Search Results (31)

Mining activity severely degrades soil, increases heavy metal contamination, and hinders ecological recovery. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) offer a promising strategy for restoration, but their use in Fabaceae plants, especially in mine-degraded soils, remains underexplored. This study evaluated AMF inoculation effects on soil enzymes and Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia growth in Scheelite-mining-degraded soil. In a 10-weeks greenhouse experiment, plants were grown with different AMF species (Gigaspora margarita, Acaulospora foveata, Rhizoglomus clarum, and Mix—a combination of the three species) and without inoculation. Growth parameters, seedling quality, mycorrhizal attributes, enzymatic activity, and stoichiometry were assessed. Inoculated plants showed a greater growth compared with the control. The highest spore abundances occurred in Mix (2820), R. clarum (2261), and A. foveata (2318), with the mycorrhizal colonization highest in Mix (25.78%) and R. clarum (25.70%). The Dickson quality index was higher in R. clarum and A. foveata. The enzymatic activity varied compared with the control: β-glucosidase was higher in Mix (+62%) and A. foveata (+46%); arylsulfatase and urease increased in all AMF treatments; and acid phosphatase was highest in R. clarum (+121%). A stoichiometry and vector analysis indicated a lower P limitation in Mix and A. foveata, reflecting the trade-off between P availability and symbiotic costs. These findings highlight the biotechnological potential of AMF, particularly Mix and R. clarum, in enhancing the M. caesalpiniaefolia growth and soil enzymatic activity in mining-degraded areas. Full article

The adoption of “consortium” of potential microorganisms can optimize the forest seedling production process. The objective of this study was to evaluate in greenhouse conditions the effect of co-inoculation between Trichoderma harzianum, Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, and B. elkanni on the growth of Schizolobium parahyba var. parahyba (Vell.) Blake seedlings. The treatments consisted of fungi strains (T. harzianum ESALQ 1306); bacteria strains (B. elkanni (SEMIA 5080) + B. diazoefficiens (SEMIA 587)); consortium (Trichoderma +Bradyrhizobium), and a control treatment. The seeds were sown, and evaluations were carried out 120 days after sowing. The variables analyzed were shoot height (SH), stem diameter (SD), root length (RL), shoot fresh mass (SFM), root fresh mass (RFM), total fresh biomass (TFM), shoot dry mass (SDM), root dry mass (RFM), total dry biomass (BIO), and Dickson quality index (DQI). The evaluated microorganisms proved to be effective in the production of S. parahyba var. parahyba, with emphasis on co-inoculation for growth parameters, promoting an increase in SH (23%), SD (36%), and RL (84%). For mass, non-inoculated seedlings (control) obtained a decrease of 67% (TFM) and 83% (BIO) compared to co-inoculation. The results indicate a promising method in seedling production; the biostimulators allowed the increase in plant development, which led to success in the morphometric indices. The mechanisms involved in the co-inoculation of microorganisms’ consortium in promoting the growth of native wood species to allow their production on a large scale in the silvicultural sector are still scarce, and new research is needed to elucidate the physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved. Full article

Forest plantations represent an alternative to reduce timber extraction pressure in the Amazonian forests. In order to tolerate the hostile field conditions of deforested areas, high-quality seedlings are required. This study aimed to find the optimal dose of a native microbial consortium (NMC), which enhances seedling quality indicators, in three forest species at nursery phase. A completely randomized design (3 × 5) was used. Factor 1: Bolaina blanca (Guazuma crinita Mart.), Capirona (Calycophyllum spruceanum Benth. Hook. f.), and Marupa (Simarouba amara Aubl.). Factor 2: Incremental doses of 0, 160, 320, 480, and 640 mL NMC per plant. The nursery survival (%), robustness index, root height/length ratio, shoot–root index, Dickson Quality Index (DQI), Nitrogen (%), Phosphorus (%), and Potassium (%) content in tissues were analyzed. Statistical analyses consisted of two-way ANOVA per variable and correlation analysis. The results indicated that increasing doses of NMC did not improve nursery survival for any species; did not decrease the robustness index, plant height/root length ratio, or the shoot–root index for any species; and did not increase the DQI, P%, or K% for any species; however, they did increase the N% for all species. In conclusion, the incremental dose of 160 mL was chosen for increasing the N% without affecting nursery survival. Full article

