TOMATO LEAF CHLOROPHYLL METER READINGS AS AFFECTED BY VARIETY,NITROGEN FORM,AND NIGHTTIME NUTRIENT SOLUTION STRENGTH

ABSTRACT

Leaf chlorophyll content is closely related to leaf nitrogen (N) content, so it is reasonable to assume that NH₄–N:NO₃–N ratio in the nutrient solution used to grow tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) hydroponically may affect leaf greenness, and consequently chlorophyll meter (SPAD) readings. It has also been shown that increasing nutrient solution strength (NSS) increases tomato productivity, but there are no reports regarding how NSS affects SPAD readings under greenhouse conditions. Genotype may also influence SPAD readings, and standardization for cultivar and sampling time may be needed. The objective of this study was to characterize SPAD readings for five tomato cultivars, and SPAD reading response to a combination of two nutrient solutions strength (NSS) (1X and 4X Steiner solution strength daily applied 18 days after transplanting at 7 p.m.) and two concentrations of NH₄–N in solution (0 and 25%) in order to evaluate the potential of SPAD readings as a tomato yield predictor in greenhouse production systems. The SPAD readings were not uniform across tomato varieties tested, being consistently higher for “Max” and lower for the other varieties. Initially, SPAD readings for tomato varieties used in this study were low at the vegetative stage, and increased up to 40 days after transplant (DAT), but subsequently decreased at 49 DAT, or the fruit set of the first and second clusters. After this time, SPAD readings showed no variation. Chlorophyll meter readings for Max were higher in the top plant layers, but decreased in the top plant layer of the other tomato varieties. The SPAD readings were higher for plants supplied with 25% NH₄–N than those without NH₄–N in solution, but the use of a nighttime nutrient solution did not affect SPAD readings. None of the possible interactions among tomato variety, NH₄–N:NO₃–N ratio, and NSS were consistently significant. SAPD readings may be useful in monitoring low or high supply of N in greenhouse grown tomato plants.     

A comparison between different chlorophyll content meters under nutrient deficiency conditions

Chlorophyll content meters have been used successfully to estimate foliar chlorophyll content in various plant species in non-destructive way, especially to study stress physiology and abiotic stresses, such as nutrient deficiency. The main aim of this work was to compare the records of different chlorophyll content meters with the results obtained by the destructive method under the deficiency of main macronutrients in plants growth medium. Four devices (CL-01, SPAD-502, Dualex, and CCM-200) were used to estimate chlorophyll content in maize and tomato plants. In maize plants, all devices validated high accuracy for potassium and nitrogen deficiency and low accuracy for phosphorous and magnesium. In tomato, they showed a high degree of accuracy for calcium, potassium, and iron deficiencies, and low accuracy for phosphorus deficiency. All devices proved to be suitable to provide a reasonably estimation of chlorophyll content under optimal nutrient conditions. However, under nutrient deficiency conditions, tested devices showed different values for the same plant under the same nutrient deficiency. This suggest that, these devices should be validated by a sampling destructive method under such conditions.     

Effects of Phosphorus Fertilizer Source and Plant Density on Growth and Yield of Maize in Northwestern Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Phosphorus (P) fertilizer source and plant density are considered some of the most important factors affecting crop growth and yield. A field experiment was conducted to determine the impact of P source [zero-P control, DAP (diammonium phosphate), SSP (single super phosphate), and NP (nitrphos)] and plant density (D₁ = 40,000, D₂ = 60,000, D₃ = 80,000, and D₄ = 100,000 plants ha^?1) on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L cv. Azam) on a P-deficient soil (6.6 mg P kg^?1) at New Developmental Agricultural Research Farm, North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, during summer 2006 in wheat-maize cropping system. Physiological maturity was delayed, plant height was increased and leaf area was decreased significantly when maize was planted at highest (D₄) than at lowest plant density (D₁). Application of SSP resulted in earlier physiological maturity of maize than other P fertilizers. Grain and stover yield, harvest index, shelling percentage, thousand grain weight and grains ear^?1 were maximized at D₃ (80,000 plants ha^?1) and with application of P fertilizer. Highest benefit in growth and grain yield was obtained with application of DAP to maize planted at D₃. Application of DAP at D₃ gave 15, 29, and 19% higher grain yield than its application at D₁, D₂, and D₄, respectively. In conclusion, the findings suggest that growing maize at 80,000 plants ha^?1 applied with DAP can maximize productivity of maize in the wheat-maize cropping system on P-deficient soils.     

