Fulltext search in archive

Rice serves as a crucial staple food for nearly half of the world’s population. However, rice paddies contribute remarkably to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Prior studies often showed a trade-off between reducing GHG emissions and impairing rice yield. In this study, we explore the possibility of employing modulating probiotics to develop a win-win strategy for enhancing rice yields while reducing GHG emissions. Three paired plots of rice paddies were used in the field experiment during the spring growing season (from February to July 2022). Each pair of plots was divided into control and probiotic addition paddies to investigate the effects of modulating probiotic treatment on GHG emissions using the whole-plant chambers. Our results revealed notable reductions in GHG emissions and increases in rice yield with the probiotic treatment relative to the control. The probiotic treatment resulted in a 47.58% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, a 21.53% reduction in methane (CH₄) emissions, and an impressive 88.50% reduction in nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions over the growing season. We also observed a 27.75% increase in rice yield with the probiotic treatment. These findings suggest that employing modulating probiotics has the potential to pave the way for mutually beneficial outcomes, enhancing rice productivity while mitigating the GHG emissions associated with rice cultivation.

Salinity represents a significant abiotic stress that markedly influences plant growth through osmotic stress induction. Plants commonly undergo osmotic adaptation when subjected to prolonged periods of saline stress. The current experiments were conducted on five wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes with contrasting salt tolerance capacities – Mirbashir 128, Gobustan, Gyzyl bughda, Fatima, and Zirva 80 under salinity stress caused by 150 mmol NaCl. The relative water content and osmotic potential were found to decrease significantly in salinity-sensitive genotypes (Fatima and Zirva 80) compared to salinity-tolerant ones (Mirbashir 128, Gobustan, and Gyzyl bughda) when treated with 150 mmol NaCl. Salinity also caused the accumulation of soluble sugars and proline, the amounts of which were observed to be higher in salinity-tolerant genotypes than sensitive ones, while lipid peroxidation was higher in salinity-sensitive genotypes. In salinity-tolerant genotypes, 150 mmol NaCl caused increased antioxidant enzyme activities and accumulation of flavonoids, including anthocyanins, confirming the rapid development of the stress reactions in these plants. Differences in the osmoregulation indicators and antioxidant responses between salinity-tolerant and sensitive plants are assumed to be related to their salinity-tolerance traits. This investigation provides pivotal foundational insights for enhancing the salt tolerance of wheat genotypes, thereby potentially enhancing both yield and quality in diverse wheat cultivars thriving in saline environments.

The study aimed at the isolation of microorganisms from aminopyralid (AP)-contaminated soil, evaluation of their ability to degrade AP, and examination of the effects of AP on microbial growth. Geotrichum candidum, Cladosporium herbarum, Candida subhashii, and Paenarthrobacter nicotinovorans were isolated and identified using enrichment. None of those strains were able to degrade 100 ppm AP within 2–3 weeks. In contrast, collection strains Pleurotus ostreatus ‘Spoppo’ and Bacillus velezensis FZB42 reduced AP concentration by 35.1% and 47.8%, respectively. Low sensitivity of growth to AP (400 ppm) on the malt-extract-agar medium was observed; inhibition values for C. herbarum and G. candidum were 52.4% and 22.8%, respectively, compared to 33.7% inhibition found with P. ostreatus ‘Spoppo’. Promotion of fungal growth was observed at low AP concentrations in the Czapek-Dox medium, the highest effect being in G. candidum. The growth promotion effect was confirmed with P. ostreatus ‘Spoppo’growing on wheat straw contaminated with Mustang Forte and Corello herbicides; total fruiting body mass yield increased 1.25- and 1.37-fold, respectively. The study offers insight into future strategies for mitigating the environmental impact of synthetic auxin herbicides.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous 2, 4-epibrassinolide (EBR) on the yield of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.). A 2-year field experiment was conducted on Tartary buckwheat (cv. Jinqiao 2) with different concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/L) of EBR and brassinolide (BRZ, inhibitor of brassinolide synthesis). The seed setting rate, agronomic traits, and yield initially increased and then decreased with an increase in the EBR application rate. The seed setting rate, agronomic traits, and yield decreased gradually with an increase in BRZ concentration, and yield was the lowest at 2.0 mg/L. The appropriate application of exogenous EBR could promote the increase of Tartary buckwheat yield. Compared with 0 mg/L (control), the 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/L treatments increased yield by 13.53, 32.73, and 7.08%, respectively, while the high-concentration treatment (2.0 mg/L) decreased by 4.13%. In conclusion, the appropriate concentration of EBR treatment (0.5 mg/L) delayed the senescence of Tartary buckwheat by increasing its root activity and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in leaves. Simultaneously, it increased the chlorophyll content of Tartary buckwheat leaves, enhanced photosynthesis, increased nonstructural carbohydrate content, and augmented the "source," increasing the seed setting rate and yield of Tartary buckwheat. This concentration is recommended for use in the production of Tartary buckwheat.

