Agronomy

13 pages, 5820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Low-Temperature Sensitivity and Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Yellow Leaf Mutants of Tomato

by Shujing Ji, Yifan Zhang, Minghua Xu, Mingrui Zhao, Huixin Chen, Yongen Lu, Shengqun Pang and Wei Xu

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2382; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102382 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

Leaf color mutants serve as valuable models for studying the regulation of plant photosynthesis, alternations in chloroplast structure and function, and the analysis of associated gene functions. A yellow leaf mutant, ylm, was separated from the wild tomato M82, with its yellowing [...] Read more.

Leaf color mutants serve as valuable models for studying the regulation of plant photosynthesis, alternations in chloroplast structure and function, and the analysis of associated gene functions. A yellow leaf mutant, ylm, was separated from the wild tomato M82, with its yellowing intensity influenced by low temperature. To assess the low-temperature sensitivity of this mutant, the photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence responses of ylm and M82 were examined under different temperature conditions. In this study, the ylm mutant and its wild type, M82, were exposed to three temperature levels, 16, 25, and 30 °C, for 48 h. The impact of these temperature treatments on leaf color change, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic performance, and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of mutant ylm was investigated. The results revealed the following: (1) After exposure to 16 °C, the ylm mutant exhibited significant yellowing, a marked reduction in chlorophyll content, and a notable increase in carotenoid content. At 25 °C, the differences were less pronounced, and at 30 °C, the differences between ylm and M82 were minimal. (2) The photosynthetic rate of the ylm mutant was lower than that of M82 at 16 °C, with the gap narrowing as temperature increased, eventually converging at higher temperatures. (3) The fluorescence transient curve (OJIP) of the ylm mutant differed significantly from that of M82 at 16 °C, with higher fluorescence intensity at the O point and lower intensity at the J, I, and P points. This difference was decreased at 25 °C and nearly disappeared at 30 °C. Additionally, the Fv/Fm, Fv/Fo, PIabs, PItotal, ABS/CSm, TRo/CSm, and ETo/CSm values of ylm were lower than those of M82 at 16 °C, while the ABS/RC and DIo/RC values were higher, with no significant differences observed at 30 °C. These findings suggest that the ylm mutant is highly sensitive to low temperature, with pronounced yellowing, reduced light energy absorption and capture efficiency, and impaired electron transport at lower temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Breeding and Genetics)

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16 pages, 5279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Intercropping of Sisal and Three Different Leguminous Plants on Soil Bacterial Diversity

by Yanqiong Liang, Shibei Tan, Chunping He, Rui Li, Ying Lu, Helong Chen, Xing Huang, Weihuai Wu and Kexian Yi

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2381; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102381 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

Intercropping is widely utilised in agricultural production to enhance land use efficiency because of its benefits, such as heightened crop productivity and optimised resource utilisation. We investigated the effects of Pinto peanut/sisal (HST), Stylo/sisal (strT) and Grona styracifolia/sisal (JqT) intercropping systems on soil [...] Read more.

Intercropping is widely utilised in agricultural production to enhance land use efficiency because of its benefits, such as heightened crop productivity and optimised resource utilisation. We investigated the effects of Pinto peanut/sisal (HST), Stylo/sisal (strT) and Grona styracifolia/sisal (JqT) intercropping systems on soil bacterial communities compared with sisal continuous cropping (CK) by using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology. The intercropping system significantly increased the total nitrogen (TN), soil pH and soil moisture levels and decreased the levels of available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK). Minimal variations were observed in Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity indices between the monoculture and intercropping systems as well as among different intercropping systems. The most abundant phyla observed within the four groups were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes. At the phylum level, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes were 37.37–54.35%, 10.54–21.21%, 3.46–20.43% and 2.15–5.67%, respectively. Compared with ZCK, StrT, JqT and HST treatments led to higher abundance of Cyanobacteria (from 3.46% to 20.43%, 11.37% and 16.58%, respectively) and Bacteroidetes (from 2.15% to 5.67%, 5.21% and 5.10%, respectively). The results of the linear discriminant analysis of effect sizes demonstrated notable variations in the relative abundance of bacterial taxa among various intercropping systems. The dominant categories of the genus in strT and JqT groups were Blastocatellia and Blastocatellaceae-Subgroup4, while Firmicutes was the dominant category of the genus in the HST group. The structure of bacterial communities did not vary between intercropping and monoculture systems. The findings indicated that the impact of the intercropping system on the bacterial community structure was not contingent on the specific intercropping patterns employed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Innovative Cropping Systems)

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12 pages, 805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deficit Irrigation Regime Improves Phytosanitary Status of Cultivar Arbosana Grown in a Super High-Density Olive Orchard

by Francesco Nicolì, Marco Anaclerio, Francesco Maldera, Franco Nigro and Salvatore Camposeo

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2380; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102380 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

Super high-density (SHD) planting systems are very efficient in terms of production and water use. In these orchards, water-saving irrigation strategies are used precisely to keep the best sustainability compared to traditional orchards. With agro-climatic and eco-physiological parameter monitoring, the SHD planting system [...] Read more.

