Hormonal changes, growth and yield of tomato plants in response to chemical and bio-fertilization application in sandy soils

The response of tomato plants to chemical and bio-fertilization under sandy soil conditions was investigated. The experiments were conducted in Nubaria region, Egypt. Tomato plants were treated with Microbein or a mixture of Phosphorine and Biogein as bio-fertilizers under different rates of the recommended nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization (100% of N and P, 75% of N and P and 50% of N and P). In addition, plants of three treatments received only the rates of chemical fertilizers and were not treated with the bio-fertilizers. Vegetative growth measurements, yield, hormonal changes in leaves, and N, P and K contents of leaves were recorded to study the effects of these treatments. The results showed that bio-fertilization significantly increased the vegetative growth of tomato plants (including plant height, number of branches, number of leaves and the fresh weight of plants) and yield compared to non-treated plants. Growth and yield of tomato plants was negatively affected by the low chemical fertilization treatments especially at 50% of N and P while biofertilization enhanced growth and productivity under such conditions. Tomato plants which were treated with a mixture of Phosphorine and Biogein had higher growth and yield than plants treated with Microbein. Bio-fertilization resulted in higher N, P and K contents of leaves and higher indole acetic acid (IAA), Gibberellins (GA3) and Cytokinins. The possible effects of the treatments are discussed

Drought tolerance and water status of bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as affected by citric acid application

   Enhancement of drought tolerance of plants is a crucial concern in arid and semi-arid regions. Using safe and environmentally-friendly tools and treatments for this purpose is needed to overcome the problems of water shortage with particular emphasis on sustainable resource management and environmental protection. This study investigated the water status and drought tolerance of beans. Bean plants (Phaseoulus vulgaris L.) were treated with citric acid (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 g/L) as a foliar application prior the exposition to drought stress conditions. Physiological changes, such as leaf temperature, relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll content of leaves, were recorded in response to citric acid application. The results revealed that the water status of bean plants under drought stress conditions was improved by citric acid application, indicated by higher RWC of leaves compared to control plants. The most effective level in this respect was 1.5 g/L. A similar trend was observed with total chlorophyll content of leaves. In addition, plant growth, productivity and quality parameters were significantly improved by application of citric acid compared to control plants. The possible roles of citric acid on water status and drought tolerance of bean plants are discussed

The Influence of Foliar Application of Potassium on Yield and Quality of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Plants Grown under Sandy Soil Conditions

Abstract: The experiments were conducted under sandy soil conditions in Nubaria (west delta region) to study the response of carrot plants to foliar application of potassium. Different levels of foliar potassium fertilizer (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2ml/L) were applied. Plant growth, productivity, root quality and chemical analysis of leaves (N, P and K) were recorded in response to the application of these treatments. The results showed that carrot plants responded positively to all K levels. Vegetative growth parameters (including plant height, number of leaves and fresh and dry weight of leaves) were significantly enhanced by the levels of K especially at the higher levels while control plants obtained the lowest values. The level 1.5 ml/L seems to be optimal for carrot plants as increasing the K level more than this level did not give significant increment. Similar results were observed concerning root length, diameter, fresh and dry weight of roots and total soluble solids (T.S.S.) in roots. Results concerning the chemical analysis of carrot leaves are discussed. The results indicated that foliar application of K under sandy soil conditions improved root quality as well

The Influence of Foliar Application of Potassium on Yield and Quality of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Plants Grown under Sandy Soil Conditions

Abstract: The experiments were conducted under sandy soil conditions in Nubaria (west delta region) to study the response of carrot plants to foliar application of potassium. Different levels of foliar potassium fertilizer (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2ml/L) were applied. Plant growth, productivity, root quality and chemical analysis of leaves (N, P and K) were recorded in response to the application of these treatments. The results showed that carrot plants responded positively to all K levels. Vegetative growth parameters (including plant height, number of leaves and fresh and dry weight of leaves) were significantly enhanced by the levels of K especially at the higher levels while control plants obtained the lowest values. The level 1.5 ml/L seems to be optimal for carrot plants as increasing the K level more than this level did not give significant increment. Similar results were observed concerning root length, diameter, fresh and dry weight of roots and total soluble solids (T.S.S.) in roots. Results concerning the chemical analysis of carrot leaves are discussed. The results indicated that foliar application of K under sandy soil conditions improved root quality as well

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Fecal Contamination and Inadequate Treatment of Packaged Water

<div><p>Background</p><p>Packaged water products provide an increasingly important source of water for consumption. However, recent studies raise concerns over their safety.</p><p>Objectives</p><p>To assess the microbial safety of packaged water, examine differences between regions, country incomes, packaged water types, and compare packaged water with other water sources.</p><p>Methods</p><p>We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Articles published in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish, with no date restrictions were identified from online databases and two previous reviews. Studies published before April 2014 that assessed packaged water for the presence of <i>Escherichia coli</i>, thermotolerant or total coliforms were included provided they tested at least ten samples or brands.</p><p>Results</p><p>A total of 170 studies were included in the review. The majority of studies did not detect fecal indicator bacteria in packaged water (78/141). Compared to packaged water from upper-middle and high-income countries, packaged water from low and lower-middle-income countries was 4.6 (95% CI: 2.6–8.1) and 13.6 (95% CI: 6.9–26.7) times more likely to contain fecal indicator bacteria and total coliforms, respectively. Compared to all other packaged water types, water from small bottles was less likely to be contaminated with fecal indicator bacteria (OR = 0.32, 95%CI: 0.17–0.58) and total coliforms (OR = 0.10, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.22). Packaged water was less likely to contain fecal indicator bacteria (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.62) compared to other water sources used for consumption.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Policymakers and regulators should recognize the potential benefits of packaged water in providing safer water for consumption at and away from home, especially for those who are otherwise unlikely to gain access to a reliable, safe water supply in the near future. To improve the quality of packaged water products they should be integrated into regulatory and monitoring frameworks.</p></div