Covering hop waste composting piles with semipermeable membrane after the thermophilic phase until spring, when the compost was ready to use, reduced the volume of leachate and leached nutrients amounts significantly; there was a negligible amount of leachate and low amount of leached nutrients during winter and spring at all treatments. At treatments with additives (biochar, preparation effective microorganisms) and larger percent of particles of 2–5 cm, it was indicated that composting pile should probably also be covered in the first months of composting and be opened only when turning/mixing it; on the other hand, the amount of leachate was much lower in a pile without additives and particles of 2–10 cm by the time of covering (2.2- and 2.5-fold less respectively) and the amount of leached nutrients as well. All treatments produced compost without a bad smell, had a total nitrogen content greater than 2%, could be considered as mature (the C : N ratio was below 20) and stable, and the biomass hygienisation threshold was reached. However, there were some significant differences among them. The compost of the pile with added biochar and starting hop waste biomass particles of 2–5 cm was considered phytotoxic (germination index of radish was 31%); also, its other results were less promising in comparison to other treatments. The pile with no additive and the starting particles of waste hop biomass 2 to 10 cm, mixed properly related to regular temperature measurements in the thermophilic phase, reached the best results; the leachate amount and leaked nutrients amount were significantly the lowest, while the final compost contained significantly higher amount of nutrients and had the highest germination index.

In this study, we assessed the salt tolerance of 38 wheat cultivars from primary wheat cultivation regions in China using a membership function value (MFV) during the germination and seedling emergence stages. Based on salt tolerance assessment, three contrasting groups were classified, with 10 tolerant, 23 moderately tolerant and 5 sensitive cultivars under low salt stress, and 4 tolerant, 25 moderately tolerant and 9 sensitive cultivars under high salt stress and in addition to Na⁺ and K⁺ homeostasis regulation, nitrogen efficient transfer from seed to plant tissues denoted the significant positive correlation with salt tolerance, confirming the importance of nutrient spectra organisation. Salt-tolerant and moderately tolerant cultivars had lower trait network modularity than salt-sensitive cultivars, demonstrating that wheat with different salt tolerance uses alternative strategies to cope with salt stress. These results were important for germplasm evaluation and variety breeding of salt tolerance in wheat.

The influence of spermidine (Spd) on wheat ascorbate and glutathione metabolism, copper (Cu) accumulation and photosynthetic performance under Cu stress was studied. The findings displayed that Cu stress boosted reduced ascorbate (AsA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents by improving ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH) and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-ECS) activities. Nevertheless, Cu stress promoted malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and electrolyte leakage (EL) level, and lowered AsA/dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and GSH/oxidised glutathione (GSSG). Meanwhile, Cu stress promoted Cu accumulation in plant tissues. It declined net photosynthetic rate (Pn), chlorophyll fluorescence parameter maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids (Car) contents, and wheat height and biomass. In this way, Cu stresses limited wheat growth. Compared with Cu stress, Spd plus Cu stress enhanced APX, GR, DHAR, MDHAR, GalLDH and γ-ECS activities to 4.75, 5.14, 3.77, 2.96, 3.24 and 2.83 U/g FW (fresh weight), respectively. This way, Spd further increased AsA and GSH contents to 4.62 and 0.78 µmol/g FW under Cu stress. Meanwhile, Spd increased AsA/DHA to 14.60 and GSH/GSSG to 15.97 and declined MDA content to 11.68 nmol/g FW and EL to 17.00% under Cu stress. Besides, Spd declined Cu content in leaves to 68.8 µg/g DW and roots to 152.9 µg/g DW and respectively increased Pn, Fv/Fm and Chl and Car contents to 15.22 µmol/m2/s, 0.74, 1.55 mg/g FW and 0.38 mg/g FW. In this way, Spd promoted wheat growth under Cu stress. Meanwhile, we found that Spd alone also improved the ascorbate and glutathione metabolism, photosynthetic performance, and wheat growth compared to the control. These results illustrated that Spd mitigated wheat Cu toxicity by reducing Cu accumulation and improving ascorbate and glutathione metabolism and photosynthetic performance. Hence, using Spd will be a good strategy to improve the Cu tolerance of wheat crops in the future.

