Showing papers in "Applied Ecology and Environmental Research in 2020"
TL;DR: The identification of novel QTLs (qSH6, qSH7 and qLR3) detected for morphological traits could be cloned and transferred to develop Cd resistant rice lines and some putative quantitative traits loci related to uptake and transport could provide strong base to develop the Cd tolerant genotypes.
Abstract: Rice is an imperative staple food globally; however, it is a major source of cadmium (Cd) intake for humans. Cd is a heavy metal and it has no biological functions in plant and, thus it causes adverse effects in plant and humans. Thus, it is of the utmost importance to minimize the Cd content in rice to protect humans from its drastic effects. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms related to the uptake and translocation of Cd in rice. OsNramp5, OsHMA3 OsHMA2 are the genes responsible for Cd uptake, translocation, and sequestration in the vacuole, so modification of these genes function result in no uptake of Cd, and leading to reduction in risk of Cd toxicity in rice. The different genetic factors involved in Cd stress and accumulation are shown here and put into several categories according to their function. The identification of novel QTLs (qSH6, qSH7 and qLR3) detected for morphological traits could be cloned and transferred to develop Cd resistant rice lines. Use of mapping population and some putative quantitative traits loci related to uptake and transport could provide strong base to develop the Cd tolerant genotypes. In addition, use of different agronomic practices may be more fruitful to minimize Cd in rice.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the removal of a Basic Blue 41 (BB41) and Basic Red 09 (BR09) from an aqueous solution by biochar derived from Arachis hypogaea shell (Groundnut shell) was studied.
Abstract: The removal of a Basic Blue 41 (BB41) and Basic Red 09 (BR09) from an aqueous solution by biochar derived from Arachis hypogaea shell (Groundnut shell) was studied. The sorption of cationic dyes (BB41 and BR09) was studied by varying biochar dosage (1–10 g/L), solution pH (3–10), temperature (30 to 50 °C), contact time (0–360 min) and initial dye concentration (25–200 mg/L). At optimum biochar dosages of 2 g/L (BB41) and 1 g/L (BR09), solution pH (8), initial concentration of dye (50 mg/L), and equilibrium time (240 min), groundnut shell derived biochar recorded BB41 and BR09 uptakes of 22.322 and 40.655 mg/g. The kinetic research confirmed that the biosorption rate was quick for groundnut shell-based biochar, and the results were effectively modeled using the Pseudo’s first-order and second-order kinetic models. The sorption isotherm studies exhibited that the Sips model provided better results with high correlation coefficients.
29 citations
27 citations
TL;DR: Preliminary screening technique using Al toxic levels is an ideal way to screen resistant seedling in hydroponic environment with the secondary method entailing alterations in soil pH, and several quantitative trait loci e.g. qRre-11, qRRE-1 controlling Al tolerance in rice at seedling stage could be transferred via master-assisted selection to enhance Alolerance in rice.
Abstract: Rice is one of the main staple foods of 50% of the world’s population. Aluminum (Al) toxicity is affecting rice growth on acidic soils. We described positive and toxic effects of aluminum on rice, growth on acidic soils as well as function of mutant genes viz. Nrat1, ART1, STAR1 and STAR2 which require further analysis, especially regulation of ART1, STAR1 at transcriptional level to unfold their role in Al tolerance. Nrat1 gene involved in natural variations for Al tolerance and this would be a novel step in generating natural variation in rice populations. This review highlighted strong theoretical base to understand Al toxicity tolerance mechanisms in rice and we presented several quantitative trait loci e.g. qRRE-11, qRRE-1 controlling Al tolerance in rice at seedling stage which could be transferred via master-assisted selection to enhance Al tolerance in rice. Preliminary screening technique using Al toxic levels is an ideal way to screen resistant seedling in hydroponic environment with the secondary method entailing alterations in soil pH. The molecular basis of Al tolerance should be under more focus, including the novel markers and genes, secondary tolerance indices, BRILs population to develop tolerant varieties in rice but physiological base tolerance mechanisms cannot be overlooked.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the drastic change in the sedimentary record of the sebkha Halk El Menjel, located in Tunisia, along a 10-cm long core to discuss the possible onset and limits of the Anthropocene and the great acceleration in this wetland.
