1. Animal-based organic nutrition can substitute inorganic fertigation in soillessgrown grape tomato
Oscar Guajardo-Ríosa, Carlos Javier Lozano-Cavazos b, Luis Alonso Valdez-Aguilar a, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza a, Luis Ibarra-Jiménez c, Juan Alberto Ascacio-Valdés d and Cristóbal Noé Aguilar-González d
aDepartamento de Horticultura, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo, México; bDepartamento de Fitomejoramiento, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo, México; cDepartamento
de Plásticos en la Agricultura, Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Saltillo, México; dDepartamento de Investigación en Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de
Coahuila, Saltillo, México
ABSTRACT
Purpose: In recent years, interest in plant nutrition research has arisen with a strong focus on organic forms. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different organic fertilizers on growth, yield, fruit
quality and polyphenol content in soilless grown grape tomatoes under greenhouse conditions. Materials and methods: Tomato plants were subjected to three organic nutrient solutions, which consisted of
different mixtures of several OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) certified nitrogen fertilizers of industrially processed residues: Treatment I: solid and soluble liquid fertilizers of animal raw materials,
natural potassium sulphate-non-synthetic, and calcium chloride; Treatment II: solid and soluble liquid fertilizers of animal raw materials, by-product of marine raw material (soluble liquid), natural potassium
sulphate-non-synthetic, and calcium chloride; and Treatment III: solid fertilizers of animal raw materials, natural potassium sulphatenon-synthetic, and calcium chloride to 100% [0-30 days after transplanting
(DAT)], 125% [31-80 DAT], and 150% [>81 DAT]. The Steiner solution (SS) was used as a control (Treatment IV).
Results: Yield did not differ between organic and conventional treatments, ranging from 3.04 to 3.35 kg m-2 while fresh weight in organic treatments was 3.14 compared to 3.2 kg m-2 in plants fed with the SS. No
significant differences in plant height or fruit quality were found. The application of organic fertilizers positively affected the total hydrolysable and condensed polyphenols of tomato fruits compared to the
control. Twelve phenolic compounds were identified, highlighting 3-Caffeoylquinic acid, salvianolic acid and 5,6-Dihydroxy-7,8,3’,4’- tetramethoxyflavone (Treatment I) and Medioresinol (Lignan) (Treatment II).
Conclusions: The results indicated that organic fertilization through animal-based fertilizer application is a feasible alternative for grape tomato production under greenhouse conditions.
KEYWORD S
Nitrogen; organic; OMRI; polyphenols; Solanum lycopersicum L
2. Apple rootstocks may become infected by Neonectria ditissima during propagation
Jorunn Børvea, S. A. Kolltveita, V. Talgøa and A. Stensvanda,b
aBiotechnology and Plant Health Division, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway; bDepartment of Plant Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
ABSTRACT
Introduction and purpose: The ability of apple rootstocks to become infected by Neonectria ditissima, the cause of European canker, was studied over two years. Materials and methods: Rootstocks B9 and M9
with a size suitable for grafting (6-10 mm stem diameter, termed rootstocks), and smaller sized rootstocks (<5 mm stem diameter, termed transplants) of B9, M9, M26, MM106 and Antonovka were inoculated
with N. ditissima at different times, either with contaminated map pins or with spore suspensions. In addition, the rootstocks were either defeathered (side shoots removed), topped (top shoot headed) or both, to
create wounds that would normally occur during propagation, while wounds on transplants were made by removing leaves.
Results and discussion: One month after inoculation, slightly sunken canker lesions had developed around the inoculation points of the map pins or wounds. No lesions developed on the non-inoculated controls.
Map pin inoculation resulted in 30% to 89% infection and spore suspension sprayed on wounds from 5% to 45% infection. When the cankered areas were split open, brown lesions with necrotic tissue due to
infection by N. ditissima appeared. The transplants of M9, M26 and MM106 inoculated with contaminated map pins in 2014 developed necrosis on 40% to 67% of the plants, but there were no differences in the
incidence or severit among the different types. On the transplants of B9, Antonovka and M9 inoculated in 2015, there was more necrosis on B9 (42%) than on Antonovka (11%) and more sporulating lesions on
B9 (29%) than on M9 (9%) or on Antonovka (4%).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that rootstocks used for apple trees may become infected by N. ditissima, and wounds should thus be protected during propagation.
