Plant, Soil and Environment - Latest articles
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Root yield and technological quality of sugar beet as affected by harvest time under the conditions of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine
Dmytro Kyselov, Svitlana Kalenska, Bohdan Mazurenko
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(4):259-270 | DOI: 10.17221/105/2026-PSE 
This study evaluated the effects of hybrid, vegetation period duration, weather conditions, and harvest timing on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) yield and technological quality under short-rotation cropping systems in the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Field experiments were conducted in 2022–2024 on commercial fields using six industrial hybrids and five harvest intervals from late September to mid-November. Root yield, sugar content, sugar yield, α-amino nitrogen, K+ and Na+, invert sugars, and the technological quality index (Iq) were assessed using ANOVA, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis...
Biochar combined with hyperaccumulators: a strategy for remediation of heavy metal composite pollution in mining areas
Tingting Cao, Wei Wang, Jian Wang, Jinbin Li, Xubo Sun, Yan Xu
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(4):239-258 | DOI: 10.17221/503/2025-PSE
In pursuit of a low-cost, pollution-free, and scalable technology for remediating heavy metal pollution in mining areas, this study examines a gold mining area with heavy metal pollution (Cd, Pb, and Hg) and employs soil replacement, biochar passivation, and a combination of hyperaccumulators for the remediation. Results show that both soil replacement and the application of biochar significantly reduce the effective content of these three heavy metals, with pig manure biochar demonstrating superior passivation effects on Pb and Hg compared to fruitwood biochar. Combining biochar with hyperaccumulators leads to better results than using either method...
Slow-release copper efficacy study on wheat: a sustainable solution for efficient crop micronutrient delivery
Farahnaz Nourmohammadian, Hessamoddin Solouki, Wilfried Dossou-Yovo, Cheng Jiang
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(4):228-238 | DOI: 10.17221/41/2026-PSE
This study evaluated a novel slow-release copper fertiliser (soileos Cu) as a sustainable alternative to conventional copper sources for improving wheat yield and nutrient use efficiency. Traditional Cu fertilisers are often limited by rapid leaching and low efficiency, especially on sandy soils with low organic matter, contributing to environmental pollution. They also exhibit low plant-use efficiency due to strong adsorption and immobilisation in soils rich in organic matter and clay minerals, thereby reducing copper availability in the soil solution and contributing to environmental pollution. A multi-scale approach was employed, including laboratory...
Synergistic root-photosynthesis responses to phosphorus rates optimise grain appearance quality in phosphorus‑efficient rice cultivars
Jing Cao, Li Wang, Qinyao Meng, Hao Cheng, Xihui Zhao, Guowei Xu
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(4):211-227 | DOI: 10.17221/35/2026-PSE
Combining phosphorus management with phosphorus-efficient cultivars is an effective strategy for improving rice quality. To investigate their effects on root characteristics and photosynthetic traits, a pot experiment was conducted with two rice cultivars differing in phosphorus efficient: Liangeng 7 (weakly efficient) and Yongyou 2640 (highly efficient). Four phosphorus rates (0, 0.44, 0.88, and 1.32 g/pot, designated as P0, P1, P2, and P3, respectively) were applied. A significant cultivar-phosphorus interaction was observed. Most root traits (the length, dry weight, volume, total absorption area, active absorption area, oxidation activity, and acid...
Greenhouse gas emissions from alluvial soils in grassland and cropland in northern part of Europe’s temperate climate zone (Latvia)
Raitis Normunds Meļņiks, Arta Bārdule, Oleh Prysiazhniuk, Oksana Maliarenko, Inga Jansone, Sanita Zute, Aldis Butlers, Andis Lazdiņš
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(3):194-209 | DOI: 10.17221/323/2025-PSE
Alluvial soils have high importance for both agriculture and biodiversity; however, these soils can also contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions including carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4). In this study, we examined GHG fluxes of three grassland and two cropland sites with alluvial soils in Abava river floodplain, Latvia (Europe). Soil CO2 fluxes representing heterotrophic respiration (Rhet) were determined using a portable CO2 gas analyser, while ecosystem respiration (Reco), soil CH4 and N2O fluxes were quantified using...
