Sulfur Uptake Research Articles

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management with VAM on Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Sorghum

This study evaluated the impact of integrated nutrient management practices and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on sorghum yield, nutrient uptake, and soil fertility in swell-shrink soils. Eight treatments, including recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and various organic amendments (FYM, vermicompost) with and without AMF, were tested in a randomized block design with three replications during the Kharif season 2022-23. Results indicated that the application of 75% RDF combined with vermicompost (2.5 t ha-1) and AMF (5 kg ha-1) significantly enhanced sorghum yield and total nutrient uptake. This particular treatment (T7) demonstrated a marked improvement in yield, achieving a 116.5% increase in grain yield and a 120.2% increase in fodder yield over the control. These results indicate that combining reduced fertilizer inputs with organic amendments and AMF can effectively enhance sorghum productivity while potentially reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Further analysis revealed strong, positive correlations between yield and the uptake of essential nutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S). This indicates that treatments combining AMF and organic amendments not only support higher crop productivity but also optimize nutrient availability in the soil. Enhanced nutrient uptake was particularly evident with the T7 treatment, where AMF likely played a pivotal role in improving phosphorus availability by secreting phosphatase enzymes, supporting both nutrient dynamics and overall crop health. This integrated approach demonstrated its potential for improving soil health and agricultural productivity in swell-shrink soil environments.

Effect of Castor Transplanting and Different Organic Manures on Nutrient Content, Uptake and Soil Fertility Status after Harvest of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) under North Gujarat Agro Climatic Conditions

An attempt was made to investigate the effect of castor transplanting and different organic manures on content, uptake and soil fertility status after harvest of castor (Ricinus communis L.) under North Gujarat agro climatic conditions. The field experiment comprised of four levels of age of seedling (A1: Two weeks old seedling, A2: Three weeks old seedling, A3: Four weeks old seedling and A4: Normal sowing) and four levels of source of manures (S1: No compost, S2: Vermicompost, S3: FYM and S4: Castor shell compost) laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept with three replication. Castor variety GCH 8 was used as a test crop. The result indicated that Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur content in castor seed did not differed significantly due to different age of seedling and different source of manures. But uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur were significantly higher under treatment A4 (Normal sowing) and S4 (Castor shell compost). The available nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur in soil were unaffected due to age of seedling and source of manures. However, organic carbon was found significantly higher (0.204%) with treatment S4 (Castor shell compost). Interaction effect of age of seedling and source of manures exhibited significant effect on content of sulphur and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium as well as sulphur.

Effect of Liming on Soil pH, Nutrient Availability, Growth and Yield of Wheat in Acidic Soils of Tista Floodplain in Bangladesh

Lime is crucial for improving soil pH, enhancing nutrient availability, and promoting healthier plant growth in acidic soils. The objectives of the study were to identify the effects of liming on wheat on nutrients status of soil before and after harvest. Over three years (2018-2021), six experiments were conducted in various locations across Bangladesh, including Kishoreganj, Gangachara, Kurigram, and Rangpur districts, to assess the effects of liming on wheat productivity. Each year featured two experimental setups to evaluate soil and crop responses in different regions. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment was conducted during the rabi season in the Tista Floodplain (AEZ-3). The application of various lime doses had a significantly positive impact on plant height, total number of tillers per hill, branches per plant, spike length, number of filled grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, and overall grain yield of wheat. Notably, a lime application of 1.0 tha⁻¹ resulted in the highest grain yield. The contents and uptake of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) were also significantly affected by the different treatments. Liming effectively helps reclaim acidic soils in the Tista Floodplain. Therefore, for acidic soils, the use of lime is recommended to enhance yield, yield-contributing traits, and nutrient availability.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of YellowSarson (Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson) under guava (Psidium guajava) basedagri-horti system

An experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of yellow sarson under guava based agri-horti system. The field ex- periment comprised 8 treatment, viz., T1 , Control; T2 , 100% RDF + 30 kg S + 5 kg Zn; T3 , 50% RDF + 15 kg S + 2.5 kg Zn + 2.5 t/ha FYM+ 2 spray of nano urea; T4 , 50% RDF + 15 kg S + 2.5 kg Zn + 5 t/ha FYM+ one spray of nano urea; T5 , 75% RDF + 22.5 kg S + 3.7 kg Zn + 2.5 t/ha FYM + 2 spray of nano urea; T6 , 75% RDF + 22.5 kg S + 3.7 kg Zn +5 t/ha FYM + 1 spray of nano urea; T7 , 100 % RDF + 30 kg S + 5 kg Zn + 2.5 t/ha FYM; T8 , 100% RDF + 30 kg S + 5 kg Zn + 5 t/ha FYM, was laid out in randomized block design, with 3 replications. The results revealed that application of 75% RDF + 22.5 kg S + 3.7 kg Zn +2.5 t/ha FYM + 2 spray of nano urea at 30-35 DAS and pre-flow- ering stage (T5 ) gave significantly higher growth and yield attributes such as plant height (141.03 cm), dry matter accumulation (37.76 g/plant), no. of siliqua (142/plant), siliqua length (6.67 cm), test weight (3.43 g) as well as seed yield (1.49 t/ha) and stover yield (3.54 t/ha) as compared to control. The highest amount of nitrogen, phos- phorus, potassium and sulphur uptake by plant was also observed in the treatment T5. These findings provide valuable insights for farmers and researchers aiming to optimize nutrient management strategies and improve crop productivity in similar agri-horti systems.

Estimation of Nutrient Uptake and Available Nutrient Status of Rabi Safflower Through Soil Test Crop Response in Rainfed Ecosystem

Background: Adoption of SSNM is directly affected by cost of fertilizer. Soil test crop response (STCR) concept attribute to contribution of soil and targeted yield level for fertilizer recommendation for a selected crop. This approach is also known as prescription based fertilizer recommendations. It is specific type of soil, climatic condition and specific location. Nutrient requirement is differ for different crops. The available soil nutrients efficient used and added to those available soil nutrients through fertilizers is different for different type of soil geography under a particular set of climatic conditions. Methods: A research experiment was carried out during rabi 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Research Farm of Agronomy, Dr. P.D.K.V, Akola (Maharashtra). Fertilizers were applied based on uptake pattern of crop, target yield levels and soil test values. The experiment was laid out in FRBD-Factorial randomized block design with two factors. Total 15 treatment combinations were formed which replication 4 times. Result: Significantly greater uptake of nitrogen (62.76, 74.67 and 81.89 kg ha-1), phosphorus (19.15, 24.32 and 29.38 kg ha-1), potassium (80.32, 92.14 and 99.18 kg ha-1), sulphur (18.46, 24.10 and 26.03 kg ha-1) and zinc (493.97, 571.01 and 620.91 g ha-1) recorded in treatment where crop supplied with farm yard manure @ 5 t ha-1 than rest of treatments during 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively. A similar trend was observed in respect of soil nutrient status such as available N, P2O5, K2O, S and Zn. Application of fertilizers through soil test crop response equation with zinc sulphate @ 25 kg ha-1 and Sulphur @ 10 kg ha-1 registered maximum total uptake of nitrogen (66.89, 78.99 and 90.06 kg ha-1), phosphorus (20.78, 25.31 and 31.96 kg ha-1), potassium (86.05, 97.99 and 109.09 kg ha-1), sulphur (20.27, 26.39 and 29.80 kg ha-1) and zinc (537.78, 618.06 and 696.21 g ha-1) than rest of nutrient management treatments during three years of field experiment, respectively. The same trend was observed with respect to available N, P2O5, K2O, S and Zn under respective treatment during three years of experimentation.

Efficiency of acetate-based isopropanol synthesis in Escherichia coli W is controlled by ATP demand

BackgroundDue to increasing ecological concerns, microbial production of biochemicals from sustainable carbon sources like acetate is rapidly gaining importance. However, to successfully establish large-scale production scenarios, a solid understanding of metabolic driving forces is required to inform bioprocess design. To generate such knowledge, we constructed isopropanol-producing Escherichia coli W strains.ResultsBased on strain screening and metabolic considerations, a 2-stage process was designed, incorporating a growth phase followed by a nitrogen-starvation phase. This process design yielded the highest isopropanol titers on acetate to date (13.3 g L−1). Additionally, we performed shotgun and acetylated proteomics, and identified several stress conditions in the bioreactor scenarios, such as acid stress and impaired sulfur uptake. Metabolic modeling allowed for an in-depth characterization of intracellular flux distributions, uncovering cellular demand for ATP and acetyl-CoA as limiting factors for routing carbon toward the isopropanol pathway. Moreover, we asserted the importance of a balance between fluxes of the NADPH-providing isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) and the product pathway.ConclusionsUsing the newly gained system-level understanding for isopropanol production from acetate, we assessed possible engineering approaches and propose process designs to maximize production. Collectively, our work contributes to the establishment and optimization of acetate-based bioproduction systems.Graphical

