Phosphorous Content Research Articles

Genetic diversity, correlation and path analysis in female palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) germplasm- a research article

In this study, 16 female germplasm of palmyrah were analysed to assess diversity among the accessions. The experiments were laid in Randomized Block Design with 2 replications. Around 27 characters were observed during the research, and they were subjected to correlation analysis, path analysis and genetic divergence. The results of the statistical analysis revealed the characters such as the number of leaves per tree, petiole length, number of inflorescences per tree, number of branches per inflorescence, number of fruit bunches per tree and number of fruits per bunch showed significant and positive correlations with fruit yield per tree. The path analysis showed, the traits viz., crown length (0.040), number of leaf segments per leaf (0.795), leaf length (0.845), inflorescence length (0.366), number of fruit bunches per tree (0.687), potassium (0.850), Total Soluble Solids (0.368), fruit length (0.230) and number of branches per inflorescence (0.170), petiole length (0.006), potassium content (0.850), phosphorous content (0.026) and calcium content (0.042) showed high positive direct effect with fruit yield per tree in female germplasm. In the genetic diversity analysis, the 16 germplasm were grouped into 12 clusters. The highest inter cluster distance was noticed between cluster VIII and cluster XI (959.377). The cluster VIII (Acc.11-KP-KKM) and cluster XI (Acc.2-OD -KKM) were showed high genetic divergence and utilized in the hybridization programme for developing superior genotypes with enhanced quality and improved yield. Among the various character studied, the maximum contribution to divergence was observed for zinc followed by number of fruits per bunch, fruit length, calcium and fruit weight.

Nutritional assessment and antioxidant potential of selected meat types consumed in Owhelogbo, Delta State, Nigeria

The present study aims at evaluating the nutritional value and antioxidant potential of various meat types (beef, pork, chicken, catfish and snails) consumed in Owhelogbo, community in Isoko Local Government, Delta State, Nigeria. The different meat samples were analyzed for nutritional composition and antioxidant properties. The results obtained show that the protein content varied from 20.09 to 61.74%, while the fat content varied from 2.00 to 12.08%. The calcium content ranged from 10.30 to 143.73 mg/100 g, while the phosphorous content ranged from 100.85 to 300.11 mg/100g. The linoleic acid content was in a range from 10.91 to 29.54%, while the linolenic acid content ranged from 0.84 to 5.53%. The content of vitamin A and vitamin D varied from 4.61 to 110.69 µg/100g and 2.15 to 18.05 µg/100g, respectively. The DPPH free radical scavenging ability and FRAP inhibitory activities of the different meat types ranged from 50.84 to 65.64% and 0.88 to 1.59%, respectively. The levels of high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein were in a range from 13.34 to 21.90 mg/dL and 2.30 to 5.59 mg/dL, respectively. The level of low density lipoprotein was the lowest in snail meat (SN), which suggests that it may be useful in managing obesity and preventing disorders linked to lipids. Consequently, the results conclude that snail meat may be a more valuable and innovative source of animal protein than beef, pork, chicken, and catfish.

Evaluating Suitable Rootstocks for Grafting in Organic Pepper System

Organic farming systems are often plagued with challenges such as nutrient stress complexing with other biotic and abiotic issues. These issues can significantly affect the growth and productivity of vegetable crops, including peppers (Capsicum spp.). Grafting with suitable rootstocks is a promising technique to address these challenges and improve the growth and productivity of peppers in low-input systems. In the United States, grafting is not as commonly practiced in pepper as compared with other solanaceous and cucurbit crops, in part because of limited availability of rootstocks. This study examined promising rootstocks with demonstrated disease resistance and further explored their suitability for organic systems under normal and reduced fertilization. A hybrid Italian sweet pepper ‘Mama Mia Giallo’ was used as scion and grafted onto four different rootstocks and grown in a greenhouse in summer with natural heat stress. The plants received organic fertilizer weekly or biweekly for a period of 5 weeks. Results showed that grafting plants with the rootstocks ‘CM-334’, ‘YC-207’, ‘Keystone Resistant Giant’, and ‘Scarface’ resulted in similar or improved growth relative to nongrafted and self-grafted plants under normal and reduced fertilization. The rootstocks showed promising traits that could be explored in further stress tolerance studies. Specifically, ‘YC-207’-grafted plants showed higher nitrogen utilization efficiency, shoot nitrate content, and phosphorous content as well as higher stomatal conductance, transpiration, and electron transport rate, which is indicative of stress tolerance. ‘YC-207’-grafted plants also had lower malondialdehyde content, indicating less oxidative damage to the cell membrane. ‘CM-334’-grafted plants showed higher antioxidant activity, nitrate reductase (NR) activity, and shoot nitrate content. This study provides evidence of the value of evaluating potential rootstocks and explores grafting as a promising technique for pepper crop to improve plant growth and performance under organic systems.

