Yield Enhancement Research Articles

Integrated Nutrient Management of Papaya (Carica papaya L.): Application of Microbial Consortium Enriched Organic Manures for Yield and Fruit Quality Enhancement

An experiment was undertaken to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of papaya under Kerala conditions. The trial was conducted in RBD. Papaya variety used for the study was Surya with ten treatments. The results revealed that the applications of microbial consortium enriched organic manures in papaya plants (NPK (25 %) as PGPR mix-1 enriched vermicompost along with N, P and K 75% of recommended dose of fertilizers fertilizers ( 240 N: 240 P2O5: 480 K2O (g plant-1) + 10 kg FYM) resulted in the highest number of fruit production, enhanced fruit weight , total fruit yield per plant. It also resulted in the production of fruits with highest fruit length, girth, pulp percentage and flesh thickness. Fruit quality characters like high TSS, less acidity, higher carotenoid content, ascorbic acid content, highest total sugar content and reducing sugar content were enhanced in papaya. Organoleptic characters of fruit were also enhanced by adopting integrated nutrient management in papaya . Papaya being an important fruit crop of Kerala gaining importance nowadays. Integrated nutrient management (INM) involves efficient and judicious supply of all major and micro components of plant nutrients including local available resources on sustainable basis. Papaya is known to be a heavy feeder of nutrients (NPK) and information regarding the effect of INM is more important

Genetic analysis of yield components in buckwheat using high-throughput sequencing analysis and wild resource populations.

Fagopyrum tataricum, an important medicinal and edible crop, possesses significant agricultural and economic value. However, the development of buckwheat varieties and yields has been hindered by the delayed breeding progress despite the abundant material resources in China. Current research indicates that quantitative trait loci (QTLs) play a crucial role in controlling plant seed type and yield. To address these limitations, this study constructed recombinant inbred lines (RILs) utilizing both cultivated species and wild buckwheat as raw materials. In total, 84,521 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers were identified through Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) technology, and high-resolution and high-density SNP genetic maps were developed, which had significant value for QTL mapping, gene cloning and comparative mapping of buckwheat. In this study, we successfully identified 5 QTLs related to thousand grain weight (TGW), 9 for grain length (GL), and 1 for grain width (GW) by combining seed type and TGW data from 202 RIL populations in four different environments, within which one co-located QTL for TGW were discovered on the first chromosome. Transcriptome analysis during different grain development stages revealed 59 significant expression differences between the two materials, which can serve as candidate genes for further investigation into the regulation of grain weight and yield enhancement. The mapped major loci controlling TGW, GL and GW will be valuable for gene cloning and reveal the mechanism underlying grain development and marker-assisted selection in Tartary buckwheat.

Mechanisms of biochar-based organic fertilizers enhancing maize yield on a Chinese Chernozem: Root traits, soil quality and soil microorganisms

The Chinese Chernozems face extreme challenges of soil degradation and crop productivity decline. Biochar-based organic fertilizer (BOF) is effectively applied to improve crop yield and soil quality. Nonetheless, the mechanisms involved in yield enhancement in interaction with root traits, soil quality, and microorganisms after BOF application remain unclear. Herein, a two-year field experiment with three BOF rates [3.0 Mg ha−1 (BOF3), 6.0 Mg ha−1 (BOF6), 9.0 Mg ha−1 (BOF9)] was conducted to evaluate the impact of BOF on root traits, soil quality, and soil microorganisms, with no BOF applied as control treatment (CK). Compared to CK, BOF increased maize yield by 9.1 ∼ 32.0 % in the second year of application, and the highest yield (16.1 Mg ha−1) was obtained with BOF6. BOF increased the plant growth index by 29.7 ∼ 98.9 %, mainly attributed to the increase in root volume (2.4 ∼ 57.4 %), aboveground biomass (31.4 ∼ 44.0 %), and nitrogen (N) uptake (123.2 ∼ 216.0 %). The soil quality index was increased not only in the topsoil (27.7 ∼ 31.1 %) but also in the subsoil (22.7 ∼ 25.1 %) with BOF, particularly with the two highest rates (BOF6 and BOF9). This was mainly ascribed to the notable increase in microbial biomass carbon, total N, NH4+-N, and N-acquiring enzyme activity (normalized by leucine aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase). Moreover, BOF increased the abundance of Actinobacteria, Mortierellomycota at 0–40 cm, Chloroflexi at 0–20 cm, Acidobacteriota, and Ascomycota at 20–40 cm, which confirmed their key roles in activating soil nutrient and subsequent enhancing soil quality and stimulating plant growth. Overall, biochar-based organic fertilizer with a rate of 6.0 Mg ha−1 is a promising fertilizer regime to enhance soil quality by regulating soil keystone taxa, thereby boosting maize growth and yield on the Chernozem soil.

