Root Area Research Articles

Localization of High-Titanium Dolerites in Kimberlite Fields: Possible Causes and a New Criterion for Kimberlite Search

Abstract ––The generalized chemical composition data on the studied dolerites from the Vilyui–Markha dike swarm (Vilyui paleorift) allowed detecting geochemically anomalous areas among them. It has been found that percentage of TiO2 and a number of heavy rare-earth elements (Th, Ta, Hf, Y, Nd) in the dolerites of dikes located within the kimberlite fields show almost twofold increase compared to the normal content for these elements in the Vilyui–Markha dolerites. Similar behavior of these elements is also observed in the dolerite dikes near the Kuoika kimberlite field (the Molodo dike swarm, Olenek paleorift). It is inferred that there is a connection between the increase in abundances of titanium and rare-earth elements in the dolerites and that the latter occur within the lithosphere blocks hosting kimberlite fields. The areas of lithospheric mantle roots linked with the formation of proto-kimberlites may have had bearing on the composition of tholeiite melt both in the processes of its generation and during its ascent to the Earth’s surface, which led to its local enrichment in titanium and a number of other elements. While the processes of the alignment of the geochemical composition between the high-titanium basites and the rest of the melt beyond the contours of the lithospheric blocks with kimberlite fields were weakly pronounced, they were responsible for appearance of zones enriched in titanium. Kimberlite fields that formed before or after basite magmas intrusion overlap with placements of high-titanium dolerite dikes. Thus, high-titanium dolerites in dike swarms (belts) can be used as one of the criteria for kimberlite searches. In view of the above, two new potential zones (Tenkelyakh and Kyulenke areas) for kimberlite exploration have been identified within the Vilyui–Markha dike swarm.

Eco-physiological adaptation strategies of dominant tree species in response to canopy and understory simulated nitrogen deposition in a warm temperate forest

Nitrogen (N) is an indispensable element for plant growth and survival. The increased global N deposition due to human activities has aroused attention to forest ecosystems, but most studies have not considered the process of N interception, assimilation, and leaching in forest canopy. To investigate the responses and adaptive strategies of dominant tree species in a warm temperate forest to atmospheric N deposition, this study implemented five treatments: control treatment, canopy simulated low N deposition, canopy simulated high N deposition, understory simulated low N deposition, and understory simulated high N deposition. The morphological and physiological traits and nutrient uptake strategies of three dominant tree species (Liquidambar formosana, Quercus acutissima, and Quercus variabilis) in warm temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest were studied under different forms and levels of stimulated N deposition. The results showed that the specific leaf area (SLA) of the three dominant tree species decreased under high N application. To optimize resource absorption and improve nutrient transport rates, the specific root length (SRL) and specific root area (SRA) of the three tree species tended to decrease, while the average root diameter (ARD) increased. Under canopy N deposition (CAN), the contents of carbon (C), N, total chlorophyll (Tchl), and total amino acids in Q. variabilis leaves were lower than those under understory N deposition (UAN) treatment. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed the differences between different genera (L. formosana and Q. variabilis, L. formosana and Q. acutissima) under various N treatments, and there was no significant difference between the same genus (Q. variabilis and Q. acutissima). The results indicated that the eco-physiological characteristics of different tree species under N deposition treatment were species-specific, and traditional UAN perhaps exaggerated the effect of atmospheric N deposition on tree growth characteristics. Our study considers the retention and redistribution of forest canopy, which is more in accordance with the natural N deposition, and helps us to understand the eco-physiological responses of dominant tree species in forest ecosystem to atmospheric N deposition.

Heterodera glycines HG type 1.2.5.7 causes a decrease in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) nitrogen fixation and growth variables

ABSTRACT Soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, HG type 1.2.5.7 is the most virulent and widespread SCN biotype in the southern states of the USA, but its effect on soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) nitrogen fixation (NF) activity and growth is not well documented. The objectives of this study were to: (1) measure the impact of HG type 1.2.5.7 on NF activity during the early vegetative stage of three soybean genotypes and (2) compare the impact on soybean leaf and root development, and plant growth. The NF activity of two susceptible (S) genotypes (“Ellis” and “Williams 82”) and one resistant (R) genotype (PI 88,788), subjected to a 10,000-egg treatment, was measured using an in-situ flow-through acetylene reduction assay. The average NF activity of the soybean genotypes was decreased by SCN activity. Time points assessment showed that the NF activity was differently impacted among the genotypes. Based on the measured values, the NF activity was decreased by 30% in SCN infected plants of Williams 82 but that of PI 88,788 and Ellis was affected. Likewise, soybean leaf color and leaf area were affected by SCN infection, but there was no impact on root length and root area. These results showed that SCN HG type 1.2.5.7 can exhibit varying negative impact on NF and shoot growth of S soybean genotypes, while R genotypes may be unaffected. Thus, indicating genetic resistance continues to be a critical tool for the management of the SCN.

