Recovery Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Fertilization-Defective Gametophytic Mutant Screening: A Novel Approach.

Gametophytic mutants share very small proportion of the total mutants generated by any mutagenic approach; even rarer are the fertilization-defective gametophytic mutants. They require an efficient and targeted strategy instead of ‘brute force’ screening approach. The classical gametophyte mutant screening method, mainly based on the segregation distortion, can distinguish gametophytic mutants from the others. However, the mutants pooled after the screening constitute both fertilization-defective and developmental-defective gametophytic mutants. Until recently, there has not been any straightforward way to screen the former from the latter. Additionally, most of the mutations affecting both gametes are lost during the screening process. The novel gametophyte screening approach tends to circumvent those shortcomings. This review discusses on the classical approach of gametophytic mutant screening and focuses on the novel approach on distinguishing fertilization-/developmental-defective gametophytic mutants (both male and female). It offers an empirical basis of screening such mutants by taking in the consideration of earlier studies on fertilization failure, initiation of seed coat formation, and fertilization recovery system in plants.

Closing the nitrogen budget of intercropped maize and palisadegrass

Abstract In tropical agriculture, maize (Zea mays L.) intercropped with palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) is considered a highly relevant cropping system to deliver both residue and forage. However, the benefits of inclusion of palisadegrass in maize systems and its influence on fertilizer dynamics and nitrogen (N) budget as well as the period after maize harvest for which palisadegrass continues to grow remain unclear. Thus, we conducted field studies to determine crop growth, end-season biomass, N fertilizer recovery, and overall N budget between an intercrop and a monoculture at two different sites during conventional and late-planted maize seasons. The cropping systems evaluated were maize and palisadegrass in monocultures and two intercrop patterns, serving as cover crop or forage with simulated grazing. From planting to grain harvest, intercrop patterns did not affect grain yield, final N content, and N fertilizer dynamics. Post-harvest, palisadegrass from intercrop patterns improved biomass from 1 to 10 Mg ha−1 and N content from 8 to 300 kg ha−1, relative to fallow after maize monoculture. Contribution of palisadegrass intercropping on N fertilizer recovery was low at approximately 4.5 kg ha-1 when both the crops were growing simultaneously and approximately 2.4 kg ha−1 following maize grain harvest. In three out of four sites over 2 years, intercrop patterns did not affect total N fertilizer recovery compared with their monocultures, averaging at approximately 51 %. Advantages of maize-palisadegrass intercropping on biomass, yield, and N cycling were documented at the site where maize was planted during the conventional season, despite the yearly variation in weather conditions. A negative N budget of −230 kg ha−1 was estimated when grazing was simulated during the conventional maize planting season, suggesting greater N requirements of the intercropped palisadegrass when serving as forage.

Efficiency of hydrothermal pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of pelagic Sargassum for biogas and fertiliser recovery

Pelagic Sargassum inundation of coastlines across the North Atlantic Ocean is an ongoing challenge which poses a great threat to economic productivity. This novel study evaluated the valorisation of these invasive seaweeds into biogas and fertiliser using hydrothermal pretreatment and anaerobic digestion technologies. Increasing the severity factor of hydrothermal pretreatment from 1.59 to 3.83 promoted the degradation of organic particulates in Sargassum, resulting in a maximum soluble chemical oxygen demand yield of 27,250 ± 75 mg/L or 237% greater than the unpretreated biomass. However, no linear relationship exists between increased solubilisation and biogas productivity. Peak methane recovery of 116.72 ± 2.14 mL/gVS was achieved at severity factor 2.65 with the decrease thereafter attributed to the formation of Maillard reaction products and inhibitory compounds during hydrothermal pretreatment. The hydrogen sulfide content in the biogas generated also diminished from 3% to 1%. Additionally, the digestate of biogas production is pathogen-free, nutrient-rich and exhibits bio-fertiliser potential.

