Root Quality Research Articles

Investigation of the Effects of Rooting Medium and IBA Concentration on Rooting and Shoot Development of Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) Cuttings

In this study, the effect of different rooting mediums (peat moss, peat + sand, peat + loam) and IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) concentration was investigated on hardwood cuttings taken from Bougainvillea glabra, Bougainvillea spectabilis, and Bougainvillea x buttiana species. The cuttings were treated with 0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/l IBA. Statistical evaluation was performed according to a randomized block experimental design with three factors and three repetitions. The results showed that Bougainvillea x buttiana cuttings had the highest number of roots, root fresh weight, longest shoot length, and shoot fresh weight. Cuttings grown in 100% peat medium had the highest rooting percentage, root number, root dry weight, leaf number, and shoot fresh weight. Regarding IBA concentrations, the cuttings treated with 3000 ppm IBA had the highest number of roots, root length, and root fresh weight. Furthermore, in all of the Bougainvillea species, the highest rooting percentage and leaf number were observed in cuttings treated with 2000 ppm IBA. Notably, Bougainvillea x buttiana cuttings treated with 1000 ppm IBA dose and planted in peat medium provided the longest shoot length, highest shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight. In conclusion, the findings show that the growing medium has a statistically significant effect on the rooting and root quality of cuttings and that it would be useful to investigate various rooting hormones, dasages and rooting media to increase rooting and shoot development. Considering growing medium plays a crucial role in plant growth, it can be stated that further improvements in rooting and growth can be realized via utilizing the enhanced physical and chemical properties of peat-based mixtures.

Mechanism of sodium nitroprusside regulating ginseng quality

The roots of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng) are one of the traditional medicinal herbs in Asian countries and is known as the “king of all herbs”. The most important active components of ginseng are the secondary metabolite saponins, which are closely related to ecological stress. Unsuitable ecological stress can generate a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), by which the secondary metabolism is regulated, and the quality of herbs can be significantly improved. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) treatment on the quality of fresh ginseng roots. In this study, 5-year-old fresh ginseng was exposed to 0.1, 0.5, and 2 mmol/L SNP, a nitric oxide (NO) donor for five consecutive days. SNP significantly increased the levels of O2·−, H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), NADPH oxidase (NOX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxides (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate (AsA) and GSH/GSSG. The main root treated by 0.5 mmol/L SNP for three days was the best, with the activities of the key enzymes of the ginsenoside synthesis pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPS), squalene synthase (SS), squalene epoxidase (SE), and dammarane diol-II synthase (DS) activities increased markedly; the ginsenosides Rg1 + Re, Rb1, Rf, Rc, Rg2 + Rh1 and the total ginsenoside contents increased by 51.0%, 77.7%, 44.6%, 26.8%, 63.2% and 48.2%, respectively, but only a trace amount of the ginsenoside monomer Rb2 decreased 23.4%. The fibrous roots treated by 0.1 mmol/L SNP for four days showed the best effect, HMGCR, FPS, SS, SE, and DS also increased significantly; ginsenosides Rg1 + Re, Rb1, Ro, Rc, Rf, Rb3, Rb2, and total saponin contents increased 37.6%, 47.8%, 34.2%, 75.1%, 51.0%, 49.4%, 28.3%, and 20.4%, respectively. The 1,3-diphosphoglycerate (1,3-DPG) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), related to primary metabolism, were also significantly elevated. The Morris water maze (MWM), histopathological analysis and oxidative stress indexes in brain tissues were used to evaluate the anti-aging effect, indicating that the SNP-treated ginseng further ameliorated D-gal-induced the impaired memory function and oxidative stress in mice, implying the efficacy of SNP-treated ginseng was better than untreated ginseng’s. SNP can build the physiological state of ginseng under ecological stress, stimulate the antioxidant protection mechanism, increase the secondary metabolites, and improve the quality of ginseng.

