Dry Weight Values Research Articles

Farklı kök bakterisi ve mikoriza uygulamalarının yıldız çiçeği (Dahlia variabilis) fidelerinin büyüme ve gelişimine etkileri

Amaç: Bu çalışma, bitki gelişimini teşvik eden farklı kök bakterisi ve mikoriza uygulamalarının kesme çiçek ve dış mekân süs bitkisi olarak dünya genelinde üretimi yaygın olan ve Türkiye’de de gittikçe yaygınlaşan Dahlia variabilis (Yıldız çiçeği) bitkisinde tohumdan fideye kadar geçen aşamada, büyüme ve gelişimine etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Yöntem ve Bulgular: Çalışma kapsamında, Dahlia variabilis ‘Violet’ çeşidine ait tohumlara, Enterobacter cloacae (ZE-2), Bacillus cereus (ZE-7), Pseudomonas putida (ZE-12), Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (ZE-13), Burkholderia cepecia (7-a-2) bakteri türleri ve ticari olarak satışı bulunan mikoriza (5000 ppm) uygulanmıştır. Çalışmada, uygulamaların fide büyüme ve gelişimine etkilerini belirlemek için; çimlenme oranı (%), fide boyu (cm), gövde çapı (mm), yaprak sayısı (adet), bitki yaş ağırlığı (g), bitki kuru ağırlığı (g), kök uzunluğu (cm), kök yaş ağırlığı (g), kök kuru ağırlığı (g) ve SPAD değeri ile klorofil içeriği ölçülmüştür. Çalışma sonunda, yapılan uygulamaların Yıldız çiçeği üzerinde farklı etkilere sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir. Pseudomonas putida (ZE-12) uygulamasının kontrole kıyasla %12 oranında çimlenmeyi artırdığı, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (ZE-13) bakterisinin fide boyunda %32.9’luk artış sağladığı belirlenmiştir. Genel Yorum: Sonuç olarak, bu çalışma ile doğal kökenli olan ve çevreye zararı olmayan bu bakterilerin süs bitkilerinde fide yetiştiriciliğinde kullanılabilme potansiyeline sahip olduğu belirlenmiş olup, süs bitkileri üretim sektöründe bu uygulamaların kullanımının yaygınlaştırılması önem arz etmektedir. Çalışmanın Önemi ve Etkisi: Dahlia bitkisi, Dünya’da tanınmasına rağmen Türkiye’de bu konuda pek fazla bilgi bulunmamaktadır. Ayrıca Dahlia bitkisinin tohumdan fide aşamasına kadar geçen sürede, daha kaliteli fideler elde etmek için yeni izole edilen bakteri türlerinin kullanımı da oldukça sınırlıdır. Bu çalışma ile sürdürülebilir yöntemler arasında yer alan bakteri ve mikoriza uygulamaları ile fide kalitesini iyileştirmek önem arz etmektedir.

The Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Rhizophagus irregularis on the Growth and Quality of Processing Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Seedlings

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most valuable horticultural crops, not only for its economic importance but also for its high nutritional value and sensory qualities. The arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungus Rhizophagus irregularis can improve plant nutrient uptake and decrease seedling transplanting shock. Although R. irregularis is one of the most extensively studied AMF species, there is a paucity of data on the effects of this species on processing tomato seedlings produced in an aerated hydroponic float system. A greenhouse experiment with four treatments and three replications was established in a completely randomized design. The treatments contained the addition of 0, 40, 80, and 120 fungal spores per L of nutrient solution (control, AMF1, AMF2, and AMF3, respectively). Root colonization analysis proved that the maximum dose of applied AMF (AMF3) supported colonization to a large extent, succeeding 36.74%. In addition, the highest values of total dry weight (1.386 g), survival rate (94.79%), N content (3.376 mg per 100 g DW) and P content (0.497 mg per 100 g DW) were also observed under AMF3 treatment. In conclusion, the application of high doses of the AM fungus R. irregularis in nutrient solutions of float system leads to a substantial improvement in the quality and growth of processing tomato seedlings.

