scholarly journals Counteracting the Negative Effects of Copper Limitations Through the Biostimulatory Action of a Tropical Plant Extract in Grapevine Under Pedo-Climatic Constraints

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Cirillo ◽  
Carmen Arena ◽  
Youssef Rouphael ◽  
Rosanna Caputo ◽  
Chiara Amitrano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Extract ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Tropical Plant ◽  
Natural Defense ◽  
Berry Quality ◽  
Leaf Gas Exchanges ◽  
Southern Mediterranean ◽  
Copper Distribution

In southern Mediterranean areas, vineyards are facing the combination of increasing air temperature, drought and frequency of extreme events (e.g., heat waves) due to climate change. Since most of the berry growth and ripening phases occur during the aridity period, such environmental constraints are responsible for limitations in yield and berry quality. Within this scenario, to achieve vineyard sustainability, renewed approaches in vineyard management have been proposed and the use of plant biostimulants seems a prominent and environmental friendly practice. The aim of this study was to test four combinations of a tropical plant extract and conventional chemicals for disease control on morpho-anatomical, physiological, biochemical and berry quality in Vitis vinifera L. subsp. vinifera “Aglianico.” In particular, we aimed to evaluate the possibility to counteract the negative effects of the reductions in copper distribution, by applying the tropical plant extract enriched with: micronutrients, enzymes involved in the activation of natural defense, aminoacids, and vitamins. The halved dose of Cu in combination with the tropical plant extract allowed maintaining a reduced vegetative vigor. In the second year of treatment, the addition of the plant extract significantly improved leaf gas exchanges and photochemistry as well as the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments. At berry level, the plant extract induced an increase in phenolics accompanied by a decrease in soluble sugars. The overall results showed that the expected differences in growth performance and productivity in vines are linked to different eco-physiological and structural properties induced by the various treatments. The tropical plant extract also primed plant defenses at the leaf and fruit levels, mainly due to modifications of some structural and biochemical traits, respectively.

scholarly journals Bacillus subtilis-Based Probiotic Improves Skeletal Health and Immunity in Broiler Chickens Exposed to Heat Stress

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1494
Author(s):  
Sha Jiang ◽  
Fei-Fei Yan ◽  
Jia-Ying Hu ◽  
Ahmed Mohammed ◽  
Heng-Wei Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Stress Sensitivity ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Skeletal Health ◽  
Welfare Issue ◽  
And Performance

The elevation of ambient temperature beyond the thermoneutral zone leads to heat stress, which is a growing health and welfare issue for homeothermic animals aiming to maintain relatively constant reproducibility and survivability. Particularly, global warming over the past decades has resulted in more hot days with more intense, frequent, and long-lasting heat waves, resulting in a global surge in animals suffering from heat stress. Heat stress causes pathophysiological changes in animals, increasing stress sensitivity and immunosuppression, consequently leading to increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and related neuroinflammation. Probiotics, as well as prebiotics and synbiotics, have been used to prevent or reduce stress-induced negative effects on physiological and behavioral homeostasis in humans and various animals. The current data indicate dietary supplementation with a Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic has similar functions in poultry. This review highlights the recent findings on the effects of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis on skeletal health of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress. It provides insights to aid in the development of practical strategies for improving health and performance in poultry.

scholarly journals Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Some Wild-Gathered Tropical Plant Seeds

1996 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ikechukwu E. Ezeagu ◽  
Cornelia C. Metges ◽  
Jürgen Proll ◽  
Klaus J. Petzke ◽  
Akintunde O. Akinsoyinu
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Total Carbohydrate ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Plant Seeds ◽  
Tropical Plant ◽  
Gross Energy ◽  
Alternative Sources

As part of the search for alternative sources of food to alleviate hunger, this study reports the approximate total contents of soluble sugars, starch, and gross energy of nine lesser-known wild-gathered plant seeds. High crude protein levels occurred in Lonchocarpus sericeus (28.03%), Albizia zygia (32.90%), and Gliricidia septum (34.15%). High levels of fat occurred in Entandrophragma angolense (59.30%), L. sericeus (34.15%), and Millettia thonningii (30.66%). Low levels of crude protein but high levels of total carbohydrate were found in Diospyros mespiliformis (77.21% carbohydrate), Daneillia ogea (74.32% carbohydrate), and Afzelia belle (53.96% carbohydrate). Starch contents were high in A. zygia (40.46%), D. ogea (69.62%), and A. belle (51.43%). The seeds with high fat content invariably showed high gross energy levels: E. angolense (30.9 kJ/g), L. sericeus (24.37 kJ/g), and M. thonningii (25.12 kJ/g). The results are compared to those for soya bean and other common staples. It is concluded that these less familiar wild seed plants should not be ignored, but further investigation into possible toxic and antinutrient factors, amino acid patterns, digestibility, and fatty acid composition is still required before recommendations are made.

