Dry Biomass Production Research Articles

Technosols Made from Iron Mine Tailings and Construction and Demolition Waste as an Alternative for Sustainable Solid Waste Management

ABSTRACTBrazil faces urgent environmental challenges due to large waste production from mining and construction activities particularly regarding the disposal and management of the solid waste generated by these activities. The extraction of iron ore and the storage of tailings in dams, most of which are at imminent risk of rupture, represent foretold environmental disasters. Additionally, the disposal of construction waste raises environmental concerns due to the decreasing vailability of inert landfill space. To address these challenges, we evaluated the potential of Technosols made from construction and demolition waste (CDW) and iron mining tailing (IMT) in different proportions (60:40, 70:30, 80:20, and 100% of IMT and CDW, respectively) to support grass development. The Technosols were compared to a natural soil (Haplic Ferralsol). The soils were cultivated with Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in a field experiment conducted for 120 days. At the end of experiment, soil samples were collected and analyzed their chemical, physical, and mineralogical attributes, while plants were analyzed for dry biomass. Plants cultivated in Technosols exhibited dry biomass production 3.3‐fold (825 ± 270 g) greater than those cultivated in the natural soil (251 ± 77 g). Higher biomass production in the Technosols, especially in the TEC70:30, was associated with the favorable chemical conditions of these soils, such as slightly neutral pH (~7.5), higher cation exchange capacity (68.1 ± 12.4 mmol dm−3) and nutrient availability, especially Ca and P (57.8 ± 0.8 and 28.2 ± 0.4 mmol dm−3, respectively). These results aim to provide insights for the effective use of different Technosols in mitigating environmental impacts and promoting sustainable land and waste management practices, primarily to prevent future environmental disasters.

Cross‐Generational Effect of Water Deficit Priming on Physiology of Peanut Plants Under Water Stress

ABSTRACTWater deficit priming through regulated deficit irrigation has been shown to be beneficial for peanut cultivation, leading to improved water‐use efficiency during the crop cycle and enhanced stress acclimation. The effects of priming using water deficit can be heritable, but little is known about stress priming effects on the physiology and growth of successive generations undergoing water stress. Two experiments were conducted to assess cross‐generational priming by determining physiological and growth responses of offspring of primed and non‐primed peanut plants of two genotypes, COC‐041 and New Mexico Valencia C (NMV‐C), both previously found to be strongly responsive to priming. Seeds were collected from parental plants subjected to mild water stress by regulated deficit irrigation (primed) or adequate irrigation (non‐primed). These seeds were then planted, and the offspring were monitored for physiological and growth responses to water stress, including on a whole‐plant basis using a high‐throughput physiological phenotyping platform and on individual leaves by periodic single‐leaf measurements. Measurements included whole‐plant transpiration (plant‐Tr), root water uptake, leaf transpiration, stomatal conductance and net CO2 assimilation (leaf‐Tr, leaf‐gs, and leaf‐A), leaf water and osmotic potential (leaf‐Ψw and leaf‐Ψo), leaf osmotic adjustment, leaf relative water content (leaf‐RWC) and cumulative plant‐Tr. Offspring of both genotypes from primed parent plants had faster early establishment, with more uniform germination, and more rapid initial seedling growth compared to offspring from non‐primed parent plants. Although offspring of both non‐primed and primed plants of both genotypes exhibited a significant reduction of plant‐Tr, gas exchange, leaf‐Ψw, leaf‐Ψo, and leaf‐RWC when exposed to water stress, offspring of primed plants showed increased water use efficiency through reduced leaf‐gs, leaf‐Tr and plant‐Tr while maintaining leaf‐A under water stress. Despite offspring of both primed and non‐primed plants being susceptible to severe water stress, offspring of primed plants exhibited overall enhanced water use efficiency, leading to greater dry biomass production per gram of transpired water and a trend of less growth reduction due to water stress compared to offspring of non‐primed plants, especially for the genotype COC‐041. This study shows the potential of water deficit priming to promote cross‐generational changes in physiological function under limited water availability, by enhancing crop stress acclimation in the next plant generation.

