Solo Application Research Articles

Effect of fortified pine needle biochar on green fodder yield, nutrient uptake of oat and soil properties

In the Himalayan region, the low green fodder supply to livestock necessitates agronomic interventions, including the use of fortified pine needle biochar, a viable option for slow-release nutrients, to enhance fodder oat production, improve soil health, and safely manage the abundant pine needles that pose a fire risk. In a greenhouse study, the effect of different levels of pine needle biochar (0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.11 and 0.22 % of soil weight) fortified with 0, 75 and 100 % of the recommended dose of fertiliser (RDF, 80 kg N: 60 kg P2O5: 40 kg K2O ha−1) was examined on the green fodder yield, nutrient concentration and uptake of oat, and general soil properties and extractable nutrients. Application of 0.02 % biochar fortified with 75 % RDF gave a fodder yield (56.9 g pot−1) which was 46.6 percent higher than the control (38.8 g pot−1) but statistically similar to the yield with 100 % RDF alone (54.9 g pot−1). The highest fodder yield (72.0 g pot−1) was recorded with 0.22 % biochar fortified with 100 % RDF. Higher doses of biochar without fortification decreased the N concentration but increased the K concentration and brought no significant change in P concentration in the fodder oat. Biochar fortified with 75 and 100 % RDF enhanced the uptake of N, P, and K by fodder oat. The moderate levels of biochar (0.02 and 0.04 %) fortified with 75 % RDF and all levels of biochar fortified with 100 % RDF decreased soil pH while higher levels of biochar fortified with 100 % RDF increased soil EC and organic C. The treatments receiving the highest level of biochar addition (0.22 %) with 0 % RDF, 0.11 and 0.22 % biochar fortified with 75 % RDF and all levels of biochar fortified with 100 % RDF significantly increased soil extractable N, P and K after crop harvest except for K under 0.22 % biochar fortified with 100 % RDF. Pine needle biochar fortified with RDF helped to achieve higher oat fodder production and maintain soil fertility than solo application of biochar or chemical fertilisers.

Elucidating the potential of isorhapontigenin in targeting the MgrA regulatory network: a paradigm shift for attenuating MRSA virulence.

As methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) exhibits formidable resistance to many drugs, the imperative for alternative therapeutic strategies becomes increasingly evident. At the heart of our study is the identification of a novel inhibitor through fluorescence anisotropy assays, specifically targeting the crucial multiple gene regulator A (MgrA) regulatory network in S. aureus. Isorhapontigenin (Iso), a natural compound, exhibits outstanding inhibitory efficacy, modulating bacterial virulence pathways without exerting direct bactericidal activity. This suggests a paradigm shift toward attenuating virulence instead of purely focusing on bacterial elimination. Through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluations, we elucidated the complex interplay between Iso and MgrA, leading to reduced S. aureus adhesion, and overall virulence. At the cellular level, Iso offers significant protection to A549 cells infected with S. aureus, reducing cellular damage. Importantly, Iso augments the chemotaxis of neutrophils, curtailing the immune evasion capabilities of S. aureus. Furthermore, in vivo investigations highlight the notable effectiveness of Iso against MRSA-induced pneumonia and within the Galleria mellonella infection model, underscoring its pivotal role in the evolving realm of antibacterial drug discovery. Significantly, when Iso is used in combination with vancomycin, it outperforms its solo application, indicating a more pronounced therapeutic impact. This seminal research emphasizes Iso's potential as a primary defense against the surge of multidrug-resistant pathogens, heralding new prospects in antimicrobial therapy.