Nitrogen application rates mediate rice cooking quality by interfering with root anatomical and senescence physiological traits
Li Wang, Jing Cao, Hao Cheng, Qinyao Meng, Haojing Li, Guowei
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(3):172-193 | DOI: 10.17221/20/2026-PSE
Nitrogen fertiliser is a key determinant of rice yield and grain quality; however, the synergistic mechanisms through which nitrogen regulates root anatomical structure, physiological traits, and cooking quality in rice varieties with different eating properties remain unclear. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted using two moderate-eating-quality cultivars (Xudao 3 and Huageng 9) and two superior-eating-quality cultivars (Zhengdao C42 and Nangeng 9308) under four nitrogen levels (0, 0.59, 1.18, and 1.76 g/pot, designated as N0, N1, N2, and N3, respectively). Cooking quality was assessed by amylose content, gel consistency, and alkali spreading...
The effect of hydrogel and precipitation-thermal conditions on the yield and content of antinutritional compounds in potato
Krystyna Zarzecka, Marek Gugała, Iwona Mystkowska, Emilia Rzążewska
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(3):165-171 | DOI: 10.17221/16/2026-PSE
A field experiment was conducted with potatoes to examine the effects of hydrogel application and weather conditions on total tuber yield and the content of potentially harmful compounds – glycoalkaloids and nitrates. The first experimental factor comprised three table cultivars: Lawenda, Rima and Provita. The second factor consisted of three treatments: the application of the hydrogel AgroNanoGel Basic at 60 and 90 kg/ha, and a control treatment without hydrogel. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant effects of cultivar, hydrogel application rates, and hydrothermal conditions in the study years on potato tuber yield. The highest yields...
Long-term effects of organic and mineral fertilisation on soil manganese dynamics and agricultural sustainability
Sarfo Kwaku Obeng, Martin Kulhánek, Jiří Balík, Jindřich Černý, Ondřej Sedlář
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(3):155-164 | DOI: 10.17221/562/2025-PSE
Manganese (Mn) is often underestimated in plant nutrition. Its availability to plants is influenced by several factors, which can lead to Mn deficiency or toxicity. The objective was to evaluate the transformation of soil Mn over 21 years in a long-term field experiment. Fertilising with (i) sewage sludge 1 (SS1); (ii) sewage sludge 3 (3 times higher nitrogen (N) dose, SS3); (iii) farmyard manure (FYM); (iv) mineral nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) and (v) mineral nitrogen in addition to straw (Nst) was studied to evaluate the transformations of Mn in soil using different extraction methods at the 5 locations. There was a general reduction...
Sensing weeds and crops using thermal and hyperspectral imaginary
Hana Vašková, Alois Bilavčík, Milan Kroulík, Jan Lukáš
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(2):146-154 | DOI: 10.17221/534/2025-PSE
The availability of new sensor technologies, such as thermal and hyperspectral imaging, enables early-stage weed detection and species identification and density estimation, both of which are crucial for effective weed management. Thermal imaging successfully distinguished between dicotyledonous (oilseed rape, pea, Stellaria media, Triplerospermum inodorum, Veronica persica) and monocotyledonous species (barley, wheat, sorghum and Echinochloa crus-galli) except Amaranthus retroflexus, during early growth stages. The most pronounced differences in hyperspectral reflectance occurred at 550 nm, where five distinct plant...
Japonica-type Indica-Japonica hybrid rice increases yield with reduced CH4 and N2O emissions
Xiaorong Mo, Changxin Xu, Yaru Wang, Fuping Fang, Jinfei Feng, Honghang Wang, Fengbo Li
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(2):138-145 | DOI: 10.17221/402/2025-PSE
Rice paddy fields serve as an important source of stable food supply and a notable contributor to atmospheric methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Rice cultivar selection acts as a pivotal factor in regulating greenhouse gas (GHGs) of CH4 and N2O emissions from rice paddy fields. However, little is known about how different types of rice cultivars affect CH4 and N2O emissions. In the study, three types of rice cultivars, including Japonica-type Indica-Japonica hybrid rice (JHR: ZJY1578 and JHY5), Indica-type hybrid rice (IHR: ZZY8 and JFY2), and inbred rice (IR:...