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB and epidermal growth factor promote dairy goat spermatogonial stem cells proliferation via Ras/ERK1/2 signaling pathway

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have been used for the production of transgenic animals and for the recovery of male fertility. However, the proliferation of SSCs in vitro is still immature, and the mechanisms and pathways involved in the proliferation of SSCs are not clear. Here, the effects of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the proliferation of dairy goat SSCs in vitro were detected. The results showed that 20 ng/ml PDGF-BB or 25 ng/ml EGF was the optimum concentration, and that the BCL2 in the experimental groups was significantly higher than that in the control (P < 0.05), while BAX and BAD were dramatically downregulated (P < 0.05). The pERK1/2 in the experimental groups was about 3–5 times higher than that in the control. After the specific MEK1/2 inhibitor was added, BCL2 was reduced significantly (P < 0.001), while BAX and BAD were upregulated (P < 0.001). The expression of pERK1/2 decreased by 10%–30%. We speculated that these two growth factors may be mediated through the Ras/ERK1/2 signaling pathway to regulate the expression of pERK1/2 protein, and thus enhance the resistance of SSCs to apoptosis. However, further studies are needed to verify this hypothesis.

Fertility recovery from polycystic ovarian syndrome

Fertility recovery from polycystic ovarian syndrome

All-time low period fertility in Finland: Demographic drivers, tempo effects, and cohort implications

The ongoing period fertility decline in the Nordic countries is particularly strong in Finland, where the total fertility rate (TFR) reached an all-time low of 1.41 in 2018. We analyse the decrease in Finland's TFR in 2010–17, and assess its consequences for cohort fertility using complementary approaches. Decomposition of this fertility decline shows that first births and women aged <30 are making the largest contributions. However, women aged 30–39 are also, for the first time in decades, experiencing a sustained fertility decline. Tempo adjustments to the TFR suggest that quantum change is part of the decline. Several forecasting methods indicate that cohort fertility is likely to decline from the long-lasting level of 1.85–1.95 to 1.75 or lower among women born in the mid-1980s. Without an exceptionally strong recovery in fertility, Finnish cohort fertility is likely to decline to levels currently observed among countries with very low fertility.

Insemination with Man’s Sperm: Results of Fertility Recovery in Married Couples with Male Infertility

The paper analized the results of reproductive function restoration in 140 married couples with male infertility, which passed the program of insemination with man’s sperm in 2013–2015 at the Institute of Reproductive Medicine (Kyiv). It was found that the number of pregnancies and childbirths after 3 attemps (420 cycles) with an interval of 3–5 months was reached in 17,0±1,8% and 15,0±1,8% cases, respectively. The presence of a linear relationship between the fact of fertility recovery and factors such as the woman’s age, duration of non-set of natural pregnancy, and the response of the ovulatory function to stimulation was confirmed. The influence of the spermogram indicators on the result is objectified: the type of pathospermia, the concentration of sperm, which is inversely dependent on the presence of predictors and determinants that burden the general condition of the man, as well as the percentage of actively moving sperm fractions.

How collection efficiency and legal constraints on digestate management can affect the effectiveness of anaerobic digestion of bio-waste: An analysis of the Italian context in a life cycle perspective

The influence of collection efficiency and of legal regulations on both the technology and the effectiveness of energy and fertilizer recovery from the anaerobic digestion (AD) of bio-waste was investigated in a life cycle perspective for the Italian context.Concerning collection efficiency, some correlation was detected to both the AD technology and the amount of energy and fertilizer recovered. Nine out of 31 CE plants were based on solid anaerobic digestion batch located in those areas with collection efficiency <65%, recovering about 100 kg and 125 kWh of fertilizer and electricity, respectively, per Mg of bio-waste. The 17 plants adopting wet technologies were implemented in areas with collection efficiency ranging from 50% up to >85% able to recover on average about 130 kg of fertilizer and 275 kWh of electricity per each Mg of bio-waste. Wet AD was also the only adopted for larger size plants from 60,000 Mg/year up to 600,000 Mg/year. Legal constraint on the direct use on land of the digestate caused an average increase of main impacts such as global warming (kgCO2eq), freshwater eutrophication (kgPeq) and human health (DALY) of about 300%. The effect of the quality of the bio-waste returned after the collection showed lower incidence on the overall impacts of about 20%, and mainly limited to global warming (kgCO2eq) and photochemical ozone formation (kgNMVOCeq).

