Plant Dry Matter Research Articles

Quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage in relation to plant dry matter content

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage with varying contents of dry matter (DM) and stored for 90 days. The quality of this grass was evaluated through the lens of a variety of physiochemical properties (e.g., chemical composition, aerobic stability, pH, microbial profile, etc.). A completely randomized design was used with four treatments (in natura, 400, 500, and 600 g kg-1 DM) and five replicates. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest DM haylage (p < 0.01) and soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.01). Treatment in natura resulted in the highest O2concentration inside the bales (p < 0.01), whereas treatments with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM resulted in the highest CO2 values. The highest acetic acid concentrations of 36.4 ± 1.6, 38.2±1.6, and 48.9 ± 1.6 g kg-1 DM (p < 0.01) were observed post the in natura, 500 g kg-1 DM, and 600 g kg-1 DM treatments, respectively. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest pH value at hour zero (p < 0.01). Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM produced the highest quality haylage. Highlights: Haylage can be defined as stored pre-dried forage with a dry matter (DM) content of approximately 400 to 800 g/kg. Aerobic stability was affected by the interaction between the different plant DM contents and hours of exposure of the Tanzania grass haylage to air after opening the bales. Haylage surface temperature has a linear relationship with the length of time the materials are exposed to air. Higher plant DM yields Tanzania grass haylage of high quality. Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM for haylage production is indicated.

Potensi Peningkatan Hasil Jagung Manis (Zea Mays Saccharata Sturt) Melalui Kombinasi Dosis Pupuk Nitrogen dan Kalium

This study aims to obtain the right dosage of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers as well as the interaction between nitrogen and potassium in increasing the growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata). This study used a factorial randomized block design consisting of 2 treatment factors, namely nitrogen and potassium fertilizer treatment, with 3 replications. Factor I Nitrogen fertilizer treatment with the dose: N0: Without nitrogen fertilizer (control), N1: Nitrogen fertilizer 150 kg/ha Urea, N2: Nitrogen fertilizer 300 kg/ha Urea. Factor II Potassium Fertilizer : K0 : Without Potassium Fertilizer (control), KI : Potassium Fertilizer 200 kg/ha K2O, K2 : Potassium Fertilizer 300 kg/ha K2O. The parameters observed in this study were plant height (cm), cob length (cm), cob weight (grams), cob diameter (grams) and dry chestnut weight (grams). The results of the analysis of variance showed that the treatment of nitrogen fertilizers and potassium fertilizers had a significant to very significant effect on all observed variables. The interaction of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers had a significant effect on cob weight and had a very significant effect on plant height, cob diameter and dry matter weight and had no significant effect on cob length.

Agronomic Performance, Yield, and Nutritional Value of Grasses Affected by Agroecological Settings in Ethiopia

One of the major limiting factors of livestock production in Ethiopia is the very low quantity and quality of livestock feeds supplied in the country. This calls for seeking forages that complement poor quality feeds in the country. Hence, the target of this article was to compare three types of grass agronomic performance, yield, and chemical composition under three different agroecologies and three harvesting dates (60, 90, and 120 days). The field experiment was carried out in selected three districts in 2017/2018 in the main cropping season. The treatments were laid out in a factorial RCBD (the randomized complete block design) arrangement with three replications. The treatments contained the combinations of three altitudes and three harvesting dates. Agronomic, yield, and chemical composition data were collected from the current study and subjected to analysis of variance procedures with a P < 0.05 significance test. In most agronomical and chemical compositions, the interactions of altitudes and harvesting dates were significant for all tested grasses (Mulato II, Napier, and Rhodes grasses). The highest plant height (PH) and dry matter yield (DMY) by Napier and the number of tillers per plant (NTPP) by Mulato II were recorded. There were significant values ( P < 0.05 ) for DMY and CP for all grasses at the interactions of harvesting dates and altitudes. The significant difference in DMY was observed as the harvesting date advanced, but CP was contrariwise. Of all tested species, the highest crude protein value and the least value of NDF and ADF (best forage quality parameters) were recorded by Mulato II. Thus, the results of this study revealed that Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato II has great potential to fulfil the demands for quality feeds for livestock production, especially at low altitudes. Nevertheless, in areas where, Napier and Rhodes grass are available, they can be alternative forage for Mulato II grass. Generally, for effective utilization of the tested grasses, the comparative feed value for animals must be conducted.