Abstract: The Anthropocene covers the recentest period of globally widespread climate and environmental changes during which polluting human activities represent major risks for populations and their resources. The aim of this study is to investigate the drastic change in the sedimentary record of the sebkha Halk El Menjel, located in Tunisia, along a 10-cm long core to discuss the possible onset and limits of the Anthropocene and the Great Acceleration in this wetland. Sampling was carried out each 2 mm. According to the age-depth model and the increasing pattern of heavy metals content, we propose that the Anthropocene onset is located at ~300 yr BP. The increasing heavy metals content may be correlated to natural and/or anthropogenic sources such as volcanic eruptions and mining activities respectively. Also, the evolution of grain size percentages shows an increasing sediment flux during the Anthropocene and accentuated during the Great Acceleration. The principal component analysis shows three main groups of variables related to pollution, climate change and eustatism, indicating the combined effect of the natural and human induced activities during the Anthropocene. The evolution of microfauna shows that some microorganisms were influenced by the Anthropocene conditions whereas others remain indifferent.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated temporal deforestation, above and below ground carbon stock, biomass estimation potential of vegetation indices derived from Sentinel-2 imagery, carbon emission from deforestation and carbon sequestration potential.
Abstract: In developing countries like Pakistan, leading CO2 emission source is deforestation of temperate forests, which must be estimated precisely for resilient climate policy. This research evaluates temporal deforestation, above and below ground carbon stock, biomass estimation potential of vegetation indices derived from Sentinel-2 imagery, carbon emission from deforestation and carbon sequestration potential. Forest inventory data was collected and used in allometric equations, to calculate aboveground biomass and carbon stock. The temporal deforestation rate was estimated using LANDSAT 7 & 8 (20002015) data. Biomass was predicted using the most optimal VI by developing linear regression model. The carbon emission from deforestation was estimated using activity data and emission factor. Above ground biomass and carbon stock estimated for the study area were 148.79 t/ha and 69.93 t/ha with mean CO2 equivalent value of 322.5 t/ha. The estimated forest cover change using Landsat satellite data (2000-2015) was about 16.88% with 2.51% annual deforestation rate. Relationship between red-edge VIs and AGB were the best and reduced saturation problem. Carbon loss in fifteen years were about 6.96 Mt CO2 e. The carbon sequestration capacity for the study area was 82.07 t/ha ± 13 t/ha. This research methodology is cost effective, helps in sustainable forest management and reduces carbon losses.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of lime (Ca(OH)2) on soil nutrient status (Ca and Mg in particular), growth, nutrient accumulation and quality of flue-cured tobacco was investigated in an acidic soil located in Anhui province, China.
Abstract: Liming is a common practice for improving plant growth and yield on acidic soils. However, knowledge is still limited on the effect of liming on tobacco growth and leaf quality planted on acidic soil. In this study, effects of lime (Ca(OH)2) (0, 0.75, 1.5 and 3 t ha) on soil nutrient status (Ca and Mg in particular), growth, nutrient accumulation and quality of flue-cured tobacco was investigated in an acidic soil located in Anhui province, China. The results showed that liming significantly increased soil pH both 30 days after transplanting and after the harvest of the tobacco. In comparison with CK (no lime application), liming at a rate of 1.5 t ha increased leaf number and leaf dry weight by 15% and 11%, and enhanced the appearance and smoking quality of cured leaves by 7% and 9%, respectively. Moreover, liming significantly increased calcium concentration, while decreased nitrogen and magnesium concentration in the cured leaves. The increase in cured leaf quality was attributed to the improvement of chemical composition, particularly the increase in reducing sugar content. Together, our results suggest that Ca(OH)2 application at a rate of 1.5 t ha may alleviate soil acidification and improve yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco in Anhui province, China.
