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22 pages, 2310 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Organic Selenium Forms in Alfalfa Forage Through Inorganic Selenium Foliar Application: Insights from Laboratory and Field Studies Using X-Ray Spectroscopy
by María-Jesús Sánchez-Martín, Mónica Gaggiotti, Laura Simonelli, Carlo Marini, Federico Marini, Roberto Boada, Mercè Llugany, Manuel Valiente, Gabriel Céccoli, María Micaela Stoffel, Marcia Viltres-Portales, Juan Manuel Picco, María Gabriela Guevara and Fernando Felipe Muñoz
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030580 - 26 Feb 2025
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, yet its deficiency remains a global concern. This study investigates the biofortification of alfalfa (Medicago sativa cv. ProINTA Super Monarca GR9) via foliar Se application to enhance Se accumulation and transformation into bioavailable organic forms. A [...] Read more.
Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, yet its deficiency remains a global concern. This study investigates the biofortification of alfalfa (Medicago sativa cv. ProINTA Super Monarca GR9) via foliar Se application to enhance Se accumulation and transformation into bioavailable organic forms. A controlled environment experiment in a plant growth chamber and a one-season open-field trial (January 2023, Argentina) were conducted. Treatments included sodium selenate (Se(VI)), sodium selenite (Se(IV)), and a 1:1 mixture, applied at 45 and 90 g Se ha−1, with and without the biostimulant BIOFORGE®. Treated plants exhibited increased Se content, correlating with the applied doses. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) confirmed that most inorganic Se was transformed into organic Se forms, with Se(IV) treatments yielding the highest concentrations of organic Se species such as selenocysteine (SeCys) and selenomethionine (SeMet). Open-field trials showed a complete conversion of Se, though total Se accumulation was lower than in controlled conditions. Se treatments did not affect forage quality or biomass production. The biostimulant slightly reduced Se uptake but did not compromise biofortification. These results highlight Se(IV) as the optimal treatment for alfalfa biofortification, presenting a sustainable strategy to enhance dietary Se intake through functional foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conventional and Alternative Fertilization of Crops)
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14 pages, 3308 KiB  
Article
Growth and Rhamnolipid Production Performance of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa on Crude Biomass Carbohydrates and Bioenhancer-Based Growth Media
by Rajat Sharma and Buddhi P. Lamsal
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2531; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052531 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 8
Abstract
Novel growth media formulations for improved rhamnolipid production from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were evaluated on four carbohydrate sources: glucose, glycerol, soy hull hydrolysate (SHH), and mimicking soy hull hydrolysate (MSH) along with bioenhancers and other media components. This study is aimed at understanding [...] Read more.
Novel growth media formulations for improved rhamnolipid production from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were evaluated on four carbohydrate sources: glucose, glycerol, soy hull hydrolysate (SHH), and mimicking soy hull hydrolysate (MSH) along with bioenhancers and other media components. This study is aimed at understanding the effect of different types of human neuroendocrine bioenhancers on growth performance and rhamnolipid titer generation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 in a growth media containing sustainable crude biomass carbohydrates. Optimization of the media factors for improved rhamnolipid titers with Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was performed through a high-throughput response surface study for the best growth rate for concentrations of carbohydrates; bioenhancers, norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DP); and iron (Fe). In the high-throughput study, the microbial growth rates for all sugar types ranged between 0.2 and 0.5 log numbers in OD (optical density, indicating the concentration of bacterial cells within a liquid culture, as determined by a spectrophotometer) h−1 at 600 nm, with glucose providing the highest growth rate in the best response surface media combination at 2.5% glucose concentration, 160 µM norepinephrine, 66 µM dopamine, 0.03% Fe concentration. The effect of this media on growth and rhamnolipid production was further verified in 100 mL shake flasks. The highest OD and rhamnolipid titers were achieved for glucose- and glycerol-based media at 2.78 g/L and 2.72 g/L, respectively, whereas significantly lower titers at 1.98 g/L and 1.72 g/L were observed for SHH- and MSH-based media, respectively. No significant growth enhancement effects by the bioenhancers norepinephrine and dopamine were observed at the concentrations evaluated. Full article
24 pages, 5142 KiB  
Article
Effects of No-Till Seeding and Fertilization on Vegetation Restoration and Soil Physicochemical Properties in Alpine Degraded Grazing Grasslands