Remote Monitoring of Crop Nitrogen Nutrition to Adjust Crop Models: A Review

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is a central issue to address regarding the nitrogen (N) uptake by crops, and can be improved by applying the correct dose of fertilizers at specific points in the fields according to the plants status. The N nutrition index (NNI) was developed to diagnose plant N status. However, its determination requires destructive, time-consuming measurements of plant N content (PNC) and plant dry matter (PDM). To overcome logistical and economic problems, it is necessary to assesses crop NNI rapidly and non-destructively. According to the literature which we reviewed, it, as well as PNC and PDM, can be estimated using vegetation indices obtained from remote sensing. While sensory techniques are useful for measuring PNC, crop growth models estimate crop N requirements. Research has indicated that the accuracy of the estimate is increased through the integration of remote sensing data to periodically update the model, considering the spatial variability in the plot. However, this combination of data presents some difficulties. On one hand, at the level of remote sensing is the identification of the most appropriate sensor for each situation, and on the other hand, at the level of crop growth models is the estimation of the needs of crops in the interest stages of growth. The methods used to couple remote sensing data with the needs of crops estimated by crop growth models must be very well calibrated, especially for the crop parameters and for the environment around this crop. Therefore, this paper reviews currently available information from Google Scholar and ScienceDirect to identify studies relevant to crops N nutrition status, to assess crop NNI through non-destructive methods, and to integrate the remote sensing data on crop models from which the cited articles were selected. Finally, we discuss further research on PNC determination via remote sensing and algorithms to help farmers with field application. Although some knowledge about this determination is still necessary, we can define three guidelines to aid in choosing a correct platform.

Physiological response of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) to foliar applied kaolin under irrigation in Sudan savanna of Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted during the hot, dry season of 2019 in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria to evaluate the effect of foliar-applied antitranspirant (kaolin) on growth, yield, and yield components of irrigated soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture Bayero University, Kano and Irrigation Research Station, Kadawa, Kano, under the Institute for Agricultural Research Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna, represented the two locations. Treatments consisted of two varieties of soybean (TGX1835-10E and TGX1955-4F), three growth stages of foliar applied kaolin, and four application rates (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% w/v %). The factors were laid out in a split-split-plot design and replicated three times. Varieties were allocated to main plots, growth stages of foliar-applied kaolin in subplots, and kaolin rates in sub-subplots. Cultural practices, soil physical and chemical analysis, and irrigation were conducted. Data collected from physiological parameters included intercepted photosynthetically active radiation, leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and plant dry matter (g), were subjected to analysis of variance using Statistix-10 and significant means of treatments were separated using Tukey HSD at a 5% level of probability. The result revealed that variety and foliar applied kaolin at growth stages and its rates significantly affected the physiological parameters of irrigated soybeans. The highest physiological responses were recorded from TGX1955-4F and lower from the variety TGX1835-10E. Foliar applied kaolin at pod initiation, and kaolin rates of 3 and 6% indicated the highest effect on measured physiological parameters and grain yield.

Effects of Reduced Tillage on Dynamic Soil Properties and Winter Triticale Performance in Organic Farm at Wageningen, the Netherlands

There is an increased need of identifying reduced tillage method that improves soil organic matter and soil fertility and at the same time best crop performance in organic farming. This study assessed the effects of organically managed reduced tillage and conventional tillage on dynamic soil properties and winter triticale performance. Organic farm that has been treated with three different tillage systems for six consecutive years was used in this study at Drovendaal organic facility of Wageningen University and Research. The tillage systems included two reduced tillage NIT at 10 cm and ECO up to 20 cm deep and CON at a depth of 30 cm. The parameters evaluated are soil physico-chemical properties, leaf area index (LAI), plant dry matter, ear number per area, plant height and chlorophyll content (SPAD) at ear formation stage . Use of NIT led to higher SOM and N-NO3 of 13.03 mg kg-1 at 0-10 cm soil depth. Also, shallow soil depths had lower bulk density and penetration resistance compared to deeper depths but NIT had higher penetration resistance in all soil depths compared to ECO and CON. Based on crop performance, ECO and CON revealed a better crop performance than NIT. Therefore, ECO having intermediate potentials in soil properties and crop performance could be the right tillage system for organic crop production compared to NIT and CON. Moreover, ECO will be a suitable tillage system that improves soil fertility, mitigates greenhouse gases and at the same time influence high crop performance.

