Dry Weight Production Research Articles

Duration, not timing during the photoperiod, of far-red application determines the yield increase in tomato

Supplementary far-red light may increase fruit yield in greenhouse tomato cultivation. Apart from end-of-day applications, research has focussed on the effects of far-red light during the entire photoperiod, while few studies focused on the timing of far-red application. In this study, we assessed the impact of timing and duration of far-red application on fruit yield and quality in a high-wire tomato crop. Two commercial tomato cultivars were grown under 226 μmol m−2 s−1 of red and white supplementary LED lighting. Far-red light (63 μmol m−2 s−1) was additionally supplied during either the first or the second half of the photoperiod. These treatments were compared to a negative control, where no far-red light was supplied, and a positive control, where far-red light was supplied during the whole photoperiod. A yield component analysis was conducted to identify the parameters responsible for changes in fruit yield. We determined that fruit yield, total fruit dry weight and fruit production per unit of supplementary PAR light (400–700 nm) increased linearly with the duration of far-red application. Fruit yield was increased to a similar extent whether far-red was supplemented in the first or in the second half of the photoperiod. While different light treatments included 0, 14, or 28 % far-red in their cumulative supplementary photon flux density, there were no significant differences in their fruit production per unit of supplementary radiation (400–800 nm). Supplementary far-red increased fruit dry weight per unit of cultivation area by 23 % to 25 % as a result of increasing both plant dry weight (10 % to 12 %) and dry weight partitioning to the fruits (10 % to 14 %). The increase in fruit yield was less than the corresponding increase in total fruit dry weight due to a simultaneous increase in fruit dry matter content. Total soluble solids and pH of the fruits were hardly affected by far-red application. We concluded that supplementary far-red increased tomato fruit yield without compromising fruit quality, with this increase being determined by the duration of far-red application, not by its timing during the photoperiod.

INTERACTION EFFECT OF CHEMICAL AND ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON THE YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF Gundelia rosea AT DIFFERENT PLANT DENSITIES IN THE FIELD

Field experiments were conducted at two locations, Grdarasha Research Field Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University – Erbil and Aquban special farm using randomized complete block design (RCBD) during two seasons 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to study the effect of different plant densities and compost fertilizer of solid waste management and sorting of Akre district-Duhok province and NPK (20:20:20) fertilizer on growth and edible portion characteristics of Gundelia rosea. The results indicated that the plants of the two years age in the both locations produce the highest value of length, dimeter, fresh and dry weight of edible portion with space increasing between plants and rows. While, total fresh and dry weight increased with decreasing the distance between plants and rows. Compost and compost + NPK fertilizer significantly increasing all edible portion parameters in both locations. The interaction between density and fertilizer resulted that D5 and compost and compost +NPK treatment produce the maximum rate of length, dimeter, fresh and dry weight of edible portion, while D1 and compost and compost + NPK record the highest total fresh and dry weight production.

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.

Harnessing waste glycerol to mitigate salinity constraints in freshwater microalgae cultivation for enhanced biodiesel recovery

The current study investigated the synergistic effect of waste glycerol and salinity on Scenedesmus obliquus cultivation for enhanced biomass and biodiesel production. Optimal glycerol concentration was identified at 0.08 M supplementation, resulting in 23.1 % significant increase in biomass productivity. However, higher glycerol concentrations resulted in growth retardation. Salinity of +200 % NaCl showed positive impact on the growth, with the highest recorded dry weight of 1.76 g/L and biomass productivity of 0.206 g/L.day. However, further increases in salinity resulted in 53.4 % reduction in biomass yield at +800 % NaCl compared to +200 % NaCl. The combined treatment of the optimum glycerol concentration at different salinities (Glyc + Salin) showed superior growth performance up to +600 % NaCl, which confirmed mitigation of salinity inhibitory effects. Glyc + Salin exhibited the highest recorded nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies (98.1 % and 96.6 %, respectively at day 8), dry weight (2.02 g/L), and biomass productivity (0.231 g/L.day). Notably, lipid content increased to 240.4 mg/g dw, and lipid productivity reached 56.0 mg/L.day, representing 76.1 % improvement over the control. Biodiesel characteristics, including cetane numbers and iodine values, showed also improvement, confirming the potential of Glyc + Salin for sustainable microalgal cultivation and biodiesel production.