Effect of Potassium Schoenite (Mahalaabh) on Growth and Yield of Castor, Cotton and Groundnut

The need for precise nutrient application has become crucial in agriculture due to climate change and intensive farming practices. Deficiencies in potassium, magnesium and sulphur are critical for enhancing both crop yield and quality. Additionally, agrochemical residues in soil, water and farm products pose significant challenges. Mahalaabh (K2SO4·MgSO4·6H2O), a combination of potassium, sulphur and magnesium, offers a balanced solution to address these issues. Field experiments were conducted during the Kharif season of 2023-24 at Agrocel Industries Pvt. Ltd., Kachchh, to evaluate the impact of Mahalaabh on castor, cotton and groundnut crops. The trials were executed in a Randomized Block Design, testing different doses of Mahalaabh powder through foliar spray, fertigation and granular soil application. The results demonstrated that Mahalaabh powder is effective in enhancing productivity across the tested crops. In castor, higher doses of 10 kg/acre through drip irrigation and 20g/L foliar application increased productivity by 22.3% and 14.3% over the recommended fertilizer dose (RFD), respectively. However, in cotton, lower doses of 6kg/acre through drip irrigation and 10g/L through foliar application were more effective, resulting in 3.8% and 5.3% yield enhancements compared to RFD. In groundnut, foliar spray at 15 g/L applied thrice at 30-35, 50-55, and 70-75 days after sowing (DAS) was effective, resulting in a 22.9% higher pod yield compared to RFD. These findings highlight the importance of balanced nutrient management practices tailored to specific crop requirements for achieving optimal agricultural productivity.

Genome-wide identification of SIMILAR to RCD ONE (SRO) gene family in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) reveals their role in drought stress response

ABSTRACT Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an important oilseed crop widely cultivated worldwide, and drought is the main environmental factor limiting its yield enhancement and the expansion of planted areas. SIMILAR TO RCD ONE (SRO) is a plant-specific small gene family that plays a crucial role in plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic stresses such as drought. However, the functional role of SROs in rapeseed remains poorly understood. In this study, 19 BnaSROs were identified from the rapeseed genome, with 9, 10, 10, 18, and 20 members identified from the genomes of Brassica rapa, Brassica nigra, Brassica oleracea, Brassica juncea, and Brassica carinata, respectively. We then analyzed their sequence characteristics, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and conserved domains, and explored the collinearity relationships of the SRO members in Brassica napus and Brassica juncea. Next, we focused on the analysis of tissue expression and stress-responsive expression patterns of rapeseed SRO members and examined their expression profiles under ABA, MeJA and water-deficit drought treatments using qPCR. Transcriptome data analysis and qPCR detection indicated that BnaSROs exhibit multiple stress-responsive expression patterns. BnaSRO1 and BnaSRO11, which are likely to function through interactions with NAC transcription factors, were screened as major drought-regulated members. Our results provide a solid foundation for functional analysis of the role of the SRO gene family in abiotic stress responses, especially drought stress responses, in rapeseed.