16 citations
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted a forest fire risk assessment in forests located in Turkey that is vulnerable to fire at the first degree and exported the risk classes of the criteria were exported to the raster layer of the Geographical Information System (GIS).
Abstract: Forest fires create an increasingly severe and negative impact on ecosystem services such as carbon storage, climate balancing and water supply as a result of global warming threatening our planet. One of the steps to fight forest fires is to perform a risk assessment. Forest fire risk assessment allows the identification of locations at high risk of forest fire and estimate its sphere of influence. In this way, it provides decision-making support to the fire-fighting organization. The purpose of this study was to conduct a forest fire risk assessment in forests located in Bucak Forest Enterprise in Turkey that is vulnerable to fire at the first degree. In the study, the weights of the criteria that lead to fire risk were computed with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The risk classes of the criteria were exported to the raster layer of the Geographical Information System (GIS). The results showed that 25% of forests in Bucak region were at high risk, while 32% were at medium fire risk. We believe that the approach adopted in this study may contribute to forest fire risk assessments and risk mapping of Mediterranean forest ecosystems that have similar climate, topographic structure and vegetation.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of different nano-biochar contents on soil moisture, nutrients, maize growth and yields were analyzed, and the results showed that with increased nano-biobiochar rates, soil bulk density also increased, and soil aggregates with particle size > 2mm increased from 0.69 to 37.12%.
Abstract: Soil erosion and nutrient loss on the Loess Plateau cause severe desertification and land degradation, which results the loss of soil fertility and grain production. To improve soil quality and grain yield, nano-biochar was banded (5 cm in width, 5 cm in depth) into a plot (3 m × 3 m) in Shenmu County, in northern Shaanxi Province on Loess Plateau. The effects of different nano-biochar contents (0, 0.1%, 0.5%, 0.7%, 1% in mass) on soil moisture, nutrients, maize growth and yields, were analyzed. The result showed that with increased nano-biochar rates, soil bulk density also increased, and soil aggregates with particle size > 2mm increased from 0.69 to 37.12%. At the seedling and shooting stages, soil moisture content in the plots with nano-biochar were significantly higher than those in control. Nano-biochar slowed transport rate of nitrogen from the surface to deeper soil profile. At 0–10 cm soil depth, the amount of available potassium with nano-biochar applied was higher than those in control plot. The plots with higher nano-biochar content (0.7% and 1%) significantly increased the 1000-grain weight and yield of maize.
15 citations
TL;DR: A nitrogen fertilization rate of 250 kg ha is recommended for high forage yield of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) in the Central Black Sea Climate Zone or similar climatic conditions.
Abstract: In this research, we aimed to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilization on forage yield and forage quality of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) in Kazova, Tokat/Turkey conditions (the Central Black Sea Climate Zone) in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 growing years. The experiment consisted of four replications in randomized complete block design to test effect of seven nitrogen rates (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 kg ha) on plant height (PH), fresh forage yield (FFY), dry matter yield (DMY), crude protein ratio (CP), crude protein yield (CPY), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) ratio, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) ratio, digestible dry matter ratio (DDM), digestible dry matter yield (DDMY), and relative feed value (RFV). The results revealed that the highest plant height (86.7 cm) was at the 200 kg ha of nitrogen rate, highest fresh forage yield (48360 kg ha), dry matter yield (13325 kg ha), crude protein yield (1870 kg ha) and digestible dry matter yield (8340 kg ha) was obtained at the 250 kg ha of nitrogen rate, and the highest digestible dry matter rate (62.72%) was determined at the 150 kg ha nitrogen rate. Thus, 250 kg ha nitrogen rate was the optimal dose for high forage yield and increasing nitrogen doses did not affect the ADF and NDF rates. Nevertheless, application of 300 kg ha of nitrogen decreased yield but increased crude protein yield. Therefore, a nitrogen fertilization rate of 250 kg ha is recommended for high forage yield of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) in the Central Black Sea Climate Zone or similar climatic conditions.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the 1 and 2-year-old needles of scots pines grown at 1, 3, 10 and 25 km distances and found that the concentrations of heavy metals subject to the study vary depending on the distance, especially the Mg concentration which exhibited a significant decrease the farther the trees were.