The Influence of Various Welding Methods on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 316Ti Steel.

Austenitic stainless steels are very popular due to their high strength properties, ductility, excellent corrosion resistance and work hardening. This paper presents the test results for joining AISI 316Ti austenitic steel. The technologies used for joining were the most popular welding techniques such as TIG (welding with a non-consumable electrode in the shield of inert gases), MIG (welding with a consumable electrode in the shield of inert gases) as well as high-energy EBW welding (Electron Beam Welding) and plasma PAW (plasma welding). Microstructural examinations in the face, center and root areas of the weld revealed different contents of delta ferrite with skeletal or lathy ferrite morphology. Additionally, the presence of columnar grains at the fusion line and equiaxed grains in the center of the welds was found. Microstructural, X-ray and ferroscope tests showed the presence of different delta ferrite contents depending on the technology used. The highest content of delta ferrite was found in the TIG and PAW connectors, approximately 5%, and the lowest in the EBW connector, approximately 2%. Based on the tests carried out on the mechanical properties, it was found that the highest properties were achieved by the MIG joint (Rm, 616, Rp0.2 = 335 MPa), while the lowest were achieved by the PAW joint (Rm = 576, Rp0.2 = 315 MPa).

Metabolic niches in the rhizosphere microbiome: dependence on soil horizons, root traits and climate variables in forest ecosystems.

Understanding belowground plant-microbial interactions is important for biodiversity maintenance, community assembly and ecosystem functioning of forest ecosystems. Consequently, a large number of studies were conducted on root and microbial interactions, especially in the context of precipitation and temperature gradients under global climate change scenarios. Forests ecosystems have high biodiversity of plants and associated microbes, and contribute to major primary productivity of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the impact of root metabolites/exudates and root traits on soil microbial functional groups along these climate gradients is poorly described in these forest ecosystems. The plant root system exhibits differentiated exudation profiles and considerable trait plasticity in terms of root morphological/phenotypic traits, which can cause shifts in microbial abundance and diversity. The root metabolites composed of primary and secondary metabolites and volatile organic compounds that have diverse roles in appealing to and preventing distinct microbial strains, thus benefit plant fitness and growth, and tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought. Climatic factors significantly alter the quantity and quality of metabolites that forest trees secrete into the soil. Thus, the heterogeneities in the rhizosphere due to different climate drivers generate ecological niches for various microbial assemblages to foster beneficial rhizospheric interactions in the forest ecosystems. However, the root exudations and microbial diversity in forest trees vary across different soil layers due to alterations in root system architecture, soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient stoichiometry. Changes in root system architecture or traits, e.g. root tissue density (RTD), specific root length (SRL), and specific root area (SRA), impact the root exudation profile and amount released into the soil and thus influence the abundance and diversity of different functional guilds of microbes. Here, we review the current knowledge about root morphological and functional (root exudation) trait changes that affect microbial interactions along drought and temperature gradients. This review aims to clarify how forest trees adapt to challenging environments by leveraging their root traits to interact beneficially with microbes. Understanding these strategies is vital for comprehending plant adaptation under global climate change, with significant implications for future research in plant biodiversity conservation, particularly within forest ecosystems.