Growth Regulator Indole-3-Butyric Acid on Rooting Potential of Actinidia deliciosa Rootstock and Actinidia arguta Female Scion Species Stem Cuttings

A study was conducted to access the effectiveness of exogenous application of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on adventitious root formation in kiwifruit semi-hardwood stem cuttings (SCs) from Actinidia deliciosa rootstock and Actinidia arguta female scion. Treatment comprised IBA concentrations of 0, 10, 100, 1000, 10,000 and 100,000 ppm. Parallel experiments for A. deliciosa and A. arguta’s treatment were arranged in a randomised complete block design, with 12 replications. In A. deliciosa, treatments had significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects in rooting percentage, number of roots, root length, size of callus formation and callus percentage, except for dry root mass. In A. arguta, treatments showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects in rooting percentage, number of roots, root length and dry root mass. No callus formation was observed in A. arguta. Relative to the control, in A. deliciosa, the highest (42%) rooting percentage and lengthy (0.301 cm) roots, were observed at 10,000 ppm IBA concentration, whereas the most (0.295) number of roots were produced at 100,000 ppm IBA concentration. Calli percentage (94%) was highest at 100 ppm IBA, while the size of callus formation was the biggest (2.8) at IBA concentration of 100,000 ppm, when compared to the control. In A. arguta, the highest (100%) rooting percentage was achieved at the control (0 ppm), 100 ppm and 10,000 ppm IBA concentrations, whereas the greatest (0.9815) number of roots were observed at the IBA concentration of 10 ppm. Lengthy (1.0839 cm) roots were achieved at IBA concentration of 100 ppm, whereas the greatest (0.1061 g) dry root mass was attained at IBA concentration of 10,000 ppm. In conclusion, the use of growth regulator IBA was effective for root formation in SCs of A. deliciosa rootstock. In A. arguta female scion, IBA application improved the quality of rooting (more and longer roots). IBA application showed its potential in stimulating root development at 10,000 ppm IBA.

Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene, potassium permanganate and silica gel on quality of cantaloupe fruits and carrot roots during mixed load

This study was carried out during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, to study the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), potassium permanganate (KMnO4), silica gel, 1-MCP + silica gel and KMnO4 + silica gel compared with control treatment on physical and chemical changes which may occur during mixed load of cantaloupe fruits cv. Primal Galia type and carrot roots cv. Laguna throughout storage at 5°C and 90-95 % relative humidity for 28 days. The results indicated that all treatments were superior to control treatment in maintaining quality attributes and extending the storability of fruits and roots. However, KMnO4 + silica gel was the most effective treatment in reducing weight loss, color change, O2 consumption, CO2 and ethylene production and maintaining the firmness and total soluble solids of fruits and roots. In addition, delaying the ripening of cantaloupe fruits, reducing the increase of total carotenoid content of fruits, reducing isocoumarin accumulation and gave carrot roots without any bitterness until the end of the storage period. Also, gave an excellent appearance and did not exhibit any changes in the appearance of fruits and roots until the end of the storage period. On the other hand, control treatment gave an unsalable appearance of fruits and roots at the end of storage.

Breeding-induced changes in the rhizosphere microbial communities in Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus)

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) breeding aims to select more productive and uniform plant varieties, impacting various plant traits, including root characters. Changes in root traits have repercussions on the rhizosphere, thereby influencing the composition of rhizospheric microbial communities. In this study, we assessed the structure and composition of the microbial community through 16S rRNA sequencing to compare the rhizosphere of different genotypes during lima bean breeding. Specifically, we compared the rhizospheric microbial communities of two parents (P1 - UFPI 628 and P2 – G25276, from Brazil and Argentina, respectively) and their segregation generations (F2 and F7). The microbial richness and diversity remained consistent across all genotypes, while the structure of the microbial community differed between parents (P1 and P2) and the advanced lineage (F7). We observed genotype-specific enrichment of bacterial groups, indicating a nuanced interaction between lima bean genotypes and microbial communities. Moreover, segregating generations exhibited unique enrichment of bacterial families associated with plant growth promotion, such as Pedosphaeraceae (F2) and Xanthobacteraceae (F7). Analysis of microbial interactions revealed an alteration in network complexity, with advanced lineages, particularly F7, displaying a higher number of interactions. Despite taxonomic differences across generations, functional traits remained consistent between parents and advanced lineages. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing plant-microbe interactions to enhance lima bean yield in breeding programs. By understanding the dynamics of rhizospheric microbial communities in response to breeding efforts, we can harness beneficial interactions to improve plant performance and sustainability in agricultural systems.