Crop residue management is a major concern in agricultural ecosystems. These residues can be recycled into biochar and compost to efficiently promote soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in farmlands. However, the influences of straw and its derived materials on SOC (especially on humus fractions) in soil aggregates of varying sizes are largely unknown. To understand these effects, a nine-year field experiment was conducted on calcareous black soil, including five treatments: CK – no fertiliser; NPK – mineral nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertiliser; NPKS – NPK + straw; NPKC – NPK + compost, and NPKB – NPK + biochar. Compared to CK and NPK, the NPKS and NPKC treatments resulted in a noticeable rise (P < 0.05) in the proportion of aggregates with > 0.25 mm size (R0.25), as well as in the mean weight diameter and geometric mean diameter at 0–20 cm depth. The NPKS, NPKC, and NPKB treatments significantly (P < 0.05) increased the contents of large macroaggregates (> 2 mm), small macroaggregates (2~0.25 mm), microaggregates (0.25~0.053 mm), and non-aggregates in the 0–20 cm soil layer, as well as the levels of SOC, humic acid carbon (HAC) and humin carbon (HUC). These treatments also significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced organic carbon storage in the topsoil (0~20 cm). The effects were more pronounced after NPKB treatment relative to NPKS. Compared to CK, the application of mineral fertilisers alone and combined with organic materials significantly (P < 0.05) improved crop yields. The study’s results indicate that the application of organic materials from corn significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced both soil quality and corn yield, with straw-derived biochar showing better effects on soil carbon sequestration.

This study investigates the impact of prolonged sugarcane cultivation on the pedo-morphological characteristics and physicochemical properties of three soil types: Entisols, Inceptisols, and Vertisols, as a basis for determining the improvement step ensuring the sustainability of sugarcane production in Indonesia. Soil samples were collected from fields of sugarcane cultivated for 10, 20, and 30 years to analyse pedo-morphological and physicochemical properties. The results indicate that while Entisols and Inceptisols exhibited significant changes in soil properties with increasing cultivation duration, the pedo-morphology of Vertisols remained relatively stable. All soil types developed Ap horizons due to sugarcane cultivation, with anthropogenic practices leading to more dynamic changes in surface horizons. Extended cultivation reduced soil organic matter, N-total, and available nitrogen, while phosphorus and exchangeable cation availability were influenced by mineral composition. Notably, cation exchange capacity (CEC) decreased in Entisols and Inceptisols but increased in Vertisols. For productivity, Vertisols demonstrated the most stable and highest sugarcane productivity with long-term monoculture cultivation. There is a need for tailored sustainable soil management across different soil types and practices to mitigate soil degradation and maintain nutrient availability to ensure the sustainability of sugarcane production in Indonesia.

This study investigated the potential risks of cadmium (Cd) toxicity in buffaloes grazing on forages that were cultivated in soils irrigated by various sources of wastewater. The absorption of trace metals (TM) by plants and their subsequent entry into the food chain pose a significant danger to grazing animals through the accumulation of contaminated fodder. The mean concentration of Cd in the water ranged from 0.18–1.78 mg/L, in the soil 0.63 to 1.87 mg/kg, in the forage 0.20 to 1.32 mg/kg, and in the blood 0.26 to 1.98 mg/L. Among all three sites, canal water (CW Site I), groundwater (GW Site II), and sewage water (SW Site III), the concentration factor (CF) values were below the threshold of 1 (CF < 1), indicating the nominal environmental concern regarding Cd contents in the soil-plant interface. In addition, a prominent variation was noticed in the transfer factor (TF) of Cd across different sites, with the highest TF observed in Avena sativa L. at SW Site III (0.8) and the lowest in Pennisetum glaucum L. at CW Site I (0.27). Furthermore, the hazard quotient (HQ) exhibited a substantial fluctuation, ranging from 0.39 to 2.6, reflecting varying levels of potential health risks associated with Cd exposure. The outcomes of the current investigation suggested that the prominent increase in Cd levels was recorded at sampling site SW Site III due to continuous wastewater irrigation. Prolonged exposure and increased Cd absorption in buffaloes grazing at these sites could have harmful long-term effects on their health. The correlation analysis between Cd concentrations in water, soil, forage, and blood showed a positive but non-significant relationship for water-soil, soil-forage, and forage-blood interactions. This highlights the need for further research to assess the long-term implications of wastewater irrigation on heavy metal accumulation in livestock.

Soil phosphorus plays an important role in the soil ecological environment and sustainable development of the fruit industry in the soil hilly region of southern China, but the impact of different mulching measures on soil available phosphorus and phosphorus fractions in orchards remains unclear. In this study, soil basic physicochemical properties, available phosphorus, inorganic phosphorus fractions and their interrelationships under natural grass cover (NG), film mulch (FM) and clean tillage (CK) in orchards were explored. Compared to CK treatment, both FM and NG treatments have been shown to increase the contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and available nitrogen (AN). Additionally, compared with the FM treatment, the NG treatment increased total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), available potassium (AK), and soil acid phosphatase (S-ACP), resulting in greater improvements in soil fertility. The NG treatment increased the contents of aluminium-bound phosphate (Al-P) and iron-bound phosphate (Fe-P) in the 0–40 cm soil layer, whereas the FM treatment decreased the contents of Fe-P and Al-P and increased the content of occluded phosphate (O-P). Compared with the CK treatment, the NG treatment significantly increased the available phosphorus in the 0–40 cm soil layer, whereas the FM treatment significantly decreased it. Redundancy analysis revealed that pH and S-ACP were the main factors affecting soil phosphorus components. Al-P, Fe-P, and S-ACP were the three factors with the highest correlations with available phosphorus. However, according to multiple stepwise analyses, only Al-P was directly related to available phosphorus. Overall, in the southeast hilly orchards, the NG treatment improved soil nutrient and enzyme activity and is considered an effective strategy to increase the biological effectiveness of phosphorus while reducing leaching losses.

