T3 Treatment Research Articles

How residual plastic film affects the soil water–salt and cotton growth at the seeding stage

AbstractCotton holds a significant position among cash crops in China, with Xinjiang serving as the primary cotton‐growing region within the country. Agricultural practices involving plastic mulching have gained importance. However, the presence of residual plastic film affects the growth of cotton seedlings as well as the soil environment. Our study aimed to explore the impact of residual plastic film accumulation on the growth of cotton seedlings and the associated soil water‐salt environment. This was done through a barrel planting experiment, utilizing soil from cotton fields with varying durations of mulching. The study showed that when the mulching period exceeded 12 years (residual plastic film content of 260.77 kg hm−2), residual plastic film had a significant impact on cotton seedling growth and the soil environment. Residual plastic film reduces the seedling germination rate of cotton by up to 11.11% (7 days after irrigation, 15 years of film mulching, residual plastic film content of 309.88 kg hm−2). It also impedes the growth of cotton seedlings; plant height, stem thickness, and leaf area were reduced by 34.52%, 10.73%, and 37.18%, respectively (19 days after irrigation, 15 years of film mulching, residual plastic film content of 309.88 kg·hm−2). Compared with the treatment without residual plastic film, the shallow soil water content in the T5 treatment decreased by 1.19% (10 days after irrigation, 15 years of film mulching, residual plastic film content of 309.88 kg·hm−2). Residual plastic film in cotton fields subjected to long‐term mulching obstructs the normal growth and development of cotton seedlings while also impacting the transport of soil water and salt. Therefore, we recommend adopting biodegradable mulch or regularly recycling residual plastic film within mulched areas to prevent its accumulation and subsequent negative impacts.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize is one of the most important cereal crops in the world. To investigate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer rates on growth and yield of maize and to determine the suitable nitrogen fertilizer rate, an experiment was conducted by using Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications at Shwe Baho village, Zayarthiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw in post monsoon season and monsoon season. The treatments were T1 (no nitrogen application), T2 (90 kg N ha-1), T3 (120 kg N ha-1), T4 (150 kg N ha-1) and T5 (180 kg N ha-1) treatments. The tested maize variety was pacific-789 hybrid. According to the results, application of nitrogen gave the significant effect on grain yield and yield components of maize in both seasons. The superior maize yield was observed in all nitrogen treatments compared to control. The use of the highest nitrogen fertilizer rate (180 kg N ha-¹) in T5 gave the significant highest grain yield (7696.6 kg ha-¹) in post monsoon season and (8764.5 kg ha-¹) in monsoon season, respectively. In both seasons, the grain yield in T5 treatment was significantly increased about 62% over T1 treatment. Therefore, the application of nitrogen with the rate of T5 (180 kg ha-1) might be the appropriate rate to maximize the maize production. Considering the increased grain yield of the hybrid maize, nitrogen rate of T5 (180 kg ha-1) could be achieved in this study area.

RHIZOSPHERE MICROBIOME, SOIL ENZYMES AND GROUNDNUT YIELD AS INFLUENCED BY ADDITION OF BIOCHAR AND FERTILIZERS IN IRRIGATED ALFISOL OF NORTH COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH

The field experiment was conducted in irrigated Alfisols of North coastal Andhra Pradesh tostudy the effect of biochar and chemical fertilizers on rhizosphere microbiome, soil enzymes andyield performance of groundnut crop (variety K-6) during rabi, 2018-19. Biochar application tosoil significantly increased soil bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes population. At pod developmentstage, the highest number of bacterial count (39.0 x106 CFU g-1 soil) was observed in T5 (100%RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1) which was on par with all the biochar applied treatments (T3, T4, T6, T7,T8). The Biochar applied @ 6 t ha-1 (T5 & T8) significantly increased the bacterial population ascompared to non-biochar applied treatments (T1 & T2). Fungal and actinomycetes populationfollowed the similar trend of bacterial count. Soil urease activity was significantly superior inbiochar applied treatments (T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8) compared to non biochar applied treatments (T1and T2). With increased rates of biochar application the urease activity markedly increased insoil. Similar trend was noticed with respect to dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and alkalinephosphatase enzymes in soil in response to addition of biochar. At pod development stage, thehighest leaf area index (3.16) was recorded with 100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1(T5) which wassignificantly higher than T1 (control), T2 (100% RDF) and T6 (75% RDF + biochar @ 2 t ha-1). Thehighest drymatter accumulation of 2951 kg ha-1 at peg penetration and 6428 kg ha-1 at poddevelopment was observed in T5 (100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1) which was on par with T3(100% RDF + biochar @ 2 t ha-1), T4 (100% RDF + biochar @ 4 t ha-1), T8 (75% RDF + biochar @6 t ha-1) treatments. Groundnut pod yield was highest (4019.58 kg ha-1) in treatment received100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1, which was on par with T4 (100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1) and T8(75% RDF + biochar @ 6 t ha-1).