Natural deep eutectic solvents-based concurrent approach for qualitative and quantitative enhancement of Rosa damascena essential oil and recovery of phenolics from distilled rose petals

In pursuit of adopting environment friendly methodologies to amplify essential oil (EO) yield of industrially important aromatic plants, enrichment of bioactive content in distillation waste, and to establish the recovery process for the enriched product; this study employed natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) as cosolvent in the conventional hydro distillation method using Rosa damascena Mill L (Damask rose) petals as biomass. R. damascena is one of the most important species of Rosaceae family known for producing high-valued rose EO [often termed as “liquid gold”] but with very low yield. Herein, nine NADESs were used as cosolvent along with conventional hydro distillation method which led to 1.7 times EO yield enhancement (retention of EO quality as per ISO guidelines) using NADES-4 [choline chloride: glycerol (1:1)] as cosolvent. Further, to sustainably utilize the residue (otherwise waste) left after hydro distillation, hydrolate (aqueous part left in the flask) and spent (dried solid waste) were analyzed with UHPLC to determine targeted phenolics compounds. All the samples (EO, dried hydrolate, and spent) were also evaluated for in-vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH-radical scavenging assay, which revealed that hydrolate obtained by using NADES-5 [choline chloride: glucose (5:1)] showed the highest activity (IC50 0.85 µg/mL) as compared to ascorbic acid (IC50 5.40 µg/mL). Hence, the present study provides a green protocol for enhancing rose EO yield with phenolics-enriched antioxidant byproducts.

Optimization of ammonia nitrogen benchmarks and ecological risk assessment in monsoon freezing lakes based on species sensitivity distribution with Lake Chagan in northeastern China as an example

There is an urgent need to determine reasonable water-quality benchmarks and risk assessment results to accurately characterize the relationship between crop yield enhancement and ammonia nitrogen pollution caused by excessive nitrogen fertilizer application. Through the collection of monitoring data from 2016 to 2023 in Chagan Lake, the first development of ecological criteria for ammonia nitrogen and risk evaluation for Northeast China was carried out based on the secondary ecological risk models (the quotient value method and joint probability curve). In addition, the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) model is improved through the use of genetic algorithms to identify more suitable ammonia water-quality benchmarks for ecological risk assessment. The results showed that high ammonia nitrogen concentration in wet season is primarily influenced by agricultural irrigation and drainage activities, whereas the dry season is driven by low temperatures and the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. The biological benchmark of improved SSD model with a genetic algorithm has a maximum error reduction of 23.84 % compared with other distributions, which is more than twice that of the median water-quality benchmark under the traditional Class III water-quality standard and empirical formula. Risk evaluation using traditional water-quality standards leads to the overprotection of the biological environment. Evaluations using quotient value methods and joint probability curves yield consistent results. The severity of the ecological risk of ammonia nitrogen follows the order: wet season > flat season > dry season. Using a genetic algorithm to optimize SSD model can effectively reduce the uncertainty of the model, providing a more accurate and reasonable ammonia nitrogen water-quality benchmark. This study improves the evaluation of the ecological risk of ammonia nitrogen in Lake Chagan, provides ideas for reducing the uncertainty of the selection of ammonia nitrogen water-quality benchmarks, and effectively prevents the overprotection of the lake from ammonia nitrogen.

Genetic Analysis of Soybean Flower Size Phenotypes Based on Computer Vision and Genome-Wide Association Studies.

