The effect of freezing temperature on physiological traits in sunflower

This study was conducted to identify the physiological mechanisms associated with the resistance and tolerance of young sunflower plants to freezing temperatures. The effect of overnight temperature –3°C on the maximal quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), the relative electrolyte leakage (REL) and the osmotic potential (Ψπ) was determined in five genotypes of sunflower: C33, C98, C124 and C148 were chosen from the population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) based on contrasted responses to low temperature, and a wild genotype 2603 that was chosen for its ability to maintain activities in cold conditions. The night temperature –3°C over the course of 10 h caused an immediate significant decrease of Fv/Fm in C33, C98, C124 and C148. In the case of genotype C98, the effect of this freezing temperature was manifested by a significant increase of REL. Significant changes of Ψπ, as a reaction to the effect of freezing temperatures, were not found in any of the monitored genotypes. The measurements of the physiological traits after 5 days of regeneration indicated the renewal of integrity of cellular structures and an increase of PSII reaction centre efficiency in all monitored genotypes. From the point of view of tolerance or sensitivity, the wild genotype 2603 showed itself as tolerant towards the tested freezing temperature, displaying insignificant differences with control plants in all monitored traits. Genotype C98 appears to be the most sensitive from the monitored set, with evident changes in two traits signalling frost damage

Reviewing the Potential of Algae Species as a Green Alternative to Produce Nanoparticles: Findings from a Database Analysis

Nanotechnology has seen increased research and implementation in recent decades in numerous applications. Based on the information in the papers, we built a database that included algae species used, biomass pre-processing, main precursors, solvents, production approaches, final size, and possible uses. An analysis of this data revealed a great diversity of algae species investigated for this purpose (68 species of algae and 45 families). The analysis of the strategy plot shows that there are four clusters of themes that are different from each other. Still, some patterns are recognizable, e.g., the general cluster with general methodologies and concepts is in the intersection zone. The second cluster is related to the use of macroalgae, which has had a strong development in the past, but now seems to be less attractive, and the third cluster is on the use of nanoparticles to control bacteria, which seems to be a topic that, although not currently driving the field, could become a major driver if current trends continue. New technological developments should be expected in the near future as NPs synthesis from green renewable sources such as algae poses an alternative to the traditional means in the coming years

Habitat management for the protected Maculinea butterflies: The effect of mowing

An analysis of grassland vegetation, the biotope of the protected butterflies Maculinea and alternative meadow growths, with regards to the construction of a canal on the river Elbe near the town Přelouč (the Czech Republic). The application of combined abundance and dominance scales with a statistical evaluation of the data — CCA in the Canoco program. Assessing the effect of management and the differences between areas. As an acceptable compromise could be considered one mowing, even though demonstrable species dependency on a one-mowing treatment over the first three years was not found

The effect of nitrogen and chlormequat on the translocation of Ca, Mg and K

In a pot experiment using Avena sativa L. the effect of increasing doses of nitrogen and the application of chlormequat (CCC) on the translocation of Ca, Mg and K was investigated. Changes in the content of these elements were monitored in the panicles, stems, upper green leaves and lower yellowing leaves. The application of CCC significantly manifested in increased content of Ca and Mg only in the lower yellowing leaves. This increase was not observed for K. Increasing the nitrogen doses led to an insignificant increase in the content of Ca and Mg in the leaves and K in the stems

Phenotype variability of weed beet ( Beta vulgaris L.)

Phenotypic variation of weed beet (stalk and root length, root shape, presence of anthocyanin colouring, number of flowers (achenes) in the glomerule), with regard to the BBCH phase and the habitat conditions. ANOVA analysis and three categories of traits monitored. Evaluating demonstrable variability in the framework of the traits category and between localities. Demonstrable effect of locality on the presence of anthocyanin colouring was found, however genetic conditionality cannot be ruled out. For the other phenotypic traits no influence was demonstrated. Anthocyanin colouring and root length show significant variability. The most frequent traits are the stem length (100–130 cm), the pencil-shaped root and 2–3 flowers (achenes) in the glomerule. However, these traits do not necessarily manifest themselves at the same time

Bioinoculants—Natural Biological Resources for Sustainable Plant Production

Agricultural sustainability is of foremost importance for maintaining high food production. Irresponsible resource use not only negatively affects agroecology, but also reduces the economic profitability of the production system. Among different resources, soil is one of the most vital resources of agriculture. Soil fertility is the key to achieve high crop productivity. Maintaining soil fertility and soil health requires conscious management effort to avoid excessive nutrient loss, sustain organic carbon content, and minimize soil contamination. Though the use of chemical fertilizers have successfully improved crop production, its integration with organic manures and other bioinoculants helps in improving nutrient use efficiency, improves soil health and to some extent ameliorates some of the constraints associated with excessive fertilizer application. In addition to nutrient supplementation, bioinoculants have other beneficial effects such as plant growth-promoting activity, nutrient mobilization and solubilization, soil decontamination and/or detoxification, etc. During the present time, high energy based chemical inputs also caused havoc to agriculture because of the ill effects of global warming and climate change. Under the consequences of climate change, the use of bioinputs may be considered as a suitable mitigation option. Bioinoculants, as a concept, is not something new to agricultural science, however; it is one of the areas where consistent innovations have been made. Understanding the role of bioinoculants, the scope of their use, and analysing their performance in various environments are key to the successful adaptation of this technology in agriculture