Effects of iron nutritional status and time of day on concentrations of phytosiderophores and nico‐tianamine in different root and shoot zones of barley

The diurnal pattern in concentrations of phytosiderophores (PS) and its precursor nicotianamine (NA) was studied in different root and shoot zones of iron (Fe)‐sufficient and Fe‐deficient barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Europa) grown in nutrient solution. Roots were separated into apical (0–3 cm) and basal zones (>3 cm) and shoots into young (3 cm basal zones of youngest two leaves) and old (remaining zones of youngest two leaves and oldest leaf) parts. The main PS in barley was identified as epi‐hydroxymugineic acid (epi‐HMA). Regardless of the sampling zone and time of day, epi‐HMA concentrations were several times higher in Fe‐deficient than in Fe‐sufficient plants and several times higher in the roots than in the shoots. In roots and shoots, epi‐HMA concentrations were always higher in the younger compared with the older zones. In both root zones of Fe‐deficient plants, an inverse diurnal rhythm occurred in epi‐HMA concentrations and in its release by the roots. In contrast, such a rhythm was absent in roots of Fe‐sufficient plants and in the shoots regardless of the Fe nutritional status. Nicotianamine concentrations in roots were not affected by the Fe nutritional status in apical zones but slightly enhanced under Fe deficiency in basal zones. In contrast to roots, NA concentrations in both shoot parts were lower in Fe‐deficient than in Fe‐sufficient plants. Regardless of the Fe nutritional status in roots and shoots, NA concentrations were higher in young than in old parts and no consistent diurnal variations were observed. The results suggest that PS are also synthesized in the shoot, although at much lower rates than in roots. As with roots, PS synthesis in the shoot is enhanced under Fe deficiency and is mainly localized in young growing tissue. The distinct diurnal rhythm in PS release in roots is apparently not regulated by variation in the rate of PS synthesis during the day.     

Characterization and antioxidant activity of the complex of tea polyphenols and oat β-glucan

Few data are available about the effects of complexation of polyphenols with polysaccharide on their bioavailability. The complex of tea polyphenols (TP) with oat β-glucan was characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, atomic force microscopy, and solid-state (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The results indicated that the bonds which governed the interaction between TP and oat β-glucan were strong hydrogen bonds. The in vitro antioxidant activity of TP, β-glucan, their complex, and physical mixture was assessed using four systems, namely, DPPH(?), OH(?), and O(2)(?-) scavenging activities and reducing power. The complexation and blending of TP and β-glucan exhibited different impacts on the index of in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacities. In the concentration range of 0.5-2.5 mg mL(-1), the complex had highest O(2)(?-) scavenging activity, whereas the highest OH(?) scavenging activity was found with the physical mixture. For antioxidant testing in vivo, there was no significant difference between the complex and the physical mixture in terms of glutathione peroxidase activity and levels of malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity in serums. However, the complex exhibited much higher activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in livers than the physical mixture. The present study provided a deeper understanding of the influence of molecular interaction between TP and oat β-glucan on their antioxidant activities.     

Speciation and biochemical transformations of sulfur and copper in rice rhizosphere and bulk soil—XANES evidence of sulfur and copper associations

Purpose  

Contamination of heavy metals in soil and its subsequent accumulation along the food chain is a potential risk to human health. Cu speciation in soil–plant system, particularly on the availability to plant roots, has obtained great attention. X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) provides information about the bonding of Cu soil components at the molecular scale. In paddy soils, changes of redox conditions led to microbially mediated sulfur transformation, thus affecting heavy metal behavior. The objective of this work was to investigate how sulfur transformation in a paddy soil affected Cu biogeochemical processes.     