Agriculture remains a key contributor to Central America’s economy, despite climate change posing a significant threat to the sector. In the Trifinio region, already afflicted by arid summers, temperatures are expected to rise in the near future, potentially exacerbating the vulnerability of smallholder farmers. This study investigates the effects of two fungal symbionts, Trichoderma asperellum (TR) and the Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) Glomus cubense, and agronomic choices and practices such as cultivar selection, substrate type, and fertigation management on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedling growth and quality. Results showed that nutrient solution and the adoption of forest topsoil as substrate significantly enhanced morphological, physiological, and quality parameters. Modifying the nutrient solution to allow for an increase in plant height of 170% and a dry weight of 163% and enhancing Dickson’s quality index (DQI) by 64.5%, while the use of forest topsoil resulted in plants 58.6% higher, with an increase of 101% in dry weight and of 90.1% in the DQI. Both T. asperellum and G. cubense had positive effects on specific growth parameters; for instance, TR increased leaf number (+6.95%), while AMF increased stem diameter (+3.56%) and root length (+19.1%), although they did not, overall, significantly increase the seedling’s biomass and quality. These findings underscore the importance of agronomic practices in mitigating the impacts of climate change on tomato production, offering valuable insights for farmers in semi-arid regions. Full article

Direct somatic embryogenesis represents a fundamental tool for obtaining genetically homogeneous clones; however, its commercial scaling faces critical challenges at various stages of the process. In this study, a protocol is standardized for the induction and germination of somatic embryos from leaf segments, rooting, and acclimatization of four Coffea arabica hybrids: Casiopea, Excelencia, H3, and Milenio. The results show that the Casiopea and Excelencia hybrids achieve the highest induction rates (71.64% and 74.43%) and embryo production (8.74 and 10) per explant in the M1 medium, while these values are significantly lower for H3 and Milenio. In addition, the germination and conversion of embryos into plantlets are more efficient in the woody plant medium (WPM), while rooting is optimized using indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations between 1 mg L⁻¹ and 3 mg L⁻¹, regardless of the hybrid. During the acclimatization phase, plantlets treated with mycorrhizae exhibit improved morphological, physiological, and nutritional indicators, achieving a superior quality according to the Dickson index. These findings significantly reduce production times by establishing precise standards for each genotype, thereby overcoming existing gaps in production protocols and providing a solid foundation for industrial growth. Full article

The disposal of polypropylene plastic tubes generated by producing seedlings of forest species promotes negative impacts on the environment and human health. These factors have motivated the search for biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the efficiency and quality of tubes made from particulate waste from cashew nut shells and beeswax in the development of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. The sustainable tubes were produced using a natural beeswax matrix with proportions of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% cashew nut particles. The chemical characterization of the material was performed. The tubes were made in a handmade cardboard mold and P80 wood sandpaper, 35 mm × 125 mm (diameter × length). The quality of the seedlings was evaluated using the Dickson quality index (DQI). The results showed that the cashew nutshell particles present in their chemical composition have values of 6.83 g kg⁻¹ of nitrogen (N), 0.60 g kg⁻¹ of phosphorus (P), and 1.93 g kg⁻¹ of potassium (K). The quality assessment found that all biodegradable tubes had higher DQI values than polypropylene tubes, emphasizing the treatment with 40% of cashew peel particles, which showed a DQI of 0.14, while the polypropylene tube presented a value of 0.09. Therefore, biodegradable tubes seem a sustainable and efficient alternative for replacing polypropylene tubes in cultivating forest seedlings. Full article