Gas exchange,water relations,and Ion concentrations of salt‐stressed tomato and melon plants

Abstract

Tomato and melon plants were grown in a greenhouse and irrigated with nutrient solution having an EC of 2 dS m^?1 (control treatment) and 4, 6, and 8 dS m^?1, produced by adding NaCl to the control nutrient solution. After 84 days, leaf water relations, gas exchange parameters, and ion concentrations, as well as plant growth, were measured. Melon plants showed a greater reduction in shoot weight and leaf area than tomato at the two highest salinity levels used (6 and 8 dS m^?1). Net photosynthesis (Pn) in melon plants tended to be lower than in tomato, for all saline treatments tested. Pn was reduced by 32% in melon plants grown in nutrient solution having an EC of 4 dS m^?1, relative to control plants, and no further decline occurred at higher EC levels. In tomato plants, the Pn decline occurred at EC of 6 dS m^?1, and no further reduction was detected at EC of 8 dS m^?1. The significant reductions in Pn corresponded to similar leaf Cl^? concentrations (around 409 mmol kg^?1 dry weight) in both plant species. Net Pn and stomatal conductance were linearly correlated in both tomato and melon plants, Pn being more sensitive to changes in stomatal conductance (g_s) in melon than in tomato leaves. The decline in the growth parameters caused by salinity in melon and tomato plants was influenced by other factors in addition to reduction in Pn rates. Melon leaves accumulated larger amounts of Cl^? than tomato, which caused a greater reduction in growth and a reduction in Pn at lower salinity levels than in tomato plants. These facts indicate that tomato is more salt‐tolerant than melon.     

Kinetics of Zinc Uptake and Anatomy of Roots and Leaves of Coffee Trees as Affected by Zinc Nutrition

Abstract

The influence of silicon (Si) (2.5 mM), sodium chloride (NaCl) (100 mM), and Si (2.5 mM) + NaCl (97.5 mM) supply on chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), H₂O₂ level, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; E.C.1.15.1.1.), ascorbate peroxidase (APx; E.C.1.11.1.11.), catalase (CAT; E.C.1.11.1.6.), guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD; E.C.1.11.1.7.) enzymes, and protein content were studied in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill c.v.) leaves over 10-day and 27-day periods. The results indicated that silicon partially offset the negative impacts of NaCl stress with increased the tolerance of tomato plants to NaCl salinity by raising SOD and CAT activities, chlorophyll content, and photochemical efficiency of PSII. Salt stress decreased SOD and CAT activities and soluble protein content in the leaves. However, addition of silicon to the nutrient solution enhanced SOD and CAT activities and protein content in tomato leaves under salt stress. In contrast, salt stress slightly promoted APx activity and considerably increased H₂O₂ level and MDA concentration and Si addition slightly decreased APx activity and significantly reduced H₂O₂ level and MDA concentration in the leaves of salt-treated plants. G-POD activity was slightly decreased by addition of salt and Si. Enhanced activities of SOD and CAT by Si addition may protect the plant tissues from oxidative damage induced by salt, thus mitigating salt toxicity and improving the growth of tomato plants. These results confirm that the scavenging system forms the primary defense line in protecting oxidative damage under stress in crop plants.     