Arthrobotrys thaumasia and Arthrobotrys musiformis as biocontrol agents against Meloidogyne hapla on tomato plant

Abstract. Purba RTT, Dauzi F, Sari RW, Naibaho DC, Putri QA, Maulana A, Hastutui LDS, Punnapayak H. 2022. Arthrobotrys thaumasia and Arthrobotrys musiformis as biocontrol agents against Meloidogyne hapla on tomato plant. Biodiversitas 23: 3659-3666. The use of nematode-trapping fungi as a biocontrol agent is an environmental-friendly step in controlling Meloidogyne hapla on plants. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of A. thaumasia and A. musiformis as biocontrol agents in reducing the attack of M. hapla on tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). The isolates were tested for their biocontrol ability against M. hapla using a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments: K+ (positive control), K- (negative control), KBF (Carbofuran), and two treatments of nematode-trapping fungi (A. thaumasia and A. musiformis). Root length, root weight, stem length, and stem weight of tomato plants were observed. The results showed that A. thaumasia and A. musiformis could reduce M. hapla in tomato plants up to 93% and 97%, respectively. Number of root-knot infections caused by M. hapla in tomato was found lower in JPN2 treatment, followed by JPN1 treatment. It was also recorded that JPN2 isolate treatment was able to produce the highest values of root length, root wet and dry weight, stem length, and stem wet and dry weight as compared to JPN1 isolate treatment.

Study of the geotechnical behavior of soil-cement reinforced with plastic bottle fibers

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of adding plastic bottle fibers to soil-cement mixtures and the possible improvements generated by the addition of a blend of two types of additives, namely, additive 1 (waterproofing improver) and additive 2 (adhesion enhancer), in the compactability and shear strength parameters of soil-cement-plastic fiber mixtures, considering a tropical residual soil. The fibers used in this study are made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), produced from soft drink bottles, and added to the soil with 2 mm width and 1 cm length, in the content of 1% in relation to soil dry mass. Also, contents of 3% and 5% Portland cement, in relation to soil dry mass and two additives, additive 1 at a ratio of 0.25 kg m-³ dry soil and additive 2 at a ratio of 0.60 kg m-³ dry soil, were used to evaluate the possible effect of these variables on the investigated engineering behavior parameters. The compaction results indicated that the inclusion of PET fibers in soil-cement mixtures tends to decrease the maximum dry unit weight compared to fiber-free mixtures. Also, if compared to soil-cement-fiber mixtures, the incorporation of additives to soil-cement-fiber composites resulted in higher values of maximum dry unit weight and lower values of optimum moisture content, but still maintaining values lower than obtained for compacted soil. Results of the direct shear test showed enhanced shear strength with the addition of fibers to soil-cement, for both the parameter of cohesion and the internal friction angle of the material in comparison to fiber-free composites, which demonstrates the potential application of these composites in geotechnical works.

Impact on Growth and Secondary Metabolites in White Poplar (Populus alba L.) Callus using SeNPs@Moringa

Background: Green synthesis of nanoparticles has provided a cost-effective, environmentally friendly method, as well as raised safe strategies for the synthesis of nanomaterials. Methods: In this study, we investigated the synthesis of Selenium nanoparticles from the leaf aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera (MO-SeNPs) and studied the effect of MO-SeNPs and Moringa extract with various concentrations on the growth, active constituents, and antioxidant activity (scavenging DPPH) of Populus alba callus. MS medium supplemented with (2, 4-D at 2 mg/l + 0.5 mg/l BA) took the maximum callus induction percentage (100%), increasing the callus fresh weight, dry weight, and degree of callus formation compared with (2.0 mg/l 2,4-D + 0.5 mg/l Kin). Results: The highest values of callus fresh and dry weight were recorded on MS containing 20% MO-SeNPs. Regarding the active constituents, the GC-MS chromatogram revealed the presence of 23 major compounds identified in the chloroform extract. The phytoconstituents with maximum peak area in callus extract are Tetradecane, Hexadecen-1-ol, Trans-9, 5-Octadecene, (Benzene, 1- pentyloctyl), (Benzene, 1-butylnonyl), Cycloeicosane, and 10-Heneicosene in all treatments. Moringa extract and MO-SeNPs stimulate the increase of compounds in callus compared to control. In this regard, MO-SeNPs 5% led to a higher increase in the area percent of active substances compared to the treatment of Moringa extract and control. Concerning the antioxidant activity, the results indicated that Moringa extract and MO-SeNPs had a positive effect on scavenging DPPH compared with the control. The highest percentages of scavenging DPPH were recorded when Populus alba L. callus treated with MO-SeNPs 20%, 10%, and Moringa extract 20%, percentages reached (84.65, 75.35, and 71.94%), respectively. Conclusion : Green synthesis of MO-SeNPs improved secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity in Populus alba L. callus.