Charting the evolutionary path of the SUMO modification system in plants reveals molecular hardwiring of development to stress adaptation.

SUMO modification is part of the spectrum of Ubiquitin-like (UBL) systems that give rise to proteoform complexity through post-translational modifications (PTMs). Proteoforms are essential modifiers of cell signaling for plant adaptation to changing environments. Exploration of the evolutionary emergence of Ubiquitin-like (UBL) systems unveils their origin from prokaryotes, where it is linked to the mechanisms that enable sulfur uptake into biomolecules. We explore the emergence of the SUMO machinery across the plant lineage from single-cell to land plants. We reveal the evolutionary point at which plants acquired the ability to form SUMO chains through the emergence of SUMO E4 ligases, hinting at its role in facilitating multicellularity. Additionally, we explore the possible mechanism for the neofunctionalization of SUMO proteases through the fusion of conserved catalytic domains with divergent sequences. We highlight the pivotal role of SUMO proteases in plant development and adaptation, offering new insights into target specificity mechanisms of SUMO modification during plant evolution. Correlating the emergence of adaptive traits in the plant lineage with established experimental evidence for SUMO in developmental processes, we propose that SUMO modification has evolved to link developmental processes to adaptive functions in land plants.

Examining differences in the uptake of corrosive gases in polymer films and its dependence on temperature and relative humidity using a novel procedure combining sample weathering and LA-ICP-MS analysis

In polymer coating applications for technological products exposed to harsh environmental operating conditions, it is essential to provide and extend the protection capability of the coating material against corrosive gases, such as hydrogen sulfide or sulfur dioxide. Therefore, applied materials are subject to ongoing developments to improve their properties. Such developments aiming to establish improved polymer materials can only be performed accompanied by suitable testing procedures and analysis methods, for which a versatile approach is proposed in the presented work.We developed a testing approach, combining a mixed flowing gas setup (MFG) that allows flexibly adjustable exposure conditions for weathering experiments, and laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for subsequent sample analysis, allowing quantitative and spatially resolved determination of the sulfur uptake derived from H2S or SO2 weathering with high sensitivity. The testing procedure is demonstrated on four different polymer types – polyimide (PI), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinylacetate (PVA). Results from bulk measurements showed a significantly higher uptake of SO2 compared to H2S, and that the uptake increases with higher exposure temperatures and relative humidity levels. Further, quantitative sulfur depth profile measurements reveal diffusion profiles into the polymer films. The gas uptake was observed mostly withing the uppermost 1–2 µm of the surface, with quickly decreasing concentrations into the bulk of the materials. However, strong variations of the spatial distribution of sulfur between the different polymer types and between different exposure conditions were determined. The results provided give a good insight into what possibilities the proposed investigation procedure opens up for specifically dedicated research compared to standard methods that are used to determine gas permeation.

Assessing the Impact of Sulfur Application on Potato Sulfur Uptake and Yield in Sandy Soils of Florida

Assessing the Impact of Sulfur Application on Potato Sulfur Uptake and Yield in Sandy Soils of Florida

Uptake patterns for nitrogen and sulfur source by aquatic plants and various nitrogen acquisition strategies: Affected by mining activities

Understanding the nitrogen and sulfur uptake strategies of mine plants, including sources and preferences for nitrogen forms (ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) vs nitrate nitrogen (NO3−)), is critical to improving understanding of the role of plants in participating in the biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and sulfur in mining areas. In this study, the stable N and S isotopic compositions of two species of aquatic plants (calamus and reed) in Linhuan mining area were analyzed to determine their absorption strategies for different nitrogen and sulfur sources. The results showed that river water was the largest source of nitrogen and sulfur, contributing 54.6% and 53.9% respectively. NO3− is the main form of nitrogen uptake by reed and calamus, followed by NH4+. In order to adapt to the change of nitrogen form in the environment, reed and calamus tend to absorb and utilize NO3− to maintain their absorption of nitrogen. Mine effluents from mining activities provide at least 12.9% and 16.8% sulfate to reed and calamus respectively, and the effect of mine effluents on reed and calamus sulfur has been underestimated. This study reveals the key factors controlling plant isotope composition, and the use of nitrogen and sulfur isotope composition of aquatic plants can help quantify the level of influence of mining activities, and understand the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen and sulfur in mining areas.