INVESTIGATING THE SHEAR BEHAVIOUR OF SISAL FIBRE INFUSED IN HIGH STRENGTH REINFORCED CONCRETE SLABS

The use of sisal fibre for reinforcement in concrete slab members is developed and placed under study due to the reasons being faced in the Nigeria construction industries. Galloping inflations, lack of quality control & production of inferior materials are general challenges faced in the construction industry. This combined with low quality iron ore and high sulphur & phosphorous contents of Nigerian ore leads to production of inferior steel materials with reduced diameter or low yield strength. This leads to this study on assessing the behaviour of sisal fibres serving as steel support materials. A mix design survey was conducted by visiting in-state construction contractors to assess concrete mix grades and quantities adopted for use, which was used as a guide to mix the concrete for this study. A total of 52kg of cement, 104kg of coarse aggregate, 52kg of fine aggregate and 0.5% water cement ratio was used. An average sisal fibre percentage of 0.5% was used for this study, serving as reinforcement and steel supporting material in a 500mm × 200mm × 100mm concrete slab. A total of 12 samples were cast and cured, (3 of plain concrete, 3 of concrete and fibre reinforcement, 3 of steel reinforcement and 3 of steel and fibre reinforcement). These samples were subjected to bending test after three (3) days of curing in water to assess the flexural strength of the samples. The result showed that the sample with sisal fibre reinforcement only recorded the highest flexural strength of 3.41 N/mm2. A linear increase in flexural strength was noticed with increase in steel reinforcement to an average strength of 6.12N/mm2. The concrete produced can thus be used in every day-to-day practice.

Environmental degradation of Nike lake: a study on water quality parameters and heavy metal accumulation in fish

Environmental pollution is a pressing global issue, with heavy metal pollution posing a significant threat. This study examined the concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, nickel, lead, chromium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, mercury, selenium, and arsenic) in various organs and tissues (blood, gills, intestines, liver) of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Redbelly Tilapia (Tilapia zillii) from Nike Lake in Enugu State, Nigeria. Water samples from the lake were also analyzed for heavy metal concentrations, as well as nitrogen and phosphorous content, nitrate, phosphate, and dissolved oxygen levels. The results showed that the fish samples contained varying concentrations of heavy metals, with the highest levels found in the gills. The ranges of metal concentrations were: Cd (0.00-0.033), Ni (0.00-0.002), Pb (0.00-0.072), Cr (0.00-0.039), Mn (0.00-0.041), Fe (0.010-1.363), Zn (0.268-0.604), Cu (0.008-0.084), Hg (0.00-0.147), Se (0.293-0.474), Mo (0.020-0.095), and As (0.00-0.034). The water samples contained similar concentrations of heavy metals, were Cd:0.02, Ni:0.001, Pb:0.034, Cr:0.00, Mn:0.012, Fe:0.037, Zn:0.173, Cu:0.008, Hg:0.147, Se:0.309, Mo:0.027, As:0.004, with the addition of nitrate (4.373), phosphate (4.383), and dissolved oxygen (45.33) levels. The nitrogen and phosphorous content in the fish organs ranged from 2.938-4.987 and 3.089-7.484, respectively. The study highlights the presence of toxic heavy metals in the organs of the fish, emphasizing the need for regulation and monitoring to mitigate the risks associated with heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

Compositional features, microbial quality, and sensory evaluation of milk and cheese obtained from Oases autochthonous Arbi goat

