Subcritical soil hydrophobicity in the presence of native and exotic arbuscular mycorrhizal species at different soil salinity levels

Soil salinity and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) influence the soil hydrophobicity. An experiment was performed to determine the effects of soil salinity and AMF species on soil water repellency (SWR) under wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. Six AMF treatments, including four exotic species (Rhizophagus irregularis, Funneliformis mosseae and Claroideoglomus claroideum, a mix of three species), one mix native AMF species treatment and an AMF-free soil in combination with four salinity levels (1, 5, 10, and 15 dS m^?1) were used. The soil repellency index (RI) increased with salinity increment ranging from 2.4 to 10.5. The mix of three exotic and native AMF treatments enhanced the RI significantly compared to AMF-free soil in all salinity levels with one exception for native treatment at 1 dS m^?1. Among individual AMF species, the C. claroideum treatment at 10 dS m^?1 increased the RI by 67% compared to AMF-free soil. The native AMF treatment was more efficient in root colonization, glomalin production and SWR development at 10 and 15 dS m^?1, compared to exotic species. In addition to the net positive effect of salinity on SWR, the AMF influences on the RI were greatly dependent on salinity levels.     

Modeling hydrogen peroxide bleaching to predict optical properties of bleached hardwood CMP

Due to the variations in opacity and brightness of peroxide bleached pulp at Mazandaran Wood and Paper Industries Company (MWPI), empirical models were developed to predict chemimechanical pulp (CMP) brightness and opacity from peroxide bleaching conditions and to drive the optimum operating conditions. To overcome the inconsistency problem, a multi-variate regression analysis method was used for model building. The models were then validated using a new data set from the bleach plant at MWPI, assessing the models’ predictive ability and performance. The results show that there is a relationship between bleaching variables and such dependent variables as pulp brightness and opacity. In addition to the hydrogen peroxide charge and pulp initial brightness, the initial opacity had a significant reverse effect on the final CMP brightness. It was also found that the concentration of total Na⁺ in the CMP tower was the most important variable affecting the final pulp opacity. The validation results demonstrated that these models can be employed as useful tools for process optimization purposes.     

The potential contribution of siderophore producing bacteria on growth and Fe ion concentration of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under water stress

In the present study, 100 bacterial strains were isolated from the soil and tested for siderophore producing ability. Among siderophore producing bacteria, three superior isolates with the highest level of siderophore (F13, F58 and F66) selected for further study. Production of lecithinase, arginine dehydrolase, catalase, oxidase, hydrogen cyanide, indole acetic acid, solubilization of phosphate, gelatin hydrolysis, oxidative/fermentative, motility and gram staining by these strains was evaluated. In greenhouse experiment, the ability of selected isolates in solubilizing insoluble iron-containing compounds was examined at three moisture levels (0.45–0.6, 0.6–0.7 and 0.7–0.85 field capacity). Results showed that isolates F13 and F66 have greatest effects on chlorophyll amount and shoot dry weight compared to isolate F58. On average, iron concentration of sunflower in the presence of bacteria was 2.85-fold more than control, while it was 1.88-fold for roots. In addition, bacterial treatments enhanced resistance to water stress in sunflower. Based on biochemical tests and by comparison of 16S rRNA sequences, the F13, F58 and F66 isolates were closely related to Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp. and Bacillus Sporothernodurans, respectively.     

Photosynthetic reaction,mineral uptake,and fruit quality of strawberry affected by different levels of macronutrients

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of three nutrient recipes containing different concentrations of macronutrients in the vegetative stage [Vegetative Nutrient Solution: (VNS-I, VNS-II, and VNS-III)] and two nutrient recipes in reproductive stage [Reproductive Nutrient Solution: (RNS-I and RNS-II)], on physiological and biochemical parameters of strawberry ‘Paros’ in a soilless system. The results indicated the significant effects of nutrient solution on the photosynthetic capacity, yield, minerals uptake and titratable acidity of strawberry fruits. In the other hand fruit total soluble solids affected by vegetative nutrient solution. The highest yield was obtained under application of lowest level of minerals. Vegetative growth including leaf number and leaf area, as well as total chlorophyll were the highest as potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), and nitrogen (N) concentrations were increased. The highest content of N and Ca²⁺ uptake were in VNS-III × RNS-I formulation. Additionally, the highest vitamin C was in VNS-I formulation. Moreover, the most firmed fruits and the highest post-harvest shelf life of fruits were produced in VNS-III × RNS-I formulation.     