Fixation and Recovery of Added Phosphorus and Potassium in Different Soil Types of Pulse‐Growing Regions of India

Abstract

Fixation and recovery of added phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were studied in different soil types of pulse‐growing regions. Amounts of P and K fixed increased in all the soils irrespective of type and texture. With the increase in levels of added P and K, maximum P fixation was observed at lower levels of added P (50 mg kg^?1). Alfisols showed maximum P‐fixation capacity (92.7%), followed by Vertisols (86.5%) and Inceptisols (76.6%) at 50 mg kg^?1 added P. However, K fixation increased with increasing levels of added K up to 200 mg kg^?1, and thereafter fixation either decreased or was maintained at similar levels. Vertisols showed higher K fixation than Inceptisols and Alfisols. Fertilizer P requirement per unit increase in available P in soil was highest in Bangalore (3.23) and lowest in Delhi (2.38). Fertilizer K requirement per unit increase in available K in soil was highest in Raipur and Gulbarga (1.75) and lowest in Ranchi (1.28).     

Effect of cooking on concentrations of β-estradiol and metabolites in model matrices and beef

Because beef food products are generally cooked prior to consumption, the behavior of chemicals in these cooked foods is important in estimating human exposure. The heat stability of the natural estrogen β-estradiol (β-E2) and its metabolites α-estradiol (α-E2), estrone (E1), and several catechol estrogens was examined in heated vegetable oil and aqueous solutions. The chemicals were also incorporated into regular and extra lean ground beef and subjected to cooking. E1 and E2 were stable in aqueous solutions at 100°C, whereas the catechol estrogens exhibited first-order decay curves with half-lives of 2-10 min. Their stability improved to the same level as the other test chemicals when an antioxidant was added to the solution, suggesting that their disappearance was due to oxidation rather than thermal degradation. E1 and E2 were also stable in heated vegetable oil (160-180°C), whereas catechol estrogen decreased 30-50% over the 2 h duration of the experiments. Chemical losses from cooked beef appear to be related to the fat content of the beef, with greater losses occurring in regular ground beef (25-30%), compared to extra lean ground beef (5-20%). This study shows that cooking reduces but does not eliminate the potential for dietary exposure to growth promoters in ground beef.     

Effects of vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizas and phosphorus on water status and growth of apple

Apple (Malus hupehensis Rehd) seedlings were grown in sterilized and non‐sterilized soil with or without phosphorus (P) added and inoculated by VA mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi (Glomus versifome Daniels et Tappe and Glomus macrocarpum Tul et Tul). In sterilized soil, the VAM infection increased the transpiration rate (Tr.) of the leaves, reduced the stomatal resistance (Sr.) and the permanent wilting percentage (PWP) and enhanced the rate of recovery of the plant from the water stress and the plant growth (e.g. leaf number, stem diameter and dry weight). It also increased absorption of most minerals, especially Zn and Cu by the roots and weakened the P‐Cu and P‐Zn interactions. Phosphorus fertilization had some positive effects on the water status, P nutrition and growth, but it reduced the Cu concentration. VAM improved the water status and enhanced drought tolerance of the trees by enhancing absorption and translocation of water by the external hyphae. The efficiency of inoculation in nonsterile soil was not obvious.     

Effect of High‐Molybdenum Compost on Soils and the Growth of Lettuce and Barley

A pot experiment evaluated the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgar) and accumulation of molybdenum (Mo) in plants and soils following amendments of Mo compost (1.0 g kg^?1) to a Truro sandy loam. The treatments consisted of 0 (control), 12.5, 25, and 50% Mo compost by volume. The Mo compost did not affect dry‐matter yield (DMY) up to 25% compost, but DMY decreased at the 50% compost treatment. The 50% compost treatments increased the soil pH an average of 0.5 units and increased the nitric acid (HNO₃)–extractable Mo to 150 mg kg^?1 and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)–extractable Mo to 100 mg kg^?1 in the growth medium; the same treatment increased tissue Mo concentration to 569 and 478 mg kg^?1 in the lettuce and barley, respectively. Plants grown in the 25% compost produced about 55 mg kg^?1 of total Mo in the growth medium; this resulted in tissue Mo concentration of 348 mg kg^?1 in lettuce and 274 mg kg^?1 in barley without any phytotoxicity. Our results suggested that 55 mg Mo kg^?1 soil would be an appropriate limit for Mo loading of soil developed from compost additions, a value which is presently greater than the Canadian Council for Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Guidelines for the use of type B compost in Canada.     