The purpose of this study was to assess the compositional features and microbiological quality of the milk produced by the autochthonous oasis goat in order to evaluate its suitability for cheesemaking. To attain this, two fresh cheeses with and without basil flavor were prepared and evaluated. One hundred milk samples were collected from multiparous lactating Arbi goats reared in the continental oasis region of Tunisia and processed into unflavored and basil-flavored cheese according to a traditional recipe. Milk samples were subjected to physical, chemical, and microbial analyses. The basic composition, mineral content, and bacterial profile of the cheeses were determined. In addition, the cheeses were subjected to organoleptic evaluation. The physical parameters of the analyzed milk were 6.54, 15.64, and 1030.89 for pH, acidity, and density, respectively. For the chemical properties of the milk, the results showed a respectable level of nutritional quality with a noteworthy content of dry matter, fat, protein, casein, and minerals, especially potassium, calcium, and phosphorous. With an average yield of 25%, the assessment of both cheeses illustrated good hygienic quality for all microflora examined, except total coliforms; a very noticeable organoleptic quality, as judged by all jury members; and satisfactory nutritional quality, with a significant protein and lipid level and a richness of mineral elements, particularly high levels of calcium and phosphorus. Basil-flavored cheese had the best aroma and taste, making it highly desirable to consumers. With the exception of coliforms and E. coli, the products bacteriological quality was acceptable and met legal requirements. The total absence of dangerous Salmonella and sulfite-reducing Clostridium strictly met the legal standards. The findings revealed the substantial chemical and nutritional value of milk and cheese made from local goats. However, additional studies are required to improve the microbial quality of the studied products.

Carbon dioxide exchange across water–air interface and its influencing factors in middle reaches of Yellow River during winter

ABSTRACT River systems strongly contribute to CO2 emissions. However, despite numerous reports on gas emissions from ice, the current understanding of CO2 exchange of rivers in winter and the factors affecting it is still relatively limited. To shed light on CO2 exchange and the factors influencing it for rivers during winter. Based on intensive field measurements using floating chambers, riverine CO2 exchange in middle reaches of Yellow River in China was examined. Our results showed net emissions of CO2 across the ice-free interface (51.874∼162.478 mg/m²·h). Compared with other rivers worldwide, the CO2 exchange is higher than most major rivers, such as the Lena and Kolyma Rivers. However, at the ice-covered river monitoring site, CO2 exchange across the water–air interface exhibited a net uptake, ranging from −36.336 to 0 mg/m²·h. Furthermore, the relationships between CO2 exchange and relevant physicochemical variables showed that CO2 emissions negatively correlated with pH and ice thickness and positively correlated with water velocity, wind speed, water temperature, atmospheric temperature, ammonia nitrogen levels, and total phosphorous content. This study is scientifically valuable as the findings provide insight into the CO2 exchange pattern that occurs at the water–air interface of rivers during winter both ice-covered and ice-free sites.

Influence of phosphorous fertilizer on mineral nutrition and yield attributes of wheat: Acquisition with PSTOL1 gene for arid environment

To boost agricultural yields, understanding mineral nutrition’s reliance on fertilizers is crucial, underscoring the need to evaluate nutrient-use efficiency for optimal fertilization. In this regard, a field study was conducted to elaborate the role of phosphorus fertilizer in enhancing growth, yield and marginal rate of return in four wheat varieties; two Zn-biofortified (Zincol-2016 and Akbar-2019) and two standard types (Anaj-2017 and FSD-2008). The study revealed that application of phosphorus significantly enhanced the uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) contents in straw (13 %, 59 % and 79 %) and grains (63 %, 92 % and 28 %) respectively. Similarly, the contents of Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) were reduced in straw (23 % and 19 %) and grains (19 % and 18 %) respectively after application of 80 and 120 kg P2O5, however at 40 kg P2O5 the contents of Zn and Fe were slightly enhanced. The grain yield (21 %) and harvest index (11 %) was maximum at 80 kg P2O5 as compared to 40 and 120 kg P2O5. The Marginal rate of return over investment (MRR) in P2O5 was maximum (241 %) in Akbar-2019 when P-fertilizer was applied at the rate of 80 kg P2O5 per ha−1. Regression analysis showed a positive correlation between grain yield and its determinants. Biofortified wheat varieties responded better to 80 kg P2O5, outperforming standard varieties in yield. Additionally, our findings demonstrate a significant upregulation of PSTOL1 gene expression at 80 kg P2O5 level. Concludingly the application of P-fertilizer at the rate of 80 kg P2O5 per ha−1 enhanced growth, yield and rate of return of testing wheat varieties especially the biofortified ones; Zincol-2016 and Akbar-2019.