Abstract: Heavy metals can remain in nature for a long time without deterioration and their concentration in the environment is constantly increasing. In addition, some may have toxic or carcinogenic effects even at low concentrations, while some others which act as micronutrients can have toxic effects for humans at high concentrations. Therefore, determining heavy metal concentrations is of great importance towards identifying risk zones and risk levels. The main sources of heavy metals are industrial plants where heavy metal ores are processed. In this study, the Combine Magnesite operating in Russia which entails ”processing and mining of magnesite ore”was examined for Mg, Al, Fe, Mn and Ca concentrations by analysing the samples taken from the 1and 2-year-old needles of scots pines grown at 1, 3, 10 and 25 km distances. As a result of the study, it was determined that the concentrations of heavy metals subject to the study vary depending on the distance, especially the Mg concentration which exhibited a significant decrease the farther the trees were. We determined that the concentrations recorded in the 2-year-old needles at almost all points were higher than the 1-year-old needles, and could even exceed this difference
TL;DR: In this paper, the heavy metal concentration at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah using transplanted lichen was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Abstract: Heavy metals were emitted from motor vehicles and industries as part of the effects of rapid urbanization. This study aims to measure the heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cr) at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah using transplanted lichen. Samples of Usnea misaminensis were transplanted to the environment of the urban area. The lichen was collected from Mt. Kinabalu Park which is a remote area. Fifteen sampling stations were selected and transplanted lichens were exposed to heavy metals in those stations for about 4-6 weeks. Exposed lichens were analyzed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the concentration of heavy metals in each sample. One-way ANOVA also has been used to test whether there is significant variation between heavy metals concentration at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The result showed that iron (Fe) has the highest concentration with 84.43 μg/g and chromium (Cr) has the lowest concentration with 0.66 μg/g. A statistical One-way ANOVA test showed that there is a significant variation between heavy metal frequency with P-value is 0.0000 < 0.05. A Tukey test also revealed that Fe has significantly higher concentration compare to the others. These findings prove that the increasing number of motor vehicles will also elevate the concentration of heavy metals in the atmosphere. Transplanted lichen can be the alternative approach in assessing air pollution in Malaysia’s urban area.
TL;DR: The results indicated that the ceramic and glass debris was found in the greatest number followed by plastic and other debris, thin plastic and hard plastic as discussed by the authors, and the major contributing factor for the debris abundance in Libong beach was the shoreline and recreational activities which showed that the landbased sources provided major inputs of plastic pollution at the beaches.
Abstract: Marine debris is a global issue and a hot topic in Thailand. This study involved collecting and quantifying various types of debris at Libong Island. The study area is Libong Island, a small Island in Andaman Sea, with high biodiversity and an important source of sea grass providing a significant and vital habitat for endangered dugongs. Debris was collected on sandy beach and mud beach areas between May and August 2019. The results indicated that the ceramic and glass debris was found in the greatest number followed by plastic and other debris, thin plastic and hard plastic. The major contributing factor for the debris abundance in Libong beach was the shoreline and recreational activities which showed that the landbased sources provided major inputs of plastic pollution at the beaches. The calculation of the Clean Coastal Index (CCI) of Libong Island yielded a result of 5.8 at the sandy beach whereas at the mud beach was 0.65. Thus, the sandy beach was classified as moderately clean and the mud beach was classified as very clean.
TL;DR: Different genotypes significantly differed in various growth, yield and quality attributes and cultivar FH-LZ using 100 kg ha phosphorous produced higher yield, ginning out turn, seed cotton harvest, crop growth rate and fiber uniformity with lower input cost and attained the maximum output with higher crop production.
