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Glomalin released from arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) has important roles in soil nutrient cycles, whereas contributing to glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) fractions to soil nitrogen (N) is unknown. In this study, a two-chambered root-box that was divided into root chamber (root and mycorrhizal fungi hypha) and hypha chamber (free of the root) was used, and three AMF species including Diversispora epigaea, Paraglomus occultum, and Rhizoglomus intraradices were separately inoculated into the root chamber. Plant growth, soil total N, N content of purified GRSP fractions, and its contribution to soil total N, and leaf and root N contents were analysed. After four months, total biomass and root total length, surface area, and volume were improved by all AMF inoculations. AMF inoculations dramatically increased soil total N content in two chambers. The N content of purified easily extractable GRSP (EE-GRSP) and difficultly extractable GRSP (DE-GRSP) was 0.10 ± 0.01 mg/g and 0.16 ± 0.02 mg/g, respectively, accounted for 15.6 ± 1.6% and 18.1 ± 1.8% of soil total N, respectively. AMF inoculations stimulated the N accumulation in EE-GRSP and DE-GRSP, especially in the hypha chamber. It concluded that GRSP, especially DE-GRSP, acts as a soil N pool accounting for 33.8 ± 1.9% of soil total N in orchards.

Previous studies have shown that residues of common buckwheat roots (BRR) (but not entire common buckwheat plants, BPR) in the soil inhibited the growth of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.). The objective of the study was to determine how both the residues affect the content of free phenolics, their esters and glycosides in the soil. The aqueous extracts were used to analyse of unbound phenolic compounds, while those bound to the soil were extracted with sodium citrate. Moreover, an in vitro test was used to assess the allelopathic effect of phenolic compounds present in the soil against barnyardgrass. Among the analysed phenolic compounds after 7 days of BPR and BRR decomposition, only ortho-, meta- and para-coumaric acids and apigenin were found in measurable amounts in the soil. The concentrations of free phenolic compounds were very low. Much higher contents occurred for the esters of these compounds, while no glycosides were found. The contents of phenolic compounds bound to soil were many times higher than unbound ones. The 37-day decomposition period resulted in an increase in bound phenolics, while the content of unbound changed slightly. Overall, the levels of phenolic compounds in the soil with the BRR-amended soil and no-buckwheat residue control were low, and significantly higher in the soil with BPR. An in vitro test showed that m-, p-coumaric acids and apigenin added to growth medium at a concentration higher than in the soil did not affect barnyardgrass shoot growth. Since the levels of phenolic compounds in the soil containing BRR and control soil were low and similar, phenolic compounds cannot be directly responsible for the allelopathic properties caused by the presence of BRR.

The content of free, conjugated and bound phenolic acids in 12 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes of 4 different grain colours (standard red, yellow endosperm, purple pericarp and blue aleurone) from 2-year field trial was analysed in the present study. Significant increase (8%) in the total phenolic acid content was observed in the dryer year 2017. Five phenolic acids (ferulic, sinapic, p-coumaric, vanillic and 4-hydroxybenzoic) and cis-isomers of ferulic and sinapic acid were determined by HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector) in grain samples. The total phenolic acid content of coloured wheat groups varied: blue aleurone > purple pericarp > yellow endosperm > red colour (798 > 702 > 693 > 599 µg/g). The fraction of bound phenolic acids was the major contributor to the total phenolic acid content (91.7%) with ferulic acid predominating (85.2%). Conjugated phenolic acids accounted for 7.9% of the total with sinapic and ferulic acid predominating (47.6% and 19.9%). The composition of individual phenolic acids was similar within these two fractions. The remaining 0.4% was represented by the fraction of free phenolic acids in which the phenolic acid profile varied among the individual coloured groups. Ferulic acid prevailed in red and yellow wheats, vanillic in blue and p-coumaric in purple wheats.

