Tissue Phosphorus Research Articles

Effect of Glomus fasciculatum On Nutrient Uptake and Growth of a Medicinal Plant, Coleus forskohlii

Aims: Coleus forskohlii Briq. (syn. Coleus barbatus Benth.) belonging to the family Lamiaceae is a well known plant throughout the country and known as ‘pashanbhedi’ in Sanskrit and ‘pathatchur’ in Hindi is one of the most potential medicinal plants of the future, as its pharmacoproperties have been discovered only recently. Its tuberous roots are found to be rich source of forskolin which is being used as a remedy for hypertension, glaucoma, asthma, congestive heart failures and certain types of cancers and also being use as vegetables. In addition, forskolin is reported to have used in the preparation of medicines for controlling body weight, preventing hair greying and restoring normal colour of grey hairs. Its foliage is also employed in treating intestinal disorders and used as a condiment since a long time. Keeping the above views in mind, the present investigation was undertaken to study the influence of an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, G. fasciculatum on phosphorus uptake and growth of Coleus forskohlii.
 Study Design: Various tests or experiments were done in this study. Total leaf tissue phosphorus content was determined following the Microkjeldhal method of Jackson (1973) and chlorophyll estimation was done following the method of Mahadevan and Sridhar (1982) .Root colonization of C. forskohlii by G. fasciculatum was observed by the ‘Rapid clearing and staining technique’ (Phillips & Hayman, 1970). Forskolin content in C. forskohlii tubers was estimated by High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
 Place and Duration of Study: Sample: The experiment was carried out in the Department of Botany, Burdwan University. A soil culture of Glomus fasciculatum was propagated as endomycorrhizal species in Zea mays as suitable host in pot culture using sterile sand and soil (pH 5.6; organic carbon 0.6%, P content 45 ppm) in 1:1 ratio. 400 gm of rhizosphere soil with AM-inoculated root fragments of Zea mays was introduced in the dry, loamy, fine-textured soil (pH 5.8; organic carbon 0.6%, P content 45 ppm, total nitrogen 0.03%) of pot culture (2.0 kg of soil per pot) at a depth of 2 inches below the Coleus cutting (12-16 cm long comprising 3-4 pairs of leaves) being planted, between June 2011 and July 2012.
 Results: Responses of an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Glomus fasciculatum on phosphorus uptake by the plant at different developmental phases have been studied. The result indicates that symbiotic association of mycorrhizal fungus amounts to greater uptake of phosphorus and increased chlorophyll content in AM treated plants than in non mycorrhizal plants which gradually happened to be maintained throughout their developmental stages. Different growth parameters like plant height, root length, no. of roots, no. of leaves, no. of branches, fresh weight of shoot, roots, tubers and forskolin content were significantly higher in AM treated plants than in respective controls.
 Conclusion: The better growth of mycorrhizal plants was attributed to improved nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus. The result suggested that G. fasciculatum is one of the most potentially effective bio-fertilizer of Coleus forskohlii.

Effects of Cowpea-Amaranth Intercropping and Fertiliser Application on Soil Phosphatase Activities, Available Soil Phosphorus, and Crop Growth Response

Low available soil phosphorus (P) is associated with its immobility, which renders it unavailable for plant uptake. In addition, farmers normally apply inorganic fertilisers to legumes to activate soil-bound phosphorus using root exudates. Sufficient soil mineral nutrition is key to sustainable crop production, and hence food and nutritional security. The aim of this study was to quantify the acid and alkaline phosphatase activity as an indicator of P supply and availability under varying levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilization and different cropping systems. An intercropping (cowpea and amaranth) and fertiliser (control, 25%, 50%, and 100% of the recommended NPK levels) field trial was laid out in a 2 × 4 factorial treatment structure in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. There was higher acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere of cowpea and amaranth grown as sole crops compared to those from intercropping. The cowpea and amaranth plants grown without fertiliser or 25% NPK had the highest rhizospheric phosphatase activity, while 100% NPK application exhibited the least. The markedly higher phosphatase activity from the low fertiliser application treatments indicates the possible stimulation of microbial activity to supplement P demands for the crops. The study revealed that the application of lower rates inorganic fertilisers in a legume intercrop stimulates the activity of the phosphatase enzymes, which can subsequently liberate soil-bound phosphorus. Plant tissue phosphorus concentration of cowpea and amaranth plants increased proportionately to the increase in fertiliser application up to 50% of the recommended NPK level. The land equivalent ratio (LER) was greater than 1, indicating that it is more beneficial to intercrop cowpea and amaranth as opposed to growing them as sole crops. Overall, the application of NPK fertilizer to amounts of up to 50%, based on the results of this study, appear to be better than 100% in terms of biomass accumulation and phosphate activity.

A commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum increases root colonization across wheat cultivars but does not increase assimilation of mycorrhiza-acquired nutrients.

Societal Impact StatementProduction and heavy application of chemical‐based fertilizers to maintain crop yields is unsustainable due to pollution from run‐off, high CO2 emissions, and diminishing yield returns. Access to fertilizers will be limited in the future due to rising energy costs and dwindling rock phosphate resources. A growing number of companies produce and sell arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) inoculants, intended to help reduce fertilizer usage by facilitating crop nutrient uptake through arbuscular mycorrhizas. However, their success has been variable. Here, we present information about the efficacy of a commercially available AMF inoculant in increasing AMF root colonization and fungal contribution to plant nutrient uptake, which are critical considerations within the growing AMF inoculant industry. Summary Arable agriculture needs sustainable solutions to reduce reliance on large inputs of nutrient fertilizers while continuing to improve crop yields. By harnessing arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, there is potential to improve crop nutrient assimilation and growth without additional inputs, although the efficacy of commercially available mycorrhizal inocula in agricultural systems remains controversial.Using stable and radioisotope tracing, carbon‐for‐nutrient exchange between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and three modern cultivars of wheat was quantified in a non‐sterile, agricultural soil, with or without the addition of a commercial mycorrhizal inoculant.While there was no effect of inoculum addition on above‐ground plant biomass, there was increased root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and changes in community structure. Inoculation increased phosphorus uptake across all wheat cultivars by up to 30%, although this increase was not directly attributable to mycorrhizal fungi. Carbon‐for‐nutrient exchange between symbionts varied substantially between the wheat cultivars.Plant tissue phosphorus increased in inoculated plants potentially because of changes induced by inoculation in microbial community composition and/or nutrient cycling within the rhizosphere. Our data contribute to the growing consensus that mycorrhizal inoculants could play a role in sustainable food production systems of the future.

Стан кісткової тканини курчат-бройлерів за використання у раціоні кормових добавок, виготовлених із морських гідробіонтів

The purpose of the work was to determine the content of Calcium and Phosphorus in bone tissue, as well as the tibia strength index of broiler chickens under using two feed additives made from the waste of primary processing of marine hydrobionts in the diet. The experiment was carried out on “Ross 308” cross broilers, which were divided into 5 groups: 1 control and 4 experimental. Each additive was fed in two ways: by replacing 7% of the diet weight and adding 7% to it. Chickens of the control group were fed only the basic diet (BD), balanced by basic nutrients. Chickens of experimental groups from 20 to 42 days old were additionally fed the feed additives. Chickens D-1 and D-2 groups consumed a mineral feed additive (MFA), D-3 and D-4 groups received a protein-mineral feed additive (PMFA). Moreover, broilers of D-1 and D-3 groups by feed weight received 93% of BD and 7% of MFA and PMFA respectively, D-2 and D-4 groups in addition to BD (100%) received 7% respectively of MFA and PMFA. MFA is milled leaves of the Black Sea Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and seawater. PMFA contained milled leaves of large and the body of small mussels, waste from the primary processing of red algae Phyllophora nervosa and seawater. As a material for research was considered the chickens’ tibia of of 42 days old. The concentration of total Calcium and inorganic Phosphorus was determined in the middle part of the tibia using a UV mini-1240 SHIMADZU spectrophotometer (Japan) and a set of reagents NPP Filisit-Diagnostika (Ukraine). The bone cross-sectional area was determined by scanning prior to testing with processing in the Compass-3D graphics program. The mechanical parameters of the bones were determined on an FM-1000 testing machine under the action of a double-support bend. The use of feed additives contributed to an increase in the content of Calcium and Phosphorus in the bone tissue of broiler chickens and, accordingly, the strength of the tibia. The Phosphorus content increase took place to a greater extent than Calcium, which caused a decrease in the Calcium-Phosphorus ratio. The content of Calcium and Phosphorus in the bone tissue, as well as the strength of the tibia of the chickens increased due to diet enrichment with feed additives, and not its partial replacement.

Characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana Plants Expressing Bacterial Phytase

Transgenic plants containing genes of bacterial phytases represent one of the promising ways to solve the problem of phosphorus deficiency in the nutrition of plants and monogastric animals. Histidine acid phytase PaPhyC from Pantoea agglomerans has a high activity and represents a promising basis for the biotechnology of plants. In this study, the analysis of morphological characteristics, phytase activity, and phosphorus content in tissues of the earlier obtained, genetically modified Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. plants producing extracellular phytase (PaPhyC) has been carried out. According to the obtained results, modified plants are able to grow on a medium supplemented with phytate as the sole source of phosphorus. Exterior characteristics (rosette diameter and area) of phytase-expressing plants grown on media containing phytate or inorganic phosphorus do not differ, which confirms that the plants use phytate as the phosphorus source. In the case of plant cultivation on a phytate-containing medium, a high phytase activity is observed in the cell walls of modified plants. The content of inorganic phosphorus in tissues of modified plants does not change in the case of their cultivation on the medium containing phytate as the sole source of phosphorus.

Effects of girdling and defoliation on the growth of female cones and branches and nutrient content in different tissues and organs of Pinus koraiensis.

To explore the nutrient source and supply-demand relationship of the female cone deve-lopment and new shoot growth of Pinus koraiensis, reproductive mother branches were experimentally girdled, defoliated, and under the combination of both treatments. The effects of different treatments on the female cones development, branch growth and the content of carbohydrate (NSC), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in different tissues and organs were measured. The results showed that girdling significantly affected female cone development, new shoot growth, and the contents of NSC, N and P in different tissues and organs, while defoliation treatment had limited effect. The NSC content in the mother branch xylem and phloem after girdling were significantly lower than that of the control (CK, ungirdling+0% defoliation), and decreased significantly with the increases of the degree of defoliation. The NSC content in mother branch xylem and phloem of girdling+100% defoliation was 59.0% and 64.8% lower than that of CK, respectively. The deficiency of NSC resulted in the death of mother branches and new shoots and the abortion of female cone. Under girdling treatment, the contents of N and P in xylem and phloem of mother branches of 0%, 50% and 100% defoliation treatment were significantly higher than that of CK. The contents of N and P in xylem of mother branches were 17.3%, 18.2% and 24.3% and 17.9%, 7.1% and 3.6% higher than those of CK, respectively. The contents of N and P in phloem of mother branches was 39.3%, 35.2% and 48.9% and 31.0%, 28.2% and 14.8% higher than those of CK, respectively. The female cone development and new shoot growth of P. koraiensis consumed a large amount of NSC, N and P. The carbohydrates and mineral nutrients manufactured or stored in the mother branches could not meet the needs of female cone development and new shoot growth, and thus they need to be imported from other tissues.

