence, to optimize intercropping dynamics and maintain soil nutrient balance, it is advisable to intensify cowpea cultivation along with baby corn in a 2:1 row ratio, utilizing 150 % RDF is beneficial. Additionally, alleviating higher temperature stress during the summer season can be achieved by applying a 0.5 % solution CaCl2 through spraying at the flowering and pod development stages of cowpea.

Nutrients Dynamics and uptake Patterns in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)- Sweet corn (Zea mays var. Saccarata) Intercropping Systems

A field experiment was conducted in the summer season during 2020-21 and 2021-22 on clayey soil at Regional Rice Research Station, NAU, Vyara (Gujarat), India to evaluate the nutrients dynamics and uptake patterns of groundnut-sweet corn intercropping systems. The experiment comprised of ten treatments which was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that the productivity of these systems in terms of groundnut pod equivalent yield 3221 kg/ha was significantly higher with intercropping of groundnut + sweet corn (2:1) with paired row (30-60-30 cm) (T10) followed by groundnut + sweet corn (3:1) in additive series (3073 kg/ha) (T8). Maximum N and K balance was recorded in case of treatment T10 (+107.18 and +144.52 kg/ha, respectively) which was followed by groundnut + sweet corn (2:1) in replacement series (T4) (+71.14 and +108.78 kg/ha, respectively) and (3:1) in additive series (T8) (+56.35 and +107.44 kg/ha, respectively). Phosphorus balance was negative under all treatments of intercropping system.

Bioresponsive Nanoparticles Boost Starvation Therapy and Prevent Premetastatic Niche Formation for Pulmonary Metastasis Treatment.

In the process of tumor metastasis, tumor cells can acquire invasion by excessive uptake of nutrients and energy and interact with the host microenvironment to shape a premetastatic niche (PMN) that facilitates their colonization and progression in the distal sites. Pyruvate is an essential nutrient that engages in both energy metabolism and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the lungs for PMN formation, thus providing a target for tumor metastasis treatment. There is a paucity of strategies focusing on PMN prevention, which is key to metastasis inhibition. Here, we design a bioresponsive nanoparticle (HP/GU) based on a disulfide-cross-linked hyperbranched polyethylenimine (D-PEI) core and a hyaluronic acid (HA) shell with a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive cross-linker between them to encapsulate glucose oxidase (GOX) and a mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) inhibitor via electrostatic interaction, which reinforces starvation therapy and reduces PMN formation in the lungs via inhibiting pyruvate metabolism. In tumor cells, GOX and MPC inhibitors can be rapidly released and synergistically reduce the energy supply of tumor cells by consuming glucose and inhibiting pyruvate uptake to decrease tumor cell invasion. MPC inhibitors can also reduce ECM remodeling by blocking cellular pyruvate metabolism to prevent PMN formation. Consequently, HP/GU achieves an efficient inhibition of both primary and metastatic tumors and provides an innovative strategy for the treatment of tumor metastases.

Unlocking the Potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: Exploring Role in Plant Growth Promotion, Nutrient Uptake Mechanisms, Biotic Stress Alleviation, and Sustaining Agricultural Production Systems

Unlocking the Potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: Exploring Role in Plant Growth Promotion, Nutrient Uptake Mechanisms, Biotic Stress Alleviation, and Sustaining Agricultural Production Systems