Benefits of Canavalia ensiformis, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and mineral fertilizer management in tobacco production

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) has long been vital to Cuban agriculture, with its products renowned for their quality. Cuban tobacco is grown in soils with a long history of continuous farming using traditional fertilization methods characterized by recommended doses of mineral fertilizers. This study aims to improve the nutrition resource strategy in tobacco cultivation to ensure high yields of superior-grade tobacco leaves with adequate quality and increase fertilization efficiency. With this goal, a field experiment evaluated the traditional method of fallow with alternatives of nutrient supply systems for the production of black tobacco in Ultic Paleustalf soils. The experiment utilized Canavalia ensiformis (Can) treated with a mycorrhizal inoculum (AMF) based on the Glomus cubense strain (INCAM-4) as a preceding green manure, combined with successive mineral fertilizations for tobacco during four growing seasons in a randomized block design with factorial arrangement. Canavalia presented a positive response to mycorrhizal inoculation, significantly increasing dry biomass production (87.34%, 129.96%), mycorrhizal colonization (26.90%, 103.66%), and spore production (26.79%, 52.52%) for Can and Can+AMF treatments respectively. A biplot analysis established a strong relationship between the biomass and mycorrhizal performance of Canavalia and the growth, yield, and mycorrhizal colonization of tobacco. The results indicate that inoculated Canavalia enhances mycorrhizal performance in successional tobacco, with Can+AMF significantly increasing mycorrhization of tobacco roots by (110.06%). Moreover, the combination of Can inoculate with AMF and 75% of the recommended mineral fertilization dose consistently produced the highest tobacco yields (42.06%), growth, and mycorrhizal activity across the four years while maintaining satisfactory combustibility. In this nutrition supply system, variations of the recommended fertilizer dose significantly decreased the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization. After four growing seasons using Can + AMF and Canavalia without inoculations, soil organic matter, and availability of exchangeable calcium, magnesium, and pH increased slightly without decreasing available phosphorus and potassium contents. Consequently, we conclude that Canavalia ensiformis, with an inoculum based on the Glomus cubense strain and 75% of the recommended dose of mineral fertilizers, provides an enhanced nutrition alternative system for black tobacco production.

Sequential two-stage cultivation system using novel microalga consortia for treatment of municipal wastewater and simultaneous biomass production: Sustainable environmental management

Monoculture-based microalgae cultivation systems to treat wastewater are well-reported. Despite that, this method has some limitations in terms of nutrient removal potential, environment adaptation, and low biomass productivity. Conversely, microalgae co-cultivation and a two-stage sequential cultivation system (TSSCS) recently emerged as a promising approach to improve the treatment process and biomass productivity through better adaptation to the environment. However, no outdoor large-scale experiments were reported using this approach which hinders the viability of the process. Thus, in the present study, a sequential two-stage large-scale outdoor novel microalgae consortia experiment was developed. In first stage consortia-assisted sequential cultivation, two ratios of Tetraselmis indica (TS) and one ratio of Picochlorum sp. (PC) (2 TS:1 PC) were cultivated in a 1000-L pond containing 75%-municipal wastewater (MWW) + 25%-ASN-III, while in the second stage, 2 PC:1 TS was cultivated in two different ponds, and each containing 375-L 2 TS:1 PC-treated water + 375-L ASN-III. Outdoor parameters and nutrient removal efficiency (NRE), biomass, and biomolecule productivity such as lipid, photosynthetic pigments, astaxanthin, and β-carotene were quantified, and cost analysis was performed. At the end of the first and second stages, 2 TS:1 PC and 2 PC:1 TS showed maximum NRE of COD (68.71 and 86.40%), TN (66.98 and 94.73%), and TP (82.70 and 94.36%), respectively. Moreover, 2 TS:1 PC and 2 PC:1 TS Pond 1 and 2 produced maximum dry biomass production; 2.41 and ∼2.54 g/L contained lipid content; 36.89 and 34.90% that have 86.50 and 55.79% FAME content respectively. Similarly, 2 TS:1 PC and 2 PC:1 TS biomass exhibited valuable pigments production of astaxanthin i.e., 0.56 and 0.35 mg/g, and β-carotene; 4.65 and 2.82 mg/g, respectively. The cost analysis suggested that only microalgal-based MWW treatment was unfeasible, while valorization of produced biomass into co-products could offset the operation costs and could allow the option for the microalgal-based sustainable approach for the treatment of MWW and recovery of valuable resources.