Nitrogen Rate Increase Not Required for No-Till Wheat in Cool and Humid Conditions

An increased nitrogen (N) supply was proposed to avoid grain yield (GY) reductions and successfully implement conservation agriculture (CA). We investigated interactions effects of tillage system and N supply on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at two sites in the Swiss midlands with no (0 kg N ha−1) and high (150–160 kg N ha−1) N supply using 15N-labelled ammonium nitrate in selected treatments. Wheat’s GY, yield components, N related traits and soil mineral N content (Nmin) under conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT), and no-tillage (NT) were studied following two preceding crops: oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and maize (Zea mays L.). Wheat after oilseed rape had significantly higher GY and biomass than after maize while a yield decrease under NT compared with CT and MT was observed regardless of N supply level. Differences in soil Nmin among tillage systems were seldom found and were inconsistent. No differences in 15N fertilizer recovery were found between NT and CT while residual Nmin after harvest was lower under NT than CT or MT. In conclusion, we did not found consistent reductions in soil N availability and N uptake under NT that would justify an increased N supply for wheat under CA.

Unfamiliarity the Fertile Period Among Childbearing-Aged Women in Côte d'Ivoire: Towards the Demographic Dividend

Most of the studies carried out in the field of fertility ignore the lack of knowledge of the fertile period among women of childbearing age, and those that do exist are biomedical in nature, thus leaving the sociodemographic approach on the shelf. In Côte d'Ivoire, 32% of women have a good knowledge of the fertile period against 68% with questionable knowledge. Yet, knowledge of the fertile period is important for birth control and has benefits such as avoiding drug side effects, immediate recovery of fertility and its being free of charge. This study intends to use secondary data from the 2011-2012 EDS-MICS of Côte d'Ivoire to highlight the extent to which the level of unfamiliarity with the fertile period vary among women of childbearing age and investigate related factors. The findings, based on both bivariate descriptive and multiple component factorial analyses, reveal a correlation between lack of knowledge of the fertile period and variables relating to standard of living, place of residence, religion, exposure to the media, marital status, level of education, use of birth control, and the woman's occupation. Therefore, addressing these variables, would not only help control both fertility, and family planning, but also help achieve the demographic dividend.

The effect of nitrogen fertilization on yield efficiency and quality of tubers potato varieties cultivated in an integrated production system

The aim of the research conducted in the years 2016 – 2018 was to perform the effect of nitrogen on the total yield and quality evaluation of edible and starch potato varieties harvested after tuber maturity, as well as to establish fertilization efficiency indices. The quality of tubers was expressed: yield structure, share of deformations, content of starch and nitrates (V), but the nitrogen utilization efficiency as agronomic efficiency (AE) and fertilizer recovery efficiency (FRE) in tubers. Two experimental factors were researched: nitrogen doses (0, 50,100, 150 kg·ha-1) and varieties (Impresja, Mazur, Otolia, Szyper and Widawa) tested under different weather conditions. The total yield fresh matter between nitrogen doses ranged from 42.8 to 53.7 t·ha-1 and for varieties from 42.1 (var. Szyper) to 54.8 t·ha-1 (var. Impresja). Increasing nitrogen doses caused an increase share in the yield structure big tubers (diameter above 60 mm), nitrates (V) and total nitrogen content and nitrogen uptake with tuber yield, but decrease starch content and nitrogen fertilization efficiency indicators. On the basis of quadratic function parameters, it was shown that the varieties of Impresja, Szyper and Otolia were characterized by greater requirements in relation to the optimal nitrogen dose than the varieties of Mazur and Widawa. More assessed features determined the weather conditions during the growing season than the factors studied: the nitrogen fertilization dose and the variety. In the year with the highest amount of rainfall in relation to the average of many years, the largest decrease was recorded: tuber yield, share of big tubers in the yield structure, nitrogen uptake and agronomic efficiency. Year with the most rainfall was characterized by the highest reduction the yield of tubers, share big tubers in the yield structure, nitrogen uptake and its agronomic efficiency.&#x0D;

Acute heat stress during stamen development affects both the germline and sporophytic lineages in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.

