How Do Rare Earth Elements (Lanthanoids) Affect Root Development and Protocorm-Like Body Formation in Hybrid CYMBIDIUM?

AbstractOnly few studies in the plant tissue culture literature have examined the impact of lanthanoids, or rare earth elements, on in vitro plant organogenesis. In this study, using a model plant, hybrid Cymbidium Twilight Moon ‘Day Light’, the impact of six lanthanoids (lanthanum (III) nitrate hexahydrate (La(NO3)3 · 6H2O), cerium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Ce(NO3)3 · 6H2O), neodymium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Nd(NO3)3 · 6H2O), praseodymium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Pr(NO3)3 · 6H2O), samarium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Sm(NO3)3 · 6H2O), gadolinium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Gd(NO3)3 · 6H2O) on new protocorm-like body (neo-PLB) formation on Teixeira Cymbidium (TC) medium was examined. 0 (control), 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg·dm-3 of each lanthanoid was tested. All lanthanoids could produce more neo-PLBs and neo-PLB fresh weight than TC medium lacking plant growth regulators (PGRs), suggesting some PGR-like ability of lanthanoids, although PLB-related traits (percentage of half-PLBs forming neo-PLBs; number of neo-PLBs formed per half-PLB; fresh weight of half-PLB + neo-PLBs) was always significantly lower than TC medium containing PGRs. Except for Gd, all other lanthanoids had no negative impact on the number of new leaves from neo-PLB-derived shoots, but all lanthanoids showed a significantly lower plant height, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight and, in most cases, SPAD (chlorophyll content) value. In addition, using the same concentration of the six lanthanoids, the ability to fortify root formation of neo-PLB-derived plantlets was also assessed. Except for Sm, all other lanthanoids significantly increased the number of roots, root fresh and dry weight.

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Filter paper inhibits in vitro protocorm-like body formation in hybrid Cymbidium and reduces synseed germination, but buffers the negative impact of antibiotics

Biological Letters ◽

10.1515/biolet-2015-0005 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 51 (1) ◽

pp. 47-54

Author(s):

JAIME A. TEIXEIRA DA SILVA

Keyword(s):

Double Layer ◽

Filter Paper ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Single Layer ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Cell Layers ◽

Single Sheet ◽

Plant Hybrid ◽

The Impact

Abstract Only few studies in the plant tissue culture literature have examined the impact of filter paper on in vitro plant organogenesis. In this study, using a model plant, hybrid Cymbidium Twilight Moon ‘Day Light’, the impact of a single or double layer of Advantec #2 or Whatman #1 filter paper on new protocorm-like body (neo-PLB) formation on Teixeira Cymbidium (TC) medium was examined for half-PLBs (transgenic and non-transgenic), PLB-derived transverse thin cell layers (tTCLs), and PLB synseeds. In addition, the response of half-PLBs or tTCLs to two antibiotics (kanamycin and cefotaxime, commonly used in plant genetic transformation studies) was investigated either directly on gelled medium or on filter paper-overlaid medium. Filter paper negatively affected most growth and developmental parameters of all the explants tested, both transgenic and non-transgenic. A double sheet of filter paper had a significantly (P ≤ 0.05) more negative impact than a single sheet, relative to the control values (i.e., no filter paper). Kanamycin inhibited neo-PLB formation on TC medium, the negative impact being greater on a single layer than on a double layer of filter paper, i.e., filter paper buffered the growth-inhibiting characteristics of kanamycin. Up to 100 mg/l, cefotaxime showed no apparent negative effects on neo-PLBs formation and growth, although hyperhydricity was observed when filter paper was not used.

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Foliar application of rare earth elements to maize and mungbean

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1071/ea98149 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 189 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

E. Diatloff ◽

C. J. Asher ◽

F. W. Smith

Keyword(s):

Rare Earth ◽

Rare Earth Elements ◽

Rare Earth Element ◽

Earth Element ◽

Foliar Application ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Cerium Nitrate ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Shoot Dry Weight ◽

