Nitrogen Deep Placement Combined with Straw Mulch Cultivation Enhances Physiological Traits,Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Mechanical Pot-Seedling Transplanting Rice

To assess the effects of straw return coupled with deep nitrogen (N) fertilization on grain yield and N use efficiency (NUE) in mechanical pot-seedling transplanting (MPST) rice, the seedlings of two rice cultivars, i.e., Yuxiangyouzhan and Wufengyou 615 transplanted by MPST were applied with N fertilizer at 150 kg/hm² and straw return at 6 t/hm² in early seasons of 2019 and 2020. The experiment comprised of following treatments: CK (no fertilizer and no straw return), MDS (deep N fertilization and straw return), MBS (broadcasting fertilizer and straw return), MD (deep N fertilization without straw return), MB (broadcasting fertilizer without straw return). Results depicted that the MDS treatment significantly increased the rice yield by 41.69%?72.22% due to total above-ground biomass, leaf area index and photosynthesis increased by 54.70%?55.80%, 38.52%?52.17% and 17.89%?28.40%, respectively, compared to the MB treatment. In addition, the MDS treatment enhanced the total N accumulation by 37.74%?43.69%, N recovery efficiency by 141.45%?164.65%, N agronomic efficiency by 121.76%? 134.19%, nitrate reductase by 46.46%?60.86% and glutamine synthetase by 23.56%?31.02%, compared to the MB treatment. The average grain yield and NUE in both years for Yuxiangyouzhan were higher in the MDS treatment than in the MD treatment. Hence, deep N fertilization combined with straw return can be an innovative technique with improved grain yield and NUE in MPST in South China.     

Perspectives of Using L-Tryptophan for Improving Productivity of Agricultural Crops: A Review

Plant growth regulators are biologically active signaling molecules that regulate a number of plant physiological processes. Auxin (indole-3-acetic acid) is an important plant growth regulator and is synthesized within plant tissues through L-tryptophan (L-TRP)-dependent and -independent pathways. It has been found that plants respond to exogenously applied L-TRP due to insufficient endogenous auxin biosynthesis. The exogenous application of L-TRP is highly significant for normal plant growth and development. L-tryptophan is applied through foliar spray, seed priming, and soil application. Soil-applied L-TRP is either directly taken up by plants or metabolized to auxin by soil microbiota and then absorbed by plant roots. Similarly, foliar spray and seed priming with L-TRP stimulates auxin synthesis within plants and improves the growth and productivity of agricultural crops. Furthermore, L-TRP contains approximately 14% nitrogen (N) in its composition, which is released upon its metabolism within a plant or in the rhizosphere and plays a role in enhancing crop productivity. This review deals with assessing crop responses under the exogenous application of L-TRP in normal and stressed environments, mode of action of L-TRP, advantages of using L-TRP over other auxin precursors, and role of the simultaneous use of L-TRP and auxin-producing microbes in improving the productivity of agricultural crops. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review reporting the importance of the use of L-TRP in agriculture.     

水培法磷矿石对小麦生长的影响

Screening cultivars to grow under conditions of low phosphorus (P) availability and utilize P efficiently from compounds of low solubility in soils may be beneficial to overcome poor plant growth in P-deficient soils.The growth behavior and P utilization efficiency of seven wheat cultivars grown in hydroponics were studied,using rock phosphate as P source.The wheat cultivars grown for 30 days were significantly different in biomass accumulation,P uptake and P utilization efficiency.The dry matter production of all the cultivars was significantly correlated with P uptake,which in turn correlated to the drop in the root medium pH.The ranking of wheat cultivars on the basis of dry matter yield,P uptake and P utilization efficiency was Zamindar 80 ＞ Yccora ＞ C 271 ＞ WL 711 ＞ Barani 83 ＞ PARI 73 ＞ Rohtas.The cultivar Zamindar 80 appeared to possess the best growth potential in P-deficient soils.     

小麦分泌的有机酸影响钙质土中锌的释放

Rhizosphere drives plant uptake of sparingly soluble soil zinc(Zn).An investigation with three experiments was conducted to study organic acid exudation by two contrasting wheat genotypes(Sehar-06 and Vatan),Zn fractions in 10 different calcareous soils from Punjab,Pakistan,and release of different soil Zn fractions by organic acids.The two genotypes differed significantly in biomass production and Zn accumulation under deficient and optimum Zn levels in nutrient solution.At a deficient Zn level,Sehar-06 released more maleic acid in the rhizosphere than Vatan.Ten soils used in the present study had very different physicochemical properties;their total Zn and Zn distribution among different fractions varied significantly.Zinc release behaviour was determined by extracting the soils with 0.005 mol L-1 citric acid or maleic acid.The parabolic diffusion model best described Zn release as a function of time.Parabolic diffusion model fitting indicated more maleic acid-driven than citric acid-driven soil Zn mobility from different fractions.Cumulative Zn release in six consecutive extractions during 24 h ranged from 1.85 to 13.58 mg kg-1 using maleic acid and from 0.37 to 11.84 mg kg-1 using citric acid.In the selected calcareous soils,the results of stepwise linear regression indicated significant release of Fe-Mn oxide-bounded soil Zn by maleic acid and its availability to the Zn-effcient genotype.Hence,release of maleic acid by plants roots played an important role in phytoavailability of Zn from calcareous soils.     