Orchid Mycorrhizal Communities Associated With Orchis italica Are Shaped by Ecological Factors and Geographical Gradients

ABSTRACTAimThe influence of mutualists on plant distributions is only beginning to be understood. Orchids depend on orchid mycorrhizal (OrM) fungi to germinate, yet the distribution of OrM fungi and how they vary according to both abiotic and biotic factors is unclear. We investigated the abundance and diversity of OrM fungal communities associated with the Mediterranean orchid Orchis italica and quantified how they vary according to both geographical and ecological factors.LocationMediterranean basin.TaxonOrchis italica Poir. (Orchidaceae).MethodsWe used metabarcoding of the ITS2 region to identify OrM fungi associated with adult individuals in 23 populations of O. italica across latitudinal and longitudinal gradients in the Mediterranean region. We used both multivariate analyses and Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDMs) based on geographical, climate, and soil variables to test how both common OrM fungi and their communities vary according to geographical and ecological factors.ResultsEighty OrM fungal Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were found associating with O. italica. However, five Tulasnellaceae OTUs and one Ceratobasidiaceae OTU were found in every population. Abundance of these taxa, as measured by number of reads, increased from west to east and decreased from South to North, indicating OrM fungal abundance may be determined by geographical gradients. OrM fungal community composition varied according to precipitation, annual mean temperature, and soil phosphorous content. JSDMs revealed there were both positive and negative co‐occurrences among these ubiquitous OrM fungal OTUs.Main ConclusionsDespite associating with many OrM fungi across its range, only six OTUs were widespread, indicating that O. italica may be an apparent generalist in its association with OrM fungi. Abundance of OrM fungi is determined by geographical gradients and their community composition determined by ecological factors. This highlights the importance of quantifying the distribution of belowground mutualists in understanding the limits to plant distributions.

Genome-wide association study identified BnaPAP17 genes involved in exogenous ATP utilization and regulating phosphorous content in Brassica napus.

BnaPAP17s associated with root-secreted APases activity were identified by genome-wide association study, and those were induced by Pi-deficiency. BnaPAP17s were involved in improving exogenous organophosphorus utilization as secreted APases. Deficiency of available phosphorus (P) in soil has become an important limiting factor for yield and quality in oilseed rape (Brassica napus). In many soils, organic P (Po) is the main component of the soil P pool. Po must be hydrolyzed to inorganic P (Pi) through acid Phosphatase (APases), and then taken up by plants. However, root-secreted APases (SAP) activity, as a quantitative trait, plays an important role in soil Po utilization; those genetic loci are not clear in B. napus. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study for SAP activity under Pi-deficiency using a panel of 350 accessions of B. napus and more than 4.5 million polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Thirty-five significant SNPs associated with SAP activity were identified. BnaA01.PAP17 (BnaA01g27810D) was a candidate gene underlying lead SNP (ChrA01_19576615). We experimentally verified that both BnaA01.PAP17 and its three homologous genes had similar expression pattern in response to Pi-deficiency. The dynamic changes in BnaPAP17s expression level were opposite to those of Pi concentration in both roots and leaves, suggesting their potential utility as Pi marker genes in B. napus. Transient expression of BnaPAP17s in tobacco leaves proved that BnaPAP17s were located in the apoplast as secreted APases. The overexpression of BnaPAP17s enhanced SAP activity in response to Pi-deficiency and resulting in increased P content in plants when ATP was supplied as the sole P resource. Taken together, these results suggest that BnaPAP17s contributed to SAP activity, thus having a function in extracellular Po utilization in B. napus.