Global food security is increasingly threatened by the vulnerability of agricultural systems to climate variability, especially in sub-humid regions. Northeast China, a major maize-producing region, experiences low spring temperatures and erratic rainfall, which have prompted the widespread adoption of plastic-film mulching (PFM) combined with drip irrigation. However, systematic evaluations of how different PFM patterns affect crop productivity and resource use efficiency remain limited. This study systematically evaluated three PFM strategies – full ridge-furrow mulching (FM), ridge mulching (RM), and no mulching (NM) – in combination with 240 kg N/ha and a zero-nitrogen control under drip irrigation to determine their effects on maize (Zea mays L.) yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen utilisation. Field experiments over two consecutive growing seasons assessed crop growth, dry matter (DM) accumulation, nitrogen dynamics, grain yield, and related efficiency parameters. Both FM and RM significantly enhanced early maize growth. At the seedling stage, FM and RM increased plant height by 43.0% and 40.1%, and leaf area index (LAI) by 141.4% and 120.4% over NM, respectively. During the same stage, DM accumulation increased by 228.9% (FM) and 224.9% (RM). These improvements reflected favourable soil hydrothermal conditions under PFM. Before heading, PFM treatments increased pre-anthesis DM accumulation by up to 19.6%, and at maturity, FM and RM raised DM by 6.1% and 5.1% over NM. PFM significantly improved grain nitrogen accumulation, with FM and RM increasing it by 31.0% and 26.9% over NM, respectively, and nitrogen harvest index (NHI), with FM and RM increasing it by 6.8% and 6.1% over NM, indicating enhanced nutrient translocation to grain. PFM also improved grain yield, with FM and RM increasing it by 15.0% and 13.5%, WUE by 17.2% and 15.7%, and nitrogen partial productivity by 16.8% and 14.1%. No significant differences in yield or WUE were observed between FM and RM. Fertilisation consistently enhanced these benefits without changing the relative efficiency ranking of treatments. Notably, the advantages of mulching diminished after the heading stage as temperature and rainfall increased. PFM (both FM and RM) under drip irrigation improves maize yield, water use, and nitrogen efficiency in sub-humid regions. This integrated practice offers a scalable and sustainable strategy to increase maize productivity and resource efficiency, supporting food security in regions facing similar climatic challenges.

Two-year experiments were conducted on two different soil types during 2021/22 and 2022/23 to study the impact of microbiological preparations, Mycor-FAZOS and Vitality-FAZOS, on the yield and quality elements of winter wheat cultivar Maja (Agrigenetics). The experiment was set up in a split-block design with four repetitions across two soil types, with 12 different variants on each soil type. The base plot area was 40 m2, and the effective plot area was 27 m2. The research factors included: A (soil type): A1 – gley soil; A2 – eutric cambisol; B (disease control): B1 – control; B2 – chemical pesticides; B3 – biopreparates (seed treatment + foliar treatment) and C (nitrogen fertilisation): C1 – based on soil analysis; C2 – 70% of recommended application. Variables included grain yield (t/ha), grain protein content (%), hectoliter weight (kg), and plant height (cm). The highest average grain yield was achieved with variant B3C2, with a 12.50% increase compared to variant B2C1. Differences between these variants included 6.0% for protein content, 5.97% for hectoliter weight, and 7.93% for plant height. It was observed that Mycor-FAZOS seed treatment promoted root development, resulting in healthier, taller, more robust plants with a more uniform growth and darker colour than untreated seed variants (indicating increased photosynthesis index). The protection achieved with Vitality-FAZOS biopreparations (fungicidal microorganisms synthesising growth hormones) ensured healthier wheat plants, leading to higher seed yield and better quality parameters.

Lead (Pb) is a harmful heavy metal that threatens ecosystems and plant growth. Silicon (Si) plays a crucial role in plant responses to heavy metal stress. In this study, the effects of Si on Pb2+ content and transport, subcellular distribution, and chemical forms in Salix viminalis L. under Pb stress were analysed, aiming to elucidate the detoxification mechanism of Si in S. viminalis under such conditions. Results showed that Si reduced Pb²⁺ in aboveground parts and increased it in roots, lowering its movement to leaves and stems. Analysis of the subcellular distribution of Pb²⁺ revealed that Si application promoted the transfer of Pb²⁺ to vacuole-dominated soluble components (F4) and cell wall components (F1), which increased the binding capacity of the cell wall and the vacuolar storage compartmentalisation for Pb²⁺. Changes in the chemical forms of Pb²⁺ indicated that Si significantly decreased the proportion of more mobile, ethanol-extractable Pb²⁺ (FE) and deionised water-extractable Pb²⁺ (FW) while increasing the proportion of less mobile Pb²⁺ forms, such as NaCl-extractable (FNaCl), HCl-extractable (FHCl), and acetic acid-extractable (FHAc) Pb²⁺, thereby reducing its mobility. This study provides empirical support for the application of Si in the phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils.

