Plant Vitality Research Articles

Transformation of Forest Phytocenoses Near the Gypsum Mining Enterprise in the Arkhangelsk Region

The results of monitoring studies of forest vegetation in the vicinity of a gypsum mining enterprise in the Arkhangelsk region are presented. The study of the most important morphometric parameters and vitality of plants of all main tiers of forest communities, as well as extra-tier biota, which included epiphytic and epixylous mosses and lichens, was carried out. It was shown that the composition and structure of the forest stand, herbaceous-shrub, moss-lichen tiers, as well as extra-tier biota did not undergo noticeable changes. It was noted that on the majority of sample plots, which are located in close proximity to the quarry boundary, there was an increase in the number of undergrowth, changes in the height and vitality of undergrowth bushes.

Assessing the impact of leachate irrigation on Medicago sativa (alfalfa) growth, enzymatic responses, and heavy metal accumulation.

In light of the increasing water scarcity and the need for sustainable waste management, the use of landfill leachate for irrigation has emerged as both a solution and a concern, posing potential risks to soil health and plant vitality. This study examined the multifaceted impacts of leachate irrigation on the soil characteristics, plant growth, and enzymatic activities of Medicago sativa (M. sativa). By exposing alfalfa to different concentrations of leachate, we assessed the influence on heavy metal accumulation, physiological parameters, and enzyme functions. The physicochemical profile of the leachate indicated that the pH was within acceptable limits, but the chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), and concentrations of lead (Pb) and aluminum (Al) exceeded regulatory standards. Morphological parameters exhibited dual effects: stimulation at lower leachate doses and inhibition at higher leachate doses. Our findings show that soil acts as a buffer, reducing heavy metal uptake by plants. Enzymatic activities, including catalase, peroxidase, and succinate dehydrogenase, fluctuated significantly at higher leachate concentrations, indicating stress responses. This research underscores the interplay between leachate irrigation, plant physiology, and soil health, emphasizing sustainable management to optimize plant growth and minimize environmental impacts. It also stresses refining leachate application protocols to preserve soil and ecosystem health.

Reducing drought vulnerability of forest soils using Xanthan gum-based soil conditioners

Climate change increases the frequency and severity of droughts in many parts of Europe, thereby affecting the availability of water resources. Therefore, preserving the soil water content is essential for maintaining forest diversity and plant vitality. To improve soil hydraulic properties and reduce drought vulnerability, three xanthan-gum-based soil conditioners (SC_R, SC_CG, and SC_ZZC) were developed under the European ONEforest project. These soil conditioners (SCs), including oxide ash and cellulose fibres of different lengths, differ in their filler properties. This study evaluated the performance of these soil conditioners in forest soils in Slovenia (S1), Spain (S2), and Germany (S3). Water absorption, water retention, hydraulic conductivity, seed germination, and plant growth in the untreated soils and mixtures were analysed.The results showed a 53% to 100% increase in water absorption with high dosage of SCs (1.7% of dry SC per dry soil mass). The addition of SCs also significantly improved the water retention capacity of the treated soils within a suction range of 0-100 kPa, which is advantageous for maintaining adequate water availability for plant growth. The effect of SCs on unsaturated hydraulic conductivity varies depending on the soil type. For example, at a similar suction, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of mixtures with soils S2 and S3 can be more than an order of magnitude lower than that of untreated soils S2 and S3. In contrast, mixtures with soil S1 showed unsaturated hydraulic conductivity similar to that of the untreated soil. In the seeding experiment, plants in treated soils survived for up to 8 d without watering compared to those in untreated soils, with survival linked to the initial water content of the mixtures. These findings suggest that soil conditioners reduce drought vulnerability by improving water retention and regulating water loss. However, the optimal dosage should be adjusted according to different soil types and local environmental conditions.