by Xiaojing Hu, Qunce Sun, Shuzhen Zhang, Weisi Li, Xuerui Wang, Runzhou Long, Guili Jin and Bo Zhang
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030578 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 11
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of no-till seeding and fertilization on the restoration of degraded grazing grasslands in Bayinbuluke. Poaceae species were selected for no-till replanting, with Elymus dahuricus, Puccinellia distans, and Festuca ovina mixed in a 2:1:1 ratio. Four sowing [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of no-till seeding and fertilization on the restoration of degraded grazing grasslands in Bayinbuluke. Poaceae species were selected for no-till replanting, with Elymus dahuricus, Puccinellia distans, and Festuca ovina mixed in a 2:1:1 ratio. Four sowing rates were applied: 0 g/m2 (A0), 2 g/m2 (A1), 4 g/m2 (A2), and 6 g/m2 (A3). Diammonium phosphate (N 18%, P2O5 46%) was used as fertilizer, with four fertilization rates: 0 g/m2 (B0), 7.5 g/m2 (B1), 15 g/m2 (B2), and 22.5 g/m2 (B3). A total of 16 treatments were applied. The study assessed the changes in grassland productivity, species diversity, and soil physicochemical properties. The results showed that no-till replanting significantly increased the aboveground biomass by 81%, species richness by 55.8%, and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index by 64.2%. Fertilization significantly increased productivity, with dry hay yield rising by 60.9% to 81%. When 22.5 g/m2 of fertilizer was applied, the contents of total phosphorus, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and organic matter in the soil increased by 43.4%, 50.6%, 66%, and 31.2%, respectively. Fertilization also improved the stability of soil aggregates, with the proportion of large aggregates increasing by 18.2%. The findings suggest that no-till seeding and fertilization significantly promote grassland restoration, with soil moisture and nutrient availability being key drivers of vegetation growth and community diversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability — 2nd Edition)
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25 pages, 8341 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Microbial and Amino Acid Treatments for Organic Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenk) Seed Production
by Gresheen Garcia, Simone Treccarichi, Riccardo Calì, Donata Arena, Alessandro Tribulato and Ferdinando Branca
Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030253 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 11
Abstract
The availability and quality of organic seeds are critical challenges for organic farming, with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) being crucial for improving productivity. This study, part of the H2020 BRESOV project, assessed the effects of three nutritional protocols (NPs) on eight broccoli genotypes [...] Read more.
The availability and quality of organic seeds are critical challenges for organic farming, with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) being crucial for improving productivity. This study, part of the H2020 BRESOV project, assessed the effects of three nutritional protocols (NPs) on eight broccoli genotypes (GEs), comprising two commercial F1 hybrids and six Sicilian landraces. The tested NPs included formulations containing Trichoderma species, organic nitrogen, and essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, carbon, boron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc. This trial was conducted on an organic farm in Adrano (CT). Plants were evaluated for key traits related to growth, development, and seed production. NUE was analyzed to measure the efficiency of nitrogen conversion from soil into seed production. Significant interactions between NPs and GEs were observed for all seed yield components and most morphometric traits, except for secondary branches and root width, varying significantly only among the tested genotypes. The Sicilian landraces Broccolo nero and Sparaceddi showed the highest seed yield, overcoming the productive performances of the commercial hybrids F1 Marathon and Gentleman. Broccolo nero, grown using amino acid microbial consortia applied solely via fertigation (NP1), exhibited the highest NUE, indicating a positive nitrogen balance relative to seed yield and soil nitrogen content. Principal component analysis (PCA) grouped the genotypes into five distinct clusters based on the analyzed bio-morphometric traits and on the effect of the treatment. The Broccolo nero and Sparaceddi genotypes formed two distinct groups, clearly differentiated by their unique morphological traits related to plant biomass and seed production. Additionally, both genotypes exhibited distinct responses to the applied nutrition protocols, with positive results compared to the control condition. These results underscore the potential of the broccoli landraces for organic farming and breeding due to their adaptability, resilience, and superior NUE. Full article
13 pages, 805 KiB  
Article
Alternative Phosphorus Fertilisation with Bio-Based Pellet Fertilisers: A Case of Study on Ryegrass (Lollium perenne L.)