Growth, yield productivity, and oil composition of two Amaranthus species grown under two different environmental conditions in Egypt

AbstractAmaranthus plants are very rich in nutritional benefits with significant traditional uses especially against inflammations. Herein, the growth productivity, oil quality, and compositions of the two promising novel food resources, Amaranthus caudatus and Amaranthus tricolor, were evaluated in two different locations in Egypt (El‐Sharkia and El‐Minia) which have different geographical regions. Analyses of geographic positions, climatic data, and soil characteristics of the two locations were evaluated. Plant heights, number of branches/plant, seed yield, and inflorescence length of the two plant species were studied in both locations. Additionally, the seed oil yields along with their gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) profiles were characterized. The findings revealed a significant difference between the two locations, with a strong correlation between the yields and the climate conditions. The two plant species cultivated in El‐Minia showed significant records of overall growth indicators than El‐Sharkia. A worthy variability in the oil yields and composition of El‐Minia samples exhibited higher contents of dry matter in both plants (89.01 and 89.03 g/100 g dry tissues, respectively) than those of El‐Sharkia. Amaranthus caudatus cultivated in El‐Sharkia showed higher lipids components (7.02 g/100 g dry seeds) and saturated (19.13 g/100 g dry seeds) and unsaturated fatty acids (61.32 g/100 g) than those of El‐Minia site. In addition, A. tricolor cultivated in El‐Sharkia contained higher lipids contents (6.87 g/100 g) and unsaturated fatty acids (61.75 g/100 g dry seeds) than El‐Minia with the supremacy of El‐Minia samples in saturated fatty acids (19.03 g/100 g dry seeds). A strong correlation between the lipids and fatty acids of A. caudatus and A. tricolor was determined, and the cultivation locations and conditions were found based upon the GC–MS analysis as well as statistical significance.

The future role of MFCs in biomass energy

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are an emerging green technology which offers several comparative advantages over other technologies for utilizing biomass. It is a technology that treats (cleans) wet organic waste, converting chemical energy to electricity that is used for connected peripherals and target applications. The main advantage is the technology’s ability to utilise wet biomass in suspension or in solution (i.e., too wet to burn) and change the biomass directly into bioenergy in the form of electricity. All other technologies either combust the biomass directly (e.g., wood fuel) or change the biomass into refined fuels which are then combusted or fed to chemical fuel cells to generate heat or electricity. Excluding methane production from biomass, and fermentation leading to hydrogen production, all other biomass/biofuel technologies utilize dry plant matter, which mainly consists of cellulose or lignocellulose and they cannot directly utilize sludge or slurries of organic detritus material. The substrates used for MFCs are not traditionally made into organic fuels, as with other biomass technologies, but are used directly as fuel, recasting the “waste” suspensions and solutions, and promoting them into fuels themselves. To a stack of MFCs, a polluted river, landfill leachate or farmland run-off, can all be reassigned as fuel. This wet fuel is widespread around the planet, the amounts found and the energy contained within are significant, and the cost as a fuel is close to zero. This review gives a general overview of biomass energy along with extraction techniques and compares advantages and disadvantages of MFCs with other biomass technologies for producing electrical energy.

Growth, Yield and Profitability of Summer Country Bean (Lablab Purpureus L.) As Influenced by Exogenous Application of Plant Growth Regulators

A field experiment on summer country been (var. BARI Shim-7) was conducted at the Research Field of Plant Physiology Section of Horticulture Research Center, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur, during the summer season of 2018 and 2019 to study the effect of exogenously applied plant growth regulators (PGRs) on growth, yield and profitability of the crop. The experiment was consisted of four levels of NAA (15, 30, 45 and 60 ppm), three of CCC (200, 300 and 400 ppm), two of GA3 (20 and 30 ppm) and tap water as control. Average results of two years showed that all growth regulators performed better in respect of all characters studied over control. At 1st fruit set vine length (3.15 m) and number of leaves/plant (327.96), at last harvest stem girth (24.53 mm) and vine length (4.89 m), and plant dry matter (17.24%), number of pods/cluster (6.41), pod length (8.78 cm), number of pods/plant (351.30), individual pod weight (6.26 g) and pod set (38.13%) were the maximum in 60 ppm NAA followed by 45 ppm NAA and 200 ppm CCC. The maximum mean pod yield (10.65 t/ha) was obtained with the application of 60 ppm NAA closely followed by 45 ppm NAA (10.50 t/ha). Application of 200 ppm CCC also produced higher pod yield (8.75 t/ha) than that of control. Application of 60 ppm NAA also gave the maximum gross return (Tk. 532500/ha), gross margin (Tk. 3361248/ha) and BCR (3.11).
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(1): 13-22, March 2022