Lithium (Li) plays a significant role in human physiology and psychology; however, it is non-essential for plants. The extensive use of Li in industrial processes and battery-powered devices poses a potential global threat to living organisms. This study assessed the impact of varying soil Li concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg) on carrot (Daucus carota L.) plants. Results revealed that Li concentrations exceeding 40 mg/kg soil had detrimental effects on carrot growth. Compared to 0 mg/kg soil, Li concentrations of 60 and 80 mg/kg reduced shoot fresh biomass by 51% and 82%, respectively, and root fresh biomass by 68% and 89%, respectively. Elevated Li levels in the soil also increased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content in shoots and triggered enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Additionally, soil Li disrupted the uptake and translocation of essential nutrients such as potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) from roots to shoots. This study concludes that while low Li levels may elicit a positive response in plants, higher concentrations significantly impair growth and could contribute to the accumulation of Li in the food chain.

This study examined the impact of selenomethionine (SeMet) on the growth and physiological traits of Salvia miltiorrhiza seedlings. Application of SeMet significantly improved the photosynthetic performance by reducing stomatal limitation value (Ls) and increasing soil and plant analyser development (SPAD) value, net photosynthetic rate (P_n), transpiration rate (T_r), stomatal conductance (g_s) and water use efficiency (WUE), compared to the control. Furthermore, SeMet also improved the photosynthetic performance by reducing non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and increasing the actual photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Y(II)), photochemical quenching (qP), maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (F_v/F_m) and apparent electron transport rate (ETR). Meanwhile, the findings indicated that SeMet was able to enhance the antioxidant capacity of S. miltiorrhiza seedlings by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), thereby reducing the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Besides, SeMet notably impacted plant growth by promoting plant height, basal diameter and biomass. Among different concentrations, 60 mg/L exhibited the most favourable impact on photosynthetic performance, antioxidant capacity and the growth of S. miltiorrhiza seedlings. In summary, the appropriate dosage of SeMet can stimulate the growth of S. miltiorrhiza by enhancing photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities. These findings can serve as a solid theoretical foundation for the application of SeMet in the cultivation and production of S. miltiorrhiza.

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 products have been identified in sewage sludge, including glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), phenylureas, phenoxy acids, chloroacetamides, triazines and their metabolites, triazinones, phenylcarbamates, isoxazolidinones, benzoic acids, dinitroanilines, benzofurans, phenyl ethers, and other herbicides. Among these, triazines and their metabolites were the most frequently detected, with concentration ranges of 0.01–277 ng/g and not detected (n.d.)–237 ng/g, respectively. Glyphosate and AMPA were found at particularly high concentrations (n.d.–35 000 ng/g). Phenylurea herbicides (e.g., diuron and isoproturon) were detected in a limited number of studies, with concentrations ranging from not detected to 102 ng/g. Substantial concentrations of phenoxy herbicides (2,4-d, 2,4-db, and 2,4,5-t) were also reported in sewage sludge, ranging from 50.5–864 ng/g. The available scientific literature on the occurrence of herbicides in sewage sludge focuses mainly on older, often already banned compounds, while data on currently approved herbicides remain scarce. This review highlights the need for more comprehensive global assessments of herbicides and their transformation products in sewage sludge to ensure the safe agricultural use of biosolids and minimise risks to plants and other organisms. The current lack of systematic monitoring and documentation represents a critical knowledge gap in evaluating environmental exposure and associated risks.

Cold stress significantly impacts sesame during its early growth stages, with varying responses observed among different genotypes. Ten genotypes were evaluated for phenotypic response to various temperatures during germination. Cold stress at 10, 12, 14, and 16 °C inhibited germination, with zero germination at 10 °C. At 14 °C, genotypes showed significant germination variation, and it was selected as the threshold temperature for assessing cold tolerance in sesame. Four genotypes were grouped into two, and each group with extreme germination responses (high and low) were selected for further biochemical and physiological studies. Genotypes V5 and V7 exhibited higher cold tolerance, better germination percentage, and seedling parameters under low temperatures, while V8 and V9 showed significant reductions, indicating cold sensitivity. Biochemical analyses revealed that cold-tolerant genotypes had enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase, as well as higher proline accumulation compared to sensitive genotypes. These antioxidants played a crucial role in mitigating the oxidative stress induced by cold, as evidenced by lower levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in the tolerant genotypes. Cold-tolerant genotypes also accumulated higher soluble sugars and protein levels, contributing to osmotic regulation and membrane stability. The findings highlight the importance of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in cold stress tolerance, suggesting these biochemical markers could be used to identify and develop cold-resistant sesame cultivars. The results offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying cold tolerance and provide a foundation for breeding efforts to improve sesame cold resistance.

