Source Of Mineral Nutrients Research Articles

Effect of application of steel slag based-sulphur fertilizer on yield and quality of cauliflower, cabbage and capsicum

Steel slag, a waste from steel manufacturing, cannot be directly used in agriculture despite its nutritional characteristics. The present research deciphered the response of sulfur enriched steel slag (16-20% S) on cauliflower, cabbage and capsicum. The performance of steel slag based sulfur fertilizer (SSSF) at 30, 45 and 60 kg S ha-1 with 100 and 50% NPK fertilizer application was evaluated in terms of growth, yield and quality attributes i.e., total antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, phenolic content, and pigment system (anthocyanin, lycopene, â carotene, total carotenoid and chlorophyll content). The application of SSSF caused a significant increase (~25%) in economic yield. An increase in physiological and nutritional attributes including antioxidants was also evidenced with the supplementation of the SSSF. The study showed that steel slag based fertilizers can be applied to complement the conventional chemical fertilizers without causing any soil toxicity and phyto-toxicity. In fact, SSSF application helped to save costs (up to 50%) towards NPK chemical fertilizers without any negative impact on the economic yield and nutritional quality of cabbage, cauliflower and capsicum. The study does not reveal any negative effect of steel slag based fertilizer on soil characteristics. Thus, it supports the possibility that an enriched-amended steel slag can be used as source of mineral nutrients in agriculture.

Effect of Linz-Donawitz (LD) steel slag on soil properties and yield of cereal, vegetable and oilseed crops

Linz-Donawitz (LD) steel slag, a byproduct of steel industry produced in huge amount is a rich source of plant essential and beneficial mineral nutrients. This study aims to evaluate the impact of LD slag (ranging from 0.5-1.0 t ha-1) given with and without 80 per cent recommended dose of NPK fertilizers (RDF) on yield and physico-chemical and biological characteristics of soil under wheat, rice, maize, brinjal, tomato, amaranthus and mustard. The application of LD slag without RDF reduced the soil quality and crop growth and yield significantly. However, in comparison to control, the LD slag applied along with 80 per cent RDF significantly increased soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, urease and phosphatase activities across majority of crops. The total microbial count (TMC) was reduced in the soil under all crops except wheat and maize under the slag alone treatment. The slag application with 80 per cent RDF enhanced plant biomass and yield of maize and brinjal, but increased biomass and fruit yield alone in mustard and tomato, respectively. The study evidenced that the application of LD slag is useful in improving soil physical and biological status, and improves the crop growth and yield, selectively, even with less NPK fertilizer application.

Exploring Potential of Organo-mineral Fertilizers in Augmenting Crop Yield and Quality – A Review

Inorganic fertilizers are essential for improving crop yield and quality through enhanced crop efficiency. However, their continuous use often causes nutrient imbalances, leading to poor yield and quality. Organic manures, while effective in improving soil fertility and crop productivity, face challenges such as limited availability, variable quality, transportation issues, heavy metal contamination and slow nutrient release. The exclusive dependence of either organic or inorganic fertilizers has not adequately fulfilled the increasing demands for enhanced agricultural output and quality. To address these challenges, organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs) have emerged as an innovative solution. OMFs are derived from the combination of mineral and organic nutrient sources, integrating the benefits of both. This low input technology supplies nutrients in balanced quantities that are readily and steadily available throughout the growing season. OMFs improve soil physical properties, enhance fertility and support sustainable crop production. They also promote plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, offering a holistic approach to agricultural challenges. The development of OMFs aligns with the recycling of urban, industrial and agricultural residues, reducing dependency on raw materials for chemical fertilizers and contributing to environmental sustainability. Advances in OMF preparation, using various mineral and organic matrices, have demonstrated their ability to address nutrient deficiencies, particularly in tropical soils, where poor fertility often limits productivity. OMFs enhance soil physico-chemical and biological properties, addressing soil degradation while improving crop yield and quality. They ensure an optimal supply of nutrients, support long-term soil health and align with modern fertilizer management strategies aimed at sustainable agricultural productivity. In conclusion, OMFs are a promising solution for boosting crop quality and yield while maintaining soil fertility. By incorporating the advantages of organic and inorganic inputs, they provide a balanced, sustainable, and efficient strategy to address growing demands for food production.