by Silvia Sánchez-Méndez, Lucía Valverde-Vozmediano, Luciano Orden, Francisco Javier Andreu-Rodríguez, José Antonio Sáez-Tovar, Encarnación Martínez-Sabater, María Ángeles Bustamante and Raúl Moral
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030579 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 10
Abstract
The European Union (EU) advocates for a sustainable agricultural model with reduced synthetic fertiliser use. This study compares different high-P organo-mineral pellet fertilisers (OMFs) and their effects on crop yield. A trial was conducted under controlled conditions in ryegrass (Lollium perenne L.) [...] Read more.
The European Union (EU) advocates for a sustainable agricultural model with reduced synthetic fertiliser use. This study compares different high-P organo-mineral pellet fertilisers (OMFs) and their effects on crop yield. A trial was conducted under controlled conditions in ryegrass (Lollium perenne L.) pots with different organo-mineral fertilisation strategies at sowing with adjusted doses of P (120 kg P ha−1) and N (200 kg N ha−1). Pellets were developed from compost enriched with bone meal (OMF-BON), struvite (OMF-STR), and monoammonium phosphate (OMF-MAP). Conventional fertilisers (Complex15 and MAP) and alternative unpelletised/pelletised sources (STR and BON) were also tested. The experimental design included an unfertilised control (C), and treatments were carried out in triplicate (N = 24). Over 40 days, three cuttings (10, 25, and 40 days) were collected to determine fresh/dry biomass, nutrient content, and N, P, and K extraction efficiency. Soil labile parameters were influenced by the application of fertilisers especially OMF-MAP, OMF-STR, and MAP. MAP and STR yielded the highest nutrient extraction and biomass production, followed by their pelletised forms (OMF-MAP and OMF-STR). These results highlight the potential of pelletised organo-mineral fertilisers as sustainable alternatives to conventional sources. Full article
29 pages, 3144 KiB  
Article
Integrating Microalgal Chlorella Biomass and Biorefinery Residues into Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production: Insights from Lettuce Cultivation
by Antira Wichaphian, Apiwit Kamngoen, Wasu Pathom-aree, Wageeporn Maneechote, Tawanchai Khuendee, Yupa Chromkaew, Benjamas Cheirsilp, Douglas J. H. Shyu and Sirasit Srinuanpan
Foods 2025, 14(5), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050808 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1
Abstract
Microalgal biomass offers a promising biofertilizer option due to its nutrient-rich composition, adaptability, and environmental benefits. This study evaluated the potential of microalgal-based biofertilizers—microalgal Chlorella biomass, de-oiled microalgal biomass (DMB), and de-oiled and de-aqueous extract microalgal biomass (DAEMB)—in enhancing lettuce growth, soil nutrient [...] Read more.
Microalgal biomass offers a promising biofertilizer option due to its nutrient-rich composition, adaptability, and environmental benefits. This study evaluated the potential of microalgal-based biofertilizers—microalgal Chlorella biomass, de-oiled microalgal biomass (DMB), and de-oiled and de-aqueous extract microalgal biomass (DAEMB)—in enhancing lettuce growth, soil nutrient dynamics, and microbial community composition. Lettuce seedlings were cultivated with these biofertilizers, and plant growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and nitrogen uptake were assessed. Soil incubation experiments further examined nutrient mineralization rates, while DNA sequencing analyzed shifts in rhizosphere microbial communities. Lettuce grown with these biofertilizers exhibited improved growth parameters compared to controls, with Chlorella biomass achieving a 31.89% increase in shoot length, 27.98% in root length, and a 47.33% increase in fresh weight. Chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll levels increased significantly in all treatments, with the highest concentrations observed in the Chlorella biomass treatment. Soil mineralization studies revealed that DMB and DAEMB provided a gradual nitrogen release, while Chlorella biomass exhibited a rapid nutrient supply. Microbial community analyses revealed shifts in bacterial and fungal diversity, with increased abundance of nitrogen-fixing and nutrient-cycling taxa. Notably, fungal diversity was enriched in biomass and DAEMB treatments, enhancing soil health and reducing pathogenic fungi. These findings highlight microalgal biofertilizers’ potential to enhance soil fertility, plant health, and sustainable resource use in agriculture. Full article
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18 pages, 2004 KiB  
Article
Co-Producing Xylo-Oligosaccharides, 5-HMF, Furfural, Organic Acids, and Reducing Sugars from Waste Poplar Debris by Clean Hydrothermal Pretreatment
by Yuheng Yang, Ruibing Cui, Wei Tang, Bo Fan and Yucai He
Processes 2025, 13(3), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030665 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 10
Abstract
The sustainable valorization of lignocellulosic biomass into value-added biobased chemicals has gained more and more attention on a large industrial scale. To efficiently utilize the abundant, inexpensive, and renewable biomass, it is necessary to employ an effective biomass pretreatment technology for breaking down [...] Read more.