Abstract: Cotton crop is grown in China, Brazil, Pakistan, India and in the USA. It is a major global resource in textile production. Phosphorus has major role in the growth and yield of plants facilitating higher crop production. Phosphorous is involved in plant growth and opening of flower bud while low nitrogen and magnesium absorption inhibits plant growth. Higher input cost of fertilizers and numerous other yield limiting factors are major problems for farmers. To mitigate the problem, present study was carried out at the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, Pakistan. The experimental treatments comprised of three cultivars viz. V1 = MNH 886, V2 = CIM 616 and V3 = FH-LALAZAR and seven levels of Phosphorous viz. To = Zero kg ha, T1 = 50 kg ha, T2 = 50 kg ha + foliar (2% TSP solution), T3 = 75 kg ha, T4 = 75 kg ha + foliar (2% solution of Triple super phosphate), T5 = 100 kg ha + seed application (5% solution of triple super phosphate), T6 = 100 kg ha phosphorous (with seed application of a 5% solution of triple super phosphate, and foliar application of a 2% solution). Different genotypes significantly differed in various growth, yield and quality attributes. In this regard, the cultivar FHLalazar produced the highest plant height (152.50 cm), lint yield (50.58 kg ha), seed cotton harvest (27%), ginning out turn (0.02%), crop growth rate (4.79 kg ha), fiber uniformity (45.50), fiber strength (30.16 tppsi) and micronair (4.72 μg/inch). CIM-616 showed the maximum number of bolls/plant (28.91), leaf area index (0.65 kg ha), boll weight (2.98 g), and staple length (20.19 mm). In conclusion, cultivar FH-LZ using 100 kg ha phosphorous (with seed application of a 5% solution of triple super phosphate, and foliar application of a 2% solution) produced higher yield, ginning out turn, seed cotton harvest, crop growth rate and fiber uniformity with lower input cost and attained the maximum output with higher crop production.
TL;DR: Yeast can be used as a performance enhancer in broiler chickens instead of antibiotics, and pooled effects estimate revealed that yeast supplementation improved FCR, BWG and reduced FC in broilers.
Abstract: Antibiotics modulate gut microbiomes and enhance broiler chicken productivity. Nevertheless, their use in chicken nutrition has been linked to the spread of resistant strains of bacteria. Studies have shown that probiotic-yeast improves the productivity of broiler chickens. However, agreement has not been reached among investigators as to whether yeast improves the production indices of broiler chickens. The objective of this meta-analysis therefore was to determine the effect of yeast supplementation on feed consumption (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain (BWG) in broiler chicken using meta-analysis. The study focused on published primary studies comparing broiler chickens fed diet supplemented with yeast versus without yeast. Sixteen published primary studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results of pooled effects estimate revealed that yeast supplementation improved FCR (p < 0.001), BWG (p < 0.001) and reduced FC (p < 0.001) in broiler chickens. The results of sub-analysis indicated that broiler chickens that received yeast at < 10 g/kg diet had better performance than those that received yeast at 10 g/kg feed and > 10 g/kg feed. The chosen moderators were predictors of study effect observed in the meta-analysis. It is concluded that yeast can be used as a performance enhancer in broiler chickens instead of antibiotics. Keyword: beneficial microbes, meat-typed chickens, productivity, meta-analysis, meta-regression
TL;DR: In this paper, the benefits and limitations of phytoremediation along with a brief clarification of the resilient mechanistic removal of contaminants by a three-phase method is discussed.
Abstract: Phytoremediation is currently an area of trending research due to its huge potential as a sustainable substitute for traditional methods of restoring contaminated sites. It is a profitable and ecological alternative to mechanical and chemical remediation techniques used worldwide. An increase in soil, water, and air pollution has severely disturbed an ecosystem functions and poses a huge threat to the natural and agricultural environment as well as public health. Remediation of the contaminated environment is one of the paramount concerns of the world. Hence this article deliberates on the general problems of pollutants linked to phytoremediation techniques of organic and inorganic contaminants, especially agrochemicals, petroleum, and explosive compounds. The paper also reviews a systematic assessment of the recent progress in the phytoremediation of contaminants in a natural and agricultural environment. Additionally, we highlight the benefits and limitations of phytoremediation along with a brief clarification of the resilient mechanistic removal of contaminants by a three-phase method. Finally, the perspective of biotechnological approaches in remediation is also suggested; taking into consideration the future of synergistic remediation approaches and genetically improved plants to enhance phytoremediation.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of sulfur and phosphorus doses on the yield and quality of fenugreek in Siirt, Turkey, in the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 growing seasons were investigated.
