Rootstocks effect on plant nutrition concentration in different organ of grafted watermelon

In this study carried out in 2009 and 2010 growing seasons, effect of rootstocks on plant nutrition partitioning in grafted watermelon onto four gourd rootstocks was investigated. Ferro, RS841 (Cucurbita maxima x C. moschata) and Argentario and Macis (Lagenaria hybrid) were used as rootstocks. Crimson Tide and Crisby watermelon cultivars were used as scion. Grafted and ungrafted seedlings were produced by a commercial seedling company. Plants were grafted by one cotyledon grafting techniques. Experiment was conducted in Alata Horticultural Research Station inMersin. The grafted plants were planted under low tunnel in early spring and regular cultural practices for watermelon were applied. Plant nutrition concentrations were determined in leaf, fruit rind, fruit flesh and seeds. Leaf sample was taken at flowering stage, rind, flesh and seed sample were taken from fully mature fruit. Nitrogen concentration was determined by modified Kjheldahl methods. Phosphorous concentration was determined by vanadomolybdophosphoric acid method. K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu concentration of samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Plant nutrient concentration in leaf, rind, flesh and seed were significantly affected by rootstocks. Increase in concentration of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in leaves was not observed in grafted plant. Ungrafted plant had higher concentration of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in their leaves. Ca concentration in rind of fruits from grafted watermelon was higher than ungrafted control plant except Crimson Tide/Macis and Crimson Tide/Argentario graft combinations. Plant nutrition content of fruit flesh was significantly affected by rootstocks and scion. Magnesium, Fe, Zn and Mn concentration of seed was not significantly influenced by rootstocks and scion while other plant nutrient content was significantly affected rootstocks and scion.

A Preliminary Assessment of the Effect of Urban Waste Pollution in the Korle Lagoon Area of Accra, Ghana, on Nutrition and Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants

Disposal of domestic and industrial waste into the Odaw River and Korle Lagoon in Accra, Ghana, has led to pollution of the lagoon and surrounding soils. This study compared the elemental concentrations of heavy metals (lead and zinc) and essential plant macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in soils from the Korle Lagoon Area to those in baseline soils from the University of Ghana Agricultural Farm (UG Farm), also in Accra. A comparative pot experiment, using maize (Zea mays L.) as test plant, was conducted to assess the effect of each soil type on plant growth. Soil samples from the Korle Lagoon Area were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) concentrations than samples from the UG Farm. Mean plant height and mean leaf width of maize plants harvested 7 weeks after planting (WAP) were both significantly higher (P < 0.003) for samples from the Korle Lagoon Area soil compared to those from the UG Farm soil. Higher accumulation of Zn (448.3 ± 45.5) in maize shoot within 3 weeks of planting in the Korle Lagoon Area soil had phytotoxic effects on growth, resulting in shoot growth inhibition and reduced uptake of P and K in 11-week-old plants. The findings indicate that though nutrient enrichment due to sewage disposal into the lagoon may increase crop production, the nutritional quality of the crop produced could be compromised by heavy metal accumulation in the soil and subsequent uptake by the plant.

Use of the Biostimulant Based on the Mycorrhizae Consortium of the Glomeraceae Family in the Field to Improve the Production and Nutritional Status of Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants in Central Benin

Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the production and uptake of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium of maize (Zea mays L.) plants in central Benin. The trials were set up in a farming environment with thirty-four producers. The experimental design was composed of three treatments installed at 34 producers. Three growth parameters were evaluated on 60 ème days after sowing. Grain yield, nutritional status of maize plants and mycorrhization parameters were determined at harvest. The results showed that the Glomeraceae + 50% NPK (NPK: azote-phosphore-potassium)_Urea treatment improved the height, the crown diameter and the leaf area by 17.85%, 21.79% and 28.32% compared to the absolute control and by 0.41%, 1.11% and 1.46% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment, respectively. Similarly, grain yield improved by 45.87% with the use of Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea compared to the absolute control and by 3.96% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment. The Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea significantly improved the phosphorus and potassium uptake of maize plants. With respect to nitrogen uptake, no statistical difference was observed between treatments. The mycorrhizae strains used improved root infection in the maize plants. We recorded 66% frequency and 40.5% intensity of mycorrhization. The biostimulant based on indigenous Glomeraceae combined with 50% NPK_Urea can be used as a strategy to restore soil health and improve maize productivity in Benin.