Exogenous Zinc Forms Counteract NaCl-Induced Damage by Regulating the Antioxidant System, Osmotic Adjustment Substances, and Ions in Canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Pactol) Plants

Salinity is the principal natural obstacles for sustainable agriculture, adversely impacting 30% of the world’s irrigated land, resulting in food insecurity, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. Zinc has several functions in plants; nevertheless, the promising roles of nano-zinc oxide particle in plants under salinity stress are not clear. The current study aims to investigate the roles of zinc (water, 75 mg L−1 zinc sulfate (Zn), and 10 mg L−1 zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZNP)) on the mitigation of NaCl stress (6000 mg L−1) on morpho-physiological attributes and yield of canola plants. Salinity exhibited a substantial reduction in canola plant growth, enhanced photosynthetic pigment degradation, and decreased nutrient concentrations. A decrease in the overall yield and a decrease in various individual components were considerably stimulated by zinc application under non-salinized and salinized conditions. Salinity caused a visible increase in membrane permeability (MP%), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations. Interestingly, zinc application significantly decreased MP%, MDA, and H2O2 concentrations by the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase) and levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic, carotenoids, and total soluble phenolic compounds). Furthermore, zinc application also enhanced osmoregulation by increasing proline and total soluble carbohydrates accumulation, as well as increased nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus in the plant tissues in correlation with a decline in sodium and chloride contents. Zinc’s, especially ZNP, role in the mitigation the negative effects of salinity on canola growth and yield may be connected with the upregulating oxidative defense system and osmolyte synthesis as well as ionic regulation.

Development and evaluation of a process-based model to assess nutrient removal in floating treatment wetlands

Modelling is a useful tool for comprehensively describing the processes occurring in floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). However, temperature effects and phosphorus dynamics are not considered in the current FTW models. Therefore, a process-based model comprised of a plant growth submodel, a nitrogen dynamic submodel and a phosphorus dynamic submodel was developed to understand the complicated processes occurring in FTWs. The model was fully calibrated using a mesocosm FTW system operated for 168 days. Global sensitivity analysis revealed that nitrogen removal performance was predominantly sensitive to parameters representing plant characteristics and microbial activity. Because of the high concentration of organic matter, mineralization and sedimentation played important roles in nitrogen and phosphorus removal. In addition, the coprecipitation rate of phosphate also had a significant influence on phosphorus removal performance. When further investigation was applied to understand the behavior of the model, the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus in plant tissue was found to be an indicator of the nutrient limitation in the water column. Furthermore, the model illustrated that both FTW operating conditions and plant characteristic parameters exerted an important influence on nitrogen removal and plant uptake contribution. Therefore, the selection of appropriate operating conditions and plant species can achieve high nutrients removal and make effective use of plants in FTWs. The model provides a useful tool for assessing the nutrients removal performance of FTWs and for evaluating strategies for them in design and operation.

Variation in Blood and Colorectal Epithelia's Key Trace Elements Along with Expression of Mismatch Repair Proteins from Localized and Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an increasingly common medical issue affecting millions worldwide, and contribution of the body's trace elements to CRC is arguable. The concentrations and buffered status of selenium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorus in blood and large intestinal tissues of CRC patients are, respectively, variable and vital for cell physiology. The aim of this study was to assess selenium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorus variations in blood and colorectal epithelia along with examining the expression of mismatch repair proteins in CRC patients with/without metastasis for potential diagnosis/therapy. Concentrations of selenium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorus in blood of healthy versus CRC patients and colorectal epithelia (adenocarcinomatous versus non-adenocarcinomatous/control) were measured in 40 CRC patients (55.87 ± 11.9years old) with/without metastasis before surgery using ICP-OES. Mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression was analyzed through histopathological/immunohistochemistry assays, which was sparse in 5 CRC patient's colorectal tissues (12%). Compared with healthy individuals, blood and colorectal tissue's levels of phosphorus, copper, and iron were significantly higher in the CRC patients, and more pronounced in metastatic CRC patients; conversely, blood and colorectal tissue's selenium levels were significantly lower in metastatic patients. Unlike blood zinc, cancerous colorectal tissue's zinc concentration was significantly lower in CRC patients compared to healthy control cohorts. There was no significant difference on the measured elements in samples from CRC patients with MMR- compared to CRC patients with MMR+. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a correlation of blood iron, zinc, copper, and phosphorus to CRC, and inappropriately low levels of blood and colorectal selenium correlated with exacerbated metastasis. Altered levels of selenium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorus in vivo may impact the pathogenesis and detection of CRC, and their diagnostic/therapeutic potential in CRC would be revealing.

