Vegetative Growth Research Articles

Comprehensive Solutions for Soil Erosion: An In-Depth Look at Geosynthetic Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs)

Abstract Urban development has significantly accelerated soil erosion, presenting a serious environmental challenge. Among the available solutions, well-established vegetation is proven to dramatically reduce erosion rates. Geosynthetic rolled erosion control products (RECPs) have shown to be highly effective in not only minimizing soil erosion but also promoting vegetation growth. With sustainability becoming a critical focus, the importance of RECPs has taken center stage. However, few studies have thoroughly addressed the technical, economic, and social dimensions—the three core pillars of sustainability—within the context of RECPs. In this paper, we offer insights from our research into these interconnected aspects, providing a comprehensive understanding of RECPs. Our research encompassed over 500 index and bench-scale rainsplash erosion tests, performed both with and without vegetation, for thirteen different RECPs composed of natural fibers (coir, jute, wood, and straw) and synthetic fibers. At two project sites in New York State, several of these RECPs were installed in drainage channels as alternatives to traditional rock riprap. Over 22 months, we measured soil erosion and vegetation growth, and calculated the total cost savings from using RECPs instead of riprap. Additionally, we examined the social impact of coir, a natural fiber commonly used in RECPs. We also explored the potential of using forest-based low-value residuals for post-fire applications, as well as innovative PAM-coated natural fibers as alternatives to straw, wood, jute, and coir.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Status, Mycorrhizal Development and Crop Yields in Maize-Soybean Intercropping for Sustainable Agriculture in Drylands

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients, yields of maize and soybean, spore number and colonization percentage of mycorrhiza on both maize and soybean grown in dryland intercropping systems. Theoretical Framework: The quantity of crop production is influenced by the appropriate selection of maize and soybean varieties, as well as the environmental conditions of the intercropping area. Effective plant density management ensures that sufficient growth space is available, allowing plants to thrive and develop optimally. Method: Five treatments of combination of maize and soybeans varieties were planted in a randomized block pattern with an intercropping system of three rows of each crop. The treatments were: V1: NK212 maize: Biosoy I soybean, V2: Bima 20 URI maize: Dega I soybean, V3: NASA 29 maize: Detap soybean, V4: Bisi 18 maize: Biosoy II soybean, and V5: Srikandi maize: Anjasmoro soybean. The observed variables were soil and plant nutrient levels (total nitrogen and phosphorus available), vegetative growth (roots and shoots dry weight per plant), yields (dry cob of maize and dry pod of soybean) both per plant and per plot, and mycorrhiza spore number and colonization percentage at 40 and 92 DAS. The data were analysed by two-way ANOVA with Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) means-testing at 5% significance level. Results and Discussion: The findings revealed that the V4 treatment (Bisi 18 maize: Biosoy II soybean) resulted in the best nitrogen and phosphorus nutritional status and yields, spore number, and colonization percentage from the intercropping system of maize and soybean with three rows of each crop. Hence, intercropping of equal number rows of Bisi 18 maize and Biosoy II soybean can be expected to result in the improvement of nitrogen and phosphorus status on sandy land as an eco-friendly fertilizer implementation that may help ensure environmental sustainability. Research Implications: This study demonstrated that the enhancement nitrogen and phosphorus levels, as well as the increase of spore numbers and the colonization percentage of mycorrhiza, can be achieved through intercropping three rows of Bisi 18 maize with three rows of Biosoy II soybean on sandy soil, combined with the application of eco-friendly fertilizers. This approach may promote long-term environmental sustainability and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 (zero hunger) and SDG 15 (life on land), promoting practices that enhance food security and biodiversity conservation. Originality/Value: This research presents a novel study on the significant changes in nitrogen and phosphorus nutritional status, as well as the productivity of various maize and soybean cultivars grown in a 3:3 row intercropping pattern (three rows of maize alternated with three rows of soybeans) in dryland areas. Such intercropping systems have received limited attention yet they contribute to sustainable agriculture and align with global sustainability goals.

The role of the sucrose synthase gene in promoting thorn occurrence and vegetative growth in Lycium ruthenicum.