Plant growth and metabolism of exotic and native Crotalaria species for mine land rehabilitation in the Amazon

Despite its enormous benefits,mining is respon-sible for intense changes to vegetation and soil properties.Thus,after extraction,it is necessary to rehabilitate the mined areas,creating better conditions for the establishment of plant species which is challenging.This study evaluated mineral and organic fertilization on the growth,and carbon and nitrogen(N)metabolism of two Crotalaria species[Cro-talaria spectabilis(exotic species)and Crotalaria maypu-rensis(native species from Carajás Mineral Province(CMP)]established on a waste pile from an iron mine in CMP.A control(without fertilizer application)and six fertilization mixtures were tested(i=NPK;ii=NPK+micronutrients;iii=NPK+micronutrients+organic compost;iv=PK;v=PK+micronutrients;vi=PK+micronutrients+organic compost).Fertilization contributed to increased growth of both species,and treatments with NPK and micronutrients had the best results(up to 257%cf.controls),while organic fertilization did not show differences.Exotic Crotalaria had a greater number of nodules,higher nodule dry mass,chlorophyll a and b contents and showed free ammonium as the predominant N form,reflecting greater increments in biomass compared to native species.Although having lower growth,the use of this native species in the rehabilitation of mining areas should be considered,mainly because it has good development and meets current government legislation as an opportunity to restore local biodiversity.

Plant Nutrition for Human Nutrition:Hints from Rice Research and Future Perspectives

Both plants and humans require mineral elements for their healthy growth and development.Mineral elements in the soil are taken up by the plant roots and transported to the edible parts for human consumption through various different transporters.An ideal future crop for human health should be rich in essential mineral elements but with less toxic elements in the edible parts.However,due to the great difference in the numbers and amounts of mineral elements required between plants and humans,it is a challenge to balance plant growth and nutrient requirement for humans.In this article,we mainly focus on the transport system of mineral elements from soil to grain in rice,a staple food for half of the world's population,and discuss recent progress on the underlying genetic and physiological mechanisms.Examples are given for silicon,zinc,and iron essential/beneficial for both plants and humans,selenium and iodine only essential for humans,and toxic cadmium and arsenic for all organisms.Manipulation of some transporters for these elements,especially those localized in the node for allocation of mineral elements to the grain,has been successful in generating rice with higher density and bioavailability of essential elements but with less accumulation of toxic elements.We provide our perspectives toward breeding future crops for human health.

Short-Term Impact of Elemental Sulfur on Cranberry Nutrition and Crop Performance

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is an ammophilous plant grown on acid soils (pH 4.0 - 5.5). Elemental sulfur is commonly applied at a recommended rate of 1120 kg S ha−1 per pH unit to acidify cranberry soils, potentially impacting the plant mineral nutrition. The general recommendation may not fit all conditions encountered in the field. Our objective was to develop an equation to predict the sulfur requirement to reach pHwater of 4.2 to tackle nitrification in acidic cranberry soils varying in initial pH values, and to measure the effect of elemental sulfur on the mineral nutrition and the performance of cranberry crops. A 3-yr experiment was designed to test the effect of elemental sulfur on soil and tissue tests and on berry yield and quality. Four S treatments (0, 250, 500 and 1000 kg S ha−1) were established on three duplicated sites during two consecutive years. We ran soil, foliar tissue, berry tissue tests, and measured berry yield, size, anthocyanin content (TAcy), Brix, and firmness. Nutrients were expressed as centered log ratios to reflect nutrient interactions. Results were analyzed using a mixed model. Soil Ca decreased while soil Mn and S increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Sulfur showed no significant effects on nutrient balances in uprights. The S impacted negatively berry B balance, and positively berry Mn and S balances. A linear regression model relating pH change to S dosage and elapsed time (R2 = 0.53) showed that to reach pHwater of 4.2 two years after S application, 250 - 1000 kg S ha−1 could be applied depending on initial soil pH value. The stratification of surface-applied elemental S in the soil profile should be further examined in relation to plant rooting and nutrient leaching.