Effect of foliar spray of zinc sulphate and iron sulphate on yield, quality and nutrient uptake of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Vertisols

A field experiment was conducted at farmer’s field in Yattingudda village (Dharwad district) to study theBiofortification of zinc sulphate and iron sulphate though foliar spray on yield, quality and nutrient uptake of chickpea(Cicer arietinum L.) in Vertisol during rabi 2020. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block design(RCBD) with nine treatments and three replications combination with different levels of zinc sulphate and iron sulphate.The results revealed that, among the different treatments, foliar spray of ZnSO4. 7H2O and FeSO4.7H2O @ 0.5% at the timeof pre flowering, flowering and pod setting along with recommended package of practices recorded the significantly highernumber of pods plant-1 (37.62), pod weight per plant (11.89 g plant-1), 100 seed weight (23.96g), seed yield (18.21 q ha-1)and haulm yield (25.14 q ha-1). This treatment also recorded significantly higher crude protein content (24.12 per cent), zinccontent (41.12 mg kg-1), iron content (134.25 mg kg-1) and also higher uptake of nitrogen (90.39 kg ha-1), phosphorus(11.03 kg ha-1), potassium (48.89 kg ha-1), sulphur (11.94kg ha-1) zinc (146.38 g ha-1) and iron (449.16 g ha-1).

Adsorption of particulate matter and uptake of metal and non-metal elements from PM in leaves of Pinus densiflora and Quercus acutissima: a comparative study

Trees can serve as effective biofilters of Particulate matter (PM) pollution, making them valuable for managing air pollution and promoting public health. Leaves of trees can reduce PM through absorption, adsorption, and fallout mechanisms, which are influenced by species-specific characteristics and environmental factors. Although several studies have explored the impact of various leaf characteristics on their ability to adsorb PM from field conditions, few have been conducted in controlled chambers to analyze the adsorption of PM on leaf surfaces and the uptake of metal and non-metal elements from PM on leaves. To fill these knowledge gaps, this study investigated the PM adsorption and leaf characteristics of two different tree species, Pinus densiflora (an evergreen coniferous species) and Quercus acutissima (a deciduous broad-leaved species) under controlled conditions in a PM exposure chamber with a target concentration of 300 μg m−3. The main aim of this study was to measure and compare the rate of PM component (metal and non-metal elements) uptake in two species and investigate the leaf characteristics that contribute to PM adsorption. We investigated the relationship between PM adsorption and physiolog, micro-morphology, and chemical properties of the leaf surface in two species. This study used a Pearson’s correlation analysis and a principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate correlation between PM adsorption and leaf characteristics and uptake of metal/non-metal elements in PM on leaves. This result showed that leaf characteristics such as stomatal size, leaf roughness, and wax content played a crucial role in PM10 adsorption, while physiological factors like transpiration and leaf boundary layer conductance were identified as important determinants of PM2.5 adsorption on plant leaves. It also observed significant variations in the uptake of aluminum, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and sulfur. This study not only advances our understanding of the mechanisms behind PM adsorption by tree leaves but also underscores the importance of selecting appropriate tree species based on their leaf characteristics for urban forestry and green infrastructure projects. The ability to strategically use tree species for PM pollution mitigation highlights a practical approach to enhancing environmental sustainability and public health.

HY5: a key regulator for light-mediated nutrient uptake and utilization by plants.

ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), a bZIP-type transcription factor, is a master regulator of light-mediated responses. ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 binds to the promoter of c. 3000 genes, thereby regulating various physiological and biological processes, including photomorphogenesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, root development, response to abiotic stress and nutrient homeostasis. In recent decades, it has become clear that light signaling plays a crucial role in promoting nutrient uptake and assimilation. Recent studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying such encouraging effects and the crucial function of the transcription factor HY5, whose activity is regulated by many photoreceptors. The discovery that HY5 directly activates the expression of genes involved in nutrient uptake and utilization, including several nitrogen, iron, sulphur, phosphorus and copper uptake and assimilation-related genes, enhances our understanding of how light signaling regulates uptake and utilisation of multiple nutrients in plants. Here, we review recent advances in the role of HY5 in light-dependent nutrient uptake and utilization.

Effect of Trichoderma Applied with Different Sulfur Levels on Yield and Sulfur Uptake by Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Effect of Trichoderma Applied with Different Sulfur Levels on Yield and Sulfur Uptake by Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Probing the effect of the Si/Al ratio in Cu-CHA zeolite catalysts on SO2 exposure: in situ DR UV-vis spectroscopy and deactivation measurements

UV-vis shows the effect of SO2 on [CuII2(NH3)4O2]2+ complexes in Cu-CHA catalysts with different Si/Al ratios. The amount of [CuII2(NH3)4O2]2+ correlates with the activity in NH3-SCR and sulfur uptake, but not with deactivation.

The overlooked ion: Unraveling the effects of magnesium-specific toxicity on willows under sulphate salinity

Among all the current stressors on global agricultural systems, soil salinity is one of the most significant and continues to escalate. Traditionally, sodium chloride is the salt employed for studying salt stress in plants, but for many regions, sulphates are the predominant salts that cause soil degradation and curtail agricultural production. Willow trees (Salix spp.) have been identified as potential candidates for multipurpose establishment on salinity-affected marginal agriculture fields. To compare the impacts of sodium and magnesium sulphate salts, 12 native and hybrid willow genotypes were subjected to four sodium and magnesium sulphate salt treatments for 12 weeks. Magnesium sulphate treated willows showed more significant growth impacts, and displayed treatment-specific inhibition of photosynthesis, increased disruption of mineral nutrient balance, and greater inhibition of sulphur assimilation, compared to the trees treated with same level of sodium and same treatment osmolality. In addition, it was apparent that sulphate treatments encouraged sulphur uptake and translocation to the leaves, where it was partitioned to organic sulphur, but did not pool in small organic sulphur-containing compounds. The advantages and disadvantages of two different salt tolerance strategies were compared through a case study with two native willows, a sodium excluder and a sodium accumulator.

A Zero-Valent Sulfur Transporter Helps Podophyllotoxin Uptake into Bacterial Cells in the Presence of CTAB.

Podophyllotoxin (PTOX) is naturally produced by the plant Podophyllum species. Some of its derivatives are anticancer drugs, which are produced mainly by using chemical semi-synthesis methods. Recombinant bacteria have great potential in large-scale production of the derivatives of PTOX. In addition to introducing the correct enzymes, the transportation of PTOX into the cells is an important factor, which limits its modification in the bacteria. Here, we improved the cellular uptake of PTOX into Escherichia coli with the help of the zero-valent sulfur transporter YedE1E2 in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). CTAB promoted the uptake of PTOX, but induced the production of reactive oxygen species. A protein complex (YedE1E2) of YedE1 and YedE2 enabled E. coli cells to resist CTAB by reducing reactive oxygen species, and YedE1E2 was a hypothetical transporter. Further investigation showed that YedE1E2 facilitated the uptake of extracellular zero-valent sulfur across the cytoplasmic membrane and the formation of glutathione persulfide (GSSH) inside the cells. The increased GSSH minimized oxidative stress. Our results indicate that YedE1E2 is a zero-valent sulfur transporter and it also facilitates CTAB-assisted uptake of PTOX by recombinant bacteria.