Biofloc based farming of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in tanks under different stocking densities

This experiment was conducted to optimize the stocking density of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in biofloc based farming system in tanks for a period of 90 days from 23 December to 22 March 2022 in Mohanpur upazilla, Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. The experiment was conducted in 5000 L cemented tanks (5m3) under three different of stocking densities (T1: 200 fishes/m3, T2: 150 fishes/m3 and T3: 100 fishes/m3) having three replicates each. The initial weight of fish was 11.50±0.35 g and fishes were fed (34% protein content) twice a day @ 5-3 % body weight. Among three treatments, a significantly higher (P<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) of 1.15±0.07 g with specific growth rate (SGR) of 2.44±0.09 % day-1 were recorded in T3 treatment but a significantly higher (P<0.05) average yield of 118907.70 and 114914.20 kg/ha/3 months were obtained in T1 and T2 treatment, respectively. Higher average net benefit of 1231671.90 BDT/ha/3 months and BCR of 0.12 were obtained in T2 treatment which is significantly higher (p<0.05) than T1 and T3 treatment. By an economical assessment, if the sales price is influenced by the final body weight, the reduced average harvest weight in higher stocking densities could lead to low profitability. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of intermediate stocking density, around 150 fishes/m3, has higher profitability since it produces a large proportion of harvested fish that reach high body weights, and possible high selling prices, combined with desirable biomass.

Foliar application of selenium promotes starch content accumulation and quality enhancement in foxtail millet grains

ContextThe northern regions of China are the core production areas for foxtail millet. However, the lack of selenium in the soil constrains local agricultural development. Foliar application of selenium is a significant method to improve selenium levels, yet few studies have systematically analyzed the effects of selenium on the quality of millet, especially its starch content. ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the effects of selenium foliar spray on the starch composition and overall content within millet grains, specifically by elucidating the mechanisms through examining changes in chlorophyll content in the flag leaves during the grain-filling stage and the activity of enzymes related to starch synthesis in the grains. Additionally, this research seeks to determine the optimal rate of selenium application that would maximize the quantity and quality of starch in millet grains. MethodsA two-year field experiment on foxtail millet was conducted with five selenium treatments (Se rates of 0, 20, 40, 60, and 100 g Se/ha, defined as T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 in this study, respectively). Grain starch content, activities of starch synthesis-related enzymes, flag leaves chlorophyll content, and antioxidant status of the flag leaves were measured at seven time points during grain filling. ResultsThe starch content in foxtail millet grains increased quadratically with the application of selenium, reaching a maximum under the T3 treatment, which enhanced the content by 15.27 % and 11.97 % over two years, respectively. The addition of selenium at low concentrations (T1-T3 treatments) not only enhanced the activities of the three starch synthesis-related enzymes, AGPase, SuSy, and SSS, but also delayed the senescence of the flag leaves, thereby promoting grain starch synthesis. In contrast, excessive selenium application (T4 treatment) expedited the aging of the flag leaves, grain starch synthesis was inhibited compared to the T3 treatment. Moreover, foliar application of selenium led to an increase in the SSS activity in the grains, which in turn reduced the content of straight-chain starch. Under the T3 treatment, the grain straight-chain starch content decreased by 22.30 % and 28.35 % over two years, respectively. ConclusionsFoliar application of selenium enhanced the activities of enzymes related to grain starch synthesis and had a dual effect on the senescence process of flag leaves, regulating the content and composition of starch in foxtail millet grains. The spraying concentration of 60 g Se/ha was most favorable for the accumulation and quality improvement of grain starch. ImplicationsThe results of this study will aid in enhancing the value-added potential of foxtail millet starch products through precise fertilization, improving the yield and quality of foxtail millet in northern China.