Lycium ruthenicum is a highly valued ecological and economic shrub, but its abundant thorns disrupt production processes. Previous studies suggested that the sucrose synthase gene (LrSUS) in L. ruthenicum may influence thorn occurrence, presenting potential for breeding thornless varieties suited for cultivation. To explore this, the full-length CDS of LrSUS was cloned, and a novel stable genetic transformation system mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens was developed. Through this system, both LrSUS overexpression and suppression lines were generated. While suppression lines exhibited slow growth and failed to survive post-transplant, overexpression lines demonstrated accelerated growth, with significant increases in adventitious root number and length. Upon transplanting, the overexpression lines also showed enhanced thorn occurrence, alongside notable increases in thorn length, leaf size, stem diameter, photosynthetic rate, and sugar content. Subcellular localization analysis using a transient expression method based on the injection of L. ruthenicum indicated that the LrSUS gene product is localized in the chloroplasts. Key genes involved in LrSUS/ sucrose affecting thorn occurrence event were identified through high throughput transcriptome analysis and a hypothetical mechanistic model was established. This study provides valuable insights into the function of LrSUS and establishes a foundation for manipulating thorn phenotypes in L. ruthenicum and related species.

Ameliorating potential effects of natural biological formulations and biostimulants on plant health and quality attributes in coriander-fenugreek intercropped strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)

The present study documented the effect of bio-organics in legume intercropped strawberry cv. Camarosa during the years 2022 and 2023. Bio-organic fertilizer inputs included were Jeevamrit (JV), Ghan-Jeevamrit (GJ) and Azolla. Coriander-Strawberry-Fenugreek as intercropping system was adopted. The treatments comprised were T1: GJ at 100 g/m2 + JV at 10% +Azolla at 200 g/plant, T2: GJ at 150 g/m2 + JV at 10% +Azolla at 200 g/plant, T3: GJ at 100 g/m2 + JV at 20% +Azolla at 200 g/plant, T4: GJ at 150 g/m2 + JV at 20% +Azolla at 200 g/plant, T5: GJ at 100 g/m2 + JV at 10% +Azolla at 250 g/plant, T6: GJ at 150 g/m2 + JV at 10% +Azolla at 250 g/plant, T7: GJ at 100 g/m2 + JV at 20% +Azolla at 250 g/plant, T8: GJ at 150 g/m2 + JV at 20% +Azolla at 250 g/plant, T9: GJ at 150 g/m2 + JV at 20% as per SPNF, T10: Farmyard manure (100% N basis) and T11: Recommended dose of N: P:K (80:40:40 kg/ha) as control. Application of bio-stimulants at 50 g/plant and AM fungi @ 20 g/ plant was applied uniformly in treatments T1–T8. One month after transplanting, T3 showed positive influence on vegetative growth traits of strawberry plantlets. Minimum number of days taken to flower, maximum duration of flowering (142) and number of flowers (51) were also recorded. This treatment application also observed maximum fruit yield (677.93 g/ plant) and yield efficiency (7.91 g/cm2 of leaf area) compared to all other bio-organic combinations applied. Post harvest soil chemical indicators were also significantly influenced except pH and electrical conductivity compared to FYM (100% N equivalence) and Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) of NPK (80:40:40 kg/ha). Microbial biomass in terms of total bacteria, soil fungi, actinobacterial count, phosphorous solubilizing bacteria, AM spore population, Azotobacter count and Soil enzymatic activity of phosphatase and dehydrogenases showed a steady rise after application of GJ @ 100 g/m2 + JV @ 20% + Azolla @ 200 g/plant. In addition, overall increase of the yield of coriander and fenugreek compared to FYM (100% N equivalence) and RDF of NPK (80:40:40 kg/ha) was recorded. The positive influence both on leaf and fruit NPK contents were also recorded when plantlets were supplemented with GJ @100 g/m2 + JV@ 20% + Azolla @ 200 g/plant. This study inferred that application of bio-organic inputs sources which can boost up cropping behavior, post harvest soil indicators, native microbial properties and enzymatic activity in rhizosphere, and thus can have the potential to improve crop resilience and soil productivity on sustainable basis.

