Soil Plant Analysis Development Index Research Articles

Effects of different doses of micro-organic and phosphorus fertilizers on growth and yield of red turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

The objective of the study was to determine the appropriate doses of micro-organic and phosphorus fertilizers for good growth, high rhizomes yield and enhancing the economic efficiency of red turmeric cultivated in gray soil in Thu Duc city. The two factor experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots consisted of four doses of phosphorus fertilizer as 30, 60 (control), 90, & 120 kg P2O5/ha. The sub-plots included three doses of micro-organic fertilizer (2, 4, & 6 tons/ha) and a control with cow dung of 10 tons/ha. A common dose of 500 kg lime, 90 kg N, 120 kg K2O/ha was applied in all treatments The results showed that red turmeric was applied at the dose of 120 kg P2O5 combined with 6 tons of micro-organic fertilizer/ha exhibited the highest growth, yield and economic outcomes including a plant height of 41.2 cm, stem diameter of 16.2 mm, leaf length of 24.4 cm, leaf width of 8.5 cm, leaf count of 7.0, soil plant analysis development index of 35.6, the profit of VND 386.32 million/ha, and the benefit cost ratio of 2.4.

Correlation of the SPAD index with absolute leaf pigments in irrigated lettuce culture in the Northwest Paraná, Brazil

Photosynthesis is the most important biochemical process that takes place in plants and chlorophyll is the main pigment involved in it. Current destructive methods for determining chlorophyll content are accurate, but time-consuming and relatively expensive. The SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) is a portable chlorophyll meter that provides an instant and nondestructive reading of the green color of leaves. As an important source of vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamins C, carotenoids and fiber content, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plays a crucial role in human nutrition, being one of the most popular staple plant foods among the population. Considering the possibility of management based on the characteristics of photosynthetic pigments, the study aimed to relate the SPAD index values with the content of leaf pigments in lettuce. The study was conducted in the Northwest region of Paraná, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with 48 leaf samples being determined the SPAD index and the content of leaf pigments. The determination of the SPAD index was performed with the SPAD-502 equipment (Minota®) with three readings per sample. For the extraction of leaf pigments, chlorophyll (a; b), total chlorophyll (a + b) and carotenoids, acetone was used as an extractor and the reading was performed in a spectrophotometer. The SPAD index was correlated with the levels of chlorophyll a (0.93), chlorophyll b (0.89), total chlorophyll (0.93) and carotenoids (0.95) in lettuce leaves. Through the SPAD, the chlorophyll content in lettuce leaves can be determined in a representative way.

High-tunnel Organic Ginger: Response to Propagation Material, Fertilizer, and Prepropagation Rhizome Storage

Ginger (Zingiber officinale, Roscoe) is a tropical rhizome crop typically grown from rhizome pieces, but can also be produced from seedlings. No information is available on how the seedling method compares with the rhizome piece method in organic ginger culture. In addition, information on the growing of organic ginger in the mid-Atlantic region is lacking. Some of the challenges include limited knowledge of rhizome storage, types of propagation materials for planting in the field or high tunnel, and acceptable organic fertilizers that will not increase the excess P currently polluting the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The objective of this study was to assess plant development, soil nutrients, and economic feasibility of organic ginger derived from different storage conditions and planting materials when grown in different nutrient sources in a high tunnel. Three types of plant material (single-shoot transplant seedlings derived from 36.5–40.0 g/rhizome, multishoot transplant seedlings derived from 60–120 g/rhizome, and rhizome seeds of 60–120 g) and three fertilizers types [cotton seed meal, 6N–0.9P–0.8K (0.18 kg⋅m–2), plus AZOMITE (1 kg⋅m–2); Nature Safe, 13N–0P–0K (0.07 kg⋅m–2); and Phytamin All Purpose Liquid fertilizer, 4N–1.3P–3.3K (0.26 L⋅m–2)] were used in 2018. In 2019 and 2020, three types of plant material and two fertilizer types at modified rates from the 2018 study, plus two storage containers (pans and flats), were tested. In general, the rhizome storage container did not affect plant height, leaf soil plant analysis development (SPAD) index, and rhizome yield, and its effect on tillers was none or mixed. Fertilizer type had mixed effects on plant height and tiller number, and no effect on the leaf SPAD index. Rhizome yields in 2019 and 2020 were unaffected by fertilizer, but Nature Safe produced a greater benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) and profitability index (PI) than Phytamin. Soil P was generally less in Nature Safe–fertilized soil than in Phytamin-fertilized soil. Multishoot seedlings produced the greatest rhizome yield, BCR, PI, and tallest plants, and had some of the highest tiller numbers. These findings show that it would be more profitable to use multishoot seedlings as planting material in high tunnels compared with single-shoot seedlings and rhizome seeds. Furthermore, the lower P levels in the Nature Safe–fertilized soils compared with the Phytamin soils, and greater PI suggest that using Nature Safe will be a better choice than Phytamin for growing organic ginger.