The experiment aimed to obtain a quadratic regression mathematical model of the comprehensive evaluation score of yield, quality, and four macroelements (N, K, P and Ca). The suitable nutrient solution was chosen and verified via computer simulation of the model and the highest comprehensive score in all treatments. Results showed that P, K and Ca had a positive effect on the comprehensive evaluation value of tomato, whereas N showed a negative effect. The optimal formula calculated using the regression equation could promote high-yield and high-quality tomato. The single-plant yield, soluble protein, vitamin C, total sugar, lycopene, and elemental utilisation of K and Ca in the tomato were 13.93, 78.95, 3.29, 20.98, 51.91, 16.69 and 24.14% higher than those in the special formula treatment of Japanese Yamazaki tomato, respectively. In summary, the optimal nutrient solution formula of tomato cultivation was obtained, in which the N, P, K and Ca levels were 24.83, 4.50, 9.49 and 5.73 mmol/L, respectively.

To assess the response of two safflower genotypes to auxin foliar application under late-season drought stress using a factorial split-plot experiment with the randomised complete block design, a two-year experiment (2016-2017 and 2017-2018) was conducted in Iran. The watering regime as specified in two levels including, regular irrigation and drought stress in main plots and two safflower genotypes and auxin foliar application in two levels including non-foliar application (control) and auxin foliar application at a concentration of 30 ppm were categorised in subplots. Drought stress at the seed filling stage reduced the safflower seed and oil yield. Moreover, a significant drought-induced decrease in linoleic acid, palmitic acid and behenic acid content, as well as an increase in oleic acids, was observed in two safflower genotypes. Among two safflower genotypes, the early maturing genotype less affected by drought and Goldasht had higher seed yield than the Padideh by 814 kg/ha, respectively. Auxin foliar application alleviates the adverse effects of drought, which led to an 18% increase in seed yield and components. However, the auxin application had no effect on the safflower seed oil content but palmitic acid content was affected by auxin foliar application. Generally, safflower along with auxin application can be recommended to develop safflower cultivation in semi-arid areas.

Biochar-based fertiliser (BF) is beneficial to improve yield and quality, but the effect of BF on open field tomato remains unclear, especially in karst mountainous areas. The objective of this study was to identify the application effect and optimum application rate of BF. A field experiment was carried out in Southwestern China from 2019 to 2020 to study the effects of different application amounts of BF on the yield, quality, nutrients accumulation and fertiliser utilisation of open field tomatoes. The results showed that compared with the traditional fertilisation practice, BF can significantly increase the yield of open field tomato by 5-9% (2019) and 12-23% (2020), and significantly reduce nitrate content and increase vitamin C content of fruits. Meanwhile, nutrient accumulations, agronomic efficiency, and recovery efficiency of BF treatments were all significantly improved. In conclusion, the BF rate of 2 326 kg/ha improves yield and fertiliser utilisation in open-field tomatoes and could be recommended for tomato production in karst mountainous areas.

This study investigated the influence of soil undergoing different crop rotations on the CH₄, CO₂ emissions, and decomposition of rice straw. The studied soil undergoing crop rotation systems were rice-rice-rice (SR) and baby corn-rice-mungbean (SB). Two main microcosm set-ups: anaerobic (SR-AN, SB-AN) and aerobic (SR-AE, SB-AE) conditions. Litter bags containing rice stems were inserted into the soil and recollected at different time points for chemical analysing and the gas sampling was collected to measure the CO₂ and CH₄ emissions. The results indicated that the total carbon (TC) decreased around 30%, and the TC removal in anaerobic was significantly higher than in aerobic conditions. The residue cellulose content varied in a range from 68.2% to 78.6%, while the hemicellulose content varied from 57.4% to 69.3% at day 50 after incorporation. There were no significant differences in the total nitrogen removal, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents among the microcosm set-ups. CO₂ emission increased in all the microcosm set-ups with the treatments without rice straw (CTSR, CTSB) in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. CH₄ release in the SR-AN treatments did not differ significantly compared with the SB-AN treatments. This study confirmed that the decomposition of rice straw residues is faster in the anaerobic paddy soil condition compared to the aerobic crop rotation condition.