KEYWORD S
European canker; inoculation experiments; Malus × domestica; Nectria galligena; susceptibility
3. Elemental composition and phosphorus availability in hydrochars from seaweed and organic waste digestate
Anne-Kristin Løes a, Judit Sandquistb and Gregor Meyerc
aNorwegian Centre for Organic Agriculture, Tingvoll, Norway; bSINTEF Energy Research, Trondheim, Norway; cETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Lindau, Switzerland
ABSTRACT
By hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of organic matter, hydrochars are produced which may be applied to soil for carbon sequestration. From substrates of wild seaweed and organic waste digestate, we
measured the distribution of solids (hydrochars) and liquids after HTL at 150 and 200°C, 50 bar for 1 h. The output of liquids and solids was recorded. Elemental analysis was conducted for essential plant
nutrients, potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and silicon in the hydrochars. Sequential extraction of phosphorous (P) was conducted to assess the P availability for plants. About 20% of the initial dry matter
dissolved during HTL of digestate, and 55% for seaweed. More dry matter was dissolved by increased temperature. Except from arsenic in seaweed chars, the concentrations of PTEs were below quality compost
thresholds. About 85% of P was recovered in chars for digestate. For seaweed, the recovery was 97% at 150°C, decreasing to 84% at 200°C. The solubility of P in chars decreased by HTL, and more with higher
temperature. Reduced P availability, especially by higher temperature, is negative for the immediate fertilization effect. However, for soil sequestration of carbon, reduced P availability in hydrochars may expand
the area where application may occur without negative environmental effects of eutrophication of water bodies.
KEYWORD S
Sequential extraction; marine algae; hydrothermal liquefaction; carbonization; potential toxic elements; carbon sequestration
4. Migration, colonization and seedling growth of rhizobia with matrine treatment in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.)
Yang-yang Miaoa, Shang-li Shi a, Jian-guo Zhangb and Osama Abdalla Mohamadc
aKey Laboratory for Grassland Ecosystem of Ministry of Education, Pratacultural Engineering Laboratory of Gansu Province, Sino-U.S. Centers for Grazing Land Ecosystem Sustainability, College of Grassland
Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China; bDepartment of Grassland Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; cKey Laboratory of Biogeography and Bioresource in Arid Land,
Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, China
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purposes of this study were to determine the effect of matrine on the migration and the colonization dynamics of the two fluorescent-tagged rhizobia in Gannong No.5 alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.
Gannong No. 5) tissues, and also to determine the effect of the combination treatments on alfalfa seedlings’ growth. Materials and methods: 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg L −1 matrine levels were added into two
cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)-tagged rhizobia; Ensifer meliloti LZgn5f (gn5f) and Ensifer meliloti 12531f (12531f), respectively; and drenched the alfalfa root with the inoculants. Then the migration and
colonization of the two rhizobia in alfalfa on D7, D14, D21 and D28, and subsequently seedling growth were investigated.
Results: The results showed that the optimum matrine level enhanced the colonization of both fluorescent-tagged rhizobia in alfalfa roots and the highest colonization densities of log 6.31 cfu g −1 and log 5.87
cfu g −1 were achieved by adding 300 mg L −1 matrine into 12531f and adding 100 mg L −1 matrine into gn5f, respectively. They could migrate to the aerial tissues and most colonize stems through the
application of adding 300 mg L −1 matrine into 12531f and 100 mg L −1 matrine into gn5f, respectively. No fluorescent-tagged rhizobia were detected in the control treatment. Alfalfa seedling growth parameters
like leaf chlorophyll content, seedling growth rate, root length, seedling biomass and total N percentage also increased the most when 300 mg L −1 matrine was added into 12531f and 100 mg L −1 matrine
added into gn5f treatments.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that 300 mg L −1 matrine added into 12531f and 100 mg L −1 matrine added into gn5f might be exploited to promote the colonization of rhizobia in alfalfa tissue and positively
impact growth and yield, indicating possible benefits for plant cultivation.