Patterns in coarse root decomposition of woody plants: effects of climate, root quality, mycorrhizal associations and phylogeny.

Coarse roots represent a globally important belowground carbon pool, but the factors controlling coarse root decomposition rates remain poorly understood relative to other plant biomass components. We compiled the most comprehensive dataset of coarse root decomposition data including 148 observations from 60 woody species, and linked coarse root decomposition rates to plant traits, phylogeny and climate to address questions of the dominant controls on coarse root decomposition. We found that decomposition rates increased with mean annual temperature, root nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. Coarse root decomposition was slower for ectomycorrhizal than arbuscular mycorrhizal associated species, and angiosperm species decomposed faster than gymnosperms. Coarse root decomposition rates and calcium concentrations showed a strong phylogenetic signal. Our findings suggest that categorical traits like mycorrhizal association and phylogenetic group, in conjunction with root quality and climate, collectively serve as the optimal predictors of coarse root decomposition rates. Our findings propose a paradigm of the dominant controls on coarse decomposition, with mycorrhizal association and phylogeny acting as critical roles on coarse root decomposition, necessitating their explicit consideration in Earth-system models and ultimately improving confidence in projected carbon cycle-climate feedbacks.

Changes in the Composition and Properties of Cultured Bacterial Strains of Ginseng Rhizosphere According to Soil Characteristics in the Forest and Plots

The cultivation of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, a valuable medicinal plant, presents a number of challenges due to its physiology and life cycle. The composition of the soil and the microbiome living in it are important for plant growth and root quality. Modern analytical methods were used to identify differences in the rhizosphere soils of plants in the forest and in the plots. Microbiological and molecular genetic methods were used to isolate and identify bacterial isolates from these soils, allowing for the establishment of a working collection of potentially useful bacterial strains. Increases in soil pH in the plots and changes in the amount of macronutrients partially explained the changes in the activity of the forest and plot isolates and the composition of the cultivated strains. The cultivated strains belonged to the rhizosphere-dominant phyla Pseudomonadota, Bacillota, and Actinomycetota of the main functional groups of soil potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen transformations. The ratio of bacteria functional groups was comparable in the forest and in the plots. The most common phylum of cultured microorganisms was Bacillota, while the main differences were observed in the functional group of potassium-solubilizing bacteria belonging to the phyla Pseudomonadota.

Comprehensive characterization of nutritional components in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L]. Lam.) during long-term post-harvest storage.

To uncover the variation patterns of the nutritional components in sweetpotato storage roots during long-term storage comprehensively, the general nutrients, phytochemicals, and starch properties of nine sweetpotato varieties with different flesh colors were quantified and analyzed by chemical and physical techniques. During the storage, the starch content decreased firstly and then increased, with sugar content the opposite. The crude protein content and the total dietary fiber content both increased continuously. The β-carotene content decreased or kept constant, while the anthocyanin content showed different variation patterns in the three purple-fleshed varieties. The four types of polyphenols and two types of flavonoids showed no obvious content changes during the storage. The amylose contents of all varieties showed various patterns, while the crystallinity was C-type. The proportion of small-sized starch granules reduced, and the combined proportion of medium-sized and large-sized granules increased. New correlations among the nutritional parameters for each variety were revealed for the first time. Principal component analysis indicated that the orange-fleshed varieties were distinguished from other varieties. Finally, the most storage-resistant variety ZZ3 and the suitable variety for each quality trait was selected. This study provides not only theoretical basis for comprehensive understanding of the nutrient's variations in sweetpotato storage roots during long-term storage, but also guidelines for evaluation of nutritional quality of sweetpotato roots during storage and improvement of storage methods.

