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Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Water and fertilizer are crucial in rice growth, with irrigation and fertilizer management exhibiting synergies. In a two-year field study conducted in Yiyang City,...
Water and fertilizer are crucial in rice growth, with irrigation and fertilizer management exhibiting synergies. In a two-year field study conducted in Yiyang City, Hunan Province, we examined the impact of three irrigation strategies-wet-shallow irrigation (W1), flooding irrigation (W2), and the "thin, shallow, wet, dry irrigation" method (W3)-in combination with distinct fertilizer treatments (labeled F1, F2, F3, and F4, with nitrogen application rates of 0, 180, 225, and 270 kg ha, respectively) on rice yield generation and water-fertilizer utilization patterns. The study employed Hybrid Rice Xin Xiang Liang you 1751 (XXLY1751) and Yue Liang you Mei Xiang Xin Zhan (YLYMXXZ) as representative rice cultivars. Key findings from the research include water, fertilizer, variety, and year treatments, which all significantly influenced the yield components of rice. Compared to W2, W1 in 2022 reduced the amount of irrigation water by 35.2%, resulting in a 42.0~42.8% increase in irrigation water productivity and a 25.7~25.9% increase in total water productivity. In 2023, similar improvements were seen. Specifically, compared with other treatments, the W1F3 treatment increased nitrogen uptake and harvest index by 1.4-7.7% and 5.9-7.7%, respectively. Phosphorus and potassium uptake also improved. The W1 treatment enhanced the uptake, accumulation, and translocation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrients throughout the rice growth cycle, increasing nutrient levels in the grains. When paired with the F3 fertilization approach, W1 treatment boosted yields and improved nutrient use efficiency. Consequently, combining W1 and F3 treatment emerged as this study's optimal water-fertilizer management approach. By harnessing the combined effects of water and fertilizer management, we can ensure efficient resource utilization and maximize the productive potential of rice.
PubMed: 38931149
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121717 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Macadamia nut plantings in China are expanding year by year. In order to breed and promote superior varieties, this study analyzed the effects of different rootstocks...
Macadamia nut plantings in China are expanding year by year. In order to breed and promote superior varieties, this study analyzed the effects of different rootstocks and scions on the survival rate of grafted seedlings, and then selected the best substrate composition for plant growth. The results showed that the survival rate of the HAES788 variety as rootstock and Guire No. 1 as scion was the highest, reaching 96%. The optimal grafting time in December was better than that in March. Furthermore, among 16 substrate formulations, T12, T13, T15, and T16 had advantages of agglomerated soil and more well-developed root systems compared to the CK made of loess. The plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, and dry weight of the aboveground and underground parts of the grafted seedlings planted in these substrate formulations were significantly higher than those plants planted in the CK. In addition, the substrate formulations T12, T13, T15, and T16 significantly improved the organic matter, total nitrogen, and total potassium content of the substrate soils, but little improvement was observed for total phosphorus content after 13 months. Overall, macadamia grafting times are best in December, with HAES788 and Guire No. 1 being the best rootstock and scion. The optimal substrate formulations are T12, T13, T15, and T16. This study provides a solid foundation for the production of high-quality macadamia plants.
PubMed: 38931133
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121700 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024has been shown to promote the growth of . However, whether its growth-promoting capacity is related to its ability to solubilize phosphorus has not been reported....
has been shown to promote the growth of . However, whether its growth-promoting capacity is related to its ability to solubilize phosphorus has not been reported. Therefore, in this study, we sought to assess the phosphorus-solubilizing ability of 18 strains of by analyzing their growth in an inorganic phosphorus culture medium. The effects of on growth and effective phosphorus content were analyzed through field experiments. The results showed that all 18 strains of had a phosphorus release capacity, with phosphorus solubilization ranging from 5.14 ± 0.37 mg/L to 6.21 ± 0.01 mg/L, and strain 9 exhibited the best phosphorus solubilization effect. Additionally, the field results demonstrated that positively influenced the growth, root length, and yield of by increasing the chlorophyll and soluble phosphorus content. This study will provide a material basis and theoretical support for investigating the interaction mechanism between and
PubMed: 38931126
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121694 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024There are obvious differences in quality between different varieties of the same plant, and it is not clear whether they can be effectively distinguished from each other...
There are obvious differences in quality between different varieties of the same plant, and it is not clear whether they can be effectively distinguished from each other from a bacterial point of view. In this study, 44 tea tree varieties () were used to analyze the rhizosphere soil bacterial community using high-throughput sequencing technology, and five types of machine deep learning were used for modeling to obtain characteristic microorganisms that can effectively differentiate different varieties, and validation was performed. The relationship between characteristic microorganisms, soil nutrient transformation, and tea quality formation was further analyzed. It was found that 44 tea tree varieties were classified into two groups (group A and group B) and the characteristic bacteria that distinguished them came from 23 genera. Secondly, the content of rhizosphere soil available nutrients (available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium) and tea quality indexes (tea polyphenols, theanine, and caffeine) was significantly higher in group A than in group B. The classification result based on both was consistent with the above bacteria. This study provides a new insight and research methodology into the main reasons for the formation of quality differences among different varieties of the same plant.