Response studies of nano-sulphur on nutrient uptake, sulphur fractions, yield and quality parameters of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

An attempt was made to study the response of nano-sulfur in groundnut using four levels of nano-sulfur (NS) and conventional sulfur (CS) fertilizers in a completely randomized block design and replicated thrice. The results indicated that application of nano-sulfur @ 30 kg S ha−1 recorded 0.76 mg root sulfur uptake plant−1, 40.5 mg shoot sulfur uptake plant−1, 14.9 mg kernel sulfur uptake plant−1, and 3.09 mg shell sulfur uptake plant−1 higher in comparison to conventional sulfur @ 40 kg S ha−1 recorded root, shoot, kernel and shell sulfur uptake of 0.53, 35.8, 11.4 and 2.46 mg plant−1, respectively. The highest pod yield was recorded at 12.4 g plant−1 with nano-sulfur application @ 30 kg S ha−1 when compared to conventional sulfur @ 40 kg S ha−1 registered at 10.7 g plant−1. Quality parameters such as oil, crude protein, methionine, cysteine, and total free amino acid content were recorded highest under nano-sulfur application @ 30 kg S ha−1 i.e. 48.3%, 27.2%, 3.44 mg g −1, 1.89 mg g−1 and 46.3 mg g−1 respectively whereas conventional sulfur @ same set of sulfur treatment observed (46.7% oil, 25.1% crude protein, 3.16 mg methionine g−1, 1.75 mg cysteine g−1, and 39.6 mg total free amino acids g−1. Finally, the results concluded that the application of nano-S @ 30 kg S ha−1 is sufficient to attain higher sulfur use efficiency with a reduction of sulfur fertilizer to the tune of 25% besides augmenting the soil sulfur reserve without harming the environment.

Grafted and Nongrafted ‘Cherokee Purple’ Tomato Performance in Aquaponic and Hydroponic Greenhouse Production in Oklahoma

‘Cherokee Purple’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants are a highly sought-after heirloom cultivar in the United States but are low yielding and highly susceptible to soil-borne pathogens, and may benefit from being grafted. Soilless systems such as aquaponics and hydroponics help increase yield, mitigate disease, and serve as an alternative to field production. The objective of this study was to evaluate a grafting combination of ‘Cherokee Purple’ × ‘Maxifort’ and nongrafted controls in 1.85-m2 media grow beds with hydroponic and aquaponic systems using copper nose bluegill in a greenhouse. Grafting increased stem diameter, leaf count, stem height, flower count, and bud count compared with nongrafted plants. In aquaponics, grafting increased the phosphorus uptake over nongrafted plants grown in the aquaponic system. Grafting resulted in greater fresh (49.2%) and dry (40.0%) shoot biomass, and fresh (33.3%) and dry (42.8%) root biomass. Grafting also increased the uptake of copper and sulfur in the aquaponic systems. The hydroponic systems resulted in greater leaf count, soil plant analysis development, stem height, shoot biomass, and greater boron, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and manganese levels than aquaponic systems. Total fruit number and weight were greater in hydroponic systems than in aquaponic systems by 35.4% and 30.4%, respectively, but fruit splitting was a problem in both. Aquaponics resulted in greater root fresh weight than hydroponics. The nutrients zinc and copper increased with the use of aquaponic systems over hydroponic systems. This research suggests that the type of system can affect growth and nutrient uptake, and ‘Cherokee Purple’ should not be used in a soilless system because of excessive fruit splitting, leading to unmarketable fruit and low yield, unless environmental conditions can be managed during the heat of the summer.

Antibacterial mechanism of kojic acid and tea polyphenols against Escherichia coli O157:H7 through transcriptomic analysis

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is one of the major foodborne pathogenic bacterial that cause infectious diseases in humans. The previous found that a combination of kojic acid and tea polyphenols exhibited better activity against E. coli O157:H7 than using either alone. This study aimed to explore responses underlying the antibacterial mechanisms of kojic acid and tea polyphenols from the gene level. The functional enrichment analysis by comparing kojic acid and tea polyphenols individually or synergistically against E. coli O157:H7 found that acid resistance systems in kojic acid were activated, and the cell membrane and genomic DNA were destructed in the cells, resulting in "oxygen starvation". The oxidative stress response triggered by tea polyphenols inhibited both sulfur uptake and the synthesis of ATP, which affected the bacteria's life metabolic process. Interestingly, we found that kojic acid combined with tea polyphenols hindered the uptake of iron that played an essential role in the synthesis of DNA, respiration, tricarboxylic acid cycle. The results suggested that the iron uptake pathways may represent a novel approach for kojic acid and tea polyphenols synergistically against E. coli O157:H7 and provided a theoretical basis for bacterial pathogen control in the food industry.