Enhancing salinity tolerance in cultivated rice through introgression of African rice genes and application of moringa leaf extract

BackgroundSalinity is a major threat to rice growth and productivity. Utilizing wild rice-derived genes and biostimulants with high growth promoting- and stress-alleviating potential can significantly improve salinity tolerance in cultivated rice. Herein, we investigated the vegetative growth and physiological responses of Giza 177 (Oryza sativa, salinity sensitive, high-yielding cultivar) and a promising introgression salt tolerant line (sativa/glaberrima; SG 65) from a population of Giza 177 × African rice (Oryza glaberrima) under low (2.75 mS/cm) and high (5.5 mS/cm) salinity stress. The possible ameliorative effects of priming rice seeds in moringa leaf extract (MLE) on these responses were also tested.ResultsThe two salinity levels induced differential reduction in plant growth in both cultivars. In the MLE-unprimed plants, salinity induced 34–54% and 30–45% reductions in biomass accumulation in Giza 177 and SG 65, respectively. These responses were associated with significant differential reductions in relative water content, chlorophylls, carotenoids, and gas exchange parameters (transpiration rate, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration), ascorbic acid, and total protein. Conversely, salinity induced the accumulation of H2O2, malondialdehyde, proline, carbohydrate fractions, and membrane injury. MLE treatment mitigated the above salinity-induced adverse effects in both cultivars via reducing the salt-induced oxidative stress through the induction of non-enzymic (total phenols, and flavonoids) and enzymic antioxidants including ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase in both cultivars. SG 65 plants exhibited consistently higher salt tolerance and responsiveness to MLE than Giza 177.ConclusionsThis study reports significant differences in an array of critical physiological and biochemical indices that underpin the divergent responses between the two salinized cultivars. It demonstrates the potential of African rice-derived genomic fragments and MLE priming in mitigating salinity stress, highlighting their use as a sustainable strategy for increasing rice production in salt-affected soils.

Resistance, Resilience, and Recovery Time of Grasslands in Response to Different Drought Patterns

Resistance, resilience, and recovery time are critical for quantifying the stability of grasslands in response to drought disturbances. Few studies have simultaneously considered both drought intensity and duration to analyze the stability of different grassland types, which may overlook short-term extreme or long-term cumulative effects. This study used the monthly Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) to identify distinct drought patterns in Inner Mongolia, China, from 1998 to 2020, accounting for both intensity and duration. Grassland stability was assessed using monthly SPOT-VGT Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data. We focused on the vegetation response to short-term climate changes while minimizing the influence of seasonal fluctuations in vegetation growth. Six drought patterns were identified, and the resistance of grassland types under the same drought pattern followed this order: temperate desert steppe (TDS) > temperate typical steppe (TTS) > temperate meadow steppe (TMS). Resilience was ranked as TDS < TTS < TMS, while recovery time followed the reverse trend: TDS > TTS > TMS. A trade-off was observed between resilience and resistance. Most grasslands were able to recover within five months following a drought. These findings provide scientific support for enhancing ecosystem adaptability to climate change and for managing grassland resources more effectively.

Drought Stress at Different Growth Stages Affects the Capacities of Sinks and Two Carbon Sources of Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

ABSTRACTDrought stress reduces cereal crop growth and yield due to modifications to interactions between sink and source. However, little research has investigated multiple carbon sources and their relationships with sink capacities, especially in response to drought stress at different growth stages. The objective of this study was thus to examine two major carbon sources (i.e., photosynthetic assimilation in the flag leaf and remobilisation of pre‐anthesis reserves in stems) and their interactions with sink strength in response to drought stress at different phenological stages. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at five water regimes: well‐watered (WW), progressive drought (PD), and drought stress (DS) during vegetative growth (DS‐V), early reproductive growth (DS‐ER), and post‐anthesis (DS‐PA). Compared with the WW regime, the DS‐V treatment reduced shoot biomass, grain yield, number of grains per pot, grain weight, harvest index, and water‐soluble carbohydrates in stems despite the recovered photosynthesis after rehydration. Wheat plants subject to DS‐PA exhibited reduced shoot biomass, grain yield, grain weight, and post‐anthesis photosynthetic rate but greater depletion of water‐soluble carbohydrates in stems during grain filling relative to the WW regime. Grain yield positively correlated with residual water‐soluble carbohydrates in stems and late‐season photosynthetic rates. This study demonstrated yield losses associated with changes in sink and source capacities in response to drought stress at different phenological stages and showcased the predominant role of the two carbon sources in grain filling.