Algal-biochar and Chlorella vulgaris microalgae: a sustainable approach for textile wastewater treatment and biodiesel production

Microalgae technology is a viable solution for environmental conservation (carbon capture and wastewater treatment) and energy production. However, the nutrient cost, slow-kinetics, and low biosorption capacity of microalgae hindered its application. To overcome them, algal-biochar (BC) can be integrated with microalgae to treat textile wastewater (TWW) due to its low cost, its ability to rapidly adsorb pollutants, and its ability to serve as a nutrient source for microalgal-growth to capture CO2 and biodiesel production. Chlorella vulgaris (CV) and algal-BC were combined in this work to assess microalgal growth, carbon capture, TWW bioremediation, and biodiesel production. Results showed the highest optical density (3.70 ± 0.07 OD680), biomass productivity (42.31 ± 0.50 mg L−1 d−1), and dry weight biomass production (255.11 ± 6.01 mg L−1) in an integrated system of CV-BC-TWW by capturing atmospheric CO2 (77.57 ± 2.52 mg L−1 d−1). More than 99% bioremediation (removal of MB-pollutant, COD, nitrates, and phosphates) of TWW was achieved in CV-BC-TWW system due to biosorption and biodegradation processes. The addition of algal-BC and CV microalgae to TWW not only enhanced the algal growth but also increased the bioremediation of TWW and biodiesel content. The highest fatty acid methylesters (biodiesel) were also produced, up to 76.79 ± 2.01 mg g−1 from CV-BC-TWW cultivated-biomass. Biodiesel’s oxidative stability and low-temperature characteristics are enhanced by the presence of palmitoleic (C16:1) and linolenic (C18:3) acids. Hence, this study revealed that the integration of algal-biochar, as a biosorbent and source of nutrients, with living-microalgae offers an efficient, economical, and sustainable approach for microalgae growth, CO2 fixation, TWW treatment, and biodiesel production.Graphical

Perbedaan Kepadatan Benih dan Nutrisi Organik terhadap Produktivitas Green Fodder Jagung

Hydroponic green fodder is a method for producing forage for livestock in a short time (approximately 7–8 days) without soil. It can be an alternative source of high–quality forage to increase the productivity of ruminant livestock. This research aims to compare differences in seed density and the addition of organic nutrients in the form of shallot skins to the productivity of maize green fodder. Fodder planting is done using a hydroponic system with an automatic watering system. The variables measured were fresh and dry biomass production, conversion of green fodder to seeds, plant height, and nutrient content in corn seeds and green fodder. The experimental design used was a 3 x 2 completely randomized factorial design with treatment factors in the form of seed density (1,25; 1,5; and 1,75 kg/m2) and organic nutrition (soaking with tap water and soaking with shallot skin). The results showed that the production of fresh biomass, dry biomass, and plant height were significantly different (P<0,05) influenced by seed density. Total fresh and dry biomass increased with increasing seed density (P<0,05). Plant height increases as seed density decreases (P<0,05). Soaking seeds using shallot skins did not have a significant effect on the productivity of corn green fodder. A seed density of 1,5 kg/m2 produces the best productivity in green fodder corn

Alternative Cover Crops and Soil Management Practices Modified the Macronutrients, Enzymes Activities, and Soil Microbial Diversity of Rainfed Olive Orchards (cv. Chetoui) under Mediterranean Conditions in Tunisia

In Tunisia, the olive is the most cultivated fruit crop in the northern region, where annual rainfall exceeds 400 mm. This olive-growing area is characterized by a wide coverage of marginal soil with a high slope gradient. Therefore, the inclusion of cover crops in olive orchards is a sustainable solution to enhance ecosystem productivity, improve soil fertility, and increase oil yields. This study aimed to investigate the short-term (two cropping seasons in 2021 and 2022) effects of different seeded cover crops and soil management practices on soil characteristics, as well as soil health by measuring soil enzyme activities and microbial diversity. Six cover crop types consisting of wheat, vetch, oat, fenugreek, a vetch–oat mixture, and spontaneous vegetation were tested in association with rainfed olive trees (cv. Chetoui) in the north of Tunisia and compared to a control (which was tilled periodically three times per year without intercropping). During the first cropping season, cover crops were cut as animal feed, and only residues were incorporated into the soil. However, during the second year, all cover crop biomass was incorporated into the soil. The results indicated that the dry biomass production and carbon uptake were significantly higher in grass species (wheat and oat). All of the cover crops, including the spontaneous vegetation, significantly increased soil organic matter (SOM) and macronutrient levels, mainly, available phosphorus. On the other hand, the highest level of soil nitrogen was found in the fenugreek cover crop. The soil enzyme activities in the cover crops of wheat, oat, and the vetch–oat mix were higher than those in the control. Together with the increase in soil organic matter (SOM), this demonstrates a significant improvement in soil health with cover crops. Furthermore, this study proves that the utilization of carbon sources was dominated by amides, amines, and amino acids in the fenugreek plot, while it was dominated by polymers and carboxylic acids in the case of the wheat and oat. Overall, this study demonstrates that seeding cover crops is a sustainable management practice not only to integrate livestock but also to improve soil health in semiarid olive orchards.