Impact of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) variety on the seed and stem yield, biochemical characteristics of the inflorescences and nutritional quality of seeds
Marko Flajšman, Anita Kušar, Helena Abramovič, Jerneja Jakopič, Darja Kocjan Ačko, Barbara Čeh
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(2):122-137 | DOI: 10.17221/556/2025-PSE
Hemp is becoming increasingly popular, and many new varieties are coming onto the market to meet the requirements of different industries. In this study, the seed and stem yield, seed nutritional properties and the biochemical characteristics of the inflorescences of seven European varieties (Fedora 17, Futura 75, KC Dóra, Monoica, Santhica 27, Tiborszallasi, USO 31) were investigated in a 3-year field trial. Futura 75 and Tiborszallasi stand out as varieties with the highest potential in the conditions of the experiment (humid continental climate with oceanic influences, heavy soil). Futura 75 achieved the highest seed yield (505 kg/ha dry matter),...
Dissecting genetic variability and character associations of physiological, biochemical, agronomic, and yield traits in rice genotypes under salinity stress
Heba A. ElSherbiny, Mahrous E. Negm, Hassan Sh. Hamad, Elsayed A. Abo-Marzoka, Dalia E. El-Sharnobi, Nessreen N. Bassuony, Neama K. ElKholy, Fatmah A. Safhi, Dalal S. Alshaya, Nora M. Al Aboud, Elsayed Mansour
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(2):102-121 | DOI: 10.17221/531/2025-PSE
Salinity stress poses an increasing threat to global rice production, particularly under climate change. Enhancing salinity tolerance is crucial to sustain rice production and food security. This study aimed to assess genetic variation among rice parental genotypes and their derived crosses under salinity stress by evaluating physiological, biochemical, agronomic, and yield-related traits. Seven diverse rice genotypes were used to develop 21 crosses using a half-diallel mating design in the summer of 2023. The parental genotypes and their derived crosses were evaluated in the summer of 2024 under controlled greenhouse lysimeter conditions. Salinity...
Drought-induced metabolic adjustments in woodland strawberry leaves: the role of soluble carbohydrates and starch
Jaromír Hamet, Hana Konrádová, Helena Lipavská
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(2):87-101 | DOI: 10.17221/561/2025-PSE
Water deficit is one of the most important abiotic factors limiting crop yields. To better understand the link between carbohydrate balance and drought stress response in strawberry plants (Fragaria vesca), we monitored by liquid chromatography the carbohydrate status in leaves during exposure to drought of different duration and intensity as well as subsequent recovery. In two greenhouse experiments that differed in the rate of reaching the target water deficit, strawberry leaves showed osmotic adjustment, with gradual increases in glucose and fructose content, likely provided by observed starch degradation. At the point of the most severe stress,...
Assessment of mineral nutrients and risk elements in plants growing on soils polluted by magnesite emissions
Margita Kuklová, Ján Kukla, Jana Luptáková, František Hnilička, Tomáš Rýgl
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(2):77-86 | DOI: 10.17221/443/2025-PSE
Changes in the content of mineral nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, Na) and risk elements (Mn, Cd) in the assimilatory organs of selected plant species were studied along the altitudinal gradient of A‒D zones polluted by alkaline emissions from the magnesite factory Lubeník (Slovak Republic). Multivariate statistical analysis and comparison with background values in other studies demonstrate persistent intoxication of some plants by Mg (all study plants), K (Lactuca saligna, Dryopteris filix-mas), Mn (Quercus polycarpa, Carpinus betulus, Betula pendula, Lactuca saligna) and Cd (Quercus polycarpa, Carpinus...
Foliar silicon modulates structural and biochemical responses of buckwheat to water deficit
Jiri Krucky, Vaclav Hejnak, Pavla Vachova, Jana Ceska, Jan Kubes, Milan Skalický
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(1):66-75 | DOI: 10.17221/539/2025-PSE
Drought is a major abiotic stressor that limits crop growth and is often associated with oxidative stress. We evaluated whether foliar silicon (Si) application affects primary root anatomy, plant height, and phenolic metabolism in three common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) cultivars (La Harpe, Panda, and Smuga) exposed to water deficit. Plants were grown under controlled conditions in four treatments: control; drought; control + Si, and drought + Si. Qualitative anatomical assessment revealed that Si promoted more advanced development of the primary root central cylinder, most notably in La Harpe under drought conditions, where a continuous...