Response of Lime and Phosphorus Application on Groundnut Growth, Yield and Soil Enzyme Activities in Acidic Soil of North Eastern India

ABSTRACT Soils in the north east Indian region are acidic in nature due to high rainfall and proper soil management is required where the common deficiencies like P, Ca and Mg have to be alleviated for a successful groundnut production. To test the effect of lime and phosphorus on groundnut yield and soil health, we conducted a field experiment during kharif season of 2014 and 2015 in ICAR RC NEH, Mizoram center farm (soil pH 5.1) using three levels of lime (0, 500 and 1000 kg CaCO3 ha‒ 1) and phosphorus (0, 25 and 50 kg ha‒ 1). Pooled data of lime and P application significantly improved the plant height and dry matter production per plant. Lime application improved number of pods by 14.8% and 26.1%, weight of pods by 19% and 30%, test weight by 5%, 8.7%, shelling percentage by 6.1%, 13% and pod yield by 26.5% and 63%. Lime application significantly raised the soil pH from 5.17 to 5.26 (L500) and 5.4 (L1000), subsequently increasing available nutrients like N, P and K whereas P @ 50 kg ha‒ 1 improved the available P status. Lime application negatively affect acid phosphatase activity while increasing the activity alkaline phosphatase, arylsulphatase, β‒glucosidase and dehydrogenase by 14.4% and 21%, 4% and 21%, 18.25% and 20.4% and 43.2% while P application decrease the acid phosphatase enzyme activity by 3 and 4.4%. Overall, multivariate PCA analysis suggests that liming has a significant role in improving soil health and groundnut productivity in acidic soil of Mizoram.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Funaria hygrometrica Hedw. and their effects on the growth of Zea mays seedlings.

The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is an important step in developing eco-friendly and environmentally stable tools for ameliorating crop growth. In the current study, AgNPs were synthesized using Funaria hygrometrica and characterized using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The UV spectrum showed an absorption peak at 450 nm. SEM revealed an irregular and spherical morphology, FTIR spectroscopy indicated the presence of various functional groups, while XRD displayed peaks at 45.24°, 38.17°, 44.34°, 64.54°, and 57.48° 2θ. The effects of the F. hygrometrica-mediated AgNPs on maize growth and germination were assessed at 0, 100, 300, and 500 ppm. The germination percentage and relative germination rate were increased to 95% ± 1.83% and 100% ± 2.48% at 100 ppm of synthesized AgNPs and then declined at 300 and 500 ppm. The length, fresh weight, and dry matter of the root, shoot, and seedlings were highest at 100 ppm NPs. The plant height, root length, and dry matter stress tolerance indices were also the highest (112.3%, 118.7%, and 138.20% compared with the control) at 100 ppm AgNPs. Moreover, the growth of three maize varieties, that is, NR-429, NR-449, and Borlog, were assessed at 0, 20, 40, and 60 ppm F. hygrometrica-AgNPs. The results indicated the highest root and shoot length at 20 ppm AgNPs. In conclusion, seed priming with AgNPs enhances the growth and germination of maize and can ameliorate crop production globally. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Funaria hygrometrica Hedw.-mediated AgNPs were synthesized and characterized. Biogenic AgNPs influenced the growth and germination of maize seedlings. All growth parameters were highest at 100 ppm synthesized NPs.

Nitrogen nutrition diagnosis and estimation of seed cotton yield based on critical nitrogen concentration for drip irrigation cotton in Southern Xinjiang, China.