Evaluation of the effects of acetic acid and ozone treatment on the quality of fresh-cut lotus root based on grey relational analysis

This study aimed to extend the storage time of fresh-cut lotus roots. A quantitative evaluation was conducted using the grey–correlation analysis method based on the variation–coefficient weight to observe the treatment of acetic acid (0, 2%, and 5%) and ozone (0, 0.3 mg/L, and 0.6 mg/L). Their effects on weight loss rate, browning degree, and the content of reducing sugar, ascorbic acid, and free amino acid were determined. Under varied treatments and storage time, the weight loss rate, browning degree, and content of nutritional components in fresh-cut lotus root differed. Result of the weighted correlation degree showed that for fresh-cut lotus root stored for more than 4 days, 0.3 mg/L ozone could be used as preservative to ensure the storage quality. These findings could provide a scientific basis for using acetic acid and ozone as preservative to extend the storage time of fresh-cut lotus root.

Optimization of Steaming Conditions for Bellflower Root (Platycodon grandiflorus) Using K-Means Clustering-Based Morphological Grading System

Bellflower roots were categorized into three clusters (class 0, class 1, and class 2) using K-means clustering based on their morphological factors: length (282.8 ± 29.53, 138.75 ± 26.8, and 209.89 ± 20.49 mm), thickness (16.25 ± 2.82, 16.77 ± 3.35, and 16.52 ± 3.05 mm), and body shape coefficient (5.80 ± 1.15, 12.73 ± 4.82, and 7.95 ± 1.71). Internal void formation, a key quality factor for bellflower root, was analyzed under pre-steaming conditions, identifying temperatures between 20 and 25 °C as optimal for storage. Within the clustered class, steaming for a prolonged duration increased the formation of internal voids and caused a decrease in normal stress values, total dissolved solids (TDS), and pectin content. Class 0, with larger and thicker roots, exhibited higher internal voids (57% void rate) due to uneven heat distribution and incomplete starch gelatinization. Class 2 roots demonstrated better structural integrity, with a void rate of 26% and a stress value of 48 kN/m2. These findings highlight the importance of morphological classification and optimal storage temperatures to improve the quality of steamed bellflower roots.

Variability of amylose content and its correlation with the paste properties of cassava starch.

The amylose content can significantly impact the diverse industrial applications of cassava starch. This study aimed to assess the variability of cassava germplasm concerning amylose content and other attributes pertinent to root quality, alongside its correlation with paste properties. Starch extracted from 281 genotypes, obtained in germplasm evaluation trials, was evaluated for amylose content, with additional analysis of parameters such as pasting temperature, time to peak viscosity (TPV), viscosity breakdown (BrD), retrogradation tendency, and maximum, minimum, and final viscosities. The genotypes exhibited considerable variation in dry matter content (ranging from 27.06% to 41.02%), starch content (from 14.61% to 25.67%), cyanogenic compounds (1.77 to 7.81), and amylose content (0.05% to 33.23%). High phenotypic variability in paste properties was observed, alongside a low residual effect for most traits, resulting in high broad-sense heritabilities (>0.95). Strong correlations of significant magnitude (>0.80) were found between parameters such as peak viscosity × viscosity breakdown, minimum viscosity × final viscosity, and final viscosity × retrogradation tendency. Moderate correlations were also identified, such as between dry matter content × starch content (0.56). While positive, correlations between amylose content and paste properties were of low magnitude (ranging from 0.13 to 0.35), except for TPV and BrD. Principal component discriminant analysis clustered the germplasm into six distinct groups based on root quality and paste properties, with most improved genotypes falling into two clusters characterized by high starch and dry matter contents. This study underscores the necessity of simultaneous evaluation of amylose content and paste properties in the breeding pipeline. Additionally, clustering cassava genotypes proves beneficial in identifying those that fulfill specific requirements in industrial and breeding applications.