Aeroponics would appear to have a number of potential attributes to make potato production more efficient. In a 3-year experiment, from 2019 to 2021, potatoes were grown in aeroponic units using two nutrient solutions as well as in a conventional polycarbonate greenhouse in a substrate. Potato cultivars Adéla, Zuza and Ornella were used in all experiment years. No statistically significant effect of nutrient solution or potato cultivar on the number and weight of tubers was found in the trial. However, the advantages of aeroponics over conventional technology were statistically proven. The number of tubers per plant in aeroponic units ranged from 2.4 (2019, cv. Adéla) to 41.0 (2021, cv. Zuza), while in the greenhouse, they ranged from 3.9 (2019, cv. Adéla) up to 12.6 (2021, cv. Adéla). The average weight of tubers in aeroponic units ranged between 2.0 g and 9.9 g per plant (2 to 10 successive harvests), and in the greenhouse, 22.7 g to 41.9 g per plant (single harvest). The influence of cultivar on the average weight of tubers within individual cultivation technology variants was statistically proven only for polycarbonate greenhouse: only one harvest after the end vegetation.

Peatlands, as important global nitrogen (N) pools, are potential sources of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. We measured N₂O flux dynamics in Hani peatland in a growing season with simulating warming and N addition for 12 years in the Changbai Mountains, Northeastern China, by using static chamber-gas chromatography. We hypothesised that warming and N addition would accelerate N₂O emissions from the peatland. In a growing season, the peatland under natural conditions showed near-zero N₂O fluxes and warming increased N₂O emissions but N addition greatly increased N₂O absorption compared with control. There was no interaction between warming and N addition on N₂O fluxes. Pearson correlation analysis showed that water table depth was one of the main environmental factors affecting N₂O fluxes and a positive relationship between them was observed. Our study suggests that the N₂O source function in natural temperate peatlands maybe not be so significant as we expected before; warming can increase N₂O emissions, but a high dose of N input may turn temperate peatlands to be strong sinks of N₂O, and global change including warming and nitrogen deposition can alter N₂O fluxes via its indirect effect on hydrology and vegetation in peatlands.

The aim of the study conducted in 2019-2021 was to determine the effect of biostimulants and growth regulators on the yield size and structure, as well as the chemical composition of edible potato tubers. The cultivar evaluated was Vineta. Asahi SL, Kelpak SL, Aminoplant, Tytanit, gibberellic acid (GA3) and Moddus 250 EC were applied in potato cultivation. The application of biostimulants Asahi SL and Tytanit increased the total and marketable tuber yield, as well as the average tuber weight. Aminoplant had a beneficial effect only on the marketable yield, while Moddus 250 EC decreased tuber yield and mean tuber weight, especially under conditions of high rainfall. Biostimulant Asahi SL caused a decrease in the number of tubers formed, while gibberellic acid stimulated tuberisation. Both preparations increased the share of deformed tubers in the total yield. The effect of biostimulants and growth regulators on the formation of the chemical composition of potato tubers was multidirectional. Tytanit increased protein content in tubers, while the remaining preparations, with the exception of the growth regulator Moddus 250 EC, decreased the amount of this component. GA3 and Moddus 250 EC decreased the content of crude fibre and, in the case of Moddus 250 EC, also the content of mineral components. The highest concentration of nitrates (V) was characteristic for potato tubers treated with Asahi SL and the lowest for those treated with Moddus 250 EC.

The competitiveness of Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation strain against indigenous rhizobia was examined in a soil pot experiment. The effect of inoculation strain was evaluated under different soil conditions: with or without previously grown soybean and applied commercial inoculant. Molecular identification of inoculation strain and investigated rhizobial isolates, obtained from nodules representing inoculated treatments, was performed based on 16S rDNA and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) sequencing. Inoculation strain showed a significant effect on the investigated parameters in both soils. Higher nodule occupancy (45% vs. 18%), nodule number (111% vs. 5%), nodule dry weight (49% vs. 9%), shoot length (15% vs. 7%), root length (31% vs. 13%), shoot dry weight (34% vs. 11%), shoot nitrogen content (27% vs. 2%), and nodule nitrogen content (9% vs. 5%) was detected in soil without previously grown soybean and applied commercial inoculant. Soil had a significant effect on the shoot, root and nodule nitrogen content, while interaction of experimental factors significantly altered dry weight and nitrogen content of shoots, roots and nodules, as well as number of nodules. Nodulation parameters were significantly related with shoot dry weight, shoot and nodule nitrogen content. Symbiotic performance of inoculation strains in the field could be improved through co-selection for their competitiveness and effectiveness.