Does jasmonic acid mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress on wheat through the enhancement of ascorbate biosynthesis and the induction of glutamate dehydrogenase activity?

AbstractBackgroundSalt stress is one of the most common abiotic stresses, reducing plant growth and productivity. Thus, the development of suitable management practices to minimize the deleterious effects of salt stress has become necessary.AimsThis study was conducted to investigate the possible mechanisms underlying salt tolerance conferred by jasmonic acid (JA).MethodsSalt‐stressed wheat seedlings were supplemented with 1 mM JA and/or 1 mM ibuprofen (IBU), an inhibitor of endogenous JA biosynthesis, in the culture medium.ResultsThe obtained results showed that salt stress significantly decreased shoot and root dry weight production and relative water contents. This was associated with a noteworthy reduction in leaf and root ascorbate (AsA) concentrations, as well as glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activities. Exogenously supplied JA did not affect GS and GOGAT activities in leaves and roots of salt‐treated seedlings. However, noticeable enhancements were observed in growth, AsA concentrations, as well as GDH activities. Likewise, the inhibition of JA biosynthesis by IBU application was accompanied by a significant decrease in seedlings’ growth associated with a noticeable reduction in AsA concentrations and GDH activities. The decreases in growth and GDH activities were also obtained following inhibition of AsA biosynthesis by lycorine (Lyc) application. By contrast, increased GDH activities and enhanced growth were obtained following exogenous AsA supplementation, with or without JA biosynthesis inhibition.ConclusionsThe findings implied that exogenous JA enhanced AsA biosynthesis and induced GDH activity, which further promoted the growth of wheat seedlings in salt‐stressed conditions. Therefore, the stimulation of AsA biosynthesis and GDH activity through JA application in the rhizosphere may be suggested as a vital strategy for strengthening the salt tolerance of wheat plants, at least at the seedling stage.

Growth kinetics and patulin production by Penicillium setosum in pineapple juice under different temperatures and initial pH values

Penicillium setosum, a member of the Penicillium section Lanata-divaricata, is known for its ability to produce high levels of patulin. However, there is a notable lack of information regarding the influence of environmental factors on the growth and patulin production in fruit juice of this species. In this study, we investigated the impacts of temperature (25, 30, 35, or 40 °C), initial pH value (3, 5, or 7), and incubation time (2, 4, or 6 days) on the growth and patulin production in pineapple juice of the selected P. setosum strain HR9-5. The modified Gompertz model was applied to estimate the maximum growth rate and lag time prior to growth. This strain had the highest growth rate with the shortest lag time within the temperature range 30–35 °C, with an initial pH range of 3–5. Furthermore, it had the greatest biomass dry weight and patulin production at 35 °C with an initial pH of 3, and at 25 °C with an initial pH of 7, respectively. The growth rate and lag time prior to growth of P. setosum HR9-5 were significantly influenced by the initial pH, whereas the biomass dry weight was strongly affected by temperature and incubation time. Additionally, all factors and their interactions had a significant impact on patulin production. This study provided the first report on the effect of environmental factors on growth and patulin production by P. setosum in pineapple juice. These findings can contribute to formulating effective prevention strategies to control the growth of P. setosum and subsequent patulin production in pineapple and other fruit juices.

Mutagenesis of soybean var. Kipas Putih

The low availability of superior soybean varieties that can adapt to Indonesia’s diverse environment and agroecosystem is the cause of low soybean production. On November 3, 1992, the Kipas Putih variety from Aceh was released as a National variety. This variety is not popular and does not meet the tempe industry criteria because the seed size is relatively small when compared to other superior varieties such as the Dega1, Biosoy, and Grobogan varieties. The Kipas Putih soybean variety weighs 12 g for 100 seeds an average dry weight production capacity of 1.69 tons ha-1, and a protein and fat content of 35% and 20.5%. To improve the quality of the Kipas Putih soybean variety, mutations carried out using gamma ray radiation at Patir Batan, Pasar Minggu – Jakarta. Research results from the mass selection process to the 8th generation (M8) produces several lines that weigh 100 grains between 14 - 18 g and a protein content of between 40 - 48%, which exceeds the characteristics of the Kipas Putih. The seed weight per plant of the M8 Kipas Putih soybean mutant line was higher than that of the Kipas Putih (parent) variety and the Dega1 variety. Most of the qualitative characters of the mutant lines were no different from their parent Kipas Putih variety. Most of the qualitative characters of the mutant lines were no different from their parents the Kipas Putih variety. This shows that mutation using gamma ray radiation can change quantitative characters such as the number of seeds per plant and the weight of 100 seeds.