A Physiological and Molecular Docking Insight on Quercetin Mediated Salinity Stress Tolerance in Chinese Flowering Cabbage and Increase in Glucosinolate Contents.

The present study was performed to investigate the negative impact of salinity on the growth of Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis var. parachinensis) and the ameliorative effects of quercetin dihydrate on the plant along with the elucidation of underlying mechanisms. The tolerable NaCl stress level was initially screened for the Chinese flowering cabbage plants during a preliminary pot trial by exposing the plants to salinity levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 mM) and 250 mM was adopted for further experimentation based on the findings. The greenhouse experiment was performed by adopting a completely randomized design using three different doses of quercetin dihydrate (50, 100, 150 µM) applied as a foliar treatment. The findings showed that the exposure salinity significantly reduced shoot length (46.5%), root length (21.2%), and dry biomass (32.1%) of Chinese flowering cabbage plants. Whereas, quercetin dihydrate applied at concentrations of 100, and 150 µM significantly diminished the effect of salinity stress by increasing shoot length (36.8- and 71.3%), root length (36.57- and 56.19%), dry biomass production (51.4- and 78.6%), Chl a (69.8- and 95.7%), Chl b (35.2- and 87.2%), and carotenoid contents (21.4- and 40.3%), respectively, compared to the plants cultivated in salinized conditions. The data of physiological parameters showed a significant effect of quercetin dihydrate on the activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes. Interestingly, quercetin dihydrate increased the production of medicinally important glucosinolate compounds in Chinese flowering cabbage plants. Molecular docking analysis showed a strong affinity of quercetin dihydrate with three different stress-related proteins of B. rapa plants. Based on the findings, it could be concluded that quercetin dihydrate can increase the growth of Chinese flowering cabbage under both salinity and normal conditions, along with an increase in the medicinal quality of the plants. Further investigations are recommended as future perspectives using other abiotic stresses to declare quercetin dihydrate as an effective remedy to rescue plant growth under prevailing stress conditions.

Cohesive phycoremediation of pyrene by freshwater microalgae Selenastrum sp. and biodiesel production and its assessment.

In this study, the freshwater microalgae Selenastrum sp. was assessed for the effective degradation of pyrene and simultaneous production of biodiesel from pyrene-tolerant biomass. The growth of algae was determined based on the cell dry weight, cell density, chlorophyll content, and biomass productivity under different pyrene concentrations. Further, lipids from pyrene tolerant culture were converted into biodiesel by acid-catalyzed transesterification, which was characterized for the total fatty acid profile by gas chromatography. Increased pyrene concentration revealed less biomass yield and productivity after 20days of treatment, indicating potent pyrene biodegradation by Selenastrum sp. Biomass yield was unaffected till the 20mg/L pyrene. A 95% of pyrene bioremediation was observed at 20days of culturing. Lipid accumulation of 22.14%, as evident from the estimation of the total lipid content, indicated a marginal increase in corroborating pyrene stress in the culture. Fatty acid methyl esters yield of 63.06% (% per 100g lipids) was noticed from the pyrene tolerant culture. Moreover, fatty acid profile analysis of biodiesel produced under 10mg/L and 20mg/L pyrene conditionshowed escalated levels of desirable fatty acids in Selenastrum sp., compared to the control. Further, Selenastrum sp. and other freshwater microalgae are catalogued for sustainable development goals attainment by 2030, as per the UNSDG (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) agenda. Critical applications for the Selenastrum sp. in bioremediation of pyrene, along with biodiesel production, are enumerated for sustainableand renewable energy production and resource management.