With the need to obtain new methods to protect seed material from Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kühn, 1857) nematodes, a study was conducted to evaluate the nematicidal effects of several plants' essential oils on the mortality of D. dipsaci. Tests were performed under in vitro conditions; a concentration of 2 000 ppm was tested, nematodes were added into diluted oils, and numbers of living/dead nematodes were scored after 4 and 24 h. The results show a significant effect of several plant essential oils on D. dipsaci mortality, with the highest efficacy found for oil from Cinnamomum cassia ((L.) J. Presl), with 100% mortality observed even after 4 h.

To study the difference among cytoplasm at the different nitrogen conditions, a research experiment was conducted using five different cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) hybrid rice with nitrogen levels at N0, N1, N2, and N3; the nitrogen application rates were 0, 90, 180, and 270 kg/ha, from 2018 to 2019. Results showed that among tested cultivars of CMS hybrid rice, JW (J803A × Chenghui727) showed the highest yield in both years for the low nitrogen and high nitrogen treatments. The dry matter accumulation and translation of JW type in nutritive organs were higher than that of others during the low nitrogen level (N1). We concluded that the nutrient translocation within plants organs and dry biomass accumulation were highly dependent on CMS type and nitrogen application. This research indicates that selecting a rice cultivar with greater efficiency of nitrogen is favourable for raising the number of grains per panicle, grain yield, and nitrogen use efficiency. JW cytoplasm displayed great efficiency in low nitrogen, which is a potential cytoplasmic resource.

This study aims to explore the effect of phosphorus (P) application on the economic yield, quality, P accumulation, and P utilisation efficiency of purple-fleshed sweetpotato and to provide a basis for the P efficient utilisation and high crop yield. Field experiments were conducted in 2018-2019, and five P application rates (0, 10.9, 21.8, 32.7, and 43.6 kg P/ha, expressed as P0, P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively) were set. The results showed that P application significantly increased the yield and commodity potato yield of purple-fleshed sweetpotato, and that of P3 treatment was the highest, followed by P2 treatment. P application also increased the starch content in the storage root and increased the reducing sugar and soluble sugar (except for P2 treatment). P fertiliser supply significantly increased P accumulation and dry matter production of purple-fleshed sweetpotato during the growth period of 90 to 120 days. When the P application rate was over 21.8 kg/ha, the fertiliser investment rate, apparent P utilisation efficiency and P agronomic efficiency decreased with the increase of the application rate. Considering all the indexes, the supply of 21.8 kg/ha P fertiliser can meet the demand for high economic yield and P efficient utilisation in purple-fleshed type sweetpotato under the condition of this experiment.

Climate warming significantly affects nitrogen (N) cycling, while its effects on the use efficiency of fertilizer N are still unclear in agroecosystems. In the present study, we examined for the first time the response of fertilizer N use efficiency to experimental warming using ¹⁵N labeling with a free-air temperature increase facility (infrared heaters) in a double rice cropping system. ¹⁵N-urea was applied in micro-plots to trace the uptake and loss of fertilizer N. Results showed that moderate warming (i.e. an increase of 1.4°C and 2.1°C in canopy temperature for early and late rice, respectively) did not significantly affect grain yield and biomass. Warming significantly reduced N uptake from fertilizer for both early and late rice, while increased N uptake from soil. The N recovery rate of fertilizer was reduced from 35.5% in the control and to 32.3% in the warming treatments for early rice and from 47.2% to 43.1% for late rice, respectively. Warming did not affect fertilizer N loss rate in the early rice season, whereas significantly increased it from 38.9% in the control and to 42.7% in the warming treatments in the late rice season, respectively. Therefore, we suggest that climate warming may reduce fertilizer N use efficiency and increase N losses to the environment in the rice paddy.