Sustainable Production of Slow Release Fertilizers for Eco-Nutrient Delivery to Soil Microbial Communities in Nutrient Deficient soils

There is a growing need to develop a natural-based slow-release fertilizer for sustained nutrient delivery as a result of the challenges associated with the direct application of chemical fertilizers. In this study, two low crop residues, cassava mesocarp CM and coconut coir dust CD were employed in the formulation and production of slow-release fertilizers (SLR). The proximate and mineral content analysis revealed an appreciable quantity of micronutrients and other soil stabilizers in the crop residues. Super absorbent polymers produced from both crop residues (CM-SAP and CCD-SAP) revealed water absorption positive correlation values as 0.9842and 0.9859 and final dry weight values ranging from 2.66–2.99g and 2.20–2.28g, respectively. NPK garden fertilizer (20:10:10) was encapsulated in to each SAP to create the slow- release properties of the products branded casmes and coco dust. The conductivity analyses performed on the SLR formulations showed a steady release of the nutrient content in to the liquid medium which ranged from 10µs/cm at 30mins to 290µs/ cm at 160mins for casmes while cocodust had a final value of 110µs/cm. Both formulations were applied as biostimulants alongside other nutrient regimens and it was observed that the products supported the growth of active bacteria population competing favourably with other biostimulants.

The effect of irrigation water salinity on the morph-physiological and biochemical properties of spinach under deficit irrigation conditions

The quality and quantity of the water used in agriculture are important factors to ensure sustainable agricultural production. It is crucial to determine the responses of plants under deficit irrigation conditions in the arid and semi-arid areas to varying salinity of irrigation water. The responses of spinach were investigated in terms of agronomic and physiological aspects to different water salinities and water stress levels. In this study, a total of 15 experimental treatments were carried out, including five different levels of water salinity (S1, 0.3 dS/m; S2, 1.5 dS/m; S3, 3.0 dS/m; S4, 4.5 dS/m and S5, 6.0 dS/m) and three different irrigation levels (I100; full irrigation, I75; 25% water deficit, and I50; 50% water deficit). The salinity of irrigation water had statistically significant effects on the fresh and dry weight, leaf area, membrane damage, color pigments, and carotenoid values in spinach. Similarly, irrigation water salinity has a significant effect on enzyme activities such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as proteins, proline, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents. Furthermore, the application of different irrigation levels in spinach; resulted in a significant difference in the fresh and dry weights, the number of leaves per plant, leaf area, leaf water content, and color pigments. Additionally, enzyme activities such as CAT, SOD, and MDA, as well as protein and proline content, were significantly affected by different irrigation levels. The highest yield response factor (ky) calculated in different irrigation water salinity applications was 1.79 in the S1 application, followed by 1.32 in the S2 (1.5 dS/m) application. It was found that ky values in spinach were less than 1.00 in irrigation with an EC of 3.0 dS/m and above; thus, making it tolerant to water shortages. In the case of irrigation with saline water such as 4.5 and 6.0 dS/m, the yield at I75 (25% water stress) irrigation level was found closely related to the treatments of full irrigation or even slightly higher. Therefore, in the water shortage regions with saline irrigation water, 25% water restriction on spinach has been proposed as an important strategy for the protection of water resources as well as control of soil salinity.