Study on Quality and Starch Characteristics of Powdery and Crispy Lotus Roots.

Nine varieties of lotus root (Suining, Xinhe, Zaohua, Zhonghua, L0014, L0013, Cuiyu, L0011, and Zhenzhu) were selected as the research materials to compare their differences in physical, chemical, and starch characteristics before and after boiling, frying, and microwaving. The results showed that Zhenzhu, Xinhe, L0013, Cuiyu, and Zhonghua belong to the crispy lotus root type, while L0011, L0014, Zaohua, and Suining belong to the powdery lotus root type. Furthermore, the nine varieties were characterized for their starch by optical micrograph (OM), polarized micrograph (PM), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), carbon-13 cross-polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP/MAS NMR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The starch granule of powdery lotus root appeared to be larger than that of crispy lotus, and ATR-FTIR studies revealed that the outer layer of starch granules from nine different varieties of lotus root had a highly organized structure. Moreover, XRD and 13C CP/MAS NMR analyses revealed that starch from eight lotus varieties (Suining, Xinhe, Zaohua, Zhonghua, L0014, L0013, Cuiyu, L0011) belong to the A-crystal type, while starch from Zhenzhu belongs to the CA-crystal type. The starch from powdery lotus root exhibited higher crystallinity, as well as increased gelatinization temperature and enthalpy, indicating that its crystal structure was relatively superior compared to that of crispy lotus starch. The short-range order degree, crystallinity, gelatinization temperature, and heat enthalpy of lotus starch decreased after boiling and frying but increased to varying extents after microwaving. Additionally, the heat resistance and stability of starch particles from crispy lotus root were improved after microwave treatment.

Укореняемость черенков хвойных видов дендрофлоры Прибайкалья

The active development of production has a negative impact on the environment. Millions of cubic meters of forest are cut down annualy for production needs. These volumes need to be restored. Therefore, research in the field of reforestation is relevant and important. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the technology of rooting coniferous trees during summer grafting. Various terms of green cuttings of coniferous trees of the Pinaceae family were considered, common representatives in the region (Pinus sylvestris L., Picea obovata Ledeb., Picea obovata var. coerulea Malyschev, Pinus sibirica Du Tour) have been considered. The cuttings have been harvested in four terms, starting from the 3rd ten-day-period of June to the end of July. The grafting has been carried out in different conditions: in a green house with a fog plant and a climate chamber with manual watering. Several methods have been used to prepare the cuttings for planting: with and without needle removing on the lower part of the cutting. Before planting, the tested cuttings have been treated with the root formation preparation “Kornevin” (control grop – without treatment). As a result of the study, the optimal time for grafting coniferous trees for the Baikal region has been determined as the 3rd ten-day-period of June and July. The minimum rooting period for the cuttings has been figured out as 155 days. It has been noted that the cuttings whose lower part needles have not been removed, have taken root faster. Their rooting share is 10 % higher. The best rooting rate has been recorded in cuttings obtained from the plants Picea obovata Ledeb. and P. obovata var. coerulea Malyschev – 22–30%. The cuttings from Pinus sylvestris L. and P. sibirica Du Tour have a very low rooting share – less than 1 %. To determine the quality of rooting, biometric indicators of the formed roots have been obtained. The cuttings planted in the 3rd ten-day-period of June in cultivation beds with regulated fogging are characterized by powerful roots.