The sustainable valorization of lignocellulosic biomass into value-added biobased chemicals has gained more and more attention on a large industrial scale. To efficiently utilize the abundant, inexpensive, and renewable biomass, it is necessary to employ an effective biomass pretreatment technology for breaking down hemicellulose and lignin. Hydrothermal pretreatment is an effective way to change the structure of lignocellulose and improve its enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency. The hydrothermal cleaning of waste poplar debris (PD) was conducted when the severity factor (LogR0) score was 5.49. At 220 °C and a solid–liquid ratio of 1:10 for 90 min, the pretreatment liquor contained 4.90 g/L of xylo-oligosaccharides, 1.23 g/L of furfural, 0.41 g/L of formic acid, 2.42 g/L of acetic acid, and 0.57 g/L of 5-HMF. Additionally, 74.9% xylan and 82.4% lignin were removed. After 72 h of enzymatic saccharification, a high enzymolysis efficiency of PD was obtained. A series of characterizations (such as chemical composition analysis, hydrophobicity, lignin surface area, and cellulase accessibility) indicated that hydrothermal pretreatment destroyed the surface structure of PD, improved cellulose accessibility, decreased lignin surface area and weakened lignin hydrophobicity. In general, hydrothermal pretreatment is a simple, green, and environmentally friendly approach for sustainable pretreatment of PD using water as a solvent. It can efficiently break the surface structure of PD and remove lignin and xylan, acquiring high enzymolysis efficiency and realizing the co-production of 5-HMF, furfural, xylo-oligosaccharides, and organic acids. It provides an innovative idea for the value-added utilization of wood-based and straw-based biomass in a sustainable and cost-effective way, showing high potential in industrial application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 1st SUSTENS Meeting: Advances in Sustainable Engineering Systems)
24 pages, 9847 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Remote Sensing Resolutions and Machine Learning Methods for Biomass Yield Prediction in Northern Great Plains Pastures
by Srinivasagan N. Subhashree, C.  Igathinathane, John Hendrickson, David Archer, Mark Liebig, Jonathan Halvorson, Scott Kronberg, David Toledo and Kevin Sedivec
Agriculture 2025, 15(5), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15050505 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 65
Abstract
Predicting forage biomass yield is critical in managing livestock since it impacts livestock stocking rates, hay procurement, and livestock marketing strategies. Only a few biomass yield prediction studies on pasture and rangeland exist despite the need. Therefore, this study focused on developing a [...] Read more.