Physiological and Agronomical Response of Coffee to Different Nitrogen Forms with and without Water Stress.

Nitrogen (N) is the most important nutrient in coffee, with a direct impact on productivity, quality, and sustainability. N uptake by the roots is dominated by ammonium (NH4+) and nitrates (NO3-), along with some organic forms at a lower proportion. From the perspective of mineral fertilizer, the most common N sources are urea, ammonium (AM), ammonium nitrates (AN), and nitrates; an appropriate understanding of the right balance between N forms in coffee nutrition would contribute to more sustainable coffee production through the better N management of this important crop. The aim of this research was to evaluate the influences of different NH4-N/NO3-N ratios in coffee from a physiological and agronomical perspective, and their interaction with soil water levels. Over a period of 5 years, three trials were conducted under controlled conditions in a greenhouse with different growing media (quartz sand) and organic soil, with and without water stress, while one trial was conducted under field conditions. N forms and water levels directly influence physiological responses in coffee, including photosynthesis (Ps), chlorophyll content, dry biomass accumulation (DW), nutrient uptake, and productivity. In all of the trials, the plants group in soils with N ratios of 50% NH4-N/50% NO3-N, and 25% NH4-N/75% NO3-N showed better responses to water stress, as well as a higher Ps, a higher chlorophyll content, a higher N and cation uptake, higher DW accumulation, and higher productivity. The soil pH was significantly influenced by the N forms: the higher the NO3--N share, the lower the acidification level. The results allow us to conclude that the combination of 50% NH4-N/50% NO3-N and 25% NH4-N/75% NO3-N N forms in coffee improves the resistance capacity of the coffee to water stress, improves productivity, reduces the soil acidification level, and improves ion balance and nutrient uptake.

NITROGEN IMPROVES BIOMASS PRODUCTION AND CHLOROPHYLL SYNTHESIS IN BASIL PLANTS GROWN UNDER SALT STRESS

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), a medicinal and aromatic plant extensively cultivated in the Northeast region of Brazil, encounters growth challenges attributed to the salinity of irrigation water and soil. Nitrogen (N) is a crucial macronutrient employed to mitigate salt stress in plants. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the production of phytomass and chlorophyll synthesis in purple basil plants grown under salinity stress and nitrogen fertilization. The experiment was conducted in 2021 under protected environmental conditions at the Center for Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal Paraíba, Areia-PB, Brazil. Five levels of salt stress (0.0, 0.80, 2.75, 4.70, and 5.50 dS m-1) and five doses of N (0.00, 58.58, 200.00, 341.42, and 400.00 mg L-1) applied via foliar were studied. The results revealed that foliar fertilization with N increases plant tolerance to salt stress, promoting root fresh and dry mass accumulation at 294.96 and 205.36 mg L-1 and under ECw of 1.14 and 0.5 dS m-1, respectively. Applying 217.39 and 231.30 mg L-1 of N improves the production of stem dry biomass and the shoot/root ratio of basil plants subjected to salinity of 0.5 dS m-1. The electrical conductivity of irrigation water above 0.8 dS m-1 adversely affects biomass production. The salinity at 3.8 to 4.0 dS m-1 stimulated chlorophyll synthesis in purple basil plants. However, the foliar application of N proves to be a strategic approach to counteract these effects, resulting in increased total dry mass production and chlorophyll contents.

Greenhouse gas emissions, carbon stocks and wheat productivity following biochar, compost and vermicompost amendments: comparison of non-saline and salt-affected soils