Cotyledons as the primary source of carbon and mineral nutrients during early growth of a savanna tree

Cotyledons as the primary source of carbon and mineral nutrients during early growth of a savanna tree

Identification of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria for the Development of Probiotic Consortia


 Soil infertility is one of the major challenges in agriculture. Although chemical fertilizers provide promising solution for crop growth in infertile soil, excessive application cause negative impacts on the natural systems such as soil and water. Moreover, these fertilizers can be converted into insoluble forms soon after application which often result in increasing the application frequency and the quantity. Hence, for decades plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been considered as an environmentally friendly alternative for chemical fertilizers. In this context, the present study was focused on the identification of candidate PGPRs for the development of probiotic packages for chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) which is one of the most widely grown and highly demanding vegetable crops in Sri Lanka. Rhizobacteria were isolated from the roots of healthy, young chilli plants grown in Angunakolapelessa, Sri Lanka and their rhizosphere soil. In total, 75 morphologically distinct strains were isolated, and they were inoculated into different nutrient media to screen their ability to solubilize insoluble mineral nutrient sources. Those media were National-Botanical-Research-Institute's phosphate agar [NBRIP-agar] with Ca3(PO4)2 as the P source, modified-Aleksandrov-agar containing mica as the K source and zinc-solubilizing-agar containing ZnCO3 as the Zn source. Further, bacteria were screened for N fixation in the nitrogen- fixing-bacteria (NfB) medium. Sixteen P-solubilizing-bacteria (PSB), 4 K-solubilizing-bacteria (KSB), 15 Zn-solubilizing-bacteria (ZnSB) and 10 N-fixing strains were identified. We noticed that all KSB strains also have the capacity to solubilize Ca3(PO4)2. All PSB strains, except CSTM10, can solubilize ZnCO3. The phosphate solubilizing index (PSI) was calculated to rank the P-solubilizing efficiency (PSE) of PSB. The highest PSI was found in CSTM40 and CSTM6. We further screened all mineral-solubilizing strains for the indole-3-acidic acid (IAA) production which is a PGP hormone. Cultures were induced for IAA production by supplementing the medium with 0.2% (w/v) tryptophan and IAA concentration was determined using the Salkowski's method. Nine strains were capable of producing IAA. The CSTM6 and CSTM21 showed the highest IAA production of
 181.94 and 178.59 mg/L respectively. In conclusion, bacterial strains, CSTM6, CSTM14, CSTM21, CSTM24, CSTM40, CMTM1, CMTM2 and CSTM10 showed multiple PGP characteristics and they were selected as candidates for the developing probiotic consortia. They can be viewed as promising strains in sustainable agriculture since they perhaps can enhance the availability of mineral nutrients in soil and promote plant growth.
 
 Keywords: Biofertilizer, Capsicum annuum, Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria
 
 Financial assistance from Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Research Programme 2019 funded by the State Ministry of Skill Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation, Sri Lanka is acknowledged.

Optimization of mineral nutrients to improve rhamnolipid production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa6 K‐11

AbstractBACKGROUNDRhamnolipids are biosurfactants that have their main application in bioremediation processes. They are able to increase the biodegradation and detoxification rates from industrial effluents. The north of Peru and Iquitos have been not only major oil producers but also have been responsible for oil spills. This study therefore focused on the optimization of mineral nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium and iron to improve rhamnolipids production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 6 K‐11, which was isolated from oil soil in Peru.RESULTSPseudomonas aeruginosa 6 K‐11 was reactivated in Trypticase Soy Broth by scaling from 5 to 200 mL of culture medium for 8 h at each stage. The culture was centrifuged and placed in 100 mL Siegmund–Wagner medium for 36 h in a 500 mL Erlenmeyer flask. First, it was determined that sodium nitrate, monopotassium phosphate, calcium chloride and iron sulfate were the best sources of mineral nutrients. Then, by using corn oil as carbon source, the ratios obtained for carbon‐to‐nitrogen and carbon‐to‐phosphorous were 21.172 and 16.279, respectively. In addition, it was found that the optimal concentration for calcium was 0.046 g L−1 and for iron was 0.003 g L−1. The most influential variables were carbon‐to‐nitrogen and carbon‐to‐phosphorus ratio. Finally, 35.124 g L−1 rhamnolipids was produced after 168 h of fermentation with the optimal parameters.CONCLUSIONThe optimization of mineral nutrients was an important achieved goal for rhamnolipid production. In addition, this optimization can be used for modifying the culture medium to grow the biosurfactant producer strain. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Biofertilizers from wastewater treatment as a potential source of mineral nutrients for growth of amaranth plants.