Predicting forage biomass yield is critical in managing livestock since it impacts livestock stocking rates, hay procurement, and livestock marketing strategies. Only a few biomass yield prediction studies on pasture and rangeland exist despite the need. Therefore, this study focused on developing a biomass yield prediction methodology through remote sensing satellite imagery (multispectral bands) and climate data, employing open-source software technologies. Biomass ground truth data were obtained from local pastures, where Kentucky bluegrass is the predominant species among other forages. Remote sensing data included spatial bands (6), vegetation indices (30), and climate data (16). The top-ranked features (52 tested) from recursive feature elimination (RFE) were short-wave infrared 2, normalized difference moisture index, and average turf soil temperature in the machine learning (ML) model developed. The random forest (RF) model produced the highest accuracy (R2=0.83) among others tested for biomass yield prediction. Applications of the developed methodology revealed that (i) the methodology applies to other unseen pasters (R2=0.79), (ii) finer satellite spatial resolution (e.g., CubeSat; 3 m) better-predicted pasture biomass, and (iii) the methodology successfully developed for a combination of Kentucky bluegrass and other forages, extended to high-value alfalfa hay crop with excellent yield prediction accuracy (R2=0.95). The developed methodology of RFE for feature selection and RF for biomass yield modeling is recommended for biomass and hay forage yield prediction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Management of Grasslands)
64 pages, 2246 KiB  
Review
A Critical Review of the Advances and Current Status of the Application of Adsorption in the Remediation of Micropollutants and Dyes Through the Use of Emerging Bio-Based Nanocomposites
by Jordana Georgin, Claudete Gindri Ramos, Jivago Schumacher de Oliveira, Younes Dehmani, Noureddine El Messaoudi, Lucas Meili and Dison S. P. Franco
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2012; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052012 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 58
Abstract
The demand for drinking water is a reality that plagues modern society and will worsen in the coming decades. Factors such as climate change, population growth, and intense, often disorderly urbanization are expected to limit the availability of this essential resource for life. [...] Read more.
The demand for drinking water is a reality that plagues modern society and will worsen in the coming decades. Factors such as climate change, population growth, and intense, often disorderly urbanization are expected to limit the availability of this essential resource for life. With this justification, several technologies involving water remediation/purification have been improved to increase energy efficiency. One key approach involves the use of residual biomass derived from biological sources as adsorbents with valuable properties. This line of research supports waste management, and the materials are easily obtainable, especially on a large scale, with low costs and negligible secondary environmental impacts. In the early 2000s, it was demonstrated that these materials possess functional groups (amino, hydroxyl, and carboxyl) that are favorable for attracting certain pollutants that are present in wastewater. Generally, the unmodified precursor material has properties that are not favorable for adsorption, such as limited adsorption capacity, low mechanical resistance, and unstable surface chemistry. Therefore, there has been a strong investment in studies aimed at developing methodologies to produce bio-based materials with high properties supported by mathematical models aimed at water purification. This critical review describes the modifications, functionalization, and production of bio-based materials aimed at remediating wastewater via the adsorption process. Their use involves the elimination of organic pollutants, water/oil separation, the removal of micropollutants, and membrane filtration. The properties of bio-based materials from biopolymers and their synthesis methodologies are analyzed, with a focus on water remediation. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are highlighted, highlighting the relevance of this group of adsorbents in minimizing the challenges and limitations present in the field of water purification and providing new, innovative solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water Management: Innovations in Wastewater Treatment)
30 pages, 3057 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Biochar-Based Hydrogel Composites: Preparation, Aquatic Environmental Applications, and Adsorption Mechanisms
by Yuxin Zhao, Chaojie Wang, Qing Han, Zheng Fang, Yurong Gao, Hanbo Chen, Jianhong Li, Xing Yang, Junfeng Chen and Hailong Wang
Processes 2025, 13(3), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030664 (registering DOI) - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 81
Abstract
In the face of the escalating crisis of water pollution, biochar-based hydrogel composites (BCGs) have emerged as a promising material for water treatment, owing to their distinctive performance and environmental friendliness. These composites combine the high specific surface area and porous structure of [...] Read more.
In the face of the escalating crisis of water pollution, biochar-based hydrogel composites (BCGs) have emerged as a promising material for water treatment, owing to their distinctive performance and environmental friendliness. These composites combine the high specific surface area and porous structure of biochar with the three-dimensional network of hydrogel, demonstrating superior adsorption capacities and ease of recyclability within aquatic systems. This paper provides the first overview of BCGs synthesis methods, with a particular emphasis on encapsulation and co-pyrolysis techniques. Furthermore, the environmental applications of BCGs are summarized, focusing on their efficacy and mechanisms in the removal of organic contaminants, heavy metals, and nutrients from water bodies. Our analysis underscores the pivotal role of BCGs in environmental preservation and pollution mitigation efforts, suggesting that its implementation could lead to a significant advancement in water pollution abatement strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Processes)
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18 pages, 4218 KiB  
Review
Can Ecosystem Transformations by Non-Indigenous Mussel Introductions Inform Shellfish Reef Restoration?