Survival analysis of primary molars following pulpectomy performed under dental general anesthesia: a five-year retrospective study

BackgroundCurrently, the indications for pulpectomy of primary molars performed under dental general anesthesia vary across countries. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated the five-year survival rate of primary molars following pulpectomy performed under dental general anesthesia and the impact of this treatment on permanent successors, assessed the risk factors related to overall survival and clarified the indications for pulpectomy.MethodsThe medical records of children receiving pulpectomy of primary molars under dental general anesthesia from August 1, 2013, to November 30, 2023, were reviewed. Potential risk factors, including gender, age, general health, tooth type, tooth location, endodontic diagnosis and quality of root filling, were assessed via univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models, and the survival rate was examined via the Kaplan‒Meier technique. Moreover, the rate of resorption of the root canal filling materials, degree of resorption of the overfilled/over-extended root canal filling materials and development of permanent successors were assessed by clinical and radiographic examination.ResultsThe study included 320 teeth from 161 children (86 boys and 75 girls). The overall five-year survival rate was 38.2%, and the mean overall survival time was 54.2 months. Endodontic diagnosis was considered a significant risk factor (P < 0.05). In the first, second and third years, 57.4%, 81.8%, and 94.8%, respectively, of obturation materials in the root canals were resorbed at a faster rate than the roots. There was an altered eruption direction in 7 permanent teeth, and 4 permanent teeth were diagnosed with enamel hypoplasia.ConclusionsIn this study, the 60-month survival rate of primary molars treated by pulpectomy under dental general anesthesia was 38.32%. Operators should have an accurate assessment of the status of the pulp, have a strict grasp of the preoperative indications and select the appropriate treatment method according to the guidelines. Individual cases suggest overfilling, overextension and periapical periodontitis in primary molars have an impact on enamel hypoplasia and altered eruption direction in permanent teeth.

La anatomía de la raíz como evidencia filogenética para los helechos Cheilanthoides (Pteridaceae)

Background and aims: To our hypothesis on the evolutionary relationships of Cheilanthoid ferns, based on molecular data and partially on morphological and reproductive data, we add here a study of root anatomy in the genera of the subfamily occurring in South America. M&amp;M: Root characters were analyzed anatomically in 48 South American species representing the 12 genera of Cheilanthoideae occurring in South America. Techniques of plant histology were used for anatomical analysis and tissue characterization. Characters with possible diagnostic value were identified and mapped on a molecular phylogeny of Cheilanthoideae based on three plastidial markers (rbcL, trnL-F and rps4). Results: The character "type of root cortex" showed a distribution of states that fit to the major clades or genera in the phylogeny of the subfamily. The homogeneous cortex state was plesiomorphic for Cheilanthoideae, whereas the heterogeneous bark state was acquired by some genera of the hemionitoid clade: Hemionitis and the genera of the Adiantopsis-Doryopteris clade (except Mineirella). In addition, we discuss the role of different tissues in the root mechanics of this group. Conclusions: The character "type of root cortex" could contribute to the characterization of genera and the generic assignment of confusing species in the classification of Cheilanthoideae. However, the complete resolution of the relationship of hemionitds clade in the global phylogeny of the subfamily is necessary.

Multi-trait selection for mean performance and stability in purple-fleshed sweet potato