Super high-density (SHD) planting systems are very efficient in terms of production and water use. In these orchards, water-saving irrigation strategies are used precisely to keep the best sustainability compared to traditional orchards. With agro-climatic and eco-physiological parameter monitoring, the SHD planting system has become even more efficient. SHD orchards, however, could also be more so affected by other pests and diseases than traditional systems, but field responses are still unknown when olive trees are grown in SHD groves. The goal of this two-year field research was to investigate the seasonal changes of the phytosanitary status of ‘Arbosana’ grown in an SHD orchard under both regulated deficit (RDI) and full irrigation regimes (FI). This study investigated the influence of the two different irrigation regimes on the infections of three olive tree key diseases: cercosporiosis (Pseudocercospora cladosporioides), cycloconium (Fusicladium oleagineum), and olive knot (Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi). RDI significantly reduced the severity of cercosporiosis in 2020 compared to FI but not in 2021. Cycloconium was observed only as a latent infection during the two studied years and olive knot was not influenced by irrigation but only by weather conditions. These findings suggest that irrigation management can play a key role in controlling cercosporiosis effectively in SHD olive orchards, but also that weather conditions have an even higher impact on the tree key diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)

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20 pages, 3937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cow Dung Liquid Mulch Improves Maize Yields: Beneficial Microorganisms Are Enriched and Environmental Risks Are Reduced and Nutrient Cycling Is Promoted

by Getong Liu, Hongjie Wang, Jiajun Sun, Huading Shi, Yang Fei, Jiahui Liang, Yunsong Mu, Chenfeng Liu and Ziyu Han

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2379; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102379 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

Cow dung liquid mulch (CDLM), which uses cow dung as a raw material, has a good degradability and is a potential alternative to traditional plastic agricultural mulch, but there is a lack of research on the effects of CDLM on rhizosphere soil physicochemical [...] Read more.

Cow dung liquid mulch (CDLM), which uses cow dung as a raw material, has a good degradability and is a potential alternative to traditional plastic agricultural mulch, but there is a lack of research on the effects of CDLM on rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties, rhizosphere soil microbial functions, and crop yields. In this study, the link between maize yield, environmental factors, and functional genes as well as the responses of microbial community functions to CDLM and polyethylene mulch (PE) were studied using metagenomic sequencing. Functional annotation was also performed on clusters of orthologous groups of proteins, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and carbohydrate-active enzyme sequencing data. The results showed that CDLM significantly increased maize yield by 30.9% compared to CK while maintaining lower soil microplastic levels. CDLM promotes the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms such as Mycolicibacterium and Pseudomonas. The relative abundance of functional genes related to microbial metabolism, soil element cycling pathways, and organic matter degradation was significantly higher in CDLM than in CK. Microbial functional genes were positively correlated with maize yield and environmental factors such as soil nutrients. These results suggested that CDLM can improve maize yield by enriching beneficial microorganisms, reducing rhizosphere soil environmental risks, and enhancing rhizosphere soil microbial function. Rhizosphere soil nutrients and microbial functional genes together mediated the positive response of maize yield to CDLM. This study can provide a scientific basis and data support for the safe use of mulch in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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16 pages, 2655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptional Analysis of Different Cultivars and Genome-Wide Identification of FAD Gene Family in Tree Peony

by Jian Li, Qi Wang, Chenjing Han, Zhifang Liu, Shunzhao Sui, Zheng Li, Xianli Zheng, Chunmei Hu, Wenshuang Zhao and Yu Wang

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2378; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102378 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Abstract

The tree peony (Paeonia ostii), a newly recognized woody oil plant endemic to China, is noteworthy for its high content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Fatty acid desaturases (FADs) are integral to plant development and defense mechanisms. [...] Read more.