低磷条件下植物根系形态反应及其调控机制

磷是植物必需营养元素之一,土壤中磷有效性低,限制作物生长发育。磷肥施用量逐年增加,但是磷矿资源面临耗竭。植物根系形态变化对于植物适应低磷胁迫,提高植物对土壤磷的吸收利用具有重要意义。本文从植物根系构型、根冠比、初生根、根毛、侧根等方面综述了植物适应低磷胁迫的根系形态变化特征。低磷条件下,植物根系构型发生改变,普遍抑制主根生长,刺激侧根发育起始与伸长,诱导根毛形成。同时,分析了转录因子、植物激素、蔗糖以及关键基因等对低磷条件下植物根系生长发育的生理与分子调控机制,低磷胁迫下转录因子ZAT6和MYB62参与调控初生根生长,BHLH32和PHR调控根毛形成发育,WRKY75对侧根发育有抑制作用。研究表明,在低磷条件下,赤霉素、细胞分裂素、生长素和乙烯对初生根发育起着调控作用,而根毛的生长发育与赤霉素、生长素和乙烯有关,侧根发育过程中生长素作用明显。一些基因如LPR1、LPR2、LPR3以及PDR2参与调控低磷胁迫下植物初生根的发育。低磷胁迫下光合产物蔗糖对植物根毛和侧根发育有影响。     

Mineral nutrient concentration and uptake by tomato irrigated with recirculating aquaculture water as influenced by quantity of fish waste products supplied

Fish and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production were linked in a recirculaing water system. Fish (tilapia) were fed a commercial diet with 32% protein. Tomato cultivars ‘Laura’ and ‘Kewalo’ were grown during summer 1988 and spring 1989, respectively, in a Raleigh, NC greenhouse. Plants were grown in biofilters at 4 plants/m² and surface irrigated 8 times daily with water pumped from an associated fish tank. Four tank‐to‐biofllter ratios were established by varying the filter size. Each system received identical nutrient inputs and an equal quantity of water was applied per plant. Biofilter drainage returned to the tanks. Biological filtration, aeration, and mineral assimilation by plants maintained water quality within limits for tilapia. All nutrients were assimilated above deficiency levels. Tissue concentrations of N, P, K and Mg were not limiting. Calcium was low and S high when their sole nutrient source was fish waste. Micronutrients were assimilated in excess of sufficiency, but toxicity was not seen. Irrespective of fruit yield, metabolic products of each kilogram increase in fish biomass provided sufficient nutrient for two tomato plants for a period of three months. Under reduced growth rates of mature fish, K became limiting. Alterations in fish feed mineral nutrient content are suggested which better meet plant requirements and still remain within the range of fish needs.     

Citrus Seedling Growth and Susceptibility to Root Rot as Affected by Phosphite and Phosphate

The growth of ‘Ridge Pineapple’ sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] seedlings and their susceptibility to Phytophthora root rot were studied under contrasting supplies of phosphate (Pi) or Phosphite (Phi). After 10 weeks of repeated applications of nutrient solutions, Phi concentrations were barely detectable in soil. Soil Pi was higher in Phi treatments than in pots that received Pi alone. Seedling growth was greatest when supplied with Pi or Phi separately, but when Pi and Phi were combined, growth was reduced to levels comparable to plants that received no P. Phi was found in both stems and leaves after it was applied to soil supporting the mobility of Phi within the plant. In addition, a small amount of Phi was found in roots after applications of Phi in foliar sprays. Different sources of soil-applied P did not affect the amount of Pi in roots, while the amounts of Pi in leaves were higher in plants that received Phi and Pi combined. Root resistance to Phytophthora root rot of citrus seedlings treated with Phi alone or in combination with Pi was greater than in plants treated with Pi alone, confirming the antifungal effect of Phi.     

