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17 pages, 4562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Slow-Release Fertilizer on Lotus Rhizome Yield and Starch Quality under Different Fertilization Periods

by Yamei Zhu, Kangming Deng, Peng Wu, Kai Feng, Shuping Zhao and Liangjun Li

Plants 2023, 12(6), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12061311 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2708

Abstract

Slow-release fertilizer is an environmentally friendly fertilizer that is widely used in crop cultivation instead of traditional nitrogen fertilizer. However, the optimal application time of slow-release fertilizer and its effect on starch accumulation and rhizome quality of lotus remains unclear. In this study, [...] Read more.

Slow-release fertilizer is an environmentally friendly fertilizer that is widely used in crop cultivation instead of traditional nitrogen fertilizer. However, the optimal application time of slow-release fertilizer and its effect on starch accumulation and rhizome quality of lotus remains unclear. In this study, two slow-release fertilizer applications (sulfur-coated compound fertilizer, SCU, and resin-coated urea, RCU) were fertilized under three fertilization periods (the erect leaf stage, SCU1 and RCU1; the erect leaf completely covering the water stage, SCU2 and RCU2; and the swelling stage of lotus rhizomes, SCU3 and RCU3) to study the effects of different application periods. Compared with CK (0 kg∙ha⁻¹ nitrogen fertilizer), leaf relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) remained at higher levels under SCU1 and RCU1. Further studies showed that SCU1 and RCU1 increased yield, amylose content, amylopectin and total starch, and the number of starch particles in lotus, and also significantly reduced peak viscosity, final viscosity and setback viscosity of lotus rhizome starch. To account for these changes, we measured the activity of key enzymes in starch synthesis and the relative expression levels of related genes. Through analysis, we found that these parameters increased significantly under SCU and RCU treatment, especially under SCU1 and RCU1 treatment. The results of this study showed that the one-time application at the erect leaf stage (SCU1 and RCU1) could improve the physicochemical properties of starch by regulating the key enzymes and related genes of starch synthesis, thus improving the nutritional quality of lotus rhizome. These results provide a technical choice for the one-time application of slow-release fertilizer in lotus rhizome production and cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Resilient Crop Production)

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19 pages, 1926 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Enhancement of Yield, Phytochemical Content and Biological Activity of a Leafy Vegetable (Beta vulgaris L. var. cycla) by Using Organic Amendments as an Alternative to Chemical Fertilizer

by Angela Libutti, Daniela Russo, Ludovica Lela, Maria Ponticelli, Luigi Milella and Anna Rita Rivelli

Plants 2023, 12(3), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030569 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3387

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of a chemical fertilizer (ammonium nitrate), a compost (vermicompost from cattle manure) and two biochars (from vine prunings and wood chips, respectively), applied to the soil alone or in mixture, on the yield, phytochemical content and biological activity [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the effect of a chemical fertilizer (ammonium nitrate), a compost (vermicompost from cattle manure) and two biochars (from vine prunings and wood chips, respectively), applied to the soil alone or in mixture, on the yield, phytochemical content and biological activity of Beta vulgaris L. var. cycla (Swiss chard). The respective treatments, each replicated four times, were arranged according to a completely randomized block design. Results showed that vermicompost, both alone and in mixture with vine pruning biochar, significantly increased yield parameters (plant height and leaf area) and yield over the untreated soil and the biochars alone, similar to ammonium nitrate. Moreover, vermicompost, both alone and in mixture, respectively, with the two biochars, determined lower total N and NO₃⁻ contents than ammonium nitrate, both alone and in mixture, respectively, with the two biochars. In particular, NO₃⁻ content was within the safe thresholds fixed for leafy vegetables by the European Commission to prevent any adverse implication on human health from dietary NO₃⁻ exposure. The biochars alone resulted in very low yield and leaf total N content, likely due to a limited release of N for plant uptake, also evidenced by the undetectable NO₃⁻ leaf content, similarly shown by plants grown in untreated soil. Vermicompost, alone or in mixture, respectively, with the two biochars, increased the content of specialized metabolites, with a positive effect on antioxidant activity. The organic amendments, particularly compost, could be an alternative to chemical fertilizers to reach a trade-off between yield, nutritional and health qualities in Swiss chard, meeting the needs of farmers and consumers as well as the targets for sustainable food production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Resilient Crop Production)

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14 pages, 1329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beauveria bassiana Water Extracts’ Effect on the Growth of Wheat

by Dawid J. Kramski, Daria Nowinski, Kaja Kowalczuk, Piotr Kruszyński, Jagoda Radzimska and Beata Greb-Markiewicz

Plants 2023, 12(2), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020326 - 10 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3110

Abstract

For a long time, entomopathogenic fungi were considered alternative biological control factors. Recently, these organisms were shown to fulfill additional roles supporting plants’ development, improving their resistance to disease and survival under stress conditions. Considering the documented interactions of B. bassiana with a [...] Read more.