The applicability of scanner method to investigate rhizosphere in wetlands

Temporal changes in rhizosphere, including roots and rhizomes, are prerequisites for understanding plant community dynamics, while observation methods have room for development. Monitoring roots and rhizomes by non-destructive methods is desirable, particularly in wetlands, because plants often develop shallow roots that are determined by the water level. Here, we examined the applicability of flatbed scanner method, which allows for least destructive monitoring. The examination was performed on a post-mined peatland in Sarobetsu mire, northern Japan, where herbaceous plants are dominant. Photos (297 mm in height × 216 mm in width) were taken periodically using a scanner in transparent boxes installed in peat layers from 2020 to 2023. Most photos taken by the scanner showed clear for image analyses and were analyzed for temporal changes in root area and length of dominant species. Although root extraction was conducted automatically using open-source software, manual operations were required to increase root detectability and identification. The belowground plant organs were separated into main roots, fine roots, adventitious roots and rhizomes. The roots were mostly distributed within the photo planes, except for the deep rhizomes of Phragmites australis, indicating that this method captured most roots. In total, 62% of the roots were distributed above the groundwater level of which average was 7 cm below the peat surface. The examined species fluctuated in root area and length with upward trends and developed at different depths. We conclude that the scanner method proposed in this study is applicable to monitoring root dynamics, evaluated by the recruitment and growth at species level for the long term and provides a new insight into understanding rhizosphere dynamics in wetland ecosystems.

Assessment of dental age estimation using dentinal translucency in ground sections of single rooted teeth: a digital image analysis.

Human dentition is unique to individuals and helps in identification of individuals in forensic odontology. This study proposes to study the manually ground sections of single rooted teeth using digital methods for dental age estimation. To assess the dentinal translucency from the scanned digital images of manually ground section of teeth using commercially available image edition software. Corroborating the root dentinal translucency length and region of interest (ROI) of translucency zone in pixels (as a marker of dental age) with the chronological age of the subject, as stratified by different age groups. Twenty single-rooted extracted teeth from 20 patients each from 6 groups divided as per age. Manual sectioning of the teeth followed by scanning the sections was done. Root area in pixels and ROI of translucency zone were measured. From the observed values, translucency length percentage (TLP) and percentage of ROI in pixels (TPP) was calculated and tabulated. Pearson's correlation coefficients were obtained for age with TLP and TPP. Positive correlation existed between age and TLP and also between age and TPP. With the obtained data, multilinear regression equations for specific age groups based on 10-year intervals were derived. By a step-down analysis method, age was estimated with an average error of around ±7.9 years. This study gives a novel method for age-estimation that can be applied in real-time forensic sciences.

Electromyographic activity of pelvic floor muscles in different positions during the use an innovative vaginal educator: Cross-sectional study.

The pelvic floor requires an integrated anatomical structure owing to its multiple functions. Therefore, it is necessary to study methods for improving muscle recruitment during training. This study aimed to analyze the effect of using an innovative vaginal trainer on the bioelectrical activity of the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic positioning and interference factors, such as age, childbirth, sexual activity, urinary incontinence, and menopause, were also analyzed. A cross-sectional study assessed 30 women using an evaluation form, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, and surface electromyography. The root mean square of a 5-second contraction period, peak root mean square values, area values, % maximal voluntary contraction (root mean square normalized by peak signal), and median frequency were collected. These findings with and without the use of a vaginal educator were compared in the anteversion, neutral, and retroversion pelvic positions. The use of a vaginal educator was found to increase the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles in the neutral position. In this position, older women showed an increased peak contraction when using the educator. Multiparas also benefited from increased bioelectric activity (root mean square and area). Sexually active women increased their bioelectric activity in a neutral position when using the trainer, exerting less effort in retroversion (%-maximal voluntary contraction). Incontinent and menopausal women exhibited slower body-building activation (decreased frequency) with the device, which requires further investigation. Our innovative biofeedback device induced greater recruitment of muscle fibers, is more effective in the neutral pelvic position, and may be effective in training the pelvic floor muscles, even in women with a greater tendency toward pelvic floor dysfunction.

Plant functional traits couple with range size and shape in European trees

AbstractAimPlant functional traits are frequently proposed as influential factors in species distribution. However, there is a gap in assessing how plant resource‐economic traits relate to the size and shape of a species' geographical range, and to what extent these relationships are conserved over evolutionary history. Specifically, an acquisitive strategy (characterized by heightened metabolism, shorter lifespan and quicker generation turnover) may promote isotropic range formations, resulting in less elongated and larger ranges. Here, I tested this link using data from 98 native European tree species.LocationPalaearctic.Time periodPresent.Major taxa studiedTrees.MethodsI used chorological maps to quantify two independent range attributes: species' range area and elongation. I considered 28 functional traits linked to resource‐use strategy measured in above‐ and below‐ground organs. I used multi‐response phylogenetic mixed models to calculate the conservative trait correlation (CTC) and the phylogenetically independent correlation (IND) component of each functional trait with range area and elongation.ResultsRange area positively correlated with resource acquisitive strategies, while range elongation correlated with resource conservative strategies. This pattern was consistent across the examined traits but statistically significant in seven out of the 28 traits, including specific leaf area, specific root area and root mycorrhizal colonization. Traits related to leaf and root nutritional status exhibited the weakest relationships with range attributes. Significant correlations were more frequent in the IND component and often showed contrasting trends compared to CTC.Main conclusionsPlant resource‐use strategy emerges as a relevant factor to gain insights on what shapes species' geographical distribution, alongside more established drivers such as dispersal limitation and climatic tolerance. Trait‐range relationships are driven by processes leaving a weak phylogenetic signature. These processes may result from direct selection, where functional traits impact range attributes, or indirect effects, such as the co‐variation of ranges and traits with environmental niche optima.

