Search Results (274)

With increasing global challenges related to water scarcity and phosphorus depletion, the recovery and reuse of wastewater-derived nutrients offer a sustainable path forward. This study evaluates the dual role of lanthanides (Ce³⁺ and La³⁺) in recovering phosphorus from municipal wastewater and supporting corn (Zea mays) cultivation through lanthanide phosphate (Ln-P) and lanthanide-reclaimed wastewater (LRWW, wastewater spiked with lanthanide). High-purity precipitates of CePO₄ (98%) and LaPO₄ (92%) were successfully obtained without pH adjustment, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Germination assays revealed that lanthanides, even at concentrations up to 2000 mg/L, did not significantly alter germination rates compared to traditional coagulants, though root and shoot development declined above this threshold—likely due to reduced hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production and elevated total dissolved solids (TDSs), which induced physiological drought. Greenhouse experiments using desert-like soil amended with Ln-P and irrigated with LRWW showed no statistically significant differences in corn growth parameters—including plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf area, and biomass—when compared to control treatments. Photosynthetic performance, including stomatal conductance, quantum efficiency, and chlorophyll content, remained unaffected by lanthanide application. Metal uptake analysis indicated that lanthanides did not inhibit phosphorus absorption and even enhanced the uptake of calcium and magnesium. Minimal lanthanide accumulation was detected in plant tissues, with most retained in the root zone, highlighting their limited mobility. These findings suggest that lanthanides can be safely and effectively used for phosphorus recovery and agricultural reuse, contributing to sustainable nutrient cycling and aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger and sustainable cities. Full article

In order to achieve the efficient utilization of agricultural by-products and overcome the bottleneck of animal feed shortages in dry seasons, this study utilized corn stover (CS; Zea mays L.) as a material to systematically investigate the dynamic changes in the fermentation quality, bacterial community structure, and pathogenic risk of silage under different fermentation times (0, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days). CS has high nutritive value, including crude protein and sugar, and can serve as a carbon source and a nitrogen source for silage fermentation. After ensiling, CS silage (CSTS) exhibited excellent fermentation quality, characterized by relatively high lactic acid content, low pH, and ammonia nitrogen content within an acceptable range. In addition, neither propionic acid nor butyric acid was detected in any of the silages. CS exhibited high α-diversity, with Serratia marcescens being the dominant bacterial species. After ensiling, the α-diversity significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was the dominant species during the fermentation process. With the extension of fermentation days, the relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum significantly (p < 0.05) increased, reaching a peak and stabilizing between 15 and 30 days. Ultimately, lactic acid bacteria dominated and constructed a microbial symbiotic network system. In the bacterial community of CSTS, the abundance of “potential pathogens” was significantly (p < 0.01) lower than that of CS. These results provide data support for establishing a microbial regulation theory for silage fermentation, thereby improving the basic research system for the biological conversion of agricultural by-products and alleviating feed shortages in dry seasons. Full article

The rapid evolution of pathogens and the limited genetic diversity of hosts are two major factors contributing to the plant pathogenic phenomenon known as the loss of disease resistance in maize (Zea mays L.). It has emerged as a significant biological stressor threatening the global food supplies and security. Based on previous cross-species homologous gene screening assays conducted in the laboratory, this study identified the maize disease-resistance candidate gene ZmNLR-7 to investigate the maize immune regulation mechanism against Bipolaris maydis. Subcellular localization assays confirmed that the ZmNLR-7 protein is localized in the plasma membrane and nucleus, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that it contains a conserved NB-ARC domain. Analysis of tissue expression patterns revealed that ZmNLR-7 was expressed in all maize tissues, with the highest expression level (5.11 times) exhibited in the leaves, and that its transcription level peaked at 11.92 times 48 h post Bipolaris maydis infection. Upon inoculating the ZmNLR-7 EMS mutants with Bipolaris maydis, the disease index was increased to 33.89 and 43.33, respectively, and the lesion expansion rate was higher than that in the wild type, indicating enhanced susceptibility to southern corn leaf blight. Physiological index measurements revealed a disturbance of ROS metabolism in ZmNLR-7 EMS mutants, with SOD activity decreased by approximately 30% and 55%, and POD activity decreased by 18% and 22%. Moreover, H₂O₂ content decreased, while lipid peroxide MDA accumulation increased. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant inhibition of the expression of the key genes NPR1 and ACS6 in the SA/ET signaling pathway and a decrease in the expression of disease-related genes ERF1 and PR1. This study established a new paradigm for the study of NLR protein-mediated plant immune mechanisms and provided target genes for molecular breeding of disease resistance in maize. Overall, these findings provide the first evidence that ZmNLR-7 confers resistance to southern corn leaf blight in maize by synergistically regulating ROS homeostasis, SA/ET signal transduction, and downstream defense gene expression networks. Full article