Selective Epitaxy of Tensile, Highly Doped SiP for Planar NMOS FD-SOI Devices

Fabricating advanced Fully Depleted SOI (FD-SOI) Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (CMOS) require numerous material and process improvements. Junctions between metal contacts and the channel are considered to be of major importance as they have a direct impact on device performances. A well-controlled increase of the active dopant concentration in the sources and drains regions close to the channel is indeed required to lower the contact resistance. The Selective Epitaxial Growth of tens of nm thick heavily in-situ doped SiGe:B or Si:P Raised Sources and Drains (RSDs) on each side of pMOS or nMOS devices will lower that contact resistance, inject some uniaxial compressive or tensile strain in the channel and yield enough material for (gemano-)silicidation.We study here the impact of process conditions on (i) the incorporation of phosphorus, (ii) the Si:P lattice deformation and (iii) the electrical resistivity of blanket, highly doped Si:P films (>1×10²¹ atoms.cm-3) grown at relatively high temperatures. We then evaluate Si:P growth selectivity on patterned structures.Layers were deposited in an industrial RP-CVD epitaxy reactor at relatively high temperatures (600-750°C) with conventional Si, P and Cl gaseous precursors. Reactor pressures were high (above 100 Torr). The Si:P layers were characterized thanks to XRD, Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, AFM, 4 point probe, Tof-SIMS and Haze measurements.A SiH2Cl2 + PH3 + HCl + H2 chemistry was first of all used to grow those Si:P layers on blanket Si(001) wafers. The partial pressure of phosphine P(PH3) was increased to enhance the phosphorous content [P] in films. Figure 1 shows XRD scans for such layers. Even if [P] increased as P(PH3) increased, the resulting P concentrations were not that high ([P] increased from 0.3% up to 1.6% for a 4-fold increase of P(PH3). Layer resistivities are provided in Figure 2. As expected, there is a resistivity drop from 0.507 mOhm.cm down to 0.405 mOhm.cm whenP(PH3) increases from 8 up to 32Torr. Above 32Torr, there is a plateau close to 0.4 mOhm.cm. This plateau is most likely due to the formation of electrically inactive PxV clusters above a given P concentration.Looking for highly doped SiP layers, we evaluated other solutions to increase [P]. Figure 3 shows HRXRD scans for films grown with a fixed PH3 flow and various SiH2Cl2 partial pressures. Increasing the SiH2Cl2 partial pressure resulted, for a given PH3 flow, in higher Si:P growth rates and P concentrations, as shown in Figure 4 (data coming from Fig. 3 HRXRD profiles). An increase of the PH3 partial pressure with a weak silicon flow indeed ended up in P surface saturation and P desorption.In Figure 5, we show a HRXRD scan typical of a highly tensile-strained, good crystalline quality Si:P film with a phosphorus concentration of 4.35×10²¹ atoms.cm-3. The electrical resistivity of that layer is 0.82 mΩ.cm. Above a P concentration threshold, the electrical resistivity indeed re-increases as [P] increases and reaches really high values (formation of huge numbers of electrically inactive PxV clusters). A Tof-SIMS depth profile of [P] in that sample is provided in Figure 6. TheP concentration from HRXRD is close to the one from Tof-SIMS (4.62×10²¹ cm-3), which is steady as a function of depth. Increasing too much the P content in the Si:P lattice to, ideally, obtain ultra-highly doped and really tensile-strained layers (to increase electron mobility in the channel nearby) is at first sight a no-go, as it results in electrical resistivity degradation. A significant fraction of electrically inactive PxV clusters can however be dissolved with the right annealing scheme to simultaneously have low resistivity and high tensile strain.In order to prepare the integration of such layers into FD-SOI devices, we then investigated selectivity on blanket oxide wafers (not shown here). Finally, we evaluated selectivity for mid P content Si:P layers ([P] = 3.6%) on actual FD-SOI devices. Figure 7 top-view SEM images show 2D Si:P RSDswithout any poly-nuclei on SiO2 isolation, SiN hard mask and spacers of gates. We thus succeeded in introducing highly doped tensile-strained SiP layers into FD-SOI devices. Figure 8 micro-Reciprocal Space Map around the (113) Bragg reflection used to to extract [P] in a 50×100 µm2 measurement box. It was 3.2%, a value slightly lower than on bulk, blanket Si, possibly because of loading effects. Figure 1

Palaeoenvironmental inferences of a Mexican Konservat-Lagerstätte (Tlayúa Quarry; Lower Cretaceous) based on the geochemistry of rare earth elements