Understanding the Impact of Zinc and Boron Applications on Growth and Yield Attributes in Potato

Research examines the impact of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the growth, and yield of potato plants. The screen house experiment used four treatments: T1 (Control), T2 (Zn 5g/L), T3 (B 2g/L), and T4 (Zn 5g/L + B 2g/L). Growth characteristics were evaluated, such as the emergence percentage, plant vigor, number of stem /meter2, plant height, and stem diameter. In addition, essential yield metrics such as number of tubers, tuber weight (g), dry matter content, and specific gravity were also assessed. The findings indicated that concurrent administration of T4 had a substantial positive impact on the plant's vitality, height, stem thickness, and stem density per square meter compared to the control group. This suggests a cooperative influence of these micronutrients on the growth of plant structures. However, in terms of yield qualities, the use of Zn alone T2 led to the greatest tuber weight, dry matter content, and specific gravity. Showing that Zn plays a crucial role in maximizing tuber growth and quality. The treatment T4 enhanced yield parameters compared to the control, but it did not exceed the effects of either Zn or B individually in T2 and T3. This emphasizes the intricate interaction between these nutrients. However, when it comes to maximizing yield attributes in potato cultivation, using Zn alone may be more successful. The results indicate that customizing the management of micronutrients could optimize the growth and output of potatoes, hence enhancing agricultural productivity. Additional research is advised to investigate the most effective dosages and combinations

Atmospheric deposition patterns in bulk open field precipitation and throughfall in Aleppo pine forest and black pine forest on the eastern Adriatic coast

The Mediterranean region, with its unique ecological characteristics, is particularly sensitive to global environmental changes, including climate change and impact of air pollution.Although Aleppo pine and black pine forests are the most abundant on the eastern Adriatic coast, atmospheric deposition in these forests is poorly studied. Changes in the chemical composition of precipitation as it passes through the tree canopy can lead to soil and groundwater eutrophication, and soil acidification, which affects plant vitality. In this study, the dynamics of ion deposition in Aleppo pine forest (Pinus halepensis Mill.) and black pine forest (Pinus nigra Arnold) on the eastern Adriatic coast are investigated, focusing on throughfall and bulk open field depositions.The aim of our research was to fill the gaps in understanding the influence of tree canopies on deposition fluxes in two different Mediterranean pine stands and to compare total inorganic nitrogen loads with critical loads. Over a period of two years, bulk open field precipitation and throughfall were sampled, measured and analysed using the ICP Forest methodology.The results indicate significant differences in ion deposition between bulk open field and throughfall, with throughfall showing higher values for almost all ions. The highest enrichment ratio was determined for K+. The comparison of the actual inorganic nitrogen load with the critical nitrogen load for Mediterranean pine forests revealed that the inorganic nitrogen load exceeded the critical load in the Aleppo pine forest. Ion deposition increased in the throughfall compared to bulk precipitation, which can be attributed to the seasonality of precipitation, including leaching and long dry periods. These findings enhance our understanding of ion deposition fluxes in vulnerable Mediterranean pine ecosystems and emphasize the need for long-term research on this topic in the actual changing environmental conditions.

Fire up Biosensor Technology to Assess the Vitality of Trees after Wildfires.

The development of tools to quickly identify the fate of damaged trees after a stress event such as a wildfire is of great importance. In this context, an innovative approach to assess irreversible physiological damage in trees could help to support the planning of management decisions for disturbed sites to restore biodiversity, protect the environment and understand the adaptations of ecosystem functionality. The vitality of trees can be estimated by several physiological indicators, such as cambium activity and the amount of starch and soluble sugars, while the accumulation of ethanol in the cambial cells and phloem is considered an alarm sign of cell death. However, their determination requires time-consuming laboratory protocols, making the approach impractical in the field. Biosensors hold considerable promise for substantially advancing this field. The general objective of this review is to define a system for quantifying the plant vitality in forest areas exposed to fire. This review describes recent electrochemical biosensors that can detect plant molecules, focusing on biosensors for glucose, fructose, and ethanol as indicators of tree vitality.