Korean <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica oleracea</Emphasis> germplasm offers a novel source of qualitative resistance to blackleg disease

Blackleg disease, caused by the hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is one of the most devastating disease of Brassica species worldwide. To date, a total of 20 race-specific blackleg resistance (R) genes have been reported and all of those loci are located in either the A or B genomes of various Brassica species. The B. oleracea genome (CC) shares a high ancestral synteny with the A genome of B. rapa, suggesting the presence of qualitative (race specific) resistance to blackleg disease is also possible in B. oleracea germplasm. In the present study the C genome of Korean B. oleracea germplasm was screened for the presence of blackleg R genes. Thirty-two inbred cabbage lines with unknown resistance profiles, along with five control B. napus lines with well-characterised race-specific R genes, were assessed for cotyledon resistance against two L. maculans isolates with known and highly-contrasting avirulence gene (Avr) profiles. Two cabbage accessions were identified which produced a strong resistance when challenged with either isolate, demonstrating the presence of effective blackleg R genes in the cabbage C genome. Additionally, 16 microsatellite markers linked to seven different R genes of the B. napus A genome were converted into markers for their homologous regions on the B. oleracea C genome. These markers were used to screen all B. oleracea lines to assess if the novel C genome R genes were syntenous to known R gene-homologous regions of the A genome. The resistant cabbage lines offer C genome R genes for the protection of B. oleracea varieties against incursion of blackleg disease, as well as novel additional resistance sources for introgression into B. napus and B. carinata breeding material.     

Nutritional status of Washington Navel orange orchards in arid lands of southern Iran

Nutrient deficiency may be a reason for citrus decline in many countries. In the current investigation, soil and leaf samples of 63 Washington Navel orange orchards in arid lands of southern Iran (Darab region) were analyzed to study the nutritional status of orange orchards and to find relationships between soil properties and nutrients content of soils and orange leaves. The soils differed widely in clay content (3–37%), pH value (7.04–7.95), calcium carbonate equivalent (18–86%), and organic matter content (0.3–12%). These soils represented a wide range of plant nutrients concentration. Majority of the studied soils had sufficient concentrations of all nutrients (except Fe). Results indicated that pH, organic matter, clay, and calcium carbonate contents are the most important characteristics that control the soil nutrients availability. The mean contents of N, K, P, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in leaves were 2.59, 0.84, and 0.14% and 66, 44, 17, and 12?mg?kg^?1, respectively. Most orchards showed K, Fe, and Zn deficiencies. We found no relationships between nutrients content in leaf and soil (except for K, Mn, and Zn); and this indicated that soil analysis may not be a reliable method for most nutrient deficiency diagnosis.     

High Velocity Impact Response of Basalt Fibers/Epoxy Composites Containing Graphene Nanoplatelets

The effects of adding surface modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in various weight percentages (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 with respect to matrix) on the high velocity impact response of basalt fibers/epoxy composites were evaluated. High speed mechanical stirrer and ultrasonic waves were used for the dispersion of GNPs in the epoxy matrix, and hand layup method was utilized for the fabrication of the composite samples. High velocity impact testing was performed using a conical projectile. The results demonstrated that the maximum improvement in the impact limit velocity and energy absorption occurred in the 0.3 wt.% GNPs nanocomposite, i.e., 11 and 23 %, respectively. Also, the electron microscopy studies revealed that the addition of GNPs contributed in improving the impact properties by influencing the matrix and thus enhancing the interfacial characteristics between the basalt fibers and the matrix.     