The Tlayúa Quarry is considered one of the most important Cretaceous outcrops in Mexico. Its well-preserved palaeobiota has allowed this outcrop to be considered a Konservat-Lagerstätte. Geochemical proxies such as major, minor and trace elements were evaluated from selected Zones of the Tlayúa Quarry, in order to infer some features of the depositional environment in which Tlayúa limestones originated. Aluminum, Thorium and Zirconium concentrations in addition to a low Phosphorous content evidence little terrigenous contamination, as well as a phosphate-free environment. Additionally, proxies such as Fe vs ΣREE, Mn vs ΣREE, Al vs ΣREE, Fe vs NdSN/YbSN, Al vs NdSN/YbSN, and Ce/Ce∗ vs Eu/Eu∗ show low correlation values (r2 less than 0.25 in all cases with n = 128 and p < 0.05), thus suggesting a negligible influence of diagenetic effects or terrigenous contamination. These conditions are necessary for carrying out reliable palaeoenvironmental interpretations. Rare Earth Elements + Yttrium (REE+Y) concentrations were normalised to the Post-Archean Australian Shale standard to evaluate REE+Y patterns and anomalies. Following traits were identified: a slightly enrichment of heavy REE relative to light REE and moderate REE; positive La/LaSN, Gd/GdSN and Y/YSN anomalies; negative/positive Ce/CeSN anomalies; superchondritic and chondritic Y/Ho ratios. Here, we described that most of our limestone samples show the influence of marine waters and well oxidising conditions. However, freshwater signals that have been reported for some regions of the Tlayúa Quarry were also verified. Geochemical data are in agreement with the depositional environment evidenced by microfacies.

Effect of phosphorus additions and milling time on the mechanosynthesis of Ni50Cu40-x(Fe2B)10Px alloys

The effects of phosphorus addition and milling time on the development of phases, microstructural and thermal behaviors in Ni50Cu40-x(Fe2B)10Px (x = 10, 20, and 30at.%) prepared via mechanical alloying, were examined by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. As the phosphorous content and milling time rise, the crystallite size gets finer andthe microstrains become more significant. Furthermore, P addition promotes the amorphous phase and subsequent supersaturated solid solution Ni(Cu,Fe,P) by the simultaneous occurrence of amorphization and recrystallization phenomena. Thermal study shows the complexity of the behavior as a function of the phosphorus content associated with the restoration of defects and the recrystallization of intermediate phases.

Enhancement of an intumescent fire shield paint from the nanotube rutile mineral for the fire performance of steel structures

Building and construction fire safety is an important issue for the protection of people and property. This research investigates nano-TiO2 from rutile minerals' synergistic role in intumescent fire shield paint (IFSP). A synergistic ingredient was introduced to intumescent fire shield paint to evaluate its impact on char morphology, fire protection test, fire propagation test, and compare it with current market products. A hydrothermal process was used to create a rutile mineral, with various techniques used to describe its structure, size, and composition. Intumescent char was found in a furnace using FESEM and X-ray fluorescence. The results showed that rutile minerals contain a rutile phase and a nanotube structure. The surface of the sample IFSP A's char showed layer and foam structures with homogenous voids during a fire test, indicating a high porosity structure. Large holes and recurring gaps were observed in the char of the IFSP B, C, and D. Sample IFSP A took more time at the structural critical temperature (about 550 °C) than other intumescent fire shield paint samples, making it a barrier layer that effectively shields the metal substrate from heat. The intumescent char residue had the highest C/O ratio of 0.57, indicating the best char yield degree and anti-oxidation abilities. The IFSP A had a phosphorous content of 36.2 %, which could combine with phosphorus and TiO2 to form a ceramic barrier. The increased TiO2 in IFSP A suggests that char layers with TiO2 may still contain strong ceramic structures and function as effective thermal protection layers.

Soil metagenomics reveals reduced tillage improves soil functional profiles of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling in bulk and rhizosphere soils