Exploring the influence of rapeseed cultivar and pathogen isolate on Acremonium alternatum's efficacy in clubroot disease control

Clubroot disease, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, ranks among the most significant diseases affecting rapeseed cultivars, leading to substantial annual yield losses. Current control methods are limited to a small selection of chemical or biological treatments. Using biocontrol organisms presents a promising strategy for reducing disease severity and promoting plant vigour. However, their efficacy is strongly dependent on biotic and abiotic factors during the growing season, as well as the specific application conditions. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of the biocontrol fungus Acremonium alternatum in reducing clubroot disease symptoms across different susceptible and resistant rapeseed cultivars (Brassica napus) under various experimental greenhouse settings employing different types of P. brassicae inoculum: a uniform single spore isolate e3 and two German field isolates P1 and P1 ( +). We found that A. alternatum can reduce clubroot disease symptoms in susceptible rapeseed cultivars Visby, Ability and Jenifer, but not cv. Jumbo, when inoculated with the aggressive single spore isolate P. brassicae e3 at moderate (106 spores mL−1) and high (107 spores mL−1) densities. A. alternatum enhanced plant vitality and shoot biomass in cv. Visby inoculated with field isolates P1 or P1 ( +) but did not considerably reduce clubroot severity there. The clubroot-resistant cv. Mentor displayed a reduction in clubroot symptoms after A. alternatum treatment. In conclusion, A. alternatum holds some promise in managing moderate P. brassicae levels in the soil and could serve as an option in integrated pest management of clubroot disease when combined with resistant cultivars.

Study on the variation characteristics and influencing factors of stem water content of Acer truncatum during the overwintering period.

Stem water content serves as a pivotal parameter that reflects the plant vitality and maintains their internal water balance. Given the insufficient comprehension regarding the stem water content characteristics and its influencing factors during different stages of the overwintering period, the study focused on Acer truncatum Bunge and developed an Internet of Things (IoT)-based ecological information monitoring system. The system incorporated a proprietary stem water content sensor, allowing non-invasive, in-situ and real time acquisition of stem water content while monitoring diverse environmental parameters. We conducted a detailed elucidation of stem water content variation characteristics and their responses to diverse environmental factors. The results showed: (1) During the overwintering period, stem water content exhibited diurnal variations characterized by " daytime ascent and nighttime descent" across the three stages, exhibiting differences in the moment when the stem water content reaches extremal values and daily fluctuations ranges. Stem water content exhibited minimal fluctuations during deciduous and bud-breaking stages but experienced significant freezing-thawing alternations during the dormant stage, leading to an increased daily fluctuation range. (2) The Pearson correlation coefficients between environmental parameters and stem water content varied dynamically across stages. Path analysis revealed that during the deciduous stage, stem temperature and saturation vapor pressure deficit were dominant factors influencing stem water content; during dormant stage, air temperature and saturation vapor pressure deficit directly impacted stem water content; during the bud-breaking stage, the primary parameters affecting stem water content were saturation vapor pressure deficit and stem temperature. The study provides valuable insights into unveiling the water transport patterns within tree stems tissue and their environmental adaptation mechanisms during the overwintering period, aiding in the scientific development of winter management strategies to protect trees from severe cold and freezing damage, while fostering healthy growth in the subsequent year.

Botanical and ecological characteristics of the floristic core of woody-shrub plant communities on technogenically devastated lands (Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine)

The long-term effect of man-made impact on the environment leads to a radical change in the biogeocenotic cover, among which a special place is given to the devased lands of the Kryvyi Rih region. Their area has increased significantly over the past fifty years and continues to grow and today is more than 30 thousand hectares. hectare. The process of restoring these lands, in particular the quarry-dump type, which were formed during open-pit mining, is usually slow, the natural vegetation cover here quite specific. The present study examines the results of assessing the floristic composition, ecomorphic characteristics, and vitality of woody and shrub plants that constitute the floristic core on technogenically devastated lands. The study utilized the results of our own research conducted from 2019 to 2023 on the territory of the disturbed areas in the Kryvyi Rih iron ore region. It has been determined that the floristic core on the devastated lands of the Kryvyi Rih region consists of 19 species belonging to 15 genera and 11 families. Within the ecological spectrum of the floristic complex (core) comprising woody and shrubby species, mesoxerophytes are prevalent, succeeded by mesotrophs, with a consistent occurrence of sciophytes and heliophytes. Our results indicate that the ecological conditions of the devastated lands are relatively favorable for the growth and development of woody and shrub plant species. It was found that the vital condition of the floristic complex (core) was assessed as «weakened». The condition of woody plants suggests the relative favorability of the ecological conditions of the dump for their growth and development.

