Trichoderma-Based Biostimulants Modulate Rhizosphere Microbial Populations and Improve N Uptake Efficiency, Yield, and Nutritional Quality of Leafy Vegetables

Abstract Plants acquire multiple resources from the environment and may need to adjust and/or balance their respective resource-use efficiencies to maximize grow and survival, in a locally adaptive manner. In this study, tissue and whole-plant carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) and C/N ratios provided long-term measures of use efficiencies for water (WUE) and nitrogen (NUE), and a nitrogen isotopic composition (δ15N) based mass balance model was used to estimate traits related to N uptake and assimilation in heart-leaved willow (Salix eriocephala Michx.). In an initial common garden experiment consisting of 34 populations, we found population level variation in δ13C, C/N and δ15N, indicating different patterns in WUE, NUE and N uptake and assimilation. Although there was no relationship between foliar δ13C and C/N ratios among populations, there was a significant negative correlation between these measures across all individuals, implying a genetic and/or plastic trade-off between WUE and NUE not associated with local adaptation. To eliminate any environmental effect, we grew a subset of 21 genotypes hydroponically with nitrate as the sole N-source, and detected significant variation in δ13C, δ15N and C/N ratios. Variation in δ15N was mainly due to genotypic differences in the nitrate efflux/influx ratio (E/I) at the root. Both experiments suggested clinal variation in δ15N (and thus N uptake efficiency) with latitude of origin, which may relate to water availability and could contribute to global patterns in ecosystem δ15N. There was a tendency for genotypes with higher WUE to come from more water replete sites with shorter and cooler growing seasons. We found that δ13C, C/N, and E/I were not inter-correlated, suggesting that selection of growth, WUE, NUE and N uptake efficiency can occur without trade-off.

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Nutritional quality of some wild leafy vegetables in South Africa

International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition ◽

10.1080/09637480701777928 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 60 (5) ◽

pp. 424-431 ◽

Cited By ~ 66

Author(s):

A. J. Afolayan ◽

F. O. Jimoh

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Nutritional Quality ◽

Leafy Vegetables

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Nutritional quality of selected African leafy vegetables cultivated under varying water regimes and different harvests

South African Journal of Botany ◽

10.1016/j.sajb.2019.06.016 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 126 ◽

pp. 78-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

I. Maseko ◽

B. Ncube ◽

T. Mabhaudhi ◽

S. Tesfay ◽

V.G.P. Chimonyo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Quality ◽

Leafy Vegetables ◽

Water Regimes ◽

African Leafy Vegetables

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Effect of Reduced Nitrogen and Supplemented Amino Acids Nutrient Solution on the Nutritional Quality of Baby Green and Red Lettuce Grown in a Floating System

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10070922 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 922 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pavlos Tsouvaltzis ◽

Dimitrios S. Kasampalis ◽

Danai-Christina Aktsoglou ◽

Nikolaos Barbayiannis ◽

Anastasios S. Siomos

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Nutrient Solution ◽

Nutritional Quality ◽

Mineral Nitrogen ◽

Leafy Vegetables ◽

Nitrate Accumulation ◽

Nitrogen Reduction ◽

Soluble Solid ◽

Floating System

Excessive nitrogen fertilization results in nitrate accumulation in leafy vegetables. Reducing the dose of mineral nitrogen or using alternate fertilizers lowers the nitrate accumulation; however, a critical minimum level of mineral nitrogen is necessary to maintain yield and nutritional quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two levels of mineral nitrogen (100% and 50%) and three levels of an amino acid solution (0, 0.3, and 0.9%) in the nutrient solution of two baby lettuce cultivars (green and red) grown in a floating system. Nitrogen reduction did not affect yield (12.9–13.4 and 11.0–11.3 g/plant, respectively) but reduced nitrate accumulation (by 43 and 19%, respectively) in both green and red lettuce, while enhancing phenolic content (by 28%) and antioxidant capacity (by 69%) in green lettuce and soluble solid (by 7%) and total chlorophyll content (by 9%) in red lettuce. Although nitrate accumulation was prevented (< 355 mg/kg FW) and most nutritional components increased in both lettuce types by amino acids supplementation, plant growth was negatively affected, especially in red lettuce, in both concentrations of amino acids (reduction by 9 and 35% in 0.3 and 0.9%, respectively). In both lettuce types, proline content increased by 0.9% amino acids supplementation (by 45%), implying a probable induction of a stress condition. Mineral nutrients were slightly affected by nitrogen reduction, which was probably perceived as an abiotic stress.