Few purple-fleshed sweet potato (PFSP) cultivars are available for Brazilian growers, urging for the development of new and adapted cultivars. PFSP breeding programs should include multiple traits during the selection process to increase the chances of developing an adequate genotype, specially yield-related and quality-related traits. The objective was to select promising PFSP genotypes based on yield and tuberous-roots-related traits exploring genotype x environment interaction (GEI). Four experiments were carried out, in which 23 pre-selected PFSP genotypes were evaluated based on yield and quality traits, after screening among 2500 experimental genotypes. The first experiment adopted an augmented block design, with ‘Luiza’ interspersed as a control. From this first experiment, the 19 experimental genotypes with the best performance were selected for the following three experiments, which were conducted in a randomized block experimental design, with three replications each, including ‘Luiza’ as control. The best genotypes were selected in the first experiment using the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI). For the following experiments, the performance of the genotypes was assessed using deviance analysis, genotypic stability through weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB) index, and the multi-trait stability index (MTSI). In the first experiment, three factors were retained, being associated to commercial production of tuberous roots (‘K-104′, ‘K-25′ and ‘U1–29′), total production of tuberous roots (‘K-110′, ‘C-42′, ‘F-16′, and ‘U1–29′), and quality of tuberous roots (‘F-22′), respectively. Desired gains were observed for all traits. For the experiments II, III, and IV five factors were retained, being four related to quality of tuberous roots and one to yield components. The GEI was significant for yield-related traits and desired gains were observed for most traits. Due to high commercial tuberous root yield and low WAASB values, the genotypes ‘U1–29′, ‘K-98′, ‘F-22′, ‘K-57′, ‘C-36′, ‘U1–15′, ‘K-25′, and ‘U2–12′ were highly productive and stable. The genotypes selected by the MTSI index were ‘U1–15′, ‘U2–10′, ‘U1–29′, ‘K-98′, and ‘K-78′. The multi-trait selection enabled the identification of promising genotypes highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

Effect of Water and Nitrogen Coupling Regulation on the Growth, Physiology, Yield, and Quality Attributes of Isatis tinctoria L. in the Oasis Irrigation Area of the Hexi Corridor

To address the prevailing problems of high water and fertilizer input and low productivity in Isatis tinctoria L. production in the Hexi Corridor in China, the effects of different irrigation amounts and nitrogen application rates on growth characteristics, photosynthetic physiology, root yield, and quality of I. tinctoria plants were studied with the aim of obtaining the optimal irrigation level and nitrogen application rate. From 2021 to 2023, we established a two-factor split-plot experiment in the oasis irrigation area with three irrigation amounts (sufficient water, medium water, and low water are 100%, 85%, and 70% of the typical local irrigation quota) for the main zone; three nitrogen application rates (low nitrogen, 150 kg ha−1, medium nitrogen, 200 kg ha−1, and high nitrogen, 250 kg ha−1) for the secondary zone; and three irrigation amounts without nitrogen as the control to explore the response of these different water and nitrogen management patterns for I. tinctoria in terms of growth characteristics, photosynthetic physiology, root yield, and quality. The results showed the following: (1) When the irrigation amount was increased from 75% to 100% of the local typical irrigation quota and the nitrogen application rate was increased from 150 to 250 kg ha−1, while the plant’s height, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation in the stem, leaf, and root, as well as the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), the stomatal conductance (Gs), and the transpiration rate (Tr) of I. tinctoria increased gradually, and the root–shoot ratio decreased. (2) When the irrigation amount increased from 75% to 100% of the local typical irrigation quota, the yield and net proceeds of I. tinctoria increased from 43.12% to 53.43% and 55.07% to 71.61%, respectively. However, when the irrigation quota was 100% of the local typical irrigation quota, and the nitrogen application rate increased from 150 to 200 kg ha−1, the yield of I. tinctoria increased from 21.58% to 23.69%, whereas the increase in nitrogen application rate from 200 to 250 kg ha−1 resulted in a decrease in the yield of I. tinctoria from 10.66% to 18.92%. During the 3-year experiment, the maximum yield of I. tinctoria appeared when treated with sufficient water and medium nitrogen, reaching 9054.68, 8066.79, and 8806.15 kg ha−1, respectively. (3) The effect of different water and nitrogen combination treatments on the root quality of I. tinctoria was significant. Under the same irrigation level, increasing the nitrogen application rate from 150 to 250 kg ha−1 could increase the contents of indigo, indirubin, (R,S)–goitrin, total nucleoside, uridine, and adenosine in the root of I. tinctoria from 3.94% to 9.59%, 1.74% to 12.58%, 5.45% to 18.35%, 5.61% to 11.59%, 7.34% to 11.32%, and 14.98% to 54.40%, respectively, while the root quality of I. tinctoria showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing under the same nitrogen application level. (4) AHP, the entropy weight method, and the TOPSIS method were used for a comprehensive evaluation of multiple indexes of water–nitrogen coupling planting patterns for I. tinctoria, which resulted in the optimal evaluation of the W3N2 combination. Therefore, the irrigation level was 100% of the local typical irrigation quota, the nitrogen application rate should be appropriately reduced, and controlling the nitrogen application rate at the level of 190.30–218.27 kg ha−1 can improve water–nitrogen productivity yields for I. tinctoria and root quality. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis and technical support for a more reasonable water and fertilizer management model for the I. tinctoria production industry in the Hexi Corridor in China.