Conservation tillage practices (CAT) are known to benefit soil health and soil ecosystem functions relative to conventional tillage (CVT); however, much uncertainty remains concerning microbial functional traits and their subsequent effects on soil nutrients under different tillage practices. We analyzed the functional profiles of the C, N, and P cycles in response to CAT of no-tillage (NT), reduced tillage (RT), and CVT of moldboard plowing (MP) in bulk and rhizosphere soils using shotgun sequencing. CAT induced distinct microbial functional patterns relative to CVT, and these differences were generally more evident in rhizosphere soils than in bulk soils. CAT promotes multiple metabolic pathways such as C and N decomposition, fermentation, CO oxidation, N fixation, nitrate reduction and inorganic-P and organic-P transformations in bulk and/or rhizosphere soils. Variations in these metabolic pathways were mainly driven by Bradyrhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Nitrososphaera, Phenylobacterium, Rhizobium which are affiliated with Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidota and Thaumarchaeota. Furthermore, 24 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were reconstructed, of which three novel MAGs (TL100, TL46, and TL57) harbored functional genes regulating all metabolic pathways. In particular, NT-enriched MAGs (such as Sphingomonas) promote fermentation, resulting in the reduction of soil total carbon (TC) relative to MP in bulk soils. RT retained the contents of soil TC and total nitrogen (TN) well and up-regulated the phoR gene carried by Streptomyces, which promoted the regulation of P-starvation concomitantly with the increase in the contents of total phosphorous (TP) and available phosphorous (AP) in bulk soil. Additionally, assimilatory nitrate reduction coupled with organic-P mineralization was facilitated by CAT in rhizosphere soil, leading to the mitigation of N loss and the activation of soil organic-P for crop uptake. Overall, our results revealed that CAT significantly accelerated multiple metabolic potentials, and RT could sustain soil nutrient contents better than NT.

Testing the contribution of vertebrate predators and leaf traits to mainland–island differences in insect herbivory on oaks

Abstract Ecological theory predicts that herbivory should be weaker on islands than on mainland based on the assumption that islands have lower herbivore abundance and diversity. However, empirical tests of this prediction are rare, especially for insect herbivores, and those few tests often fail to address the mechanisms behind island–mainland divergence in herbivory. In particular, past studies have not addressed the relative contribution of top‐down (i.e. predator‐driven) and bottom‐up (i.e. plant‐driven) factors to these dynamics. To address this, we experimentally excluded insectivorous vertebrate predators (e.g. birds, bats) and measured leaf traits associated with herbivory in 52 populations of 12 oak (Quercus) species in three island–mainland sites: The Channel Islands of California vs. mainland California, Balearic Islands vs. mainland Spain, and the island Bornholm vs. mainland Sweden (N = 204 trees). In each site, at the end of the growing season, we measured leaf damage by insect herbivores on control vs. predator‐excluded branches and measured leaf traits, namely: phenolic compounds, specific leaf area, and nitrogen and phosphorous content. In addition, we obtained climatic and soil data for island and mainland populations using global databases. Specifically, we tested for island–mainland differences in herbivory, and whether differences in vertebrate predator effects or leaf traits between islands and mainland contributed to explaining the observed herbivory patterns. Supporting predictions, herbivory was lower on islands than on mainland, but only in the case of Mediterranean sites (California and Spain). We found no evidence for vertebrate predator effects on herbivory on either islands or mainland in any study site. In addition, while insularity affected leaf traits in some of the study sites (Sweden‐Bornholm and California), these effects were seemingly unrelated to differences in herbivory. Synthesis. Our results suggest that vertebrate predation and the studied leaf traits did not contribute to island–mainland variation patterns in herbivory, calling for more nuanced and comprehensive investigations of predator and plant trait effects, including measurements of other plant traits and assessments of predation by different groups of natural enemies.

Silver nanoparticles versus chitosan nanoparticles effects on demineralized enamel

BackgroundTo compare the impacts of different remineralizing agents on demineralized enamel, we focused on chitosan nanoparticles (ChiNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).MethodsThis study was conducted on 40 extracted human premolars with artificially induced demineralization using demineralizing solution. Prior to the beginning of the experimental procedures, the samples were preserved in artificial saliva solution. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and teeth were divided into four equal groups: Group A was utilized as a control group (no demineralization) and received no treatment. Group B was subjected to demineralization with no treatment. Group C was subjected to demineralization and then treated with ChiNPs. Group D was subjected to demineralization and then treated with AgNPs. The teeth were evaluated for microhardness. The enamel surfaces of all the samples were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological changes and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) for elemental analysis.ResultsThe third and fourth groups had the highest mean microhardness and calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) contents. SEM of these two groups revealed relative restoration of homogenous remineralized enamel surface architecture with minimal micropores.ConclusionChitosan nanoparticles (NPs) and silver NPs help restore the enamel surface architecture and mineral content. Therefore, chitosan NPs and AgNPs would be beneficial for remineralizing enamel.