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Effect of Different Levels of Urea Super Granule and Prilled Urea on the Crop Quality, Nutrient Uptake and Soil Nutrient Status of Broccoli

The Agriculturists ◽

10.3329/agric.v15i2.35461 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 24-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

M J Hussain ◽

A J M S Karim ◽

A R M Solaiman ◽

M S Islam ◽

M Rahman

Keyword(s):

Nutrient Uptake ◽

N Uptake ◽

Nutrient Status ◽

Comparative Performance ◽

Chlorophyll Contents ◽

Post Harvest ◽

Uptake Efficiency ◽

Prilled Urea ◽

N Uptake Efficiency ◽

Β Carotene

A field experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during the period 2010-2011 to assess the effect of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) on the quality attributes (Compactness coefficient, Vitamin C, β-carotene and chlorophyll contents) of broccoli, to assess the comparative performance of USG and PU on nutrient uptake and uptake efficiency of broccoli plant, to assess the effect of different forms and levels of urea N on the post harvest soil nutrient status of broccoli field and to select the better doses of USG and PU for quality broccoli production in Shallow Red-Brown Terrace Soil under Madhupur Tract (AEZ-28). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications having 17 treatments constituted with different levels of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) as- T1: N-control, T2: PU-N80, T3: PU-N100, T4: PU-N120, T5: PU-N140, T6: PU-N160, T7: PU-N180, T8: PU-N200, T9: PU-N220, T10: USG-N80, T11: USG-N100, T12: USG-N120, T13: USG-N140, T14: USG-N160, T15: USG-N180, T16: USG-N200, T17 and USG-N220 kg ha-1. Results revealed that the comparative performance of USG in relation to head quality (compactness coefficient, ascorbic acid, β-carotene and chlorophyll content), nutrient (NPKS) uptake and N uptake efficiency was found better as compared to PU. The compactness coefficient, β-carotene and chlorophyll contents were increased with increasing rate of N as well as USG and PU, but ascorbic acid content was slightly decreased with increasing rate of USG and PU. The maximum compactness coefficient (18.61) was found from the treatment USG-N180 that was followed by USG-N160 (18.24) and the highest β-carotene content (0.401 mg/100gFW) was found from USG-N160 followed by PU-N180 (0.40 mg/100gFW). Similarly the highest chlorophyll-a content (0.818 mg/100gFW) was found from USG-N180 followed by USG-N160 (0.814 mg/100gFW) and the highest chlorophyll-b content (1.141mg/100g FW) was recorded from USG-N180. The higher nutrient uptake and N uptake efficiency (108.531%) was obtained from USG treated plots over that of the PU. But N uptake efficiency was decreased with increasing rates of N fertilizer. But post harvest soil nitrogen status did not show any systematic trend although it was found higher in USG over PU. Similarly no remarkable changes were observed in post harvest soil P, K, S and B status for the crop. However, USG @ 160 kg N ha-1 (USG-N160) followed by USG-N140 and PU @ 180 kg N ha-1 (PU-N180) with other recommended doses of fertilizer could be suggested as USG and PU based fertilizer recommendation for a good quality broccoli production in terms of yield and quality in Silty Clay Loam Soil of Madhupur Tract.The Agriculturists 2017; 15(2) 24-39

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Are green caterers more likely to serve healthy meals than non-green caterers? Results from a quantitative study in Danish worksite catering

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/phn2005913 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 846-850 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

BE Mikkelsen ◽

M Bruselius-Jensen ◽

JS Andersen ◽

A Lassen

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Quality ◽

Leafy Vegetables ◽

Organic Foods ◽

Good Opportunity ◽

Green Leafy Vegetables ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Organic Products ◽