Responses of macroalgal assemblages dominated by three Mediterranean brown macroalgae with different life strategies to nutrient enrichment

ABSTRACT Increase of nutrient concentrations in coastal waters is a worldwide phenomenon with ecological consequences for natural assemblages. Little is known about species-specific nutrient dynamics among macroalgae in the Mediterranean Sea, which may be key to understanding competitive strategies driving the structure of macroalgal assemblages. We conducted an in situ nutrient enrichment experiment to evaluate whether increasing nutrient availability modified the relative abundance of the three dominant brown macroalgae Cystoseira brachycarpa, Halopteris scoparia and Padina pavonica and whether any such modifications were related to different nutrient dynamics of the three macroalgae under different chronic enrichment regimes. Tissue nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus were determined 6 and 18 months after the first exposure to nutrient enrichment. Under nutrient-enriched conditions, C. brachycarpa decreased in abundance over the experimental period, while P. pavonica and H. scoparia increased (albeit with different trends), the former mostly in the earlier phase and the latter in the subsequent phase. Nutrient content of the three macroalgae responded positively to enrichment in the first year, although it was exploited differently: C. brachycarpa only increased its internal reserves, while H. scoparia and P. pavonica also used available nutrients for growth. A completely different pattern was observed in the second year, as nutrient content of all macroalgae was affected very little, if at all, by nutrient enrichment. However, the different responses in terms of abundance observed during the second year indicated changing nutrient dynamics across species over the longer timescale of nutrient exposure. The results of the study confirmed the existence of species-specific response patterns of nutrient dynamics in the three macroalgae. They also suggest that nutrient dynamics are habitat-specific, since nutrient response was strongly conditioned by macroalgal tissue nutrient status, which reflects the nutrient history of the site.

The growth and nutrient uptake of invasive vines on contrasting riverbank soils

AbstractThis study sought to investigate the research question as to whether the growth and nutrient uptake of two invasive vines, Pueraria lobata and Sicyos angulatus, are affected by the heterogeneity of soil characteristics of two riverbank sites with different flooding regimes. Soil, individual ramets of P. lobata and S. angulatus plants were sampled monthly from quadrats set on homogenous stands from two riparian sites along Tama River, Japan for over a year. Soil nutrients, above‐ground (AGB) and below‐ground biomass (BGB), tissue nutrient, and nonstructural carbohydrate contents were estimated, and resource allocations to different organs were calculated. Flooding frequency directly affected the substrate characteristics of the sites; the frequently flooded site had coarser particle and less nutrient content. There were significant differences between the BGB and the AGB of both P. lobata and S. angulatus between the sites. However, the BGB:AGB ratio of these species were statistically similar regardless of the substrate conditions. Although the biomass of S. angulatus were much reduced in coarse habitat, the total amount of nutrient uptake by P. lobata was not affected by habitat the condition. Concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and starch in root tissues of S. angulatus were less in frequently inundated soil. The results of this study suggest that inundation frequency directly affects the substrate condition of a riverbank habitat, which in turn affects plant growth, and invasive plant species growing in such habitat respond differently to substrate condition in terms of growth and nutrient uptake.