Effect of Cattle Manure and Sulfur on Yield and Oil Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca) Inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans in Calcareous Soil

The effect of cattle manure and sulfur fertilizer on seed yield and oil composition of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca) under inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans was investigated in a factorial study based on a randomized complete block design. Experimental factors consisted of cattle manure (M) (M₀: 0, M₁: 10; and M₂: 20 t ha^?1), sulfur (S) (S₀: 0, S₁: 250; and S₂: 500 kg ha^?1) and T. thiooxidans (B): inoculated (B₁) and non-inoculated (B₀). Results demonstrated that the application of T. thiooxidans, cattle manure, and S fertilizer decreased the soil pH. The largest number of seed per fruit (367), highest fruit yield (70.57 t ha^?1), seed iron (Fe) content (16.26 mg 100 g^?1), and seed yield (111 kg ha^?1) was obtained when 20 t ha^?1 manure was applied in combination with 500 kg ha^?1 S inoculated with T. thiooxidans. In this condition, the content of S, Fe, phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) in plant shoots was increased by 44.8%, 22.58%, 33.89%, and 10.38%, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, the highest content of seed protein was observed in 10 t ha^?1 manure and 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer inoculated with T. thiooxidans. When 250 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer was applied, 20 t ha^?1 manure decreased seed P content sharply. At the rate of 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer, the highest content of seed P was obtained from 20 t ha^?1 manure. Totally, 20 t ha^?1 cattle manure, along with 500 kg ha^?1 S fertilizer as well as T. thiooxidans inoculation, improved oil and seed yield of medicinal pumpkin.     

Application of Zeolites for Sustainable Agriculture: a Review on Water and Nutrient Retention

Developing urbanization, water shortage, watercourse pollution, and demands for more food due to population growth require a more efficient water irrigation and fertilizer application. Retaining nutrients and water in agricultural soils brings about higher crop yields and prevents pollution of water courses. Among different solutions, zeolites, which are environmental friendly, ubiquitous, and inexpensive, have been extensively employed in agricultural activities. These minerals are considered as soil conditioners to improve soil physical and chemical properties including infiltration rate, saturated hydraulic conductivity (K _s), water holding capacity (WHC), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Natural and surface-modified zeolites can efficiently hold water and nutrients including ammonium (NH₄ ⁺), nitrate (NO₃ ^?) and phosphate (PO₄ ^3?), potassium (K⁺), and sulfate (SO₄ ^2?) in their unique porous structures. Their application as slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) are reported as well. Therefore, zeolite application can improve both water use efficiency (WUE) and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in agricultural activities and consequently can reduce the potential of surface and groundwater pollution. This review paper summarizes findings in the literature about the impact of zeolite applications on water and nutrient retention in the agriculture. Furthermore, it explores benefits and drawbacks of zeolite applications in this regard.

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Effects of nanoclay on physical and mechanical properties of wood-plastic composites

Effects of nanoclay (NC) on physical and mechanical properties of wood-plastic composite (WPC) were studied here. Virgin, recycled, and mixed (50/50% of virgin/recycled) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were used as the matrix in the WPC. Specimens with three NC contents of 1.5%, 3%, and 5% were manufactured; they were then compared with control specimens. Totally, 12 treatments were manufactured. The physical and mechanical properties were measured in accordance with the ASTM standards. The highest properties were found in specimens made from virgin PVC. Addition of recycled PVC resulted in significant decrease in all properties. NC improved all physical and mechanical properties studied in the present research project; the highest properties were observed in specimens with 5% of NC content. The improvement in properties was as a result of formation of bonds between the hydroxyl groups of NC with the wood flour components. It was concluded that NC would significantly improve the properties in all the three PVC types of virgin, recycled, and mixed. From an industrial point of view, it was concluded that mixing virgin and recycled PVC can be recommended not only to decrease production costs, but also to partially solve the problem of PVC residue which are not bio-degradable.