Search Results (177)

Within the framework of organic acid alternatives to chemical herbicides, pre-emergence weed control research is scarce. Citric acid (CA) and lactic acid (LA), considered significantly less effective than pelargonic acid (PA) and acetic acid (AA) from post-emergence (foliar spraying) studies, have largely been disregarded. This in vitro study was aimed at comparing the effects of 5–20% AA, AA + essential oils, PA, CA, and LA on radicle emergence inhibition (direct spraying of seeds) and shoot emergence inhibition (application to peat) on both weeds (perennial ryegrass, green foxtail, common vetch and chicory) and crops (soft wheat, alfalfa and millet). All tested compounds demonstrated concentration-dependent and species-specific effects on shoot emergence inhibition, with CA and LA (IC₅₀ range: 3.4–19.3%) showing a comparable efficacy to PA and AA (IC₅₀ range: 3.1–35.9%). The results also showed that CA and, to a lesser extent, LA were less inhibitory to soft wheat (CA IC₅₀ = 62.5%; LA IC₅₀ = 35.9%) and alfalfa (CA IC₅₀ = 57.8%; LA IC₅₀ = 44.1%) shoot emergence. CA and LA show potential promise for pre-emergence weed control in field testing, either on a stale seedbed in pre-crop sowing or concurrently with soft wheat and alfalfa sowing. Investigating organic compound herbicidal effects on crops of interest warrants attention. Full article

Sustainable alternatives to peat in horticultural substrates are increasingly sought. This study assessed the use of coffee silverskin (CS), a byproduct of coffee roasting, as a substrate component for rooting and growing ornamental plants—Buddleja, Lythrum, and Veronica. Plants were cultivated in peat-based substrates with 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% CS addition. In order to determine the effect of substrate modification with CS, the following parameters were analyzed: rooting efficiency, plant growth, pigment content, physiological indices (SPAD, Fv/Fm, NFI), and substrate properties. A 25% CS addition supported high rooting success (94.4% on average) without negatively affecting root or shoot traits, and even improved flowering earliness. At 50% CS, Buddleja showed moderate tolerance, while Lythrum and Veronica performed poorly. The substrate with 75% CS addition significantly reduced rooting and growth across all species. Elevated pH and electrical conductivity in high-CS substrates likely contributed to plant stress. Physiological indicators confirmed minimal stress at 25% CS, but increased stress response at 75%. Overall, CS can replace up to 25% of peat in substrates without compromising plant performance, offering a sustainable alternative in nursery production. However, higher CS levels require structural or chemical adjustments to reduce compaction and stress effects. Further research is needed to improve CS-based substrate formulations for broader horticultural use. Full article

The production of high-quality horticultural seedlings is essential for successful field transplantation. Nevertheless, increasing soil salinization poses a significant challenge, particularly in salt-affected regions. Watermelon seedlings were cultivated in pots with a substrate (mixture of ground blonde peat (60%), black peat (30%), and perlite (10%) with pH 5.5–6.0) within a bamboo nethouse and subjected to varying salinity levels, i.e., 2–8 dS m⁻¹ (T1, T2, T3, and T4). At the end of the experimental period (4 weeks), the growth parameters, spectral vegetation indices, and chemical parameters of the sap and leachate were evaluated. The results demonstrated that increased salinity levels reduced the biomass of watermelon seedlings. In addition, elevated salinity levels were associated with increased values of B (48%) and NBI (46%) and decreased values of G (9%) and NGI (7%) at the end of the experimental period. The effects of the salinity levels were also evident in the sap chemical parameters, with marked increases in Cl⁻, Ca²⁺, and Na⁺ concentrations (9.6, 3.1, and 4.9 times, respectively) and decreases in the N-NO₃⁻, P, and K⁺ concentrations (51, 8, and 25%, respectively). The leachate analysis reported clear increases in the values of EC and concentrations of Cl⁻, Ca²⁺, and Na⁺ at the end of the experimental period. To validate the relevance of these findings, further research under field conditions and across a range of climatic environments is warranted. Full article