The Rare Earth

The foliar application of rare earth elements to plants has been reported to increase yields of a range of crops particularly when soils contain low levels of rare earth elements. A rare earth element fertiliser obtained from China was chemically analysed and found to contain 45.3% nitrate plus 8.7% lanthanum and 12.4% cerium; lanthanum and cerium were the most abundant rare earth elements measured. This fertiliser was applied once, as 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0% (w/v) aqueous solutions to the foliage of 10-day-old maize (Zea mays L. cv. Hycorn 82) and 14-day-old mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek cv. Berken] plants grown in a nutrient-rich potting mix of low total rare earth element status. For comparison, a duplicate set of plants was sprayed with solutions containing analytical grade lanthanum and cerium nitrate at concentrations equivalent to those measured in the rare earth element fertiliser. No beneficial effects of the rare earth element treatments were observed. The shoots of maize and mungbean sprayed with ≤0.1% rare earth element fertiliser or equivalent appeared completely healthy throughout the experiment, but plants in the 0.5 and 1.0% treatments showed symptoms of leaf burn in maize, and small necrotic spots on mungbean leaves within 1–3 days of treatment. These symptoms became more severe over the next 5–9 days. The shoot dry weight of mungbean sprayed with 0.5 and 1.0% solutions was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by 27%. Symptoms observed on plants sprayed with lanthanum and cerium nitrate solutions were similar to those observed on plants sprayed with the rare earth element fertiliser, and similar growth reductions occurred also.

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Effects of Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi on Growth and Yield of Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Plants

Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.5539/jas.v8n10p204 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. 204 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Firew Elias ◽

Diriba Muleta ◽

Delelegn Woyessa

Keyword(s):

Phaseolus Vulgaris ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Growth And Yield ◽

Fresh Weight ◽

Shoot Height ◽

Shoot Dry Weight ◽

Standard Procedures ◽

Bean Plants ◽

Phosphate Solubilizing

Haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important cash crops and export commodities besides its use in human food and soil fertility improvement. Phosphorus (P) is one of the major bio-elements that limits agricultural production. However, phosphate-solubilizing fungi play a noteworthy role in increasing the bioavailability of soil phosphates for plants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects phosphate solubilizing fungi on the growth of haricot bean plants. Cultural and morphological features were used to tentatively identify the fungal isolates to genus level. Based In vitro phosphate solubilization efficieny conducted in both solid and liquid PVK medium following standard procedures, two best isolates were selected and evaluated under greenhouse for their performance on haricot bean. Under greenhouse experiment, shoot height (47.31 cm plant-1), root length (41.01 cm plant-1), nodule number (65.67 plant-1), nodule dry weight (0.59 g plant-1), shoot fresh weight (62.73 g plant-1), shoot dry weight (14.33 g plant-1), number of pod (12.89 plant-1), 50-seed weight (35.89 g plant-1), P content (0.59%) and N content (1.96%) were significantly increased by co-inoculation of two isolates (PSFAP) in the soil amended with rock phosphate (RP) compared to control. Moreover, the highest number of leaves (59.55 leaves plant-1) and root fresh weight (14.19 g plant-1) were recorded as a result of inoculation with isolate PSFP compared to control. The present study indicated the presence of potential plant associated fungi that possess phytobeneficial traits for extending their use as microbial biofertilizers after testing their suitability for the desired purpose.

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Effect of waste water treated with TiO2 nanoparticles on early seedling growth of Zea mays L.

Journal of Water Reuse and Desalination ◽

10.2166/wrd.2017.163 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 424-431 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Sonila Yaqoob ◽

Faizan Ullah ◽

Sultan Mehmood ◽

Tariq Mahmood ◽

Mohib Ullah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Waste Water ◽

Seedling Growth ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Fresh Weight ◽

Nano Tio2 ◽

Shoot Dry Weight ◽

Root Area ◽

Early Seedling Growth ◽

Early Seedling

Abstract The present investigation was to determine the effect of nano-TiO2 (2 to 6 nm) and waste water on early seedling growth of maize. The suspensions of nano-TiO2 either in deionized water or autoclaved waste water were applied at 100 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 25 mg/L under in vitro conditions. Analyses of waste water showed that it was not suitable for irrigation purposes as it had a higher content of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Cr and Cu) which were above permissible levels for irrigation. The higher concentration of nano-TiO2 (100 mg/L) and waste water significantly inhibited seed germination, seedling growth and caused accumulation of phenolics in maize plants (p < 0.05). The application of nano-TiO2 at 25 mg/L significantly increased shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root area, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids content (p < 0.05). The adverse effects of waste water on growth attributes of maize were significantly ameliorated by nano-TiO2 at 25 mg/L (p < 0.05). The treatment of waste water with nano-TiO2 (25 mg/L) is recommended before its utilization for agriculture purposes.