Water and nitrogen footprint assessment of integrated agronomic practice management in a summer maize cropping system

The footprints of water and nitrogen (WF and NF) provide a comprehensive overview of the type and quantity of water consumption and reactive nitrogen (Nr) loss in crop production. In this study, a field experiment over two years (2019 and 2020) compared three integrated agronomic practice management (IAPM) systems: An improved management system (T2), a high-yield production system (T3), and an integrated soil–crop management system (ISCM) using a local smallholder farmer's practice system (T1) as control, to investigate the responses of WF, Nr losses, water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) to IAPM. The results showed that IAPM optimized water distribution and promoted water use by summer maize. The evapotranspiration over the whole maize growth period of IAPM increased, but yield increased more, leading to a significant increase in WUE. The WUE of the T2, T3, and ISCM treatments was significantly greater than in the T1 treatment, in 2019 and 2020 respectively, by 19.8–21.5, 31.8–40.6, and 34.4–44.6%. The lowest WF was found in the ISCM treatment, which was 31.0% lower than that of the T1 treatment. In addition, the ISCM treatment optimized soil total nitrogen (TN) distribution and significantly increased TN in the cultivated layer. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer was applied in treatment T3, producing the highest maize yield, and resulting in the highest Nr losses. In contrast, the ISCM treatment used a reduced nitrogen fertilizer rate, sacrificing grain yield partly, which reduced Nr losses and eventually led to a significant increase in nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen recovery. The Nr level in the ISCM treatment was 34.8% lower than in the T1 treatment while NUE was significantly higher than in the T1 treatment by 56.8–63.1% in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Considering yield, WUE, NUE, WF, and NF together, ISCM should be used as a more sustainable and clean system for sustainable production of summer maize.

Abstract 2399: Stage-matched prognosis comparison between ypTNM and pTNM stage in pancreatic cancer

Abstract Introduction: The prognostic significance of pathological stage in pancreatic cancer is well-established. The 8th American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging introduced the ypTNM stage for neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) patients responding to the increased use of NAT. Despite this, there has been no comparative assessment of the prognosis between ypTNM and pTNM stages in pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the prognoses between ypTNM and pTNM stages in surgically resected pancreatic cancer. Method: A cohort of 586 patients who underwent pancreatic cancer surgery at a tertiary center from January 2018 to March 2022 was analyzed. Exclusions comprised those with prior pancreatectomy, suspicious liver metastasis or peritoneal seeding before NAT, those with open biopsy, R2 resection, and distant metastasis during operation, and postoperative mortalities or immediate follow-up losses. Clinicopathologic demographics underwent analysis, and a propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis (1:3) was conducted based on factors influencing overall survival (OS) in multivariate analysis. Subgroup analyses, categorized by stage, compared survival between ypTNM and pTNM stages. Results: The analysis included 541 patients, with 100 undergoing NAT (ypTNM) and 441 opting for upfront surgery (pTNM). Comparable OS was observed between ypTNM and pTNM patients (median 51.0 vs. 46.0 months, 3-year survival rate (YSR) 68.7% vs 56.3%, p = 0.094). Subgroup analysis by stages I (3YSR 76.8% vs 67.5%, p = 0.577), II (56.2% vs 53.0%, p = 0.715), and III (26.5% vs 28.7%, p = 0.596) revealed similar survival between ypTNM and pTNM. Multivariate analysis identified factors such as age >65 (HR 1.651, p = 0.002), CA19-9 >150 (HR 1.476, p = 0.010), preoperative biliary drainage (HR 1.372, p = 0.048), pathologic T2 stage (HR 2.188, p = 0.002) and T3, 4 stage (HR 3.178, p < 0.001) compared to T0, 1 stage, lymphovascular invasion (HR 2.087, p < 0.001), and adjuvant treatment (HR 0.243, p < 0.001) associated with OS. After PSM analysis, stages I (3YSR 76.8% vs 71.7%, p = 0.923), II (56.2% vs 46.6%, p = 0.886), and III (26.5% vs 31.4%, p = 0.856) exhibited no significant difference in OS between ypTNM and pTNM stages. Conclusions: Our study underscores comparable survival outcomes between ypTNM and pTNM stages in surgically resected pancreatic cancer, affirming the applicability of the TNM staging system after NAT. Consistent survival results, even following PSM analysis, highlight the reliability of TNM staging for guiding therapeutic decisions even in patients with NAT. Citation Format: Hyeong Seok Kim, Hochang Chae, Soo Yeun Lim, Hye Jeong Jeong, So Jeong Yoon, Sang Hyun Shin, In Woong Han, Jin Seok Heo, Hongbeom Kim. Stage-matched prognosis comparison between ypTNM and pTNM stage in pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2399.