Effects of waterlogging time on growth, physiology and yield of peanut cultivar L14 (Arachis hypogaea)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of waterlogging time on growth, physiology and yield of L14 peanut cultivar in the grasshouse of Faculty of Agronomy (Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Ha Noi) in Spring 2020. The experiment was designed as a randomized block design with 2 factors. Factor 1 was irigation regime including CT1: normal irrigation and CT2: waterlogging for 10 weeks and then drainage (soil moisture: 70 - 80%); Factor 2 was the time of waterlogging, including waterlogging at the seedling (3 leaves stage), flowering (25 days after begining of flowering), and full pod stages (65 days after begining of flowering). The results showed that waterlogging reduced both growth and physiological parameters, such as plant height, primary branch length, number of leaves/plant, fresh weight and dry matter, and nodule formation, soil plant analysis development index, and chlorophyll fluorescence efficiency. Only the increased ion leakage indicated the level of waterlogging stress. However, waterlogging at the seedling stage had a great impact on the number of pod per plant, and the pod set rate resulted in a 60.3% reduction in the individual yield of the cultivar L14 compared to the control. Meanwhile, waterlogging at the flowering and full pod stages caused a similar decrease in yield of peanut cultivar L14 ( 31%). Thus, waterlogging at the seedling stage for 10 weeks had the greatest effect on the yield of peanut variety L14.

Effects of nitrogen and potassium rates on growth and yield of red turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on the gray soil in Ho Chi Minh City

The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate rates of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers for growth, yield and economic efficiency of red turmeric cultivated on the gray soil in Ho Chi Minh City. The field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Station in Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City from December 2020 to October 2021. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replicates. The main plots included four nitrogen rates 60, 90 (control), 120 and 150 kg N/ha. The subplots included four potassium rates 90, 120 (control), 150, and 180 kg K2O/ha. All treatments were basally applied with 500 kg lime, 10 tons cow manure and 60 kg P2O5/ha. The results showed that growth attributes and yield were significantly affected by the rates of nitrogen and potassium. Red turmeric applied with 150 kg N/ha combined with 180 kg K2O/ha obtained the outstanding results in growth, yield and profit, such as the plant height of 43.0 cm, stem diameter of 19.7 mm, a number of leaves of 8.6 (180 DAP), soil plant analysis development index of 42.1 (120 DAP), actual fresh yield of 33.9 tons/ha, the profit of VND 370.17 million/ha and the benefit-cost ratio of 2.68.

SPAD values, as well as sugar- and capsaicin content in different varieties of outdoor peppers

The marketability of the sweet peppers is determined by their quality in Class I, which must also meet the highest standards in terms of the color, shape of the variety and the characteristics of the various flavors. However, the determinants of quality may vary from one pepper type to another. During of our research, we examined the utilization of nitrogen, magnesium and potassium in different types of domestic peppers in the context of the relative chlorophyll content of the foliage and the amount of sugar and total capsaicin in the fruits. We determined that the nutrient solution prepared by Duna-r Ltd. is suitable for achieving the highest sugar and capsaicin content, but their levels can differ significantly. The uptake and utilization of nitrogen, magnesium and potassium of nutrient solution can be checked with the SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) index data of the foliage. We found that there are periods in the phenophase of the pepper cultivars studied when both sugar content and capsaicin content increase significantly. Another major result is that sugar content is a basic determinant of capsaicin content in hot peppers and cherry peppers, while it is not an important factor of capsaicin content for Bogyiszló-type peppers.