Efficacy of Isoproturon and Pendimethalin against Resistant Biotypes of spp. in Wheat ( L.)

Persistence of weeds under irrigation conditions is inevitable and manual management practices are labour intensive and cumbersome. As far as wheat is concerned huge losses in yield, are incurred due to spp. Therefore, the present study was carried out Rumex to evaluate the efficacy of herbicides against spp. during the 2017-18 at Department of Agronomy, Chaudhary Charan Singh Rumex Rabi, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana). Isoproturon as post- emergence and pendimethalin as pre-emergence were taken as treatments and applied at three doses (0.5X, 1.0X and 2.0X) under pot study 'X' is the recommended dose of herbicide@ 1000g/ha for isoproturon and 1500g/ha for pendimethalin .Four populations of spp. named as HHH (HAU Hisar), UPH (Ujha, Panipat), JHH (Jind) Rumex and JJR (Jhajjar) collected from putative resistance affected farmer's field.UPH and JHH populations are highly resistant whereas JJR population is moderately resistant to sulphonylureas herbicides. HHH population is sensitive so used as standard check for comparison. Majority of biotypes showed sensitivity against isoproturon at recommended dose except UPH biotype. It provided 70-90 per cent control to all biotypes at double of recommended doses. Lower values of plant height, chlorophyll fluorescence, fresh and dry weight were observed in isoproturon treated plants. biotypes were highly sensitive to pendimethalin when applied as pre emergence. It provided complete Rumex control to all biotypes. The information collected from this study will facilitate proactive management of spp. through sequential Rumexapplication of pre and post emergence herbicides.

Seagrass biomass and their role as carbon reservoirs in the localities of San Andrés Island and La Guajira, Colombian Caribbean

Seagrass meadows have stood out for being very effective fixing atmospheric carbon, among others, due to their ability to produce plant biomass. Therefore, the values of shoot density (m2), biomass (cores) and carbon present in 12 locations with Thalassia testudinum at the Colombian Caribbean (La Guajira and San Andrés Island) were quantified. The biological samples were processed in laboratory until obtaining the values of aerial, underground and total dry weight, and the estimation of the carbon was stablishing from a ratio of 35 % of the dry biomass. Statistical tests were carried out to determine significant differences between the sites, highlighting the aerial biomass in La Guajira and the underground biomass in San Andrés. It was calculated that the total carbon in the seagrasses’ biomass from La Guajira were 197 484 Mg C and in San Andrés 1835.4 Mg C. The difference between locations were due to particular geomorphological and intrinsic factors. It is highlighted that, although the carbon retained in the biomass (aerial and underground) is comparatively lower than in sediments, it constitutes the pillar of conservation of both carbon sink as well as for the sustainability of the ecosystem.

Role of Nickel Element for Atmospheric Nitrogen Fixation under Pots Conditions in Egypt

Now, there is unprecedented interest in process of non-biological atmospheric nitrogen fixation for plants. So, an exploratory pot experiment was executed during the winter season of 2021/22 at the Farm of Agric. Fac., Mans. Univ., Egypt aiming at answering the question of does nickel element play a role in atmospheric nitrogen fixation. Under alluvial and sandy conditions, the effect of nickel element at different rates i.e., 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg L-1 on the performance and chemical constituents in the straw of wheat plants after 14 days only from sowing were studied, where Ni was added as soil addition after 7 days from sowing in a single application. The findings showed that all studied Ni rates significantly affected all studied parameters of wheat plants grown on both alluvial and sandy soils, where the highest values of fresh and dry weights as well as N, P, K content in straw (%) were recorded when wheat plants were treated with Ni at rate of 10.0 mg L-1, while the lowest values of all aforementioned traits were recorded with wheat plants grown without Ni addition. Generally, it can be noticed that the values of all aforementioned traits increased as the rate of Ni increased.The same trend was found under both studied soils taking into consideration that the values of all aforementioned traits for plants grown on sandy soil were less than that for plants grown on alluvial soil. Generally, from obtained results, it can be concluded that the nickel element may have a hidden role in N fixation and there is a need for other research in future to confirm this.