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) enhance crop stress resistance but their roles in microbial-mediated phosphorus cycling within intercropping systems are unclear. Thus, We conducted a two-year field study using corn (Zea mays L. cv. Denghai 605) and soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Hedou 22) in fluvisols and luvisols soil according to World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) standard. Under a 4-row corn and 6-row soybean strip intercropping system, three treatments were applied: a water control (CK), and two plant growth regulators—T1 (EC: ethephon [300 mg/L] + cycocel [2 g/L]) and T2 (ED: ethephon [300 mg/L] + 2-Diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate [10 mg/L]). Foliar applications were administered at the V7 stage (seventh leaf) of intercropped corn plants to assess how foliar-applied PGRs (T1/T2) modulated the soil phosphorus availability, microbial communities, and functional genes in maize intercropping systems. PGRs increased the soil organic phosphorus and available phosphorus contents, and alkaline phosphatase activity, but not total phosphorus. PGRs declined the α-diversity in fluvisols soil but increased the α-diversity in luvisols soil. The major taxa changed from Actinobacteria (CK) to Proteobacteria (T1) and Saccharibacteria (T2) in fluvisols soil, and from Actinobacteria/Gemmatimonadetes (CK) to Saccharibacteria (T1) and Acidobacteria (T2) in luvisols soil. Functional gene dynamics indicated soil-specific regulation, where fluvisols soil harbored more phoD (organic phosphorus mineralization) and relA (polyphosphate degradation) genes, whereas phnP gene dominated in luvisols soil. T1 stimulated organic phosphorus mineralization and inorganic phosphorus solubilization in fluvisols soil, upregulating regulation genes, and T2 enhanced polyphosphate synthesis and transport gene expression in luvisols soil. Proteobacteria, Nitrospirae, and Chloroflexi were positively correlated with organic phosphorus mineralization and polyphosphate cycling genes, whereas Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia correlated with available potassium (AP), total phosphorus (TP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Thus, PGRs activated soil phosphorus by restructuring soil type-dependent microbial functional networks, connecting PGRs-induced shifts with microbial phosphorus cycling mechanisms. These findings facilitate the targeted use of PGRs to optimize microbial-driven phosphorus efficiency in strategies for sustainable phosphorus management in diverse agricultural soils. Full article

Cardiovascular injury caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is an escalating public health concern due to its role in triggering systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. This study elucidates the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-mediated epigenetic mechanisms underlying the protective effects of phytosome-encapsulated Zea mays L. var. ceratina tassel extract (PZT) in a rat model of PM2.5-induced cardiovascular inflammation. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with PZT (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days before and throughout a 27-day PM2.5 exposure period. SIRT1 expression and associated inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were evaluated in cardiac and vascular tissues. The findings revealed that PZT significantly upregulated SIRT1 expression, a key epigenetic regulator known to modulate inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. The activation of SIRT1 inhibited the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, leading to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) within cardiac tissue. In vascular tissue, treatment with PZT reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), thereby mitigating inflammatory and fibrotic responses. Furthermore, SIRT1 activation by PZT enhanced the antioxidant defense system by upregulating superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), which was associated with a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that PZT confers cardiovascular protection through SIRT1-dependent epigenetic modulation, mitigating PM2.5-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue remodeling. The dual anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of PZT via SIRT1 activation highlight its potential as a functional food-based preventative agent for reducing cardiovascular risk in polluted environments. Full article