Decoupling of stomatal and mesophyll recovery drives photosynthetic resilience to water deficit in sugar beet: evidence from multiscale structural and functional traits
Yangyang Li, Zengyuan Tian, Jixia Su, Kaiyong Wang, Pengpeng Zhang, Hua Fan
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(1):49-65 | DOI: 10.17221/564/2025-PSE
Water deficit severely constrains sugar beet productivity by impairing photosynthetic capacity. However, the underlying structure-function mechanisms conferring photosynthetic resilience remain poorly characterised. This study investigates the temporal dynamics of photosynthetic limitations and structural adaptations in sugar beet during water deficit and subsequent rehydration. We found that water deficit significantly reduced the maximum net CO2 assimilation rate (ANmax) and the Rubisco carboxylation rate (Vcmax) by impairing CO2 diffusion and biochemical processes. The reduction in photosynthetic capacity...
The changes in growth and metabolic adaptation responses in Java plum seedlings exposed to Cassia javanica extract under salinity
Abeer H. Elhakem, Rasha S. El-Serafy
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(1):39-48 | DOI: 10.17221/374/2025-PSE
Developing and employing new, sustainable, and eco-friendly biostimulants that enhance plant growth and alleviate the harmful effects of environmental challenges is a major focus for many researchers. Salt stress is a critical constraint on plant growth and a limiting factor in crop productivity, particularly during the early developmental stages in the nurseries. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Java plum) is an important fruit tree and widely cultivated in gardens as an ornamental plant. This study was designed to develop Cassia javanica subsp. nodosa leaf extract (CLE) as a new sustainable and eco-friendly biostimulant capable of...
Effect of fertilisation and utilisation methods of red clover on surface nutrient balance
Halyna Panakhyd, Nadiia Kozak, Yurii Olifir, Tetiana Partyka, Oleh Havryshko, Hryhorii Konyk, Oleh Stasiv
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(1):28-38 | DOI: 10.17221/369/2025-PSE
The research was conducted in a long-term stationary experiment established on light grey forest surface-gleyed soil in 1965. Data presented in this study were collected during 2022–2024 growing seasons within the framework of this long-term experiment. The experiment is registered in the NAAS long-term field experiments registry (certificate No. 29) and the Global Long-Term Agricultural Experiments Network (GLTEN). The study examined the effect of growing red clover in a four-field crop rotation on nutrient balance at different fertiliser and lime doses and ratios. Red clover was used for feed and feed-green manure purposes. The research aimed...
The temperature sensitivity of stable organic carbon storage rises with increasing soil salinity
Chao Li, Yanling Tian, Wei He, Yanhong Lou, Hong Pan, Quangang Yang, Guoqing Hu, Yuping Zhuge, Hui Wang
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(1):16-27 | DOI: 10.17221/479/2025-PSE
Soil salinisation is a key determinant in soil fertility decline, exerting a direct negative impact on soil organic carbon. In the context of global warming, investigating the response mechanisms of soil organic carbon pools with varying salinity levels to climate change is essential for accurately assessing the carbon cycle and emission potential of degraded soils. Based on soil samples (B1–B6) collected along a coastal salinity gradient, indoor incubation experiments were conducted at 15 °C and 25 °C to characterise soil respiration and its temperature sensitivity (Q10). Double-exponential models were used to simulate soil organic carbon (SOC)...
Role of glycine betaine in mitigating salt-induced oxidative stress in Vigna radiata
Khalid H. Alamer
Plant Soil Environ., 2026, 72(1):1-15 | DOI: 10.17221/451/2025-PSE
The impact of exogenously applied glycine betaine (GB; 0, 5, 10, 20 and 50 mmol) was evaluated in preventing Vigna radiata from the adverse effects of salt (100 mmol NaCl) stress. Salinity reduced growth parameters, such as plant height and fresh and dry weight of plants, while GB application significantly alleviated the decline. Salinity stress led to a decline in total chlorophylls and carotenoids, as well as a reduction in the net photosynthetic rate and gas exchange attributes, including stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and intercellular CO2. However, GB supplementation significantly alleviated this decline. Salinity...