Influence of combined and solo application of organic manure, mulching and chemical fertilizer on growth and yield of barley crop under mid hill region of Himachal Pradesh

Influence of combined and solo application of organic manure, mulching and chemical fertilizer on growth and yield of barley crop under mid hill region of Himachal Pradesh

Herbicide and additive impacts on Bradyrhizobium japonicum growth in solution

AbstractPlant biostimulants include beneficial fungi and bacteria, and are often applied to foliage to improve crop growth, yield, and/or crop quality. Crop improvements due to biostimulant addition may be modest; therefore, solo applications may not be economical or climate smart. However, biostimulants combined with other postemergence treatments, such as herbicides, may provide an alternative application method, if mixtures do not harm the living organism(s). The growth of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, as a biostimulant surrogate, was assessed in solutions of glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine] and dicamba (3,6‐dichloro‐2‐methoxybenzoic acid), with and without common spray additives (ammonium sulfate [AMS] and nonionic surfactant) in laboratory studies over 72 h. Solution turbidity, using optical density as a surrogate of bacterial growth, was measured at 600 nm at 24, 48, and 72 h after inoculation, and colony forming units (CFUs) per milliliter were estimated. Growth was not detected in either the glyphosate or AMS solutions, most likely due to the low pH and high electrical conductivity of the solutions, respectively. When herbicides were mixed with a nonionic surfactant, CFUs per milliliter were about 25% greater than the positive control. These data suggest that mixing bacteria with postemergence herbicide + surfactants/additives combinations can hinder or maintain growth when preparing for agrochemical applications. Biostimulant type and the agrichemical combination(s) should be evaluated prior to tank mixing to determine if detrimental interactions occur. After application, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the biostimulant to the crop and efficacy of the agrichemical to the target organism should be conducted.

Fertilizer management strategies for improved quality and yield in winter wheat

In order to study the effect of different soil amended and biological fertilizers on the accumulation of nitrogen and phosphorous in the wheat grain and some physiological and morphological characteristics of wheat, this experiment was performed as a split factorial arranged in randomized block design with 32 treatment and three replication for 2 years. The treatments included mycorrhiza inoculation as a main factor (without inoculation, bacterial inoculation with Glomus. mosseae, Glomus.intraradices and G. mosseae + G. intraradices), and sub factor was super absorbent polymer treatment (no application, 9 ton zeolite ha−1, 3 kg stacosorb ha−1 and 9 ton zeolite ha−1 + 3 kg stacosorb ha−1) and phosphorous in the form of nano chelated phosphorous (no application and application 200 mg L−1). The use of G. mosseae + G. intraradices had a positive and significant effect on the biological and grain yield so that it caused an increase of 5.9% and 6.4%, respectively compared to the control. The results showed that zeolite + stacosorb resulted the most to grain yield (6903 kg ha−1). The highest and lowest grain nitrogen content were related to the treatment of G. mosseae + G. intraradices inoculation and nano phosphorous, with 1.75% and 1.76%, respectively. Indeed, the results showed that the use of biological fertilizer and nano phosphorous together had better results than solo application, which could be helpful in attaining high grain yields while preventing excessive phosphorous chemical fertilization, reduce environmental pollution and moving towards sustainable agriculture.

Efficacy of Different Fungicide Spraying Techniques on the Infestation with Kabatiella zeae and Formation of Fusarium Mycotoxins in Forage Maize