Exploring alternative fertilizers is crucial in agriculture due to the cost and environmental impact of inorganic options. This study investigated the potential of sewage-derived biofertilizers on the growth and physiology of Amaranthus cruentus plants. Various treatments were compared, including control treatments with inorganic fertilizer and treatments with biofertilizers composed of microalgae, biosolids and reclaimed water. The following traits were investigated: photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, growth, and leaf nutrient concentrations. The results showed that the concentrations of N, P, Cu, Fe Zn and Na nutrients, in the dry microalgae and biosolids, were quite high for the needs of the plants. The wet microalgae presented high concentration of Cu, Fe and Zn nutrients while reclaimed water contained high concentration of N, K, Ca and S. Na and Zn nutrients increased in the leaf of plants treated with dry microalgae and biosolid, respectively. At the beginning of the flowering phase, total chlorophyll and carotenoids contents were lower for plants grown with wet microalgae while for plants grown with higher doses of biosolid or reclaimed water total chlorophyll was increased, and carotenoids were not affected. Lower photosynthetic pigments under wet microalgae resulted in lower photosynthetic rates. On the other hand, amendments with dry microalgae and biosolid increased photosynthetic rates with the biosolid being the most effective. Higher applications of biosolid, wet and dry microalgae produced a considerable increase in shoot biomass of amaranth, with the dry microalgae being the most effective. Additionally, reclaimed water obtained after tertiary treatment of sewage with microalgae and biosolids applied alone showed promising effects on plant growth. Overall, these findings suggest that organic fertilizers derived from sewage treatment have the potential to enhance plant growth and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

The effect of vermicompost and K+amino on the winter rape growth

Vermicompost contains a high concentration of macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, growth hormones, enzymes such as proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, and chitinases, as well as immobilized microflora. Vermicompost improves plant germination, growth, biomass, and yield. K+amino is a biologically active liquid soil amendment that is suitable for organic gardens of all types. It is a 100 % veganic growth- and health-promoting liquid microbial inoculant for all plant types, particularly fast-growing crops like vegetables, fruits, and blooms. The purpose of investigation was to look the effect of vermicompost and k+amino on the winter rape germination and growth. Methods: There were six treatments: 1. A rape (means a rape crop in Aru Agricultural Ltd. soil), 2. A rape+YaraBela AXAN 0.3g per pot, 3. A rape+vermicompost 7.9 g per pot in the soil+the vermiextract is sprayed on the plants 1 week after sowing, 2 weeks after sowing, both treatments 1:30, 33 ml extract per 1 L water, 4. A rape+vermicompost 7.9 g per pot in the soil, 5. A rape+vermiextract is sprayed on the plants 1 week after sowing, 2 weeks after sowing, both treatments 1:30, 33 ml extract per 1 L water, 6. A rape+K+Amino biostimulator is sprayed on the plants 1 week after sowing, 2 weeks after sowing, both treatments 5 ml K+Amino per 1 L water. Results: Rape plants were elongated in treatment with YaraBela AXAN. Stem diameter was largest in K+Amino treatment. Root length was lowest in treatment with vermicompst extract (soil was too moisty and compacted). Conclusions: Vermicompost tended to improve plant growth, while stem diameter was largely increased by using k+amino fertilizer. It turns out both actually are good sources of mineral nutrients and also different enzymes and microbes, which help plants grow