KEYWORD S
Alfalfa; matrine; fluorescent tagged rhizobia; population number; migration and colonization
5. Relationship between spring barley productivity and growing management in Lithuania’ s lowland
Virmantas Povilaitis, Sigitas Lazauskas, Š arū nas Antanaitis, Dalia Feizienė , Virginijus Feiza and Vita Tilvikienė
Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Akademija, Lithuania
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The current study was aimed to analyse the occurrence of water and nitrogen stress in spring barley and estimate their effects on the crop performance under low-input and conventional management.
Materials and methods: Field experiments were conducted during 2007–2009 at the Institute of Agriculture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry on a sandy-loam soil. The management
systems were: (a) conventional, with the application of fertilizers and pesticides adjusted to target 5 t ha −1 grain yield; and (b) low-input, without fertilizers and pesticides. Biomass and nitrogen concentration,
leaf area index, soil moisture, drainage water runoff and ground water table were measured periodically during the growing season.
Results: In all three experimental years, the annual precipitation was close or above the climate normal, but a large part of the rainfall (up to 310 mm) was lost through drainage contributing to the occurrence of
temporary moisture deficit in late spring or summer. Water stress resulted in a lower spring barley biomass accumulation rate and lower biomass yield in the years characterized by sub-optimal rainfall
distribution. Direct measurements of water retention in the soil and DSSAT model simulations gave relatively good indication of water stress occurrence. Under the low-input management, nitrogen nutrition level
was a major constraint for spring barley biomass and grain yield formation.
Conclusions: Under Central Lithuania’s conditions, spring barley frequently experiences temporary water stress, because a relatively high proportion of annual precipitation is lost during the nongrowing period.
This crop can benefit from anticipated increased precipitation and carbon dioxide levels if adequately provided with nitrogen.
KEYWORD S
Climate changes; leaf area index; model DSSAT; nitrogen; water stress
6. Selenium treatment alters the effects of UV radiation on chemical and production parameters in hybrid buckwheat
Aleksandra Goloba, Vekoslava Stibiljb, Ivan Kreftc, Katarina Vogel-Mikuša,b, Alenka Gaberščika and Mateja Germa
aBiotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; bJožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; cNutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
ABSTRACT
Ambient UV radiation is recognised as an important environmental factor in the regulation of plant growth and development, and selenium (Se) as a beneficial nutrient that can increase plant tolerance to
different environmental constraints. The effects on hybrid buckwheat plants of full (+UV) and reduced ( −UV) ambient UV radiation without ( −Se) and with (+Se) foliar Se treatment (10 mg L −1 sodium selenate)
provided the four conditions of Se −UV–, Se–+UV, +Se −UV and +Se +UV. Plant morphological, biochemical and physiological properties were examined, along with leaf elemental composition and content,
efficiency of Se enrichment, and production parameters. Leaf anatomical parameters under all conditions were mainly affected by UV radiation, and less so by Se. +Se+UV plants showed a trade-off between
primary and secondary metabolism, which resulted in high levels of protective substances (e.g. anthocyanins, UV absorbing compounds), and low levels of photosynthetic pigments. All +UV plants were
significantly shorter in comparison to those under the reduced −UV, while biomass production was highest for −Se+UV plants and lowest for +Se+UV plants. +Se plants accumulated ∼20-fold greater Se content
compared to −Se plants, and full ambient UV radiation partly reduced this effect. +UV plants showed increased phosphorus content in leaves, independent of Se status, while +Se plants showed increased K
content. Si content was increased by Se treatment and decreased by the full UV exposure. Se treatment and the ambient UV radiation, separately have positive effects on growth and production of this hybrid
buckwheat, while the combination of the Se treatment and ambient UV resulted in lower yields. However, under these conditions (+Se +UV), the buckwheat plants established good protection against the different
environmental constraints that are becoming more and more frequent due to changes to our climate.