Unlocking the potential of microalgae cultivated on wastewater combined with salinity stress to improve biodiesel production

Microalgae have the potential as a source of biofuels due to their high biomass productivity and ability to grow in a wide range of conditions, including wastewater. This study investigated cultivating two microalgae species, Oocystis pusilla and Chlorococcus infusionum, in wastewater for biodiesel production. Compared to Kühl medium, KC medium resulted in a significant fold increase in cellular dry weight production for both O. pusilla and C. infusionum, with an increase of 1.66 and 1.39, respectively. A concentration of 100% wastewater resulted in the highest growth for O. pusilla, with an increase in biomass and lipid content compared to the KC medium. C. infusionum could not survive in these conditions. For further increase in biomass and lipid yield of O. pusilla, different total dissolved solids (TDS) levels were used. Maximum biomass and lipid productivities were achieved at 3000 ppm TDS, resulting in a 28% increase in biomass (2.50 g/L) and a 158% increase in lipid yield (536.88 mg/g) compared to KC medium. The fatty acid profile of O. pusilla cultivated on aerated wastewater at 3000 ppm TDS showed a high proportion of desirable saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) for biodiesel production. Cultivating microalgae in wastewater for biodiesel production can be cost-effective, especially for microalgae adapted to harsh conditions. It could be concluded that O. pusilla is a promising candidate for biodiesel production using wastewater as a growth medium, as it has high biomass productivity and lipid yield, and its fatty acid profile meets the standard values of American and European biodiesel standards. This approach offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for producing biofuels while reducing the environmental impact of wastewater disposal.

Magnetically treated water affects Melissa officinalis L growth, nutritional status and essential oil compounds

Drip irrigation is one of the agricultural techniques mostly used to grow a wide variety of vegetable crops. Studies focused on improving this technique based on using magnetized water, as well as on investigating its effects on medicinal plant production processes, remain incipient in the literature. Some benefits of this technique are the optimization of the quality and quantity of irrigation water, economy of the water absorbed by the plants, improvement in the vegetative growth and productivity, reduction of the use of fertilizers and the greater availability of nutrients in the soil for crops compared to irrigation using conventional water. Thus, the aim of the current study is to assess the effect of different magnetized and non-magnetized water irrigation levels on Melissa officinalis growth, nutritional status and essential oil compounds in plants grown in protected environment. The experimental design consisted of completely randomized design with two water types (magnetized and non-magnetized) and four irrigation levels (25%, 75%, 100% and 125% of crop evapotranspiration - ETc) with four replications. Irrigation conducted with different magnetized water levels had significant effect on the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and of all micronutrients in plants’ leaves, and on soluble protein contents. The study also demonstrated significant effects of magnetically treated irrigation water on major chemical compounds such as citral (neral + geranial) and citronellal on the leaves of lemon balm plants. Different water levels significantly affected plant dry weight production parameters. In this study it was shown that the plant treated with magnetized water required less amount of water applied being a promising potential in saving water resources that will be of significant importance in the future. Overall, the results need to be further tested under field conditions to assess the usefulness of magnetic irrigation water treatment.in cultivation with medicinal, aromatic and spice plants. It is hoped that this study can contribute to improving water management, reducing the environmental impact without implying great costs for the producer.

Evaluation of Antifungal and anti-aflatoxin B1 efficacy of some crude extracts of Chamaerops humilis L. against Aspergillus flavus isolated from peanuts (Arachis hypogea L.)