CHANGES IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC PIGMENT CONTENTS AND SPAD INDEX IN RELATION TO WATERLOGGING IN SUGARCANE

Waterlogging is a major abiotic factor in tropics and subtropics India affecting plant productivity by creating anoxia, aerial rooting, mineral deficiency and toxicity, physiological and biochemical alterations. In present study, an effort was made to evaluate changes in photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), total Chl (Chl a+Chl b), carotenoids (CAR), the ratio of Chl a and Chl b (Chl a/b) and total Chl/CAR ratio and Soil plant analysis development (SPAD) index in plants grown under waterlogged conditions (WL) along with untreated control (C) using four sugarcane cultivars; CoLk 94184, BO 91, CoS 767 and CoJ 64. The results obtained indicated variation in Chl a, b, total Chl contents (mg/g fresh wt.) among different cultivars and relatively less in waterlogged plants. Chl ranged between 1.277-2.300 (mean: 1.949 in control) and 1.057- 2.150 (mean: 1.716 in waterlogged), Chl b, 0.319- 0.607 (mean: 0.518) in control and 0.290- 0.571 (mean: 0.453) in waterlogged plants, respectively. Chl a/b ratio is slightly higher in waterlogged (3.640-3.957, mean: 3.794) as compared to control (3.610-3.997, mean: 3.789) plants except in CoJ 64, while total Chl/ CAR ratio was comparatively lesser in waterlogged plants as compared to untreated control. SPAD index was relatively higher in control (30.1 - 35.3, mean: 34.0) than waterlogged plants (22.4-34.1, mean: 29.6) similar to destructive analysis of chlorophyll contents. Carotenoids contents ranged from 0.477- 0.787 in control and 0.467-0.797 mg/g fresh wt in waterlogging treatment; BO91 and CoS767 cultivars showed slightly higher value in waterlogged. Correlation among different attributes indicated significant positive relationship except chlorophyll a/b ratio showing negative association. Cultivar CoJ 64 showed highest decrease in Chl a/b, total Chl/CAR ratio and CAR contents reflecting highly sensitive to waterlogging stress as compared to other cultivars studied.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as inductor of growth and flowering in tomato

Tomato growth and fruiting are regulated by the interaction between environmental and endogenous factors. Thus, the use of organic compounds in the proper dosage can contribute to accelerate growth, development and productivity of tomatoes. In this sense, the objective of this work was to evaluate the growth and flowering of tomato plants submitted to different concentrations of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). The experiment was carried out with the cultivar Santa Cruz Kada in a completely randomized design with five replications and six treatments with concentrations 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mmol L-1 of acetylsalicylic acid. The different concentrations of AAS in this study did not change the stem diameter, however, other characteristics were influenced by the ASA. Concentrations over 15.6 mmol L-1 reduced the emission of tomato leaves, however, there was an increasing response to the emission of flower buds, SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) index and plant height.

High intensity and red enriched LED lights increased the growth of lettuce and endive

Changes in plant responses have been associated with different fractions of the visible spectrum and light intensity. Advances in light-emitting diodes (LED) have enabled the study of the effect of narrow wavelengths on plant growth and antioxidant compound synthesis. LED technology also facilitates the incorporation of light sources in a controlled setting where light spectra and intensity can be regulated. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of two commercial light spectra (S1: standard white light with 32.8% blue, 42.5% green, 21.7% red, and 2.4% far-red; S2: AP67 spectrum, designed for horticultural growth, with 16.9% blue, 20.5% green, 49.7% red and 12.3% far red) at two light intensities [low intensity (78 μmol m–2s–1 of photons for S1 and 62 μmol m–2s–1 for S2, and high intensity (HI) (102 and 100 μmol m–2s–1 for S1 and S2, respectively)] on growth and antioxidant compound contents in two leafy vegetables: endive (Cichorium endivia L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), and DW% of plants were taken as growth indicators. In addition, leaf number, soil plant analysis development index, leaf area (LA), and specific leaf area were also evaluated. Antioxidant synthesis was measured as total phenol content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. The results showed that S2 and HI increased the FW, DW, and LA in both species. On the other hand, antioxidant compound contents were significantly increased by HI but did not vary with the spectrum. Highlights - The spectra of LED affected leaf number in lettuce and endive. - S2 spectrum improved growth parameters of both leafy vegetables. - Light intensity improved growth parameters of both leafy vegetables. - Antioxidant compound contents were significantly increased by high intensity LED light.