Combined effects of biochar and biodegradable mulch film on chromium bioavailability and the agronomic characteristics of tobacco

Biochar (BC) and biodegradable mulch film (BMF) are both commonly used means of production in agriculture. In recent years, most studies have focused on the effects of BC or BMF on soil heavy metal pollution, while they have neglected the combined effects. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to examine the impacts of BMF, BC, and combined BMF and BC (CMB) on the mobility of chromium (Cr) and the agronomic characteristics of flue-cured tobacco. Compared with the control, BMF, BC, and CMB significantly reduced the concentrations of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable Cr in soils by 29.07–29.75%, 45.35–48.54%, and 34.21–37.92%, respectively. In comparison to the application of BMF and BC alone, co-application reduced the availability of Cr in soil via increasing the adsorption of soil Cr and soil enzyme activity, which resulted in the decrease of Cr content and bioconcentration factor and in plants. Moreover, the combined application increased the plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, total root area, root tip number, and root activity of tobacco, which leaded to increase in leaf and root biomass by 11.40–67.01% and 23.91–50.74%, respectively. Therefore, the application of CMB can reduce the heavy metal residues in tobacco leaves and improve tobacco yield and quality.

Exploring the synergistic effect of chromium (Cr) tolerant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and nano zero valent iron (nZVI) for suppressing Cr uptake in Aloe Vera

Chromium (Cr) contamination of soil has substantially deteriorated soil health and has interfered with sustainable agricultural production worldwide and therefore, its remediation is inevitable. Inoculation of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in association with nanotechnology has exerted broad based impacts in agriculture, and there is an urgent need to exploit their synergism in contaminated soils. Here, we investigated the effect of co-application of Cr-tolerant “Pseudomonas aeruginosa CKQ9” strain and nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) in improving the phytoremediation potential of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis L.) under Cr contamination. Soil was contaminated by using potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) salt and 15 mg kg−1 contamination level in soil was maintained via spiking and exposure to Cr lasted throughout the duration of the experiment (120 days). We observed that the co-application alleviated the adverse impacts of Cr on aloe vera, and improved various plant attributes such as plant height, root area, number of leaves and gel contents by 51, 137, 67 and 49% respectively as compared to control treatment under Cr contamination. Similarly, significant boost in the activities of various antioxidants including catalase (124%), superoxide dismutase (87%), ascorbate peroxidase (36%), peroxidase (89%) and proline (34%) was pragmatic under contaminated soil conditions. In terms of soil Cr concentration and its plant uptake, co-application of P. aeruginosa and nZVI also reduced available Cr concentration in soil (50%), roots (77%) and leaves (84%), while simultaneously increasing the relative production index by 225% than un-inoculated control. Hence, integrating PGPR with nZVI can be an effective strategy for enhancing the phytoremediation potential of aloe vera.

Nitrogen acquisition strategy shifts with tree age depending on root functional traits and soil properties in Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations.