Bradysia difformis Frey (Diptera: Sciaridae) is a fungus gnat that poses a significant threat to greenhouse cultures, and is attracted to soils devoid of peat. Fungal strains from the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Culture (DSMZ), such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium flavoviride, Mucor hiemalis, and Niesslia tinuis, as well as Serendipita indica, were screened for entomopathogenic activity against B. difformis and their capacity to colonize Petunia hybrida cv. “Mitchell” and Ocimum basilicum plants. The survival rates of Bradysia difformis (three instar larvae) treated with Metarhizium flavoviride were 45.33% at 14 days following inoculation with 1 × 10⁶ spores/mL of each fungal strain, when compared to others. We concluded that the fungal strain M. flavoviride could serve as an entomopathogenic fungus with the highest virulence against B. difformis larvae. Although M. flavoviride did not show a beneficial effect as an endophyte, interestingly, the strain Niesslia tinuis exhibited plant growth benefits in Petunia hybrida cv. “Mitchell” by enhancing its shoot length up to 13.18 ± 0.72 cm, whereas the control treatment had a shoot length up to 10.68 ± 0.39. Enzymatic assays confirmed the ability of M. flavoviride to produce cuticle-degrading enzymes such as chitinase and protease. Together, these findings highlight the potential of EMPF—particularly M. flavoviride—as a sustainable biocontrol tool well-suited for peat-free horticultural systems, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides where fungus gnat pressure is typically high. Full article

Environmental concerns drive the search for sustainable organic alternatives in horticultural substrates. This review critically examines three agro-industry renewable byproducts—wood fiber, coffee silverskin, and brewer’s spent grain—as partial peat substitutes. We aimed to comprehensively analyze their origin, processing methods, current applications, and key physical, hydrological, and chemical properties relevant to horticultural use. In soilless culture, wood fiber can be used as a stand-alone substrate. When incorporated at 30–50% (v/v) in peat mixtures, it supports plant growth comparable to peat; however, higher proportions may restrict water and nutrient availability. Coffee silverskin demonstrates high water retention and nutrient content, but its inherent phytotoxicity requires pre-treatment (e.g., co-composting); at concentrations up to 20%, it shows promise for potted ornamental crops. Brewer’s spent grain is nutrient-rich but demands careful management due to its rapid decomposition and potential salinity issues; inclusion rates around 10% have shown beneficial effects. In conclusion, when used appropriately in blends, these bio-based byproducts represent viable alternatives to reduce peat dependence in vegetable and ornamental cultivation, contributing to more sustainable horticultural practices. Future research should optimize pre-treatment methods for coffee silverskin and brewer’s spent grain, investigate long-term stability in diverse cropping systems, and explore novel combinations with other organic waste streams to develop circular horticultural substrates. Full article

With increasing emphasis on sustainable horticulture, optimizing substrate composition is essential to reduce peat usage in container production. This study evaluated the effects of biochar and compost amendments on the growth and nutrient status of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) in two separate experiments conducted over five months. Experiment I assessed growth in pure peat and in peat–compost blends at volume ratios of 100:0, 70:30, 50:50, 30:70 and 0:100. Experiment II investigated the effect of adding biochar to a pure peat substrate at rates of 3 g·dm⁻³ and 5 g·dm⁻³. Key parameters were monitored, including the above and below-ground biomass, leaf and shoot counts, chlorophyll content, and the chemical composition of plant tissue and substrate. Compost addition increased the substrate pH from ~4.6 to ~6.4, while electrical conductivity increased with a higher compost content, reaching values approximately 2–3 times greater than in pure peat. Nutrient levels (Ca, K, Mg, P, NO₃⁻) also rose consistently with an increasing compost share. While a higher compost content generally reduced the biomass, leaf and shoot number, the greatest plant height and relatively favorable biomass were observed at 30% and 50% compost mixtures. Biochar addition slightly increased plant height, while the total biomass, root mass, and shoot number tended to decrease compared to pure peat, particularly at the lower biochar dose (3 g·dm⁻³). The substrate pH remained relatively stable, whereas electrical conductivity (EC) showed a slight upward trend with increasing biochar levels. Biochar also slightly increased the substrate nutrient content (Ca, K, Mg, P, NO₃⁻). Full article