Lupine seeds are promising soy replacement in food products and feeds. Eighteen cultivars of blue lupine seeds were examined to indicate the one most favourable in protein content and quality. Two parameters were studied, i.e. total protein content (with the Kjeldahl method) and amino acids composition (with the ultra performance liquid chromatography technique). Both parameters studied were variable and depended both on the cultivar and on the place of cultivation. Protein content was in the range of 28-41% and the worst cultivar, regardless of cultivation place, was cv. Kalif (average total protein content 29.37 ± 1.14%), while the best cultivar was Boruta (average total protein content 37.43 ± 0.98%). The blue lupine seeds were rich especially in leucine (5.3 ± 0.5-9.7 ± 0.5 g/16 g N), threonine (2.4 ± 0.7-4.9 ± 0.1 g/16 g N) and lysine (2.7 ± 0.4-5.6 ± 0.1 g/16 g N). The richest among all amino acids studied were the cv. Bojar seeds from Wiatrowo and cv. Oskar from Przebędowo. It was not possible to choose one cultivar preferable from the nutritional point of view, because a strong influence of cultivation place on protein content and quality was observed, especially as to the precipitation sum.

Although various studies of codon usage bias have been reported in a broad spectrum of organisms, no studies to date have examined codon usage bias for herbicide target genes. In this study, we analysed codon usage patterns for the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene in eight monocot weeds and one model monocot. The base composition at the third codon position follows C3 > G3 > T3 > A3. The values of the effective number of codons (ENC or Nc) indicate low bias, and ENC or Nc vs. GC3 plot suggests that this low bias is due to mutational pressure. Low codon adaptation index and codon bias index values further supported the phenomenon of low bias. Additionally, the optimal codons, along with over- and under-represented codons, were identified. Gene design using optimal codons rather than overall abundant codons produce improved protein expression results. Our results can be used for further studies, including eliciting the mechanisms of herbicide resistance (occurring due to elevation of gene expression levels) and the development of new compounds, their efficiency and risk assessment for herbicide resistance evolution.

To investigate the effect of microbial inoculum on soil heavy metal immobilisation, pot experiments were conducted with paddy soils contaminated by cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), respectively. The results showed that the inoculation of Rhodopseudomonas palustris was more effective in the immobilisation of Pb and Cd in soils than the composite of R. palustris and Bacillus subtilis. Interestingly, a lower dosage of inoculum immobilised significantly more heavy metals than the higher dosage, potentially due to the competition of bacteria with limited nutrients. The heavy metal contents in rice grains also supported this finding, as less Pb and Cd were accumulated under the lower dosage. However, there were limited effects of microbial inoculations on the immobilisation of Hg and As. In general, our study indicated the effectiveness of R. palustris in immobilising Pb and Cd in soils and highlighted the importance of determining the optimal dosage of inoculum in bioremediation.

The honey bee is one of the insects that is significantly endangered by the application of pesticides in the cultivation of crops. Not only is acute toxicity dangerous, but the importance of chronic poisoning by low doses of pesticides in hives is growing. The behavior of bees can be affected not only by insecticide residues but also by herbicide and fungicide residues. In 2016-2018, samples of bee bread were analysed for pesticide content at 25 different localities from intensive agricultural production areas of the Czech Republic. Substances were extracted by QuEChERS and determined by liquid chromatography, together with mass spectrometric detection. We detected up to 18 pesticides in one sample. In total, during 2016-2018, we identified 53 active substances. Fifteen substances (31%) were herbicidal, 23 substances (47%) of fungicidal nature and 6 substances (12%) of insecticidal nature. The coefficient of variation showed large differences in the frequency of revealed pesticides between years. For substances sprayed outside period attractive for pollinators (mainly herbicides and some fungicides), the usual methodology cannot reliably determine the degree of contamination, and thus the actual contamination with these substances may be even higher than demonstrated in this study.