The tree peony (Paeonia ostii), a newly recognized woody oil plant endemic to China, is noteworthy for its high content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Fatty acid desaturases (FADs) are integral to plant development and defense mechanisms. Nonetheless, there is limited understanding of (i) the molecular mechanism underlying FA biosynthesis in various varieties during seed maturation and (ii) a genome-wide analysis of FAD family genes within the tree peony. We selected three distinct cultivars of tree peony for transcriptome sequencing and performed an extensive analysis of PoFAD genes. In total, 67,542 unigenes were acquired and annotated with six protein databases available to the public. Forty-one differentially expressed genes (DEGs) pertinent to FA biosynthesis and lipid metabolism were identified in this study. Notably, genes such as PoFAD2, PoFAD6, and PoSAD were found to be significantly upregulated, contributing to a differential linolenic acid and linoleic acid content across the three cultivars. Herein, 24 PoFADs from the P. ostii genome were recognized and categorized into four distinct clusters according to their conserved structural features. The distribution of PoFADs was found to be random and uneven across five chromosomes, indicating a complex genomic architecture. Six colinear gene pairs were found between P. ostii and V. vinifera, indicating a potential link due to their close relationship. Together, these findings significantly enhance our knowledge of the molecular processes governing fatty acid synthesis, elucidate the functional roles of the FAD gene family, and lay the groundwork for using genetic manipulation to boost lipid levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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15 pages, 2325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in the Appearance Quality of Soft Japonica Rice with Different Grain Shapes in the Yangtze River Delta and Their Relationship with Grain-Filling

by Jiale Cao, Xi Chen, Zhongtao Ma, Jianghui Yu, Ruizhi Wang, Ying Zhu, Fangfu Xu, Qun Hu, Guodong Liu, Guangyan Li and Haiyan Wei

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2377; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102377 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the differences in appearance quality among different soft japonica rice varieties based on grain shape, with a particular focus on the broad-ovate soft japonica rice varieties Nanjing 9108 and Nanjing 5718, as well as the slender soft japonica rice varieties [...] Read more.

This study investigated the differences in appearance quality among different soft japonica rice varieties based on grain shape, with a particular focus on the broad-ovate soft japonica rice varieties Nanjing 9108 and Nanjing 5718, as well as the slender soft japonica rice varieties Shangshida 19 and Jiahe 218, all sourced from the Yangtze River Delta. The results showed that the slender soft japonica rice varieties exhibited significantly superior appearance quality compared to the broad-ovate varieties. In the case of superior grains, the chalky grain rate of the broad-ovate soft japonica rice was 4307.79 percent higher than that of the slender varieties, and the degree of chalkiness was 8275.00 percent higher. For inferior grains, the chalky grain rate of the broad-ovate soft japonica rice was 238.34 percent higher than the slender varieties, and the degree of chalkiness was 339.96 percent higher. In contrast to the slender soft japonica rice, the broad-ovate varieties had a lower percentage of high-weight grains and a higher percentage of low-weight grains. Compared to the broad-ovate soft japonica rice, the slender varieties exhibited a faster grain-filling rate and shorter effective grain-filling days. Correlation analysis revealed that chalkiness had a significant negative correlation with grain length and aspect ratio. Simultaneously, chalkiness also showed a positive correlation with the number of effective grain-filling days while demonstrating a negative correlation with both the maximum and average grain-filling rates. The slender soft japonica rice exhibited a lower likelihood of developing chalkiness and higher grain-filling efficiency and developed a favorable grain weight distribution. These distinctive attributes significantly contribute to the superior appearance quality of the slender japonica soft rice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Breeding and Genetics)

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17 pages, 1490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allelochemicals Released from Rice Straw Inhibit Wheat Seed Germination and Seedling Growth

by Bo Li, Wenwen Wu, Wenyuan Shen, Fei Xiong and Kaihua Wang

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2376; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102376 - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

Recently, returning rice straw to soil has become a common problem in wheat production because it causes decreased wheat seedling emergence. Allelopathy is an important factor affecting seed germination. However, the effects of rice straw extracts on wheat seed germination and seedling growth [...] Read more.