In this study, we examined the impact of various physical and chemical properties of growth media on strawberry growth, yield, quality, and economic returns. Six treatments were established: T1 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 1:5:1:4), T2 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 2:3:1:5), T3 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 2:3:1:4), T4 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 2:4:1:3), T5 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 3:4:1:5), and CK (peat/perlite = 4:1). The results showed that compared with CK treatment, the total nitrogen level increased by 3.26- to 3.95-fold and the organic matter content increased by 14.13–25.70%. In particular, T3 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 2:3:1:4) exhibited significant growth advantages, with stem diameter, root volume, and fresh weight increasing by 18.89%, 36.41%, and 35.26%, respectively, compared to CK. The yield per plant saw a 14.54% increase, soluble solids rose by 29.34%, and the solid acid ratio was 1.68 times higher than that of CK. Furthermore, the net income was 2.37 times greater than that of CK. A comprehensive assessment revealed that the T3 treatment demonstrated superior performance in both growth parameters and economic returns, suggesting its suitability as an optimal formulation for further experimentation. Full article

Rain gardens are efficient nature-based solutions (NBSs) for the sustainable management of surface run-off in urban areas. The functionality of a rain garden in an urban environment depends on the resistance of plant and soil components to anthropogenic stressors. In temperate climates, the negative effects of de-icing chemicals applied in wintertime are one of the major anthropogenic stressors for the rain gardens’ ecosystem. The research aimed to study the effect of a NaCl-based de-icer in the mesocosm experiment, where materials of soil mixtures (seven parts by volume of quartz or carbonate sand and three parts by volume of loam or peat), plants (Hemerocallis hybrida), de-icer dose (529 mg L⁻¹ for Cl⁻ and 472 mg L⁻¹ for Na⁺ concentrations), and irrigation period simulated typical conditions for the Moscow city—the largest world megapolis with permanent snow cover during the wintertime. For all soil mixtures, a short-term negative impact of salinization on soil health included a decrease in microbial biomass (4–7-times) and basal respiration (2–3.6-times). After six months, soil health indicators recovered by 80–90% in the peat and carbonate sand mixture, whereas the negative effects on the quartz sand and loam mixtures remained irreversible (1.3 and 3 times lower than the control, respectively). The chlorophyll content of the plants on all soil mixtures was reduced compared to the control plants (37.1 ± 4.1 vs. 39.9 ± 1.2 SPAD units). The worst plat condition was observed for soil mixtures based on quartz sand. In this variant, the negative effect of salinization coincided with low nutrient content. In our results, the ash content was up to three times less compared to the initial state, as well as to the other materials. Plants grown in mixtures based on loam were more resistant to salinization due to higher nutrient content than peat. Overall, based on soil Na uptake, plant biomass, and recovery of soil microbiota, soil mixtures based on peat, loam, and carbonate sand will be the most resistant to NaCl-based de-icers and could be recommended for the creation of rain gardens in cities with permanent snow cover in winter. Full article

Bio-oil energy use in agricultural systems provides sustainable solutions for powering machinery operations and heating and cooling environments in facilities. However, its potential in South Africa is constrained by the limited availability of energy substrate that does not compromise food production, land use, and water resources. This study investigated the physical and chemical properties of six invasive alien plant species (IAPs), three woody species (Acacia mearnsii, Eucalyptus grandis, and Pinus patula), and three nonwoody species (Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, and Solanum mauritianum) to assess their suitability for bio-oil production. Key analyses included structural, elemental, proximate, atomic ratio, higher heating value (HHV), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analyses. The results showed that woody IAPs had a significantly higher structural composition (p < 0.05), improving bio-oil yield. The bio-oil can be blended with diesel for agricultural use, while lignin-derived biochar serves as a soil amendment. Higher carbon and hydrogen contents enhanced HHV and combustion, while lower nitrogen and sulfur levels reduced emissions. Despite oxygen hindering pyrolysis, its bioactive properties support crop protection. Compared to South African coal, IAP-derived bio-oil shares similarities with peat coal and could be used for greenhouse heating. This study promotes energy efficiency in agriculture, reduces fossil fuel dependence, and supports environmental sustainability by repurposing IAPs. Additional studies should focus on lignin pretreatment and bio-oil upgrading to reduce oxygenated compounds. Full article