Effects of Harvest Time on the Yield and Forage Value of Winter Forage Crops in Reclaimed Lands of Korea

This research was conducted to select the most suitable winter forage crop varieties for silage in reclaimed land located in the Midwest of Korea by investigating the soil environment, crop growth characteristics, dry weight, and forage value according to growth stage. The slightly alkalescent soil was characterized by a pH of 7.41–7.84, by an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1–2.5 dS/m, and by 440–934 mg/kg of available phosphate. Barley showed the highest chlorophyll content in the heading stage and milk stages, while oats and triticale reached the highest content in the milk and dough stage. In both years, triticale achieved the highest leaf area index (LAI), reaching 4.3–4.8. In addition, triticale showed the highest percentage of dry matter and the highest dry weight in the milk stage. Forage value was the best in the heading stage for all cereal crops; however, its quality decreased as the growth stage proceeded. This study suggests cultivating triticale, which showed high adaptability to reclaimed soil and climatic conditions, as well as good growth and dry weight when harvested between the milk and dough stages. These results indicate that triticale can be cultivated all year round in salty soil and these data can be useful to increase forage production in reclaimed soil.

Genetic Divergence and Spatial Configuration Influence the Weed Spectrum, Herbage Yield and Nutritive Quality of Temperate Cowpea

Under a changing climate, the biologically viable management of weeds and the exploration of the genetic divergence of spreading and towering cultivars of forage cowpea in different row configuration systems hold the potential to boost sustainable feed supply for dairy animals. A field study was undertaken to sort out the most nutritive and high-biomass-producing cultivar (Cowpea−,2007 and Rawan−,2010) of cowpea and optimize the row configuration (R × R of 15, 30, 45 and 60 cm) to manage the weed spectrum. The results revealed that Rawan-2010 remained superior in the 15 cm row configuration by recording 39% lesser weed density (WD) than the corresponding value recorded by the same cultivar sown in the 60 cm row configuration. The same treatment combination recorded a 20% lesser fresh weed weight than Cowpea−,2007 sown in the same row configuration, while it exhibited a 5.6 g m−2 lesser corresponding value of dry weed weight. In contrast, Cowpea-2010 sown in the 45 cm row configuration recorded the maximum yield attributes (stem girth, leaf and branch numbers, leaf area, fresh and dry weights per plant), except plant height (PH), which resulted in 7% and 13% higher green herbage yield (GH) and dry matter biomass (DM), respectively, than the same cultivar sown in the 30 cm row configuration. Pertaining to nutritional value, Rawan-2010 in the 45 cm row configuration yielded the maximum crude protein and minimum crude fiber content, while the same cultivar gave the greatest ash content in the wider row spacing. With GH, the correlation analyses indicated an antagonistic association for PH, a moderately linear relationship between stem girth and branch numbers and a strong direct association between leaf area and fresh plant weight.

Combining Planting Patterns with Mulching Bolsters the Soil Water Content, Growth, Yield, and Water Use Efficiency of Spring Wheat under Limited Water Supply in Arid Regions