Recently, returning rice straw to soil has become a common problem in wheat production because it causes decreased wheat seedling emergence. Allelopathy is an important factor affecting seed germination. However, the effects of rice straw extracts on wheat seed germination and seedling growth remain unclear. Wheat seeds and seedlings were treated with 30 g L⁻¹ of rice leaf extracts (L1), 60 g L⁻¹ of rice leaf extracts (L2), 30 g L⁻¹ of rice stem extracts (S1), 60 g L⁻¹ of rice stem extracts (S2) and sterile water (CK) to study the allelopathic effects of rice straw extracts on wheat seed germination and seedling growth. The α-amylase and antioxidant enzyme activities in wheat seeds; the agronomic traits, photosynthetic indicators, and nutrient contents of wheat seedlings; and the phenolic acids in rice stem extracts were determined. Common allelochemicals, including 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, vanillic acid, benzoic acid, protocatechualdehyde, caffeic acid, syringic acid, sinapic acid, and salicylic acid, were detected in rice stem extracts. Low-concentration rice leaf and stem extracts (30 g L⁻¹) had no effect on the germination rate of wheat seeds. High-concentration (60 g L⁻¹) rice stem and leaf extracts decreased the seed germination rate by 11.00% and 12.02%. Rice stem extract (60 g L⁻¹) decreased the α-amylase activity, and gibberellin content of wheat seeds but increased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities and malondialdehyde content in wheat seeds. Allelochemicals entered the internal tissues of wheat seeds, where they decreased the gibberellin content and α-amylase activity and increased the antioxidant enzyme activity, ultimately leading to an inhibitory effect on seed germination. Rice stem and leaf extracts decreased the SPAD value and photosynthetic indicators of wheat seedlings. Rice stem extract (60 g L⁻¹) decreased the fresh weight and root length of wheat seedlings by 31.37% and 45.46%. Low-concentration rice leaf and stem extract (30 g L⁻¹) had no effect on the nutrient contents of wheat seedlings. Rice leaf and stem extracts (60 g L⁻¹) decreased the nitrogen and potassium contents of wheat seedlings. These results indicated that low-concentration rice leaf and stem extract (30 g L⁻¹) had no effect on wheat seed germination and the high-concentration rice stem extract (60 g L⁻¹) released allelochemicals and inhibited wheat seed germination and seedling growth. These findings provide a basis for the improvement of straw return techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Biosystem and Biological Engineering)

14 pages, 3019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Path of African Millets (Pennisetum glaucum and Sorghum bicolor) to Iberia

by Guillem Pérez-Jordà, Leonor Peña-Chocarro, Diego Sabato, Antonio Peralta Gómez, Agustí Ribera, Pablo García Borja, Joan Negre and Jose María Martín Civantos

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2375; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102375 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is the most widely cultivated millet in Africa and India but has not yet been identified in Europe, while the earliest remains of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) are attested in Italy in the fifth century AD. [...] Read more.

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is the most widely cultivated millet in Africa and India but has not yet been identified in Europe, while the earliest remains of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) are attested in Italy in the fifth century AD. This paper presents evidence that pearl millet was introduced to Iberia during the 11th–12th centuries AD. This is the first documented evidence for this African crop in Europe. Sorghum, on the other hand, appears as a later introduction (14th century AD) in Iberia. We present archaeobotanical data from eight Andalusi sites in Valencia and Andalucía (southern Iberia) where both crops have been found. We have also examined medieval textual data where references to pearl millet appeared to be absent, and we conclude that the word “dacsa”, currently used to refer to sorghum, should be understood as a reference to pearl millet. From the 16th century onwards, this term was given to maize, when the American cereal replaced the African millets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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32 pages, 7316 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Critical Review on Soil Gas Analysis: Modern Technologies and Problems

by Alexander G. Bannov, Igor’ V. Trubin, Ilya K. Zakharov, Evgeny A. Maksimovskiy and Pavel B. Kurmashov

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2374; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102374 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

In this review article, the main techniques for spectroscopic studies of gases in field conditions are considered. The issues related to the study of gas emissions from soils and the determination of their concentrations are analysed. The main types of spectroscopy used in [...] Read more.

In this review article, the main techniques for spectroscopic studies of gases in field conditions are considered. The issues related to the study of gas emissions from soils and the determination of their concentrations are analysed. The main types of spectroscopy used in portable devices for soil gas analysis, along with their design features and sampling approaches, are provided. Various studies aimed at optimising the operation of devices for analysing gases emitted from the soil, taking into account agronomic, agrochemical, and ecological specifics, are also presented. The effect of using different types of lasers and reflecting elements on the accuracy of optical measurements and the sensitivity to various substances in the gases is analysed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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15 pages, 3735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Watering Gradient on Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters of Prunus domestica Trees

by Xin Yin, Haichao Wang, Chunguang Wang, Shuai Wang, Xiaodan Ren and Zheying Zong

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2373; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102373 - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

Mature 5-year-old Prunus domestica trees were used as research objects in plantation areas in arid and semi-arid regions of northern China in Hohhot city; three irrigation gradients and a natural control were set up according to the determination of wilting coefficient and field [...] Read more.