Exploring the Impact of Micro-plastics on Soil Health and Ecosystem Dynamics: A Comprehensive Review

Microplastics, defined as particles measuring less than 5 mm, have emerged as widespread environmental pollutants, prompting concerns regarding their impact on soil ecosystems. This review investigates microplastics' presence, movement, and effects on soil health and ecosystem dynamics while highlighting their diverse sources, including industrial production and the breakdown of larger plastic materials. Despite their ubiquity, a significant gap exists in our understanding of the consequences of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly within soils. The findings of this review article revealed that microplastics exert notable influences on soil properties, altering bulk density, aggregation, and water-holding capacity, which may have significant implications for soil biota and plant vitality. Furthermore, microplastics also carry toxic substances, complicating their environmental impact. The effects on soil microorganisms and soil-dwelling fauna, such as earthworms, underscore the intricate relationships within soil ecosystems. Additionally, microplastics can interact with other soil pollutants, potentially amplifying their adverse effects. The long-term impacts of microplastics on soil health remain uncertain, underscoring the imperative for sustained research endeavours. Challenges persist, including the absence of standardized methodologies for microplastic extraction and identification in soils, which hampers our ability to understand their presence and effects comprehensively. Furthermore, the lack of regulatory frameworks complicates managing and mitigating microplastic pollution. Future research should adopt a holistic approach, considering diverse microplastic types and applications. Both field and laboratory experiments are essential for accurately capturing the varied influences of microplastics. Efforts should concentrate on understanding the occurrence of microplastics, developing reliable detection methods, and exploring their interactions with other pollutants, especially in terrestrial ecosystems. In conclusion, mitigating microplastic pollution requires multifaceted strategies informed by ongoing research efforts and public awareness campaigns. We can effectively address the challenges posed by microplastic contamination in soil ecosystems through concerted action and comprehensive understanding.

Biochar in Agriculture: Enhancing Crop Productivity and Disease Resistance

Biochar, derived through pyrolysis, presents a promising solution to the challenges faced in sustainable agriculture. This review delves into the diverse advantages of employing biochar to enhance crop yields while promoting environmental responsibility. Its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature not only enrich soil fertility but also contribute to carbon capture, aiding in the fight against climate change. Additionally, while its effectiveness in disease control may vary, biochar shows potential in bolstering crops against environmental pressures. By altering soil characteristics, it encourages the growth of beneficial microbes and improves nutrient availability, ultimately supporting plant vitality. Moreover, integrating biochar into agricultural systems may prompt biochemical and physiological changes that activate plant defences against pathogens. This study thoroughly assesses biochar's impacts on soil health, crop output, and disease prevention, emphasizing its crucial role in advancing sustainable farming practices. Embracing biochar as a strategic resource offers great potential for cultivating resilient and environmentally friendly farming methods, marking a significant step towards sustainable crop disease management.

Impact of treated wastewater on plant growth: leaf fluorescence, reflectance, and biomass-based assessment.

The study evaluated the impact of treated wastewater on plant growth through the use of hyperspectral and fluorescence-based techniques coupled with classical biomass analyses, and assessed the potential of reusing treated wastewater for irrigation without fertilizer application. Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) were irrigated with tap water (Tap), secondary effluent (SE), and membrane effluent (ME). Maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) of tomato and cabbage was between 0.78 to 0.80 and 0.81 to 0.82, respectively, for all treatments. The performance index (PI) of Tap/SE/ME was 2.73, 2.85, and 2.48 for tomatoes and 4.25, 3.79, and 3.70 for cabbage, respectively. Both Fv/Fm and PI indicated that the treated wastewater did not have a significant adverse effect on the photosynthetic efficiency and plant vitality of the crops. Hyperspectral analysis showed higher chlorophyll and nitrogen content in leaves of recycled water-irrigated crops than tap water-irrigated crops. SE had 10.5% dry matter composition (tomato) and Tap had 10.7% (cabbage). Total leaf count of Tap/SE/ME was 86, 111, and 102 for tomato and 37, 40, and 42 for cabbage, respectively. In this study, the use of treated wastewater did not induce any photosynthetic-related or abiotic stress on the crops; instead, it promoted crop growth.