The aim of this study was to identify patterns of morphological adjustments associated with the Dickson Quality Index (DQI) in Theobroma cacao L. genotypes subjected to water deficit (WD), as a criterion for the pre-selection of drought-tolerant genotypes. Rooted cuttings from seven genotypes were subjected to water deficit (WD). The data from the growth analysis and DQI were subjected to analysis of variance, tests of means, and multivariate analysis. A high correlation was identified between IQD and the variables root dry mass (RDM), leaf dry mass (LDM), stem diameter (SD), and total dry mass (TDM) independently for each genotype; these correlations are more evident in genotypes CP-49, PS-1319, and Cepec-2002. The multivariate analysis divided the genotypes into two major groups: one consisting of the Ipiranga-01, CCN-51, SJ-02, and PH-16 genotypes, and the other comprising the CP-49, Cepec-2002, and PS-1319 genotypes. By correlating the results of the growth analysis with DQI, we were able to identify genotypes CP-49, PS-1319, and Cepec-2002 as tolerant; Ipiranga-01 and CCN-51 as moderately tolerant; and SJ-02 and PH-16 as poorly tolerant to WD. However, it is important that other fields of science are considered to provide greater insights into adaptation to drought. Full article

The large-scale dieback of spruce monocultures, especially in the lower alpine, has become a significant problem and has necessitated the restoration of these areas, mainly using seedlings produced in forest nurseries. The primary source of nutrients for seedlings can be slow-release fertilizers and an appropriate dose of fertilizer improves the efficiency of its use and minimizes the negative environmental impact associated with the excessive use of mineral fertilizers. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of applying different fertilizer dose combinations on the accumulation of macronutrients in different parts of the seedlings (roots, shoots, and leaves) and on the morphology and development of fine roots. Methods: This research was carried out on producing beech seedlings with the application of starter soil fertilization with Yara Mila Complex (YMC) and Osmocote Exact Standard 3-4M (OES) fertilizers in four varying doses. Results: No deficiency of the analyzed macronutrients was noted in any of the tested fertilization variants. The highest content of all analyzed macronutrients was recorded in the leaves of beech seedlings, with values in roots and shoots being several times lower. The mixed fertilization variant OES 1.0 + YMC 1.0 shows a positive correlation with all analyzed elements and the parameters DQI (Dickson Quality Index), SA (Surface Area), RV (Root Volume), and mass. Conclusions: Results confirm the hypothesis that applying a mixture of fast-acting (YMC) and slow-acting (OES) fertilizer positively affects the nutrition and accumulation of macronutrients and the development of root systems in beech seedlings compared to fertilization with a single fertilizer. Full article

The recovery of soil properties and the proper growth of natural tree regeneration are key elements for maintaining forest productivity after selective logging operations. This study was conducted on the soil properties and natural growth of two pioneer seedling species of alder and maple which were on skid trails in the mixed beech forests of northern Iran. To examine the long-term effects, we randomly selected six skid trails, with two replicates established for each of three time periods since last use (10, 20, and 30 years ago). Random plots 4 m × 10 m in size, three plots on each skid trail and six plots on areas without soil compaction (control), were selected. Measurements included the physical and chemical properties of the soil and the growth, and the architectural and qualitative characteristics of the seedlings. The results showed that all the soil properties of the 10- and 20-year-old skid trails were significantly different from the control area (except for the soil moisture in the 20-year-old skid trail). The 30-year-old skid trail showed values of other soil properties which were not significantly different from the control area, except for the amounts of organic matter and soil nitrogen, which was less than the control. The skid trails had a negative effect on all of the growth, qualitative, and architectural indices of seedlings. The characteristics of seedlings were related to soil characteristics and had the highest correlation with the soil penetration resistance (R-value from −0.41 to −0.63 for stem growth, p < 0.05; −0.57 to −0.90 for root growth, p < 0.01; and −0.76 to −0.86 for biomass, p < 0.01). The correlation coefficient between soil penetration resistance and the Dickson quality index of alder and maple seedlings was, respectively, −0.74 and −0.72, p < 0.01. The negative effect of soil compaction on root growth (−27.69% for alder seedlings and −28.08% for maple seedlings) was greater than on stem growth (−24.11% for alder seedlings and −16.27% for maple seedlings). The amount of growth, qualitative, and architectural indices of alder seedlings were higher than that of maple seedlings. Although alder is a better choice as compared to maple seedling in the initial year, the results of our study show that it is recommended to plant both alder and maple on skid trails after logging operations. Full article