Ascorbic Acid Enhances Growth and Yield of Sweet Peppers (Capsicum annum) by Mitigating Salinity Stress

Salinity is a crucial problem which has affected crop productivity globally. Ascorbic acid is considered helpful against abiotic stresses due to its powerful antioxidant potential. In the pot experiment, salinity stress (0, 35, 70, and 105?mM) was applied to sweet peppers in split doses after 20 days of transplantation. To mitigate the adverse effects of salinity, ascorbic acid (0, 0.40, 0.80, and 1.20?mM) was applied as foliar spray after a 6-day interval during vegetative growth. Sweet pepper plants sprayed with distilled water (control) recorded maximum plant height (cm), leaf area (cm²), number of branches, stem diameter (mm), number of fruit plant^?1, fruit diameter (cm), yield plant^?1 (g), and chlorophyll content (mg 100?g^?1), while the maximum polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity (unit mg protein^?1 min^?1) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity (unit mg protein^?1 min^?1) were recorded in plants treated with 70?mM NaCl application. Salinity stress beyond 70?mM significantly reduced all the studied parameters. An ascorbic acid concentration of 1.20?mM significantly mitigated the negative effects of salt stress and recorded maximum plant height (cm), number of leaves plant^?1, leaf area (cm²), number of branches plant^?1, stem diameter (mm), number of fruit plant^?1, fruit diameter (cm), yield plant^?1 (g), chlorophyll content (mg 100?g^?1), PPO activity (unit mg protein^?1 min^?1), and APX activity (unit mg protein^?1 min^?1). Hence, a 1.20?mM concentration of foliar ascorbic acid could be used in saline conditions up to 70?mM of sodium chloride (NaCl) for better growth, productivity, and enzymatic activity of sweet peppers.

     

Assessment of Environment-friendly Usage of Spent Wash and its Nutritional Potential for Sugarcane Production

Excessive and inappropriate use of fertilizers is a key factor of low sugarcane yield and degradation of soil. A two-year (2013–14 and 2014–15) field study was conducted to assess the impact of combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on sugarcane at research farm of Shakarganj Sugar Research Institute, Jhang, Pakistan. Experiment was conducted under randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were used as control (no exogenous application), spent wash (160 t ha^?1), (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) NPK (168:112:112 kg ha^?1), spent wash (120 t ha^?1) + NPK (42:28:28 kg ha^?1), spent wash (80 t ha^?1) + NPK (84:56:56 kg ha^?1), spent wash (40 t ha^?1) + NPK (126:84:84 kg ha^?1), and spent wash (160 t ha^?1) + NPK (42:28:28 kg ha^?1). Application of spent wash @ 80 t ha^?1 + NPK @ 84:56:56 kg ha^?1 resulted maximum crop growth rate (11.35 g m^?2 d^?1), leaf area index (7.78), and net assimilation rate (2.53 g m^?2 d^?1). Maximum number of millable canes (14), weight per stripped cane (0.90 kg), stripped cane yield (117.60 t ha^?1) and unstripped cane yield (141.25 t ha^?1) were observed with spent wash @ 80 t ha^?1 + NPK @ 84:56:56 kg ha^?1, followed by sole fertilizer application @ 168:112:112 kg NPK ha^?1 and spent wash @160 t ha^?1 + NPK @ 42:28:28 kg ha^?1. Similar trend was observed regarding quality parameters. The maximum benefit–cost ratio (1.80) was achieved with integrated application of spent wash @ 80 t ha^?1 + NPK @ 84:56:56 kg ha^?1.     