Paludiculture is crucial for peatland preservation as it maintains high water levels, preventing peat decomposition and reducing carbon emissions. This study evaluates the viability of paludiculture management on a fen peatland in the temperate climatic zone of Central Poland. The investigated peatland has been affected by agricultural drainage and a brief period of peat extraction in the 1990s. Field surveys and soil sample collection were conducted in September 2023, followed by soil morphology and physico-chemical analyses to classify the soils and assess their hydrophobicity, organic matter content, and secondary transformation. Prolonged drainage significantly altered soil properties, leading to the transition from Histosols to Gleysols. Soil profiles exhibited varying degrees of hydrophobicity, with MED values ranging from 5.0 to 8.5, indicating slight to moderate hydrophobicity. The highest degree of secondary transformation (W₁ index of 0.92) was observed in profile 4. However, profiles 1–3 showed strong potential for paludiculture due to their peat composition and hydrological conditions. Paludiculture implementation is expected to support sustainable agriculture, while conservation tillage or grassland management is recommended in areas with advanced secondary transformation to prevent further organic matter depletion. Full article

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, poses a significant threat to Solanaceae crops, including potatoes. Traditionally, chemical bactericides have been the primary method of disease management. However, the excessive and repeated use of these chemicals has led to the emergence of resistant R. solanacearum strains and raised environmental and safety concerns. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore bacteriophages as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical control. Specifically, we evaluated the efficacy of the bacteriophage RsPod1EGY as a biocontrol agent under greenhouse conditions to reduce disease severity and maintain potato productivity. To improve phage survival and activity, we tested six carrier types; compost, peat moss, clay soil, sandy soil, talc powder, and wheat bran. Our findings indicated that compost, talc powder, and wheat bran significantly prolonged the phage’s viability and activity, reducing disease severity by 90%, compared to 65% and 85% for peat moss and phage-alone treatments respectively. In contrast, pathogen control treatments resulted in complete plant mortality. Phage survival was enhanced in pathogen-infected soils, supporting its role in reducing R. solanacearum populations. Potato yield was preserved in compost and talc powder treatments comparable to pathogen-free controls. These results underscore the potential of integrating bacteriophage RsPod1EGY with suitable carriers for sustainable bacterial wilt management, highlighting the importance of delivery methods in agricultural applications. Full article

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are an effective tool for improving nutrients in agricultural systems; however, their efficacy depends on successful colonization in soils. To address this challenge, biochar has been identified as an effective material for enhancing soil ecosystem services and can serve as a protective for PGPB. However, the impact of biochar and PGPB on soil health indicators and plant growth remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar and PGPB on soil chemical and biological properties in cowpea. We used biochar from bean husk (BHB) and grape fermentation residue (GFB) and Bradyrhizobium elkanii USDA 76 (BRA), Burkholderia cepacia ATCC 25416 (PRB), or Rhizobium altiplani BR10423 (RHI). BHB and PRB stimulated cowpea growth, while GFB and PRB promoted soil phosphatase activity. Overall, different combinations of biochar and PGPR increased soil pH, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon content, and urease activity, but did not affect microbial biomass carbon and β-glucosidase activities. The biochars inoculated with the BRA showed the highest productivity. For example, plants subjected to the BRA + GFB treatment exhibited a 3.85-fold increase in productivity compared to the additional treatment that involved the use of commercial peat. The study demonstrated a positive effect of biochar and PGPB on soil enzymatic activity, nutrient content, and cowpea growth suggesting a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, especially in poor soils. These findings highlight the potential of biochar as an environmentally sustainable carrier of PGPB while addressing the issue of agricultural waste reuse. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate how biomass production and element distribution (nutrients and heavy metals) among plant organs (roots, stems, and leaves) were influenced by substrate physical and chemical properties, using acidophilic plants of Vaccinium corymbosum cultivars Bluecrop and Duke. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with highbush blueberry plants grown in an uncontaminated acidic peat-based control substrate (TS0) and two alkaline substrates enriched with remediated sediment (TS50 and TS100), characterized by high pH, Ca, and heavy metal concentrations. Both plant cultivars that were cultivated in sediment–based substrates exhibited a substantial reduction in plant growth, biomass production, and leaf chlorophyll levels. Limited translocation of microelements from belowground organs to leaves was observed across all plant samples. Cu, Fe, and Pb were predominantly accumulated in the roots of plants grown in TS-based substrates, with both cultivars acting as excluders for these metals by restricting their transport from roots to shoots. Mn and Zn were primarily retained in the stems and roots of highbush blueberry plants, with lower leaf accumulation. Notably, only Mn exhibited high translocation and bioaccumulation factor values (on average, 3.43 and 6.68, respectively), highlighting the species’ strong capacity for Mn accumulation. Specifically, control plants showed significantly higher Mn concentrations than those grown in TS-enriched substrates, likely due to the acidic conditions that enhance the bioavailability of this metal and the low Ca concentration in TS0, which is known to disrupt Mn accumulation in shoots. However, this accumulation did not reach toxic levels for the plants and did not negatively impact the physiological processes of control plants, which remained particularly efficient in the Duke cv, known for its Mn resistance. This study highlights the ability of highbush blueberry plants to selectively accumulate heavy metals when grown in polluted substrates under suitable conditions, making them a valuable model for understanding metal accumulation mechanisms in the Ericaceae family. Full article