Effect of Incorporation of Wheat Straw and Urea into Soil on Biomass Nitrogen and Nitrogen-Supplying Characteristics of Paddy Soil

Pot experiments were carried out to study the effect of incorporation of wheat straw and/ or urea into soil on biomass nitrogen and mineral nitrogen and its relation to the growth and yield of rice.The combined appliation of wheat straw and urea increased much more biomass nitrogen in soil than the application of wheat straw or urea alone and consequently increased the immobilization of urea nitrogen added and reduced the loss of urea nitrogen.An adequate nitrogen-supplying process to rice plant could be obtained if C/ N ratio of the material added was about 20.The three yield components of rice were affected significantly by the status of nitrogen supplying.More than 30mg N/ kg soil of mineral nitrogen at effective tillering stage,panicle initiation stage and filling stage should be maintained in order to get high rice yield,though the criteria varied with the different experimental conditions.     

Effect of Calcium and Boron Sprays on Yield and Quality of “Elsanta” Strawberry

Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to examine the effects of foliar applications of calcium (Ca) and boron (B) on yield and fruit quality of “Elsanta” strawberries grown on a sandy loam soil with low status of available B. The study was conducted in 1999–2000 at a commercial strawberry plantation in Central Poland. Cold‐stored strawberries were planted in 1998 at a spacing of 0.25 × 0.8 m. The following treatments were applied: (i) five sprays of Ca as CaCl₂ at a rate of 1.5 kg Ca ha^?1 spray^?1 with addition of Tween 20 adjuvant at 0.1%; the first spray was performed at the petal fall stage and the next at 5‐day intervals; (ii) three sprays of B as Borvit material at a rate of 160 g B ha^?1 spray^?1 at the beginning of flowering and 5, and 10 days later; (iii) sprays of B and Ca as in the combination of (i) and (ii). Plants sprayed with water served as the control. Results showed that fruit and leaves from Ca‐treated plants had increased Ca concentrations. Sprays with B increased status of this microelement in fruit and leaf tissues. Treatments did not affect total and marketable fruit yield, mean berry weight, the number deformed fruit, soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity of fruit at harvest. Fruit sprayed with Ca or B plus Ca were firmer and more resistant to Botrytis rot at harvest and after 3 days of holding at 18°C compared to those of control plots. Moreover, sprays of Ca or B plus Ca increased soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity of fruit after 3 days of holding at room temperature. These results indicate that sprays of CaCl₂ with addition of Tween 20 should be recommended to improve quality and shelf‐life of strawberry fruit, particularly in proecological production where application of fungicides is restricted.     

Effect of levels of take‐all and phosphorus fertiliser on the dry matter and grain yield of wheat

In a field experiment with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), the effect of the percentage severity of take‐all on the production of dried tops and grain and the kernel weight (mg/seed) was measured when different amounts of phosphorus (P) fertiliser were applied. The soil was severely P deficient. The amounts of P fertitiser varied from nil P (deficient) to 40 kg P/ha (adequate) applied annually. The levels of Gaeumannomyces graminis tritici (Ggt) were generated by four cropping sequences. The levels of percent severity of Ggt on plant roots ranged from low (<10% of wheat plant roots infected) to high (70% of roots infected by Ggt). Yield of dried tops, grain, and kernal weight, all increased as the level of P applied increased, but the amount of Ggt infection decreased. No grain was produced where no P was applied. The percentage increase in yield due to declines in the severity of take‐all was greater as the level of P applied increased. Increasing levels of P fertiliser help control the severity of Ggt (%) only where the initial level of Ggt with nil P fertiliser are moderate to low. Where the levels of Ggt severity are >65% the effectiveness of P in reducing the levels of Ggt severity rapidly declined. The percentage severity of Ggt affected the efficiency of plants to use P fertilisers. For each cropping sequence, a Mitscherlich function described the grain yield response to P fertiliser. The maximum grain yield (A coefficient) and the curvature coefficient (C) both declined with increases in the level of Ggt severity (%). For example, the C was significantly reduced from 0.134±0.03 for the least Ggt severity (%) to 0.00446±0.001 where Ggt was not controlled. The kernal weight (mg/seed) was increased by P application and decreased by Ggt infection.     