Mangrove plant seedling cultivation is crucial for the protection, management, and restoration of the mangrove ecosystem. In this study, we focused on Kandelia obovata Sheue & al., a typical mangrove, and evaluated nursery cultivation with different combinations of three salinity levels (S1: 0 ppt, S2: 10 ppt, and S3: 20 ppt), three genealogies (EZD, JX, and YZ), and five growth media (M1: 100% loess, M2: 100% sandy, M3: 50% loess + 50% sandy, M4: 40% loess + 40% sandy + 20% peat, and M5: 40% loess + 40% sandy + 20% coir), by measuring the growth parameters such as mortality rate, seedling height, seedling diameter, and biomass partition. These growth indexes were significantly affected by salinity and medium, and genealogies also had significant effects on mortality rate and biomass accumulation. S2 or S3 both had lower mortality and higher growth indexes than S1. M1 was the medium that increased seedling height, diameter, and biomass the most and had the lowest death rate. EZD and JX were also at higher levels than YZ in these indicators, but the difference between them was not obvious. S3, M1, and EZD consistently performed well in fuzzy evaluation and quality assessment (Dickson quality index: 1.179, 1.478, and 1.089, respectively). Furthermore, combinations involving these treatments also produced highly favorable results. This indicates that the quality of seedlings produced under these conditions was high. These results furnish both a theoretical and practical foundation for advancing nursery cultivation techniques and germplasm breeding of K. obovata in mangroves. Full article

Sewage sludge in natura is rich in nutrients, water, and organic matter and is essential for plant development. However, sewage sludge is diluted with water when composted, which could hamper plant growth. Therefore, supplementation with chemical fertilization may be necessary. This study evaluated the performance of composted sewage sludge (CSS) in producing Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub. seedlings with and without chemical fertilization via fertigation. The experiment was completely randomized in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme, with four fertigation (Ca(NO₃)₂(H₂O)_x: 0.87; (NH₄)(H₂PO₄): 0.21; KCl: 0.47; (NH₄)₂SO₄: 0.11; CH₄N₂O: 0.54; MgSO₄: 0.52; Fe (13%): 0.03; B(OH)₃: 6.00; CuSO₄: 0.60; ZnSO₄: 1.40; MnSO₄: 6.00; Na₂MoO₄: 0.16 g L⁻¹) doses: zero, standard, duplicate, and quadruplicate. In addition, three substrates were used: commercial substrate as the control, sewage sludge composted with sugarcane bagasse (LBC), and sewage sludge composted with Eucalyptus bark (LCE). The development of the seedlings was measured through the following variables: height, stem diameter, shoot/root ratio, leaf dry mass, root dry mass, total dry mass, green color index, the Dickson Quality Index, and the accumulation of nutrients in plant tissue. The seedlings produced with LCE that were subjected to the standard dose (1×) and the quadruplicate dose (4×) had the statistically highest mean values for most variables. Nevertheless, supplementation with chemical fertilization was necessary. Composted sewage sludge with eucalyptus bark, at the standard dosage, can be used for the commercial production of P. dubium seedlings, thus preventing the dangerous disposal of waste and strongly decreasing associated environmental hazards. Full article