PubMed: 38931118
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121686 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that grows in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region at a 3100-5000 m altitude. Iridoid compounds are the main active compounds of...
is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that grows in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region at a 3100-5000 m altitude. Iridoid compounds are the main active compounds of the used as medical ingredients and display anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective properties. To better understand the biological mechanisms of iridoid compounds in this species, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome of leaves from four different regions (3540-4270 m). Global metabolome profiling detected 575 metabolites, and 455 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected in leaves from the four regions. Eight major DAMs related to iridoid metabolism in leaves were investigated: shanzhiside methyl ester, 8-epideoxyloganic acid, barlerin, shanzhiside, geniposide, agnuside, feretoside, and catalpin. In addition, five soil physical and chemical indicators in rhizosphere soils were analyzed. Four significant positive correlations were observed between alkaline nitrogen and geniposide, exchangeable calcium and geniposide, available potassium and shanzhiside, and available phosphorus and shanzhiside methyl ester. The transcriptome data showed 12 cDNA libraries with 74.46 Gb of clean data, which formed 29,833 unigenes. Moreover, 78.91% of the unigenes were annotated using the eight public databases. Forty-one candidate genes representing 23 enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of iridoid compounds were identified in leaves. Moreover, the , , , and genes associated with iridoid biosynthesis were specifically expressed in . The integration of transcriptome and metabolome analyses highlights the crucial role of soil physical and chemical indicators and major gene expression related to iridoid metabolism pathways in from different areas. Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying iridoid compound accumulation in .
PubMed: 38931059
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121627 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Michx. (common waterweed) and (Planch.) H. St. John (Nuttall's waterweed), two invasive aquatic plants from North America, have coexisted in European water bodies...
Michx. (common waterweed) and (Planch.) H. St. John (Nuttall's waterweed), two invasive aquatic plants from North America, have coexisted in European water bodies since the early 20th century. New localities for both species in Croatia continued to be discovered during a study that ran from 2016 to 2023 as a part of the annual implementation of Water Framework Directive monitoring that covered the entire territory of Croatia (786 sampling points in total). Based on these data, the distribution and ecology of both species were analysed. was found at 30 sampling points, mostly in rivers, and at 15 sampling points, mostly in artificial canals. Nearly three-quarters (72.5%) of all elodea sampling points were in the Pannonian Ecoregion. was discovered for the first time in the Continental-Dinaric and Mediterranean-Dinaric Subecoregions. To study the ecology of the species, for each sampling point, vegetation relevés were performed and monthly measurements of physico-chemical parameters were collected. The most common accompanying species for both elodeas are presented, and the difference in species assemblages between the sites with and was confirmed with the ANOSIM test. Furthermore, Indicator Species Analysis revealed eight species characteristic of sites and eleven species characteristic of sites. Fitting multivariate models (CCA and NPMR) to species abundance revealed the ecological reaction of and to environmental descriptors. The most strongly contributing environmental descriptors that influence the distribution of both species are biochemical oxygen demand, electrical conductivity and total phosphorus. In Croatia, the replacement of with was observed in several water bodies with high nutrient loads.
PubMed: 38931056
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121624 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Unraveling the intricate physiological and biochemical intricacies associated with female dominance in grape berries across diverse developmental stages is imperative...
Unraveling the intricate physiological and biochemical intricacies associated with female dominance in grape berries across diverse developmental stages is imperative for optimizing grape production and ensuring the attainment of high-quality yields. This study conducted a thorough analysis of grape berries across phenological stages (BBCH-79, BBCH-81, BBCH-89) and cultivars. At BBCH-89, Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki demonstrated the highest berry weight and total soluble solids (TSS) levels, emphasizing its enological potential. Acidity peaked at BBCH-79 (28.16) and declined at BBCH-89 (6.11), signaling a shift towards lower acidity in later stages. Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki consistently showed the highest maturity index (MI). Mineral content variations were observed across nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), with Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki often having the highest concentrations, particularly in potassium, calcium, and boron. Hormonal analysis revealed a significant surge in concentrations at BBCH-89, with Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki standing out. Notably, Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations increased by 106%, and abscisic acid (ABA) levels peaked at BBCH-79 with a 38% increase in Bozcaada Çavuşu*Kuntra. Sugar content analysis showed variations in fructose, glucose, sucrose, rhamnose, xylose, galactose, and arabinose levels across sampling times and cultivars. Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki consistently exhibited higher sugar levels, especially at BBCH-81 and BBCH-89. Vitamin concentrations varied temporally and among cultivars, with BBCH-89 displaying the highest vitamin A concentration (6.24 mg/100 g FW), and Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki often exhibiting maximum values for vitamin B1, B2, B6, and C. Further research and targeted cultivation practices focusing on the unique attributes of Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki could enhance grape production efficiency, emphasizing its potential contribution to achieving consistently high-quality yields across various phenological stages.