Innovations in water-saving cultivation strategies are urgently needed to achieve high yield and elevated water use efficiency (WUE) simultaneously in arid regions with limited water resources. Here, we conducted a two-year field study to compare the impacts of eight combinations of planting patterns (PPs) and mulching on the soil water content (SWC) in the top 60 cm soil layer, the growth, the yield, and the WUE of wheat under two irrigation rates (1.00 and 0.50 ET). These combinations included three conventional flat planting (CF) patterns, including CF without mulch (CFNM), with plastic film (CFPM), and with wheat straw mulch (CFSM); three raised-bed planting (RB) patterns, including RB without mulch (RBNM), with plastic film (RBPM), and wheat straw (RBSM) mulch; and two ridge–furrow planting (RF) patterns, including RF without mulch (RFNM) and with plastic film mulch (RFPM). The results showed that the tested treatments affected the SWC at different depths under both irrigation rates. Compared with the two non-mulched treatments under 0.50 ET, the SWC of the three PPs with plastic film and the two PPs with wheat straw mulching were significantly higher before irrigation by 14.4–22.0% and 6.9–17.2% at 0–20 cm soil depth, 16.4–29.0% and 6.6–14.9% at 20–40 cm soil depth, and 3.3–34.8% and 3.4–14.5% at 40–60 cm soil depth, respectively. All measured wheat parameters, except harvest index, were significantly affected by the interaction between irrigation rate and PPs. The highest values for plant dry weight (PDW), yield components, grain yield (GY), and WUE under 1.00 ET were obtained in the two PPs with wheat straw mulch, while the three PPs with plastic film showed the highest values of these parameters under 0.50 ET. The yield response factor (Ky) based on PDW was acceptable for all PPs mulched with plastic film and wheat straw as well as for RFNM, while Ky based on GY was acceptable only for the PPs mulched with plastic film and for RFNM, as the Ky values of these PPs were less than 1 under 0.50 ET. The SWC at different depths exhibited quadratic and nonsignificant relationships with all parameters under 1.00 ET, while these relationships were linear and strong under 0.50 ET, with a few exceptions. Overall, we conclude that combining any PPs with plastic film mulching could be used as a feasible and effective strategy for obtaining high wheat yield and WUE in the irrigated and arid agroecosystem.

Responses to Morpho-physiological, Phytochemical, and Nutritional Characteristics of Damask Rose (Rosa damescena Mill.) to the Applied of Organic and Chemical Fertilizers

ABSTRACT The influences of different fertilizers and weather conditions during three experimental years (2016–2018) on the morpho-physiological and phytochemical characteristics and some nutrients in the flowers of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) were investigated at the field. The fertilizers had significant effects on the studied traits and concentrations of nutrients in the flowers. The highest values of dry and wet weights of the flowers were obtained from the application of N-P-K, horse manure, and vermicompost at the third experimental year. The maximum amounts of photosynthesis pigments were obtained from vermicompost and chemical fertilizers at the first year; however, the total anthocyanin amount in N-P-K fertilizer at the third year was higher than other treatments. Vermicompost treatment had the highest contents of total phenolic and carotenoids. The maximum total flavonoids were obtained from horse manure, N-P-K, and vermicompost at the third year. The highest concentrations of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in the flowers were achieved from the plants treated by N-P-K and vermicompost during three years. In conclusion, for increasing yield in damask rose and achieve to sustainable production system of this aromatic plant, the use of organic fertilizers especially horse manure and vermicompost is recommended at the semiarid climate.

Identification of polyphenols in white mugwort (Artemisia lactiflora Wall.) ethanolic extracts and their anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic activity potential

White mugwort (Artemisia lactiflora Wall.) is known as a medicinal herb containing phytochemicals with antioxidant and bio-activity. The optimal concentration of ethanol was investigated for extracting polyphenols from the fresh aerial part and dried powder of white mugwort as expressed by total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic compounds, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-adipogenic activity. Among various ethanol concentrations (0, 25, 50 or 95%) used in the extraction process, the freeze-dried extract from fresh aerial part (FE) extracted with 95% ethanol expressed the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging IC50 of 0.817 ± 0.06 μl/mg dry weight (DW) and FRAP value of 11.40 ± 0.86 mmol Fe(II)/g DW) and the highest TPC (61.46 ± 3.09 mgGAE/g DW). While, the freeze-dried extract from dried powder (PE) exhibited the prominent antioxidant properties (DPPH radical scavenging IC50 of 0.975 ± 0.03 μl/mg DW and FRAP value of 07.60 ± 0.22 mmol Fe(II)/g DW), TPC (48.11 ± 1.45 mgGAE/g DW) when extracted with 50% ethanol. Seven phenolic compounds—two phenolic acids (gallic acid and tannic acid) and five flavonoids (apigenin, isoquercetin, quercetin, rutin, and catechin) were identified in FE and PE using HPLC-DAD/MS. The inflammatory genes were down-regulated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 monocytes treated with PE, suggesting anti-inflammatory activity. Lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with FE at 60 μ gGAE/mL decreased to 12.8%, while the decrease of 36.8% was detected in PE. Hence, flavonoids were suggested to be responsible for the stronger bioactivity of PE over FE. Moreover, this work originally revealed the investigation of the anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic activity of white mugwort on THP-1 and 3T3-L1 cells.