The dimensions of organs such as flowers, leaves, and seeds are governed by processes of cellular proliferation and expansion. In soybeans, the dimensions of these organs exhibit a strong correlation with crop yield, quality, and other phenotypic traits. Nevertheless, there exists a scarcity of research concerning the regulatory genes influencing flower size, particularly within the soybean species. In this study, 309 samples of 3 soybean types (123 cultivar, 90 landrace, and 96 wild) were re-sequenced. The microscopic phenotype of soybean flower organs was photographed using a three-eye microscope, and the phenotypic data were extracted by means of computer vision. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to assess the relationship between petal and seed phenotypes, revealing a strong correlation between the sizes of these two organs. Through GWASs, SNP loci significantly associated with flower organ size were identified. Subsequently, haplotype analysis was conducted to screen for upstream and downstream genes of these loci, thereby identifying potential candidate genes. In total, 77 significant SNPs associated with vexil petals, 562 significant SNPs associated with wing petals, and 34 significant SNPs associated with keel petals were found. Candidate genes were screened by candidate sites, and haplotype analysis was performed on the candidate genes. Finally, the present investigation yielded 25 and 10 genes of notable significance through haplotype analysis in the vexil and wing regions, respectively. Notably, Glyma.07G234200, previously documented for its high expression across various plant organs, including flowers, pods, leaves, roots, and seeds, was among these identified genes. The research contributes novel insights to soybean breeding endeavors, particularly in the exploration of genes governing organ development, the selection of field materials, and the enhancement of crop yield. It played a role in the process of material selection during the growth period and further accelerated the process of soybean breeding material selection.

Differential regulation of belowground rhizospheric ecosystem by biological and chemical nitrogen supplies: implications for maize yield enhancement mechanisms.

Nitrogen (N) content affects aboveground maize growth and nutrient absorption by altering the belowground rhizospheric ecosystem, impacting both yield and quality. However, the mechanisms through which different N supply methods (chemical and biological N supplies) regulate the belowground rhizospheric ecosystem to enhance maize yield remain unclear. To address this issue, we conducted a field experiment in northeast China, comprising three treatments: maize monocropping without N fertilizer application (MM), maize/alfalfa intercropping without N fertilizer application (BNF), and maize monocropping with N fertilizer application (CNS). The MM treatment represents the control, while the BNF treatment represents the biological N supply form, and CNS treatment represents the chemical N supply form. In the autumn of 2019, samples of maize and rhizospheric soil were collected to assess parameters including yield, rhizospheric soil characteristics, and microbial indicators. Both BNF and MM significantly increased maize yield and different yield components compared with MM, with no statistically significant difference in total yield between BNF and CNS. Furthermore, BNF significantly improved N by 12.61% and available N (AN) by 13.20% compared with MM. Furthermore, BNF treatment also significantly increased the Shannon index by 1.90%, while the CNS treatment significantly increased the Chao1 index by 28.1% and ACE index by 29.49%, with no significant difference between CNS and BNF. However, CNS had a more pronounced impact on structure of the rhizosphere soil bacterial community compared to BNF, inducing more significant fluctuations within the microbial network (modularity index and negative cohesion index). Regarding N transformation pathways predicted by bacterial functions, BNF significantly increased the N fixation pathway, while CNS significantly increased assimilatory nitrate reduction. In CNS, AN, NO3-N, NH4-N, assimilatory nitrate reduction, and community structure contributed significantly to maize yield, whereas in BNF, N fixation, community structure, community stability, NO3-N, and NH4-N played significant roles in enhancing maize yield. While CNS and BNF can achieve comparable maize yields in practical agricultural production, they have significantly different impacts on the belowground rhizosphere ecosystem, leading to different mechanisms of yield enhancement.

Observation of Medium-Induced Yield Enhancement and Acoplanarity Broadening of Low-p_{T} Jets from Measurements in pp and Central Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV.