Flowers, from their initiation in the inflorescence meristem until their opening at anthesis, are particularly sensitive to subtle changes in environmental conditions. Short episodes of either cold or heat stress experienced during stamen development may lead to varying degrees of male sterility and can affect the ploidy of the gametes. In an attempt to understand the developmental origins of these and other phenotypes that are caused by harsh environmental conditions, an acute heat stress was simultaneously applied to all stages of anther development, and its consequences on pollen viability at anthesis and seed set were traced back to heat stress at specific developmental stages. We identified a critical stage during microsporogenesis that is highly sensitive to heat stress. The acute heat stress experienced during these stages completely blocked stamen and pollen development, likely mediated by its effects on both anther wall development and the formation of polyads in the germline. Interestingly, as we investigated heat shocks at earlier developmental stages, a gradual recovery of male fertility was observed, characterized by some abnormalities in locule development and by fusions of maturing pollen grains. Overall, our findings establish a developmental framework for the diverse effects of heat stress on stamen and pollen development, which is relevant to different fields of research. Acute heat stresses are expected to increase in frequency with global warming and might negatively affect plant fitness and crop yields in the short term by affecting male fertility and seed set. Moreover, the formation of polyads and the fusion of pollen grains offer insights into the developmental origins of evolutionary relevant processes, such as polyploidization, which might offer opportunities for environmental adaptations in the long term.

Recovery of fertility in the surgical treatment of patients with infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome, depending on the duration of the menstrual cycle and the phenotype of the syndrome

Recovery of fertility in the surgical treatment of patients with infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome, depending on the duration of the menstrual cycle and the phenotype of the syndrome

Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Recover Fertility of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Mice and the Effects on their Offspring

It has been reported that extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) can promote the proliferative and secretive functions of granulosa cells. In vivo study further demonstrated that EVs derived from HUCMSCs can not only promote the angiogenesis of ovarian tissue but also restore the function of an ovary of chemically induced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) mice. However, no study investigates the effects of HUCMSCs derived EVs on fertility recovery of POI mice and evaluating their offspring. This study investigates the effects of HUCMSCs derived EVs on fertility recovery and the cognitive function of their offspring. A POI model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CTX) and busulfan (BUS), and randomly divided into EVs-transplantation group (a single injection of 150 µg EVs proteins which suspended in 0.1 ml phosphate buffer saline [PBS] via tail vein), POI group (a single injection of 0.1 ml PBS via tail vein), and normal control group (a single injection of 0.1 ml PBS via tail vein without intraperitoneal injection of CTX and BUS). After EVs treatment, not only the ovarian function of POI mice recovered but also the fertility increased with less time to get pregnant, evaluating by in vitro fertilization and mating test. Cognitive behaviors of the offspring were similar among the three groups through the Y-maze test and novel object recognition task. An anti-apoptotic effect was identified through immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. These findings indicate that HUCMSCs derived EVs can improve the fertility of POI mice without adverse effects on the cognitive behavior of their offspring, highlighting the potential value of EVs to be a cell-free therapy for patients suffering from POI.

Morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Urochloa species under inoculation with plant-growth-promoting bacteria and nitrogen fertilisation

Ineffective management of pastures still constitutes the main problem in the Brazilian livestock industry, in which recovery of soil fertility is a determinant for soil restoration. In this context and in combination with the adoption of sustainable technologies, the use of plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) may represent an alternative to the use of chemical fertilisers that would reduce costs and environmental impacts. In this study, morphogenetic and structural characteristics were evaluated in three Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) varieties. Urochloa is a genus that is present in the most degraded pastures in Brazil. The three varieties were inoculated with five PGPB (Azospirillum brasilense Ab-V5 and Ab-V6, Pseudomonas fluorescens CCTB 03 and ET76, and Pantoea ananatis AMG521) and treated with different doses of nitrogen (N) fertiliser (0, 50 and 100 kg N ha–1) in pots filled with sandy soil under greenhouse conditions. In general, for Marandu grass U. brizantha cvv. BRS Paiaguás and Xaraés, the best performances for leaf and stem elongation rates and number of basal tillers were obtained with strains CCTB 03 and AMG521. For U. ruziziensis, the best performance in the duration and rate of renewal of leaves and leaf senescence was observed with strains AMG521, Ab-V5 and Ab-V6. This result indicated the specificity of the effects of bacterial strains on different genotypes of Urochloa. Differences in the interactions between PGPB and N fertilisation were also verified. In U. brizantha, interaction effects were additive, whereas in U. ruziziensis, they were competitive. The results indicate the feasibility of inoculation of Urochloa with elite strains of PGPB that positively affect the production of forage biomass and allow reductions in N fertiliser usage.

Impacts of combined N and Zn application on Zn translocation, partitioning, and accumulation in Triticum aestivum

Field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of combined application of N and Zn fertilizers on translocation, distribution, and accumulation of Zn in different organs in wheat plants. The results showed that Zn concentration and Zn accumulation in each organ were significantly different under different treatments. Compared with N3 (120 kg·hm-2), the grain Zn concentration of N1 (240 kg·hm-2) and N2 (180 kg·hm-2) increased 22.0% and 8.9%, respectively. Compared with the non-Zn application treatment (CK), grain Zn concentration under ZnS (soil Zn fertilization), ZnF (foliar Zn fertilization), and ZnS+ZnF (soil Zn fertilization combined with foliar Zn fertilization) treatments were increased by 5.4%, 60.5% and 72.8%, while Zn accumulation in grain were increased by 21.3% 82.5% and 102.4%, respectively. Zn in grain mainly came from the remobilization of Zn uptaken after antheis, with the accumulative contribution being 89.9% and 100.0% in ZnF and ZnS+ZnF, respectively. Compared with ZnS, Zn fertilizer recovery and use efficiency of ZnF and ZnS+ZnF were increased by 4.8, 1.1 times and 7.9, 2.2 times, respectively. Under current condition, Zn concentration and Zn accumulation in different organs of wheat increased with increasing N rate when it was less than 240 kg·hm-2, which was significantly increased in the grain by foliar Zn application. Therefore, Zn concentration and Zn accumulation in wheat grain could be increased by maintaining the high-yield N fertilization and combining the foliar Zn application in the late growth stage, which would improve Zn nutritional quality of wheat grain.

Nitrogen management impact on winter wheat grain yield and estimated plant nitrogen loss

AbstractMethod of N application in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and its impact on estimated plant N loss has not been extensively evaluated. The effects of the pre‐plant N application method, topdress N application method, and their interactions on grain yield, grain protein concentration (GPC), nitrogen fertilizer recovery use efficiency (NFUE), and gaseous N loss was investigated. The trials were set up in an incomplete factorial within a randomized complete block design and replicated three times for 5 site‐years. Data collection included normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), grain yield, and forage and grain N concentration. The NDVI before and after 90 growing degree days (GDD) were correlated with final grain yield, grain N uptake, GPC, and NFUE. At Efaw location, NDVI after 90 GDDs accounted for 58% of variation in grain yield and 51% variation in grain N uptake. However, NDVI was found to be a poor indicator of both GPC and NFUE. Grain yield was not affected by the method and timing of N application at Efaw. Alternatively, at Perkins, topdress applications resulted in higher yields. The GPC and NFUE were improved with the topdress applications. Generally, topdress application enhanced GPC and NFUE without decreasing the final grain yield. The difference method used in calculating gaseous N loss did not always reveal similar results, and estimated plant N loss was variable by site‐year, and depended on daily fluctuations in the environment.