AtbHLH29 of Arabidopsis thaliana is a functional ortholog of tomato FER involved in controlling iron acquisition in strategy I plants

AtbHLH29 of Arabidopsis, encoding a bHLH protein, reveals a high similarity to the tomato FER which is proposed as a transcriptional regulator involved in controlling the iron deficiency responses and the iron uptake in tomato. For identification of its biological functions, AtbHLH29 was introduced into the genome of the tomato FER mutant T3238fer mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciencs. Transgenic plants were regenerated and the stable integration of AtbHLH29 into their genomes was confirmed by Southern hybridization. Molecular analysis demonstrated that expression of the exogenous AtbHLH29 of Arabidopsis in roots of the FER mutant T3238fer enabled to complement the defect functions of FER. The transgenic plants regained the ability to activate the whole iron deficiency responses and showed normal growth as the wild type under iron-limiting stress. Our transformation data demonstrate that AtbHLH29 is a functional ortholog of the tomato FER and can completely replace FER in controlling the effective iron acquisition in tomato. Except of iron, FER protein was directly or indirectly involved in manganese homeostasis due to that loss functions of FER in T3238fer resulted in strong reduction of Mn content in leaves and the defect function on Mn accumulation in leaves was complemented by expression of AtbHLH29 in the transgenic plants. Identification of the similar biological functions of FER and AtbHLH29, which isolated from two systematically wide-diverged “strategy I” plants, suggests that FER might be a universal gene presented in all strategy I plants in controlling effective iron acquisition system in roots.

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Enhance the Efficiency of the Combination of Organic and Chemical Fertilisers in Sugarcane

Modern agricultural practices involve the extensive use of chemical fertilisers to increase productivity. However less than half of the applied chemical fertiliser nitrogen is used by the target crops, and much of the remaining pollutes air and waterways. Farming systems that sustain productivity while reducing the negative effect on the environment are crucially needed. One avenue is to use plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as bio-fertiliser to reduce the dependency on chemical fertiliser. The potential of PGPR to improve the efficiency of the combination of organic and chemical fertilisers has recently been proposed. Here, we demonstrate that this combination benefits sugarcane grown in field conditions.

Near-infrared leaf reflectance modeling of Annona emarginata seedlings for early detection of variations in nitrogen concentration

Nitrogen(N)monitoring is essential in nurseries to ensure the production of high-quality seedlings.Nearinfrared spectroscopy(NIRS)is an instantaneous,nondestructive method to monitor N.Spectral data such as NIRS can also provide the basis for developing a new vegetation spectral index(VSI).Here,we evaluated whether NIRS combined with statistical modeling can accurately detect early variations in N concentration in leaves of young plants of Annona emargiaata and developed a new VSI for this task.Plants were grown in a hydroponics system with 0,2.75,5.5or 11 mM N for 45 days.Then we measured gas exchange,chlorophylla fluorescence,and pigments in leaves;analyzed complete leaf nutrients,and recorded spectral data for leaves at 966 to 1685 nm using NIRS.With a statistical learning approach,the dimensionality of the spectral data was reduced,then models were generated using two classes(N deficiency,N)or four classes(0,2.75,5.5,11 mM N).The best combination of techniques for dimensionality reduction and classification,respectively,was stepwise regression(PROC STEPDISC)and linear discriminant function.It was possible to detect N deficiency in seedlings leaves with 100%precision,and the four N concentrations with93.55%accuracy before photosynthetic damage to the plant occurred.Thereby,NIRS combined with statistical modeling of multidimensional data is effective for detecting N variations in seedlings leaves of A.emarginata.