水稻磷素吸收与转运分子机制研究进展

磷素是植物体内重要的大量元素之一,其含量约占植物干重的 0.2%。由于磷元素作为许多重要生物大分子的关键组分,且参与植物体内许多的生理生化反应,因此植物的生长和发育都离不开磷元素。植物在长期的进化过程中,形成了一套高效地吸收和利用磷素的分子调控机制。本文将重点阐述水稻中无机磷从土壤吸收进根系再转运到地上部并进行分配的分子机制,并对今后的水稻磷素吸收和转运的研究重点进行展望。水稻根系主要通过定位在细胞膜上的磷酸盐转运体 (Phosphate Transporter1,PHT1) 吸收土壤中无机磷。当无机磷被吸收进入根系细胞内部后,通过质外体和共质体两种养分的运输途径,将其运输到根中维管束,并通过PHO1 将无机磷由根系加载到地上部。然后水稻根据其地上部不同组织器官对无机磷的需求进行分配,而多余的无机磷将储存在液泡内,维持细胞内无机磷的平衡。目前对磷酸盐转运体吸收磷素的分子机制研究较为清楚,但对于磷素在植物体内的储存、分配和再利用过程的机制还研究较少。液泡作为水稻无机磷储存的主要部位,对于维持细胞内无机磷的平衡尤其重要;节是水稻营养元素 (包括磷素) 在地上部进行分配的重要部位。但目前对于定位于液泡膜上和节上的磷酸盐转运体的机制研究较少。因此,未来挖掘与解析水稻体内负责磷素储存、分配和再利用的磷酸盐转运体及其作用机制,能为培育磷高效利用的水稻提供新的依据。     

Boron Toxicity Alters Nitrate Reductase Activity,Proline Accumulation,Membrane Permeability,and Mineral Constituents of Tomato and Pepper Plants

ABSTRACT

Boron (B) toxicity is an important disorder that can limit plant growth on soils of arid and semi arid environments throughout the world. Although of considerable agronomic importance, our understanding of B toxicity is rather fragmented and limited. The effects of increasing levels of B (0, 0.5, 5, 50 mg kg^{? 1}) on plant growth, proline accumulation, membrane permeability, nitrate reductase activity (NRA), and mineral nutrient interactions of tomato and pepper plants were investigated in greenhouse conditions. Increasing levels of B increased the B contents of plants. Boron toxicity symptoms occurred at 5 and 50 mg kg^{? 1} levels. Fresh and dry weights of the plants clearly decreased with the application of the 50 mg kg^{? 1} level of B. Membrane permeability and proline accumulation were significantly increased by the 50 mg kg^{? 1} level of B. Nitrate reductase activity of tomato plants was increased with increasing levels of B. With the exception of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) in pepper and magnesium (Mg) in tomato, B treatments significantly affected nutrient concentrations of tomato and pepper. Except for sulfur (S) and Ca in tomato, the highest rate of B applied increased the N, phosphorus (P), and K concentrations of tomato and N, P, Mg, and S concentrations of pepper.     

Effect of commercial amino acids on iron nutrition of tomato plants grown under lime‐induced iron deficiency

The objective of this work was to study the effect of root and foliar application of two commercial products containing amino acids from plant and animal origin on iron (Fe) nutrition of tomato seedlings cultivated in two nutrient media: lime and normal nutrient solutions. In the foliar‐application experiment, each product was sprayed with 0.5 and 0.7 mL L^–1 2, 7, 12, and 17 d after transplanting. In the root application experiment, 0.1 and 0.2 mL L^–1 of amino acids products were added to the nutrient solutions. In both experiments, untreated control plants were included as well. Foliar and root application of the product containing amino acids from animal origin caused severe plant‐growth depression and nonpositive effects on Fe nutrition were found. In contrast, the application of the product from plant origin stimulated plant growth. Furthermore, significantly enhanced root and leaf Fe^III‐chelate reductase activity, chlorophyll concentration, leaf Fe concentration, and Fe^II : Fe ratio were found in tomato seedlings treated with the product from plant origin, especially when the amino acids were directly applied to the roots. These effects were more evident in plants developed under lime‐induced Fe deficiency. The positive results on Fe uptake may be related to the action of glutamic acid, the most abundant amino acid in the formulation of the product from plant origin.     