Investigating the synergistic impact of ozonated water irrigation and organic fertilization on tomato growth

This study presents the outcomes of an experimental investigation aimed at evaluating the combined impact of irrigating tomatoes with ozonated water and applying organic fertilization. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse equipped with an innovative ozonated water generation system. Tomato seeds were planted in 240 pots of 2-liter volume, arranged in 16 rows with 15 pots each. Alongside the native greenhouse topsoil, three distinct substrate mixtures incorporating compost compositions of 10%, 20%, and 40% were examined. Regular irrigation, twice a week, was implemented using three varying concentrations of dissolved ozone in water (1, 2, and 3 ppm). Results obtained after approximately three months of cultivation unveiled an almost twofold increase in plant productivity with ozonated water irrigation. This effect was notably pronounced when utilizing the native topsoil and a substrate containing 10% compost, coupled with an ozone concentration of 2 ppm. Intriguingly, the use of ozonated water facilitated enhanced development of both aerial and root components of the tomato plants. Moreover, the study suggests that organic fertilization may not be necessary when irrigating with ozonated water, as comparable productivity was observed for both fertilized and non-fertilized soil substrates. Although physicochemical analyses indicated minimal alterations, the noticeable improvement in plant vitality underscores the positive influence of ozone.

Experimental Study on the Soil Conditions for Rapeseed Transplanting for Blanket Seedling Combined Transplanter

To address the lack of available information on the soil physical conditions suitable for rapeseed blanket-shaped seedling transplanting, as well as the lack of protocols for the optimisation of soil tillage components in the utilisation of an integrated rapeseed blanket seedling combined transplanter, the physical parameters of different soil conditions and their impact on the growth of rapeseed after transplanting were investigated in this study. The aim was to determine the suitable soil physical parameters for rapeseed blanket-shaped seedling transplanting. First, the changes in soil firmness, soil bulk density, and soil moisture content during the installation of the rapeseed blanket seedling combined transplanter were tested and analysed, providing preliminary data for subsequent research. Using the variables of soil firmness and soil moisture content in the micro-environment around the roots and stems (30–50 mm) after rapeseed seedling transplantation and indicators such as the survival rate, root diameter, seedling height, and dry weight, an experiment on the growth of rapeseed blanket-shaped seedlings was conducted based on the furrow cutting transplanting principle. The results indicated that during the initial stage of rapeseed transplanting, the soil moisture content significantly influenced the vitality of the rapeseed plants. Under a high soil moisture content, the typically lengthy seedling period was shortened, and the effect on vitality was good, with minimal influence from the soil firmness. After seedling establishment, the rapeseed growth was significantly affected by the soil firmness. When the soil moisture content was less than 20%, increasing the soil firmness to 500 kPa was beneficial for moisture retention and rapeseed seedling growth. At a soil moisture content ranging from 20 to 25%, a soil firmness of 400 kPa was most suitable for both rapeseed vitality and late-stage growth. When the soil moisture content exceeded 25%, reducing the soil firmness to 300 kPa was beneficial for rapeseed growth, as an excessively high moisture content may lead to soil compaction, affecting seedling development. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing the design of soil tillage components in the application of an integrated rapeseed blanket seedling combined transplanter and for the high-yield management of rapeseed after transplanting.

Assessment of soil moisture stress induced variability in oil content and composition in mint species

In the delicate balance of plant vitality, moisture-stress emerges as a critical determinant. Its stifling impact on stomatal regulation and photosynthesis underscores its role in shaping agronomic outcomes and essential oil production. Addressing this challenge is imperative. Hence, the present investigation intended to find out the consequence of soil moisture on essential-oils content, and composition of three mint varieties. Experiment was setup with nine treatments from which the samples were collected at different times i.e., before and after irrigation. The study revealed noticeable variations in oil content across all species of mint family under increasing soil moisture stress. For instance, in M. spicata L., the oil content found between 0.37% and 0.57%, while in M. piperita L., it varied from 0.50% to 0.62%, and in M. citrata L., it spanned from 0.43% to 0.62% during the morning and afternoon measurements. The predominant compound in M. spicata L. was piperitone oxide (43.04%–80.94%), while M. piperita L. exhibited higher concentrations of menthol (31.30%–46.80%) and menthone (10.63%–26.48%). In contrast, M. citrata L. stood out as a notable source of linalool (0.0%–58.27%). These findings collectively indicate that variations in soil moisture-stress significantly impact both the quantity and composition of oils in these species.