The application of fungicides in maize by the commonly used overhead spraying technique is more challenging than in small-grain cereals. Especially in later development stages, when the plant has reached a considerable height, lower plant organs (e.g., ears) may be insufficiently protected, since a large part of the applied fungicide is deposited on the upper leaves. In contrast, lower plant organs can be reached by the dropleg spraying technique, which allows sub-canopy applications. This study investigated the efficacy of fungicide applications during flowering in forage maize using the overhead and dropleg spraying techniques as well as a combination for the control of Kabatiella zeae and mycotoxin-producing Fusarium species, which can affect leaves and ears, respectively. The efficacy was evaluated in field trials under natural K. zeae and artificial Fusarium inoculum conditions in Northern Germany by measuring disease severities of K. zeae on maize leaves, dry matter yields, and concentrations of the Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) at harvest. Fusarium inoculations of main ears at full flowering resulted in significantly higher DON and ZEN concentrations compared to natural Fusarium infections, whereas the dry matter yield was not affected. The strongest disease progressions of K. zeae were determined after flowering on the upper leaves and leaves around the main ear. Disease severities were significantly reduced on the upper leaves by the overhead application and the combination of the overhead and dropleg spraying technique, whereby the three spraying techniques were equally able to decrease the infestation on the yield-essential leaves around the main ear. No differences in dry matter yield were found between the application techniques, but they were significantly higher than in the untreated control. The contamination with DON and ZEN was most effectively reduced by sub-canopy applications using the dropleg technique, whether as a solo application or in combination with the overhead technique. The main ears were reached better with the applied fungicide, reducing Fusarium infections, and therefore, contamination with mycotoxins. The dropleg technique offers an opportunity for improved protection of lower plant organs, especially in tall growing crops. In combination with the overhead spraying technique, the protection of various plant organs along the entire plant with the applied fungicide could be advantageous, especially when different parts of the plant are affected by different fungal diseases.

Moringa olefra Plant Based Copper and Silver Nano Particles and its Antibacterial Activity towards Leaf Spot of Chilli caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria

Bacterial leaf spot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) is one of the most devastating diseases, causing serious losses in chilli crop yield. The extensive usage of chemicals has increased the toxicity of the environment. Nanotechnology products are indeed being developed as a promising approach for plant disease control with minimal impact on the environment. In the present research, the antibacterial activity of green synthesized nanoparticles (Silver and Zinc nanoparticles) was investigated against Xcv. Different concentrations (0.25, 0.6 and 0.75%) of the green synthesized nanoparticles (AgNPs and ZnNPs) along with their combination were evaluated under lab conditions against Xcv under Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Results showed that the combination of both nanoparticles (AgNPs+ZnNPs) gave the best results and expressed maximum inhibition zone (25.207 mm), followed by solo applications of AgNPs and ZnNPs (18.458 and 12.253 mm). Whereas, the interaction of treatment and concentration combination (AgNPs+ZnNPs) expressed a maximum inhibition zone (28.459 mm) at 0.75% concentration as compared to other treatments. The concentration (0.75%) at which bacteria showed the maximum inhibition zone was used to control the bacterial leaf spot of chilli under field conditions. The experiment was conducted under a Completely Randomized Block Design (RCBD) where AgNPs+ZnNPs expressed the best results with minimum disease incidence (21.92%) followed by solo treatments of AgNPs and ZnNPs (26.999 and 35.320%)

Optimized Preparation and High-Temperature Performance of Composite-Modified Asphalt Binder with CR and WEO

The main objective of this research is to develop a sustainable and environment-friendly asphalt binder based on the reutilization of waste engine oil (WEO) alongside crumb rubber (CR), two major waste materials of the automobile industry. This composite modification eliminates the limitations and the negative effects of solo application of these waste modifiers, including the poor workability and pumpability of the CR-modified binder, as well as compromised rutting resistance of the biobinder modified with WEO. Besides investigating the high-temperature properties of the composite-modified binder with CR and WEO, for the first time, a new method is presented to analyze the influence of the preparation parameters on the performance of the binder and optimize the whole production process. For this purpose, the design of experiment was conducted with the aid of the central composite design (CCD) method, and the rheological properties of the binders were evaluated by rotational viscosity (RV), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests. Based on the results of rotational viscosity at 135°C and the unaged and RTFO-aged rutting factor values at 58°C, regression models were established and analysis of variance was carried out on the preparation parameters. Overall, test results indicated that the addition of 5%–10% blending content of WEO in the composite-modified binder could achieve a satisfactory rutting resistance while improving its workability and pumpability. On the other hand, although the content of WEO had the most significant influence on the rheological properties of the binder samples, other parameters including preparation temperature and time also had influence to some extent. Additionally, optimum values of the preparation parameters were determined, and the production process was optimized.