Functional biogeography: Stoichiometry and thresholds for interpreting nutrient limitation in aquatic plants

Atmospheric N pollution may shift nutrient limitations in aquatic autotrophs from N to P or cause an intensification of P limitation in formerly pristine areas. Small changes in nutrient supply in oligotrophic lakes and rivers could lead to large changes in relative plant growth and yield with possible knock on effects on ecosystem carbon cycling through changes in the decomposition rate of their tissue. Previous biogeographical studies have shown inconsistent responses of plant nutrient tissue content and stoichiometry (functional traits) to external nutrient availability. Here we used a single species, Juncus bulbosus, to test the interplay between plant tissue nutrient (content and stoichiometry) and external environmental factors (local and catchment scale). We developed a comparative approach applicable globally to assess the thresholds for nutrient limitation in aquatic plants in the wild. Phosphorus in Juncus bulbosus tissue was negatively related to sediment organic matter (Fe root plaque limiting P uptake) and catchment vegetation cover (less P leaching to lakes). Our comparative approach revealed that the lack of increase in N plant tissue along the strong gradient in external N concentration may be explained by P limitation and strict plant tissue N:P ratio. Our comparative approach further showed that the nutrient content and stoichiometry of Juncus bulbosus was similar to other submerged aquatic plants growing in nutrient poor aquatic ecosystems. In southern Norway, mass development of Juncus bulbosus may be primarily triggered by changes in P availability, rather than CO2 or inorganic N, as previously thought, although co-limitations are also possible. If so, the mass development of Juncus bulbosus in oligotrophic aquatic ecosystems could be an early indicator of increasing P fluxes through these ecosystems which are less limited by N due to high atmospheric N deposition.

Promoting water deficit tolerance and anthocyanin fortification in pigmented rice cultivar (Oryza sativa L. subsp. indica) using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation.

Drought or water deficit is a major abiotic stress that can reduce growth and productivity in the rice crop especially in the rain-fed areas, which face long-term water shortage. The objective of this investigation was to promote the drought tolerant abilities in pigmented rice cv. 'Hom Nil' at booting stage using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-inoculation, mixed spores of Glomus geosporum, G. etunicatum and G. mosseae in the soil before rice seedling transplantation. At booting stage, the AMF-inoculated (+AMF) and AMF-uninoculated plants (-AMF) were subjected to control (well-watering; 46.6% SWC) and water deficit condition (14 days water withholding; 13.8% SWC). Colonization percentage in the AMF-inoculated root tissues were evidently proved in both with and without water deficit conditions, leading to elevate total phosphorus in root and leaf tissues. Interestingly, sucrose and total soluble sugar concentration in the flag leaf were increased by 5.0 folds and 1.5 folds, respectively in the plants under water deficit (WD). Free proline was accumulated in flag leaf when exposure to water deficit, subsequently regulated by AMF-inoculation. Total soluble sugar and free proline enrichment in 'Hom Nil' was a major mode of osmotic adjustment to control osmotic potential in the cellular level when exposed to water deficit, leading to maintained photosynthetic abilities and growth performances. Concentration of chlorophyll b in AMF-inoculated plants under water deficit stress was retained, causing to improve chlorophyll fluorescence and net photosynthetic rate. Shoot height and number of tillers were significantly declined by 12.5% and 11.6%, respectively, when subjected to WD. At the harvest, grain yield, panicle dry weight and fertility percentage of AMF-inoculated rice from WD were greater than those without AMF by 1.5, 3.9 and 2.4 folds, respectively. Cyanidin-3-glucoside and peonidin-3-glucoside concentrations in pericarp were enriched in the grain derived from AMF-inoculation with water deficit stress. Overall growth characters and physiological adaptations in 'Hom Nil' grown under water deficit condition were retained by AMF inoculation, resulting in enhanced yield attributes and anthocyanin fortification in rice grain.

Biochar application and wastewater irrigation in urban vegetable production of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

In West Africa population growth and fast urbanization challenge food security for which urban and peri-urban agriculture plays an increasing role. Adding biochar to soils depleted in soil organic carbon may improve soil quality but its effectiveness in high input systems, such as urban horticulture in West Africa, is unknown. We studied the effects of fertilization, amended biochar from agricultural waste, irrigation water quality and quantity on small-scale urban vegetable production in a multi-factorial split-plot experiment on a Haplic Lixisol in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A single application of corn cob biochar at the rate of 20 t ha−1 was used in a 2-year study covering eleven cropping cycles. Biochar significantly improved total fresh matter yields of two amaranth cycles by 39% and 17%, lettuce by 7% and carrot by 11%. Repeated measures analysis showed that biochar increased average total biomass by 9% and marketable yield by 6%. Biochar was effective on fertilized plots while plant growth on unfertilized plots was limited by nutrients, most likely nitrogen (N). A 33% reduction in irrigation water caused yield declines of 4–23% which was more pronounced in fertilized plots with higher water consumption by the larger plants. Biochar increased potassium (K) concentrations while wastewater reduced phosphorus (P) in plant tissue. The study showed a positive effect of biochar on crop yields and nutrition while wastewater effects were limited to nutrient deficient plots.