Spatiotemporal Changes of Vegetation Growth and Its Influencing Factors in the Huojitu Mining Area from 1999 to 2023 Based on kNDVI

Vegetation indices are important representatives of plant growth. Climate change and human activities seriously affect vegetation. This study focuses on the Huojitu mining area in the Shendong region, utilizing the kNDVI index calculated via the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform. The Mann–Kendall mutation test and linear regression analysis were employed to examine the spatiotemporal changes in vegetation growth over a 25-year period from 1999 to 2023. Through correlation analysis, geographic detector models, and land use map fusion, combined with climate, topography, soil, mining, and land use data, this study investigates the influencing factors of vegetation growth evolution. The key findings are as follows: (1) kNDVI is more suitable for analyzing vegetation growth in this study compared to NDVI. (2) Over the past 25 years, vegetation growth has exhibited an overall fluctuating upward trend, with an annual growth rate of 0.0041/a. The annual average kNDVI value in the mining area is 0.121. Specifically, kNDVI initially increased gradually, then rapidly increased, and subsequently declined rapidly. (3) Vegetation growth in the study area has significantly improved, with areas of improved vegetation accounting for 89.08% of the total mining area, while degraded areas account for 11.02%. (4) Precipitation and air temperature are the primary natural factors influencing vegetation growth fluctuations in the mining area, with precipitation being the dominant factor (r = 0.81, p < 0.01). The spatial heterogeneity of vegetation growth is influenced by land use, topography, soil nutrients, and mining activities, with land use having the greatest impact (q = 0.43). Major land use changes contribute 46.45% to vegetation improvement and 13.43% to vegetation degradation. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for ecological planning and the development of the Huojitu mining area.

Comparative Response of Tomato and Pepper to 1, 3-Dichloropropene and Fluopyram for Root-Knot Nematode Management in Georgia, Spring 2023

Southern root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) are sedentary endoparasites that thrive in sandy soils and plasticulture systems, severely impacting vegetable yields. In Georgia, vegetable growers often plant multiple crops on the same plastic mulch across multiple seasons, with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) or pepper (Capsicum annuum) commonly selected as the first crop. We evaluated the susceptibility of pepper cultivar ‘Regulator’ and tomato cultivar ‘STM2255’ to root-knot nematodes, with and without 1,3-dichloropropene and fluopyram. While pepper treatments had numerically lower nematode density than tomato, both 1,3-dichloropropene and fluopyram significantly reduced nematode density and galling severity at harvest, demonstrating their effectiveness for nematode management.

Fatty Acid ABCG Transporter GhSTR1 Mediates Resistance to Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum in Cotton

Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt cause significant losses in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) production and have a significant economic impact. This study determined the functional role of GhSTR1, a member of the ABCG subfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, that mediates cotton defense responses against various plant pathogens. We identified GhSTR1 as a homolog of STR1 from Medicago truncatula and highlighted its evolutionary conservation and potential role in plant defense mechanisms. Expression profiling revealed that GhSTR1 displays tissue-specific and spatiotemporal dynamics under stress conditions caused by Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum. Functional validation using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) showed that silencing GhSTR1 improved disease resistance, resulting in milder symptoms, less vascular browning, and reduced fungal growth. Furthermore, the AtSTR1 loss-of-function mutant in Arabidopsis thaliana exhibited similar resistance phenotypes, highlighting the conserved regulatory role of STR1 in pathogen defense. In addition to its role in disease resistance, the mutation of AtSTR1 in Arabidopsis also enhanced the vegetative and reproductive growth of the plant, including increased root length, rosette leaf number, and plant height without compromising drought tolerance. These findings suggest that GhSTR1 mediates a trade-off between defense and growth, offering a potential target for optimizing both traits for crop improvement. This study identifies GhSTR1 as a key regulator of plant–pathogen interactions and growth dynamics, providing a foundation for developing durable strategies to enhance cotton’s resistance and yield under biotic and abiotic stress conditions.