Genotypic variation in physiological, biochemical, and transcriptional responses to drought stress in spring barley at an early growth stage
Šarlota Kaňuková, Marcela Gubišová, Martina Hudcovicová, Jozef Gubiš, Katarína Ondreičková
Plant Soil Environ., 2025, 71(12):905-922 | DOI: 10.17221/406/2025-PSE
Drought is a major abiotic stress limiting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) productivity. We evaluated 17 spring barley genotypes at the early leaf development stage under controlled laboratory conditions with optimal and drought treatments, integrating physiological, biochemical, and molecular traits. Drought reduced relative water content (–1.3% to –3.2%), plant height (–14.7% to –29.6%), and dry biomass (–2.3% to –24.9%), while inducing strong proline accumulation (+23.6% to +454%) and pigment loss (chlorophyll a –10.1% to –79.5%; carotenoids –6.2% to –70.9%). Principal component and...
Exploring the impact of potassium fertiliser rate and split ratio on rice yield and quality in China: a meta-analysis
Lijuan Deng, Duoji Wu, Weiqi Yuan, Zongqiang Wei, Yanlan Huang, Zhihua Hu, Jianfu Wu
Plant Soil Environ., 2025, 71(12):891-904 | DOI: 10.17221/315/2025-PSE
Potassium (K) is crucial for rice yield and quality, but continuous yield increase reduces protein content, challenging the balance between high yield and quality. This study analysed 3 178 case studies (1994–2024) on K management impacts on rice yield, grain protein, and amylose content, evaluating effects of K fertiliser rates, base-topdressing ratios, planting regions, and soil properties. The results showed that K application significantly increased rice yield, protein content and amylose content by 11.6, 2.0 and 1.0%, respectively. Importantly, we identified targeted K fertilisation strategies tailored to different quality goals: optimising...
Response of potato tuber yield to NPK fertiliser in China: a meta-analysis
Shun Li, Lei Zeng, Ling Zhao
Plant Soil Environ., 2025, 71(12):883-890 | DOI: 10.17221/514/2025-PSE
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an economically significant food crop in China, and increasing tuber yield is a national priority. We conducted a meta-analysis utilising 180 studies and 1 583 pairs of observations to quantify the effects of fertilisation on potato tuber yield using data on climate, soil nutrients, and planting strategies. Compared with no fertilisation, fertilisation increased tuber yield by 33.64% overall. Applying single N, P, or K fertilisers increased yield by 33.64, 23.37, and 16.18%, respectively; combined NP, NK, and PK applications increased yield by 33.64, 36.34, and 19.12%, respectively. The greatest yield increase...
Remediation of cadmium-polluted acidic soil with dolomite and calcite to enhance soil health and pak choi growth
Muhammad Shaaban, Lei Wu, Aneela Younas, Yupeng Wu
Plant Soil Environ., 2025, 71(12):873-882 | DOI: 10.17221/390/2025-PSE
Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils threatens crop productivity and food safety. This study examined the use of dolomite and calcite amendments in reducing Cd toxicity in pak choi grown in Cd-contaminated soil. Treatments included: control (CK), Calcite 1 (Cal1, 10 g/kg soil), Calcite 2 (Cal2, 20 g/kg soil), Dolomite 1 (Dol1, 10 g/kg soil), and Dolomite 2 (Dol2, 20 g/kg soil). Amendments significantly increased soil pH (P ≤ 0.05), with Cal2 (6.5) and Dol2 (6.2) achieving the highest values at harvest. Cd availability declined (P ≤ 0.05), with Dol2 being the most effective, reducing the toxicity characteristic...
Multi-trait evaluation of oilseed rape varieties
Katarzyna Waszak, Konrad Banaś, Jacek Broniarz, Tomasz Lenartowicz, Henryk Bujak, Agnieszka Łacka, Marcin Przystalski
Plant Soil Environ., 2025, 71(12):860-872 | DOI: 10.17221/337/2025-PSE
The multifaceted nature of agricultural management and environmental factors complicates the production of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). This study evaluated 25 varieties (21 hybrids and four populations) in three growing seasons (2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23) in Poland. The focus was on yield, fat content, and resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The analyses revealed significant variability among the varieties, with the hybrids performing better consistently in terms of yield and fat content. The level of resistance to Sclerotinia was similar in hybrid and population varieties. Furthermore, DK Excited was found...