Exhausted fire-extinguishing powders: A potential source of mineral nutrients for reuse and valorisation in compost enrichment for soilless cultivation

Fire-extinguishing powders (FEPs) are constituted by an inner mineral core of (NH4)H2PO4 and (NH4)2SO4 salts (>95 %, by weight) externally coated with Si-based additives, which make problematic reuse after their service life has expired (36 months). This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using the composting process as an environmentally friendly strategy to lyse the external coating and recycle this nutrient-rich solid waste for replacement of inorganic fertilization in soilless cultivation of horticultural crops. A microcosm-scale experiment with lettuce plants grown into a soil/quartz sand mixture under controlled conditions for 28 days was used to investigate plant responses (fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, root morphology, ash and nutrients content) to amendment with increasing dosages (equivalent at 0, 10, 20 and 30 t ha−1) of an exhausted FEPs-enriched compost. Chemical properties (pH, EC, TOC, TN) and content of soluble nutrients (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NH4+, H2PO4−, SO42−, NO3−, Cl−) released into the growing substrate were also monitored. Non-amended microcosms and non-enriched compost treatments were taken as controls. Results showed, beside the expected rise of phosphate, sulphate and ammonium ions, exhausted FEPs contributed Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ content. Whereas compost determined a dose-dependent release of K+, which was particularly useful in maintaining the K/Na ratio in a range not harmful to plant physiology. It was also found that the compost enriched with 5 % (w/w) exhausted FEPs was no phytotoxic to lettuce. On the contrary, it stimulated the plant growth, increased the photosynthetic efficiency and the shoot biomass accumulation, thus incrementing the shoot/root ratio. Moreover, it oriented the root morphology development and promoted the plant uptake of both water and solutes. To sum up, composting represents a suitable alternative to chemical treatment to recover readily available nutrients contained in exhausted FEPs and produce an enriched compost for use in soilless cultivation.

Some Proximate Analysis of Polyaltha Longifolia (Fresh Leaves)

Proximate analysis of fresh leaves of Polyalthia longifolia was carried out using gravimetric method of analysis. The analysis showed that percentages of total moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, ash content, total carbohydrate and the oil content were 51.12, 13.37, 25.20, 8.12, 22.97 and 11.34 present in the sample respectively. The results revealed that the fresh leaves could be a rich source of food and mineral nutrients which can be used for human nourishments and dietary supplements. It is also an implication that the leaves can be used in the medicinal, pharmacological and food industries for production of consumable supplements. The significant oil content is an indication of its ability to combat certain microorganisms that can cause disorders in human health, it can also be applied in the cosmetic industries for the production of a wide variety of cosmetics products it has been commonly found that the extract of the leaves can be used as curatives of haemorhoids, diabetes, fibroid. cancer and ulcer treatments because of the reasonable fibre content.

Genotypic variability in yield, L-Dopa and mineral nutrient profile in velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L.) production systems

Commercial cultivation of elite and non-itchy genotypes of underutilized legume Mucuna pruriens L. is required for food security as well as for meeting the demand of naturally available aromatic amino acid L-Dopa. Comprehensive studies were conducted in bower and surface-grown production systems at different periods during 2013–2020 at Bengaluru, India. The elite genotypes were examined for their suitability in food and pharmaceutical sectors based on seed yield, L-Dopa content, protein content and nutrient profile. Bower-training system increased the seed yield (0.73–2.38 t ha−1) and L-Dopa yield (19–140 kg ha−1) over surface-grown system. In general, long duration genotypes registered higher seed and L-Dopa yields. The genotype Arka Shubra registered significantly higher L-Dopa content (5.17–5.43 g per 100 g) in bower and surface-grown production systems. Similar yield levels (2.39–2.47 t ha−1) and L-Dopa content at higher nutrient levels, and significant effects of nutrient uptake on seed yield (R2=0.959) indicate the necessity for optimum nutrition for seed crop. Different plant parts of velvet bean were found rich sources of important mineral nutrients and protein. The protein content was comparable in leaf (24.4–29.1%) and seed (25.5–28.6%). Long duration genotypes are ideal for commercial cultivation and for further use in food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Spirulina Supplements as a Source of Mineral Nutrients in the Daily Diet