MITIGATION EFFECTS OF SILICON ON TOMATO PLANTS BEARING FRUIT GROWN AT HIGH BORON LEVELS

Interactive effects of silicon (Si) and high boron (B) on growth and yield of tomato (Lycopercison esculentum cv. ‘191 F1’) plants were studied. Treatments were: 1) control (B1), normal nutrient solution including 0.5 mg L^?1 B (boron), 2) B1 +Si treatment: 0.5 mg L^?1 boron plus 2 mM Si, 3) B2 treatment: 3.5 mg L^?1 B, 4) B2 +Si treatment: 3.5 mg L^?1 B plus 2 mM Si, 5) B3 treatment: 6.5 mg L^?1 B, and 6) B3 +Si: 6.5 mg L^?1 B plus 2 mM Si. High B reduced dry matter, fruit yield and chlorophyll (Chl) in tomato plants compared to the control treatment, but increased the proline accumulation. Supplementary Si overcame the deleterious effects of high B on plant dry matter, fruit yield and chlorophyll concentrations. High B treatments increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), peroxidase (POD; EC. 1.11.1.7) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO; EC 1.10.3.1). However, supplementary Si in the nutrient solution containing high B reduced SOD and PPO activities in leaves, but POD activity remained unchanged. These data suggest that excess B-induced oxidative stress and alterations in the antioxidant enzymes. Boron (B) concentrations increased in leaves and roots in the elevated B treatment as compared to the control treatment. Concentrations of calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) were significantly lower in the leaves of plants grown at high B than those in the control plants. Supplementing the nutrient solution containing high B with 2 mM Si increased both nutrients in the leaves. These results indicate that supplementary Si can mitigate the adverse effects of high B on fruit yield and whole plant biomass in tomato plants.     

植物内部磷循环利用提高磷效率的研究进展

  【目的】  磷素作为植物生长发育过程中必需的大量营养元素之一,因其在土壤中的难移动性使得根系对磷的获取有限。植物为满足其生长对磷素的需求,已经进化出一系列相应的机制提高对内部磷的再利用,以减少磷肥投入,保证产量的同时实现环境友好。本文以植物内部磷的高效利用为核心,重点剖析植物有机磷库与无机磷库中磷素的活化再利用的途径,综述释放出的无机磷在不同组织和器官中的转运过程,并对今后深入研究磷再利用的有关方向作出展望。  主要进展  植物体内磷的存在形式主要包括无机磷和有机磷两种。植物吸收的多余无机磷会被暂时储存在液泡中,并在植物缺磷时外流到胞质以满足植物对磷的需求,位于液泡膜的磷酸盐转运蛋白负责无机磷在液泡和胞质之间的分配。存在于核酸和磷脂中的有机磷在磷缺乏时由酶类(核酸酶、磷脂酶和紫色酸性磷酸酶等)水解并释放无机磷以供植物生长需要。植物遭受低磷胁迫,营养器官(老叶等)中活化的无机磷由多种磷酸盐转运蛋白转运到幼叶等新的生长中心被利用,从而显著提高磷的再利用效率。磷转运蛋白(PHTs)通过调控磷向籽粒的运输降低了磷在禾谷类作物籽粒中的积累,提高了磷利用效率,同时降低环境风险。  展望  现阶段的研究较为详细地阐述了植物体内磷素再活化的生理分子机制,但对磷转运功能蛋白参与特定磷转运过程的相关研究仍不够全面,比如液泡磷能调控细胞磷稳态,目前已鉴定得到的与其外排有关的转运蛋白极少,其调控机制也有待深入探索。国内外关于PHT1、PHT2、PHT3和PHT4蛋白如何将磷素从源器官转运到库器官缺乏系统的研究。无机磷库和有机磷库中磷的利用对植物应对缺磷的贡献也鲜有报道。因此,植物体内与磷再活化后转运利用相关的分子生物学调控机理还需进一步研究。     