The present study strengthens the food preservative potential of Chamaerops humilis extracts viz. hexane extract, chloroform extract, ethanol extract, chloroform extract, and methanol extract based on their antifungal, antiaflatoxin, and antioxidant efficacy. The isolation of molds from peanuts were carried out by the suspension-dilution technique and inoculation on agar medium. Antifungal determinations were conducted using the agar plate and liquid dilution methods. The effect of C. humilis L. extracts on the production of AFB1 was determined in a SMKY broth. The molds isolated were of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., and Alternaria sp. with A. flavus (BBH-6) which is identified as the highest AFB1 producer. The minimum inhibitory concentration of extracts against the toxigenic strain of A. flavus ranged between 3.00 mg/ml and 3.50 mg/ml. The extracts were found more efficacious as they inhibited the dry mycelium weight and aflatoxin production of the aflatoxigenic strain A. flavus (BBH-6) at lower concentrations. The extracts showed fungitoxic spectrum against four molds. The IC50 value of C. humilis L. ranged between 140.4 and 189.46 μg/mg, oxidation of linoleic acid was moderately inhibited by the extracts ranges between 53.54 and 69.33%, while their total phenolic content ranged between 47.80 and 115.71 μg/ml. Based on the findings of present investigation, C. humilis L. can be introduced as a proposed solution for formulating plant-based preservative food additives.

The Effect of Irradiation Methods on Biomass Yield on Mix of Corn (zea mays) and Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) with Hydroponic system

The objectives of this research was to find effect of irradiation methods on the production of biomass fresh weight, leaf and root dry weight on combination of mung bean and corn with hydroponic system. This research was design with experimental method using Completely Randomized Design with 2 treatmens and 9 replications. The observed of P1 = irradiation method with the sunlight for 12 hours and P2 = irradiation method with LED grow light 7. watt for 16 hours. Parameters observed were biomass fresh weight, leaf and root dry weight Data were analyzed using of two samples Independent T-tes. The result showed that biomass fresh weight and leaf dry weight of irradiation with LED higher than irradiation with the sunlight, the average’s 3155,844 g/m2, and 55,14 g/m2, but no significant effect on dry weight of root.

Morphological responses, biomass production and nutrient of Pennisetum purpureum cv. Pakchong under different planting patterns and harvesting ages

Abstract. Ernawati A, Abdullah L, Permana IG, Karti PDMH. 2023. Morphological responses, biomass production and nutrient of Pennisetum purpureum cv. Pakchong under different planting patterns and harvesting ages. Biodiversitas 24: 3439-3447. Napier grass is one of the most popular grasses in tropical and subtropical regions and is a promising forage crop due to its high biomass production, nutritional quality and wide-range adaptability. An optimal management practice is required to maintain production and quality of Napier grass. This experiment examined the morphological responses, forage biomass production, and nutrient biomass of the Napier grass var Thailand (Pakchong) grown under different planting patterns and harvesting ages. The experiment used a completely randomized factorial design 2 x 2, with the first factor was planting pattern (monoculture and intercropping with Indigofera zollingeriana) and the second factor was the harvesting age (50 and 60 days). Each treatment combination was trialed at 5x5 m plot with four replicates. The results showed that planting pattern and harvesting age had significant effect (p<0.05) on tiller numbers, leaves and stem biomass, stem-to-leaves ratio, fresh and dry weight production, and nutrient biomass, except for ash biomass. The highest tiller number was obtained in the intercropping pattern and harvesting age of 50 days. The highest leaves and stem biomass were produced in both planting pattern and harvesting age of 60 days. The fresh and dry weight production and nutrient biomass of Pakchong in intercropping pattern and harvesting of 60 days were higher than those of monoculture cropping. Nonetheless, effect on stem-to-leaves ratio had inconsistent result. The results of this study imply that the best production and nutrient biomass of Napier grass cv. Pakchong were obtained from the grass intercropped with Indigofera and harvesting age of 60 days.