Effects of Nutrient Solution Application Rates on Yield, Quality, and Water-Fertilizer Use Efficiency on Greenhouse Tomatoes Using Grown-in Coir.

The yield, quality, and water-fertilizer use efficiency of crops are important parameters for assessing rational water and fertilizer management. For an optimal water and fertilizer system with respect to the nutrient solution irrigation of greenhouse tomatoes using cultivation substrates, a two-year greenhouse cultivation experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2023. Three drip fertigation treatments (T1, T2, and T3) were implemented in the experiment, where nutrient solutions were supplied when the substrate's water content reached 60%, 70%, and 80%. The frequency of nutrient solution applications is based on weighing coconut coir strips in the morning and evening at 7:00 to determine the daily water consumption of plants. Nutrient solutions were supplied when the substrate's water content reached the lower limit, and the upper limit for nutrient supply was set at 100% of the substrate water content. The nutrient solution application was carried out multiple times throughout the day, avoiding the midday heat. The nutrient solution formula used was the soilless tomato cultivation formula from South China Agricultural University. The results show that plant height and the leaf area index rapidly increased in the early and middle stages, and later growth tended to stabilize; the daily transpiration of tomatoes increased with an increase in nutrient solution supply, and it was the greatest in the T3 treatment. Between the amount of nutrient solution application and the number of years, the yield increased with the increase of the amount of nutrient solution, showing T3 > T2 > T1. Although the average yield of the T2 treatment was slightly lower than that of the T3 treatment by 3.65%, the average irrigation water use efficiency, water use efficiency, and partial fertilizer productivity of the T2 treatment were significantly higher than those of the T3 treatment by 29.10%, 19.99%, and 28.89%, respectively (p < 0.05). Additionally, soluble solid, vitamin C, and soluble sugar contents and the sugar-acid ratio of tomatoes in the T2 treatment were greater than those in the other two treatments (p < 0.05). Using the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) method, it was concluded that the nutrient solution application rate of 70% can significantly increase water and fertilizer use efficiency and markedly improve the nutritional and flavor quality of the fruit without a significant reduction in yield. This finding provides significant guidance for the high-yield, high-quality, and efficient production of coconut coir-based cultivated tomatoes in greenhouses.

The effect of using nano and microbubbles as aeration strategies on the nitrification process, microbial community composition, and growth of Penaeus vannamei in a super-intensive biofloc system

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using nano and microbubbles as aeration strategies on the nitrification process, microbial community composition of water and biofilm, microbial flocs proximate composition, and growth of Penaeus vannamei in a pilot scale super-intensive system with biofloc technology. A grow-out (stocking density: 450 shrimp m−3) was carried out for 74 days in a greenhouse with nine 35 m3 tanks, using the following treatments: T1: nanobubbles, T2: microbubbles, T3: mixed (nano + microbubbles). The nanobubbles were generated by nozzle-type air injectors and the microbubbles were generated by microperforated hoses. Artificial substrates, with an area equivalent to 200% of the lateral surface, were used into the experimental units. Molasses was used as an organic carbon source at a carbon:nitrogen ratio of 15:1. The main morphotypes of bacteria in the water and in the biofilm were analyzed using direct counting and a profile of the bacterial composition of the water was performed using metagenomic analysis. Control of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was better in treatments T2 and T3 than in T1. At the end of the experiment, treatment T3 showed a higher total abundance of bacteria in the water than T1 and T2. Bacillus abundance in the biofilm was higher in the T3 treatment than in T1 and T2. The relative abundance of nitrifying bacteria was <1% in all treatments. Treatment T1 had a higher relative abundance of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria than the others. However, the T3 treatment had a better distribution of nitrifying bacteria species. T3 treatment showed a higher diversity and evenness of operational taxonomic units. The microbial flocs in the T2 had a higher crude protein content than in the T1. These results indicate that the use of a mixed aeration system promotes a higher load of microorganisms, which has proven to improve water quality and can influence shrimp growth. The shrimp final weight was higher in T1 (12.57 g) and T3 (12.54 g) than in T2 (11.70 g), survival was higher in T3 (97.17%) than in T1 (80.33%), and yield was higher in T3 (4.61 Kg m−3) than in T1 (4.06 Kg m−3) and T2 (4.21 Kg m−3). The treatment that used nano and microbubble as aeration strategy (T3) proved to be the best as it provided better TAN control, higher abundance of bacillus bacteria in the biofilm, higher diversity and evenness of bacteria, and even higher shrimp growth and survival.