The high demands of corn (Zea mays L.) grain production coupled with water quality goals and phosphorus (P) conservation pose a great challenge to farmers and society and necessitate improved P utilization efficiency (PUtE: grain yield per mass total P (TP) content). The objective of this study was to evaluate PUtE among six Pioneer corn hybrids released over a span of 75 years. Corn was grown in a sand culture hydroponics system that eliminated confounding plant–soil interactions and root architecture and allowed for precise control of nutrient availability. Four P concentration levels (4, 7, 10, and 12 mg P L⁻¹) were applied to hybrids released in 1936, 1942, 1946, 1952, 2008, and 2011. Nutrients other than P were applied at sufficient levels. Shoots and roots were harvested at maturity (R6) and biomass and P concentration determined. Results showed that total biomass did not differ among hybrids, but partitioning of biomass varied with hybrid. Grain yield varied between hybrids, but there was no trend with the year of release. Grain P content was negatively correlated with stem P content (R² = 0.89). PUtE differed between the most recently released hybrids (2008 and 2011) whereas older hybrids had intermediate and similar PUtE. Grain yield was not solely determined by TP in the plant, but was strongly influenced by biomass and P partitioning, which was manifested as relative differences in PUtE between hybrids. While the PUtE did not necessarily change as a function of the breeding period, there were differences between hybrids. The findings highlight the critical role of the source–sink relationship in determining PUtE and grain yield. Full article

Agricultural systems exhibit a large degree of within-field yield variability. We require a better understanding of the drivers of this variability in order to optimally manage croplands. We investigated drivers of sub-field spatial variability in yield for three crops (hard red winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L. variety Langin; corn, Zea mays L.; and proso millet, Panicum milaceum L.) usings a multi-year dataset from a dryland research farm in northeastern Colorado, USA. The dataset spanned 18 2.6–4.3 ha management units, over 4 years, and included high-resolution topographic data, densely sampled soil properties, and on-site weather data. We modeled yield for each crop separately using random forest regression and evaluated model performance using spatially blocked cross-validation. The topographic position index (TPI) and increasing percent sand had a strong negative effect on yield, while the nitrogen application rate (N) and total soil carbon had strong positive effects on yield in both the wheat and millet models. Remarkably, TPI had almost as large of an effect size as N, and outperformed other more commonly used topographic predictors of yield such as the topographic wetness index (TWI), elevation, and slope. Despite the size and quality of our dataset, cross-validation results revealed that our models account for approximately one-quarter of the total yield variance, highlighting the need for continued research into drivers of spatial variability within fields. Full article

Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) has emerged as a valuable crop not only for its economic potential but also for its role in sustainable food systems due to its high consumer demand and adaptability. As global agricultural systems face increasing pressure from climate change, resource scarcity, and nutritional challenges, a strategic synthesis of research is essential to guide future innovation. This review aims to critically assess and synthesize major advancements in sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) research from 2010 to 2025, with the objectives of identifying key genetic improvements, evaluating agronomic innovations, and examining sustainable production strategies that collectively enhance crop performance and resilience. The analysis is structured around three core pillars: genetic improvement, agronomic optimization, and sustainable agriculture, each contributing uniquely to the enhancement of sweet corn productivity and environmental adaptability. In the genetics domain, recent breakthroughs such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and marker-assisted selection have accelerated the development of climate-resilient hybrids with enhanced sweetness, pest resistance, and nutrient content. The growing emphasis on biofortification aims to improve the nutritional quality of sweet corn, aligning with global food security goals. Additionally, studies on genotype–environment interaction have provided deeper insights into varietal adaptability under varying climatic and soil conditions, guiding breeders toward more location-specific hybrid development. From an agronomic perspective, innovations in precision irrigation and refined planting configurations have significantly enhanced water use efficiency, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Research on plant density, nutrient management, and crop rotation has further contributed to yield stability and system resilience. These agronomic practices, when tailored to specific genotypes and environments, ensure sustainable intensification without compromising resource conservation. On the sustainability front, strategies such as reduced-input systems, organic nutrient integration, and climate-resilient hybrids have gained momentum. The adoption of integrated pest management and conservation tillage further promotes sustainable cultivation, reducing the environmental footprint of sweet corn production. By integrating insights from these three dimensions, this review provides a comprehensive roadmap for the future of sweet corn research, merging genetic innovation, agronomic efficiency, and ecological responsibility to achieve resilient and sustainable production systems. Full article