Plant growth promoting bacteria promote rice growth cultivated in two different sandy soils subjected distinct climates conditions.

Sandy soils contain around 70% sand in their composition, making them highly fragile and susceptible to land degradation. Practices such as no-tillage cultivation, the use of bioinoculants, and the application of organic amendments can restore the organic matter in these soils, ensuring sustainable production. In this context, this work aimed to study the microbiological aspects of two sandy soil areas (Brazilian Northeast and South) under contrasting climatic conditions (tropical and temperate). With this purpose, prokaryotic communities were evaluated, and the plant growth-promoting potential of isolated bacteria was assessed by rice inoculation in sandy soil. Despite the high sand content in both soils, soil from the NE was related to the highest phosphorous, calcium, potassium, copper, sodium, zinc, magnesium, and manganese contents, organic matter percentage, and pH. The Shannon diversity index indicated that prokaryotic communities in NE were more diverse than in SU, and PCA revealed that microbial composition exhibited distinct patterns. The rice inoculation experiments were executed to verify if the bacterial isolates displayed a similar growth promotion potential when inoculated in sandy soil areas subjected to different climatic conditions. When all PGP characteristics evaluated were pooled in a PCA, a similar pattern was observed for SU and NE. Burkholderia sp. SU94 was related to highest PGP characteristics evaluated. Paraburkholderia sp. NE32 showed similar results to those of the non-inoculated control. This similar effect of rice growth in the Northeast and South of Brazil suggests that isolate SU94 adapts to different environmental conditions.

SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS IN PHYSICO - CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF RIVER SIND IN KASHMIR HIMALAYAS

A study was conducted to study the seasonal fluctuation in physico-chemical parameters of river Sind in Kashmir Himalayas to determine the current status of river. Water samples were collected seasonally for a period of one year from three different stations of river situated at different altitudes and were examined following the standard methods of APHA (2004). The study revealed that pH of water varied from 7.4 to 8.9 with an average value of 7.95 ± 0.47, depicting alkaline nature of water.Electrical conductivity varied from 238 μS cm−1 to 177 μS cm−1with a mean value of 206.75 ± 18.41, depicting oligotrophic nature of water body.Total hardness varied from 75 mg/l to 133 mg/l with a mean value of 100.33 ± 15.59, depicting hard water nature of river. DO content varied from 8 mg/l to 13 mg/l with a mean value of 10.37 ±1.82. FCO2content varied from 3 mg/l to 17.3 mg/l with a mean value of 9.08 ± 5.05. Total alkalinity varied from 73 mg/l to 183 mg/l with a mean value of 128.16 ± 28.74. Chloride content varied from 11 mg/l to 31 mg/l with a mean value of 22.58 ± 5.10, depicting organically polluted water. Nitrate content varied from 118μg/l to 234μg/l with a mean value of 168 μg/l ± 36.34. Total Phosphorous content varied from 43μg/l to 157μg/l with a mean value of 85.5 μg/l ± 31.1. The study further revealed that river Sind is under constant anthropogenic pressure, which is major responsible factor of current ecology of river.

REVEALING THE FERTILITY STATUS OF KHANEWAL DISTRICT’S LANDS THROUGH GIS-BASED STUDY

A rapid increase in industrialization and urbanization and population growth requires expansion of agricultural area for food security and raise the importance of soil health assessment to ensure protection and sustainable use of agricultural lands according to their potential. For this purpose, use of digital soil mapping for the analysis of key physicochemical characteristics has been widely used. The GIS enabled the mapping of extensive areas. The purpose of this study is the spatial analysis of soil fertility indicators i.e., soil reaction (pH), Electrical Conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), micro-macro {Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B)} nutrients in Khanewal districts using GIS-approaches. The result of study shows that soil pH and EC are normal for crop production while almost 95% of samples show low OM, 100% have low available phosphorous content, 33.3% have low K content, 71% have low Fe and 83% have low B content. Therefore, it was recommended that, to continuously incorporate farmyard manure, green manure, and crop residues into the soil over an extended period to address the organic matter deficiency. P, K, Fe and B deficient area should be fertilized with variable rate of respective fertilizer and soil should be periodically tested. It was recommended that the central parts of Khanewal district lands are cultivable as compared to boarder areas.