The aim of the experiment was to determine the yield, content and uptake of macronutrients and their ratio in spring triticale, Milewo cultivar. The field experiment was conducted in the years 2014–2016 on Cambisols. The first experimental factor was a system of soil tillage (traditional (TRD) and reduced (RED)), and the second was sulphur fertilisation (0, 25 and 50 kg S/ha). Based on the study, it was found that the application of conventional tillage and the addition of sulphur fertilisation to NPK significantly increased spring triticale grain yield. The application of reduced tillage positively affected the increase in content and uptake in grain dry matter (DM) of N, S, P, K, Mg and Ca. Adding sulphur (S) to NPK fertilisation favourably increased the content and uptake of N, S, Mg, and Ca and did not affect the content of P and K. The application of reduced tillage expanded the ionic ratio of N : S, P : S while it narrowed the N : P ratio. However, the tillage system did not affect the ionic ratios Ca : P, K : Mg, K : (Ca + Mg) and molar K : (Ca + Mg). Adding sulphur to NPK fertilisation narrowed the N : S and P : S ratios while expanding the N : P and Ca : P ratios. Weather conditions during the 2016 growing season (relatively dry, k = 1.71) favoured spring triticale yield and uptake with dry grain weight of N, S, P, Mg and Ca. The highest N, S, P, K and Ca content in grain dry matter was shown in the 2014 season (relatively humid, k = 1.96). Numerous correlations were found between grain yield and the content, uptake and reciprocal ratios of elements in grain.

The species diversity of the unique flora in the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains is currently threatened due to the absence of traditional grazing, which was historically used as a management practice. This study evaluates changes in floristic composition in areas near the Švýcárna and Ovčárna lodges, where cattle and sheep grazing was reintroduced in 2012 and 2014, respectively, after long-term abandonment. The floristic composition was assessed using permanent plots and analysed statistically. In total, 84 plant species were recorded in the Švýcárna experimental area over 12 years. All experimental plots throughout the study observed an increase in species richness. In the Ovčárna area, a similar trend was detected, particularly in grazed grasslands dominated by Avenella flexuosa, Festuca supina, and Ligusticum mutellina. The reintroduction of grazing in these areas serves not only as a symbolic return to traditional land use but primarily as an effective management tool to suppress ecological succession and maintain or enhance plant species diversity in biologically valuable habitats.

Restoration of Arrhenatherion meadows is limited both by the lack of local seed availability in natural habitats for self-restoration purposes and the lack of information on the germination of target species in these meadows. Understanding germination strategies can optimise local seed use. This study aimed to define germination strategies for groups of species based on relevant six germination parameters: germination capacity (GC), fresh ungerminated seed (FUS), median germination time, germination velocity, germination synchrony and germination uniformity. The germination test of 23 meadow species was performed according to ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) rules. The hierarchical clustering method and PCA biplot divided the species into five groups. Based on the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s test, the evaluation of six parameters in five groups showed that species such as Arrhenatherum elatius, Centaurea jacea, Plantago lanceolata, Tragopogon pratensis and Dianthus deltoides differed significantly in terms of higher GC, lower FUS and faster germination velocity than Lathyrus pratensis, Vicia angustifolia and Geranium pratense. Conversely, these three species had more synchronous germination than species such as Knautia arvensis and Briza media and expressed the shortest peak of germination period among other species. These six parameters potentially describe germination strategies across groups of species.

Polyphenols and carotenoids are important bioactive compounds in potato tuber. Knowledge of these features makes it possible to select cultivars for cultivation, consumption, and processing with desirable properties. For this purpose, the content of polyphenols and carotenoids in edible potato tubers from different countries was analysed. The research material consisted of eight cultivars, including one light yellow – Eurostar, two with red flesh – Rote Emmalie and Herbie 26 and five cultivars with purple flesh – Provita, Salad Blue, Blue Annelise, Vitelotte Noire and Bora Valley. They were cultivated in a three-year, single-factor field experiment. The content of polyphenols in the analysed cultivars ranged from 165.0 to 283.8 mg/kg of fresh weight and depended on the cultivar, year of research and cultivar-year interactions. The highest average amounts of these compounds were noted in the Herbie 26, Rote Emmalie and Vitelotte Noire cultivars. The content of carotenoids ranged from 1.122 to 3.173 mg/kg of fresh weight and depended significantly on the cultivar, weather conditions in the years of the study and the interaction of cultivars with years. The highest amounts of carotenoids were determined in the purple-fleshed cultivars Blaue Annelise and Vitelotte Noire and the red-fleshed cultivar Rote Emmalie.