Soil Test and Tissue Analysis Based Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Applications on Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Cultivars in North Shewa Central Highlands, Ethiopia

Soil fertility studies and crop improvement have brought remarkable change in crop production particularly in teff in Ethiopia. Differences in soil status affect productivities of various cultivars in which their nutritional demand is different and increasing. This elucidates that fertilizer rate studies are dynamic and increasing time to time across crop cultivars. Fertilizer rate recommendations need to be specific soil and tissue test based and should be done repeatedly for any cultivar to maximize the inherent potential yield of the crop. Field experiment was laid out to test teff cultivars to a soil and tissue test based NP fertilizer applications. Soil samples were collected and subjected to a soil test in respective methods employed to determine the physicochemical property of a soil. High available P, medium organic carbon content moderately low total N content and pH of 7.57 were obtained from the experimental site. Plant tissue samples were collected from a 2 × 2 m2 plot and subjected to analysis to determine tissue nitrogen and phosphorus contents. N application significantly increased the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in shoot tissue and grain yield. However, application of P at different rates did not significantly affected any of the parameters. This might be due to unavailability of P for the plant due to fixation and hence examination must continue to identify real causes.

X-ray and ultrasound findings in calcinosis cutis

Deposition of calcium and phosphorus in cutaneous or subcutaneous tissues is termed as calcinosis cutis. Clinical presentation extends from induration of skin to nodular swellings. The clinical presentation can lead to formulation of faulty diagnosis like infective etiology. Use of imaging modalities is often required to formulate correct diagnosis. We describe two cases of calcinosis cutis occurring in neonates.

Bone meal as a source of phosphorus for forage sugarcane1

ABSTRACT Phosphate fertilizers of organic origin may represent a viable alternative for the replacement of mineral fertilizers in the nutrition of crops such as forage sugarcane. This study aimed to investigate the effects of phosphate fertilization with bone meal and single superphosphate on the concentration of phosphorus (P) in the plant tissue, total soluble solids and yield aspects of forage sugarcane. A complete randomized block design was used, in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of combining two phosphorus sources (single superphosphate and bone meal) and five P2O5 doses (0 kg ha-1, 50 kg ha-1, 100 kg ha-1, 150 kg ha-1 and 200 kg ha-1). Sugarcane plants fertilized with the addition of bone meal showed an increase in height and number of nodes (13 % and 15 %, respectively), when compared to the mineral fertilization with single superphosphate. The sugarcane attributes, in response to the P2O5 doses, were described by quadratic functions. The dose of 95.80 kg ha-1 of P2O5 in the bone meal led to the highest concentration of P in the plant tissue (3.60 g kg-1). The comparison between the sources of P at the doses of 100 kg ha-1 and 150 kg ha-1 of P2O5 showed that the total soluble solids content was 8.62 % and 13.84 % higher, respectively, in plants fertilized with bone meal.