Residual Effects of Phosphorus and Micronutrients in Vegetable Growing Areas under Different Organomineral Fertilizer Doses

Organomineral fertilizers (OFs) can provide the macro- and micronutrients contained in organic matter slowly and gradually throughout the crop cycle. However, the residual effect of this slow release is still unclear and needs to be better evaluated. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of different doses of OF in the cultivation of vegetables and to quantify the residual effects of P, B, and Zn in the soil. A randomized block design was applied, using different doses of fertilizer as a P source, with four replications. In the randomized block design, different doses of OF were evaluated as a source of P (all with four repetitions): T1 = no P supplied (zero dose); T2 = 200 mg dm−3 of P2O5; T3 = 400 mg dm−3 of P2O5; T4 = 800 mg dm−3 of P2O5; and T5 = 1200 mg dm−3 of P2O5 plus an additional treatment with mineral fertilizer (MF) (200 mg dm−3 of P2O5). The fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) and the nutritional status of the lettuce and cabbage were determined through leaf analysis at harvest. Soil analysis was also conducted before planting and immediately after harvest in order to assess soil P, B, and Zn content. The FW and DW cabbage production was higher when fertilization was used for the crop (either OF or MF). No differences were observed in the effects of the OF and MF doses in cabbage production, which ranged from 281.2 g plant−1 to 341.8 g plant−1, while lettuce production was highest in MF (45.1 g plant−1), followed by OF doses of 800 mg dm−3 (37.1 g plant−1) and 1200 mg dm−3 (36.8 g plant−1) of P2O5. OF fertilization had a beneficial residual effect on lettuce production, the FW and DW production of which increased as the OF doses increased (from 18.8 g plant−1 to 36.8 g plant−1 for FW and from 2.4 g plant−1 to 4.0 g plant−1 for DW). The highest doses of OF increased the availability of P and Zn in the soil and facilitated the absorption of nutrients by the cabbage and lettuce crops. In the cultivation of cabbage and lettuce, the residual effects of the P, B and Zn in the soil were higher under the highest doses of OF. An antagonistic effect between the P and Zn in the soil was evidenced in this study, and this needs to be confirmed in other subsequent studies.

Effects of bubble cutting dynamic behaviors on microalgal growth in bubble column photobioreactor with a novel aeration device.

Introduction: Carbon sequestration by microalgae is an effective approach for achieving carbon neutrality owing to its high carbon capture efficiency and environmental friendliness. To improve microalgae CO2 fixation efficiency, various methods to enhance CO2 transfer at the gas-liquid interface have resulted in high energy consumption. Methods: In this study, a novel aeration device with bubble cutting slices was installed in a photobioreactor for CO2 supply, which could precisely separate bubbles into sizes on the way to rising after departure, achieving CO2 transfer enhancement without extra energy consumption. Subsequently, the bubble cutting dynamic behaviors in the photobioreactor were studied, and the effects of thickness, hydrophilicity, and arrangement of cutting slices on microalgal growth were analyzed. Results: It was found that bubble cutting caused the maximum dry weight and biomass productivity of microalgae to improve by 6.99% and 33.33%, respectively, compared with those of the bioreactor without cutting units, owing to a 27.97% and 46.88% decrease in bubble size and rising velocity, respectively, and an 84.55% prolongation of bubble residence time. Discussion: Parallel cut slices with a thickness and spacing of less than 3mm successfully cut the bubbles. The hydrophobic slice surface prevented daughter bubble departure and prolonged the bubble residence time, impeding microalgae growth owing to bubble coalescence with subsequent bubbles. The optimal cutting slice parameters and culture conditions for microalgal growth were 1mm slice thickness, less than 1mm slice spacing, 5% inlet CO2 concentration, and 70mL/min gas flow rate.

The effects of microbial fertilizers application on growth, yield and some biochemical changes in the leaves and seeds of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)

Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) is a summer legume that is becoming a crucial industrial crop because of its high gum and protein content. Thus far, the combined effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Bradyrhizobium on the yield and chemical composition of guar plants are not well studied. Therefore, the current investigation was designed to estimate the individual as well as the combined effects of AMF and Bradyrhizobium on plant growth, yield and nutritional quality of seeds and leaves of guar. AMF and/or Bradyrhizobium inoculation improved chemical composition of guar seeds and its morpho-physiological (plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, and yield production) traits. In addition to increased guar growth and yield production, the inoculation of AMF and/or Bradyrhizobium increased guar leaf and seed minerals, fiber, lipids, crude protein and ash contents. At primary metabolites, there were increases in sugar levels including raffinose stachyose, verbascose and galactomannan. These increases in sugar provided a route for organic acids, amino acids and fatty acids production. Interestingly, there was an increase in essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. At the bioactive secondary metabolite levels, biofertilizers improved phenols and flavonoids levels and anthocyanin and polyamines biosynthesis. In line with these increases, precursors of anthocyanin (phenylalanine, p-coumaric acid, and cinnamic acid) and the levels of polyamines (diaminopropane, putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, and agmatine) were increased. Overall, for the first time, our study shed the light on how AMF and Bradyrhizobium improved guar yield and metabolism. Our findings suggested that the combined inoculation of AMF and Bradyrhizobium is an innovative approach to improve guar growth, yield production and yield quality.

What is the optimal fertigation start time and frequency in lettuce seedlings?

Although lettuce is one of the most important vegetable crops cultivated in Brazil, producers conduct seedling production empirically, as there are no published reports on the optimal start time and management strategy for seedling fertigation. The present aimed to assess the influence of fertigation management on the growth, physiological aspects and nutritional status of lettuce seedlings and to determine the optimal fertigation start time and frequency. Two experiments were conducted, each with a randomized block design and six repetitions. The first consisted of six treatments, namely six fertigation start times at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 d after emergence (DAE), and the second consisted of five treatments, representing different application frequencies at 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 d intervals. The assessment of nutrient accumulation levels and biometric and physiological characteristics of the seedlings were performed after transplanting. Fertigation start times significantly affected 14 of the 18 variables assessed, particularly the number of leaves, shoot dry weight, leaf area, initial chlorophyll fluorescence, and P, K, Ca, Mg, and S accumulation. The best results for ten variables were obtained when fertigation began at emergence, with values 17.77 - 35.63% higher than those at fertigation onset at 15 DAE. Application frequency only influenced chlorophyll content and N, P, K, and S accumulation, with optimal results obtained at 3 - 6 d intervals. Beginning fertigation at plant emergence favors dry weight production, nutrition and photosynthesis and shortens the production time of lettuce seedlings. The optimal start time for lettuce seedling fertigation is at emergence, with application performed every 6 d.

Microalgal cultivation characteristics using commercially available air-cushion packaging material as a photobioreactor

Air-cushion (AC) packaging has become widely used worldwide. ACs are air-filled, dual plastic packaging solutions commonly found surrounding and protecting items of value within shipping enclosures during transit. Herein, we report on a laboratory assessment employing ACs as a microalgal photobioreactor (PBR). Such a PBR inherently addresses many of the operational issues typically encountered with open raceway ponds and closed photobioreactors, such as evaporative water loss, external contamination, and predation. Using half-filled ACs, the performance of microalgal species Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis oculata, and Cyclotella cryptica (diatom) was examined and the ash-free dry cell weight and overall biomass productivity determined to be 2.39 g/L and 298.55 mg/L/day for N. oculata, 0.85 g/L and 141.36 mg/L/day for C. vulgaris, and 0.67 g/L and 96.08 mg/L/day for C. cryptica. Furthermore, maximum lipid productivity of 25.54 mg/L/day AFDCW and carbohydrate productivity of 53.69 mg/L/day AFDCW were achieved by C. cryptica, while maximum protein productivity of 247.42 mg/L/day AFDCW was attained by N. oculata. Data from this work will be useful in determining the applicability and life-cycle profile of repurposed and reused ACs as potential microalgal photobioreactors depending upon the end product of interest, scale utilized, and production costs.

Morpho-biochemical Responses and Disturbed Redox Homeostasis in Barley Under Benzyl-butyl Phthalate Stress.