Variation in plant nitrogen uptake rate and substrate preference is complicated due to the combined influence of abiotic and biotic factors. For the same species of tree across different ages, the interactions between root structural traits, nitrogen uptake rate, and soil environment have not been fully characterized, a situation that constrains our understanding of underground resource strategies employed by trees at different ages. In the present study, we examined the nitrogen uptake rate, mycorrhiza, morphology, architecture, and chemistry of the roots of Larix principis-rupprechtii in a chronosequence (aged 18, 27, 37, 46, and 57 years) in the Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm in Northern China. L. principis-rupprechtii preferred to absorb ammonium, followed in order by glycine and nitrate. The ammonium uptake rate of L. principis-rupprechtii significantly decreased (aged 18-37 years) and then increased (aged 46-57 years) with tree age. The glycine, nitrate, and total nitrogen uptake rates decreased with tree age. The root resource acquisition strategy appeared to shift from an acquisitive strategy to a conservative strategy associated with increasing tree age. Along the root-mycorrhizal collaboration gradient, the younger L. principis-rupprechtii relied more on their own root morphology and physiology to acquire resources, adopting a "do it yourself" strategy comprising increasing the specific root length, the specific root area, and the N uptake rate (nitrate and glycine). Conversely, older trees depended more on mycorrhizal partners to acquire nitrogen resources, an "outsourcing" strategy. The results contribute to our understanding of underground resource-use strategies of plants and the nitrogen cycle in forest ecosystems according to stand age.

Biomechanical analysis of total arch maxillary distalization using infrazygomatic crest miniscrews: a finite element analysis study

AimTo evaluate the maxillary incisors and canine’s immediate movement tendency using three different power arms (PA) height levels during total arch maxillary distalization supported on infrazygomatic crest (IZC) miniscrews according to finite element analysis (FEA).MethodsThree finite element models of the maxilla were developed based on CBCT imaging of a teenage male patient presenting a Class II Division 1 malocclusion in the early permanent dentition. Maxillary complex, periodontium, orthodontic accessories, IZC miniscrews and an orthodontic wire were digitally created. The PAs were placed between canines and lateral incisors and projected at 4, 7, and 10 mm height distances. After that, distalization forces were simulated between PA and IZC miniscrews.ResultsThe anterior teeth deformation produced in the FEA models was assessed according to a Von Mises equivalent. The stress was measured, revealing tendencies of initial maxillary teeth movement. No differences were found between the right and left sides. However, there was a significant difference among models in the under-stress areas, especially the apical and cervical root areas of the maxillary anterior teeth. More significant extrusion and lingual tipping of incisors were observed with the 4 mm power arm compared to the 7 mm and 10 mm ones. The 10 mm power arm did not show any tendency for extrusion of maxillary central incisors but a tendency for buccal tipping and intrusion of lateral incisors.ConclusionThe maxillary incisors and canines have different immediate movement tendencies according to the height of the anterior point of the en-masse distalization force application. Based on the PA height increase, a change from lingual to buccal tipping and less extrusion tendency was observed for the incisors, while the lingual tipping and extrusion trend for canines increased.

Regulation of soil nutrient cycling in the root zone of Pyracantha fortuneana: The role of core microbiome induced by plant species

AbstractBackgroundA host‐plant and its associated microbiota are interdependent, with the enduring root zone microbial communities evolving over an extended period for a specific plant species. However, the long‐term stability and functioning of host‐associated microbiota, and their potential to be influenced by introduced plants, remain poorly understood.AimsOur objective was to ascertain the relative contributions of core and rare microbiota in maintaining community stability and soil nutrient cycling in the presence of introduced plants.MethodsWe executed a pot experiment where four plant species at varying successional stages were planted in soil collected from the root area of Pyracantha fortuneana. Soil samples were collected 2 years post‐planting. The soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and microbial networks under different introduced plants were analyzed.ResultsThe growth of Betula luminifera significantly enhanced soil enzyme activity, multi‐nutrient cycling level, and microbial community diversity, compared to soils cultivated with Imperata cylindrica and Zanthoxylum simulans. Furthermore, the treatment involving B. luminifera planting exhibited a lower clustering coefficient and higher average path length than other treatments. Core taxa demonstrated higher node degree and betweenness centrality than rare taxa, favoring the stability of the microbial network. Importantly, the core taxa, particularly their co‐occurrence network properties, were the primary drivers for multi‐nutrient cycles of P. fortuneana root zone soils. Among the core taxa, Mortierellomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Thermoleophili, and Rubrobacteria were abundant in the treatment involving B. luminifera and were significantly positively correlated with most soil nutrient extracellular enzymes, thereby contributing to soil multi‐nutrient cycling.ConclusionCore taxa significantly influence the microbial stability in the root zone soil of P. fortuneana. The introduction of B. luminifera can enhance the stability of the microbial community structure within this soil, thereby promoting soil nutrient cycles.