Foliar Application of Cerium Oxide-Salicylic Acid Nanoparticles (CeO2:SA Nanoparticles) Influences the Growth and Physiological Responses of Portulaca oleracea L. under Salinity.

In the present study, the effects of foliar application of salicylic acid (100 μM), cerium oxide (50 mg L−1), and cerium oxide:salicylic acid nanoparticles (CeO2: SA-nanoparticles, 50 mg L−1 + 100 μM) on the growth and physiological responses of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) were examined in non-saline and saline conditions (50 and 100 mM NaCl salinity). Foliar applications mitigated salinity-induced adverse effects, and the highest plant height and N, P, Mg, and Mn content were recorded in the variant with non-saline × foliar use of CeO2: SA-nanoparticles. The highest values of fresh and dry weight were noted in the treatment with no-salinity × foliar use of CeO2:SA-nanoparticles. The highest number of sub-branches was observed in the foliar treatments with CeO2-nanoparticles and CeO2:SA-nanoparticles without salinity stress, while the lowest number was noted in the 100 mM NaCl treatment. Moreover, the foliar application of CeO2:SA-nanoparticles and cerium-oxide nanoparticles improved the total soluble solid content, K, Fe, Zn, Ca, chlorophyll a, and oil yield in the plants. The salinity of 0 and 50 mM increased the K content, 1000-seed weight, total soluble solid content, and chlorophyll b content. The use of 100 mM NaCl with no-foliar spray increased the malondialdehyde, Na, and H2O2 content and the Na+/K+ ratio. No-salinity and 50 mM NaCl × CeO2: SA-nanoparticle interactions improved the anthocyanin content in plants. The phenolic content was influenced by NaCl100 and the foliar use of CeO2:SA-nanoparticles. The study revealed that the foliar treatment with CeO2:SA-nanoparticles alleviated the side effects of salinity by improving the physiological responses and growth-related traits of purslane plants.

Allelopathic Effect of Bidens pilosa L. on the Germination of Seeds of selected crops, Ibadan, Nigeria

Bidens pilosa Linn belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is considered a weed in some tropical habitats; however, its allelopatthy potential has not been fully established. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the allelopathic effects of B. pilosa on germination of soybean, maize, tomatoes and seedling growth of soybean. Allelopathic effects of B. pilosa leachate on soybean, maize, tomatoes germination and soybean seedling growth were assessed in the screen house. Germination percentage (%) for test crops was determined at 10 Days After Sowing (DAS); while Number of Leaves (NL), Plant Height (PH) (cm), Root Length (RL) (cm) and Dry Weight (DW) (g) were evaluated at 9 Weeks After Sowing (WAS). Experimental design used in the study was Completely Randomized Design. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Means were separated and compared using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% probability. The least germination (27.0 ± 0.3) was recorded for L1-Soybean, while L1-Maize gave the highest germination (60.0 ± 1.0) and L1-Tomatoes gave (37.0 ± 0.3). The L1 soybean seedling had the lowest NL, PH and DW values; while control had highest RL in soybean. Biden pilosa inhibited germination in all test crops. The leachate of Biden pilosa could be a potential bio-herbicide.

Effects of biochar derived from the pyrolysis of either biosolids, manure or spent coffee grounds on the growth, physiology and quality attributes of field-grown lettuce plants