The present study is aimed to address the morphometric consequences, yield attributes, and biochemical responses of barley plants under the stress of an endocrine disruptor i.e., benzyl-butyl phthalate (BBP). The morphometric analyses (plant length, dry weight, and net primary productivity) revealed that the inhibition induced by BBP was concentration- and time-dependent. The seed weight and the number of seeds per spike have also significantly declined with an increase in BBP doses. Similarly, BBP exhibited significant alterations over the control in the biochemical indices viz., pigments, sugars, proteins, proline, malonaldehyde, and hydrogen peroxide contents of barley plants. Furthermore, BBP stress negatively influenced the activities of antioxidative enzymes viz., SOD, POD, CAT, APX, and GR of barley with an increase in doses and exposure durations due to the over-produced reactive oxygen species. The uptake and transport of BBP were determined and observed as a responsible cue for these toxicological implications in barley plants under BBP exposure. The correlation of barley plants' morpho-biochemical responses with BBP uptake and transport was also established using Pearson's correlation. Thus, this study indicated the toxicological behavior of meagerly explored phthalate (i.e.,BBP) in the crop plant and these observations can be utilized for the generation of tolerant cultivars.

Effect of Duration of LED Lighting on Growth, Photosynthesis and Respiration in Lettuce.

Parameters of illumination including the spectra, intensity, and photoperiod play an important role in the cultivation of plants under greenhouse conditions, especially for vegetables such as lettuce. We previously showed that illumination by a combination of red, blue, and white LEDs with a high red light intensity, was optimal for lettuce cultivation; however, the effect of the photoperiod on lettuce cultivation was not investigated. In the current work, we investigated the influence of photoperiod on production (total biomass and dry weight) and parameters of photosynthesis, respiration rate, and relative chlorophyll content in lettuce plants. A 16 h (light):8 h (dark) illumination regime was used as the control. In this work, we investigated the effect of photoperiod on total biomass and dry weight production in lettuce plants as well as on photosynthesis, respiration rate and chlorophyll content. A lighting regime 16:8 h (light:dark) was used as control. A shorter photoperiod (8 h) decreased total biomass and dry weight in lettuce, and this effect was related to the suppression of the linear electron flow caused by the decreasing content of chlorophylls and, therefore, light absorption. A longer photoperiod (24 h) increased the total biomass and dry weight, nevertheless an increase in photosynthetic processes, light absorption by leaves and chlorophyll content was not recorded, nor were differences in respiration rate, thus indicating that changes in photosynthesis and respiration are not necessary conditions for stimulating plant production. A simple model to predict plant production was also developed to address the question of whether increasing the duration of illumination stimulates plant production without inducing changes in photosynthesis and respiration. Our results indicate that increasing the duration of illumination can stimulate dry weight accumulation and that this effect can also be induced using the equal total light integrals for day (i.e., this stimulation can be also caused by increasing the light period while decreasing light intensity). Increasing the duration of illumination is therefore an effective approach to stimulating lettuce production under artificial lighting.

Using climate‐driven adaptive evolution to guide seed sourcing for restoration in a diverse North American herb‐shrub species

Seeds zones are bounded geographic areas to guide seed sourcing for landscape scale restoration. Yet seed zones based on plant adaptative traits are lacking for most restoration species. Sulfur‐flower buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum Torr) includes herbs, subshrubs, and shrubs adapted to a range of ecological regions within North America. Its widespread occurrence and diversity make it a suitable model species to explore seed zone development based on evolutionary plant adaptations. Within a common garden, 69 populations from diverse seed sources and 13 taxonomic varieties were evaluated for 17 phenological, morphological, and production traits in 2016 and 2017. Analyses of variance showed taxonomic varieties and seed source locations differed for all plant traits. Linear correlation revealed source locations with warmer mean temperature and more precipitation generally had later phenology, larger umbels, more leaf area, higher leaf dry weight, and more seed and shoot dry weight production. Canonical correlation strongly linked seed source climates at source locations with plant traits evaluated in the common garden, suggesting climate‐driven adaptive evolution. Canonical variates 1 and 2, explaining 60% of the variation, were used to develop regression models that predicted their values from climate variables across the study area. Using geographic information technology these were mapped into 12 seed zones representing 1.31 million km2 in the Western United States. These zones were designed to provide guidance to practitioners when sourcing sulfur‐flower buckwheat for restoration projects. We expect this methodology can be successfully applied to other species to develop seed zones based on adaptive evolution.