Zinc fertilization approaches for agronomic biofortification and estimated human bioavailability of zinc in maize grain

Maize (Zea mays L.) is generally low in bioavailable zinc (Zn); however, agronomic biofortification can cure human Zn deficiency. In the present experiment, Zn was applied in pots as ZnSO₄ · 7H₂O to maize cultivar DK-6142 as foliar spray (0.5% w/v Zn sprayed 25 days after sowing and 0.25% w/v at tasseling), surface broadcasting (16 kg Zn ha^?1), subsurface banding (16 kg Zn ha^?1 at the depth of 15 cm), surface broadcasting + foliar and subsurface banding + foliar in comparison to an unfertilized control. As compared to control, all treatments significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased growth, yield and nutritional attributes in maize. Grain Zn and protein concentrations were correlated and ranged from 22.3 to 41.9 mg kg^?1 and 9 to 12 %, respectively. Zinc fertilization also significantly reduced grain phytate and increased grain Zn concentration. Zinc fertilization, especially broadcasting and subsurface banding combined with foliar spray decreased grain [phytate]:[Zn] ratio to 28 and 21 and increased Zn bioavailability by trivariate model of Zn absorption to 2.04 to 2.40, respectively. Conclusively, broadcasting and subsurface banding combined with foliar spray is suitable for optimal maize yield and agronomic Zn biofortification of maize grain. This would also be helpful to optimize Zn and protein concentration in maize grain.     

Amelioration of saline–sodic soil with gypsum can increase yield and nitrogen use efficiency in rice–wheat cropping system

A 2-year field experiment was conducted to determine crop yield and N use efficiency (NUE) from a saline–sodic soil (clay loam) with and without application of gypsum. Treatments included two N application rates (15% and 30%) higher than the recommended one to the normal soil, and gypsum added at 50% and 100% of soil gypsum requirement (SGR) to the saline–sodic soil, both cultivated with rice and wheat during 2011–2013. Results revealed a decrease in pH of saturated soil paste (pH_s), electrical conductivity of saturation extract (EC_e), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and exchangeable sodium percentage with N fertilizer along with gypsum application in saline–sodic soil. However, the effect was most prominent when gypsum was added at 50% of SGR. Crop yield and NUE remained significantly lower (p < 0.05) in saline–sodic-soils as compared to normal soil. However, gypsum application reduced this difference from 47% to 17% since both yield and NUE increased considerably. Crop yield and NUE remained higher for wheat than for rice. During first year, higher doses of N with gypsum application at 50% SGR proved most effective, whereas, in subsequent year, recommended N along with gypsum at 50% SGR became more profitable. All these results lead us to conclude that gypsum application can ameliorate saline–sodic soil thereby increasing crop yield and NUE.     

Ecological Environmental Variability Influence Growth and Yield Potential of Rice under Northern Climatic Scenario

To evaluate the response of various rice genotypes to environmental variability and fluctuation in temperature for growth and development of the plant, an experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Institute (N) Mingora Swat, Pakistan, during summer 2011. The site is located at 34° and 36° North latitude and 72° and 73° East longitude and at an altitude of 975 m above sea level. Experimental site falls in temperate region where the average annual precipitation is ranges from 1000 to 1200 mm. Seven genotypes (PARC 403, OM5627, IR64, IR8225-9-3-2-3, CIBOGO, GA-5015, and Fakhre Malakand) were evaluated for growth and yield parameters in respect of seasonal variation of transplanting. Five transplanting dates, (D1 = 25th May, D2 = 9th June, D3 = 24th June, D4 = 9th July, and D5 = 25th July) were used during the study. Results divulge that optimum temperature for well growth and development was found on D2 (9th June), taken less number of days to 50% flowering (72), less number of days taken physiological maturity (112), produced taller plant height (88.62 cm), maximum tiller plant^–1 (20.3 cm), panicle length (22.0 and 22.0 cm), paddies panicle^–1(191 and 193), 1000 paddy weight (18.15 and 18.16 g) and paddy yield (5.65 and 5.53 t ha^–1) respectively. As the transplanting was delayed decreased in yield contributing parameters was noted. Panicle length (17.9 cm), paddies panicle^–1 (176.14) and paddy yield (4.12 t ha^–1) was observed when transplanting was done on D5, while D1 and D4 were at par valued in tiller plant^–1, Panicle length, 1000 paddy weight, and paddy yield respectively. Fakhre-e-Malakand was found best among the tested genotypes for early maturity, maximum plant height, highest tillers plant^–1 (22.2), panicle length (21.8 cm), paddies panicle^–1 (197.7), 1000 paddy weight (19.2 g) and paddy yield (6.49 t ha–1) under the northern climatic scenario.     