Occurrence of herbicides and their transformation products in sewage sludge: a review
Madhusha Mihirani Subasinghe, Filip Mercl, Sreynet Nang, Altyn Taisheva, Pavel Tlustoš
Plant Soil Environ., 2025, 71(12):849-859 | DOI: 10.17221/485/2025-PSE
The beneficial reuse of sewage sludge in agricultural soils is limited by the accumulation of micropollutants of emerging concern, which may pose significant environmental and human health risks. This review summarises recent advances in understanding the occurrence, persistence, and fate of herbicides and their transformation products in sewage sludge. Data from various geographic regions are discussed, with a focus on implications for the safe reuse of biosolids in agriculture. Most available studies have been conducted in European Union countries, where land application of biosolids is a common practice. Twelve groups of herbicides and their transformation...
Effects of microplastics on farmland soils and plants: a review
Minhua Zhang, Weiguan Li, Qingkui Li, Aneela Younas, Muhammad Shaaban, Yuyang Li, Jing Liu, Yanfang Wang, Zhanqiang Ma, Zhaoyong Shi, Hongtao Shen, Ling Liu
Plant Soil Environ., 2025, 71(12):829-848 | DOI: 10.17221/180/2025-PSE
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size, which are widely present and have become one of the major pollutants in the natural environment, and are increasingly recognised as emerging pollutants in agricultural ecosystems. Due to their small size and high mobility, MPs can easily migrate into farmland soils and attach to plant surfaces, thereby altering the physical, chemical and microbial properties of the soil. These changes may affect seed germination, plant growth, and physiological and biochemical functions. This review systematically synthesises current research on the impact of MPs on agricultural soil, focusing on...
Geographical variations in soil properties and bacterial community diversity across major lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) cultivation regions in the Ili River Valley
Junnan Jian, Shimin Tang, Shengjun Zhang, Ling Zhu, Bian Ran, Xuechao Zhang, Weikang Luo, Shilei Dong
Plant Soil Environ., 2025, 71(11):805-819 | DOI: 10.17221/377/2025-PSE
The Ili region hosts China’s largest lavender cultivation base, yet soil bacterial diversity in its primary cultivation areas remains understudied. To address this, we compared soil bacterial communities across four major cultivation counties (Chabuchar, Agricultural Research Institute, Yining, and Huocheng). Essential oil profiles, soil properties, and bacterial community characteristics were analysed to elucidate microbial variations and environmental interactions. The results showed that: (1) The essential oil yield (1.14%) and linalool content (41.04%) in the Huocheng County cultivation area were significantly higher than those in other areas,...
Quantitative and qualitative changes in the green mass protein of white lupin during the growing season
Eva Straková, Pavel Suchý
Plant Soil Environ., 2025, 71(11):820-828 | DOI: 10.17221/334/2025-PSE
The aim of the study was to assess the quantitative and qualitative changes in crude protein of the white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) green mass during the growing season in stands of three cultivars of white lupin (ZULIKA, AMIGA, DIETA), intended for feeding purposes as protein roughage, when grown under the same soil and climatic conditions in the Czech Republic. Changes in the crude protein and amino acid content were monitored during the growing season from the 9th to the 18th week of stand age. Changes in the crop dry weight were characterised by a statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in crude protein...
Improvement of salt stress tolerance in sugar beet: role of gamma irradiation and cultivar-specific responses
Maisam Naji, Marjan Diyanat, Davood Habibi, Mehdi Sadeghi Shoa, Weria Wisany
Plant Soil Environ., 2025, 71(11):793-804 | DOI: 10.17221/346/2025-PSE
This study investigates the effects of salt stress and gamma irradiation on growth, biochemical, and physiological responses in three sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars. Control plants were irrigated with fresh water (EC = 1.1 dS/m), whereas salt stress was imposed with an irrigation of 9 dS/m. Seeds were irradiated with gamma rays (0, 50, 100, 200, 400 Gy) before sowing. Exposure to salt stress reduced root yield (RY), sugar yield (SY), chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). In contrast, oxidative damage increased, as indicated by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. Interestingly,...