水培条件下加入钾和硅减轻甘蔗盐胁迫效应

A hydroponics experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of potassium (K) and silicon (Si) in mitigating the deleterious effects of NaCl on sugarcane genotypes differing in salt tolerance. Two salt-sensitive (CPF 243 and SPF 213) and two salt-tolerant (HSF 240 and CP 77-400) sugarcane genotypes were grown for six weeks in ? strength Johnson’s nutrient solution. The nutrient solution was salinized by two NaCl levels (0 and 100 mmol L-1 NaCl) and supplied with two levels of K (0 and 3 mmol L-1) and Si (0 and 2 mmol L-1). Applied NaCl enhanced Na+ concentration in plant tissues and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced shoot and root dry matter in four sugarcane genotypes. However, the magnitude of reduction was much greater in salt-sensitive genotypes than salt-tolerant genotypes. The salts interfered with the absorption of K+ and Ca2+ and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased their uptake in sugarcane genotypes. Addition of K and Si either alone or in combination significantly (P ≤ 0.05) inhibited the uptake and transport of Na+ from roots to shoots and improved dry matter yields under NaCl conditions. Potassium uptake, K+/Na+ ratios, and Ca2+ and Si uptake were also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased by the addition of K and/or Si to the root medium. In this study, K and Si-enhanced salt tolerance in sugarcane genotypes was ascribed to decreased Na+ concentration and increased K+ with a resultant improvement in K+/Na+ ratio, which is a good indicator to assess plant tolerance to salt stress. However, further verification of these results is warranted under field conditions.     

玉米铬毒性研究：氧化损伤、渗透调节物质积累、抗氧化防御以及铬的吸收

Agricultural production systems are immensely exposed to different environmental stresses in which heavy metal stress receives serious concerns. This study was conducted to explore the deleterious effects of different chromium(Cr) stress levels, i.e., 0, 30, 6090, 120, and 150 μmol L-1, on two maize genotypes, Wandan 13 and Runnong 35. Both genotypes were evaluated by measuring their growth and yield characteristics, Cr accumulation in different plant tissues, alterations in osmolyte accumulation, generation o reactive oxygen species(ROS), and anti-oxidative enzyme activity to scavenge ROS. The results showed that Cr stress decreased the leaf area, cob formation, 100-grain weight, shoot fresh biomass, and yield formation, while Cr accumulation in different maize tissues was found in the order of roots leaves stem seeds in both genotypes. The increased Cr toxicity resulted in higher free proline soluble sugars and total phenolic contents, and lower soluble protein contents. However, enhanced lipid peroxidation was noticed in the forms of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance accumulation, and electrolyte leakage. The hyperactivity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, especially glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase indicated that these anti-oxidative enzymes had a central role in protecting maize from Cr toxicity, especially for Wandan 13. Moreover, higher uptake and less translocation of Cr contents into the grains of Wandan 13 implied its importance as a potential candidate against soil Cr pollution.     

Strategic use of water: a step toward cadmium-free basmati rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

Sewage contains several trace elements of environmental concern, and cadmium (Cd) is one of the most mobile elements in soil–plant system that can pose drastic effects on plants and human health due to its long persistence and non-biodegradability nature in environment. It is necessary to prevent its entry into food chain for better food quality and human health. Present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of different water management practices, viz. W₁: flooding throughout the growing season, W₂: flooding after 4 days of disappearance of standing water (DAD), W3: flooding till heading and after that flooding of soil after 4 days of DAD, W₄: Aerobic condition throughout growing season (flooding after 8 days) for reducing Cd concentration in rice grain grown under varying levels of Cd (0, 20, 40 mg kg^?1) spiked soil. Results revealed that grain yield declined with increasing Cd levels but maximum plant height (89.3 cm), straw yield (16.9 g) and grain yield (22.5 g pot^?1) was observed where pots were flooded till heading and thereafter flooding. Cadmium concentration increased with increasing concentration of Cd in soil. Further, it is added that the lowest Cd concentration in shoot, grain and husk and translocation factor were observed under W₃ when the soil was spiked with 40 mg kg^?1. In crux, continuous flooding till heading and thereafter flooding after 4 DAD can significantly decrease the grain Cd concentration without compromise on yield.     

Effect of ovsynch versus prostaglandin F2α protocol on estrus response,ovulation rate,timing of ovulation and pregnancy per artificial insemination in Sahiwal cows

Sahiwal cow is Bos indicus which is an important dairy breed of tropical and sub‐tropical region. Research on reproduction is rare in this breed. The objectives of the present study were to determine the effect of Ovsynch (OVS) versus prostaglandin F_2α (PG) protocol on estrus response and its intensity, ovulation rate, timing of ovulation and pregnancy per artificial insemination (AI) in Sahiwal cows. Experimental cows (n = 80) were of mixed parity, lactating, suckled, ≥120 days postpartum with body condition score 3.08 ± 0.34 and 375‐475 kg of body weight which were randomly assigned to receive either OVS (n = 46) or PG (n =34) protocol. Cows were inseminated twice at 12 and 24 h after second gonadotropin releasing hormone in the OVS group, and 72 and 84 h after administration of prostaglandin F_2α in PG group, respectively. The results revealed that estrus response did not differ (P > 0.05) and was 87% in OVS and 78% in PG cows. Ovulation rate did not differ (P > 0.05) and was 50% in both, OVS and PG cows. The pregnancy per AI did not differ (P > 0.05) and was 43% in OVS compared to 31% in PG cows. It is concluded that estrus response, ovulation rate and pregnancy per AI of OVS protocol is the same as PG in Sahiwal cows.