Solanum lycopersicum: Novelties for Climate Factors and Its Agronomic Management for High Yields

The intensive production of vegetables such as tomatoes depends on various strategies to achieve high yields.Purpose of this manuscript is to provide scientific and technological strategies for the intensive production of tomato or other vegetables in mega-production factories. However, with the advancement of knowledge, new improvements in the strategies will be incorporated. We have carried out research related to growth and yield variables in S. Lycopersicum. From this research we have worked on the intensive production of this noble vegetable at an industrial level. The results obtained are improvements in the production system. The improvements include the selection of the appropriate variety, germination and development of seedlings in a certified nursery. Trans-plantation in soil or hydroponics. The conditions of nutrient applications from the irrigation head system. The ventilation system and monitoring of climatic factors both day and night (temperature and relative humidity). Monitoring of macro- and micronutrients in the plant system, including Ca, K, Fe, and Zn. Soil fertility analyzes should include: primary and secondary macronutrients (ppm), organic matter (OM), EC, pH, bulk density (BD), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The nutritional diagnosis to confirm ranges of sufficiency. As a tool in plant nutrition programs, foliar application can include biostimulants and growth regulators. The foregoing can be considered strategies for the integral management of the tomato crop.

Tolerance of Urochloa brizantha cv.MG5 to Mn Toxicity

Available information of the effects of manganese nutrition on the forage genus Urochloa is scarce. In the context, this study aims to evaluate the tolerance of Urochloa brizantha cv. MG5 to Mn toxicity. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the University of the State of Sao Paulo (UNESP) in the city of Jaboticabal, SP. Plants were cultivated in vases (3.5 L) filled with soil according to a completely randomized experimental design comprising of five levels of Mn (0, 15, 30, 60 and 120 mg?dm?3) and four replications and cut in two periods: one is 42 days after sowing and the other is 30 days after the first one. Samples from both cuts were evaluated as to plant height, number of leaves and tillers, dry weight, Mn content and accumulation, and the green index was determined in the last cut. Manganese addition to soil caused an increase in chlorophyll content at the dosage of 68 mg?dm?3 observed in the second plant cut. Dosages of Mn above 15 mg?dm?3 did not induce increases in nutrient accumulation and in the number of leaves in the first and second cuts of the grass, and tillers in the first cut. The highest concentrations of manganese in the shoots did not produce visual symptoms of damage or a decrease in forage productivity demonstrating that Urochloa brizantha cv. MG5 has high tolerance to manganese toxicity.

Nutrient Accumulation in Amaryllis

Amaryllis plants (Hippeastrum hybrid, in the family Amaryllidaceae) are cultivated in Brazil mainly for bulb export. Studies about the nutrient accumulation dynamics by the species are yet incipient when considering Brazilian cultivation conditions. The objective was to determine the nutrient accumulation in amaryllis “Orange Souvereign” cultivated in the field. The experimental design was entirely randomized with four replications and 14 collection periods (at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330, 360, 390, and 420 days after planting). Sampled plants were divided into leaves, bulb, and roots, which were used for determination of nutrient accumulation by leaves (aerial part) and bulb + roots (underground part). Nutrient accumulation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn was calculated for each collection period, and then represented by curves of macro and micronutrient accumulation, as well as accumulation percentages for each plant part. For most macro and micronutrients, the interval of maximum accumulation fell from 301 to 420 days after planting, matching with the cycle final stage of plants cultivated in the field. Accumulated macronutrients by amaryllis plants along the cultivation cycle was, in g&middot;plant-1: 1.57 N;0.19 P;2.58 K;0.64 Ca;0.20 Mg;and 0.29 S, following the descending order: K > N > Ca > S > Mg > P. Accumulated micronutrients, in mg&middot;plant-1, was: 2.18 B;1.17 Cu;22.33 Fe;2.19 Mn;and 4.09 Zn, following the descending order: Fe > Zn > Mn > B > Cu.

Determination of Natural Radioactivity of the <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i>Linn (Roselle) Used in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

In this work, ten medicinal and nutritional leaves samples of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn imported from Mali and Burkina Faso in Côte d’Ivoire and sold on the market were collected. The analysis of these plants using High Purity Germanium detector (HPGE) gamma spectrometry showed the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K varied respectively in the range of (1.74 - 0.11) × 10−3 Bq/kg, (6.72 - 0.61) × 10−4 Bq/kg and (4.65 - 0.54) × 10−3 Bq/kg1 in the leaves of H. sabdariffa. The Average Annual Committed Effective Dose (AACED) values from leaves this plant varied from 251.492 × 10−6 to 68.133 × 10−6 mSv/y. These values found are below 0.30 mSv/y, the world average value for an individual. These results show that there is no radiological risk in consuming “bissap” leaves.