Fruit set and yield of Pepino Dulce response to nitrate‐nitrogen and salinity levels and thinning of side branches and trusses 1

Three pepino dulce (Solanum muricatum Ait.) selections were fertigated with nitrate‐nitrogen at 3, 6, or 12 mmol/L, and 0,3, or 6 dS/m chloride ions. Plants treated with nitrate‐nitrogen at 6 mmol/L bore heavier yields of larger fruit than those at 3 mmol/L. Further increase in nitrate‐nitrogen application to 12 mmol/L did not result in yield increase. Salt decreased yield in all cases. Heavy fruit set was recorded in plants trimmed to two main shoots, and thinning to three sets per truss resulted in even fruit distribution between trusses.     

Morphology and water barrier properties of nanobiocomposites of κ/ι-hybrid carrageenan and cellulose nanowhiskers

The current study presents the development and characterization of novel carrageenan nanobiocomposites showing enhanced water barrier due to incorporation of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW). CNW, prepared by acid hydrolysis of highly purified α cellulose microfibers, were seen to have a length of around 25-50 nm and a cross section of ca. 5 nm when dispersed in the matrix. The nanobiocomposites were prepared by incorporating 1, 3, and 5 wt % of the CNW into a carrageenan matrix using a solution casting method. Morphological data (TEM and optical microscopy) of the nanocomposites containing CNW were compared with the morphology of the corresponding biocomposites containing the original cellulose microfibers and the differences discussed. Thermal stability by TGA, water vapor permeability, and percent water uptake were also determined. The main conclusion arising from the analysis of the results is that the nanobiocomposites containing 3 wt % of CNW exhibited the lowest reduction in water vapor permeability, that is, ca. 71%, and that this reduction was largely attributed to a filler-induced water solubility reduction. This fully biobased nanoreinforced carrageenan can open new opportunities for the application of this biopolymer in food-packaging and -coating applications.     

Effect of N‐form on macronutrient and micronutrient concentration and uptake of creeping bentgrass 1

Abstract

Nitrogen‐form effect on nutrient uptake and the subsequent concentration of nutrients in turfgrass plant tissue has not been thoroughly investigated. This study evaluated the effects of clipping regime and N‐form on the tissue concentration of macronutrients and micronutrients and macronutrient uptake in ‘Penncross’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.). Turfgrass plugs were grown under greenhouse conditions in a modified Hoagland's solution with a combination of three nutrient solutions (100% NO₃ ^?, 100% NH₄ ⁺, and 50:50 ratio of NH₄ ⁺:NO₃ ^?) and two cutting regimes (cut and uncut). Concentrations of macronutrients and micronutrients were determined for shoot, root and verdure. Nutrient uptake was determined weekly. Uncut NO₃ ^?‐treated plants accumulated higher concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, B and Cu in the shoot tissue; P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Mn and Zn in the root tissue; and P, Ca, Mg, B, Fe and Mn in the verdure compared to uncut NN₄ ⁺‐treated plants. Nitrate uptake was greater with uncut NO₃ ^?‐treated plants than was NH₄ ⁺ absorption with uncut NH₄ ⁺‐treated plants. Plants grown with the uncut 50:50 treatment adsorbed more NH₄ ⁺ than NO₃ ^?. Plants grown with the uncut NO₃ ^? and 50:50 treatments adsorbed higher amounts of P, K, and Ca compared to the NH₄ ⁺ treatment. The cut NO₃ ^?‐treated plants accumulated higher concentrations of K in the shoot tissue; P, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Fe and Mn in the root tissue; and B in the verdure than did the cut NH₄ ⁺‐treated plants. Cut NO₃ ^?‐treated plants adsorbed less NO₃ ^? than did cut NH₄ ⁺‐treated plants adsorbed NH₄ ⁺. The cut 50:50 treatment adsorbed more NH₄ ⁺ than NO₃ ^?. Plants grown with NO₃ ^? and 50:50 treatments, under both cutting regimes, resulted in higher concentrations of most macro‐ and micronutrients and greater nutrient uptake compared to the NH₄ ⁺‐treated plants.     