Biochar induced Pb and Cu immobilization,phytoavailability attenuation in Chinese cabbage,and improved biochemical properties in naturally co-contaminated soil

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Contamination of agricultural soils with potential toxic elements (PTEs) has caused serious health and environmental concern all over the world. Therefore,...     

Prevalence and risk factors of Avian Influenza Viruses among household ducks in Chattogram,Bangladesh

Veterinary Research Communications - Avian influenza viruses (AIV) increase commercial and backyard poultry mortality and morbidity, reduces egg production, and elevates public health risk....     

Molecular epidemiology of bovine anaplasmosis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,Pakistan

Bovine anaplasmosis is endemic in Pakistan where it reduces livestock productivity and leads to high mortality, especially in young animals. This study was aimed to identify the potential risk factors responsible for the occurrence and spread of anaplasmosis in cattle and buffaloes for the first time in Pakistan. A total of 900 (cattle?=?479, buffalo?=?421) blood samples were collected irrespective of age and sex from three distinct zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhhwa (KP) province of Pakistan. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used for the molecular detection of anaplasmosis. Data collected on a piloted questionnaire including 11 predicting variables which were analyzed using R-statistical software, and association between the dependent and independent variables was assessed using univariable analysis. Automated and manual approaches were exercised, producing comparable models. Key risk factors identified in all the approaches included species of the animal, breed of animal, sex of animal, tick infestation status, previous tick history, tick control status, and acaricides used (odds ratio?>?1). The 611 bp DNA fragment specific for 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma spp. was produced from 165 samples. The samples were confirmed for anaplasmosis through sequencing and BLAST queries. The findings of the current study conclude that by enhancing the protective measures to control the identified risk factors can reduce the spread of anaplasmosis in Pakistan.

     

A cross-sectional study of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at the equine-human interface

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The present study aimed at investigating the percent prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in equines and associated personnel. A...     

Different ambient management intervention techniques and their effect on milk production and physiological parameters of lactating NiliRavi buffaloes during hot dry summer of subtropical region

Tropical Animal Health and Production - In tropical countries, one of the major threats for diary animal production is climate change. Ambient management interventions are beneficial and are the...     

ALLEVIATION OF CADMIUM TOXICITY IN SOYBEAN BY POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTATION

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of potassium (K) on alleviating cadmium (Cd) toxicity in soybean. Two genotypes of soybean, namely ‘Liao 1’ and ‘Zhechun 3’ were used in hydroponics experiment with the following treatments: control without Cd addition; 1μM Cd addition; K supplementation at a rate of 380 mg L^?1; and both Cd addition and K supplementation. Plant growth, chlorophyll content, and fluorescence, rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance reduced significantly in Cd-stressed plants. Meanwhile, Cd treatment increased malondialdehyde content, and activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes. Concentration of K, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) in shoot and root tissues also reduced in Cd treatment. ‘Liao 1’ had higher, antioxidant enzyme activity than ‘Zhechun 3’. Potassium supplementation alleviated the reduction of growth, photosynthesis and nutrients uptake in Cd-treated plants. It was concluded that Cd toxicity could be alleviated through enhanced K nutrition in soybean.     

Functional identification of G. hirsutum genes for their role in normal plant development and resistance against Verticillium dahliae using virus-induced gene silencing

European Journal of Plant Pathology - Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a reverse genetic tool used to identify the function of individual genes by reducing their expression. Here VIGS was...