Growth and chlorophyll,mineral, and total amino acid composition of tomato and wheat plants in relation to nitrogen and iron nutrition II. Chlorophyll content and total amino acid composition

Studies of the amino acids distribution in plants subjected to nutrient regimes are limited. The present study investigated the effect of NO₃‐N and FeSO₄‐Fe regimes on chlorophyll and total amino acids composition of tomato and wheat plants. Also the distribution of 17 amino acids between the different plant parts was studied. Increasing the NO₃‐N level up to 200 mg kg^‐1 greatly increased the total amino acids content of tomato plants. The total amino acids content of wheat plants continued to increase with addition of NO₃‐N up to 400 mg kg^‐1. The response of chlorophyll content to NO₃‐N supply was highly dependent on Fe level both in tomato and wheat plants. The interaction between NO₃‐N and FeSO₄‐Fe had a great effect on the total amino acids content and distribution. Iron increased the translocation of proline from roots to leaves. The overall amino acids contents of leaves was higher than that of stems or roots.     

PGPRs affected photosynthetic capacity and nutrient uptake in different Salvia species

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on photosynthetic capacity and nutrient uptake of three Salvia officinalis species, an experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Center of West Azerbaijan during 2015 and 2016. The experiment was conducted in split factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plot included three species of Salvia officinalis (hybrid species), S. Sclarea, and S. nemorosa (both native species). The sub plot included the factorial treatment of nitrogen stabilizing bacteria in three levels (Azosprillium lipoferum, Azotobacter, and control), and phosphate solubilizing bacteria in three levels (Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, and control). Eventually, two years were combined into a compound analysis. The evaluated traits included plant height, leaf area, number of flowering branches, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll) and leaf nutrients uptake [(nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)]. The results indicated a significant effect of the studied traits compared to the year (leaf area, number of flowering branches, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b), cultivar, N stabilizing bacteria (except chlorophyll b) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (p?<?0.01). The effect of quadruple interaction showed a significant effect (p?<?0.01) on all studied parameters except of plant height and leaf nutrients. The results indicated that leaf area and number of branches in the second year increased by 24.7 and 28.21%, respectively. The amount of chlorophyll a decreased in the second year, however chlorophyll b increased significantly and total chlorophyll did not change significantly. S. Sclarea produced the highest plant height (102.62?cm) and the highest leaf number (68.16) per plant. Further, the results showed that in all three species, Pseudomonas phosphate solubilizing bacteria had the highest effect on the leaf nutrient uptake and the combination of Pseudomonas with Azotobacter improved the nutrient uptake and the growth status of the plant.     

MOBILIZATION OF POTASSIUM FROM WASTE MICA BY PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA AND ITS ASSIMILATION BY MAIZE (ZEA MAYS) AND WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.): A HYDROPONICS STUDY UNDER PHYTOTRON GROWTH CHAMBER

A hydroponics study was carried out to evaluate the effect of three plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) namely, Bacillus mucilaginosus, Azotobacter chroococcum, and Rhizobium spp. on their ability to mobilize potassium from waste mica using maize and wheat as the test crops under a phytotron growth chamber. Results revealed that PGPR significantly improved the assimilation of potassium by both maize and wheat, where waste mica was the sole source of potassium. This was translated into higher biomass accumulation, potassium content and uptake by plants as well as chlorophyll and crude protein content in plant tissue. Among the rhizobacteria, Bacillus mucilaginosus resulted in significantly higher mobilization of potassium than Azotobacter chroococcum and Rhizobium inoculation. Overall, inoculation of maize and wheat plants with these bacteria could be used to mobilize potassium from waste mica, which in turn could be used as a source of potassium for plant growth.     