Some Significant Threats to Lychee Production and their Management Options in Bangladesh

Taher, M.A., M.M. Rahman, K.S. Islam and M.M. Uddin. 2023. Some Significant Threats to Lychee Production and their Management Options in Bangladesh. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 41(2): 114-118. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-041.2.114118 Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) production is severely hampered by pest infestations in Bangladesh. To help in management of three major lychee pests, namely, lychee fruit borer (Conopomorpha sinensis), lychee mite (Aceria litchi) and lychee leaf roller (Platypeplus aprobola), the efficacy of seven different insecticides were assessed in a commercial lychee orchard at Gopalpur, Tangail, Bangladesh, in two consecutive fruiting seasons. Lychee fruit infestations by the lychee fruit borers (>50%) reached a peak in early to late May and in late April by the lychee mites (>42%). Leaves and inflorescences infestations by the lychee mites (>14%) and lychee leaf rollers (10-33%) were high from February to March. Among the treatments, the mixture of imidacloprid and abamectin resulted in a maximum reduction of infestation over the control trees (98.08% by lychee fruit borer, 87.10% by lychee mite and 92.12% by lychee leaf roller). The highest cost-benefit ratio was achieved by applying Novastar 56 EC (bifenthrin + abamectin) (1:10.36) and ranked second in reducing infestations. Solo application of systemic insecticide and combination of systemic and contact insecticide were effective. The combination imidacloprid + abamectin was the most efficient in reducing the damage by the pests, and the mixture of bifenthrin and abamectin was the most cost-effective to control the selected pests. Keywords: Lychee fruit borer, lychee mite, lychee leaf roller, chemical controls, seasonal abundance

IMPLEMENTATION OF CHATBOT CUSTOMER SERVICE FEATURES ON PT DIAN PRIMA JAYARAYA USING DIALOGFLOW

The customer service team functions to accommodate questions and answer questions experienced by application users. There are times when the number of questions that are accommodated is so large that the existing customer service team does not handle them. Ignored or unanswered questions can reduce customer satisfaction levels. For this reason, we need a system that can help automate customer service activities so as to avoid unanswered customer questions. A chatbot is a service powered by a set of rules and sometimes artificial intelligence, which interacts with users via a chat interface. Chatbot will be built within the iOS prototype application and will use the Natural Language Processing (NLP) platform, Dialogflow. This platform will later process and scan every question given by the customer so that by implementing this feature the customer service team can work more effectively because some of the manual activities have been automated. The results of this study are that the chatbot system created can reduce the frequency of questions by Solo application users by up to 92.82%. Thus, it is hoped that the customer service team can work more effectively and strategically, and can increase customer satisfaction.

Impacted Application of Water-Hyacinth-Derived Biochar and Organic Manures on Soil Properties and Barley Growth

The biochar application can improve the physiochemical properties of both sandy and clayey loam soils and is considered a potential adaptation tool toward climate change. Therefore, the current study is novel in combining water-hyacinth-derived biochar with organic manures as a suggested effective way of treating the soil with biochar under arid and semiarid conditions. Water hyacinth weeds were slow pyrolyzed at a temperature of 300 °C, which resulted in nonalkaline biochar with a pH value of 6.31, which is suitable for alkaline soils. A pot experiment was established to study the impact of the solo application of nonalkaline water-hyacinth-derived biochar (WHB) and its combined application with farmyard (WHB/FM) and poultry manure (WHB/PM) at a rate of 1.5 and 3%, respectively, on some chemical and physical properties of sandy and clay loam soils and some barley’s growth parameters. WHB, WHB/FM, and WHB/PM significantly affected the soil pH at different application rates (1.5 and 3%) in sandy soil. A considerable alteration in water-stable aggregates (WSA), dispersion ratio (DR), available water content (AWC), and cation ratio of soil structural stability (CROSS) index resulted from combining manures (FM and PM) with biochar better than the solo application of biochar. WHB/PM treatments had a superior effect in improving barley’s growth. Relative increases were by 37.3 and 11.0% in plant height and by 61.6 and 28.5% in the dry matter in sandy and clayey loam soils, respectively. Under the conditions of this study, we can conclude that treating the soil with WHB/PM at a rate of 1.5 and 3% is the most effective application. The current study may have a vital role in Egyptian agriculture sustainability by enhancing the soil characteristics of the old agricultural and the newly reclaimed lands.