Transformation and Availability of Various Forms of Zinc in Soils

The transformation and availability of various forms of Zn applied into a cinnamon soil and a carbonate meadow soil as well as the effects of fertillizer-P on them were studied by using the field experiment method and chemically sequential extraction procedure.Zn added into the soils was found to be rapidly transformed into the various forms. In the cinnamon soil,the amount of Zn transformed into the carbonate bound form was the highest,and the carbonate bound form was proven by the analyses of intensity factor and capacity factor to be the primary available Zn pool.But in the carbonate meadow soil,the Zn transformed was relatively homogeneously distributed in the various forms though the amount of Zn transformed into the Mn-oxide bound form was relatively high,and the organically bound,Mn-oxide bound and amorphous Fe-oxide,bound forms were found to be the main available Zn pool.Fertilizer-P took part in the regulation and control of available Zn in the soils to a certain degree.In the carbonate meadow soil,application of P fertilizer probably aggravated Zn deficiency at low Zn rate,while it was favorable to the storage of available Zn in the case of high Zn rate.     

Effect of substrate,nutrition and growth regulator on productivity and mineral composition of leaf and pseudobulb of Cymbidium hybrid “Baltic Glacier Mint Ice”

The study evaluates the effect of various potting media, nutrition, and growth regulators on production and nutrient composition of leaf and pseudobulb of Cymbidium hybrid “Baltic Glacier Mint Ice” grown in greenhouses. The results confirmed a positive influence of growth and nutrition on flower yield of Cymbidium, with shredded tree bark+ coconut husk + brick bits giving the best flowering. A nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) dose of 200:200:200 mg l^?1 with benzyl adenine (BA) and gibberellic acid (GA₃) at 50 mg l^?1 was found best for growth while an NPK dose of 200:100:100 mg l^?1 with BA and GA₃ at 50 mg l^?1 was suitable flower production of Cymbidium hybrid. Application of an NPK dose of 300:200:300 mg l^?1 with BA and GA₃ at 500 mg l^?1 was found to be best for enhancing flowering frequency. Plants of the Cymbidium hybrid with the best flowering characteristics mostly contained significantly higher concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in leaves and pseudobulbs (which acts as reservoir of nutrients).     

Relationship among nitrogen and phosphorus contents of vegetative parts and agronomic traits of normal‐ and high‐protein wheats 1

Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers were applied at different levels to three hard winter wheat cultivars ranging in grain protein potential to elucidate their interaction and relationship to yield components. Plant N content was higher in the high‐protein cultivar than in the normal‐protein cultivars at jointing two years and at anthesis one year. Plant P content was higher in the semidwarf cultivars than in the tall cultivar and was unrelated to protein potential. All cultivars contained similar plant N and P levels at maturity. Nitrogen fertilization increased plant N content and decreased plant P content at all stages, whereas P fertilization usually increased plant P content but did not affect plant N content. Grain protein was correlated positively with plant N content at all stages and with plant P content at maturity. Grain yield was correlated positively with plant N content at anthesis but correlated negatively with plant P content at maturity. We concluded that high plant N content at anthesis is necessary for high grain yield and protein content regardless of the cultivars¹ inherent protein potential and that plant P nutrition is more critical when N nutrition is altered by fertilization or by genetics.     