The Effect of Different Compost Compositions on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization and Nutrients Concentration of Leek (allium Porrum L.) Plant

ABSTRACT

Plant residue material produced compost is an organic fertilizer source and it is commonly used for soil amendments. Also in order to reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers need mycorrhizal inoculation can be used as an agricultural strategy. Thus, the aim of the research is to examine the effect of several residue materials produced compost and mycorrhizae fungi with two growth media on leek plant growth, nutrient uptake, and mycorrhizae spores’ production.

Eight different row organic materials and animal manures were used as compost production during 8 months. Leek (Allium porrum L.) plants were inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae and Claroideoglomus etunicatum with a level of 1000-spore per pot. The leek plant was analyzed for determination of nutrient concentration, root colonization, spore production, and shoot/root dry weight.

The composts were made from domestic waste, animal manure (bovine animal), animal manure (ovine animal), and different plant materials were determined to be the most suitable compost material for plant growth and mycorrhizal spore production compared to the rest of compost material. Mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased leek plant growth and nutrient uptake especially phosphorus (P), potassium (K), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Plants grown in 5:3:2 (volume/volume) growth media was responded better to the mycorrhizal inoculation than grown in 1:1:1 (v/v) growth media. Funneliformis mosseae inoculated plants have higher plant growth and nutrient uptake than that of Claroideoglomus etunicatum inoculation.     

Bioefficacy of Hen Feather Keratin Hydrolysate and Compost on Vegetable Plant Growth

ABSTRACT

The potential of keratin wastes originating from poultry farms in practical application as a valuable organic fertilizer, gives rise to the need for intensive study on their effect on plants. In this study, for the first time there has been examined the influence of hen feather keratin bio-hydrolysate (FKH) and hen feather keratin compost (FKC) on plant growth, and the following features that indicate the plant condition: the leaf chlorophyll content, the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) enzymes. The results of pot experiments showed a potential plant growth promoting effect of FKH, applied as a leaf treatment and of FKC manure. Fertilization of tested plants with FKC resulted in significant increase of their fresh weight. There was no effect on plant biomass after FKH treatment. The stimulating effect on plant physiology was expressed by decreased PAL activity after FKC treatment, and enhanced GPX activity, after FKH and FKC treatment. The application of FKC as a manure gave better effects for the plant condition expressed by the activity of PAL and GPX in comparison with FKH spraying. The chlorophyll content did not prove to be an efficient parameter to evaluate the impact of FKH or FKC on white cabbage, tomato, and maize plant. However, a significant increase in the leaf chlorophyll a, b, and a+b concentration was observed in cucumber plant after FKC treatment. Among the tested plants, the cucumber has shown the most profitable effect of feather compost on plant growth.     

Freezing Tolerance Affected by Mineral Application during Cold‐Acclimated Conditions in Some Cool Crop Seedlings

Abstract

The effect of mineral nutrient application on freezing tolerance in red cabbage, carrot, and spinach under cold‐acclimated and unacclimated conditions were evaluated in this study. Effects of nutrient‐solution application and cold acclimation on temperature at which 50% of leaves are injured (LT₅₀), values, and ice nucleation activity in all of the plants were found to be statistically significant. Nutrient‐solution applications decreased LT₅₀ values in all of the species under unacclimated and cold‐acclimated conditions. Freezing injuries in cold‐acclimated plants were significantly lower than in unacclimated plants in all of the nutrient application doses. In addition to this, 600–900 mg l^?1 nutrient solutions also gave low plant injury in all conditions. Nutrient‐solution applications increased ice nucleation temperatures of apoplastic proteins, proline, and total chlorophyll contents in all of the plant species under unacclimated and cold‐acclimated conditions. Among the plant species, carrot was the most resistant plant to freezing injury under all nutrient application doses in the tested conditions.