scholarly journals Diverging Responses of Two Subtropical Tree Species (Schima superba and Cunninghamia lanceolata) to Heat Waves

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 513
Author(s):  
Luping Qu ◽  
Hans J. De Boeck ◽  
Huihua Fan ◽  
Gang Dong ◽  
Jiquan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Transport ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Cunninghamia Lanceolata ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Xylem Embolism ◽  
Schima Superba ◽  
High Vapor ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Coniferous Tree Species

The frequency and intensity of heat waves (HWs) has increased in subtropical regions in recent years. The mechanism underlying the HW response of subtropical trees remains unclear. In this study, we conducted an experiment with broad-leaved Schima superba (S. superba) and coniferous Cunninghamia lanceolata (C. lanceolata) seedlings to examine HW (5-day long) effects on stem water transport, leaf water use efficiency (WUE), morphology and growth, and to elucidate differences in the responses of both species. Our results indicated that HWs can significantly reduce hydraulic conductivity in both species. C. lanceolata experienced significant xylem embolism, with the percentage loss of conductivity (PLC) increasing by 40%, while S. superba showed a non-significant increase in PLC (+25%). Furthermore, HW also caused a reduction in photosynthesis rates (An), but transpiration rates (Tr) increased on the 5th day of the HW, together leading to a significant decrease in leaf WUE. From diurnal dynamics, we observed that the HW caused significant decrease of S. superba An only in the morning, but nearly the all day for C. lanceolata. During the morning, with a high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) environment, the HW increased Tr, which contributed a lot to latently cooling the foliage. In comparing the two tree species, we found that HW effects on S. superba were mostly short-term, with leaf senescence but limited or no xylem embolism. The surviving S. superba recovered rapidly, forming new branches and leaves, aided by their extensive root systems. For C. lanceolata, continued seedling growth initially but with subsequent xylem embolism and withering of shoots, led to stunted recovery and regrowth. In conclusion, apart from the direct thermal impacts caused by HW, drought stress was the main cause of significant negative effects on plant water transport and the photosynthetic system. Furthermore, S. superba and C. lanceolata showed clearly different responses to HW, which implies that the response mechanisms of broad-leaved and coniferous tree species to climate change can differ.

scholarly journals Appraisal of Biodegradable Mulching Films and Vegetal-Derived Biostimulant Application as Eco-Sustainable Practices for Enhancing Lettuce Crop Performance and Nutritive Value

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugenio Cozzolino ◽  
Maria Giordano ◽  
Nunzio Fiorentino ◽  
Christophe El-Nakhel ◽  
Antonio Pannico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Plant Extract ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Nitrate Content ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Tropical Plant ◽  
Biodegradable Mulch ◽  
Mulching Films

Scientists, extensions specialists, and growers are seeking sustainable agricultural practices that are able to cope with these objectives in order to ensure global food security and minimize environmental damage. The use of mulching films and plant biostimulants in agriculture seems to be a valid solution for tackling these rising concerns. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to elucidate the morpho-physiological and nutritive characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in response to foliar application of a tropical plant extract (PE) biostimulant and the use of plastic mulches. Two biodegradable mulch treatments (Mater-Bi® 1 and Mater-Bi® 2) were compared to black polyethylene (LDPE) and bare soil. Biodegradable mulch film Mater-Bi® 1 produced a comparable marketable fresh yield to the commercial standard polyethylene (LDPE), whereas Mater-Bi® 2 exhibited the highest crop productivity. When averaged over biostimulant application, lettuce plants grown with biodegradable film Mater-Bi® 2 exhibited superior quality traits in terms of K, Ca, total ascorbic acid, and carotenoids content. The combination of film mulching (LDPE, Mater-Bi® 1 or Mater-Bi® 2) with the tropical plant extract biostimulant exhibited a positive and significant synergistic effect (+30%) on yield. The PE-biostimulant induced higher values of SPAD index and total chlorophyll content when compared to untreated greenhouse lettuce. The mineral content of leaf tissues was greater by 10% and 17% (for P and Ca, respectively) when compared to the untreated lettuce (no PE application). Nitrate content was significantly reduced by 23% in greenhouse lettuce plants receiving PE as compared to the untreated control. The positive effect of Mater-Bi® 2 film on the ascorbic acid content has also been highlighted when combined with the biostimulant application, where a major amplification of total ascorbic acid (+168%) was recorded in comparison to the untreated lettuce. Overall, our work can assist leafy vegetables growers in adopting good agricultural practices, such as biodegradable plastic mulches and vegetal-derived biostimulants, to improve the sustainability of greenhouse production.