The ALICE Collaboration reports the measurement of semi-inclusive distributions of charged-particle jets recoiling from a high transverse momentum (high p_{T}) hadron trigger in proton-proton and central Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV. A data-driven statistical method is used to mitigate the large uncorrelated background in central Pb-Pb collisions. Recoil jet distributions are reported for jet resolution parameter R=0.2, 0.4, and 0.5 in the range 7<p_{T,jet}<140 GeV/c and trigger-recoil jet azimuthal separation π/2<Δφ<π. The measurements exhibit a marked medium-induced jet yield enhancement at low p_{T} and at large azimuthal deviation from Δφ∼π. The enhancement is characterized by its dependence on Δφ, which has a slope that differs from zero by 4.7σ. Comparisons to model calculations incorporating different formulations of jet quenching are reported. These comparisons indicate that the observed yield enhancement arises from the response of the QGP medium to jet propagation.

Optimizing herbicide types and concentrations: Crucial elements for achieving intensive cultivation of common buckwheat

An appropriate herbicide type and concentration is essential for effective weed management and enhancing crop yield. However, the optimal herbicide type and corresponding application concentration for controlling weeds in common buckwheat on the Loess Plateau region of Northwestern China remain unclear. To address this gap, experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of various herbicides on weed control, dry matter accumulation, and grain yield in common buckwheat, and to analyze the variances in weed control efficacy and grain yields of the optimal herbicides at different concentrations. The results showed that both metolachlor and quizalofop-P-ethyl demonstrated effective weed control with lower phytotoxicity. Dry matter accumulation was lower under metolachlor, with no significant differences observed among the post-emergence herbicide treatments. Importantly, metolachlor and quizalofop-P-ethyl promoted the allocation of dry matter to grains. Remarkably, metolachlor and quizalofop-P-ethyl increased the grain yield by 15.59% and 26.97%, respectively, compared to spraying an equivalent amount of water. Additionally, the m2.25, q0.9, and q1.2 treatments exhibited excellent weed control effectiveness. And the higher grainnumber per plant observed under m2.25, q0.9, and q1.2 contributed to the increase in grain yield. Consequently, m2.25, q0.9 and q1.2 increased the grain yield by 34.42%, 38.86% and 33.16%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that applying metolachlor and quizalofop-P-ethyl at 2.25 L ha−1 and 0.9 or 1.2 L ha−1 respectively, is beneficial for efficient weed management and yield enhancement in common buckwheat cultivation on the Loess Plateau region of Northwestern China. These studies provide important guidance for promoting common buckwheat cultivation in this region.

Development of efficient nonthermal atmospheric-pressure Ar-plasma jet through simultaneous spectroscopic characterization and radical quantification

The work investigates the correlation between the plasma characteristics and reactive chemical species generation in an Ar-nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma-jet (Ar-NTAPPJ) under various operating conditions such as gas flow rate, excitation voltage, and electrode gap and demonstrates the application of such understanding in developing efficient nonthermal plasma systems. The critical plasma parameters such as electron temperature (T e) and electron density (n e) under the various operating conditions were estimated using optical emission spectroscopy coupled with the collision radiative model and Stark broadening methods. At optimal setting of 5 LPM gas flow rate, 4 kV excitation voltage, and 6 mm electrode gap resulted in maximum T e (0.6 eV), enhancing •OH production (0.056 mM) in the liquid phase and OH(A-X) emission in the gas phase, highlighting the significance of operating conditions on building energy efficient plasma systems. The enhanced performance of the optimized Ar-NTAPPJ is demonstrated by taking atrazine as a model herbicide. The degradation performance data was correlated and validated with results obtained from spectroscopic diagnostics. By adequately tuning the operating parameters, four times enhancement in energy yield (∼150 mg kWh−1) was obtained without perturbing the nonthermal plasma mode. In nonthermal mode, to best of the authors knowledge, it is the highest reported energy yield for atrazine degradation. The scalability aspect of the present plasma jet was also investigated by Intensified Charge-Coupled Device camera-based imaging technique. The study establishes the importance of adequate diagnostics in developing efficient next-generation plasma reactors.