Contrasting depth‐related fine root plastic responses to soil warming in a subtropical Chinese fir plantation

Abstract Warming‐induced soil drought, especially in topsoil, may enlarge the spatial mismatch between nutrients and water along the soil profile, which impedes the uptake of not only water but also nutrients by trees. Therefore, coordinating the acquisition of soil water and nutrients along the soil profile is an important strategy for trees to cope with global warming. This study examined soil depth‐related changes in nutrient concentrations, biomass and morphology of fine roots in a Chinese fir plantation after 3 years of large‐scale manipulative soil warming. Soil warming (ambient +4°C) increased fine root nitrogen (N) concentrations but decreased fine root phosphorus (P) concentrations across soil depths. Warming did not affect total fine root biomass and its vertical distribution. At the 0–10 cm depth, warming increased specific root length (SRL), specific root area (SRA), fine root diameter (RD) and root length density (RLD) but reduced root tissue density (RTD). In the 40–60 cm layer, warming reduced RD, SRL and RLD while increasing RTD mainly for roots of the 1–2 mm diameter class. Synthesis. We concluded that roots of Chinese fir plantations could adapt to warming‐induced moderate water stress through contrasting depth‐related root morphological adjustments, probably to optimize the acquisition of both soil water and nutrients. The results of this study are crucial for understanding the adaptation strategies of subtropical forests under future climate conditions.

Application of biostimulant consortium to increase the growth of sugarcane (Var. Cenning) in a dry land

Abstract Sugarcane is considered one of the most promising crops. The growth of the crop is affected by photosynthesis and toter and nutrient absorption by plants. Biostimulant is a non-nutrient biomaterial that is proven to improve crop growth. Based on this idea, Biostimulant technology can be used as an alternative to enhance sugarcane growth. This research aimed to assess the Biostimulant consortium (Sucrosin, humic acid, and AM fungal) to improve the growth of the sugarcane var. Cenning in a dry land. The study tested two treatments, i.e., control (standard procedures) and Biostimulant Consortium application. Sucrosin was applied on 1, 3, 4, and 5 months after planting (MAP) by using a foliar spray. Application of mycorrhizal fungi was spread around the roots area of sugarcane crops. In contrast, the application of humic acid was sprayed on the ground as a coating agent for inorganic fertilizers. Coating fertilizer is carried out by mixing a humic acid solution with as much as 1% of the fertilizer. The research showed the treatment of the Biostimulant Consortium yielded significant results in the sugarcane growth compared to the control on 8 MAP. Biostimulant Consortium can improve crop height and stem diameter significantly up to 30-40% compared to control. It indicates that the Biostimulant consortium’s treatment can improve sugarcane’s vegetative growth in s dry land.

Karık ve Damla Sulama Yöntemleriyle Kırmızı Biberde Farklı Sulama Stratejilerinin Yaprak Osmotik Potansiyeli ile K ve Ca İyon Konsantrasyonları Üzerine Etkilerinin Belirlenmesi

A study was managed to identify the water stress effect on marketable yield, osmatic potential, and potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) ions for drip and furrow irrigated processing red pepper in the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons in Tarsus, Turkey. The treatments for drip irrigation; comprise full irrigation (DFI1.0), deficit irrigation DDI0.75, DPRD0.5, DFPRD0.5, and DDI0.5; for furrow irrigation; full irrigation (FFI1.0), fix alternative furrow (FAF0.5) and PRD furrow (FPRD0.5). FAF0.5 and FPRD0.5 received 50 % of the water applied to FFI1.0. In FAF0.5 the same furrows were irrigated while in FPRD0.5 irrigated alternately. Irrigation methods and irrigation levels had a remarkable effect on the total yield of red pepper in both experimental years. Drip irrigation treatments manufactured higher red pepper yields than the furrow irrigation treatments. The maximum yield in the drip irrigation system was acquired from the DFI1.0 treatment followed by DDI0.75, DDI0.5, and DFPRD0.5 treatments. Though DPRD0.5, DFPRD0.5, and DDI0.5 applied the same amount of water, DPRD0.5 resulted in a higher yield. In furrow treatments, FFI1.0 resulted in the highest yield followed by FPRD0.5 and FAF0.5. Water use efficiency (WUE) diminished with increasing the water amount for drip and furrow irrigation methods. While lower osmotic potential values were measured in full irrigation treatments in furrow and drip irrigation plots, higher osmotic potential values were determined in treatments where water stress was determined in both years. In both drip and furrow irrigation, the lowest Ca (%) values were obtained in full irrigation, while the highest Ca values were obtained in limited irrigation with water stress in the 2010 and 2011 years. K ion values were generally similar in the first and fourth pepper harvests in drip and furrow irrigation.