For a long time, entomopathogenic fungi were considered alternative biological control factors. Recently, these organisms were shown to fulfill additional roles supporting plants’ development, improving their resistance to disease and survival under stress conditions. Considering the documented interactions of B. bassiana with a wide range of plants, we aimed to evaluate the impact of aqueous extracts of the fungus on the growth of an agriculturally significant plant—wheat. The usage of fungal extracts instead of fungi could be beneficial especially in unfavorable, environmentally speaking, regions. Selected dilutions of the crude extract obtained under different pH and temperature conditions were used to establish the optimal method of extraction. Plant growth parameters such as length, total fresh weight, and chlorophyll composition were evaluated. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of extracts was tested to exclude negative impacts on the beneficial soil microorganisms. The best results were obtained after applying extracts prepared at 25 °C and used at 10% concentration. Enhancement of the tested wheat’s growth seems to be related to the composition of the extracts, which we documented as a rich source of macro- and microelements. Our preliminary results are the first confirming the potential of fungal water extracts as factors promoting plant growth. Further detailed investigation needs to be carried out to confirm the effects in real environment conditions. Additionally, the consistency of the plant growth stimulation across different entomopathogenic fungi and agriculturally used plant species should be tested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Resilient Crop Production)

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18 pages, 2471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zinc Biofortification in Vitis vinifera: Implications for Quality and Wine Production

by Diana Daccak, Fernando C. Lidon, Inês Carmo Luís, Ana Coelho Marques, Ana Rita F. Coelho, Cláudia Campos Pessoa, João Caleiro, José C. Ramalho, António E. Leitão, Maria José Silva, Ana Paula Rodrigues, Mauro Guerra, Roberta G. Leitão, Paula Scotti Campos, Isabel P. Pais, José N. Semedo, Nuno Alvarenga, Elsa M. Gonçalves, Maria Manuela Silva, Paulo Legoinha, Carlos Galhano, José Carlos Kullberg, Maria Brito, Manuela Simões, Maria Fernanda Pessoa and Fernando H. Reboredo Show full author list Hide full author list

Plants 2022, 11(18), 2442; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11182442 - 19 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2811

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a growing concern about micronutrient deficits in food products, with agronomic biofortification being considered a mitigation strategy. In this context, as Zn is essential for growth and maintenance of human health, a workflow for the biofortification of grapes from the [...] Read more.

Nowadays, there is a growing concern about micronutrient deficits in food products, with agronomic biofortification being considered a mitigation strategy. In this context, as Zn is essential for growth and maintenance of human health, a workflow for the biofortification of grapes from the Vitis vinifera variety Fernão Pires, which contains this nutrient, was carried out considering the soil properties of the vineyard. Additionally, Zn accumulation in the tissues of the grapes and the implications for some quality parameters and on winemaking were assessed. Vines were sprayed three times with ZnO and ZnSO₄ at concentrations of 150, 450, and 900 g ha⁻¹ during the production cycle. Physiological data were obtained through chlorophyll a fluorescence data, to access the potential symptoms of toxicity. At harvest, treated grapes revealed significant increases of Zn concentration relative to the control, being more pronounced for ZnO and ZnSO₄ in the skin and seeds, respectively. After winemaking, an increase was also found regarding the control (i.e., 1.59-fold with ZnSO₄-450 g ha⁻¹). The contents of the sugars and fatty acids, as well as the colorimetric analyses, were also assessed, but significant variations were not found among treatments. In general, Zn biofortification increased with ZnO and ZnSO₄, without significantly affecting the physicochemical characteristics of grapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Resilient Crop Production)

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15 pages, 1419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Studies and Ultrastructure of Vigna sinensis L. and Helianthus annuus L. under Varying Levels of Nitrogen Supply

by Khadiga Alharbi, Samia A. Haroun, Amany M. Kazamel, Mohammed A. Abbas, Safia M. Ahmaida, Muneera AlKahtani, Latifa AlHusnain, Kotb A. Attia, Khaled Abdelaal and Rasha M. E. Gamel

Plants 2022, 11(14), 1884; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141884 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1949

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different nitrogen fertilizers (potassium nitrate and/or urea) on shoot parameters, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, and nitrogen fractions, as well as to conduct transmission electron microscopy, of Vigna sinensis L. (cowpea) and Helianthus [...] Read more.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different nitrogen fertilizers (potassium nitrate and/or urea) on shoot parameters, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, and nitrogen fractions, as well as to conduct transmission electron microscopy, of Vigna sinensis L. (cowpea) and Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower) leaves. A general improvement was recorded in the shoot parameters of the two plants, except for a decrease in the net assimilation rate by treatment of the two plants with 100% potassium nitrate plus 100% urea. The total nitrogen, insoluble protein, and total soluble nitrogen generally decreased in cowpea shoots from the treatments but increased in case of cowpea roots and sunflower shoots and roots. The examination of the ultrastructure changes in cowpea leaves confirmed the presence of two starch granules (in response to 100% potassium nitrate, 100% potassium nitrate plus 100% urea, and the control) and three granules (in response to 50% potassium nitrate plus 50% urea) and the disappearance of the starch granules (in response to 100% urea). Despite the starch granules not being detected in the leaves of the untreated sunflower, the treated plant showed the appearance of the highest number after treatment with 50% potassium nitrate plus 50% urea (2) and the most cell size with the 100% potassium nitrate treatment. Generally, our findings demonstrated that fertilization with 50% potassium nitrate plus 50% urea has the best influence on the growth parameters and nitrogen content in the two plants, but the magnitude of response was more pronounced in case of cowpea plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Resilient Crop Production)