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the effects of sulfur and phosphorus doses on the yield and quality of fenugreek in Siirt, Turkey, in the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 growing seasons. Field trials were designed in a factorial complete block design with three replications at the experimental fields of the Agricultural Faculty of Siirt University. In the study, plant height (cm), first pod height (cm), the number of pods (pod plant), the number of seeds in the pod (seed pod), pod length (cm), thousand-seed weight (g), seed yield (kg ha), protein content (%) and trigonelline content (%) were determined. All of the growth and yield parameters, except for plant height and pod length, were significantly affected by sulfur fertilization. All the parameters were affected by phosphorus fertilization. The highest seed yield (2224 kg ha) and trigonelline content (1.26%) were obtained under 30 kg S ha and 90 kg P ha applications.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper used remote sensing images, GIS technology and the RUSLE model to estimate the amount of soil erosion in Central Yunnan Province (CYP) during 1980-2018.
Abstract: Soil erosion is one of the major global environmental problems. Understanding the spatiotemporal changes in soil erosion is of great significance to its prevention and control of soil erosion and the optimization of ecological environments. Taking Central Yunnan Province (CYP), China as the study area, multitemporal remotely sensed images, GIS technology and the RUSLE model were used to estimate the amount of soil erosion in the CYP during 1980-2018. The results show the following: (1) During the study period, the soil erosion situation in the CYP showed a growing development trend. With 2005 as a turning point, the area of micro-erosion first decreased and then increased, and the area of soil erosion with mild and above intensity was effectively controlled. (2) Through the global spatial autocorrelation, the spatial distribution of soil erosion intensity in the CYP has significant aggregation, and the global Moran I index is between 0.48 and 0.66. The areas with moderate and above erosion intensity were mostly distributed in the mountains, northern valleys, and the northwestern and southwestern regions of the CYP. Through the analysis of local spatial autocorrelation, it is also proved that the distribution of intensity soil erosion is mostly related to regional topography.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and straw returning on CH4 emissions in rice paddy fields were studied during a two year field experiment in Chao lake basin, China, which consisted of four treatments: Control (CK), Traditional fertilizer (CT), Optimized fertilizer (CO), and CO with straw-return (CO + SR).
Abstract: In the rice paddy ecosystem, application of nitrogen fertilizer and straw to soil methanogenic bacteria provides abundant methanogenic substrates, which significantly influences methane (CH4) emission from paddy fields. The effects of nitrogen fertilizer and straw returning on CH4 emissions in rice paddy fields were studied during a two year of the field experiment in Chao lake basin, China. The experiment consisted of 4 treatments: Control (CK), Traditional fertilizer (CT), Optimized fertilizer (CO) and CO with straw-return (CO + SR). The cumulative effects of straw-returning practices on greenhouse gas emission in a rice-wheat rotation system were determined, along with an estimation of CH4 in a rice growing season. According to our results, The CH4 emission fluxes from paddy field showed three different peak trends; Compared to CK, CT, CO, and CO + SR increased seasonal CH4 emission by 36.6%, 45.8% and 42.0% in 2013 and by 42.0%, 48.5% and 80.1% in 2014, respectively. Anaerobic decomposition of wheat straw accelerates the decline of soil redox potential (Eh) after flooding, thereby providing suitable environmental conditions for the growth of methanogens and promoting CH4 production in the subsequent rice season. The CH4 emission fluxes of CK, CT, CO, and CO + SR were significantly correlated with soil temperatures at 5 cm depth. Therefore, our findings show that application rates of nitrogen fertilizer and straw returning to a paddy field could significantly affect the CH4 emissions in China.
TL;DR: The results showed that water, crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash contents had no significant differences between male and female fish, but the contents of flavored amino acids, essential amino acids and total amino acids in male fish muscle were significantly higher than those in female fish muscle.