Physiological and biochemical response of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars to zinc application under drought stress

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses affecting the many crops performance by altering physiological and biochemical processes. Zinc application could mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress. To investigate the effects of foliar application of zinc on the morphophysiological and biochemical traits of safflower cultivars under drought stress, two field experiments were conducted as split plots based on randomized complete blocks design with three replicates during 2018−2019 and 2019−2020 growing seasons. Experimental factors included drought stress as the primary factor, safflower cultivars, and zinc foliar application as secondary factors. Drought stress included two levels (non-stress and drought stress); safflower cultivars were Isfahan, Linas, Padideh, Parnian, and Goldasht; foliar application of zinc was in three levels (0, 0.5, and 1 kg ha−1 Zn). Results showed drought stress decreased plant height, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, biological yield, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) chlorophyll index, relative water content (RWC), leaf area index (LAI), oil percentage, oil yield, palmitic acid, linoleic acid. Whereas, drought stress increased proline content, oleic acid, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Maximum plant height (145 cm) and oil percentage (29 %) were observed in Isfahan cultivar, maximum amounts of SPAD index (75.96 %), catalase enzyme (CAT) (0.69 μmol min-1 mg protein-1), proline (5 mM g-1 FW), linoleic acid (76 %), and palmitic acid (7 %) were observed in Goldasht cultivar. Parnian cv. with the highest leaf area (2.98 cm2), RWC (78 %), 1000-seed weight (43 g), seed yield (3514 kg ha-1), biological yield (13,542 kg ha-1), peroxidase enzyme (POX) (2.84 μmol min-1 mg protein-1), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) (107 mg g-1 DW), and oil yield (807 kg ha-1) had the highest economic yield among the experimented cultivars. Foliar application of 1 kg ha-1 Zn improved oil yield, RWC, SPAD index, proline content, carbohydrate content, LAI, and CAT and POX activities. Zinc application enhanced drought stress tolerance in different cultivars through improving effects on the antioxidant activity system, proline content, carbohydrate content, RWC, and SPAD index.

High-throughput phenotyping to detect anthocyanins, chlorophylls, and carotenoids in red lettuce germplasm

Some plant pigments are strong antioxidants and benefit human health. Given their low cost and popularity, biofortified lettuce cultivars can promote consumption of these compounds. In this study, we assessed anthocyanin, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content in 30 red lettuce genotypes, as well as the Soil Plant Analysis Development index (SPAD) and vegetation indices (CIG, CVI, GNDVI, and NDVI), using high-throughput phenotyping. We calculated vegetation indices by using images of the plant canopy obtained from a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) together with a red, green, and near-infrared band camera. The SPAD index and leaf pigments were measured through traditional laboratory methods, which are costly and time-consuming. Genetic variability among the genotypes for leaf pigments was confirmed by the Scott-Knott test and UPGMA dendrogram. Anthocyanin was the pigment that most contributed to genetic diversity and highly correlated with CIG, CVI, and GNDVI. These indices also moderately correlated with chlorophylls and carotenoids. Genotypes with higher pigment content, especially anthocyanin, had higher indices. Therefore, the image-based plant phenotyping technique correlated with the traditional methodology and can provide an alternative for indirect selection of plants with high leaf pigment content, especially anthocyanin, in red lettuce.

Genetic parameters and selection indexes for biofortified red leaf lettuce

Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine the genetic parameters and the efficiency of different selection indices for biofortified red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) lines with agronomic and nutritional potential. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates and 31 crisp-textured and red-tinted leaf lettuce genotypes: the Belíssima cultivar, with a low carotenoid content and rich in anthocyanins; and 30 lines from the cross between the Belíssima and Uberlândia 10000 cultivars, rich in carotenoids and with a low anthocyanin content. The assessed traits were: total green mass (g), stem diameter (cm), leaf count, plant diameter (cm), foliar temperature (°C), soil plant analysis development (SPAD) index, anthocyanin content (mg 100 g-1 sample), and bolting (days after sowing). To estimate selection gains, 12 genotypes were selected through selection indices. The traditional index proposed by Smith & Hazel and the sum of ranks index by Mulamba & Mock provided the highest selection gains in the biofortified lettuce. The coefficient of genotypic determination for leaf count, anthocyanin content, bolting, and SPAD index is of high magnitude.