Effects of Straw Return and Nitrogen Application Rates on Soil Ammonia Volatilization and Yield of Winter Wheat

This study investigates the impact of corn straw return and nitrogen application rates on ammonia volatilization and yield enhancement under field conditions, in order to reduce emissions while increasing crop yield. During the winter wheat season, a fissure area design was implemented, comprising three levels of straw return in the main area and three distinct nitrogen fertilizer levels in the subsidiary area, for a total of nine treatments. The results can be summarized as follows: (1) The ammonia emissions flux initially increased followed by a decrease, and was primarily concentrated within the first 14 days after fertilization, with a peak observed at 4–5 days before decreasing. Notably, nitrogen fertilizer significantly affected the cumulative ammonia emissions, ranging from 0.019 to 1.786 kg·hm−2·d−1 and 0.013 to 1.693 kg·hm−2·d−1 across the two seasons. (2) The soil with a higher nitrogen application rate exhibited elevated levels of inorganic nitrogen content and urease activity under the same straw return level. Maintaining a consistent nitrogen application level, the return of straw to the field increased the cumulative ammonia discharge, inorganic nitrogen content, and urease activity. (3) The interaction between straw return and nitrogen fertilizer substantially affected crop yield. Specifically, during the winter wheat season, the optimal combination for reducing ammonia emissions and enhancing yield was observed under straw return (both half or full) combined with 180 kg·hm−2 nitrogen application. Notably, the reduction of soil emissions and winter wheat yield augmentation were feasible through appropriate corn straw return in the preceding season.

Reaction synergy of bimetallic catalysts on ZSM-5 support in tailoring plastic pyrolysis for hydrogen and value-added product production

Hydrogen, viz. a green energy carrier, is poised to considerably contribute to the empowerment of a sustainable society. By valorizing plastics, catalytic pyrolysis was envisaged as a promising route to produce green hydrogen and value-added product here. Firstly, the screening of optimal catalyst support (from activated carbon and four zeolites: M-zeolite, B-zeolite, Y-zeolite, ZSM-5) was executed by studying catalytic polypropylene (PP) pyrolysis over supported Ni catalysts. In view of the highest H2 yield (19.2 mmol/gPP) of Ni/ZSM-5, ZSM-5 was put forth as the optimal catalyst support. Then, the identification of optimal active metal (from Ni, Fe, Co, FeNi, FeCo, and NiCo) was performed by running the catalytic PP pyrolysis over ZSM-5 supported catalysts. For catalytic PP pyrolysis, NiCo/ZSM-5 was the optimal catalyst with the highest H2 yield (28.7 mmol/gPP), while the resulting pyrolysis oil demonstrated potential for use as jet fuel. From catalytic pyrolysis of various plastics over NiCo/ZSM-5, polystyrene gave the highest H2 composition (83.2 vol%) of pyrolysis gas and high composition (52.8 area%) of benzocyclobutene (useful chemicals for semiconductor and microelectronics fields) in pyrolysis oil. Lastly, the catalytic mechanism was discussed based on the results, revealing NiCo's remarkable enhancement in H2 yield to 28.7 mmol/g, which surpassed the individual yields of Ni (19.2 mmol/g) and Co (10.2 mmol/g), thereby underscoring the synergistic effect of NiCo. This study supports the recycling of plastics waste into hydrogen energy and valuable products, contributing to environmental pollution mitigation.

Optimization of plastic waste pyrolysis using carbon-metal oxide hybrid nanocomposite catalyst: Yield enhancement and energy resource potential

In this study, plastic waste was efficiently converted into valuable energy resources using a unique pyrolysis technique. A carbon-metal oxide hybrid nanocomposite was introduced as a catalyst, and analyses of structural and surface morphology were conducted. Pyrolysis process parameters such as temperature (PTemp), process time (PTime), and catalyst concentration (CC) were optimized through response surface methodology for a higher yield of energy resources. Char underwent proximate and ultimate analyses, oil underwent physicochemical and Fourier transform infrared analyses, and syngas composition was determined. Optimal conditions were found: PTemp 300 °C, PTime 60 min, CC 1 % for char; PTemp 465 °C, PTime 150 min, CC 1 % for oil; PTemp 550 °C, PTime 60 min, CC 4 % for syngas. Compared to the ZSM-5 catalyst, char, oil, and syngas yields increased by 7.9 %, 10.8 %, and 7.2 %, respectively, at optimum conditions. These findings suggest that waste plastic pyrolysis can effectively meet energy demands with enhanced energy outputs.