Evaluating the Efficacy Levels of Zinc Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Background: Zinc deficiency constitutes a significant global issue affecting agricultural productivity and human health, particularly in developing regions where maize is a staple food. Maize is a widely propagated cereal crop on a global scale, playing a pivotal role in agricultural systems across diverse regions as a primary source of calories and nutrients for millions of people. However, maize often lacks essential micronutrients, including zinc, which is crucial for various physiological functions in both plants and humans. Methods: A field experiment was conducted on sandy clayey loam soil during the rabi seasons of 2022 and 2023 Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to study the effect of zinc fertilization through integrated nutrient management for enhancement of maize productivity and quality under western ghat condition. Maize was planted at a spacing of 60 x 25 cm using a Split Plot Design (SPD) with two integrated nutrient treatments as the main plot and six nutrient level treatments in sub-plots with three replications. Result: The results revealed that that zinc fertilization treatments containing 0.5% Zn as ZnSO4 (H2), led to higher growth and yield attributes, grain yield (8906 kg ha-1) and stover yield (12652 kg ha-1) and also resulted in maximum crude protein content (15.12 %), starch content (63.85 mg g-1), Fe (38.25 mg kg-1) and Zn (36.06 mg kg-1) in maize grain. It was observed that Zinc fertilization through 100% integrated nutrient management enhanced the vegetative growth, yield components and grain quality of maize crop.

Adapting Viticulture to Climate Change: Impact of Shading in Sicily

Climate change significantly affects viticulture, with noticeable impacts on yield and quality. The increase in average temperatures, often coupled with decreased precipitation, accelerates the phenological development of grapevines, leading to rapid sugar accumulation and concentration and decreased acidity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of black shading nets with two levels (26% and 40%) on vine phenology, vegetative growth, yield, and grape ripening, as a potential strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of rising temperatures and reduced precipitation. The research was conducted in southwestern Sicily, in the Menfi (AG) area, using Grillo and Syrah grapevines. Black shading nets were applied during the pea-sized berry stage (BBCH 75). The results demonstrated that shading effectively delayed vine phenology and altered grape ripening, with significant reductions in sugar content (up to 10%) and increases in total acidity (up to 10%) at harvest compared to non-shaded vines. However, shading also reduced berry size, resulting in lower cluster weight and yield per plant (up to 15%). These findings highlight the potential of shading nets as a tool for adapting viticulture to climate change, while emphasizing the need to carefully assess their large-scale applicability, considering economic and operational factors.

MeJA inhibits fungal growth and DON toxin production by interfering with the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway in the wheat scab fungus Fusarium graminearum.

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin primarily produced by Fusarium species, is commonly found in cereal grains and poses risks to human and animal health, as well as global grain trade. This study demonstrates that methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a natural plant hormone, inhibits the growth and conidiation of Fusarium graminearum. Importantly, MeJA significantly reduces DON production by suppressing TRI gene expression and toxisome formation. To explore the molecular mechanism, we identified MeJA-tolerant mutants, including a transcription factor MRT1 and cAMP-PKA pathway-related genes (FgGPA1 and FgSNT1). MeJA treatment reduced PKA activity and intracellular cAMP levels in F. graminearum, suggesting it targets the cAMP-PKA pathway. Notably, the MeJA-resistant mutant FgGPA1R178H enhanced fungal growth, DON production, and cAMP levels in the presence of MeJA. Exogenous cAMP alleviated MeJA's inhibitory effects on DON production, further supporting this pathway's involvement. Interestingly, MeJA had no effect on all three MAP kinase pathways (Mgv1, Gpmk1, and FgHog1). Truncated and phospho-mimicking mutations in Mrt1 or FgSnt1 conferred MeJA resistance, suggesting they may act downstream of the cAMP-PKA pathway. In conclusion, MeJA presents a promising approach to control F. graminearum growth and DON production.IMPORTANCEDeoxynivalenol (DON) poses significant risks to both human and animal health and severely disrupts the global grain trade due to its prevalence as a common contaminant in wheat grains. With rising public concern over food safety, finding effective and sustainable methods to reduce DON contamination becomes increasingly urgent. In our study, we found that methyl jasmonate (MeJA), a natural plant hormone, can effectively inhibit the vegetative growth of F. graminearum and significantly reduce its DON toxin production. To explore the underlying molecular mechanism, we identified the mutations in MeJA-tolerant mutants and revealed that MeJA effectively exerts its antifungal activities by inhibiting the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway in F. graminearum. Our work provides a promising natural solution to reduce DON toxin contamination in cereal grains, enhancing food safety while decreasing the reliance on chemical fungicides and their associated environmental impact.