The stability and adaptability of the critical nitrogen concentration in drip-irrigated cotton fields in Southern Xinjiang were investigated by measuring the nitrogen uptake (Nuptake), nitrogen nutrition index (NNI), and accumulated nitrogen deficit (Nand). A two-year field study was conducted using five nitrogen levels (0, 75, 150, 300, and 450 kg·hm-2), with cotton cultivars 'Xinluzhong55' and 'Xinluzhong78' as the test materials. We analyzed the effects of nitrogen addition on plant dry matter (PDM) and critical nitrogen concentration dilution curves (PNCc). The Nuptake, NNI, and Nand models as well as a model of the relationships between NNI, Nand, and the relative seed cotton yield (RY) were established based on the PNCc for both cultivars. The results showed that the PNCc, maximum nitrogen concentration (PNCmax), and minimum nitrogen concentration (PNCmin) dilution models in drip-irrigated cotton showed power function relationships with plant dry matter (PDM), with determination coefficients (R2) of 0.905 and 0.960, 0.919 and 0.950, 0.934 and 0.969 for Xinluzhong55 and Xinluzhong78, respectively. Model validation with independent experimental data showed that the critical nitrogen concentrations in cotton grown under drip-irrigated conditions were simulated satisfactorily. The Xinluzhong55 and Xinluzhong78 1:1 line R2, root mean square error (RMSE) and relative estimation error (RE) of the simulated and observed critical nitrogen concentrations were 0.987, 0.051 g·kg-1, 1.95% and 0.984, 0.044 g·kg-1, 1.91%, respectively, showing good stability and adaptability between the two years. According to the Nuptake, NNI, and Nand model, we concluded that 300 kg·hm-2 was the optimum level of nitrogen application in drip-irrigated cotton in Southern Xinjiang. Based on the fitting results of nitrogen level and seed cotton yield, the theoretical appropriate nitrogen applications for Xinluzhong55 and Xinluzhong78 were 322.7 and 336.4 kg·hm-2, respectively. The R2 of NNI, Nand and RY in different growth stages were greater than 0.900, the NNI, Nand and RY estimation model of seed cotton yield based on 1:1 lines of R2, RMSE, and RE were 0.899-0.989, 0.05-0.13, and 4.1%-9.9% and 0.902-0.981, 0.04-0.12, and 5.1%-9.5%, all of which were highly significant. These results could provide new directions for the evaluation and diagnosis of optimum nitrogen application levels and nitrogen status, as well as the estimation of seed cotton yield in drip-irrigated cotton in Southern Xinjiang.

Effects of water use efficiency on plant dry matter in NERICA and Japanese rice cultivars under drought conditions

NERICA (New Rice for Africa) was produced by crossing Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) and African rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud.) and recorded to be drought tolerance. This study aimed to examine the transpiration and water use efficiency affected plant aboveground dry matter in total 29 cultivars including 23 NERICA, 1 indica-type and 5 japonica-type cultivars. Seedlings were transplanted 2 plants per pot (1/5000 a Wagner pot) on June 14, 2021. When the flag leaf appeared, three water treatments with three replications were imposed for 14 days. The control plot (C) was watered daily to maintain the water content per pot at field capacity (SW). The water content of medium dry pots (MD) and hard dry pots (HD) were maintained at 40% and 10% of SW, respectively. Surface of the pots was covered to eliminate the evaporation. Samples for dry matter measurement were collected on the same day starting and ending water treatment. Water use efficiency (WUE) was significantly different among cultivars when soil moisture treatments were included, and the same observation on soil moisture treatments when included cultivars. NERICA 4 showed the lowest WUE while NERICA 9 and Hokuriku 193 had the highest WUE. Cultivars with higher transpiration rate (Tr) had higher dry matter production (ΔDW). Under high vapor pressure deficit, ΔDW was more correlated with transpiration corrected by vapor pressure deficit (Tr/VD) than with WUE.