Mature 5-year-old Prunus domestica trees were used as research objects in plantation areas in arid and semi-arid regions of northern China in Hohhot city; three irrigation gradients and a natural control were set up according to the determination of wilting coefficient and field capacity, and FluorCam 1000-H chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of plant leaves were determined by using a portable chlorophyll fluorescence imager. The results showed that the effects of irrigation gradients on potential photochemical efficiency, maximum photochemical efficiency and non-photochemical burst were not significant (p > 0.05), and the effects on photochemical burst were significant (p < 0.05) at different fertility periods. The potential photochemical efficiency, maximum photochemical efficiency and photochemical burst basically showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing, and the non-photochemical burst showed a trend of decreasing and then increasing during different fertility periods. During the same fertility period, the potential and maximum photochemical efficiencies were significantly increased, and the photochemical and non-photochemical bursts were somewhat reduced under the full irrigation gradient. Therefore, the chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of Prunus domestica trees at different fertility stages can be regulated by controlling the irrigation gradient to increase the activity of photosystem II (PSII), which in turn improves the photosynthesis of the plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Irrigation)

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15 pages, 2896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Synergistic Effects of Different Phosphorus Sources: Ferralsols Promoted Soil Phosphorus Transformation and Accumulation

by Long Zhou, Tilei Zhao, Nyeinnyein Thu, Hongmin Zhao, Yi Zheng and Li Tang

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2372; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102372 - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) application can enhance soil P availability and alter P fractions. However, the P accumulation and transformation of different P sources in low-phosphorus red soil remain unclear. Two-year (2018–2019) field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of five P source treatments [...] Read more.

Phosphorus (P) application can enhance soil P availability and alter P fractions. However, the P accumulation and transformation of different P sources in low-phosphorus red soil remain unclear. Two-year (2018–2019) field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of five P source treatments (CK—no phosphorus; SSP—superphosphate; MAP—calcium–magnesium phosphate; DAP—monoammonium phosphate; and CMP—diammonium phosphate) on the P accumulation of maize and soil P fractions in low-P red soil using the Hedley Sequential Method. The results showed that P application significantly increased P uptake, Olsen-P, total phosphorus, and most of the soil P fractions. Compared to the CMP, MAP, and DAP treatments, SSP had a relatively higher P accumulation and labile P pool, with a slightly lower moderately labile P pool. The SSP treatment mainly increased soil-available P content and crop P uptake by increasing the labile P pool (resin-P and NaHCO₃-Pi) and reducing the moderately labile P pool and non-labile P pool. The P activation coefficient (PAC%) and Olsen-P were positively correlated with labile P (resin-P, NaHCO₃-Pi, and NaHCO₃-Po) and moderately labile P (NaOH-Pi and 1 M HCl-Pi) and negatively correlated with Fe₂O₃ and Al₂O₃. The results suggest that SSP has a priority effect on the crop P uptake and soil P availability in low-P red soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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17 pages, 11691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moulding Test and Process Parameter Optimization of Biomass Seedling Pots for Cow Dung and Corn Stover

by Jiaqi Chen, Yongcai Ma, Hanyang Wang, Da Teng, Yan Qi and Dan Liu

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2371; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102371 - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

In order to determine the optimal moulding process parameters of biomass seedling pots prepared from fermented cow dung mixed with corn stover, the moulding pressure, baking time, and baking temperature of biomass seedling pots were taken as the influencing factors, and the expansion [...] Read more.

In order to determine the optimal moulding process parameters of biomass seedling pots prepared from fermented cow dung mixed with corn stover, the moulding pressure, baking time, and baking temperature of biomass seedling pots were taken as the influencing factors, and the expansion rate, durability rate, wet swelling rate (48 h), and resistance to damage were taken as the evaluation indexes, and the Box–Behnken design of the response surface method was used to analyze the significance of interactions among the different influencing factors in the moulding process of biomass seedling pots and to optimize the moulding process. The experiment was conducted in the Biomass Laboratory of Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University. The response surface method Box–Behnken design was used to analyze the significance of the interaction between different influencing factors in the biomass seedling pots moulding process and optimize the moulding process. The results showed that the optimum moulding process conditions obtained using the Box–Behnken design were the following: a moulding pressure of 520.393 kN, baking temperature of 202.870 °C, and baking time of 8.573 min. The model was validated by testing and a response value of 10.522% was obtained for expansion, 99.598% for durability rate, 11.145% for wet swelling (48 h), and 4503.545 N for resistance to damage. The experimental verification showed that the deviation of the actual value obtained under this condition from the predicted value is less than 5%, indicating that the model reproduces well and meets the experimental requirements. Based on the optimal moulding process conditions determined in this experiment, the total porosity, EC, and pH of the Biomass seedling pots were determined to be 67.32%, 1.63 mS/cm, and 6.7, respectively, which met the seedling requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