Unlocking the potential of biofilm-forming plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for growth and yield enhancement in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) boost crop yields and reduce environmental pressures through biofilm formation in natural climates. Recently, biofilm-based root colonization by these microorganisms has emerged as a promising strategy for agricultural enhancement. The current work aims to characterize biofilm-forming rhizobacteria for wheat growth and yield enhancement. For this, native rhizobacteria were isolated from the wheat rhizosphere and ten isolates were characterized for plant growth promoting traits and biofilm production under axenic conditions. Among these ten isolates, five were identified as potential biofilm-producing PGPR based on in vitro assays for plant growth-promoting traits. These were further evaluated under controlled and field conditions for their impact on wheat growth and yield attributes. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy analysis further indicated that the biochemical composition of the biofilm produced by the selected bacterial strains includes proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids (DNA/RNA). Inoculated plants in growth chamber resulted in larger roots, shoots, and increase in fresh biomass than controls. Similarly, significant increases in plant height (13.3, 16.7%), grain yield (29.6, 17.5%), number of tillers (18.7, 34.8%), nitrogen content (58.8, 48.1%), and phosphorus content (63.0, 51.0%) in grains were observed in both pot and field trials, respectively. The two most promising biofilm-producing isolates were identified through 16 s rRNA partial gene sequencing as Brucella sp. (BF10), Lysinibacillus macroides (BF15). Moreover, leaf pigmentation and relative water contents were significantly increased in all treated plants. Taken together, our results revealed that biofilm forming PGPR can boost crop productivity by enhancing growth and physiological responses and thus aid in sustainable agriculture.

Effect of vermicompost enriched with bacterial endophytes (Azospirillum and Rhizobium) on growth and yield of tomato

The extensive use of chemical fertilizers has served as a response to the increasing need for crop production in recent decades. While it addresses the demand for food, it has resulted in a decline in crop productivity and a heightened negative environmental impact. In contrast, bacterial endophytes namely Azospirillum and Rhizobium and vermicompost offer a promising alternative to mitigate the negative consequences of chemical fertilizers. It can enhance nutrient availability, promote plant growth, and improve nutrient uptake efficiency, thereby reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. In this study, two bacterial endophytes Azospirillum and Rhizobium, combination with vermicompost and chemical fertilizer were used to investigate their potential role in the enhancement of growth yields of tomato. The inoculation of bacterial endophytes enhanced the root and shoot length, biomass and leaf chlorophyll contents. The fruit weight of the tomato (kg/plant) was also higher in the vermicompost and bacteria inoculated plants of tomato than in the chemical fertilizer. The mixed application of vermicompost with the combination of Azospirillum and Rhizobium showed the best performance compared to other treatments.

Improvement of grain weight and crop water productivity in winter wheat by light and frequent irrigation based on crop evapotranspiration