The Response of Endogenous ABA and Soluble Sugars of Platycladus orientalis to Drought and Post-Drought Rehydration.

To uncover the internal mechanisms of various drought stress intensities affecting the soluble sugar content in organs and its regulation by endogenous abscisic acid (ABA), we selected the saplings of Platycladus orientalis, a typical tree species in the Beijing area, as our research subject. We investigated the correlation between tree soluble sugars and endogenous ABA in the organs (comprised of leaf, branch, stem, coarse root, and fine root) under two water treatments. One water treatment was defined as T1, which stopped watering until the potted soil volumetric water content (SWC) reached the wilting coefficient and then rewatered the sapling. The other water treatment, named T2, replenished 95% of the total water loss of one potted sapling every day and irrigated the above-mentioned sapling after its SWC reached the wilt coefficients. The results revealed that (1) the photosynthetic physiological parameters of P. orientalis were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) under fast and slow drought processes. The photosynthetic physiological parameters of P. orientalis in the fast drought-rehydration treatment group recovered faster relative to the slow drought-rehydration treatment group. (2) The fast and slow drought treatments significantly (p < 0.05) increased the ABA and soluble sugar contents in all organs. The roots of the P. orientalis exhibited higher sensitivity in ABA and soluble sugar content to changes in soil moisture dynamics compared to other organs. (3) ABA and soluble sugar content of P. orientalis showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) under fast and slow drought conditions. During the rehydration stage, the two were significantly correlated in the T2 treatment (p < 0.05). In summary, soil drought rhythms significantly affected the photosynthetic parameters, organ ABA, and soluble sugar content of P. orientalis. This study elucidates the adaptive mechanisms of P. orientalis plants to drought and rehydration under the above-mentioned two water drought treatments, offering theoretical insights for selecting and cultivating drought-tolerant tree species.

Trichoderma guizhouense NJAU4742 augments morphophysiological responses, nutrient availability and photosynthetic efficacy of ornamental Ilex verticillata.

Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata [L.] A. Gray), a deciduous shrub producing glossy bright red berries, is a valuable ornamental and medicinal plant with good market prospects. However, the growth and development of I. verticillata are significantly affected by various stresses, and environmentally hazardous agrochemicals are often used to mitigate them. Trichoderma spp., ubiquitous soil-borne eco-friendly plant growth-promoting fungi, are potent biostimulants and biofertilizers and viable alternatives to agrochemicals for healthy and sustainable agriculture. In this study, the temporal efficacy of different dosages of the filamentous fungus Trichoderma guizhouense NJAU4742 in promoting morphophysiological responses of I. verticillata and the physicochemical properties and enzymatic activities of the substrate were investigated. Different concentrations of the strain T. guizhouense NJAU4742 spore suspension (C [0%], T1 [5%, v/m], T2 [10%, v/m] and T3 [15%, v/m]) were injected in the substrate contained in a pot in which 1-year-old I. verticillata was planted for temporal treatment (15, 45 and 75 days) under open-air conditions. The beneficial effects of T2 and/or T3 treatment for a long duration (75 days) were evident on the different root, aerial and photosynthetic traits; total contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in different tissues and the physicochemical properties of the substrate and its enzymatic activities (urease and invertase). Overall, the study revealed the potency of strain T. guizhouense NJAU4742 as a sustainable solution to improve the growth and development and ornamental value of I. verticillata.

Exogenous silicon applied at appropriate concentrations is effective at improving tomato nutritional and flavor qualities

Silicon can mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses in various plants; however, its effects on tomato quality under normal growth conditions are remain unclear. We used a randomized design with four Si treatments, CON (0 mmol/L), T1 (0.6 mmol/L), T2 (1.2 mmol/L), and T3 (1.8 mmol/L) on tomato fruit components Chlorogenic acid and rutin, among polyphenolic components, were increased by 56.99% and 20.31%, respectively, with T2 treatment compared to CON concentrations. T2 increased the sugar–acid ratio by 19.21%, compared to that with the CON treatment, and increased fruit Ca and Mg contents, compared to those with other treatments, improving the characteristic aroma. Furthermore, silicon application reduced the abscisic acid content by 112%, promoting ripening. Endogenous gibberellin, auxin, and salicylic acid, which retard fruit ripening and softening, were increased by 34.96%, 14.56%, and 35.21%, respectively. These findings have far-reaching implications for exogenous Si applications to enrich tomato nutritional and flavor qualities.