Understanding the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon stock is crucial for effective climate change assessment and agroecosystem management. However, little is known about the effects of organic amendments on GHG emissions and dynamic changes in carbon stocks in salt-affected soils. We conducted a pot experiment with four treatments including control (only fertilizers addition), biochar, vermicompost, and compost on non-saline and salt-affected soils, with the application on a carbon equivalent basis under wheat crop production. Our results revealed that the addition of vermicompost significantly increased soil organic carbon content by 18% in non-saline soil and 52% in salt-affected soil compared to the control leading to improvements in crop productivity i.e., plant dry biomass production by 57% in non-saline soil with vermicompost, while 56% with the same treatment in salt-affected soil. The grain yield was also noted 44 and 50% more with vermicompost treatment in non-saline and salt-affected soil, respectively. Chlorophyll contents were observed maximum with vermicompost in non-saline (24%), and salt-affected soils (22%) with same treatments. Photosynthetic rate (47% and 53%), stomatal conductance (60% and 12%), and relative water contents (38% and 27%) were also noted maximum with the same treatment in non-saline and salt-affected soils, respectively. However, the highest carbon dioxide emissions were observed in vermicompost- and compost-treated soils, leading to an increase in emissions of 46% in non-saline soil and 74% in salt-affected soil compared to the control. The compost treatment resulted in the highest nitrous oxide emissions, with an increase of 57% in non-saline soil and 62% in salt-affected soil compared to the control. In saline and non-saline soils treated with vermicompost, the global warming potential was recorded as 267% and 81% more than the control, respectively. All treatments, except biochar in non-saline soil, showed increased net GHG emissions due to organic amendment application. However, biochar reduced net emissions by 12% in non-saline soil. The application of organic amendments increased soil organic carbon content and crop yield in both non-saline and salt-affected soils. In conclusion, biochar is most effective among all tested organic amendments at increasing soil organic carbon content in both non-saline and salt-affected soils, which could have potential benefits for soil health and crop production.

Optimation of the cell density, biomass production, lipid, and carbohydrate content of Nannochloropsis oculata with fluorescein and pH manipulation

Nannochloropsis oculata is a potential marine microalga. However, the mass production of N. oculata encounters several challenges, such as the high costs of resources, contamination, and light absorption optimization. These problems can be solved by pH manipulation and fluorescein induction on culture media. Various studies have shown that pH values manipulation can cause fluctuations in cell density, dry biomass, and carbohydrate and lipid production of microalgae. On the other hand, fluorescein can act as a molecular antenna that improves light absorption. This research is novel because of its focus on its unique attempt to utilize pH manipulation combined with fluorescein induction to enhance the growth and metabolite production of N. oculata. The implications of this research may provide cost-effective, viable, and sustainable development of the algal industry in general. In this research, cultivation was carried out for seven days with four levels of pH (7 – 10) combined with three variations of fluorescein addition (0, 0.15, and 0.3 mL). Every treatment combination had three replications. Cell density and biomass as growth analysis parameters were calculated during the cultivation using the Haemocytometer and gravimetric methods. Bligh & Dyer and phenol sulfate methods were used to analyze lipid and carbohydrate content. Based on the result, the best treatment combination, pH 9 with 0.15 mL of fluorescein, increases cell density and carbohydrate content of N. oculata by 31.45 and 4.4%, albeit not statistically significant.

Quinoa–Olive Agroforestry System Assessment in Semi-Arid Environments: Performance of an Innovative System

Agroforestry is a promising way to sustain land use efficiency in semi-arid areas. In this study, we introduce quinoa as a drought- and salinity-tolerant crop in olive-based agroforestry. We investigated how the microclimate created by olive trees affects agronomic and biochemical traits in quinoa and evaluated the performance of this new olive-based agroforestry system in terms of land equivalent ratio (LER). Field experiments were carried out under two pedoclimatic conditions (S1) and (S2) using a randomized complete block design with two cropping systems (sole crop (SCS) and agroforestry (AFS) systems), four quinoa cultivars (Puno, Titicaca, ICBA-Q5, and ICBA-Q4) and one olive orchard as a control (OR) in each block. Our results show that AFS had lower grain yield (−45%), dry biomass (−49%), and crop water productivity (−44%), but higher plant height (12%), grain protein (4%), saponin (26%), total polyphenol (12%), and DPPH (9%) contents compared to SCS. The highest grain yield was recorded for Titicaca and ICBA-Q5 (1.6 t ha−1). The LER ranged from 1.57 to 2.07, indicating that the overall productivity was 57% to 107% higher in the agroforestry system compared with the monoculture. We suggest that quinoa–olive tree intercropping could be a promising agroecological practice under semi-arid conditions.