Boron (B) is a plant nutrient and a limited mineral resource. Therefore, secondary B sources such as end-of-life cellulose fiber insulation (CFI) should be preferred for B fertiliser production over primary borates. In addition, crop B fertilisation is challenging because B is only weakly adsorbed in soils and prone to leaching in particular if the soil pH is below 7. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of pyrolysed CFI (B-Biochar) on crop B uptake in the field and on B leaching in a lysimeter study. B-Biochar was pyrolysed at 600 °C and tested (1) in a field experiment with maize (Zea mays L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and (2) in a lab microlysimeter experiment to study B leaching under simulated rainfall. In the field experiment, B concentration in plant tissue increased by up to 100% with B-Biochar compared to the control (from 29.6 to 61.6 mg B/kg in young sunflower leaves) and was only slightly lower (-10% to -20%) than with water-soluble Na-tetraborate (Borax). This lower uptake was attributed to the slow-release properties of the B-Biochar. In the lysimeter experiment, 41% and 55% of added B through B-Biochar was leached below 16 cm depth when fertilised with 1 and 2 kg B/ha, respectively, but B concentration of the leachate remained below the 1 mg B/L threshold value for drinking water in the European Union. In conclusion, CFI has a strong potential as a secondary B source for fertiliser production, and pyrolysis appears to be a suitable process for that purpose. During the processing of CFI to fertiliser, more focus should be given to slow B release in the future in order to reduce losses by leaching.

A three-year experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of Z'Fix on soil physical properties and crop status. Z'Fix is an agent recommended as an addition to animal bedding to prolong its function and to lower ammonia emissions in stables. Concurrently, a positive effect on organic matter transformation in resulting manure is claimed. The experiment involved control, farmyard manure (FYM), and farmyard manure with Z'Fix (FYM_ZF) as variants. In-field sampling was conducted for cone index, water infiltration and implement a unit draft, where the latter two showed significant differences in favour of FYM_ZF. Also, concerning crop yields, FYM_ZF consistently attained the highest values, followed by FYM throughout all three seasons. Furthermore, remotely sensed data were analysed to describe crop status via normalised difference vegetation index where significant differences were found across all variants. Based on the study, FYM_ZF demonstrated positive effects both on soil properties and crop conditions.

Small field plot experiments were carried out at the testing station of the Central Control and Testing Institute in Agriculture in Veľký Meder (Slovakia) in the experimental years 2014/2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. Selenium salts in the form of sodium selenite and sodium selenate were applied in growth phases: end of tillering (BBCH 29) and flag leaf ligule and collar visible (BBCH 39). The effect of experimental years 2014/2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 on the yield of wheat grain was not statistically significant within the observed variants. The achieved mean yields were in the range from 10.06 ± 0.81 to 11.07 ± 0.29 t/ha in 2014/2015, from 9.82 ± 0.54 to 10.32 ± 0.10 t/hain 2015/2016 and from 11.23 ± 0.76 to 11.64 ± 0.51 t/ha in 2016/2017. Selenate in comparison with selenite influenced the selenium accumulation in wheat grains more positively. However, a significant difference was recorded in variants with selenite application in the flag leaf growth phase in comparison with the end of tillering phase. The influence on the content of macroelements P, K, Ca and microelements Cu and Fe was observed in sodium selenite only; its application decreased the element content in comparison with the control variant. Statistically significantly higher values of fiber and fat were achieved after application of selenium in the flag leaf growth stage in comparison with the end of tillering.

The paper shows a large-scale shift in agroclimatic zones in the territory of the Czech Republic (CR) between 1961 and 2019. The method used for agroclimatic zoning took advantage of high-resolution (0.5 km × 0.5 km) daily climate data collected from 268 climatological and 787 rain-gauge stations. The climate information was combined with soil and terrain data at the same resolution. The set of seven agroclimatic indicators allowed us to estimate rates of changes in agroclimatic conditions over the 1961-2019 period, including changes in the air temperature regime, global radiation, drought, frost risks and snow cover occurrence. These indicators are relevant for all main crops and agroclimatic zoning and account for local soil and slope conditions. The study clearly highlights major shifts in the type and extent of agroclimatic zones between 1961-2000 and 2000-2019, which led to the occurrence of entirely new combinations of agroclimatic indicators.