Unraveling Morphological, Physiological, and Transcriptomic Alterations Underlying the Formation of Little Leaves in Phytoplasma-Infected Sweet Cherry Trees.

Phytoplasmas are minute phytopathogenic bacteria that induce excessive vegetative growth, known as witches' broom (WB), in many infected plant species during the later stages of infection. The WB structure is characterized by densely clustered little (small) leaves, which are frequently accompanied by chlorosis (yellowing). The mechanisms behind the formation of little leaves within WB structures (LL-WB) are poorly understood. To address this gap, the LL-WB formation was extensively studied using sweet cherry virescence (SCV) phytoplasma-infected sweet cherry plants. Based on morphological examinations, signs of premature leaf senescence were observed in LL-WB samples, including reduced leaf size, chlorosis, and alterations in shape. Subsequent physiological analyses indicated decreased sucrose and glucose levels and changes in hormone concentrations in LL-WB samples. Additionally, the transcriptomic analysis revealed impaired ribosome biogenesis and DNA replication. As an essential process in protein production, the compromised ribosome biogenesis and the inhibited DNA replication led to cell cycle arrest, thus affecting leaf morphogenesis and further plant development. Moreover, the expression of marker genes involved in premature leaf senescence was significantly altered. These results indicate a complicated interplay between the development of leaves, premature leaf senescence, and pathogen-induced stress responses in SCV phytoplasma-infected sweet cherry trees. The results of this study provide insight into understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms driving the formation of little leaves and interactions between plants and pathogens. The findings might help control phytoplasma diseases in sweet cherry cultivation.

COP9 SIGNALOSOME SUBUNIT 5A facilitates POLYAMINE OXIDASE 5 degradation to regulate strawberry plant growth and fruit ripening.

Polyamines (PAs), such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are essential for plant growth and development. However, the post-translational regulation of PA metabolism remains unknown. Here, we report the COP9 SIGNALOSOME SUBUNIT 5A (FvCSN5A) mediates the degradation of the POLYAMINE OXIDASE 5 (FvPAO5), which catalyzes the conversion of spermidine/spermine to produce H2O2 in strawberry (Fragaria vesca). FvCSN5A is localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus, is ubiquitously expressed in strawberry plants, and is rapidly induced during fruit ripening. FvCSN5A RNA interference (RNAi) transgenic strawberry lines exhibit pleiotropic effects on plant development, fertility, and fruit ripening due to altered PA and H2O2 homeostasis, similar to FvPAO5 transgenic overexpression lines. Moreover, FvCSN5A interacts with FvPAO5 in vitro and in vivo, and the ubiquitination and degradation of FvPAO5 are impaired in FvCSN5A RNAi lines. Additionally, FvCSN5A interacts with cullin 1 (FvCUL1), a core component of the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex. Transient genetic analysis in cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruits showed that inhibiting FaPAO5 expression could partially rescue the ripening phenotype of FaCSN5A RNAi fruits. Taken together, our results suggest that the CSN5A-CUL1-PAO5 signaling pathway responsible for PA and H2O2 homeostasis is crucial for strawberry vegetative and reproductive growth in particular fruit ripening. Our findings present a promising strategy for improving crop yield and quality.

Combining Tenebrio molitor frass with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer to improve soil properties, growth parameters, and nutrient content of Sonchus oleraceus crop

This study evaluates the impact of yellow mealworm frass in combination with an inorganic nitrogen fertilizer on growth, yield, and nutrient concentration in annual sowthistle plants. It was found that the combined application of yellow mealworm frass (YM-frass) as basal fertilizer and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer (INF) as top dressing increased the shoot biomass of annual sowthistle up to 67.2% compared to the INF treatment (100kg N/ha). The application of both YM-frass and INF increased P, Mg and Fe root concentration. Moreover, the lowest P and K concentration in shoot tissues were found in the unfertilized control treatment, while the reverse was the case for Ca and Fe. In conclusion, yellow mealworm frass can be used instead of inorganic basal fertilizer, whereas its combination with an inorganic nitrogen fertilizer applied as top-dressing during the vegetative growth can increase the yield and quality of leafy vegetables.