The positive effects of biochar applied as soil conditioner for boosting soil fertility and thus plant growth are sufficiently documented, mostly through in-situ experimentation. This field study evaluated the effects of soil amendment (5% v/v) with distinct types of biochar (biosolids-derived biochar, BDB; cattle manure-derived biochar, MDB; spent coffee grounds-derived biochar, SCGDB) on the growth, physiology and quality attributes of lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) plants grown in sandy clay loam-textured soil, under temperate climatic conditions. Peat moss (PM) was also used, to serve as internal control due to its wide use. Plants grown on MDB-amended soil showed a significant increase of biomass production rate, evident through elevated mean fresh and dry weight values compared with all other treatments. Increased growth was also found in BDB treatment, though failed to reach significance. None of the treatments impacted the photosynthetic pigment content, however they did reduce the nitrates content in leaves. Leaves sampled from BDB and MDB treatments showed reduced soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA), and increased sucrose content. MDB-treated plants showed increased fructose content while BDB-treated plants showed increased total soluble sugar and total phenolics content. Moreover, plants grown in MDB- and BDB-amended soil showed increased total antioxidant capacity, despite maintaining ascorbic acid content in values similar to control. SCGDB and PM treatment did not affect any of the parameters tested. Overall, results showed that BDB and MDB applied as soil amendments may serve as means for enhancing the growth, and partially the nutritional value of lettuce plants. • Distinct biochars were used as soil amendments in lettuce grown in low fertile soil. • Lettuce plants in soil amended with manure-derived biochar had increased biomass. • Applied biochars did not impact the photosynthetic pigment content of leaves. • Manure- and biosolids-derived biochar enhanced the antioxidant capacity of plants. • Manure- and biosolids-derived biochar performed better compared with peat moss.

Rock-Soil Transition In Weathering Of A Porphyritic Biotite Granite

Concentric layers of weathered materials around core-stones show the porphyritic biotite granite to experience sequential, but gradational, changes in visible features, textures and mineralogy as it transforms from ‘rock’ into ‘soil’. The changes start with the opening-up of grain boundaries and micro-cracks (stage 1) followed by their dark brown staining (stage 2) and the subsequent alteration (to sericite and clay minerals) of groundmass plagioclase feldspar grains (stage 3). Biotite flakes are then bleached and altered (to chlorite and clay minerals) (stage 4) before there starts alteration (to sericite and clay minerals) of groundmass alkali feldspar grains (stage 5) and finally alteration (to sericite and clay minerals) of the alkali feldspar phenocrysts (stage 6). Quartz grains are not altered during these stages of weathering, but disaggregate and reduce in size due to continual opening-up of grain boundaries and micro-cracks. Increasing stages of weathering are marked by decreasing dry unit weights, dry densities and uniaxial compressive strengths, but increasing apparent porosities. The transition between ‘rock’ and ‘soil’ occurs during stage 6 when all plagioclase, and most alkali feldspar, groundmass grains have been altered as are some alkali feldspar phenocrysts. Stage 6 is marked by large apparent porosities (>18%) but low values of dry unit weight (<20.81 kN/m3), dry density (<2,122 kg/m3) and uniaxial compressive strength (<1.8 MPa).

Effects of the Light Irradiance on the Growth and Lipid Content of Amphidinium carterae (Dinophyceae) for Biofuel Production

The irradiance level used in the microalgae cultures can modify the growth and proximate composition; however, this response is specie specific. The dinoflagellate group has the potential to be used as a source of biofuel production. This study evaluated the effect of five irradiance levels (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µmol photon m−2 s−1) on the growth rate, proximal composition, pigment content, and photosynthesis of Amphidinium carterae. The highest cell concentration was for the cultures at 150 µmol photon m−2 s−1 (130 × 103 cells mL−1) and the lowest value for 50 µmol photon m−2 s−1 (49 × 103 cells mL−1). The cultures maintained under the lowest irradiance had the highest values of organic dry weight (ODW) and inorganic dry weight (IDW). The protein and carbohydrate content changes significantly concerning the irradiance level, with the higher values (1599.46 pg cell−1 and 557.24 pg cell−1, respectively) at an irradiance of 200 µmol photon m−2 s−1. Lipid content was modified by the effect of irradiance, with the highest values (6920.89 pg cell−1) at the lowest irradiance used. As a general trend, the high irradiances increased the photosynthesis rates. These findings demonstrate that the strain of A. carterae used in this work can grow in high irradiances (100 to 250 µmol photon m−2 s−1) and significantly increase the lipid content at low irradiance used.