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Review

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10 pages, 928 KiB

Open AccessReview

Micronutrients Improve Growth and Development of HLB-Affected Citrus Trees in Florida

by Samuel Kwakye and Davie M. Kadyampakeni

Plants 2023, 12(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010073 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3412

Abstract

Enhanced nutritional programs (ENPs) have improved citrus trees’ growth and development in the era of Huanglongbing (HLB). Studies conducted with variable rates of manganese (Mn) and Iron (Fe) on young HLB-affected citrus trees showed that applying double the standard recommendation increased growth and [...] Read more.

Enhanced nutritional programs (ENPs) have improved citrus trees’ growth and development in the era of Huanglongbing (HLB). Studies conducted with variable rates of manganese (Mn) and Iron (Fe) on young HLB-affected citrus trees showed that applying double the standard recommendation increased growth and biomass accumulation. Since HLB is believed to cause deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in citrus trees, it is critical to ensure their optimal levels in the leaves. This could be achieved by soil application of either a Mn rate of 8.9 to 11.5 kg ha⁻¹ as MnSO₄ (31%) for young HLB-affected ‘Valencia’ (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) citrus trees or an Fe rate of 9.6 to 11.8 kg ha⁻¹ as Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (20%) for ‘Bingo’ (Citrus reticulata, Blanco) citrus trees. Maintaining optimal levels of these micronutrients may enable citrus trees to carry out photosynthetic activities to ensure growth and development. It may also help the tree in the regulation of various physiological processes as part of the antioxidant enzyme Mn-superoxidase dismutase (SOD). Micronutrient manipulation through variable rates of fertilizer application to influence nutrient availability is an important mitigating factor for HLB-affected citrus trees and an integral component of citrus production in Florida. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Resilient Crop Production)

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10 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessReview

Integrated Water, Nutrient, and Pesticide Management of Huanglongbing-Affected Sweet Oranges on Florida Sandy Soils—A Review

by Qudus O. Uthman, Alisheikh A. Atta, Davie M. Kadyampakeni, Jawwad A. Qureshi, Kelly T. Morgan and Peter Nkedi-Kizza

Plants 2022, 11(14), 1850; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141850 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2575

Abstract

Citrus greening (huanglonbing (HLB)) disease has drastically reduced citrus fruit production in Florida over the last two decades. Scientists have developed sustainable nutrient management practices to live with the disease and continue fruit production. Best pesticide management practices have been devised to reduce [...] Read more.

Citrus greening (huanglonbing (HLB)) disease has drastically reduced citrus fruit production in Florida over the last two decades. Scientists have developed sustainable nutrient management practices to live with the disease and continue fruit production. Best pesticide management practices have been devised to reduce the spread of HLB by Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). However, soil application of excessive nutrients and the use of soil drench application of pesticides to huanglongbing-infected citrus groves have been a serious environmental concern since the recent development of resistance to some pesticides. It is important to understand the consequences of applying pesticides and nutrients beyond the recommended application rates with an inappropriate method for citrus growth and development. Alternatively, foliar sprays of some nutrients proved effective to meet plants’ requirements, and foliar sprays of effective insecticide products could provide an adequate mode of action for group rotation to minimize insecticide resistance by ACP and other pests. Sustainability in citrus production systems should include best management practices that improve pesticide and nutrient efficiency by including the total maximum daily load exiting the grove to reduce pesticide and nutrient exports into waterbodies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Resilient Crop Production)

Other

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5 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

Towards a Discovery of a Zinc-Dependent Phosphate Transport Road in Plants

by Hui-Kyong Cho, Jaspreet Sandhu, Nadia Bouain, Chanakan Prom-u-thai and Hatem Rouached

Plants 2022, 11(22), 3066; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223066 - 12 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1443

Abstract

Owing to the impending global scarcity of high-quality sources of phosphate (Pi) fertilizers, lowering its use in crop production requires improved insights into factors stimulating Pi uptake from the soil as well as the efficacious use by plants. Following decades of extensive research [...] Read more.

Owing to the impending global scarcity of high-quality sources of phosphate (Pi) fertilizers, lowering its use in crop production requires improved insights into factors stimulating Pi uptake from the soil as well as the efficacious use by plants. Following decades of extensive research on plants’ adaptation to Pi deficiency with mitigated success in the field, a better understanding of how plants exposed to zinc (Zn) deficiency accumulate much more Pi provides a novel strategy in comparison to when plants are grown in Zn-rich soils. In this context, we review current knowledge and molecular events involved in the Pi and Zn signaling crosstalk in plants that will bear great significance for agronomical and rudimentary research applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Resilient Crop Production)

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