Field assessment of cassava plantlets developed from low tunnel and open field nurseries

ABSTRACT New techniques for the rapid multiplication of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) planting materials have been developed. However, information regarding their cultivation in fields is limited. A recent study was conducted to assess the vegetative and root yields of cassava varieties raised from low tunnel and open field nurseries. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design, using a split–split plot layout. Cassava varieties served as the main plot factor, cutting sizes as the sub-plot factor, and planting methods as the sub-sub-plot factor, with three replications for each treatment. Results revealed that cassava varieties, cutting size, and planting methods differed significantly (p < .001) on vegetative growth and root yields. Plants raised from low tunnel had higher plant height (157.2 cm), number of main stems (2.9), number of primary (4.7) and secondary (6.8) branches compared to plants raised in open fields. ‘TARICAS4’ raised from low tunnels had the highest fresh root yields of 10.8 t/ha and dry matter content of 53% as compared to other varieties. Therefore, low tunnels should be used in mass cassava plantlet production to improve vegetative development and root yields.

Analysis of the Spatial–Temporal Characteristics of Vegetation Cover Changes in the Loess Plateau from 1995 to 2020

The Loess Plateau is one of the most severely affected regions by soil erosion in the world, with a fragile ecological environment. Vegetation plays a key role in the region’s ecological restoration and protection. This study employs the Geographical Detector (Geodetector) model to quantitatively assess the impact of natural and human factors, such as temperature, precipitation, soil type, and land use, on vegetation growth. It aims to reveal the characteristics and driving mechanisms of vegetation cover changes on the Loess Plateau over the past 26 years. The results indicate that from 1995 to 2020, the vegetation coverage on the Loess Plateau shows an increasing trend, with a fitted slope of 0.01021 and an R2 of 0.96466. The Geodetector indicates that the factors with the greatest impact on vegetation cover in the Loess Plateau are temperature, precipitation, soil type, and land use. The highest average vegetation coverage is achieved when the temperature is between −4.8 and 2 °C or 12 and 16 °C, precipitation is between 630.64 and 935.51 mm, the soil type is leaching soil, and the land use type is forest. And the interaction between all factors has a greater effect on the vegetation cover than any single factor alone. This study reveals the factors influencing vegetation growth on the Loess Plateau, as well as their types and ranges, providing a scientific basis and guidance for improving vegetation coverage in this region.

Perceptions of urban rewilding in a park with secondary succession vegetation growth on lake silt: Landscape preferences and perceived species richness

Perceptions of urban rewilding in a park with secondary succession vegetation growth on lake silt: Landscape preferences and perceived species richness

Role of putative APSES family transcription factor Swi6 in cell wall synthesis regulation in the agaricomycete Pleurotus ostreatus.

Clade A APSES family transcription factor Swi6 functions alongside Mbp1 to form the MBF (MluI cell cycle box-binding factor) complex in ascomycetes. In the agaricomycete Pleurotus ostreatus, Mbp1 plays a crucial role in regulating β-glucan and chitin synthesis; however, the role of Swi6 has not been explored in this fungus. In this study, its involvement in cell wall synthesis regulation was analysed using swi6 disruption strains in P. ostreatus. The Δswi6 strains exhibited reduced growth rates and shorter aerial hyphae formation in both agar and liquid media, suggesting an essential role of Swi6 in normal vegetative growth. Furthermore, swi6 disruption affected cell wall thickness distribution, the expression of specific chitin synthase genes, the relative percentage of chitin, and sensitivity to calcofluor white, suggesting that Swi6 is required for normal chitin synthesis regulation in P. ostreatus. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between the wild-type and Δswi6 strains in the relative percentage of α- and β-glucan and the expression of α- and β-glucan synthase genes, suggesting its unimportant role in α- and β-glucan synthesis regulation. In conclusion, Swi6 is necessary for normal mycelial growth and chitin synthesis regulation in P. ostreatus. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report on the functional differences and overlaps between Mbp1 and Swi6 in the regulation of cell wall synthesis in agaricomycetes.