Using Microgranular-Based Biostimulant in Vegetable Transplant Production to Enhance Growth and Nitrogen Uptake

Vegetable growers need high-quality transplants to ensure the success of their crops. Treating seedlings with protein hydrolysates and beneficial fungus Trichoderma atroviride has the potential to improve the health and quality of vegetable transplants via various biostimulant activities, but the best rates and application methods to achieve these benefits are still unclear. Therefore, the aim of the studies described in this manuscript were to: (i) identify the optimal rate of a microgranular-based biostimulant containing vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate (PH) and the beneficial fungus T. atroviride MUCL45632 on lettuce and tomato transplant production (Experiment 1); and (ii) determine whether combining the T. atroviride inoculant with the PH in microgranular or liquid form would best support the synergistic effects of these products using greenhouse and laboratory experiments (Experiments 2, 3 and 4). Mixing the microgranular-based PH directly into the substrate prior to sowing resulted in a significant dose-dependent increase in shoot fresh and dry biomass, root dry weight, root to shoot ratio, leaf N content and chlorophyll content (Soil-Plant Analysis Development index) in both lettuce and tomato transplants up to a biostimulant rate of 2 g L−1. The positive effect of the microgranular-based PH on plant growth, leaf N and chlorophyll content in both the lettuce and tomato transplants was also observed in the second experiment. However, the PH-mediated enhancement of shoot fresh biomass was more pronounced when Trichoderma was combined with the liquid instead of the microgranule PH. In contrast, the microgranule containing PH and Trichoderma was more effective in increasing the plant root to shoot ratios than the combined application of liquid PH and Trichoderma. In the laboratory experiments, the application of PH to sandy soil enhanced the number of Trichoderma colonies and stimulated Trichoderma-induced respiration for up to two and six days for the liquid and microgranular PHs, respectively. These results demonstrate that mixing microgranules containing PH and Trichoderma in the substrate prior to sowing at a rate of 2 g L−1 is the best approach to enhance shoot and especially root growth of both tomato and lettuce plantlets, while also ensuring high N uptake and leaf chlorophyll content.

Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC. Yield and Quality as Influenced by Cropping Season, Protein Hydrolysates, and Trichoderma Applications.

Increasing attention is being given to plant biostimulants as a sustainable farming practice aimed to enhance vegetable crop performance. This research was conducted on greenhouse-grown perennial wall rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.), comparing three biostimulant treatments (legume-derived protein hydrolysates, Trichoderma harzianum T22, and protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma harzianum T22) plus an untreated control, in a factorial combination with three cropping seasons (autumn–winter, winter, winter–spring). Measurements were performed on leaf yield components, colorimetric indicators, mineral composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity. Leaf marketable yield and mean weight, as well as plant dry weight, showed the highest values in winter crop cycle. Biostimulant treatments resulted in 18.4% and 26.4% increase in leaf yield and number of leaves per rosette, respectively, compared to the untreated control. Protein hydrolysates led to the highest plant dry weight (+34.7% compared to the control). Soil plant analysis development (SPAD) index as well as NO3, PO4, SO4, and Ca contents were influenced more during the winter–spring season than the winter cropping season. The winter production season resulted in a 19.8% increase in the leaf lipophilic antioxidant activity, whereas the hydrophilic antioxidant activity was 34.9% higher during the winter–spring season. SPAD index was the highest with protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma applications, which also increased the colorimetric parameters compared to the untreated control. The treatment with protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma enhanced N, PO4, Mg, and Na contents, compared to both biostimulants applied singly and to the untreated control. Both biostimulants applied alone or the protein hydrolysates + Trichoderma combination led to the increase of the lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activity, as well as ascorbic acid and chlorophyll b, compared to the untreated control. The present research revealed that protein hydrolysates and Trichoderma single applications, and even more their combination in the case of some nutrients content, represent an effective tool for enhancing the yield and the quality attributes of perennial wall rocket produced under the perspective of sustainable crop system.

Sensitivity of Hydrangea paniculata Plants to Residual Herbicides in Recycled Irrigation Varies with Plant Growth Stage

Recycling irrigation return flow is a viable option to achieve sustainability in horticultural production systems, but residual herbicides present in recycled water may be phytotoxic. The sensitivity of plants to residual herbicides may vary depending on the growth stage of the plant. If sensitive growth stages are avoided, the risk associated with using recycled water can be reduced. Here, we quantified the effect of residual oryzalin and oxyfluorfen exposure at various growth stages of Hydrangea paniculata. Exposure to both herbicides reduced plant growth, leaf visual rating, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) chlorophyll index, net photosynthesis, and light-adapted fluorescence of H. paniculata. Herbicide injury was greater for plants exposed to herbicides at early growth stages, however, the recovery rate of those plants was also rapid. For oxyfluorfen, plants produced healthy new growth immediately after the end of exposure, but for oryzalin, even newly formed leaves developed herbicide injury after the end of exposure, therefore leaf damage continued to progress before recovering. However, damage caused by residual herbicide exposure at all growth stages recovered over time. Physiological measurements such as the SPAD index, net photosynthesis, and light-adapted fluorescence responded quickly to herbicides exposure hence provided an early indicator of herbicide damage and recovery.