Spirulina is a microalga cultivated in many countries. It is a source of valuable protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and elements. We have not found studies that address the effect of supplement form or cultivation method on the mineral content of spirulina supplements. The aim of this study was to determine whether supplement form (tablet and powder) and cultivation method (organic and conventional) of spirulina have a bearing on the mineral nutrients content. Such an approach accounts for the innovation of our research. The material used in the study was spirulina in tablets and powder form, marketed as a dietary supplement. Samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). In turn, selenium (Se) content was determined by spectrofluorimetry. Overall, in terms of mean values, the most abundant mineral in spirulina supplements was phosphorus (P) (15,149 mg/kg) and the least abundant was Se (0.31 mg/kg). Our findings show that both supplement form and cultivation method affect the mineral content of spirulina. Supplements in powder form had a significantly higher content of important elements, such as iron (Fe) (673 mg/kg), magnesium (Mg) (4151 mg/kg) and potassium (K) (16,686 mg/kg), while at the same time containing significantly less sodium (Na) (9868 mg/kg). In terms of the cultivation method, organic spirulina supplements turned out to be a richer dietary source of Fe (703 mg/kg) and K (14,893 mg/kg). In turn, conventionally grown supplements had higher contents of calcium (Ca) (11,269 mg/kg), phosphorus (P) (16,314 mg/kg) and strontium (Sr) (47 mg/kg). Spirulina can therefore be a valuable addition to the daily diet, helping people to achieve the required intake of micronutrients.

Purification of Sewage Wastewater though Sand Column Filter for Lessening of Heavy Metals Accumulation in Lettuce, Carrot, and Cauliflower

Sewage wastewater is one of the richest sources of mineral nutrients contributing toward plant growth and yield. However, the accumulation of heavy metals in the edible parts of vegetables and fruits can be dangerous to life. The current research aimed to evaluate the performance of a sand column filter for the elimination of heavy metals from sewage wastewater applied to selected vegetables. The contents of heavy metals, i.e., Pb+2, Ni+2, Cu+2, and Fe+2, were estimated to be higher in untreated sewage wastewater than in treated water. The number of leaves, fresh and dry weights of leaves, roots, and total biomass of lettuce, carrot, and cauliflower were improved due to the irrigation of unfiltered sewage wastewater compared to sewage wastewater. The curd diameter, fresh and dry weights of curd, stem fresh weight of cauliflower, and the root length and diameter of carrot increased after irrigation with the unfiltered sewage wastewater in comparison to the treated sewage wastewater. The accumulation of heavy metals, i.e., Pb+2, Ni+2, Cu+2, and Fe+2, was higher in the roots, leaves, and edible parts of the selected vegetables. In the present study, the Cd+2 and Cr+2 concentrations were not affected by the filtration process through a sand column filter. Conclusively, filtration through a sand column filter is effective for the removal of heavy metals from sewage wastewater used to irrigate agricultural land.

Nutrient accumulation and transcriptome patterns during grain development in rice.

Rice is an important source of calories and mineral nutrients for more than half of the world's population. The accumulation of essential and toxic mineral elements in rice grain affects its nutritional quality and safety. However, the patterns and processes by which different elements progressively accumulate during grain filling remain largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated temporal changes in dry matter, elemental concentrations, and the transcriptome in the grain of field-grown rice. We also investigated the effects of seed setting rate and the position of the grain within the rice panicle on element accumulation. Three different patterns of accumulation were observed: (i) elements including K, Mn, B, and Ca showed an early accumulation pattern; (ii) dry matter and elements including N, P, S, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mo, As, and Cd showed a mid accumulation pattern; and (iii) elements such as Fe showed a gradual increase pattern. These different accumulation patterns can be explained by the differences in the biogeochemical behavior of the various elements in the soil, as well as differences in plant nutrient redistribution, gene expression, and the sink-source relationship. These results improve our knowledge of the dynamics of elemental accumulation in rice grain and are helpful for identification of functional genes mediating the translocation of elements to grain.

Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.): An Unexplored Medicinal Fruit with Minerals, Antioxidants, and Phytochemicals.

The Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.) fruit is well known for its nutritional and medicinal values. The current study analyzed the chemical composition of Salvadora oleoides fruit. Fresh Peelu fruits were harvested, and physicochemical properties, proximate composition, macro- and micronutrients, and phytochemical properties were determined. Moreover, ethanol and methanol fruit extract was analyzed for physicochemical properties. The Peelu fruit seemed to be a potential source of essential macro- ((nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)) and micronutrients (zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)). The fruit had significant biochemical properties (total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), and TSS : TA ratio) with appreciable moisture, crude fiber, and ash contents. The fruit extracts demonstrated significantly higher antioxidants and phenolics, ascorbic acid contents, and carotenoids. Phytochemical screening of fruit revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, phlobatannins, tannins, and terpenoids. Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of extracts indicated its potential for further in vivo study trials. The Peelu fruit was found to be a good source of mineral nutrients, proximate contents, vitamins (ascorbic acid and carotenoid), phytochemicals (total phenolic sand antioxidant contents), and pharmaceutically important metabolites that can be used as functional drink.

Influence of laboratory-controlled ethanolic wheatgrass extract on acetic acid-induced changes in biochemical and antioxidant indices in the colitis of Wistar rats

Introduction and Aim: Triticum aestivum (wheatgrass) is a good source of mineral nutrients and antioxidant enzymes. It also acts as a detoxifying agent and helps to revive healthy cells. The present study aimed to assess the effects of acetic acid on biochemical and antioxidant indices in the colitis of Wistar rats using an ethanolic extract derived from the dried shoots of wheatgrass maintained under specified growth conditions.
 
 Materials and Methods: Aqueous and ethanolic extract of wheatgrass was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and in-vitro antioxidant activity. Effects of the ethanolic wheatgrass extract were investigated in the acetic acid-induced rat colitis model. Sulphasalazine was used as the standard anti-inflammatory drug. Malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were estimated in the rat blood. Colitis was quantified with a clinical score and colon length/weight index was measured. Histopathological analyses were also performed on the colon tissue of rats.
 
 Results: The presence of phytochemical elements such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenes in aqueous and ethanolic wheatgrass extract was discovered. These compounds have the potential to boost antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The ethanolic extract significantly reduced MDA, MPO, and antioxidant levels (TAC, CAT, and GSH) in colon tissue and blood. Biochemical measurements corroborated the conclusions of histopathological investigation.
 
 Conclusion: According to macroscopic, microscopic, histological, and other biochemical studies, ethanolic wheatgrass extract significantly inhibits experimental colitis in rats.

Closed-Loop Agricultural Production and Its Environmental Efficiency: A Case Study of Sheep Wool Production in Northwestern Kyrgyzstan

As a country with not only significant production potential but also fragmented land ownership, the Kyrgyz Republic struggles with environmental efficiency, which is a strategic element of environmental management in agricultural production. The objective of this study was to assess the environmental efficiency of sheep’s wool when used as a fertilizer in bean production in northern Kyrgyzstan. In this study, the efficiency indicator was taken to be GHG emissions per functional unit of product, using a proprietary methodology for calculating GHG emissions to determine the true value of this material as a source of soil nutrients and organic matter. Two experimental factors were used in the experiment: fertilizer type and fertilizer rate. Fertilization with sheep wool resulted in a 15% higher bean yield compared to when fertilized with mineral fertilizers at a comparable rate, converted to pure nitrogen. By using sheep wool as a source of mineral nutrients for the plants, the carbon footprint was reduced by almost 10% compared to a facility with mineral fertilization. Therefore, the use of sheep wool as a source of plant nutrients is environmentally justified.