Lignocellulosic supplementation of the culture medium for mycelial development and production of phenoloxidase enzymes from Amazonian strains of gasteroid fungi (Basidiomycota)

Strains of gasteroid fungi are capable of oxidizing phenolic components and producing enzymes of great commercial value. However, the difficulty in producing biomass and, consequently, the low levels of expression of enzymes produced by these fungi hinder the advancement of biotechnological studies. A possible alternative may be supplementing the culture medium with lignocellulosic substrates, as observed in the cultivation of edible mushrooms, for example. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the effect of supplementing a potato-based culture medium with different concentrations of wheat and rice bran on mycelial development and the production of phenoloxidase enzymes of Amazonian strains of Cyathus and Geastrum. The basidiomas were collected in the Amazon of Pará, and the strains were obtained from mycelial isolation on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium. The strains were inoculated in semi-solid and liquid potato-based medium containing 10% and 20% rice bran and 10% and 20% wheat bran. For a period of 20 days, mycelial growth was observed in solid form, and for 40 days, the development of the strains in liquid medium was monitored, all incubated at 25°C in the dark. Growth and production of fresh and dry biomass were measured, as well as the production of phenoloxidase, arising from growth in liquid medium. Supplementation using 10% wheat bran was the most promising for the radial growth of four of the six species tested (C. limbatus, G. hirsutum, G. echinulatum, and G. schweinitzii), in addition to being the best treatment for the production of biomass and phenoloxidase enzymes for all species. Considering that wheat bran is easily accessible, this study stimulates basic science, especially in the Amazon, where Funga is still underestimated in terms of diversity and biotechnological potential.

Combined effect of an agro-industrial compost and light spectra composition on yield and phytochemical profile in mizuna and pak choi microgreens

This work aimed to evaluate the growth of two species of microgreens (mizuna and pak choi), using agro-industrial compost as growing media in two different mixes versus one hundred percent peat, under two different LED illumination spectra (LED 1 and LED 2) in a 14 h photoperiod. The experiment was carried-out for two times. Biomass yield, glucosinolates, and phenolic compounds, and nitrate (NO3−) content were analysed in leaf tissues. In both species, the highest fresh and dry biomass production was in compost:peat (50:50%) and LED 2 (Blue/Red/Far Red). In general, compost had a greater influence on nitrate content than light, but in the microgreen pak choi, the anthocyanin content was inhibited by the compost treatment. In the other hand both LED illumination had a positive effect on mizuna for glucosinolates and anthocyanins, and LED 2 also showed a positive effect on pak choi for anthocyanin. Therefore, the use of agri-food compost: peat (50:50%) with LED 2 (blue/red) lighting treatment to obtain microgreens in indoor crops is a plausible technology that provides nutritionally and phytochemically rich crops.

Optimization of chemical conditions for metabolites production by Ganoderma lucidum using response surface methodology and investigation of antimicrobial as well as anticancer activities.

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom that is known for its ability to produce compounds with physiological effects on human health. This research was undertaken to amplify the production of bioactive components of G. lucidum under optimal cultivation conditions, obtained in a submerged state and utilized in solid state fermentation, with the purpose of enhancing antimicrobial and anticancer activities. The results indicated that titanium dioxide (TiO2 NPs), magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO2 NPs), and B6, along with glucose syrup and CLS syrups, were the most effective for producing GA, while wheat starch and whey protein, along with MgO2 NPs and B6 vitamin, stimulated polysaccharide production using the One Factor at a Time (OFAT) method. After screening, the response surface method (RSM) statistically indicated that the media containing 42.11 g/L wheat starch with 22 g/L whey protein and 50 g/L glucose syrup with 30 g/L CSL were found to be the best conditions for polysaccharide (21.47% of dry weight biomass) and GA (20.35 mg/g dry weight biomass) production, respectively. The moss of the fruit body of G. lucidum produced under optimal GA conditions had the highest diversity in flavonoids and phenolic acids and significant antimicrobial activity against Esherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis). In addition, the IC50 levels of shell and stem of G. lucidum were 465.3 and 485.7 μg/mL, respectively, while the moss did not reach 50% inhibition. In the end, the statistical approaches utilized in this research to elevate the levels of bioactive components in the fruiting body of G. lucidum produced a promising natural source of antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

Screening suitable legumes for living mulches to support nitrogen dynamics and weed control in a durum wheat-forage sorghum crop sequence