日照市茶树良种快繁技术研究

茶树光自养快繁技术是依据绿色植物光合作用原理,通过人为控制手段,将适宜的光照、温度、水分、气体、营养等物质提供给插穗,增强其光合作用能力,实现插穗快速愈合、生根、萌芽目的。

Potassium and phosphorus transport and signaling in plants

Nitrogen(N), potassium(K), and phosphorus(P) are essential macronutrients for plant growth and development, and their availability affects crop yield. Compared with N, the relatively low availability of K and P in soils limits crop production and thus threatens food security and agricultural sustainability. Improvement of plant nutrient utilization efficiency provides a potential route to overcome the effects of K and P deficiencies. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying how plants sense, absorb, transport, and use K and P is an important prerequisite to improve crop nutrient utilization efficiency. In this review, we summarize current understanding of K and P transport and signaling in plants, mainly taking Arabidopsis thaliana and rice(Oryza sativa) as examples. We also discuss the mechanisms coordinating transport of N and K, as well as P and N.

Iron uptake, signaling, and sensing in plants

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient that affects the growth and development of plants because it participates as a cofactor in numerous physiological and biochemical reactions. As a transition metal, Fe is redoxactive. Fe often exists in soil in the form of insoluble ferric hydroxides that are not bioavailable to plants.Plants have developed sophisticated mechanisms to ensure an adequate supply of Fe in a fluctuating environment. Plants can sense Fe status and modulate the transcription of Fe uptake-associated genes, finallycontrolling Fe uptake from soil to root. There is a critical need to understand the molecular mechanisms bywhich plants maintain Fe homeostasis in response to Fe fluctuations. This review focuses on recentadvances in elucidating the functions of Fe signaling components. Taking Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryzasativa as examples, this review begins by discussing the Fe acquisition systems that control Fe uptake fromsoil, the major components that regulate Fe uptake systems, and the perception of Fe status. Future explorations of Fe signal transduction will pave the way for understanding the regulatory mechanisms that underlie the maintenance of plant Fe homeostasis.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi regulate plant mineral nutrient uptake and partitioning in iron ore tailings undergoing eco-engineered pedogenesis

Excess available K and Fe in Fe ore tailings with organic matter amendment and water-deficiencies may restrain plant colonization and growth,which hinders the formation of eco-engineered soil from these tailings for sustainable and cost-effective mine site rehabilitation.Arbuscular mycorrhizal(AM)fungi are widely demonstrated to assist plant growth under various unfavorable environments.However,it is still unclear whether AM symbiosis in tailings amended with different types of plant biomass and under different water conditions could overcome the surplus K and Fe stress for plants in Fe ore tailings,and if so,by what mechanisms.Here,host plants(Sorghum sp.Hybrid cv.Silk),either colonized or noncolonized by the AM fungi(Glomus spp.),were cultivated in lucerne hay(LH,C:N ratio of 18)-or sugarcane mulch(SM,C:N ratio of 78)-amended Fe ore tailings under well-watered(55%water-holding capacity(WHC)of tailings)or water-deficient(30%WHC of tailings)conditions.Root mycorrhizal colonization,plant growth,and mineral elemental uptake and partitioning were examined.Results indicated that AM fungal colonization improved plant growth in tailings amended with plant biomass under water-deficient conditions.Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization enhanced plant mineral element uptake,especially P,both in the LH-and SM-amended tailings regardless of water condition.Additionally,AM symbiosis development restrained the translocation of excess elements(i.e.,K and Fe)from plant roots to shoots,thereby relieving their phytotoxicity.The AM fungal roles in P uptake and excess elemental partitioning were greater in LH-amended tailings than in SM-amended tailings.Water deficiency weakened AM fungal colonization and functions in terms of mineral element uptake and partitioning.These findings highlighted the vital role AM fungi played in regulating plant growth and nutrition status in Fe ore tailings technosol,providing an important basis for involvement of AM fungi in the eco-engineered pedogenesis of Fe ore tailings.