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological characteristics and quality of hypocotyls in the production of selenium-enriched sprouts from peanut seeds soaked in selenium (Se) solution. Peanut seeds were soaked with 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 μmol/L Na₂SeO₃ for 12 h and then germinated. The results showed that the selenium concentration in peanut shoots increased with increasing levels of selenite soaking, and there existed a crossroads of selenite soaking concentration (5.0 μmol/L) when selenium concentrations in cotyledons and hypocotyls were equal. Below and above this concentration, Se concentrations in shoots were radicle > cotyledon > hypocotyl or cotyledon > radicle > hypocotyl, respectively. In addition, Se significantly promoted the elongation of hypocotyls and radicles, increased shoot biomass, increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of antioxidants in hypocotyls, and decreased malondialdehyde levels. Moreover, Se significantly increased the concentrations of soluble sugars, proteins, free amino acids and resveratrol in hypocotyls. These results indicate that soaking peanut seeds with selenite significantly increased Se concentration, biomass, antioxidant capacity and quality of peanut shoots. This study provides a theoretical basis for the rapid and standardised production of Se-enriched peanut shoots from selenite-soaked seeds.

Nanotechnology plays a vital role in enhancing plant tolerance to salt stress; however, comparative studies on zinc oxide bulk particles (ZnO bulk) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in this context remain unexplored. Since zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient involved in enzyme activation, photosynthesis, and antioxidant responses, it is important to understand how ZnO bulk and ZnO NPs influence chickpea growth under salt stress. This study investigated the morphological and physiological responses of chickpea seedlings treated with ZnO bulk (50 mg/L) and ZnO NPs (50 mg/L) under varying salt concentrations (20, 40, 80, and 120 mmol/L). Salt stress significantly inhibited chickpea growth, reducing the relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, total chlorophyll content, and potassium (K) and zinc ion levels while increasing sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), malondialdehyde (MDA), and proline content. However, the application of ZnO bulk and ZnO NPs improved these parameters, mitigating the negative effects of salt stress. Furthermore, exogenous ZnO bulk and ZnO NPs to salt-stressed (20, 40, 80, and 120 mmol/L) chickpea resulted in decreased malondialdehyde content by 30, 32, 47, 34%, and 58, 31, 48, 47%, proline content by 4, 6, 1.6, 4% and 22, 21, 22, 28%, respectively, in comparison to the control. Notably, ZnO bulk and ZnO NPs enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. These findings suggest that foliar application of ZnO bulk and ZnO NPs helps alleviate salt stress in chickpeas, promoting better growth and physiological performance under saline conditions.

Legumes are promoted in agroecosystems for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N), thereby reducing or eliminating the need for N fertilisation while also contributing N-rich organic residues, which non-legume species can subsequently utilise. In phosphorus (P)-poor soils, certain legumes appear to access less available forms of P, converting them into organic P and facilitating its use by non-legume species. This study evaluated seven legume species/cultivars and one grass species (as a control) in a trial conducted in low-fertility soils under four different growing conditions (location × year). The objective was to investigate the role of legumes in P and other nutrient uptake and accumulation in plant tissues. Some lupins and broad beans accumulated up to 30 kg/ha of P in their biomass, even without accounting for P in the roots. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in plant tissues were also significantly higher in legumes than in grass. In addition to concentrating certain nutrients in their tissues, legumes produced substantially more biomass due to their access to atmospheric N, resulting in considerably higher nutrient accumulation. Ca and Mg in some legumes exceeded 100 and 40 kg/ha in aboveground biomass, respectively, whereas in grasses, they remained below 4 kg/ha. Thus, when legumes are cultivated as green manure, these nutrients are returned to the soil in organic form, which can subsequently become available to non-legume crops through the mineralisation process of the organic substrate. Therefore, cultivating legumes not only enhances N availability for other species but also improves the cycling of other essential nutrients.

Based on strip-tillage technology, this study explores the optimal seedbed environment for maize growth through a three-year field agronomic experiment. A comparative analysis of two planting modes, flat planting and ridge planting, was conducted, and a two-factor, three-level experimental design was implemented (furrow-breaking width: 8, 10 and 12 cm; furrow-breaking depth: 2, 3 and 4 cm), with manual soil covering without furrow breaking as the control group. Analysis of the averaged data over three years indicates that furrow-breaking treatment significantly increased maize yield under both flat and ridge planting modes, highlighting the importance of furrow breaking for maize growth. Ridge planting increased yield by an average of 7.58% compared to flat planting. The optimal yield was achieved at a furrow-breaking width of 10 cm and a depth of 4 cm, where ridge and flat planting yields were 10.37% and 10.43% higher than the average values at each level, respectively. Additionally, at the optimal yield level, the chlorophyll soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) values for ridge and flat planting were 15.36% and 17.06% higher than the average values. The emergence rates of ridge and flat planting maize were 5.43% and 4.93% higher than the average values, respectively. This not only enhanced crop stress resistance but also improved overall economic benefits.