Rancang Bangun Fitur Chatbot Customer Service Menggunakan Dialogflow

The quality of providing customer service channels is very influential on customer satisfaction. To keep customer satisfaction, it is necessary to have a good interaction from customer service to the customer. In this case, PT Dian Prima Jayaraya is one of the companies that utilize Solo's application product as a medium for customer service. The development of the Solo application makes the application's features more complex and makes it difficult for users to do activities in the application. Customer service has a role in accommodating questions and answering difficulties experienced by users. The number of incoming questions is quite large, so that the existing customer service team cannot answer. Ignored or unanswered questions can lower the level of customer satisfaction. Therefore, we need a system that can help optimize customer service in a Chatbot to minimize unanswered customer questions. A chatbot is a service powered by rules and artificialintelligence, which the user interacts with through a chat interface. The Chatbot will be built on an iOS prototype application and use the NLP (Natural Language Processing) platform, namely Dialogflow. This platform will process and scan every question given by the customer.

Long-Term Nutrient Supply Options: Strategies to Improve Soil Phosphorus Availability in the Rice-Wheat System

The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers can deteriorate soil, grain, and environmental quality; still, these can be restored if integrated nutrient management options with inclusion of legumes in the cropping system are adopted. A long-term (19 year) rice-wheat system experiment was examined to find out the best nutrient management practices (BNMP) through recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS), soil test crop response (STCR), farmyard manure (FYM), along with the inclusion of pulses (berseem and cowpea). Seven nutrient management practices were applied in combination of organic and chemical fertilizer in the rice-wheat system. Results showed that a significant variation was seen in phosphorus (P) fractions among the treatments and soil depths. The results showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher contribution to phosphorus availability by Residual-P followed by NaHCO3-Po > NaOH-Pi > NaOH-Po > HCl-P > NaHCO3-Pi > available P and lowest in WSP under different long-term management options in rice-wheat system after completing 19 crop cycles. Variations in soil P-fractions with depth were compared to different treatment combination, and a considerable increase in all the major P-fractions was noticed. The continuous application of various IPNS options as organic farming (OF), RDF, STCR, and the inclusion of pulses (berseem and cowpea) significantly improved all P fractions in the soil system and offered an added benefit in terms of sustainability of production and soil health compared to the solo application of chemical fertilizers. Overall, results showed that IPNS options (berseem and cowpea) showed its superiority over the rest of the treatment. This study suggests that the inclusion of pulses would increase P-availability in soil system.

Biocontrol and Growth Promotion Potential of Combined Application of Trichoderma simmonsii and Aspergillus westerdijkiae Against Apple Tree Dieback Disease