Varying concentrations of ethephon induce antioxidant defences and cell wall degradation to regulate storage quality of fresh-cut lotus root

This study examined the impact of varying concentrations of ethephon (ET) immersion on the storage quality of fresh-cut lotus root. Compared to the 0.1%, the 0.8% and 1.6% ET groups inhibited phenolic oxidation and showed stronger antioxidant and reactive oxygen species balancing capacity during early storage, which led to better browning inhibition. During the early storage period, varying concentrations of ET treatments were inversely associated with microbial growth, and Pseudomonas as the major microorganism was significantly inhibited. During the post-storage period, the ET group exacerbated cell wall metabolism, contributed to the softening of lotus root slices. Additionally, ET stimulated enhanced respiration and reduced total soluble solids content as ET concentration increased. The heightened expression of NnERF in the late storage stage suggested a potential link to the regulation of root quality deterioration. Both browning inhibition and quality deterioration promotion exhibited gradient shifts in accordance with ET concentration. Combined with DNA affinity purification sequencing technology to identify the presence of motifs that bind specifically to ERF1B in lotus root, and screening for the possible target genes NnPL18 and NnACO that may be regulated by NnERF1B-like (104610030), it further suggests that NnERF1B-like (104610030) may mediate the process of lotus root flake softening and ethylene biosynthesis.

Pre-harvest application of sodium nitroprusside enhances storage root quality in red beet cultivated under normal and drought conditions.

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in plant stress tolerance, as well as in increasing post-harvest quality, has been extensively demonstrated in several fruits and vegetable crops; however, the effects of its pre-harvest application on post-harvest quality are still poorly documented. Therefore, the pre-harvest application of NO in red beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) plants cultivated under well-watered and drought conditions was evaluated to assess whether it improves the post-harvest quality of their storage roots. Red beet plants cultivated under well-watered (80% of water holding capacity) or drought condition (15% of water holding capacity) were sprayed weekly with water (control) or 100 μmol L-1 sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor. Sixty-six days after sowing, red beet roots were harvested, and root yield, total sugar yield, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, proteins, lipids, root ashes, root moisture, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C, total phenolics, total betalains, betacyanins, betaxanthins and antioxidant capacity were determined. While drought led to a reduction in root yield, sugars, lipids and titratable acidity, it increased phenolic compounds, betalains and the antioxidant capacity of beets. SNP reversed the negative effects of drought on sugar, lipid and organic acid contents and increased antioxidant capacity independent of stress. Pre-harvest SNP treatment reversed drought-induced yield reductions in beets, while boosting bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. It also enhanced vitamin C content independently, indicating its dual role in stress mitigation and beet quality improvement. Future research should explore other crops and stress conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of Enterobacter cloacae and Different Potassium Sources on Growth, Productivity and Tuberous Roots Quality of Cassava under Reclaimed Sandy Soils Conditions

Impact of Enterobacter cloacae and Different Potassium Sources on Growth, Productivity and Tuberous Roots Quality of Cassava under Reclaimed Sandy Soils Conditions