Agronomic bio-fortification is one of the main approaches for mitigation of micronutrient shortage in human populations and endorses sustainable production of food and feed. Studies related to agronomic bio-fortification of crops are mainly focused on single or rarely two micronutrients application, and no attempt has made to study the combined effect of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) on forage sorghum. Therefore, this research was accomplished to evaluate the effect of Zn, Fe and Se bio-fortification on diverse sorghum accessions. The field experiments were conducted in a randomised complete block design with a split-plot arrangement. The treatments comprised of Zn (10 mg/L as ZnSO₄∙5H₂O), Fe (7 mg/L as FeSO₄∙7H₂O), Se (3 mg/L as SeSO₄) and CK (control) were applied to five sorghum accessions: G₁ (Y-16), G₂ (YSH-166), G₃ (YSH-134), G₄ (YSS-98) and G₅ (YSH-132). According to our results, the sorghum accession G₅ showed superiority over all other accessions and produced maximum values of all growth and quality traits except grains number per panicle and 1 000-grain weight. All applied micronutrients (Zn, Fe and Se) enhanced the growth, quality and uptake of nutrients in sorghum accessions. However, Se recorded the highest plant height, stem diameter, 1 000-grain weight and Zn produced the maximum protein, oil and starch contents. Conclusively, it can be concluded that G₅ with Se must be used to achieve the optimum values of agronomic traits, while G₅ with Zn found more effective to improve the quality traits of sorghum.

Slow-release nitrogen fertiliser can potentially increase crop production and improve fertiliser nitrogen use efficiency. However, it is unclear that are suitable for different regions and crops in the northeast of China. Therefore, according to different soil and climate characteristics, we investigated the synchronised relationships between nitrogen slow release fertiliser and nitrogen maize requirements. Experiments were conducted at Shenyang Agricultural University, Liaoning province, Northeast China, from 2016 to 2017. Stabilised fertiliser treatments increased grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen accumulation at each maize growth stage. Grain yield increased by 2.32% and 11.33% (2016), and 1.55% and 7.87% (2017), respectively, when compared with the urea CK1 (233 kg N/ha) and CK2 (210 kg N/ha) treatments. Additionally, during the growth period of the stabilised fertiliser treatment, the stability of the synchronisation relationship between nitrogen absorption and absorption of spring maize was significantly higher than other treatments, and the effect was the best. Therefore, we conclude that the stabilised fertiliser is the most suitable option for promotion and application in spring maize in Northeast China.

The determination of a transport mechanism for genistin (genistein-7-O-glucoside) across the tonoplast was performed on vacuoles from a cell culture of Trifolium pratense L. Genistin levels were examined in vacuoles as well as in an assay medium by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) after treatment with various substances. MgATP increased the uptake of added genistin by 25%, but the nucleotide-free samples also contained this glycoside. Applying bafilomycin A1, an H⁺-ATPase inhibitor, indistinctly inhibited genistin absorption. However, vacuolar absorption of genistin was significantly reduced by N,N´-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. This inhibitor can suppress both H⁺-ATPase and H⁺-PPase; the effect of pyrophosphate alone was not investigated. An increase in genistein levels, as result of genistin hydrolysis, could also affect the transport mechanism. The results investigated with inhibitors suggest the possible involvement of proton pumps; however additional research is required to confirm the participation of multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE) proteins in genistin transport.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) root colonization is known to have beneficial effects on plant growth especially under phosphorus (P) deficit conditions. The objectives of present study were: (i) to quantify changes in early wheat root development of AM-inoculated (AMI) and AM-free (AMF) roots under limited P availability; (ii) to assess possible mitigating effect of AM inoculation on photochemical efficiency under P deficit stress. AMI (inoculated with Rhizophagus irregularis) and AMF wheat plants were grown for 20 days in low (1 μmol/L) and high (50 μmol/L)P treatments. AM inoculation affected root morphology and shoot P concentration in low P treatment. AM inoculation alleviated reduction of the total root length in low P treatment, mainly due to an increase of fine roots length(< 0.5 mm). Contrastingly, shoot dry weight was reduced by AM inoculation in low P treatment. P deficiency decreased photochemical efficiency of wheat plants. However, due to increased sink capacity and facilitated nutrient concentrations AM inoculation alleviates phosphorus deficit stress and increased photochemical efficiency.