The effect of foliar application of amino acids on some nutritional properties, antioxidant capacity and some other physiologic parameters of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.), Taishan ‘Yellow’ and ‘Orange’

African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is one of the most well-known ornamental, medicinal and edible flowers in the world. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with 20 treatments in 3 replications, 60 plots and 5 plants per plot were conducted in order to investigate the effect of amino acids on growth, nutritional parameters and antioxidant capacity in African marigold. Experimental treatments included two cultivars of African marigold (‘Yellow’ and ‘Orange’) and foliar application of three amino acids (arginine, glutamine and proline) each one at three levels (100, 500 and 1000 μM). Distilled water was used as control. The results showed that the application of amino acids increased plant height, display life, fresh weight and dry matter of flower, leaf total chlorophyll and petal carotenoid compared to the control in both African marigold cultivars. Petal protein content and malondialdehyde (MDA) were not affected by the above treatments, but the use of amino acids, especially arginine and proline, increased proline and calcium, zinc and iron in the petals of both African marigold cultivars. Treatments of 100 μM arginine and 1000 μM proline induced the highest vitamin C in both African marigold cultivars. In ‘Orange’ cultivar, the highest enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) belonged to 1000 μM proline and the highest peroxidase (POD) activity belonged to two treatments of 100 μM arginine and 1000 μM proline. In ‘Yellow’ cultivar, all three levels of arginine and proline together with 1000 μM glutamine significantly increased SOD and POD activity compared to other treatments. Also, the highest APX enzyme activity was recorded for 100 μM arginine. The results of the present study showed that external application of amino acids, especially arginine and proline, improved the nutritional properties of both African marigold cultivars by increasing the activity of antioxidants.

Microbial Solution of Growth-Promoting Bacteria Sprayed on Monoammonium Phosphate for Soybean and Corn Production

Common fertilizers present a low use efficiency caused by nutrient losses (e.g., through leaching, volatilization, adsorption, and precipitation in solution as well as through microbial reduction and immobilization) that create a significant limiting factor in crop production. Inoculation with Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) is presented as an alternative to increasing fertilizer efficiency. The goal of the study was to test the hypothesis that PGPB (solution with Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus pumilus) can be a strategy to increase the monoammonium phosphate (MAP) efficiency, root growth, and nutrient assimilation of soybean and corn cultivated in arenosol and oxisol. A greenhouse study was developed with the rates of PGPB (rates: 0, 1, 1.33, and 1.66–2.0 L per ton of fertilizer) sprayed on MAP and applied in an arenosol and oxisol cultivated with soybean and corn. Results showed that in both soils and crops, there was a variation in soil biological activity during the experiment. On day 45, PGPB + MAP promoted the beta-glucosidase and ammonium-oxidizing microorganism activities in the arenosol. The PGPB + MAP increased crop root growth in both soils and crops. Plant dry matter was associated with the phosphorous content in the soil, indicating that the phosphorous applied was absorbed by the plants, consequently resulting in a higher accumulation in the plant. Based on the results, the conclusion is that PGPB + MAP increases the growth and phosphorous accumulation of soybean and corn cultivated in the arenosol and oxisol, with a direct effect on crop rooting.

Effect of Tytanit on selected morphological, physiological and chemical characteristics of Lolium multiflorum dry matter

The aim of the study was the determination the effect of foliar application of growth regulator containing Ti (Tytanit®), on Lolium multiflorum morphometry, photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll content and chemical composition of dry matter. A pot experiment was carried out in a plant breeding room of Siedlce University, Poland, in 2019. The experimental units were as follows: I) control – plants sprayed with distilled water; II) plants sprayed with 0.02% Tytanit concentration; III) plants sprayed with 0.04% Tytanit concentration; IV) plants sprayed with 0.06% Tytanit concentration. The following parameters were determined: the shoots number, the number and the length of leaf blades, the length of roots, the dry weight of roots, the dry weight of plants per pot and the content of chlorophyll a and b in leaf blades. In addition, maximum and actual efficiency of the leaf photosystem, photochemical and non- photochemical quenching coefficients and the content of total protein, crude fibre, monosaccharides, crude fat, crude ash, Ca, Mg, P, K and the ratio of K/(Ca + Mg), and Ca/P in the dry matter of plants were determined. Used in controlled conditions, the regulator contributed to the growth of most morphological characteristics, improved photosynthetic activity, increased the concentration of chlorophyll a and b, and

Perbedaan Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Kacang Faba (Vicia faba L.) karena Faktor Lokasi Tanam dan Populasi Tanaman

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a highland legume having potential for soil conservation. Upscaling faba bean cultivation requires initial inquiry on its growth and yield. In this research, we have investigated faba bean’s growth and yield in different location (high tunnel and open field) under different population density (1, 2, and 3 plants per pot). We found that interaction between location and population has significant effect on number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, shoot root ratio, and pods weight. Location and population independently have significant effect on plant height, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight. Cultivation in tunnel, be it in narrow and large planting density, has resulted in higher plants, heavier shoot dry matter, yet lighter root dry matter. Meanwhile, growing single seed per pot has resulted in higher plant and heavier root dry matter. This was applicable in both tunnel and open field. We did not find different chlorophyll content among treatments, therefore we concluded that location and population did not influence leave chlorophyll.