Evolutions in cardiac and gonadal ultra-structure during a “cycle” of androgenic anabolic abuse in adult male mice

BackgroundThe importance of the present study comes from the lack of sufficient information about the reversibility of the potential histopathological alterations which may result from anabolic androgenic drugs abuse by “Cycling” protocol. So, the aim of this study is to explore the negative effects of Deca-Durabolin abuse in cardiac and gonadal ultra-structures during an administration cycle. MethodsFor our purpose, study was performed on 40 male adult mices. Animals were divided into five groups of 8 animals each treated weekly by Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate) at 30 g/kg of BW during one month (GI); during two months (GII); during three months (GIII); during three months followed by six weeks of treatment discontinuation (GIV) and Control (C). Cytohistological examinations to determine the histopathological damage properties of the heart and tests were performed. ResultsOur results showed that the animals supported very well the administrated substance. Our study showed important degenerative changes in cardiac and gonadal tissues after one months of androgen abuse. These damages increases with the duration of treatment with well marked cell lesions, and worsen again 6 weeks after stopping treatment in cardiac tissue, whereas the gonadal tissue does not recover completely during this period. ConclusionThese results ported that the use of AAS with “Cycling” may lead to irreversibly destroy the heart tissue. Either, “Cycling” does not ensure the complete recovery of fertility in AAS abusers.

Adoption of an improved fallow practice using Acacia auriculiformis on the Batéké Plateau in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

An improved fallow agroforestry practice, that involves planting Acacia auriculiformis trees to accelerate soil fertility recovery, was taught to 306 farmers in Mampu agroforestry zone on the Bateke Plateau in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from 1995 to 2001. Our study (1) assessed the principal factors that determined the continued application of this practice by farmers; and (2) identified the benefits and constraints perceived by those farmers who adopted the practice two decades ago. We applied a mixed approach that combined quantitative as well as qualitative evaluation. First, a multiple linear regression model was constructed based on a survey of 121 farmers that adopted the new practice. We subsequently conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 adopters. The regression models identified that the availability of labour, based on the number of household members working in the fields, best explained the continued use of the improved fallow practice (P = 0.0898). In the interviews, revenue from the sale of charcoal and improvement in crop yields were cited as key benefits of improved fallow, while the lack of nurseries for tree production and the problems of access to water were the main drawbacks mentioned by adopters. The study results identify the principal factors influencing the adoption of this practice, as well as the perception of farmers; this information can be used to guide the dissemination of improved fallow practice to other communities on the Bateke Plateau landscape.

Quantifying soil N pools and N2O emissions after application of chemical fertilizer and straw to a typical chernozem soil

An incubation experiment with equivalent N rates was conducted for 56 days using a typical black soil amended with chemical fertilizer with or without straw amendment using a 15N cross-labeling technique. Compared with the chemical fertilizer treatment (15NCF), chemical fertilizer combined with straw treatment (CF + S) showed a significantly higher (P < 0.05) contribution from applied N to microbial biomass N (BN) in the first 14 days and to particulate organic N (PON) and mineral-associated total N (MON) throughout the incubation. Straw application in the CF + S treatment significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the recovery of chemical fertilizer N as soil inorganic N except at day 3 but increased the recovery of chemical fertilizer N as BN before day 14 and as PON and MON from day 14 to the end of the incubation period. At the end of the incubation period, the total N2O-N emissions in the CF + S treatment increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the CF treatment, and the increase in N2O-N emissions was 73% from chemical fertilizer and 27% from straw N individually. Our results suggest that the combined application of chemical fertilizer and straw increased soil fertility together with an increase in N2O emissions in the typical black soil and the N2O emissions from straw cannot be ignored.