This study employs near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemometrics to explore the feasibility and methodology for the rapid analysis of lignocellulosic content in straw. As the demand for biofuels and bioproducts increases, the efficient utilization of agricultural waste, such as straw, has become particularly important. Rapid analysis of lignocellulosic content helps improve the resource utilization efficiency of agricultural waste, providing significant support for biofuel production, agricultural waste valorization, and environmental protection. A total of 148 straw samples were used in this study, collected from Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Heilongjiang provinces in China, covering rice straw (Oryza sativa L.), corn straw (Zea mays L.), wheat straw (Triticum aestivum L.), soybean straw (Glycine max L.), sorghum straw (Sorghum bicolor L.), rapeseed straw (Brassica napus L.), and peanut straw (Arachis hypogaea L.). After collection, the samples were first air-dried until surface moisture evaporated and then ground and sifted before being numbered and sealed for storage. To ensure the accuracy of the experimental results, all samples were subjected to a 6 h drying treatment at 60 °C before the experiment to ensure uniform moisture content. Partial least squares (PLS) and support vector machine (SVM) regression methods were employed for modeling analysis. The results showed that NIRS in combination with PLS modeling outperformed SVM in the calibration and prediction of lignocellulosic content. Specifically, the cellulose PLS model achieved a prediction set coefficient of determination (R²_P) of 0.8983, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.6299, and residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 3.49. The hemicellulose PLS model had an R²_P of 0.7639, RMSEP of 1.5800, and RPD of 2.11, while the lignin PLS model achieved an R²_P of 0.7635, RMSEP of 0.6193, and RPD of 2.17. The results suggest that NIRS methods have broad prospects in the analysis of agricultural waste, particularly in applications related to biofuel production and the valorization of agricultural by-products. Full article

Background: Weed herbicide resistance is a serious problem in crop protection globally. Giant foxtail (Setaria faberi R.A.N. Herrm.) populations cannot be controlled by acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides in a few corn (Zea mays L.) monoculture fields. Methods: Five putative resistant giant foxtail populations, originating from corn monoculture fields in northeastern Greece, were evaluated for possible evolution of ALS-inhibitor resistance (nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron). The resistance ratio, the underlying resistance mechanism, and its impact on competitive ability against corn were studied. Results: The whole-plant rate-response assays showed that these populations were resistant (R) to the sulfonylureas nicosulfuron and rimsulfuron, but susceptible (S) to imidazolinone imazamox, triketone 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitor tembotrione, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor cycloxydim. The sequencing of the ALS gene did not reveal the presence of resistance-associated point mutations, indicating that the resistance was probably not target-site mediated. This was confirmed by the application of piperonyl butoxide two hours before nicosulfuron application, which reversed the resistance in all R giant foxtail populations, supporting the evidence of enhanced metabolism-mediated resistance. The competition study between corn and R or S giant foxtail populations indicated no stable trend reduction in corn traits, suggesting that the resistance mechanism was not associated with the competitive ability of the R populations. The novel ALS genotype in S. faberi, characterized for the first time and submitted to the GenBank database with accession number PV016837, indicated a closer genetic relationship with the S. viridis ALS gene than with S. italica. Conclusions: Five giant foxtail populations have evolved metabolism-based resistance to the ALS-inhibiting herbicides nicosulfuron and rimsulfuron. Full article

Maize (corn) (Zea mays L.) yield is influenced by complex factors, including abiotic and biotic stress and inconsistent nutrient use efficiency, which challenge optimal yield. Standard management recommendations often fall short, prompting interest in intensive management strategies within an Adaptive Maize Management System (ACMS). To investigate this, we employed an addition/omission technique within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to compare standard maize management recommendations with an intensive management protocol aimed at identifying yield-limiting factors. Our intensive management approach combined early-season biostimulant applications with mid-season supplementation of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and nitrogen (N) at the V7 stage, followed by foliar fungicides and additional foliar N at the R1 stage. Field trials spanned five Virginia locations over 2022 and 2023 under both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions, yielding ten site-years of data. Analysis via ANOVA in JMP^® Version 18 with Dunnett’s test revealed that the intensive management approach significantly increased grain yield in 3 of 10 experiments. Under non-irrigated conditions, the intensive management practices averaged 5.9% higher yield than the standard management check. We observed a higher response to irrigation in standard management check (34%) than in intensive management check (8.9%). Site-specific irrigation impacts ranged from 14% to 61%. Results emphasize site-specific input recommendations for yield enhancement. Full article

This study investigates the allelopathic potential of two invasive plants from the Asteraceae family, Erigeron canadensis L. and Erigeron annuus (L.) Desf., which are prevalent in Heilongjiang Province, China. We systematically examined the effects of water extracts from these plants at various concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 g·L⁻¹) on the germination and seedling growth of three major food crops: wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), and corn (Zea mays L.). Using the Petri dish method and two-way ANOVA with SPSS27 software, we assessed the interaction effects of species and concentration on these crops. The results revealed differential chemosensory effects between E. canadensis and E. annuus extracts. Specifically, the aqueous extract of E. canadensis at 25 g·L⁻¹ promoted wheat root length, while all other growth indicators showed inhibitory effects. The inhibitory effects on wheat, rice, and maize increased with the concentration of the leaching solution. At 100 g·L⁻¹, E. annuus extract completely inhibited the germination of wheat and rice, with an integrated sensitization effect index of −1. The inhibitory effects of the extracts on seed growth indices were in the order of shoot length > root length > biomass. Wheat was the most affected among the three crops, followed by rice, and maize was the least affected. The allelopathic potential of E. annuus was more substantial than that of E. canadensis. Full article