Salinity Threshold of Tall Wheatgrass for Cultivation in Coastal Saline and Alkaline Land

Tall wheatgrass (Elytrigia elongata) has the potential to be utilized on marginal land, such as coastal saline-alkaline soils, to meet rising ruminant feed demand. However, the salinity threshold for cultivation of tall wheatgrass remains unclear, which restricts its extensive application. Here, a tall wheatgrass line, Zhongyan 1, was grown in saline-alkaline soils in the Yellow River Delta region to determine its salinity threshold. The results showed that the soil salinity of AM = 1.23, measured with a PNT3000 activity meter, led to only 5% dead plants of tall wheatgrass. Four grades of seedling plants were classified according to the morphological response of Zhongyan 1 to saline soils. The soil salinity declined while the survival rate and forage yield increased from grade 1 to grade 4 plants. Plant height and dry matter yield were negatively related to soil salinity. When the salinity in the soil depth of 0–10 cm was over 1%, the survival rate of tall wheatgrass declined dramatically with the increase in soil salinity. Under saline-alkaline stress, the plant height during 12–31 May was positively related to forage yield, which can be used as an indicator of productivity. The tall type (70–120 cm) produced 5627.2 kg ha−1 of dry matter, which was 3.32 times that of the dwarf type (20–69 cm). The forage yield of tall wheatgrass in saline-alkaline land was largely affected by the proportion of highly saline soil. Collectively, the soil salinity of 1% at a depth of 0–10 cm and the AM values of 1.23 measured with a PNT3000 activity meter can be used as the salinity threshold for cultivation of tall wheatgrass in coastal saline-alkaline land.

Influence of Cultivar, Harvest Date, and Selected Weather Conditions on the Essential Oils Content in Inflorescences of Hemp Cannabis sativa L

ABSTRACT In the presented research work, the impact of two harvesting dates, temperature, and precipitation on the content of essential oils in inflorescences of three hemp cultivars in fresh and dry plant matter was assessed. Plants were harvested at full flowering and at full hemp seeds maturity. The highest content of essential oils in the dry matter of inflorescences was characteristic of the “Białobrzeskie” cultivar in full flowering, and the smallest of the ”Zołotonowska 13” cultivar, regardless of the harvest date. When the harvest was delayed from full flowering to full maturity, the content of essential oils in the fresh mass of the inflorescence increased. On the basis of the obtained results, it was concluded that the content of essential oils in hemp in the dry matter of inflorescence is determined mainly by the cultivar, while the harvest date and the influence of various weather factors modify these values. On the other hand, the content of essential oils in the fresh mass of the inflorescence depends mainly on the harvest date – the closer to full maturity, the higher their content.

Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen—Inert Drugs or Potential Environmental Hazard?

Ibuprofen (IBU) and ketoprofen (KET) are among the world’s most popular and widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Due to their high usage, these drugs have entered the environment, including the soil, and, like any other chemical compound, can have a negative effect on it. Therefore, an attempt was made to evaluate the effects of these two popular drugs on soil bacteria and fungi, the bivalve crustaceans (Heterocipris incongruens) and the growth and development of spring barley. The tested drugs did not show any negative effects on the total bacterial abundance. Effects were observed on the growth and survival of H. incongruens and on the abundance of fungi in the soil at the highest concentrations tested. The presence of IBU and KET in the soil in which spring barley was cultivated caused an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD); an increase in the content of proline and ascorbic acid (AsA) in the seedlings of this grain; and a decrease in the yield of fresh plant weight, especially at the application of concentrations of 100 and 1000 mg·kg−1 of soil’s dry weight (DW). Effects on barley seed germination potential and germination capacity, plant dry matter content, assimilation pigment content and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also observed at the highest concentrations.