Relay intercropping of service legumes (living mulch) is a valuable agroecological practice to support nutrient availability, yield and non-chemical weed control in a crops sequence, if suitable legumes are chosen. This study tested the suitability of eight legume living mulches for relay intercropping in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) evaluating their effects on the subsequent forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in a Mediterranean low-input cereal-based cropping system. Legumes include perennial (Medicago sativa, Medicago lupulina, Trifolium repens, Hedysarum coronarium), annual (Trifolium incarnatum, Trifolium resupinatum) and annual self-seeding (Trifolium subterraneum, Medicago polymorpha) species. A plot experiment repeating two times a wheat-sorghum crop sequence, was carried out in Central Italy to assess the effects of relay intercropping of legumes on agronomical and economic performance of the associated wheat and subsequent sorghum. The legumes were undersown in the already developed durum wheat in late winter. They were maintained after wheat harvest and used as green manure by biomass chopping and plowing in the following spring at sorghum sowing time. None of the intercropped legumes affected N uptake or grain protein content of the companion wheat with respect to the control (wheat sole crop). In the spring before sorghum sowing, N input from legume biomass residues was assessed and it sensibly changed according to legume species, ranging from 1.2 (T. incarnatum) to 182 kg ha−1 (H. coronarium). The legume treatments significantly affected the N uptake in the subsequent sorghum and it ranged from 20.2 to 172.6 kg ha−1. Without the use of additional external nitrogen input, average sorghum dry biomass production preceded by H. coronarium (13.3 t ha−1), T. repens (11.8 t ha−1), T. subterraneum (11.0 t ha−1) and M. sativa (9.3 t ha−1) was in line with the productive level under conventional conditions. Biomass residues of M. sativa significantly reduced the total weed biomass in sorghum by 65% compared with the control. In sorghum, preceding legumes such as T. resupinatum and T. incarnatum promoted dicotyledonous weed growth. Hedysarum coronarium and T. repens were the best legumes for relay intercropping in the low-input wheat-sorghum crop sequence under Mediterranean conditions of this study according to agronomic and economic evaluation. These legumes were able to increase soil nitrogen content allowing to significantly reduce external nitrogen fertilization while optimizing sorghum production. When gross income is calculated at cropping system level, most legumes provide a positive economic balance.

Simultaneous production of dry solid biomass and liquid extract from Sorghum bicolor using liquefied ammonia

Energy-consuming processes should be avoided while separating biomass components. This study investigated the dewatering and extraction of components from Sorghum bicolor silage using liquefied NH3 (NH3(l)). Using a plug-flow-type reactor, NH3(l) was passed through the specimen at 20 °C and 0.85 MPa. When the NH3/wet sample weight was 4.7, a 31.0 wt% dry ammonia-treated sample (AT) was obtained as an extract, achieving a 96.5 wt% dewatering ratio. Glucose, xylose, and an acid-insoluble fraction were retained in the AT, whereas lactic and acetic acids were separated as an extract. Crystalline cellulose was transformed, and the increase in glucose and xylose yields from the enzymatic hydrolysis of the AT was similar levels to those from sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Therefore, NH3(l) treatment can dewater S. bicolor silage without severe pretreatment. In addition, it can be used in biofuel and chemical production using enzymatically degradable ATs from which organic acids are separated as extracts.

Aumento da produtividade do milho inoculado com Pseudomonas thivervalensis cepa SC5 no Brasil

ABSTRACT: Previous research has demonstrated the ability of isolate Pseudomonas thivervalensis SC5 to express the enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACC), which regulates ethylene levels, one of the most important phytohormones in the regulation of plant growth and development. Thus, the present study evaluated the agronomic efficiency of a biological conditioner based on P. thivervalensis SC5 in the growth and productivity increases of corn in Brazil. It was found that corn was highly responsive to the inoculation of P. thivervalensis SC5, with increments ranging from 10.1 to 40.6% in the production of dry shoot biomass (DSB) compared to the control, while for grain yield the increments ranged from 9.0 to 27.8%. The increments are related to the levels and accumulations of N and P in the shoots of the plants. This suggested the participation of P. thivervalensis SC5 in mechanisms of soil modulation and nutrient acquisition. The inoculation of P. thivervalensis SC5 provided average increments in FDA hydrolysis ranging from 16.7 to 47.4% compared to the control, confirming the ability of this strain to increase the supply of nutrients to plants. Therefore, it is concluded that Pseudomonas thivervalensis SC5 participates in key mechanisms in the soil-plant system, with a consequent improvement in soil quality and other plant-related parameters.