Our study aimed at selecting new biological control agent (BCA) strains for their inhibitory activities against Pythiaceae species causing apple dieback as new sources to control this important disease of Tunisian apple orchards. We focused on antibiosis as a mode of action of selected isolates obtained from our screening. The fungal isolates Trichoderma simmonsii A2, T. asperellum A3, and Aspergillus westerdijkiae A7 showed the strongest inhibition profiles against the tested Pythiaceae isolates with respect to inhibition rates and activity spectra in in vitro inhibition assays using the isolates or their culture filtrates. In particular, A. westerdijkiae A7 culture filtrate inhibited growth of Pythiaceae isolates by up to 100%. T. simmonsii A2, A. westerdijkiae A7, and one bacterial isolate ( Bacillus sp. strain B2) were tested for their protective effect in planta against dieback disease on apple rootstocks alone or in combination as preventive and curative applications. The results revealed that T. simmonsii A2 exhibited the strongest preventive activity against Pythium undulatum BME and Phytophthora inundata BGA1 in solo application. The combination of different BCAs had contrasting effects on disease control, indicating additive or synergistic effects between two BCAs but negative interactions in the triple combination. Our study also revealed that the three tested BCAs had plant growth-promoting activities on root and shoot parameters, alone or in combination. Altogether, our study provides promising leads for new BCAs. The BCA combination is of particular interest for further studies aiming at the isolation of new molecules with anti-oomycete and/or plant growth-promoting activity. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Decontamination of a siloxane impression material by using 5-aminolevulinic acid activated by photodynamic therapy, microwave irradiation, and hydrogen peroxide

AimThe present study was intended to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of PDT, H2O2, and MI on the contact angle, strain-in-compression, and tear strength of siloxane impression material formerly colonized with E. coli, S.aureus and S.mutans. Material and methodsOne hundred and twenty disk-shaped specimens (diameter 10 mm and thickness 2 mm) were prepared by polyvinylsiloxane impression material and inoculated by the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) of E.coli, S.mutans, and S.aureus in an in-vitro situation. The specimens were broadly divided into six groups then exposed to the various disinfection approaches for 3 min per each group: group 1: Control (no treatment), group 2:PDT 5-ALA, group 3: H2O2, group 4: MI, group 5: H2O2 + MI, group 6: PDT + MI. After disinfection, assessment of mechanical properties (contact angle, strain-in-compression, and tear strength) of impression materials were instigated. Statistical analysis was executed for CFU/mL (log10) for exposed E. coli, S.aureus, and S.mutans, by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant test (p>0.05). ResultsThe highest anti-microbial values against all inspected microbial colonies were unveiled when disinfection was performed in combination i.e., H2O2 + MI and PDT + MI and the least cleansing of impression material was seen by the control group as no treatment was provided. Solo application of MI was more effective than control, H2O2 and 5-ALA activated by PDT but less active when used in combination method H2O2 with MI and PDT with MI. PDT and control group showed the least antimicrobial effectiveness against E. coli (p<0.05) ConclusionDisinfection of impression materials with combination therapies including photodynamic therapy with microwave irradiation and hydrogen peroxide with microwave irradiation displayed highest antimicrobial efficacies against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. mutans with no adverse effects on mechanical properties of impression material.

Soil supplementation with Si, B and Zn and their synergetic effects in reducing severity of wheat blast (Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum)

Wheat blast (Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum) in Bangladesh and South America is recognized as one major limiting factor of wheat production. Its control using chemical pesticides raises concerns about food safety and pesticide resistance, which have dictated the need for alternative blast management approach, nutrient supplementation could be an ecofriendly alternative. Experiments were carried out under confined net house condition for two consecutive cropping seasons. Single doses of the nutrients (Si, B and Zn) were incorporated during soil preparation. Plants of the wheat blast susceptible variety BARI Gom-26 were inoculated with spores (1 x 107 spores ml-1) of Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum at blast vulnerable pre-heading stage of 52 days age. Typical wheat blast symptoms of spike bleaching from top to downward appeared on sight 14 days after inoculation i.e., 66 days age of the crop. Incidence and severity of blast bleaching of spike were scored for four times starting from 68 days age @ three day’s interval. None of the nutrients could stop the incidence of blast on wheat; however, some nutrients reduced the blast incidence significantly. Solo application of Si, B and Zn or combination of two caused significant reduction of spike bleaching. With the mixed application of Si, B and Zn, &gt; 47% reduction of wheat blast severity was obtained. The results revealed that the soil application of silicon, zinc and boron had a synergistic effect on the intensity of blast disease of wheat. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(2): 76-84, Dec 2021