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Evaluation of the Impact of Different Pain Medication and Proton Pump Inhibitors on the Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of hMSCs Using 99mTc-HDP Labelling

Life ◽

10.3390/life11040339 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 339

Author(s):

Tobias Grossner ◽

Uwe Haberkorn ◽

Tobias Gotterbarm

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Osteogenic Differentiation ◽

Bone Metabolism ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Pain Medication ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 5 ◽

The Impact

First-line analgetic medication used in the field of musculoskeletal degenerative diseases, like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), reduces pain and prostaglandin synthesis, whereby peptic ulcers are a severe adverse effect. Therefore, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are frequently used as a concomitant medication to reduce this risk. However, the impact of NSAIDs or metamizole, in combination with PPIs, on bone metabolism is still unclear. Therefore, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured in monolayer cultures in 10 different groups for 21 days. New bone formation was induced as follows: Group 1 negative control group, group 2 osteogenic differentiation media (OSM), group 3 OSM with pantoprazole (PAN), group 4 OSM with ibuprofen (IBU), group 5 OSM with diclofenac (DIC), group 6 OSM with metamizole (MET), group 7 OSM with ibuprofen and pantoprazole (IBU + PAN), group 8 OSM with diclofenac and pantoprazole (DIC + PAN), group 9 OSM with metamizole and pantoprazole (MET + PAN) and group 10 OSM with diclofenac, metamizole and pantoprazole (DIC + MET + PAN). Hydroxyapatite content was evaluated using high-sensitive radioactive 99mTc-HDP labeling. Within this study, no evidence was found that the common analgetic medication, using NSAIDs alone or in combination with pantoprazole and/or metamizole, has any negative impact on the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. To the contrary, the statistical results indicate that pantoprazole alone (group 3 (PAN) (p = 0.016)) or diclofenac alone (group 5 (DIC) (p = 0.008)) enhances the deposition of minerals by hMSCS in vitro. There is an ongoing discussion between clinicians in the field of orthopaedics and traumatology as to whether post-surgical (pain) medication has a negative impact on bone healing. This is the first hMSC in vitro study that investigates the effects of pain medication in combination with PPIs on bone metabolism. Our in vitro data indicates that the assumed negative impact on bone metabolism is subsidiary. These findings substantiate the thesis that, in clinical medicine, the patient can receive every pain medication needed, whether or not in combination with PPIs, without any negative effects for the osteo-regenerative potential.

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Applications of plant growth promoting bacteria and Trichoderma spp. for controlling Orobanche crenata in faba bean

Bulletin of the National Research Centre ◽

10.1186/s42269-019-0263-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 44 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mahmoud Ahmed Touny El-Dabaa ◽

Hassan Abd-El-Khair

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Faba Bean ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Research Centre ◽

Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria ◽

Fresh Weight ◽

Orobanche Crenata ◽

Trichoderma Spp ◽

Shoot Dry Weight

Abstract Background Orobanche crenata is an obligate root parasite belonging to Orbanchaceae. Broomrape causes great damage to the faba bean. Several attempts were applied for controlling parasitic weeds. So, the aim of this work is to study the application of Trichoderma spp. as well as three rhizobacteria species in comparison to herbicidal effect of Glyphosate (Glialka 48% WSC) for controlling broomrape infesting faba bean (Vicia faba). Materials and methods Three pot experiments were carried out in the greenhouse of the National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt during two successive winter seasons. Trichoderma inocula were adjusted to 3.6 × 108 propagules/ml and the bacterium inocula were adjusted at 107–109 colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml. All treatments were applied, before 1 week of sowing, at rate of 50 ml per pot in experiments I and II, while 100 ml per pot in experiment III. Results Trichoderma spp. (T. harzianum, T. viride and T. vierns) as well as three rhizobacteria species (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus) enhanced the growth parameters in faba bean plants, i.e. shoot length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight and leaf number in the first experiment when applied without O. crenata infection. In the second experiment, all bio-control could protect plants against O. crenata infection, where it had better juvenile number reduction, than glyphosate after 2 months of application. Both B. subtilis and B. pumilus had the highest reduction to juvenile fresh weight, while their effect was equal to herbicide for juvenile dry weight, respectively. The bio-control agents had high effects until the 4th month, but it was less than that of the herbicide. In experiment III, the bio-control agents could highly reduce the juvenile parameters after 2 months, as well as juvenile fresh weight and juvenile dry weight after 4 months, than the herbicide, respectively. The bio-control agents were effective until 6 months, but less than the herbicide effect. All bio-control treatments highly increased the plant growth parameters, than the herbicide. Conclusion The application of Trichoderma spp. as well as rhizobacteria species could play an important role in controlling broomrape in faba bean as a natural bioherbicide.