Service Training ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate whether organic conversion in catering has positive effects on the nutritional quality of menus offered.DesignThe methodology was based on a self-administered questionnaire. The self-declared priority given to the use of organic foods was measured as the basis for assigning catering managers to one of two groups: ‘green’ or ‘non-green’ caterers. These groups were then compared with regard to the relative nutritional quality of the menu options offered to customers.SettingThe study was carried out among randomly selected Danish worksite catering outlets.SubjectsThe subjects participating in the study comprised 526 Danish worksite catering managers.ResultsThe results showed a strong correlation between caterers' ‘green-ness’ and the nutritional quality of the menu options offered. Green caters had more healthy options in their menus than non-green caters, which is likely to result in improved nutritional quality of the diets of end consumers. The reason for this may partly be the increased service training efforts that green caterers practise in order to be able to implement organic foods successfully. It may also be associated with the fact that the price premiums and availability of the organic products forces caterers to serve menus with higher amounts of root and non-green leafy vegetables, pulses and seasonal vegetables.ConclusionThe present findings suggest that organic conversion of public canteens may be a good opportunity to promote healthier eating in public catering.

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Enhancing the Urea-N Use Efficiency in Maize (Zea mays) Cultivation on Acid Soils Amended with Zeolite and TSP

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1100/tsw.2008.68 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 394-399 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Osumanu H. Ahmed ◽

Aminuddin Hussin ◽

Husni M. H. Ahmad ◽

Anuar A. Rahim ◽

Nik Muhamad Abd. Majid

Keyword(s):

Zea Mays ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Dry Matter ◽

N Uptake ◽

N Use Efficiency ◽

Ammonia Loss ◽

Uptake Efficiency ◽

N Uptake Efficiency ◽

Use Efficiency ◽

N Use

Ammonia loss significantly reduces the urea-N use efficiency in crop production. Efforts to reduce this problem are mostly laboratory oriented. This paper reports the effects of urea amended with triple superphosphate (TSP) and zeolite (Clinoptilolite) on soil pH, nitrate, exchangeable ammonium, dry matter production, N uptake, fresh cob production, and urea-N uptake efficiency in maize (Zea mays) cultivation on an acid soil in actual field conditions. Urea-amended TSP and zeolite treatments and urea only (urea without additives) did not have long-term effect on soil pH and accumulation of soil exchangeable ammonium and nitrate. Treatments with higher amounts of TSP and zeolite significantly increased the dry matter (stem and leaf) production of Swan (test crop). All the treatments had no significant effect on urea-N concentration in the leaf and stem of the test crop. In terms of urea-N uptake in the leaf and stem tissues of Swan, only the treatment with the highest amount of TSP and zeolite significantly increased urea-N uptake in the leaf of the test crop. Irrespective of treatment, fresh cob production was statistically not different. However, all the treatments with additives improved urea-N uptake efficiency compared to urea without additives or amendment. This suggests that urea amended with TSP and zeolite has a potential of reducing ammonia loss from surface-applied urea.

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Isotopic and Nonisotopic Estimation of Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency in Container-grown Woody Ornamentals

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.40.3.665 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 665-669 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

David R. Sandrock ◽

Timothy L. Righetti ◽

Anita N. Azarenko

Keyword(s):

N Uptake ◽

Regression Line ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Fertilizer N ◽

Tracer Method ◽

Total N ◽

Uptake Efficiency ◽

N Uptake Efficiency ◽

Total Plant ◽

Fertilizer N Uptake

Cornus sericea L., Weigela florida (Bunge) A. DC., and Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Sieb were grown outside in 3.8-L plastic containers for 345 days (1 Apr. 2001 to 11 Mar. 2002). Nitrogen (N) was applied at rates (NAR) of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg·L–1 and delivered as aqueous double-labeled 15N depleted NH4NO3 (min 99.95% atom 14N). In all species, root, shoot, and total plant dry weight increased with increasing NARs while root to shoot ratios decreased. Similarly, root, shoot, and total plant N increased with NAR for each species, and at each NAR more N was stored in the roots than in the shoots. Estimation of fertilizer N uptake determined by the total N method was higher for all species and at each NAR than estimation of N uptake determined by the fertilizer 15N tracer method. Fertilizer N uptake efficiency determined by the total N method was highest at 25 mg·L–1 and decreased as NARs increased. In contrast fertilizer N uptake efficiency determined by the fertilizer 15N tracer method was lowest at 25 mg·L–1 and increased or remained relatively constant as NARs increased. Differences in N uptake and N uptake efficiency can be attributed to overestimation by the total N method due to the inclusion of nonfertilizer N and underestimation by the fertilizer 15N tracer method due to pool substitution. Corrected N uptake efficiency values can be calculated by adjusting the original data (total N or 15N uptake) by the distance between the origin and the y intercept of the regression line representing the data.