Differential effects of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphate solubilizing bacteria on maize growth in phosphate-fertilized and unfertilized acid soil

Biofertilizers may be developed using indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and phosphatesolubilizing microorganisms (PSM) isolated from rhizosphere of maize grown on acid laterite soil in eastern India. Microbial colonies thus screened yielded a pigmented, gram negative eubacterial strain which solubilized P bound as ferric phosphate. Fungal inocula for AM were prepared from dried rootlets. Potcultivated maize seedlings were inoculated with PSM and AM fungal propagules under application of two levels of inorganic P (0 and 100 mg/kg soil). Analysis of shoot samples and rhizosphere soil harvested at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) indicated that AM fungi efficiently acquired P for the seedlings in highly depleted soil, gaining over 186% shoot biomass over non-inoculated seedlings in P-0 condition. Inoculation with PSMs gave high concentrations of mobilized P in rhizosphere under P100 condition. Joint treatment with AM, PSM and P100 gave more than 32% increase in shoot dry weight at 40 DAS over solo P100 application – significantly higher than the next best level of shoot biomass obtained (12.4% over solo P100 application) at AM treatment under P0 condition. These results indicated opposite nutrient utilization strategies by AM fungi and PSM in maize rhizosphere, emphasizing holistic application of native biofertilizer components.

Effect of Some Soil Conditioners on Snap Bean Growth Yield and Sandy Soil Properties

During 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons, two-field experiments were conducted at El-Kasasin Horticultural Research Station, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, to test the impact of potassium humate(KH) and biochar with substitution part of recommended mineral fertilization on growth parameters, physical, chemical characteristics of pods and green yield of snap bean as well as some physical and chemical soil properties after harvesting. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatments included; solo application from 2 ton biochar+4 kg KH and 4 ton biochar+6 kg KH and each one was mixed with 25, 50 and 75% NPK from recommended dose comparing with 100% NPK. Overall, the results of this study indicated that soil addition of 75% NPK+ 4 ton biochar+6 kg KH recorded the best mean values of all tested parameters and improved growth, which reflected on yield and its components followed by 100% NPK.

Management of Sweetpotato Whiteflies on Poinsettias With VentigraTM and VeliferTM Insecticides as a Rotation or Solo Application

Management of Sweetpotato Whiteflies on Poinsettias With VentigraTM and VeliferTM Insecticides as a Rotation or Solo Application

Cadmium accumulation, availability, and rice uptake in soils receiving long-term applications of chemical fertilizers and crop straw return.

Fertilization and straw return have been widely adopted to maintain soil fertility and increase crop yields, but their long-term impacts on the accumulation and availability of cadmium (Cd) in paddy soils are still unconfirmed. Therefore, this study was undertaken in central China to investigate the accumulation, availability, and subsequent uptake of Cd by rice (Oryza sativa L.) in two adjacent field trials (P1 and P2, lasting for 10 and 12years, respectively) under long-term straw return or in combination with chemical fertilizers. Obvious Cd accumulation, probably due to the notable Cd input from irrigation and traffic exhaust in the bulk soil (0-20cm) of P1, was observed. The bulk soil of P2 received homogeneous straw return and chemical fertilizers, as did that of P1; however, the P2 soil almost showed Cd balance. Long-term straw return increased the portion of soil DTPA-extractable Cd to the total pool for both sites, but only P1 showed significant differences when compared to the controls. However, the highest Cd concentrations and the maximum bioconcentration factors in rice straw and grain were obtained using solo application of chemical fertilizers at both sites. Continuous additional applications of crop straw, in contrast, resulted in slightly decreased Cd uptake in rice straw, but not in grain. These findings demonstrate that neither long-term straw return nor fertilization leads directly to notable Cd accumulation, but that the promotion effects of long-term chemical fertilizer applications on Cd uptake in rice need more attention.