scholarly journals EFFECTIVENESS OF POSTHARVEST SOLUTIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF CUT Oncidium varicosum (ORCHIDACEAE) INFLORESCENCES

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Fabrino Machado Mattiuz ◽  
Ben-Hur Mattiuz ◽  
Teresinha de Jesus Deléo Rodrigues ◽  
Kelly Magalhães Marques ◽  
Ramilo Nogueira Martins
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Distilled Water ◽  
Cut Flowers ◽  
Color Intensity ◽  
Tropical Plant ◽  
Relative Water ◽  
Postharvest Life

The orchid Oncidium varicosum is a tropical plant with significant commercial value due to the beauty of its yellow inflorescences. Several authors have observed a reduction in the water content of cut flowers, consequently, wilting and senescence of petals are the main reasons for the termination of the decorative life of cut flowers. In this research, we studied the effects of several chemical compounds on the postharvest life of cut inflorescences of Oncidium varicosum 'Samurai'. These chemicals are as follows: sucrose (5%) plus 8-hidroxiquinoline citrate (8-HQC) (100 mg L-1) plus silver nitrate (AgNO3) (50 mg L-1); sucrose (5%) plus citric acid (75 mg L-1); quaternary ammonia at 30% (50 mg L-1); and sucrose (5%) plus quaternary ammonia at 30% (50 mg L-1). The highest values for average of relative water content, reducing carbohydrates and soluble sugars were recorded in the flowers treated with the sucrose (5%) plus 8-HQC (100 mg L-1) plus AgNO3 (50 mg L-1) solution. A reduction in color intensity occurred at 12 days postharvest in all treatments and the carotenoid content was reduced to the greatest extent in flowers maintained in distilled water. The lowest numbers of open flowers were observed at 12 and 15 days in the distilled water and quaternary ammonium treatments, being that the others treatments favored the anthesis. The Oncidium inflorescences treated with sucrose plus HQC plus AgNO3 demonstrated a higher number of open flowers and reached the longest longevity (22 days).

scholarly journals Application of jasmonic acid can mitigate water deficit stress in cotton through yield-related physiological properties

2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehdi Yosefi ◽  
Shahram Sharafzadeh ◽  
Forood Bazrafshan ◽  
Mahdi Zare ◽  
Bahram Amiri
Keyword(s):  
Jasmonic Acid ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Water Deficit ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Water Deficit Stress ◽  
Cotton Yield ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Semiarid Regions ◽  
Arid And Semiarid

Precise and appropriate management of farmland for a cotton crop to reach the highest water use efficiency with a low water supply and an acceptable yield is required in arid- and semiarid regions. This study in Iran aimed to find the most appropriate concentration of jasmonic acid (JA) and the best stage for application to cope with any negative impacts of water deficit stress. A split-plot factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was used in 2 consecutive years (2016–2017). Two irrigation intervals of 10 and 20 days were used, with four concentrations of JA (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg L<sup>−1</sup> ) and applications at three crop stages (vegetative, reproductive, and vegetative and reproductive together). The final results showed that the 20-day interval significantly decreased relative water content, the quantity of cotton, cotton yield and its related traits including boll number per plant, the 1,000-seed weight, seed cotton yield, lint yield, and lint percentage. It also increased the content of proline and soluble sugars. The 50-mg L<sup>−1</sup> concentration of JA applied at the vegetative-reproductive stages appropriately mitigated the negative effects of water deficit. These results are of practical application for farmers in arid- and semiarid regions with low water supply when irrigating cotton lands in order to reach an acceptable cotton yield.

scholarly journals Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture: The Case of Small Southern Mediterranean Country

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abderrazek Ben Maatoug ◽  
triki bilel ◽  
donia aloui
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Crop Insurance ◽  
Mediterranean Country ◽  
Southern Mediterranean ◽  
Rcp 8.5 ◽  
Potential Losses