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13 pages, 7720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Different Grazing Periods on the Functional Traits of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvelev in a Typical Inner Mongolia Steppe

by Hongbin Xu, Jiatao Zhang, Taogetao Baoyin, Lei Zhang and Ting Yuan

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2370; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102370 - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

Plant functional traits are effective indicators and predictors of environmental change, revealing plants’ ecological countermeasures and adaptability through phenotypic plasticity. We conducted a 6-year grazing experiment on typical temperate grassland to assess the impact of different grazing periods on the plasticity and variability [...] Read more.

Plant functional traits are effective indicators and predictors of environmental change, revealing plants’ ecological countermeasures and adaptability through phenotypic plasticity. We conducted a 6-year grazing experiment on typical temperate grassland to assess the impact of different grazing periods on the plasticity and variability of the functional traits of Leymus chinensis and the relationship between traits and individual plant biomass. Our study included four treatments: CK (enclosure), T1 (grazing in May and July), T2 (grazing in June and August), and T3 (grazing in July and September). The results for 13 functional traits indicated that the T3 treatment showed the smallest reduction in individual plant biomass, plant height, leaf area, stem length, and leaf length, making it the most effective type of grassland management and optimal for the maintenance and restoration of L. chinensis traits. Under T1, T2, and T3, the plasticity of stem weight, total leaf weight, total leaf area, and stem length was higher and crucial for regulating individual plant biomass. The results underscore that the changes and plasticity of dominant species under grazing treatments are key to understanding the relationship between ecosystem function and grassland management. This study provides a theoretical basis and data support for the adaptive utilization and restoration management of typical grassland resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genetics, Breeding, and Quality Traits in Forage and Turf Grass—2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1830 KiB

Open AccessReview

World’s Best Practice Locust and Grasshopper Management: Accurate Forecasting and Early Intervention Treatments Using Reduced Chemical Pesticide

by David Hunter

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2369; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102369 - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

World’s Best Practice management of locusts and grasshoppers requires accurate forecasting that helps determine where and when surveys are preferentially conducted so that infestations can be found quickly as part of ensuring early intervention treatments. Using survey data downloaded directly into a Geographic [...] Read more.

World’s Best Practice management of locusts and grasshoppers requires accurate forecasting that helps determine where and when surveys are preferentially conducted so that infestations can be found quickly as part of ensuring early intervention treatments. Using survey data downloaded directly into a Geographic Information System (GIS), as well as rainfall and other factors important in the population dynamics of the species concerned, models within the GIS provide forecasts of future developments. The GIS provides forecasts of likely events and is used by locust and grasshopper experts to make decisions; that is, the forecasting is part of a Decision Support System for improved locust and grasshopper management. Surveys are generally conducted by ground vehicles, but for locusts, surveys by aircraft can be an important way to rapidly find bands. In Australia, dense bands can often be seen from an aircraft flying overhead at a height of 300 m, and similar detection of bands of the desert locust by aircraft has been conducted in Somalia. Swarms can be detected by ground vehicles, but because swarms move, surveying by aircraft is also an important way of locating swarms for treatment. When locust infestations are found, they are rapidly treated as part of early intervention preventive management. However, it is generally recognized that it is extremely difficult for landholders alone to protect crops against locusts and grasshoppers, so government intervention is often necessary. These organizations use a variety of treatment techniques to reduce the amount of chemical pesticide applied either by strip spraying or treating very dense infestations, such as roosting swarms, or using biopesticides. These techniques, as used in a number of countries, have proven to be very effective in managing locust populations while reducing the risk to the natural environment and human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Locust and Grasshopper Management: Environmental Impacts and New Perspectives)

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15 pages, 1600 KiB

Open AccessReview

Rhizosheath Formation and Its Role in Plant Adaptation to Abiotic Stress

by Ying Li, Yonghui Hong, Yadi Chen, Nanyan Zhu, Shuqiu Jiang, Zixuan Yao, Min Zhu, Jinfeng Ding, Chunyan Li, Weifeng Xu, Wenshan Guo, Xinkai Zhu and Jianhua Zhang

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2368; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102368 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

The rhizosheath, the layer of soil tightly attached to the roots, protects plants against abiotic stress and other adverse conditions by providing a bridge from the plant root system to the soil. It reduces the formation of air gaps between the root and [...] Read more.