Influence of Integrated Supply of Vermicompost and Zinc‐Eniched Compost with Two Graded Levels of Iron and Zinc on the Productivity of Geranium

Abstract

Two pot experiments under greenhouse condition were carried out to study the influence of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost with two levels of iron and zinc on the productivity of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens). Joint application of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost was effective in increasing the herb and oil yield over sole application of iron and zinc. Combined application of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost gave better herb and oil yield in both the experiments. With application of vermicompost and zinc‐enriched compost with two graded levels of iron, higher N, P, and K concentrations were observed with application of vermicompost (5 g kg^?1), vermicompost (5 g kg^?1), and Fe 12.5 ppm+Zn‐enriched compost 2.5 g kg^?1 soil, respectively, over control. Highest reduction in soil pH was observed with an application of vermicompost at 5 g kg^?1 soil; maximum soil organic carbon content was also recorded in the same treatment. In experiment II, joint application of vermicompost, zinc‐enriched compost, and graded levels of zinc recorded highest N, P, and K concentration with treatments of Zn (15 ppm)+vermicompost (2.5 g kg^?1), vermicompost (5 g kg^?1), and Zn (15 ppm)+vermicompost (2.5 g kg^?1 soil), respectively. Nitrogen, P, and K content increased by 36, 125, and 305%, respectively, with these treatments over the control.

Chemical constituents of geranium oil such as cis‐rose oxide, isomenthone, linalool, citronellyl, geranylformate, geranyl, and epi‐γ‐eudesmol were significantly improved by combined application of Zn with vermicompost and Zn‐enriched compost as compared to sole application of Zn. Similar effects were observed with Fe in combination with vermicompost and Zn‐enriched compost on most of the chemical constituents of geranium oil. Physicochemical properties of the soil were also improved as macro‐ and micronutrient availability markedly increased in both the experiments because of combined application of vermicompost and Zn‐enriched compost with two levels of Zn and Fe.     

Toxicity of Cu and Cd in Soils and Detoxication by Additives

Results from laboratory experiments indicated that the concentrations and toxicities of both water-soluble and 0.1 M HCl-extractable Cu and Cd from soils were in the order of red soil> yellow brown earth> black earth. The toxicity of soil varied with the concentrations of metals. The form, concentration and toxicity of Cu and Cd in soils were determined by cation exchange capacity, content of organic matter and composition of clay minerals in the soil. Addition of CaCO3 could significantly decrease the concentration and toxicity of water-soluble and 0.1 M HCl-extractable Cu or Cd from the red soil, and could notably transform the Cu and Cd from the water-soluble or exchangeable form into the organic, free oxides-occluded or sulfic form.     

Streamflow and Soil Moisture of Agroforestry and GrassWatersheds in Hilly Area

A study was conducted in a hilly area of Sichuan Province, Southwestern China, to compare the streamflow and soilmoisture in two upland watersheds with different land use patterns. One was an agroforestry watershed, which consistedmainly of trees with alder (Alnus cremastogyne Burkill) and cypress (Cupressus funebris Endl.) planted in belts or stripswith a coverage of about 46%, and the other was a grassland primarily composed of lalang grass (Imperata cylindricavar. major (Nees) C.E.Hubb.), filamentary clematis (Clematis filamentosa Dunn) and common eulaliopsis (Eulaliopsisbinata (Retz.) C. E. Hubb) with a coverage of about 440/o. Streamflow measurement with a hydrograph established atthe watershed outlet showed that the average annual streamflow per 100 mm rainfall from 1983 to 1992 was 0.36 and1.08 L s^-1 km^-2 for the agroforestry watershed and the grass watershed, respectively. This showed that the streamflowof the agroforestry watershed was reduced by 67% when compared to that of the grass watershed. The peak averagemonthly streamflow in the agroforestry watershed was over 5 times lower than that of the grass watershed and lagged byone month. In addition, the peak streamfiow during a typical rainfall event of 38.3 mm in August 1986 was 37% lowerin the agroforestry watershed than in the grass watershed. Results of the moisture contents of the soil samples from 3slope locations (upper, middle and lower slopes) indicated that the agroforestry watershed maintained generally highersoil moisture contents than the grass watershed within 0-20 and 20-80 cm soil depths for the upper slope, especially forthe period from May through July. For the other (middle and lower) slopes, soil moisture contents within 20-80 cm depthin the agroforestry watershed was generally lower than those in the grass watershed, particularly in September, revealingthat water consumption by trees took place mainly below the plow layer. Therefore, agroforestry land use types mightoffer a complimentary model for tree-annual crop water utilization.