Physico-chemical characteristics and productivity of tomato plants in function of nitrogen sources and doses

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen sources and rates on the physicochemical characteristics and yield of tomato plants. Forty hybrids were cultivated at 100 and 400 kg ha-1 of N, combined with four sources (urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and calcium), plus a treatment without N application in a randomized complete block design four replicates. Size, stem diameter, number of leaves, SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development), leaf nitrogen, number of fruits / plants, fruit firmness, bark thickness and average fruit size, ° BRIX, pH, calcium, potassium and sodium in fruits. There was an increase in SPAD index, Brix and longitudinal diameter of fruits as a function of the N dose. The use of ammonium nitrate and calcium provided stronger fruits. Urea and ammonium nitrate provided the highest pH value in tomato fruits. The application of the 100 kg ha-1 dose of N resulted in the highest potassium content in fruits. The highest productivity was obtained with the application of sources containing ammonium and the lowest in the control treatment. Sources and doses of nitrogen fertilizers influenced growth, productivity and parameters related to tomato quality.

Inoculation of Wheat Plants with Pseudomonas spp. and Azospirillum brasilense under Drought Stress

Aims: To investigate the effect of inoculation and co-inoculation of Pseudomonas spp. and Azospirillum brasilense on the morphophysiological characters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under drought stress conditions.
 Study Design: A randomized complete block design was used in a split plot scheme with four replicates. The plots consisted of irrigated and drought conditions. The subplots consisted of control (without inoculation), inoculation of Pseudomonas spp., inoculation of A. brasilense and co-inoculation of Pseudomonas spp. + A. brasilense. Liquid inoculant was used for two bacteria.
 Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Experimental Area of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus of Curitibanos, SC, Brazil, between July and October 2018.
 Methodology: Inoculation was performed at the time of sowing. Water deficit was characterized by irrigation suppression after plant emergence, considering a 25-day period without significant rainfall. At the end of the water restriction period, SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) index and morphologic parameters of wheat plants was determined.
 Results: Drought stress decreased dry matter accumulation of wheat plants, in terms of number of tillers, above ground dry matter and root-shoot ratio. Inoculation or co-inoculation with Pseudomonas spp. and A. brasilense did not affect plant growth. Under drought stress, SPAD index was higher in plants co-inoculated with Pseudomonas spp. and A. brasilense.
 Conclusion: Although maintains SPAD index of wheat plants under drought stress, inoculation and co-inoculation with Pseudomonas spp. and A. brasilense do not influence the morphological characters of wheat plants.

Physiological Efficiency of Sugarcane Clones under Water-Limited Conditions

Highlights`Significant reductions in canopy temperature depression (CTD), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), SPAD index, and leaf rolling index were observed under limited irrigation during the grand growth stage of sugarcane.This study highlights the significance of CTD and Fv/Fm as useful physiological tools for selecting sugarcane clones suitable for production under water-limited conditions.Clones Co 10026, Co 13006, Co 85019, Co 62175, Co 86010, and Co 1148 performed better under limited irrigation, and these clones can reduce the amount of irrigation water required for sugarcane production, ensuring water security.Abstract. Sugarcane is one the most important commercial crops in India and globally. The annual water requirement for sugarcane ranges from about 1000 to 2900 mm, and this variation mainly depends on the agro-ecological conditions, cultivation practices, and crop cycle. In a changing climate, the delay or failure of monsoons will have a direct effect on the water available for irrigation in India. Given these constraints, sustaining sugarcane production is challenging. The ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI) in Coimbatore, India, has developed sugarcane genotypes that are resilient to drought stress. To study the role of physiological traits in identifying sugarcane varieties suitable for water-limited conditions, an experiment was conducted at ICAR-SBI with sugarcane clones in field conditions using irrigation at 100% cumulative pan evaporation (I0) and with 50% reductions in the volume and frequency of irrigation (I2). Physiological traits, including canopy temperature depression (CTD), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), soil plant analysis development (SPAD) index, leaf rolling index (LRI), and cane yield, were recorded for sugarcane clones grown under I0 and I2. Significant reductions of 85.9%, 15.4%, 4.9%, 44.9%, and 56.0%, respectively, in CTD, Fv/Fm, SPAD index, LRI, and cane yield were found for water-limited conditions (I2) compared to I0. Fv/Fm showed a decreasing trend in I2 compared to I0 and also showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.43) with cane yield. CTD varied significantly between the two treatments and also showed a significant positive correlation with cane yield (r = 0.45). Both Fv/Fm and CTD are adaptive traits for water-limited conditions and are useful for screening sugarcane clones suitable for water-limited conditions. Clones Co 10026, Co 13006, Co 85019, Co 62175, and Co 86010 had superior cane yields under water-limited conditions (I2) and better physiological traits. Water deficit is one of the most critical abiotic stresses that affect sugarcane productivity. By growing clones that are water use efficient (Co 10026, Co 13006, Co 85019, Co 62175, and Co 86010), the irrigation water requirement can be reduced for sugarcane production in India. In addition, new sugarcane clones can be developed for water-limited conditions by using the identified clones in breeding programs for water use efficiency, and water security can be achieved for sugarcane grown tropical and sub-tropical areas of India. Keywords: Canopy temperature, Chlorophyll fluorescence, Global water security, Irrigation, Water productivity