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Productivity and nitrogen use efficiency parameters in cotton cultivars with varying N levels and soil types under rainfed conditions

Acta Agronomica Hungarica ◽

10.1556/aagr.55.2007.3.15 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 55 (3) ◽

pp. 383-391 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

M. Venugopalan ◽

K. Hebbar ◽

P. Tiwary ◽

S. Chatterji ◽

V. Ramamurthy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nitrogen Use Efficiency ◽

Production Efficiency ◽

N Uptake ◽

Utilization Efficiency ◽

Nitrogen Use ◽

Uptake Efficiency ◽

N Uptake Efficiency ◽

N Utilization ◽

Rainfed Conditions ◽

Use Efficiency

A field experiment was conducted under rainfed conditions, on a shallow soil (Inceptisol) underlain with weathered basalt and on a deep soil (Vertisol) to evaluate three cotton cultivars [AKH 4 ( Gossypium arboreum ), LRK 516 ( G. hirsutum ) and NHH 44 (intra- hirsutum hybrid)] under four levels of N (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha −1 ) and to analyse the variations in productivity using the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) parameter. The yield of AKH4 and NHH 44 was 101 and 89% higher than that of LRK 516. The yield and the response to N were higher on the Inceptisol. The enhanced yield and NUE of AKH 4 and NHH 44 were attributed to the improved efficiency of N uptake utilization. NUE declined from 21.6 at 40 kg ha −1 to 7.7 at 120 kg N ha −1 . The N uptake efficiency and N utilization efficiency were independent of each other, but complemented each other in improving NUE. The implications of variations in NUE, N uptake efficiency and N utilization efficiency and their components, N biomass production efficiency and HI, in cotton breeding and agronomy are also discussed.

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Production of Fruits and Leafy Vegetables Solanum nigrum Linn under Different Shade Levels

Journal of Tropical Crop Science ◽

10.29244/jtcs.5.2.64-72 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 64-72

Author(s):

Nani Yulianti ◽

Edi Santosa ◽

Anas Dinurrohman Susila

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Quality ◽

Spherical Shape ◽

Solanum Nigrum ◽

Leafy Vegetables ◽

Canopy Architecture ◽

Young Shoot ◽

Shoot Production ◽

Harvesting Method ◽

Indigenous Vegetables

Fruits and young shoot of Solanum nigrum Linn are harvested and consumed as indigenous vegetables by different Indonesian ethnics. Preharvest factors and harvesting methods to maximize the quality of S. nigrum produce is still unknown. In this study S. nigrum was grown in full irradiance and under shading and assessed for their growth, and fruit and shoot yields. The experiment was conducted at the Leuwikopo Experimental Farm in Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia from April-July 2017. The results demonstrated that plants produced more fruits and shoots in full irradiance, i.e., 687.9 g and 211.1 g per plant, whereas only 331.1 g and 116.9 g per plant were produced in 50% shading. Although fruit and shoot production were superior under full irradiance, shoot-harvested plants had healthier leaves and life span of about 2 months longer thus facilitating longer availability. Canopy of shoot-harvested plants formed a columnar shape with 23 to 45 cm in height, in contrast to spherical shape with 48 to 203 cm in height of the fruit-harvested plants. It is likely that shading level might contribute to farmers’ decision to harvest the shoots or fruits of S. nigrum. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of shading levels on nutritional quality of the shoots and fruits of S. nigrum. Keywords: African nightshade, canopy architecture, harvesting method, indigenous vegetable, intercropping

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