The rhizosheath, the layer of soil tightly attached to the roots, protects plants against abiotic stress and other adverse conditions by providing a bridge from the plant root system to the soil. It reduces the formation of air gaps between the root and soil and facilitates the transportation of water at the root–soil interface. It also serves as a favourable niche for plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria in the surrounding soil, which facilitate the absorption of soil water and nutrients. This review compares the difference between the rhizosheath and rhizosphere, and summarises the molecular and physiological mechanisms of rhizosheath formation, and identifying the causes of rhizosheath formation/non-formation in plants. We summarise the chemical and physical factors (root hair, soil-related factors, root exudates, and microorganisms) that determine rhizosheath formation, and focus on the important functions of the rhizosheath in plants under abiotic stress, especially in drought stress, phosphorus deficiency, aluminium stress, and salinity stress. Understanding the roles played by the rhizosheath and the mechanisms of its formation provides new perspectives for improving plant stress tolerance in the field, which will mitigate the increasing environmental stress conditions associated with on-going global climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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20 pages, 3542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Light Drives Embryonic Photosynthesis and Protein Accumulation in Cotyledons of Developing Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seeds

by Nataliia Stepanova, Elena Tarakhovskaya, Alena Soboleva, Anastasia Orlova, Aditi Basnet, Anastasia Smolenskaya, Nadezhda Frolova, Tatiana Bilova, Anastasia Kamionskaya, Andrej Frolov, Sergei Medvedev and Galina Smolikova

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2367; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102367 - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

Photosynthesis is a vital process for seed productivity. It occurs in the leaves and provides developing seeds with the necessary nutrients. Moreover, many crops require photochemical reactions inside the seeds for proper development. The present study aimed to investigate Pisum sativum L. seeds [...] Read more.

Photosynthesis is a vital process for seed productivity. It occurs in the leaves and provides developing seeds with the necessary nutrients. Moreover, many crops require photochemical reactions inside the seeds for proper development. The present study aimed to investigate Pisum sativum L. seeds at the middle stage of maturation, which is characterized by the active synthesis of nutrient reserves. Embryonic photosynthesis represents a crucial process to produce cells’ NADP(H) and ATP, which are necessary to convert sucrose into reserve biopolymers. However, it remains unclear how the pea embryo, covered by a coat and pericarp, receives sufficient light to provide energy for photochemical reactions. Recent studies have demonstrated that the photosynthetically active radiation reaching the developing pea embryo has a high proportion of green light. In addition, green light can be utilized in foliar photosynthesis by plants cultivated in shaded conditions. Here, we addressed the role of green light in seed development. Pea plants were cultivated under red and blue (RB) LEDs or red, green, and blue (RGB) LEDs. A Chl a fluorescence transient based on OJIP kinetics was detected at the periphery of the cotyledons isolated from developing seeds. Our findings showed that the addition of green light resulted in an increase in photochemical activity. Furthermore, the mature seeds that developed in the RGB module had a significantly higher weight and more storage proteins. Using a metabolomics approach, we also detected significant differences in the levels of organic acids, carbohydrates, nucleotide monophosphates, and nitrogenous substances between the RB and RGB conditions. Under RGB light, the cotyledons contained more ornithine, tryptophan, arginine, and aspartic acid. These changes indicate an impact of green light on the ornithine–urea cycle and polyamine biosynthesis. These results allow for a deeper understanding of the photochemical processes in embryos of developing seeds grown under a low light intensity. The photosynthetic system in the embryo cell adapts to the shade conditions by using green light. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seeds: Chips of Agriculture)

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23 pages, 6173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Productive, Morphological and Nutritional Indicators of Cactus Pear in a Semiarid Region

by Daniel Bezerra do Nascimento, André Luiz Rodrigues Magalhães, Gherman Garcia Leal de Araújo, Alexandre Tavares da Rocha, Getúlio Figueiredo de Oliveira, Amélia de Macedo, Cleyton de Almeida Araújo, Hideo de Jesus Nagahama, Thieres George Freire da Silva, Silvia Helena Nogueira Turco, Rayanne Thalita de Almeida Souza, Glayciane Costa Gois and Fleming Sena Campos