Integration of mycorrhiza hyphae into organic fertilizer granules on the growth of sugarcane crops

Arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) are important for tropical soils where soil phosphorus (P) availability is low so that plants can use P with higher efficiency. AMF can increase the P concentration in the plant root area, by releasing the bonds of fixed P into available P. One of the obstacles in utilizing AMF fertilizer is the limited availability of AMF inoculant in the form of AMF spores. In addition, AMF spore production takes a long time. AMF in the form of hyphae is an alternative as an inoculant because it has a faster infection capacity than AMF spores and does not break apart like AMF spores when made in the form of granular organic biofertilizer. The aim of this research was to analyze the effectiveness of various doses of AMF hyphae granule organic fertilizer on sugarcane plants. This research was conducted using a randomized block design. The treatment doses used were control (without AMF), 750 kg/ha, 1000 kg/ha, 1500 kg/ha, and 2000 kg/ha AMF hyphae granule organic fertilizer which was repeated five times. The results of the research showed that the application of AMF hyphae granule organic fertilizer at a dose of 1500 kg/ha could increase plant height, stem diameter, number of tillers and root infections of sugarcane plants. The P status of sugarcane plants increased from medium to high with a plant P content of 0.442% P2O5. This effect was seen more clearly in sugarcane plants grown in the field than grown in the greenhouse.

Studies on the Effect of Water Stress on Root Traits in Redgram Genotypes

The experiment was conducted during July–November, 2019 at Regional Agriculture Research Station, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Palem, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana State, India. The main treatments had five red gram genotypes and water stress levels were taken as sub-treatment in 3 replications in factorial RBD using specialized root structure made with cement bricks. There was great variability in the yield performance of different Redgram genotypes under drought conditions. The experiment was conducted to select genotypes with efficient root architecture and associated traits under drought stress. Root studies were performed with the Delta T automatic root scanner. The SPAD chlorophyll meter was used to measure the SCMR value. The present study results revealed that genotype, Maruti showed significant superiority for character plant height and SCMR under non-stress, mild stress and severe stress conditions. The same genotype showed superior values for main root length under control and mild stress. Whereas, Laxmi recorded the highest plant height under severe stress and the same genotype also showed significant superiority for total plant dry weight, root dry weight and root area under severe stress. The genotype Laxmi showed significant character, root area and diameter superiority under mild stress. ICPL-20176 recorded significant superiority for main root length under severe stress and root tip for mild stress. The identified genotypes can be used as the parents in future drought-proof breeding useful for cultivating in water stress conditions.

Growth Performance and Osmolyte Regulation of Drought-Stressed Walnut Plants Are Improved by Mycorrhiza

This study aims to evaluate whether a selected arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Diversispora spurca, improves growth in drought-stressed walnut (Juglans regia L. cv. Qingxiang) plants and whether this improvement is associated with changes in osmolyte (fructose, glucose, sucrose, soluble protein, proline, and betaine) levels. After 60 days of soil drought treatment (50% of maximum field water-holding capacity), root D. spurca colonization rate and soil mycelium length decreased by 13.57% and 64.03%, respectively. Soil drought also inhibited the growth performance of aboveground (stem diameter, leaf number, leaf biomass, and stem biomass) and underground (root projected area, surface area, and average diameter) parts, with uninoculated plants showing a stronger inhibition than D. spurca-inoculated plants. D. spurca significantly increased these growth variables, along with aboveground part variables and root areas being more prominent under drought stress versus non-stress conditions. Although drought treatment suppressed the chlorophyll index and nitrogen balance index in leaves, mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased these indices. Walnut plants were able to actively increase leaf fructose, glucose, sucrose, betaine, and proline levels under such drought stress. Inoculation of D. spurca also significantly increased leaf fructose, glucose, sucrose, betaine, proline, and soluble protein levels under drought stress and non-stress, with the increasing trend in betaine and soluble protein being higher under drought stress versus non-stress. Drought stress dramatically raised leaf hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in both inoculated and uninoculated plants, while mycorrhizal plants presented significantly lower H2O2 levels, with the decreasing trend higher under drought stress versus non-stress. In conclusion, D. spurca symbiosis can increase the growth of drought-stressed walnut plants, associated with increased osmolyte levels and decreased H2O2 levels.