Abstract: The nutritional composition of fish muscle is an important reference data for the design of fish feed formulae. However, the nutritional composition of the muscle of Chinese hook snout carp has not been analyzed at present. In addition, considering the obvious individual difference between male and female Chinese hook snout carp, there may also be significant difference in nutritional composition. To provide a reference for the feed formula design of artificially cultured Chinese hook snout carp, the muscle nutrient composition of five wild male and female individuals was analyzed in this study. Our results showed that water, crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash contents had no significant differences between male and female fish. Although there was no significant difference in the contents of most amino acids between male and female fish, the contents of flavored amino acids, essential amino acids and total amino acids in male fish muscle were significantly higher than those in female fish muscle. The proportion of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids was 1.37:1:1.80, and most of fatty acids showed significant difference between male and female fish.
TL;DR: In this article, the potential use of Aptenia cordifolia L. for the phytoremediation of salt-affected soils was investigated, where three salt levels; non-saline (NS, EC: 1.38 dS m), slightly saline (SS, EC): 3.54 dSm), and highly saline (HS, EC : 9.58 dS mm) soils were collected from Harran Plain-Turkey and used to cultivated A. cordifiola in pots.
Abstract: Salinization is one of the most significant environmental problems in the world. Salinity negatively affects the physicochemical properties of the soil and reduces crop production. This study aimed to investigate the potential use of Aptenia cordifolia L. for the phytoremediation of salt-affected soils. Three salt levels; non-saline (NS, EC: 1.38 dS m), slightly saline (SS, EC: 3.54 dS m) and highly saline (HS, EC: 9.58 dS m) soils were collected from Harran Plain-Turkey and used to cultivated A. cordifolia in pots. To assess the salt tolerance of the plants, physiological and biochemical parameters as well as the accumulation of leaf Na and Cl ions were determined. In the meantime, soils were evaluated in terms of electrical conductivity, pH, organic matter and soil enzymes (dehydrogenase, urease, phosphatase and protease) before and after the cultivation. A significant increase in shoot fresh weight and dry weight were obtained from A. cordifolia cultivated-SS soils. No significant differences were determined in terms of crop yield in NS and HS soils. A decrease in total chlorophyll content was evident only in plants growing in HS soils. Proline and malondialdehyde contents and the activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes were found significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in plants growing in HS as compared to those growing in SS and NS soils. A. cordifolia plants, accumulated more Na and Cl ions in their leaves as the salinity levels increased. Soil pH levels under all soil conditions were not affected although slim increases were observed. However, soil electrical conductivity were decreased 2 and 2.5 times in SS and HS soil types, respectively. Soil organic matter were significantly increased along with the increase in the activity of soil enzymes in all soil types. We suggest that cultivation A. cordifolia in SS and HS soils will improve the condition of soil physicochemical properties in an environmentally-friendly manner.
TL;DR: It was found that mutagenic treatments could promote the activity of three anti-oxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and hydrogen peroxIDase (CAT) and the highest antioxidant enzyme activity was 150 Gy Co-γ irradiation and 0.4% EMS treatment.
Abstract: In order to study the effect of mutagenesis on growth, physiology and cell structure in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L), the seeds of Longmu806 were treated with two kinds of mutagenesis methods including Co-γ irradiation (50, 150, 300, 450, 600 Gy) and EMS (ethyl methane sulfonate 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4% (v/v)). The results showed that the seed germination rate, seedling growth, fresh grass yield and plant height were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than their corresponding controls under 50-150 Gy, and then decreased with the increasing of radiation dose. However, these indicators decreased with the increasing of EMS concentration. Two mutagenic treatments increased alfalfa branch number. The chlorophyll content was promoted by a dose of 50-150 Gy and 0.4% EMS concentration. It was also found that mutagenic treatments could promote the activity of three anti-oxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and hydrogen peroxidase (CAT), and the highest antioxidant enzyme activity was 150 Gy Co-γ irradiation and 0.4% EMS treatment. The leaf thicknesses increased, the vein protuberant degrees decreased and the compactness of cell structure was enhanced. Being more conducive for screening mutants, Co-γ irradiation with 150 Gy and EMS with 0.4% were the ideal mutagenic treatments.