Toward Precision Agriculture in Outdoor Vertical Greenery Systems (VGS): Monitoring and Early Detection of Stress Events

Vertical greenery systems (VGS) have been proposed as a nature-based solution to mitigate the adverse effects of urban heat islands and climate change in cities. However, large-scale VGS are costly and require ongoing maintenance, typically carried out manually through trial and error based on professional experience. Advanced management is essential for the sustainability of VGS due to its limited accessibility and associated costs. To address these challenges, we examined the use of remote sensing methods for outdoor VGS monitoring as a basis for a precision agriculture approach for VGS management and maintenance. This study presents the first ongoing monitoring of real-scale VGS using thermal, hyperspectral, and RGB vegetation indices. These indices were employed for the early detection of vegetation stress, focusing on two case studies exhibiting visible yellowing symptoms. Through the application of unsupervised classification techniques, stressed pixels were successfully detected 14–35 days before visual yellowing, achieving an accuracy of 0.85–0.91. Additionally, the thermal index provided valuable information regarding the spatial distribution of watering along the VGS. Stress maps based on noninvasive methods were demonstrated, forming the basis of a spatial decision support system capable of detecting issues related to plant vitality and VGS irrigation management.

The confinedness of undergrowth Picea obovata and Abies sibirica (Pinaceae) to tree-related microhabitats and their development features at various phases of post-fire succession in green-moss dark coniferous forests in the Northern Pre-Urals

Forest ecology frequently explores the role of microsite mosaics in forest communities for the regeneration of forest-forming tree species. The present study aims to find out whether the ontogenetic structure and differentiation of Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) and Siberian fir (Abies sibirica) undergrowth plants by the plant vitality are associated with their occurrence on various microsites. The study has been carried out in the Pechora-Ilych State Nature Biosphere Reserve, Russia. In green-moss fir-spruce forests, 23 temporary sample plots were established, including 1) forest communities of the intermediate phase of post-fire succession (in areas where fires happened in 1850–1900) and 2) forest communities of the late phase (in areas where there were no fires, at least since the mid-XIX century). On the study plots, P. obovata and A. sibirica undergrowth individuals were recorded indicating ontogenetic state, vitality and microsite substrate for each plant. Using the Z-criterion, a comparison of the occurrence frequencies (%) of various undergrowth groups of P. obovata and A. sibirica on various microsites has been carried out, i.e. within each species and between the studied species, as well as at each phase of post-fire succession and between the phases. The analysis showed that, in communities of both succession phases in both species, undergrowth plants of ontogenetic state im2 occurred on deadwood logs less frequently than the undergrowth plants of the earlier ontogenetic state im1. At the same time, in both species on the flat ground surface an opposite occurrence trend for these ontogenetic states was revealed. In communities of the late succession phase, A. sibirica undergrowth plants of the ontogenetic state im2 and normal vitality occurred on a flat ground surface within inter-crown sites more frequently than plants of reduced and low vitality. A comparison between the species showed that in forest communities of both succession phases, A. sibirica undergrowth plants of im1 and im2 ontogenetic states more frequently occupy flat ground surface than deadwood logs, whereas P. obovata undergrowth plants more frequently grow on deadwood logs than on the flat ground surface. In addition, in communities of the intermediate succession phase, A. sibirica undergrowth is more likely than P. obovata to be found in the under-crown sites (especially on a flat ground surface). In communities of the late succession phase, A. sibirica undergrowth more often grows in under-crown sites on the near-trunk elevations of living trees. In both species, 40–50% of im2 plants of low vitality grow in inter-crown sites. To clarify the influence of the microsite mosaics on the regeneration processes in the studied forests, more detailed and large-scale studies are further needed, which will allow us obtaining more representative samples of undergrowth plants at various ontogenetic states.

Effect of rate of biofertilizers on growth and development of spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L.)