The The Effect of Adding Different Levels of Aqueous Extract of Cloves to the Drinking Water of Broiler Chickens (Ross 308) on Blood Biochemical Characteristics and Some Indicators of Oxidative Stress

This study was conducted in the poultry field of the Department of Animal Production College of Agriculture - University of Karbala for a period of 35 days, from 6/10/2022 to 9/11/2022, to demonstrate the effect of the aqueous extract of cloves added to the drinking water of broiler chickens on blood traits. Biochemistry and some indicators of oxidation, where 240 Ross308 broiler chicks were used, one day old, unsexed, and the average weight of the chicks was 40 gm, distributed randomly into 4 treatments and each treatment 3 replicates of 20 chicks "for each replicate, and the aqueous extract was added to the drinking water Since the first day, my agencies: T1: control treatment without addition, T2: adding 10 ml / liter of water, T3: adding 20 ml / liter of water, T4: adding 30 ml / liter of water, and the most important results that we obtained were summarized: A highly significant increase (p≤ 01) in the blood serum glucose concentration of the T4 treatment compared to the control treatment. As for the T3 treatment, it excelled at the level of (p≤ 0.01) in the concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin, as well as cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL, compared to the control treatment. The results showed a highly significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) in the ALT enzyme for the T3 treatment. As for the AST enzyme, its concentration increased in the T2 treatment, which was similar to the control treatment in the significance of this enzyme. In the same results, a highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) superiority was observed in the concentration of GPX enzyme for T4, T3 treatment over T2, T1 treatments. As for the CAT enzyme, its concentration increased at a significant level (p ≤ 0.01) in T3 treatment birds, but it was significantly similar to the control treatment. As for the T4 treatment, it increased significantly in the MDA rate compared to the control treatment

Under-canopy afforestation after 10 years: assessing the potential of converting monoculture plantations into mixed stands.

Under-canopy afforestation using different tree species is a key approach in close-to-nature management to improve the structural and functional stability of plantation forests. However, current research on understory afforestation mainly focuses on the seedling stage, with limited attention to saplings or young trees. In this study, we evaluated the growth characteristics and leaf traits of 14-year-old Pinus sylvestris var. Mongolica trees under four different upper forest density (UFD) treatments: 0 trees/hm2 (canopy openness 100%, CK), 150 trees/hm2 (canopy openness 51.9%, T1), 225 trees/hm2 (canopy openness 43.2%, T2), and 300 trees/hm2 (canopy openness 28.4%, T3). We found that the survival rate of P. sylvestris in the T3 was significantly lower than in the other treatments, with a decrease of 30.2%, 18.3%, and 19.5% compared to CK, T1, and T2, respectively. The growth of P. sylvestris in the T1 treatment exhibited superior performance. Specifically, T1 showed a significant increase of 18.8%, 5.5%, and 24.1% in tree height, diameter at breast height, and crown width, respectively, compared to the CK. The mean trunk biomass ratio in the understory was significantly higher than that in full light by 15.4%, whereas the mean leaf biomass ratio was significantly lower by 12.3%. Understory P. sylvestris trees tended to allocate more biomass to the trunk at the expense of decreasing leaf biomass, which would facilitate height growth to escape the shading environment, although the promotion was relatively limited. Leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, leaf thickness, mesophyll tissue thickness, epidermis thickness, and leaf carbon content were the highest in the CK and tended to decrease with increasing UFD, indicating that a high-light environment favored leaf growth and enhanced carbon accumulation. In summary, young P. sylvestris trees adapted to moderate shading conditions created by the upper canopy, and the T1 treatment was optimal for the growth of understory P. sylvestris. This study provides insights into different adaptive strategies of young P. sylvestris trees to changes in light environment, providing practical evidence for under-canopy afforestation using light-demanding trees during pure plantation transformation.