PubMed: 38931044
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121612 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The utilization of lithium-sulfur battery is hindered by various challenges, including the "shuttle effect", limited sulfur utilization, and the sluggish conversion...
The utilization of lithium-sulfur battery is hindered by various challenges, including the "shuttle effect", limited sulfur utilization, and the sluggish conversion kinetics of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). In the present work, a theoretical design for the viability of graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) and phosphorus-doping graphitic carbon nitride substrates (P-g-CN) as promising host materials in a Li-S battery was conducted utilizing first-principles calculations. The PDOS shows that when the P atom is introduced, the 2p of the N atom is affected by the 2p orbital of the P atom, which increases the energy band of phosphorus-doping substrates. The energy bands of P and P are 0.12 eV and 0.20 eV, respectively. When the lithium polysulfides are adsorbed on four substrates, the overall adsorption energy of P is 48-77% higher than that of graphitic carbon nitride, in which the charge transfer of long-chain lithium polysulfides increase by more than 1.5-fold. It is found that there are powerful Li-N bonds between lithium polysulfides and P-g-CN substrates. Compared with the graphitic carbon nitride monolayer, the anchoring effect of the LiPSs@P-g-CN substrate is enhanced, which is beneficial for inhibiting the shuttle of high-order lithium polysulfides. Furthermore, the catalytic performance of the P-g-CN substrate is assessed in terms of the S reduction pathway and the decomposition of LiS; the decomposition energy barrier of the P-g-CN substrate decrease by 10% to 18%. The calculated results show that P-g-CN can promote the reduction of S molecules and Li-S bond cleavage within LiS, thus improving the utilization of sulfur-active substances and the ability of rapid reaction kinetics. Therefore, the P-g-CN substrates are a promising high-performance lithium-sulfur battery anchoring material.
PubMed: 38930812
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122746 -
Microorganisms Jun 2024Plant biostimulants have received attention as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), among the compounds secreted...
Plant biostimulants have received attention as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), among the compounds secreted by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), are assumed to alleviate abiotic stress. This study aims to investigate the effect of purified EPSs on rice under abiotic stress and analyze their mechanisms. A pot experiment was conducted to elucidate the effects of inoculating EPSs purified from PGPRs that increase biofilm production in the presence of sugar on rice growth in heat-stress conditions. Since all EPSs showed improvement in SPAD after the stress, , which was not characterized as showing higher PGP bioactivities such as phytohormone production, nitrogen fixation, and phosphorus solubilization, was selected for further analysis. RNA extracted from the embryos of germinating seeds at 24 h post-treatment with EPSs or water was used for transcriptome analysis. The RNA-seq analysis revealed 215 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in rice seeds, including 139 up-regulated and 76 down-regulated genes. A gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that the enriched GO terms are mainly associated with the ROS scavenging processes, detoxification pathways, and response to oxidative stress. For example, the expression of the gene encoding , which is known to function in detoxifying oxidative stress, was two times increased by EPS treatment. Moreover, EPS application improved SPAD and dry weights of shoot and root by 90%, 14%, and 27%, respectively, under drought stress and increased SPAD by 59% under salt stress. It indicates that bacterial EPSs improved plant growth under abiotic stresses. Based on our results, we consider that EPSs purified from can be used to develop biostimulants for rice.
PubMed: 38930594
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061212 -
Microorganisms Jun 2024This study analyzed the effects of benzoic acid (BA) on the physicochemical properties and microbial community structure of perilla rhizosphere soil. The analysis was...
This study analyzed the effects of benzoic acid (BA) on the physicochemical properties and microbial community structure of perilla rhizosphere soil. The analysis was based on high-throughput sequencing technology and physiological and biochemical detection. The results showed that with the increase in BA concentration, soil pH significantly decreased, while the contents of total nitrogen (TN), alkaline nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) significantly increased. The activities of soil conversion enzymes urease and phosphatase significantly increased, but the activities of catalase and peroxidase significantly decreased. This indicates that BA can increase soil enzyme activity and improve nutrient conversion; the addition of BA significantly altered the composition and diversity of soil bacterial and fungal communities. The relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as , , and decreased significantly, while the relative abundance of harmful fungi such as , , and increased significantly. Correlation analysis shows that AP, AN, and TN are the main physicochemical factors affecting the structure of soil microbial communities. This study elucidates the effects of BA on the physicochemical properties and microbial community structure of perilla soil, and preliminarily reveals the mechanism of its allelopathic effect on the growth of perilla.
PubMed: 38930572
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061190