The effect of surgical specimen-derived phosphorus and lead concentrations in non small cell lung cancer patients on disease course.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. There are many exogenic and endogenic factors associated with the development of lung cancer. One of these factors is trace elements. Under- or overabundance of trace elements can disrupt cellular functions and lead to the formation of cancer. In this study we conducted elemental analysis of lung cancer tissue and normal lung tissue to investigate the role of tissue trace element concentrations in lung cancer. Elemental analysis was performed on 30 lung cancer tissue samples and a control group of 15 normal lung tissue samples, all taken from patients diagnosed, treated and followed at our hospital between 2005 and 2010. The solubilized tissue samples were analyzed for the presence of 19 elements using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Total element amounts in the tissue were calculated. Concentrations of magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese, lead, boron, chromium and phosphorus were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. Deceased patients had significantly lower phosphorus concentrations and significantly higher lead concentrations than the other patients. Elevated levels of magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese, lead, boron, chromium and phosphorus in lung cancer tissue indicate that these elements may play a role in the development of lung cancer. The results of our evaluation of the association between trace elements and lung cancer suggest that, together with other factors, low phosphorus concentration and high lead concentration in tumor tissue may influence disease course.

Mycorrhizas improve the absorption of non-available phosphorus by the green manure Tithonia diversifolia in poor soils

The use of Tithonia diversifolia (Tithonia) as green manure has spread over some parts of Africa, Latin America and Asia justified by its fast growth cycle, high nitrogen fixation capacity and high accumulation of phosphorus (P) in tissue, with improved capacity to explore nutrients like P in poor soils. We hypothesized here that P acquisition by Tithonia from poor soils is greatly facilitated by rapid root proliferation and by the formation of symbioses with native arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi; and that organic P sources are more suitable for Tithonia use than inorganic complexed ones. It was used a mesh exclusion technique in rhizotron to measure uptake of P by Tithonia plants from 33P-labelled sub-compartments into which either extra mycelial mycorrhizal hyphae and roots or only mycorrhizal hyphae could penetrate, in a poor P soil from Nepal. The sub-compartment labelled P was provided as either inorganic33P (33Pi), microbial33P or as 33Pi bound to either Ca or Fe. Root access to the sub-compartments containing 33Pi associated with added cations (Ca or Fe) did not increase 33Pi uptake relative to mycorrhizal hyphal access only. Uptake of microbial33P doubled when roots as well as mycorrhizal hyphae were present, indicating that extra mycelial mycorrhizal fungi associated with Tithonia contribute to uptake of mineral bound P, but do not participate in organic P cycles.

Quantitative trace element mapping in liver tissue from patients with Wilson`s disease determined by micro X-ray fluorescence

Aimsof this investigation were to quantify copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) along with sulphur (S) and phosphorus (P) in hepatocytes and connective tissue in liver section from patients with Wilson´s disease (WD) by micro Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (μ-SRXRF). Secondly to establish two-dimensional μ-SRXRF element mappings for comparison with histologically prepared slices, and thirdly to assess whether elemental distributions are associated. MethodsArchival liver tissues from twelve patients with end-stage cirrhosis or fulminant WD were investigated. Mutations in ATP7B have been classified before. For control seven archived normal liver tissues were investigated. μ-SRXRF measurements were performed at the DORIS III storage ring at HASYLAB/DESY (Hamburg, Germany). Two-dimensional element distribution were compared with histologically prepared slices about 20–30 μm apart from those investigated by μ-SRXRF. ResultsElementary copper (Cu) could be demonstrated in all investigated liver sections simultaneously with Fe, Zn, P and S. In WD mean Cu was 20 fold increased in hepatocytes and threefold in fibrotic areas in comparison with controls. In regeneration nodules Cu was strikingly inhomogeneous distributed. Cu concentrations measured by μ-SRXRF correlated with those measured by atom absorption spectroscopy. Strong associations in their regional distribution existed between Zn and Cu or Fe and S. Moreover, differences in Cu/S were found between hepatocytes and fibrotic areas. An increase of Fe could only be documented in hepatocytes compared to fibrotic areas. With a beam size of 15 x 15 μm two-dimensional distributions of these elements are morphologically comparable with histological section with a magnification of about 25x optic microscope. Conclusionsμ-SRXRF investigations are a valuable tool for quantifying element concentrations in biological tissues and further provide 2-dimensional information of element distribution and elemental association in a biological tissues, thus speeding up basic knowledge in a synopsis with biological and clinical data.