Pre-Harvest Foliar Application Effects of Mineral Nutrients on Yield, Quality and Shelf Life of Broccoli

This study was conducted at the farmer’s field of Jashore Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh during the Rabi seasons of 2020-2021 to evaluate pre-harvest foliar application effects of mineral nutrients on yield, quality and shelf life of broccoli. The experiment was designed in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), including three replications and seven treatments for field study which were: T1=control, T2=Ca@o.30%, T3=B@o.30%), T4= Zn@o.30%, T5=Mo@o.30%, T6=Mn@o.30%, and T7= (Ca+B+Zn+Mo+Mn)@o.30%. In order to determine the shelf life of broccoli, a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was conducted with three replications considering three factors; (i) pre-harvest foliar application of mineral nutrient sources; (ii) room temperature along with storage materials, and (iii) cold storage along with storage materials that were used accordingly. Findings revealed that the effects of pre-harvest foliar application of mineral nutrients had a significant influence on the yield, post-harvest quality, and shelf life of broccoli. The treatment T7 (Ca+B+Zn+Mo+Mn)@o.30% produced significantly in all respects of yield contributing attributes denoting curd length, diameter, and marketable curd yield of broccoli. The same treatment effectively increased post-harvest quality attributes such as color, compactness, texture, dry matter, fats, carbohydrates, energy, vitamin C, antioxidants, and phenols content in the curd. In addition, the treatment also recorded the highest shelf life of 7.25 days at room temperature (14-240c with RH 60-65%) and 24.33 days at cold storage (40c with RH 90-95%) conditions within a High-Density Polyethylene (HDP; 15 micron) Vacuum pack.

Assessment of Mineral Nutrient Efficiency in Genetically Diverse Spinach Accessions by Biochemical and Functional Marker Strategies.

Leafy vegetable crops are considered as a natural source of mineral nutrients that could decrease the risk factor of many growth issues in children and adults. Spinach is globally considered as the most desirable leafy crop, due to its taste and nutrient richness along with greater nitrate contents and better nitrogen use efficiency. To evaluate the mineral nutrient efficiency of this crop, thirty genetically diverse spinach accessions were analyzed through nutritional and functional marker strategies. The accession 163,310 from Pakistan was found to be rich in minerals (sodium, calcium, potassium, zinc, and manganese) and nitrates. However, the oxalate contents were lesser in the accessions that had greater quantity of nutrients. These represented a negative correlation between mineral availability and oxalate accumulation in the leaves. To study the relationship of oxalates and minerals in the accessions, a functional marker analysis was performed, based on the genes involved in oxalate metabolism and disease resistance in spinach. High level of genetic polymorphism was observed among the accessions represented with 115 polymorphic bands out of 130 bands. Heat map clustering represented the accessions from Asian countries (Pakistan, India, China, and Iran) as the most adaptable accessions to the local environment. The correlation between nutritional and genetic analysis also revealed the nutrient richness of these accessions along with good oxalate metabolism and disease resistance. Hence, these accessions could be considered as useful genotypes in future breeding programs.

Effects of Extracellular Self- and Nonself-DNA on the Freshwater Microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and on the Marine Microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana.

The role of extracellular DNA (exDNA) in soil and aquatic environments was mainly discussed in terms of source of mineral nutrients and of genetic material for horizontal gene transfer. Recently, the self-exDNA (conspecific) has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the growth of that organism, while the same was not evident for nonself-exDNA (non conspecific). The inhibitory effect of self-exDNA was proposed as a universal phenomenon, although evidence is mainly reported for terrestrial species. The current study showed the inhibitory effect of self-exDNA also on photosynthetic aquatic microorganisms. We showed that self-exDNA inhibits the growth of the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Nannochloropsis gaditana, a freshwater and a marine species, respectively. In addition, the study also revealed the phenotypic effects post self-exDNA treatments. Indeed, Chlamydomonas showed the formation of peculiar heteromorphic aggregates of palmelloid cells embedded in an extracellular matrix, favored by the presence of DNA in the environment, that is not revealed after exposure to nonself-exDNA. The differential effect of self and nonself-exDNA on both microalgae, accompanied by the inhibitory growth effect of self-exDNA are the first pieces of evidence provided for species from aquatic environments.