Performance of RR soybean submitted to postemergence application of glyphosate with a foliar elicitor product

ABSTRACT With the advent of glyphosate-resistant soybean, postemergence applications of the herbicide have become routine. In this way, problems related to the selectivity of glyphosate have been shown to be increasingly intense, due to the use of increased dosages and applications of the herbicide at unrecommended moments. In order to evaluate the agronomic performance of soybean plants subjected to the postemergence application of glyphosate – both in isolation and together with Crop+ – at different stages and dosage levels, a randomized block design experiment was carried out with two adjacent checks and four repetitions. The treatments consisted of: glyphosate (1296 g·ha-1); glyphosate + Crop+ (1296 + 0.25 g or L·ha-1); glyphosate + Crop+ (1296 + 0.5 g or L·ha-1); glyphosate (2592 g·ha-1); glyphosate + Crop+ (2592 + 0.25 g or L·ha-1); glyphosate + Crop+ (2592 + 0.5 g or L·ha-1); 2 × glyphosate (2 × 1296 g·ha-1); 2 × glyphosate + Crop+ (2 × 1296 + 0.25 g or L·ha-1); 2 × glyphosate + Crop+ (2 × 1296 + 0.5 g or L·ha-1) and Crop+ (0.5 g·ha-1). The phytotoxicity, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) index, height, stand, mass of 100 grains, and yield of the soybean plants were evaluated. The use of Crop+ on soybean plants led to an increase in the SPAD index; the use of Crop+ in association with glyphosate made possible the attenuation of visible symptoms of damage, preventing reductions in crop yield.

Plant-Based Biostimulants Influence the Agronomical, Physiological, and Qualitative Responses of Baby Rocket Leaves under Diverse Nitrogen Conditions.

Nitrogen is the primary technical means responsible for food production increase, but on the other hand, wise management is needed because its excessive use can have a negative impact on the environment and on green leafy vegetable quality, such as that rocket. Rocket has the characteristics of accumulating nitrate in leaves with possible impacts on human health. In order to overcome this issue, researchers are focusing their attention on the use of alternative means, such as plant biostimulant application. The scope of this study was to assess the effect of legume-derived protein hydrolysate(LDPH) and tropical plant extract(TPE), combined with various doses of nitrogen (0 kg ha−1 non-fertilized; N0); 60 kg ha−1 (sub-optimal; N1); 80 kg ha−1 (optimal; N2); and 100 kg ha−1 (supra-optimal; N3)), in order to reduce nitrogen use, boost yield, and enhance the chemical and nutritional value of leaves without significantly accumulating nitrate. Both vegetal-based plant biostimulants enhanced plant growth, boosted the marketable yield (especially at N0 and N1 levels, by 38.2% and 28.2%, respectively, compared to the non-treated control), and increased the SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) index and leaf pigments content, such as chlorophyll and carotenoids, especially in treated-LDPH rocket. The plant-based biostimulants also produced a major amplification in lipophilic antioxidant activity (+ 48%) and total ascorbic acid content (average + 95.6%), especially at low nitrogen fertilization levels, and maintained nitrate content under the legal European Comission limits.