Fingerroot (Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf.) is valued for its therapeutic benefits, both in Thailand and internationally. This study optimized in vitro propagation and induced microrhizomes (MRZ) to produce cleaned plantlets to support organic farming using disease-free plantlets, which is crucial for preventing and eradicating diseased plantlets, reducing the use of chemicals, and alternative approaches to enhancing phytochemical diversity. Shoots cultured on ½-strength MS medium with 1 mg L⁻¹ of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) showed the highest shoot formation (69%) and shoot multiplication (3.45 ± 0.29 shoots per explant). Plantlets acclimatized in peat moss or a peat moss–coconut coir (1:1) mixture achieved a 100% survival rate. Genetic fidelity was confirmed using SSR markers, showing genetic consistency with the mother plant. The MRZ formation was the highest (98.33%) under white LED light with 30 g L⁻¹ of sucrose. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis in MRZ revealed aspartate, a precursor to pinocembrin and pinostrobin. Additionally, nine unique metabolites not previously identified in fingerroot were detected in the MRZ, suggesting some potential in novel therapeutic applications. These findings support the development of efficient micropropagation methods and highlight MRZ as a source of diverse bioactive compounds, contributing to the medicinal value of B. rotunda in sustainable and large-scale production. Full article

This study addresses the task of ecologically assessing the consequences of natural fires. Statistical data are presented on the carbon dioxide emissions in millions of tons and analytical data on the locations of peat fires, as well as modern methods of detection and control of peat and forest fires, divided into groups. An analysis of the works of leading Russian and international scientists and research organizations engaged in the search for methods of peat fire forecasting is also presented. Our aim was to develop a more effective method of preventing peat soil ignition by changing its physical and moisture characteristics. To that end, peat samples were selected in the Tver region. The laboratory equipment and the methodology of our experimental studies are described in detail, in which we simulated the natural climatic conditions in the center of the Russian Federation. This study provides a mathematical description of the process of spontaneous ignition, which occurs according to the following steps: a heat flow heats the surface to the ignition temperature, creating a self-heating zone; eventually, a wave of ignition (smoldering) capable of self-propagation is formed. We experimentally determined the spontaneous thermal ignition conditions in our experimental studies of the fire hazards of selected peat samples, where the test material was loaded in a cylindrical container made of brass net with a 0.8 mm mesh, of the dimensions 30 × 30 mm. Thermocouple elements were placed inside the container, fixing the temperature of the surface and the center of the sample, where the smoldering or ignition zone of the test material formed. We analyzed the results of our experimental studies on peat samples’ self-heating chemical reaction, leading us to draw conclusions about the possibility of fires on peat soil depending on its physical and chemical characteristics. We also offer recommendations that will improve peat soils’ fire safety, permitting agricultural crop production without a peat fire risk. Full article