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2366; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102366 - 14 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of irrigation depths (IDs) with brackish water and levels of organic fertilizer (OF) on the morphological aspects, production, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of cactus pear grown in a semiarid region. This experiment was conducted [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of irrigation depths (IDs) with brackish water and levels of organic fertilizer (OF) on the morphological aspects, production, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of cactus pear grown in a semiarid region. This experiment was conducted in an area already established for 2 years with cactus pear [Opuntia stricta (Haw.)] and started 18 months after the standardization cut. This was a 5 × 4 factorial design of five irrigation depths (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50% evapotranspiration—ETo) and four levels of organic fertilizer (0, 15, 30, and 45 megagram per hectare—Mg/ha), with four replications. The water used in the experiment was classified with high salinity and low sodium content (C3S1), and presented an electrical conductivity of 1.73 dS/m. There was no effect of the ID × OF interaction on the morphological and productive characteristics of cactus pear (p > 0.05); however, the ID × OF interaction promoted effects on ether extract, crude protein, neutral detergent insoluble protein, neutral detergent insoluble ash, total carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates (p < 0.05). The ID and OF levels separately influenced the productive, morphological and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear. Under experimental conditions, we recommend the use of organic fertilizer at a level up to 45 Mg/ha, which is associated with the use of lower brackish water levels for the cultivation of cactus pear. This study’s findings provide new insights into reducing the use of potable water in crop irrigation for dryland regions and other regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Production Response to Irrigation Methods in Semi-arid Regions)

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19 pages, 6552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Map Construction and Positioning Method for LiDAR SLAM-Based Navigation of an Agricultural Field Inspection Robot

by Jiwei Qu, Zhinuo Qiu, Lanyu Li, Kangquan Guo and Dan Li

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2365; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102365 - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

In agricultural field inspection robots, constructing accurate environmental maps and achieving precise localization are essential for effective Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) navigation. However, navigating in occluded environments, such as mapping distortion and substantial cumulative errors, presents challenges. [...] Read more.

In agricultural field inspection robots, constructing accurate environmental maps and achieving precise localization are essential for effective Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) navigation. However, navigating in occluded environments, such as mapping distortion and substantial cumulative errors, presents challenges. Although current filter-based algorithms and graph optimization-based algorithms are exceptionally outstanding, they exhibit a high degree of complexity. This paper aims to investigate precise mapping and localization methods for robots, facilitating accurate LiDAR SLAM navigation in agricultural environments characterized by occlusions. Initially, a LiDAR SLAM point cloud mapping scheme is proposed based on the LiDAR Odometry And Mapping (LOAM) framework, tailored to the operational requirements of the robot. Then, the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is employed for map optimization. This approach simplifies the map optimization process for autonomous navigation systems and aids in converting the Costmap. Finally, the Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization (AMCL) method is implemented for the robot’s positioning, using sensor data from the robot. Experimental results highlight that during outdoor navigation tests, when the robot operates at a speed of 1.6 m/s, the average error between the mapped values and actual measurements is 0.205 m. The results demonstrate that our method effectively prevents navigation mapping distortion and facilitates reliable robot positioning in experimental settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Robotics and Automation in Farming)

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22 pages, 4866 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic Insights into Drought Survival Strategy of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench during Early Growth under Polyethylene Glycol-Simulated Conditions

by Ruidong Zhang, Jiarong Chang, Haiyun Chen, Jiaqi Li, Kun Huang, Zhilan Deng, Xiong Cao and Jun Feng

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2364; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102364 - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Drought stress during sorghum emergence significantly affects seedling establishment, adversely affecting both emergence and population growth. This study investigates drought tolerance mechanisms during sorghum germination by analyzing physiological changes and transcriptomic data from two lines: W069 (drought tolerant) and W040 (drought sensitive). Under [...] Read more.

Drought stress during sorghum emergence significantly affects seedling establishment, adversely affecting both emergence and population growth. This study investigates drought tolerance mechanisms during sorghum germination by analyzing physiological changes and transcriptomic data from two lines: W069 (drought tolerant) and W040 (drought sensitive). Under drought conditions, a phenotypic analysis revealed that W069 exhibited longer shoots and roots than W040. Additionally, physiological data indicated higher osmotic substance and lower malondialdehyde levels in W069. Using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analyses, we identified three key pathways (starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and phytohormone signaling) as pivotal in the drought response during seed germination in sorghum plants. Expression profiling revealed that most drought tolerance-related genes in the three key pathways were expressed at higher levels in the drought-tolerant cultivar W069, possibly explaining its greater stress tolerance. These findings enhance our understanding of drought-responsive gene networks in sorghum seed germination, offering potential target genes and strategies for enhancing drought tolerance in this crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics and Breeding of Minor Cereals)

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