To provide a new agent to enhance wheat cold tolerance, we investigated the impacts of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on wheat antioxidant and photosynthetic capacity and growth parameters under cold stress (CS). CS significantly improved superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and gluathione reductase in wheat leaves. Meanwhile, CS also increased the contents of reduced ascorbate (AsA) and reduced glutathione (GSH). However, CS significantly increased electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Compared with CS, GABA + CS improved the activities of the above antioxidant enzymes and the contents of antioxidants. In this way, GABA improved wheat antioxidant capacity and decreased MDA content and EL under CS. Whereas CS significantly increased non-photochemical quenching coefficient (qN) and reduced soil and plant analyser development (SPAD) value, net photosynthetic rate (P_n), maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (F_v/F_m), effective quantum yield of PS II (Y(II)), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), plant height and biomass. Compared to CS, GABA + CS significantly promoted the photosynthetic capacity by reducing qN and increasing SPAD value, P_n, F_v/F_m, Y(II) and qP. In this way, GABA improved plant growth under CS. Our results indicated that GABA can be used as a new agent to improve wheat cold tolerance.

Sulphur (S) plays an important role in agriculture, being the fourth major contributor to improved quality of crops and increased yields. The applied methods for the estimation of different forms of S in soil aimed at assessing the sulphur availability to plants in various conditions. Nowadays, the wider spreading of regions with sulphur deficiency imposes optimisation of the soil testing procedures in order to increase their availability for laboratories. This study contributes to improving the analytical performance of the turbidimetric method in determining water-soluble sulphate in soil after leaching with the CaCl₂ reagent. The modified testing protocol showed: method limit of quantification of 5.0 mg/kg; precision as relative standard deviation less than 3%; recovery of fortified soil samples 103 ± 18%. The expanded uncertainty was 2.3 mg/kg SO₄^2–-S (K = 2, norm.). The proposed testing protocol was inexpensive, fast, used simple equipment and procedures, easily adoptable in regular laboratories, and showed characteristics suitable for the estimation of water-soluble sulfate in arable soils. A set of 546 soil samples was tested, and 74% were found to be sulphur deficient with SO₄^2–-S < 10 mg/kg and sulfur availability index < 6.0. Thus, the availability of laboratory analysis to a broader group of farmers could contribute to effective fertilisation programs, as the newly proposed fertiliser blending technologies are based on adequate estimation of sulfur availability in arable soils.

This study investigates the benefits of using mine tailings (MT) to improve pea (Pisum sativum L.) growth and productivity on degraded agricultural soils in semi-arid environments. The research aims to evaluate the use of MT as an innovative soil amendment and to determine the optimal dose required to enhance the micronutrient availability of Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe without affecting soil quality. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse pots with three different soil types amended with different MT doses (control and four doses). Soil samples were collected from the Doukkala region, one of the main agricultural areas in Morocco. Pea was grown in pots and monitored for 87 days until maturity. After harvest, soil and plant samples were weighed, measured and analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The experiment found that moderate doses (0.2 g/kg to 1 g/kg) applied to all soil types promoted optimal pea growth by improving plant height, root and above-ground biomass and pod number. Thus, MT can act as a biostimulant. However, nutrient antagonism negatively affected growth at the highest dose (4 g/kg). Bioconcentration and translocation factors indicated efficient micronutrient uptake and biofortification, while heavy metals remained immobilised in roots, effectively eliminating toxicity risks.

Crop production faces increased climate change and land degradation stresses, compromising global food security with the growing population. Maize (Zea mays L.) is a versatile crop used for food, feed, and raw materials, contributing significantly to global food systems. Abiotic stresses like drought and soil fertility limit its production. Fertilisation is an amelioration technique that optimises maize growth and yield by maintaining optimum nutrition and leveraging nutrient deficiency conditions. Precision agricultural tools like chlorophyll meters are essential for non-destructive chlorophyll assessment and nitrogen status. An experiment conducted at the University of Debrecen evaluated the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilisation (0, 90, and 150 kg/ha) and three maize cultivars (P9610-FAO 340, DKC4590-FAO360, and GKT376-FAO360) on physiological parameters, namely: relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), normalised differences vegetation index (NDVI) and grain quality. Results showed that SPAD and NDVI positively correlated (P < 0.05) with grain quality and yield. Nitrogen application significantly influenced SPAD. Maize cultivars and N rates with higher chlorophyll content had maximum yield. Cultivar responses to nitrogen rates significantly (P < 0.05) varied by crop year. Higher SPAD and NDVI values were associated with higher protein content. Therefore, SPAD and NDVI values could be used to analyse the nutrient requirements of maize under field conditions to estimate grain yield.