Allelopathy plays a major role in agricultural production, influencing plant protection, crop yield, and crop rotation systems. This study investigated the effects of root exudates on 3105c alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seeds and seedlings to identify crops with strong and weak allelopathic potential. The results revealed that corn (Zea mays L.) (T1) exhibited the strongest allelopathic effects, whereas soybean (Glycine max (Linn.) Merr.) (T10) exhibited the weakest effects. T1 promoted seed germination by increasing radicle length and the simple vitality index. Both T1 and T10 promoted 3105c seedling growth and enhanced antioxidant capacity, albeit through different mechanisms. T1 primarily increased antioxidant capacity by elevating ascorbate and dehydroascorbate levels while reducing malondialdehyde content. In contrast, T10 enhanced antioxidant capacity by increasing soluble sugar and protein levels via hydroxyl free radical inhibition. These findings demonstrate that the allelopathic properties of corn effectively promote alfalfa growth by enhancing seed germination and improving physiological stress resistance. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important agricultural crops in the world; however, its production is often threatened by several harmful insects, one of which is the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). This study aimed to examine the efficacy of several biological control methods against this pest. A randomized block design was used in the study, which included three treatments: parasitic wasps (Trichogramma brassicae), common green lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea), a combination of both agents and a control. The results showed that the treatment with T. brassicae wasps, as well as their combination with C. carnea predators, significantly improved the maize grain yield over the control treatment. The same combined treatment significantly improved the yield over treatments with only Trichogramma and only C. carnea predators, suggesting a higher efficacy of the combination of both agents in improving grain yield. Fewer tunnels and larvae in stalks, compared to other treatments, including the control, were also observed in this treatment. The reduced number of tunnels and larvae in stalks directly enabled plants to allocate more resources into grain development, which contributed to improved grain yield. In light of the growing focus on minimizing insecticide applications to mitigate environmental impacts, a combination of parasitic wasp and lacewings predator could be a suitable biological alternative to the use of chemical insecticides. Full article

Cropping sequence can have a major impact on diseases, pests, nutrient cycling, crop yield, and overall financial return at the farm level for crops that are grown on an annual basis. In some cases, implementing an effective rotation sequence can allow growers to avoid using nematicides to suppress plant-parasitic nematodes. Two cropping system trials were established with ten rotations each in 1997 and have been maintained through 2022. From 2013 through 2019, rotation sequences were both favorable and unfavorable for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plant health. Peanut (2020), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (2021), peanut (2022), and corn (Zea mays L.) (2023) were planted in all plots to determine the residual effects of the previous cropping sequence. In 2020, 2021, and 2022, fluopyram at 0.25 kg ai/ha was applied in the seed furrow at planting in the same area of each plot to determine if the response of nematode populations and crop yield to this nematicide differed based on previous crop sequence. Differences in nematode populations in soil and yield of peanut (2020 and 2022) and cotton (2021) were observed when comparing crop rotation sequences regardless of fluopyram treatment. Increasing the number of years peanut was in the rotation or including soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rather than corn or cotton often resulted in higher populations of nematodes and a lower peanut yield. While fluopyram occasionally reduced nematode populations in soil and root injury from nematode feeding, the yield of peanut did not differ when comparing non-treated and fluopyram-treated peanut. When pooled over crop rotation sequence, peanut yield at Lewiston–Woodville was 5970 kg/ha vs. 6140 kg/ha for these respective treatments. At this location in 2021 and at Rocky Mount in 2019 and 2020, peanut yield for this comparison was 4710 vs. 4550, 5790 kg/ha vs. 6010 kg/ha, and 6060 kg/ha vs. 6120 kg/ha, respectively. These data indicate that previous crop sequences can influence crop yield more than the continuous use of fluopyram. Therefore, fluopyram is not recommended for application in the seed furrow at planting to suppress nematodes in cotton or peanut in North Carolina. Full article