Exploring the potential of sustainable use of reclaimed water to improve crop production in response to contaminants in Vigna radiata

An efficient method of managing agricultural resources is to reuse wastewater for crop irrigation and fertilization. Irrigation using reclaimed water after treatment can have both beneficial and bad environmental effects. The national water strategy of Saudi Arabia considers reclaimed wastewater as an essential component of Saudi Arabia's water resource. It targets to decrease the load of desalination from the Red Sea and use it as a major source of agriculture and industrial use. In Vigna radiata, an experiment is carried out to determine the level of dilution for agricultural application in a seed germination experiment in response to contaminants. The physicochemical properties such as pH, ammonia, turbidity, and chloride values of reclaimed water were higher as compared to the standard guidelines of KSA for using irrigation water. Further, all the studied parameter concentrations decreased with the dilution of tap water. In the seed germination experiment,% germination, relative seed germination, seedling vigor index, etc. were calculated as compared to the control. The results infer that the application of 30 % reclaimed water (T2) enhanced the germination percentage, relative seed germination, and seedling vigor index of V. radiata. The growth of root, shoot, relative shoot growth, fresh weight, and dry weight of seedlings showed that T5 and T6 treatments are not suitable for Vigna cultivation as compared to the control. However, the results suggested that dilution of reclaimed water decreases the concentrations of potential contaminants of emerging concern, heavy metals, pesticides, etc., and makes the water suitable for irrigation.

Evaluation of urea loaded nanoclay biopolymer composites with Zn and P solubilizing microbes for nitrogen uptake and use efficiency in maize (Zea mays)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) 2022 (July 2022–October 2022) and winter (rabi) 2022–23 (November 2022–March 2023) seasons at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to evaluate a series of Zn and P solubilizing microbial culture enriched nanoclay biopolymer composite (NCBPC) loaded with nitrogenous fertilizer (urea) and the efficiency of the products for maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Experiment consisted of 10 treatments, viz. T1, Control; T2, 100% N though urea; T3; T5; T7; and T9, 75% N as urea loaded NCBPC-A (prepared using acrylic acid + acrylamide + mango kernel flour) alone or along with P or Zn or P + Zn solubilizers; T4; T6; T8 and T10, 75% N as urea loaded NCBPC-B (prepared using acrylic acid + acrylamide + maize flour) alone or along with P or Zn or P + Zn solubilizers in a randomized block design (RBD) and replicated thrice. In both maize and wheat crop, highest grain (5.09 and 5.32 t/ha) and straw yield (6.56 and 7.45 t/ha), apparent N recovery (51.26 and 47.26%) and agronomic efficiency (12 and 13.3 kg grain yield obtained/kg N application) were obtained in treatment T10 followed by T9. In addition, total N uptake significantly enhanced by 20.1–28.4% in maize and 22.1–30.8% in wheat (T9 and T10); apparent nitrogen recovery (ANR) improved by 12.9–18.2 and 15.2–21.1% and agronomic efficiency (AE) triggered by 19.5–21.2 and 15.4–20.8% in maize and wheat crops respectively, under T9 and T10 treatments over standard urea fertilization (T2). Thus, the study concludes that, 25% N requirement could be cut down through application of 75% N (urea) loaded NCBPCs in conjunction with Zn or P or Zn + P solubilizing microbial culture as compared to sole urea application under maize-wheat cropping system.

Ovarian lavage / artificial insemination method as an alternative approach for controlled reproduction of the northern pike (Esox lucius)

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the ovarian lavage / artificial insemination method with the traditional hormonal administration and fertilization methods over the artificial reproduction of the northern pike (Esox lucius). For this purpose, groups of five females were treated as follows: intraperitoneal injection of saline (C1); ovarian lavage with saline (C2); intraperitoneal injection of carp pituitary extract (CPE, T1); ovarian lavage with CPE (T2); intraperitoneal injection of CPE and ovarian lavage with semen after 72 h (T3); ovarian lavage with CPE and ovarian lavage with semen after 72 h (T4). According to the results, no fish ovulated in the control groups (C1 and C2). There were no significant differences (n.s.) among experimental treatments (P > 0.05, n.s.) in the reproductive parameters, such as latency time, ovulation rate, stripped egg amount, and pseudo-gonadosomatic index. The lowest fertilization rate (54.8%) was observed in the T4 treatment and significantly differed from the T1 and T2 treatments (P < 0.05). Moreover, the highest survival at swim-up stage was measured in the T4 treatment with a significant difference compared to the T1 group (P < 0.05). The survival at the eyed-egg stage, hatching rate, and malformations were similar (P > 0.05, n.s.) in all applied strategies. The results demonstrated that the ovarian lavage / artificial insemination method could be applied to control northern pike reproduction, like the traditional fertilization method. Consequently, this novel technique can be suggested as an alternative strategy to facilitate the hatchery operations in the controlled reproduction of this species.