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Foliar applications of bio-fabricated selenium nanoparticles to improve the growth of wheat plants under drought stress

Green Processing and Synthesis ◽

10.1515/gps-2020-0067 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 706-714

Author(s):

Muhammad Ikram ◽

Naveed Iqbal Raja ◽

Bilal Javed ◽

Zia-ur-Rehman Mashwani ◽

Mubashir Hussain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drought Stress ◽

Field Capacity ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Positive Control ◽

Morphological Characterization ◽

Leaf Length ◽

Selenium Nanoparticles ◽

Fresh Weight ◽

Wheat Varieties ◽

Shoot Dry Weight

AbstractThe present study was aimed to biosynthesize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and assess their foliar applications to improve the growth of wheat plants under controlled irrigation and drought stress. Bud aqueous extract of Allium sativum L. was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent of SeNPs followed by their optical and morphological characterization by using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Various concentrations of SeNPs (10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/L) were applied exogenously to drought-tolerant (V1) and drought-susceptible (V2) wheat varieties at the trifoliate stage. Under the positive control conditions, plants were irrigated with 450 mL of water/pot (100% field capacity); and under water-deficit environment, plants were irrigated with 160 mL of water/pot (35% field capacity). Remarkable increase in plant height, shoot length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, leaf area, leaf number, and leaf length has been observed when 30 mg/L concentration of SeNPs was used. However, the plant morphological parameters decreased gradually at higher concentrations (40 mg/L) in both selected wheat varieties. Therefore, 30 mg/L concentration of SeNPs was found most preferable to enhance the growth of selected wheat varieties under normal and water-deficient conditions.

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MODIFICAÇÕES NO MEIO DE CULTURA, FOTOPERÍODO E TEMPO DE CULTIVO AFETAM O ALONGAMENTO E ENRAIZAMENTO IN VITRO DE BANANEIRA CV. PACOVAN

Nativa ◽

10.31413/nativa.v6i1.4731 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 27

Author(s):

Marcos Vinícius Marques Pinheiro ◽

Ana Cristina Portugal Pinto De Carvalho ◽

Fabrina Bolzan Martins

Keyword(s):

Plant Height ◽

Culture Medium ◽

Culture Media ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Salt Mixture ◽

Musa Spp ◽

Fresh Biomass ◽

Shoot Dry Weight ◽

Number Of Leaves

No intuito de elevar as taxas de sobrevivência durante a etapa de aclimatização e posterior plantio a campo, avaliou-se o enraizamento in vitro de bananeira cv. Pacovan, em diferentes concentrações de sais MS e de sacarose. Utilizou-se DIC, esquema fatorial (6x2x3), com seis meios de cultura [sendo três concentrações de nutrientes do meio MS (100%; 50% de macronutrientes; e 50% dos sais macro e micronutrientes), e duas concentrações de sacarose (1,5/3,0%)], dois fotoperíodos (12/16 h) e três tempos de cultivo (21, 28 ou 35 dias) e seis repetições/tratamento. Analisaram-se: altura da planta, número de folhas/planta, massas frescas e secas das partes aérea e radicular. Para altura da planta, massa fresca da parte aérea e radicular, o meio MS 50% dos sais + sacarose (1,5%) com fotoperíodo de 16 h e tempo de cultivo de 35 dias foi satisfatório. Para massa seca da parte aérea foi MS 50% de sais + sacarose (3%), e para massa seca da parte radicular, MS 100% + sacarose (3%) (em 12hs/28 dias e 16hs/21 dias). Para o alongamento/enraizamento in vitro da bananeira cv. Pacovan sugere-se MS 50% de sais (macro e micronutrientes), redução ou manutenção de sacarose (1,5 ou 3%) em 16h/35 dias de cultivo.Palavra-chave: Musa spp., propagação in vitro, sistema radicular. CHANGES IN CULTURE MEDIUM, PHOTOPERIOD AND TIME OF CULTIVATION AFFECT THE IN VITRO ELONGATION AND ROOTING OF BANANA CV. PACOVAN ABSTRACT:In order to achieve high rates of survival during the acclimatization and later planting in the field, was evaluated the in vitro of banana cv. Pacovan plants under different concentrations of sucrose and MS basal salt mixture. The experiment was assembled in a DIC, in 6x2x3, six different culture media [three different MS salt mixture concentrations (100%; 50% of macronutrients; and 50% of macro/micronutrients) and two sucrose concentrations (1.5/3%)], two photoperiods (12/16 hours) and three cultivation times (21, 28 or 35 days). Each treatment was composed by 6 replicates. Plant height, number of leaves/plant, fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots, were analyzed. Satisfactory results for plant height and shoot and root fresh biomass were observed in MS with macro/micronutrients (50%) + sucrose (3%), 16 hours/35 days. The highest values of shoot dry weight were observed in MS with macro/micronutrients (50%) + sucrose (3%); the highest root dry weight was achieved with MS 100% + sucrose (3%) (12hs/28 and 16hs/21 days). The suggested medium for the in vitro elongation and rooting stage of banana cv. Pacovan is the MS with 50% of salts (macro and micronutrients), reduction or maintenance of sucrose (1.5 or 3%) in 16h/35 days of cultivation.Keywords: Musa spp., in vitro propagation, root system. DOI:

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Silver Nanoparticles Effects on In Vitro Germination, Growth, and Biochemical Activity of Tomato, Radish, and Kale Seedlings

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14185340 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (18) ◽

pp. 5340

Author(s):

Alicja Tymoszuk

Keyword(s):

Silver Nanoparticles ◽

Practical Importance ◽

Plant Cells ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Guaiacol Peroxidase ◽

In Vitro Germination ◽

Vegetable Crops ◽

Fresh Weight ◽

Biochemical Activity

The interactions between nanoparticles and plant cells are still not sufficiently understood, and studies related to this subject are of scientific and practical importance. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most commonly produced and used nanomaterials. This study aimed to investigate the influence of AgNPs applied at the concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 mg·L−1 during the process of in vitro germination as well as the biometric and biochemical parameters of developed seedlings in three vegetable species: Solanum lycopersicum L. ‘Poranek’, Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus ‘Ramona’, and Brassica oleracea var. sabellica ‘Nero di Toscana’. The application of AgNPs did not affect the germination efficiency; however, diverse results were reported for the growth and biochemical activity of the seedlings, depending on the species tested and the AgNPs concentration. Tomato seedlings treated with nanoparticles, particularly at 100 mg·L−1, had shorter shoots with lower fresh and dry weights and produced roots with lower fresh weight. Simultaneously, at the biochemical level, a decrease in the content of chlorophylls and carotenoids and an increase in the anthocyanins content and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) activity were reported. AgNPs-treated radish plants had shorter shoots of higher fresh and dry weight and longer roots with lower fresh weight. Treatment with 50 mg·L−1 and 100 mg·L−1 resulted in the highest and lowest accumulation of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the leaves, respectively; however, seedlings treated with 100 mg·L−1 produced less anthocyanins and polyphenols and exhibited lower GPOX activity. In kale, AgNPs-derived seedlings had a lower content of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins but higher GPOX activity of and were characterized by higher fresh and dry shoot weights and higher heterogeneous biometric parameters of the roots. The results of these experiments may be of great significance for broadening the scope of knowledge on the influence of AgNPs on plant cells and the micropropagation of the vegetable species. Future studies should be aimed at testing lower or even higher concentrations of AgNPs and other NPs and to evaluate the genetic stability of NPs-treated vegetable crops and their yielding efficiency.

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The Impact of Nickel Mining on Soil Properties and Growth of Two Fast-Growing Tropical Trees Species

International Journal of Forestry Research ◽

10.1155/2020/8837590 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Ricksy Prematuri ◽

Maman Turjaman ◽

Takumi Sato ◽

Keitaro Tawaraya

Keyword(s):

Forest Soil ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Natural Forest ◽

Total Carbon ◽

Available Phosphorus ◽

Shoot Height ◽

Fast Growing ◽

Shoot Dry Weight ◽

Nickel Mining ◽

The Impact

Opencast nickel mining is common in natural forests of Indonesia. However, rehabilitation of postmining degraded land is difficult. We investigated the effect of opencast nickel mining on soil chemical properties and the growth of two fast-growing tropical tree species, Falcataria moluccana and Albizia saman. Soil was collected from post-nickel mining land and a nearby natural forest. Soil pH, available phosphorus (P) concentration, total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentration, C/N ratio, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Ni concentrations were determined. Falcataria moluccana and A. saman were then grown in the collected soils for 15 weeks in a greenhouse. Shoot height and shoot and root dry weights of the seedlings were measured. The post--nickel mining soils TN, TC, available P, CEC, and exchangeable Ca and Na concentrations decreased by 98%, 93%, 11%, 62%, 85%, and 74%, respectively, in comparison with the natural forest soils. The pH of postmining soil was higher than natural forest soil. Shoot dry weight of F. moluccana seedlings grown in postmining soil was significantly ( P < 0.05 ) lower than that of seedlings grown in natural forest soil. However, there was no difference in shoot dry weight between A. saman seedlings grown in natural forest soil and postmining soil, as well as root dry weights of both species. The results indicate that opencast nickel mining decreased soil fertility, which subsequently inhibited the growth of F. moluccana and A. saman seedlings.

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