In this study, an experiment was conducted to suggest optimal daytime temperature and light intensity for cucumber scion and rootstock production in a plant factory with artificial light. Plant growth of cucumber scions and rootstocks at a day/night temperature of 26/18 °C and photosynthetic photon fluxes of 50, 120, 190, 260, 330, and 400 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ was investigated. Plant growth under daytime temperatures of 25/18, 26/18, 27/18, and 28/18 °C at a photosynthetic photon flux of 260 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ was investigated. As the photosynthetic photon flux increased, hypocotyl length was shortened in cucumber scions and rootstocks, but Dickson quality index, compactness, and Seedling Health Index were improved. As the daytime temperature increased, the hypocotyl length of cucumber scions increased, but the quality of seedlings decreased. The root growth of scions decreased as the daytime temperature increased. As for the correlation between the major growth indicators, Dickson quality index, compactness, and Seedling Health Index showed a high correlation of more than 0.8 in stem diameter, leaf, and root weight. Therefore, it is judged that it is most efficient to maintain the photosynthetic photon flux at 260 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ throughout the year and adjust the daytime temperature to 25 to 28 °C according to the season for farms and commercial nurseries that produce cucumber seedlings by installing plant factories with artificial light. Full article

Agricultural machinery telemetry collects and shares data, which are sent remotely and become precious information. Thus, accurate and instantaneous monitoring can provide an important base of information for adjusting the parameters of the most diverse mechanized agricultural operations, reducing input costs and maintenance expenses. In recent years, this theme has gained more strength and importance for managing rural properties. Therefore, the present study developed a bipartite bibliometric analysis in two lines of research and described the state of the art of this data collection methodology (via telemetry), presenting its technological evolution. The study presents the evolution and connection of telemetry and the processes of robotization of agricultural operations and automation provided by data collection via telemetry in real time. The main countries, keywords, researchers, institutions, and the Dickson quality index indicate a high growth in the last decade. Thus, the present study contributes to decision making regarding research topics, guidance on the state of the art, and contextualization of telemetry’s importance in current research. Full article

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most valuable horticultural crops, not only for its economic importance but also for its high nutritional value and sensory qualities. The arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungus Rhizophagus irregularis can improve plant nutrient uptake and decrease seedling transplanting shock. Although R. irregularis is one of the most extensively studied AMF species, there is a paucity of data on the effects of this species on processing tomato seedlings produced in an aerated hydroponic float system. A greenhouse experiment with four treatments and three replications was established in a completely randomized design. The treatments contained the addition of 0, 40, 80, and 120 fungal spores per L of nutrient solution (control, AMF1, AMF2, and AMF3, respectively). Root colonization analysis proved that the maximum dose of applied AMF (AMF3) supported colonization to a large extent, succeeding 36.74%. In addition, the highest values of total dry weight (1.386 g), survival rate (94.79%), N content (3.376 mg per 100 g DW) and P content (0.497 mg per 100 g DW) were also observed under AMF3 treatment. In conclusion, the application of high doses of the AM fungus R. irregularis in nutrient solutions of float system leads to a substantial improvement in the quality and growth of processing tomato seedlings. Full article

Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. is an important mangrove species that inhabits the outermost zone of mangrove forests, but it has been shown to have a poor ability to regenerate due to its low seedling quality. We conducted a study to evaluate the specific growth requirements of A. marina, i.e., medium and salinity level. Germinated seeds were transplanted to pots filled with media, i.e., silt loam (M1), loam (M2), sandy loam (M3), or sand (M4), with various salinity levels 5 (S1), 5–15 (S2), 15–25 (S3), or 25–35 ppt (S4). Survival rate, growth, biomass partition, and seedling quality were observed for 14 weeks after transplanting the seeds. The highest rate of seedling survival was found in the S2 condition, and higher concentrations of salinity lowered the survival rates. The S1 treatment promoted the initial 8 week growth of the seedlings. Growth medium had no significant effect, except on the survival rates grown in M4. Growth medium composition had no distinct effect on seedling growth. The S2 and S3 treatments induced better growth (in terms of shoot height and root length) and resulted in high-quality (i.e., Dickson quality index) seedlings in any type of medium. The S3 treatment increased the seedling quality in M1 and M4, whereas the S4 treatment only benefited seedlings in the M4 medium. According to the results, a specific range of salinity (5–15 ppt) with circulated water in any type of medium is recommended for the establishment of an ex situ nursery for the propagation of A. marina, in contrast to the general range of salinity (4–35 ppt) stated in previous references. Full article