A 5-year (2012-2016) field experiment was conducted to investigate the impacts of different fertilizer treatments (no fertilizer, mineral and organic fertilizer) on organic carbon and soil water-stable aggregates in a North China Plain Vertisol. Compared with no fertilizer (control), single mineral fertilizer did not significantly (P < 0.01) affect organic carbon content or aggregate mass proportion in bulk soil. Small and large macroaggregate mass proportions increased, but applying organic manure significantly decreased the silt + clay fraction and microaggregates. Organic manure amendment significantly enhanced organic carbon concentrations in aggregates (large macroaggregates, > 2000 μm; small macroaggregates, 2000-250 μm; microaggregates, 53-250 μm; and free silt + clay fraction, < 53 μm) and aggregate subfractions, including intraparticulate organic matter and silt + clay subfractions (< 53 μm). Single mineral fertilizer amendment increased organic carbon concentrations in macroaggregates, particularly intraparticulate organic matter. The results indicated that the organic carbon increase in organic manure-amended soil were possibly due to enhanced silt + clay subfractions, which then promoted macroaggregates formation. Applying organic manure could improve organic carbon sequestration and maintain its stability in aggregates, whereas mineral fertilizer only enhanced organic carbon in large macroaggregates, but with low stability.

Changes of free amino acid (AA) contents (glutamic acid, glutamine, aspartic acid, asparagines, proline, hydroxyproline) in Noccaea caerulescens and Arabidopsis halleri under cadmium soil contamination (Cd1 = 30, Cd2 = 60, Cd3 = 90 mg/kg soil) are reported. Results of the pot experiment confirmed different effect of Cd on N. caerulescens in contrast to A. halleri and the higher stress adaptation of A. halleri. Total free AA contents in both plant species were not significantly modified by Cd contamination. The glutamic acid and glutamate contents in plant biomass were decreased under Cd2 and Cd3 stress. The declines of contents of both AA can be caused by intensive syntheses of plant defense elicitors, but declines in A. halleri were significantly lower in contrast to N. caerulescens. The content of aspartic acid was increased in N. caerulescens under Cd stress, but in A. halleri its changes were not observed. The different pathways of nitrogen utilization of tested plants were confirmed: the major AA forms used for nitrogen transport are glutamate for N. caerulescens and asparagine for A. halleri. The increase of proline content was determined only in N. caerulescens growing under Cd stress in the beginning of growing period.

Matching the planting density, fertilisation, and genotype is crucial to improve the maize yield. Here, two-year field trials, including 4 densities and 3 nitrogen (N) rates for 2 maize cultivars, were conducted to study the effects of planting density and N rate on maize growth, lodging, spike characters, and yield. Compared with 360 kg/ha, N application of 180 kg/ha decreased the plant, ear height, and stem circumference of WeiKe 702 (WK702), while increased the plant height and stem circumference, but decreased ear height of ZhongDan 909 (ZD909). Meanwhile, the N application of 180 kg/ha greatly reduced the lodging rates of maize under the high density. The maize yield increased and reached the maximum yield at 7.5 × 10⁴ plant/ha, and then decreased with increasing density. The N application of 180 kg/ha increased yield by 0.49, 0.73, 5.38, 7.81% from low to high planting densities, and reduced the bald tip length by 18.86%. WK702 was more sensitive to the planting density and N application, with greater variation of yield and spike traits than ZD909 under the densification. Therefore, the N application of 180 kg/ha and a density of 7.5 × 10⁴ plant/ha could improve maize growth and lodging, and therefore increase maize yield.