TL;DR: This experiment was established in pots during the vegetative period of 2017, in Kalar Sulaymaniyah, Northern Iraq, to investigate the effect of seaweed extracts (Alga 600) applied with fertigation system on growth, flowering, yield and quality properties of strawberry cv.
Abstract: This experiment was established in pots during the vegetative period of 2017, in Kalar Sulaymaniyah, Northern Iraq, to investigate the effect of seaweed extracts (Alga 600) of four concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8 g.L) applied with fertigation system on growth, flowering, yield and quality properties of strawberry cv. Albion. Drip irrigation system was used in this experiment. According to the results in terms of the vegetative growth characteristics, increasing seaweed extract (Alga 600) amounts had significantly different effects on plants with a different number of crowns. The results concerning flower properties show that increasing seaweed extract applications had significant effects on the number of flowers per plant, yielding 16.55-21.77 units/plant. The results in point of fruit properties show that increasing Alga 600 amounts caused a significant increase of 11.81-17.7 units/plant in terms of fruit number, 211.74-329.37 ml in terms of fruit volume, and an increase of 191.7-295.03 g in terms of yield, compared to the control treatment. The results show that increasing seaweed extract caused a significant increase in fruit quality (TSS/TA ratio from 8.29 to 13.35) compared to the control treatment and increasing seaweed application caused a significant decrease in the TA of the fruit.
TL;DR: The results showed that A. niger strain XF-1 has a good growth promotion effect on A. fruticosa, which could significantly promote the growth of A.fruticosa.
Abstract: In order to reveal the interaction effect between Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and Amorpha fruticosa (A. frusticosa), to guide the large-scale production and cultivation of A. fruticose in ecological restoration, and to promote the greening of rock slope and improve the ecological environment, a study on the effect of fermentation broth with different dilutions of A. niger strain XF-1 on soil nutrient elements and the growth of A. fruticosa was conducted by pot experiment in a green house. The results showed that the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll in the leaves of A. fruticosa significantly increased with the 10 dilution. A. niger strain XF-1 fermentation broth, and the plant height, fresh weight and dry weight of A. fruticosa significantly increased. Whether the condition of planting A. fruticosa or not, the contents of available phosphorus, iron, copper, and zinc in soil by watering were higher in A. niger strain XF-1 fermentation broth than that of control (no watering A. niger strain XF-1 fermentation broth), and the contents of the above-mentioned nutrients by watering with the 10 dilution were the highest in soil in A. niger strain XF-1 fermentation broth, which could significantly promote the growth of A. fruticosa. Therefore, A. niger strain XF-1 has a good growth promotion effect on A. fruticosa.
TL;DR: In this paper, a meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of returning farmlands to forests or pastures on soil animal diversity and its regional differentiation characteristics in China, based on the Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson index values.
Abstract: A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of returning farmlands to forests or pastures on soil animal diversity and its regional differentiation characteristics in China. Overall, based on the Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson index values, we found that returning farmland to forest (pasture) had an important effect on soil animal diversity. Forests and pastures might have a higher species richness and lower species evenness of soil animals than farmland. The effect of returning farmland to forest on soil animal diversity was greater than the effect of a return to pasture, although the effects varied between different land use/cover changes. The Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson index values showed different regional characteristics of soil animals when returning farmland to forest (pasture) in North China, South China, Northwest China and Qinghai-Tibet China. Returning farmland to forest (pasture) should be more conducive to increasing soil animal species richness in high-temperature regions and increasing soil animal species evenness in low-temperature regions. Furthermore, in low-temperature regions, returning farmland to forest affected the soil animal diversity more than returning farmland to pasture. Returning farmland to forest was more conducive in improving soil animal diversity synthetically in dry regions, and the changes in soil animal diversity due to the effect of returning farmland to pasture were not evident between dry and rainy regions in China.