by Alan Cottingham, Rachel Newsome, Chris Gillies and James R. Tweedley
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030441 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 121
Abstract
Shellfish reefs were once common features in temperate coastal waters and estuaries. However, anthropogenic impacts have resulted in significant declines in these ecosystems globally. Whilst a growing body of scientific literature and restoration projects have demonstrated the success of restoration using oysters, at [...] Read more.
Shellfish reefs were once common features in temperate coastal waters and estuaries. However, anthropogenic impacts have resulted in significant declines in these ecosystems globally. Whilst a growing body of scientific literature and restoration projects have demonstrated the success of restoration using oysters, at both local and ecosystem-wide scales, restoration initiatives using mussels are relatively new. Due to the lack of long-term data on the ecological impact of restored mussel reefs, information to assist restoration practitioners in identifying potential positive and negative outcomes is limited. However, introductions of mussels have occurred on every continent, and detailed documentation exists on their impacts on local ecosystems. Such information is thus invaluable as these long-term studies can contribute knowledge on predicting ecosystem changes following mussel introductions. Through compiling information derived from 318 published articles, unplanned mussel introductions were found to have both positive and negative impacts, and these were context- and species-specific. In eutrophic water bodies, the impacts were typically considered positive, particularly on shallow-water benthic communities. It was also found, however, that mussels can reduce zooplankton biomass, impact native mussels and were occasionally implicated in increasing cyanobacteria concentrations. Despite these instances, this review presented multiple lines of evidence that mussel introductions, when undertaken intentionally at suitable locations, would have a considerable positive impact at the ecosystem-wide scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Ecology)
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32 pages, 2459 KiB  
Review
Nanomaterials in Agriculture: A Pathway to Enhanced Plant Growth and Abiotic Stress Resistance
by Wajid Zaman, Asma Ayaz and SeonJoo Park
Plants 2025, 14(5), 716; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050716 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 111
Abstract
Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field in agriculture, offering innovative solutions to enhance plant growth and resilience against abiotic stresses. This review explores the diverse applications of nanomaterials in agriculture, focusing on their role in promoting plant development and improving tolerance to [...] Read more.
Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative field in agriculture, offering innovative solutions to enhance plant growth and resilience against abiotic stresses. This review explores the diverse applications of nanomaterials in agriculture, focusing on their role in promoting plant development and improving tolerance to drought, salinity, heavy metals, and temperature fluctuations. The method classifies nanomaterials commonly employed in plant sciences and examines their unique physicochemical properties that facilitate interactions with plants. Key mechanisms of nanomaterial uptake, transport, and influence on plants at the cellular and molecular levels are outlined, emphasizing their effects on nutrient absorption, photosynthetic efficiency, and overall biomass production. The molecular basis of stress tolerance is examined, highlighting nanomaterial-induced regulation of reactive oxygen species, antioxidant activity, gene expression, and hormonal balance. Furthermore, this review addresses the environmental and health implications of nanomaterials, emphasizing sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to mitigate potential risks. The integration of nanotechnology with precision agriculture and smart technologies promises to revolutionize agricultural practices. This review provides valuable insights into the future directions of nanomaterial R&D, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation)
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15 pages, 8170 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Association Study for Nodule Traits in Guar
by Shubham Malani, Waltram Ravelombola, Aurora Manley, Hanh Pham, Madeline Brown and Md. Mezanur Rahman
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(3), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47030151 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 28
Abstract
Guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] is a diploid legume crop cultivated for galactomannan (guar gum) extracted from the endosperm of the seed. Previous studies have suggested that nodulation of guar can be poor in field conditions; however, solid proof has yet to [...] Read more.
Guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] is a diploid legume crop cultivated for galactomannan (guar gum) extracted from the endosperm of the seed. Previous studies have suggested that nodulation of guar can be poor in field conditions; however, solid proof has yet to be provided. The objectives of this study were to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with nodules in guar. GWAS was performed on a total of 225 guar genotypes using 19,007 filtered SNPs. Tassel 5 was used to run five models: single marker regression (SMR), generalized mixed linear model with PCA as a covariate (GLM_PCA), generalized mixed linear model with Q matrix as a covariate (GLM_Q), mixed linear model with PCA and Kinship (K) as covariates (GLM_PCA + K), and mixed linear model with Q and K as covariates (MLM_Q + K). Across all statistical models, the results showed a total of 3, 2, 25, 7, 2, and 3 SNPs were associated with plant height, nodule number per plant, fresh nodule weight, dry nodule weight, fresh aboveground plant biomass, and dry aboveground plant biomass. These SNPs could be used as a tool to select for better nodule traits in guar. Full article
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16 pages, 3489 KiB  
Article
Breeding Potential for Increasing Carbon Sequestration via Rhizomatous Grain Sorghum
by Yaojie Zheng, Dirk B. Hays, Russell W. Jessup and Bo Zhang
Plants 2025, 14(5), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050713 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 39
Abstract
Rhizomes, key carbon sequestration sinks in perennial crops, are hypothesized to exhibit a trade-off with grain yield. This study evaluated rhizomatous grain sorghum populations for increasing carbon sequestration potential. Twelve F3:4 heterogeneous inbred families (HIFs) from a Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × [...] Read more.
Rhizomes, key carbon sequestration sinks in perennial crops, are hypothesized to exhibit a trade-off with grain yield. This study evaluated rhizomatous grain sorghum populations for increasing carbon sequestration potential. Twelve F3:4 heterogeneous inbred families (HIFs) from a Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × Sorghum propinquum (Kunth) Hitchc cross were tested in a greenhouse, and two F4:5 HIF progenies were field tested. Traits measured included rhizome biomass, root biomass, total belowground biomass, and grain yield. Rhizome biomass showed high heritability (0.723) and correlated strongly with belowground biomass (r1 = 0.95; r2 = 0.97) in both F4:5 HIFs, suggesting the potential of rhizomes to sequester carbon. Contrary to the hypothesized trade-off, a positive relationship between rhizome biomass and grain yield was observed, potentially via rhizome-derived shoots, and individual plants pyramiding high rhizome biomass, biomass yield, and grain yield were also identified. Using bulked segregant analysis (BSA), twenty simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to eight genomic regions associated with rhizome presence were identified, with five regions potentially being novel. This study suggests that breeding rhizomatous grain sorghum with high rhizome biomass could enhance carbon sequestration while preserving agronomic yields, offering new insights for future breeding and mapping initiatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)
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26 pages, 5578 KiB  
Article
Predicting Harmful Algal Blooms Using Explainable Deep Learning Models: A Comparative Study
by Bekir Zahit Demiray, Omer Mermer, Özlem Baydaroğlu and Ibrahim Demir
Water 2025, 17(5), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17050676 - 26 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have emerged as a significant environmental challenge, impacting aquatic ecosystems, drinking water supply systems, and human health due to the combined effects of human activities and climate change. This study investigates the performance of deep learning models, particularly the [...] Read more.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have emerged as a significant environmental challenge, impacting aquatic ecosystems, drinking water supply systems, and human health due to the combined effects of human activities and climate change. This study investigates the performance of deep learning models, particularly the Transformer model, as there are limited studies exploring its effectiveness in HAB prediction. The chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration, a commonly used indicator of phytoplankton biomass and a proxy for HAB occurrences, is used as the target variable. We consider multiple influencing parameters—including physical, chemical, and biological water quality monitoring data from multiple stations located west of Lake Erie—and employ SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values as an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) tool to identify key input features affecting HABs. Our findings highlight the superiority of deep learning models, especially the Transformer, in capturing the complex dynamics of water quality parameters and providing actionable insights for ecological management. The SHAP analysis identifies Particulate Organic Carbon, Particulate Organic Nitrogen, and total phosphorus as critical factors influencing HAB predictions. This study contributes to the development of advanced predictive models for HABs, aiding in early detection and proactive management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Ecosystems: Biodiversity and Conservation)
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