Efficient use of scarce water resources to maximize yield and crop water productivity (WPc) is a common goal of sustainable and ecological agriculture in the North China Plain. To clarify whether light and frequent (LF) irrigation under the same or reduced amount of irrigation is beneficial to achieve this goal, and to further tap the water saving potential. Based on drip irrigation conditions, a three–year (2020–2023) field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of four irrigation treatments (CK, conventional irrigation at the jointing and anthesis stages; LF1, 100 % ETc, ETc is the crop evapotranspiration; LF2, 75 % ETc, LF3, 50 % ETc) on yield, water consumption characteristics, leaf photosynthetic physiology and grain filling process. The results showed that compared with CK, LF1 and LF2 significantly increased the photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content of flag leaves at 18 days after anthesis, promoted grain filling, and finally enhanced dry matter accumulation after anthesis, 1000–grain weight (TGW) and grain yield. LF irrigation management mode also increased the consumption of deep soil water (1.4–2.0 m), reduced soil water consumption and evapotranspiration, and significantly improved WPc and irrigation water productivity. However, LF1 and LF2 did not have significant yield enhancement in the wet year, but had one less irrigation than in the normal year. The LF2 achieved the highest WPc in three years (2.1 kg m–3), in the 25 % (37.5 mm) and 40 % (60 mm) less irrigation water in the normal and wet years, respectively. Meanwhile, the LF3 treatment reduced the number of spikes, TGW and dry matter accumulation to different degrees in three years, resulting in significantly lower yields (13.9 %–18.4 %), which cannot be used as a reference for an efficient irrigation system. Therefore, LF irrigation based on 75 % ETc is the best irrigation strategy to improve water utilization and yield in the North China Plain.

Foliar Nutrient Application with Macro and Micro Nutrients Alters Yield and Total Antioxidative Capacity of Bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Background: Plant nutrient deficiency is the major challenge in agriculture results in lower crop yield and quality. This may lower the farmer’s income by reducing marketable value. In other hand, eating nutrient dense vegetables is the most cost effective strategy to combat malnutrition. The efficiency of inorganic micronutrients applied into soils is low as they become easily fixed to soil particles. Hence, exogenous application of nutrients is an effective option to enhance plant nutrient use efficiency. Methods: This study was conducted at SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu during 2022-2023 to alleviate nutrient insufficiency challenges in bhendi variety Senora by using Randomized block design with seven different treatments viz., T1- Control, T2- Nutrient consortia 1 (N + K + B + Fe+ Mn + Zn @ 1% ), T3- Nutrient consortia 2 (N + K + Fe+ Cu + B @ 1%), T4- Nutrient consortia 3 (N + K + Mg + B + Fe + Zn @ 1%), T5- Nutrient consortia 4 (T2 + NAA + SA@ 1%), T6- Nutrient consortia 5 (T3 + NAA + SA @ 1%), T7- Nutrient consortia 6 (T4 + NAA + SA @ 1%), sprayed at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing. Result: Various physiological, biochemical, yield and quality parameters were measured to evaluate the effects of Nutrient consortia. The results of field experiment strongly improved that the eight biochemical parameters viz., chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a/b ratio, chlorophyll stability index, leaf soluble protein, lipid peroxidation by melondialdehyde and proline content. The yield and quality traits such as number of fruits per plant, total fruit yield, total phenolics and total antioxidants activity were significantly increased through application of Nutrient consortia 6 followed by Nutrient consortia 4. So this can be used as yield and quality enhancer formulation of bhendi crops.

On the Origin of the Light Yield Enhancement in Polymeric Composite Scintillators Loaded with Dense Nanoparticles.

Fast emitting polymeric scintillators are requested in advanced applications where high speed detectors with a large signal-to-noise ratio are needed. However, their low density implies a weak stopping power of high energy radiation and thus a limited light output and sensitivity. To enhance their performance, polymeric scintillators can be loaded with dense nanoparticles (NPs). We investigate the properties of a series of polymeric scintillators by means of photoluminescence and scintillation spectroscopy, comparing standard scintillators with a composite system loaded with dense hafnium dioxide (HfO2) NPs. The nanocomposite shows a scintillation yield enhancement of +100% with an unchanged time response. We provide for the first time an interpretation of this effect, pointing out the local effect of NPs in the generation of emissive states upon interaction with ionizing radiation. The obtained results indicate that coupling fast conjugated emitters with optically inert dense NPs could lead to surpassing the actual limits of pure polymeric scintillators.