Abstract In this study, we examined the effect of climate change on the incomes of farmers in a southern Mediterranean country. We proposed that crop insurance could be potentially used as a means to adapt to climate change. Using panel data for Tunisian regions, we were able to highlight the important effects of climate change on crops yields by considering two scenarios of the Representative Concentration Pathways, namely RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. In the long term (i.e., in 2050 and 2100), we expect increasingly frequent heat waves to occur, leading to a rise in droughts for all regions of Tunisia. We therefore recommend that farmers seek to insure themselves against the risks of drought and flood to their crops, because we feel this may be an attractive device for compensating them for any potential losses of income.

scholarly journals The Effect of The Extremes Heat Waves on Mortality Rates in Baghdad During the Period (2004-2018)

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Zahraa Mousa Hassan ◽  
Monim H. Al-Jiboori ◽  
Hazima M. Al-Abassi
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Stage Model ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
The Past ◽  
High Death Rate ◽  
High Death ◽  
Day By Day

In a previous couple of decades, serious heatwaves were illustrative of the climate conditions in different pieces of the world. They had unmistakably negative effects on people, plants, creatures, and distinctive monetary segments. Especially in urban areas, where most people are living, their prosperity, productivity and wellbeing were influenced, which even caused a generally high death rate. This is the reason an enormous intrigue still exists to analyze heat waves in the past by utilization of measurable strategies. As an examination on heatwaves isn't accessible for the domain of Baghdad city up to now, a review examination was directed. Its primary points were (1) to decide the recurrence of heatwave scenes for this nation and (2) to analyze their spatiotemporal dissemination, term, and force. Based on Baghdad city, from the Iraqi Meteorological Organization and Seismology and Ministry of Health day by day estimations of most extreme air temperature (Tmax) in summer months (June to August) were utilized to decide heatwave scenes as indicated by the definition prescribed by the IPCC. For all stations, total and dependable Tmax time arrangements were accessible for the period 2004–2018 concerning a few stations. We tried the 95th thresholds percentile. The extra wave impacts were assessed utilizing a one-stage model to guarantee that their belongings were evaluated subsequent to expelling the general impact of temperature.

scholarly journals Biostimulant Application with a Tropical Plant Extract Enhances Corchorus olitorius Adaptation to Sub-Optimal Nutrient Regimens by Improving Physiological Parameters

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petronia Carillo ◽  
Giuseppe Colla ◽  
Christophe El-Nakhel ◽  
Paolo Bonini ◽  
Luisa D’Amelia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Nutrient Solution ◽  
Plant Extract ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
Leaf Growth ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Co2 Assimilation ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Corchorus Olitorius ◽  
Tropical Plant

The emerging role of plant biostimulants in enhancing nutrient efficiency is important for maintaining soil fertility under sub-optimal nutrient regimens. We aimed to elucidate the morpho-physiological and biochemical effects as well as mineral composition changes of greenhouse jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) treated with a commercial vegetal-derived biostimulant from a tropical plant extract (PE; Auxym®, Italpollina, Rivoli Veronese, Italy). Plants were sprayed in weekly intervals with a solution containing 2 mL·L−1 PE. Jute plants were supplied with three nutrient solution concentrations: full-, half-, and quarter-strength. Decreasing macronutrient concentrations in the nutrient solution (NS), especially at quarter-strength, triggered a decrease in several morphological (plant height, leaf number, and dry biomass) and physiological (net CO2 assimilation rate (ACO2) and SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) index) parameters. PE application triggered specific ameliorative effects in terms of fresh yield at both half- and quarter-strength nutrient solution (15.5% and 29.5%, respectively). This was associated with an enhancement in ACO2, SPAD index, and especially the nutritional status (high nitrate, K, and Mg contents, and low Na content). The foliar application of PE, strongly increased chlorophyll b content, enhancing jute plant adaptation to fluctuating light and therefore the efficiency of photosynthesis, positively affecting starch, soluble proteins, and total amino acids content but only when jute plants were irrigated with full-strength NS, compared to the respective control treatment. At lower nutrient strength, PE reprogrammed the nitrogen distribution, allowing its remobilization from glutamate, which was quantitatively the major amino acid under lower nutrient strength, but not from chlorophylls, thus maintaining efficient photosynthesis. We confirmed that PE Auxym® acts in a balanced manner on the main metabolic pathways of the plant, regulating the uptake and transport of mineral nutrients and protein synthesis, increasing the accumulation of essential amino acids under full nutritive solutions, and re-distributing nitrogen from amino acids to allow leaf growth and expansion even under sub-optimal nutrient conditions. Overall, the use of natural plant biostimulants may be a potential solution in low-input conditions, where environmental constraints and restricted use of fertilizers may affect potential crop productivity.

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