Enhancing banana production through effective fertigation frequency management and plastic mulch: Impacts on crop growth and yield

The use of plastic mulch, water-soluble fertilizers, and drip irrigation has grown in popularity recently for banana (Musa acuminata L.) farming. A field experiment was carried out at Kharagpur, West Bengal, India, to examine the impact of different fertigation intervals and plastic mulch on the response of the Grand Naine cultivar of banana. A randomized complete block design with four fertigation intervals both with and without plastic mulch was used in the study. Biometric characteristics including plant height, pseudo stem girth, leaf area, number of suckers, and crop duration were measured. The outcomes demonstrated the superiority of two-day fertigation interval and black plastic mulchtreatment by displaying higher plants height, a greater stem girth, more leaf area, the greatest number of suckers, and a shorter crop duration. For both the main crop and the ratoon crop, the maximum banana production was achieved with a fertigation interval of two days alongwith black plastic mulch (T1), yielding 66.3 t/ha and 52.2 t/ha, respectively. The yield obtained under the T1 treatment was statistically similar to the fertigation intervals of bi-weekly and weekly treatments for both main and ratoon crops. Fertigation intervals of bi-weekly and weekly treatments showed statistically similar values for pulp: peel ratio, TSS, and reducing sugar of banana fruit when compared to the fruit quality parameters of the T1 treatment. Consequently, using fertilizer interval advised at weekly for the banana. The results highlight the significance of systematic fertigation scheduling and mulching procedures, providing insightful information for effective banana growing practices.

Evaluation of Postharvest Behaviour of Bitter Gourd as Influenced by Gamma Irradiation and Modified Atmosphere Packaging

An experiment was conducted at the Postharvest Laboratory of Horticulture Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture during November to December 2022to examine the effects of different doses of gamma irradiation and Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on shelf life and quality of bitter gourd at ambient condition. The experiment comprised ten postharvest treatment viz., T0 =Control (untreated, unwrapped and non-irradiated); T1 =Gourds wrapped in Polypropylene (PP) bag; T2 =Gourds treated with 3% CaCl2; T3 = Irradiated at1000 Gy, T4= Irradiated at2000 Gy, T5 =3% CaCl2+ PP bag, T6 = 1000 Gy+ PP bag, T7 = 2000 Gy+ PP bag, T8 =3% CaCl2, + 1000 Gy+ PP bag and T9 = 3% CaCl2 + 2000 Gy+ PP bag. The single-factor experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Parameters investigated were fruit colour, shrinkage, moisture content, dry matter content, weight loss, disease incidence (DI), disease severity (DS) and shelf life. The minimum weight loss (3.49%), shrinkage (0.00%), DI (11.11%),DS (6.67%) and longest shelf life (10 days) were found in bitter gourds treated with T8 treatment, whereas the maximum weight loss (52.31%), shrinkage (3.89%), DI (77.78%), DS (76.67%) and shortest shelf life (4 days) were T0 treatment at 8 days after storage. The findings would have great impact in reducing enormous postharvest loss of bitter gourd and maintain their quality during postharvest handling and marketing under ambient condition. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 57-68, 2023

Exogenous gibberellin improves the yield and quality of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium L.) plants grown under salinity stress conditions

Gibberellins play a crucial role as plant hormones in the regulation of various aspects of plant growth and development. They are involved in processes such as seed germination, breaking plant and bud dormancy, and counteracting the effects of auxin. Additionally, gibberellins promote leaf expansion, stimulate stem elongation, and contribute to flower development and fruit set. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) treatments (T0: 0 ppm, T1: 1 ppm, and T2: 10 ppm) on the growth regulation and physiological parameters of basil and chervil plants under salinity stress conditions (150 mM NaCl). The study explored various growth outcomes and biochemical parameters, including chlorophyll, proteins, soluble sugars, proline, and nitrate. The results indicate that the application of gibberellic acid alleviated the adverse effects of high salinity and resulted in enhanced biomass production. In comparison to the control treatment, foliar surface values for basil and chervil increased by 15% and 35%, respectively, in T2. Moreover, root lengths of basil and chervil reached their highest values in T2, showing a 16% increase for basil and a 33% increase for chervil. Carotenoid levels were positively influenced by GA3 treatments, reaching high concentrations in T2, exceeding T0 levels by 41% for basil and 83% for chervil. Additionally, under T2 treatment, protein and glucose levels increased by factors of 2.7 and 1.7, respectively, in basil plants and by factors of 2.1 and 1.7, respectively, in chervil plants. The application of gibberellic acid led to a 33% reduction in proline content for basil and a 27% reduction for chervil compared to the T0 treatment.