KEYWORD S
Biomass production; elemental analysis; hybrid buckwheat; leaf parameters; selenium; UV radiation
7. Soil enzyme activity and sulphur uptake by oilseed rape depending on fertilization and biostimulant application
Anetta Siwik-Ziomek a and Małgorzata Szczepanekb
aSub-Department of Biochemistry, Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, UTP University of Science and Technology, Bydgoszcz, Poland; bDepartment of Agrotechnology, UTP University of Science and
Technology, Bydgoszcz, Poland
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Besides nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, sulphur is nowadays considered fundamental for plants, and due to its deficit in many regions, should be provided to crops by fertilization. The enzymes,
rhodanese and arylsulphatase, take part in transforming sulphur in soil.
Material and methods: The seaweed biostimulant Kelpak (auxins 11 mg l-1 and cytokinins 0.031 mg l- 1 ) was applied to increase the uptake and accumulation of sulphur affecting the yield of oilseed rape cv.
‘Chagall’. Field experiments were conducted in Poland (53°N.18°E), in Alfisol (USDA) over 2010–2013. In the experiment, the nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus rate applied was as follows: high: 180 N, 70 P,
132 K [kg ha-1 ] or low: 144 N, 35 P, 66 K [kg ha-1 ], fertilization rate with elemental S (36 or 0 kg ha-1 ) and with biostimulant (Kelpak 2 l ha-1 in autumn and 2 l ha-1 in spring) or without it.
Results: There was found no relevant effect of biostimulant on the activity of the enzymes studied. With a low sulphates content in soil during ripening the rape, the activity of arylsulphatase increases. The
highest rate of NPK resulted in a 27-42% increase in the content of SO42 − in soil as compared with the soil sampled from NPK fertilization at lower rates. Sulphur recovery efficiency from fertilizer with S
elemental increased for higher NPK fertilization.
Conclusions: Biostimulant application can compensate for a low level of oilseed rape crops cultivation technology (low rates of NPK fertilization) by improving the use of S from a fertilizer. In growing oilseed
rape, it is essential to correlate the management of NPK and S fertilization at the right rate for a high sulphur recovery efficiency.
KEYWORD S
Arylsulphatase; nitrogen; nutrient recovery efficiency; potassium; phosphorus; sulphur; rhodanese
7. The quantitative changes of nutrients in two contrasting soils amended with sewage sludge compost evaluated by various statistical tools
Monika Jakubusa, Ewa Bakinowskab and Bernard Gałkac
aDepartment of Soil Science and Land Protection, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland; bInstitute of Mathematics, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland; cInstitute of Soil Science and
Environmental Protection, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The application of organic fertilisers to replenish soil organic matter and improve soil fertility and productivity has become common agricultural practice. Aim of the study: This research deals with
the effects of soil amendment with sewage sludge compost (SSC) on organic carbon, nitrogen total, nitrogen mineral and available P, K, S and Mg mineralisation in two contrasting soils. The various statistical
tools used in this study have allowed us to present another conceptualisation of nutrient increments or losses as an effect of SSC applied. In order to distinguish groups of nutrients which are similar, a cluster
analysis was used. A two-way analysis of variance was applied to compare the increments of the content of nutrients in the soils. Material and Methods: A 3-year pot experiment was conducted, employing a
randomised, factorial design with two soils (light and medium) and one amendment treatment as a compost at a rate equivalent to 6 Mg ha −1. The following parameters of chemical soil properties were
determined: contents of organic carbon (Corg), total nitrogen (Ntot), amounts of available P, K, Mg, S and mineral nitrogen (Nmin).
Results: The SSC showed a similar influence on the fertility of both soils. It was affirmed that application of SSC results in a statistically significant increase in the contents of soil organic carbon. The amounts of
total and mineral N, as well as available P and S were subjected to different patterns of quantity changes expressed by both increase and loss. Moreover, a statistically significant loss of available K amounts was
observed in both soils.
Conclusions: The findings of the study indicated that mature SSC becomes a long lasting fertiliser, slowly subjected to decomposition processes. Therefore, it may influence small increases in nutrient amounts
in soils, in relation to the contents obtained for the control soil.
KEYWORD S
Sewage sludge compost; soils; nutrients; cluster analysis
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