This research delves into the utilization of biofertilizers as a sustainable substitute for conventional chemical fertilizers, offering multifaceted advantages for soil fertility, plant vitality, and ecological equilibrium. The study investigates the effects of different application rates of biofertilizers on various growth parameters, nutrient assimilation efficiency, yield components, and physiological responses in spinach cultivation. A series of experimental trials were conducted to evaluate the impacts of biofertilizer treatments, comprising vermicompost, Azotobacter, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), on spinach plants. The results indicate that combined application of biofertilizers significantly enhances key parameters including plant height, leaf area, shoot biomass, root biomass, nutrient assimilation efficiency, yield components, and physiological responses compared to conventional fertilizer practices and control groups. Correlation and regression analyses reveal strong positive relationships between levels of biofertilizer application and various growth metrics, nutrient assimilation efficiency, yield components, and physiological responses. Furthermore, ANOVA results confirm the statistical significance of differences among treatment groups, highlighting the efficacy of biofertilizers in promoting spinach growth and productivity. Economic evaluations suggest that despite higher initial costs, the use of biofertilizers results in increased spinach yields, making it a financially viable and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional fertilization methods.

İki Amerikan Asma Anacının Kuraklık Stresine Toleransının PEG Uygulaması ile Belirlenmesi

Objective: This study was conducted to establish the in vivo protocol for the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) in 5BB (V. berlandieri x V. riparia) and 1103P (V. berlandieri x V. rupestris) American grapevine rootstocks, as well as to determine the plants' resilience to artificially induced drought stress.
 Materials and Methods: The experimental design of this study was planned as a randomized complete plot design with 3 replications, each consisting of 10 plants. Polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) was administered to the plants in each irrigation at doses of 0%, 2%, 4%, 8%, and 16%, based on the percentage of irrigation water. The application lasted for a total of 3 weeks. The study investigated the responses of plants to drought in terms of shoot development parameters (shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, shoot length, node and leaf number, leaf area, shoot tolerance ratio), root development parameters (root fresh weight, root number, rooting rate, root tolerance ratio, root length), and physiological development parameters (plant vitality, damage degree, leaf turgor weight, chlorophyll content, ion flux, and cell membrane damage rate).
 Results: When examining the findings of the study, it was observed that polyethylene glycol material retained water, reducing the plant's water uptake and consequently creating artificial drought stress. The impact of drought induced by polyethylene glycol revealed that the 1103P rootstock exhibited higher resilience in shoot development parameters compared to the 5BB rootstock. On the contrary, the 5BB rootstock outperformed the 1103P rootstock in root development parameters. Concerning physiological development parameters, the severity of drought led to a significant decrease in plant vitality, chlorophyll content, and leaf turgor weight, while ion flux, cell membrane damage rate, and damage degree increased significantly to critical levels.
 Conclusion: As a result of the research, the 1103P rootstock was found to be more successful in terms of shoot and physiological development under drought conditions, while the 5BB rootstock was found to be more successful in terms of root development parameters. Compared to other cultivation environments (in vitro, hydroponics), it was determined that polyethylene glycol (PEG) had a less pronounced effect at lower doses due to the difficulty of binding PEG in the soil. However, when compared to control plants, statistically significant differences were observed in the examined traits. Regarding the parameters investigated in this study, the 16% PEG concentration used was identified as the most effective dose in triggering drought stress.

Recent Applications of Flavin-Dependent Monooxygenases in Biosynthesis, Pharmaceutical Development, and Environmental Science

Flavin-dependent monooxygenases (FMOs) have raised substantial interest as catalysts in monooxygenation reactions, impacting diverse fields such as drug metabolism, environmental studies, and natural product synthesis. Their application in biocatalysis boasts several advantages over conventional chemical catalysis, such as heightened selectivity, safety, sustainability, and eco-friendliness. In the realm of biomedicine, FMOs are pivotal in antibiotic research, significantly influencing the behavior of natural products, antimicrobial agents, and the pathways critical to drug synthesis They are also underscored as potential pharmaceutical targets, pivotal in opposing disease progression and viable for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, FMOs play a substantial role in environmental science, especially in pesticide processing and in preserving plant vitality. Their involvement in the biosynthesis of compounds like polyethers, tropolones, and ω-hydroxy fatty acids, with remarkable regio- and stereoselectivity, renders them indispensable in drug discovery and development. As our comprehension of FMOs’ catalytic mechanisms and structures advances, through the use of cutting-edge biotechnologies like computational design and directed evolution, FMOs are poised to occupy an increasingly significant role in both scientific exploration and industrial applications.