Effects of Alkali-Activated Algae Biochar on Soil Improvement after Phosphorus Absorption: Efficiency and Mechanism

Biochar is often used for the removal of phosphorus in wastewater. However, the improper treatment of adsorbed biochar might cause secondary pollution. In order to promote the recycling and harmless utilization of biochar with adsorbed phosphorus, a new modified biochar (ABC) was prepared from cyanobacteria in this study. The maximum adsorption capacity of ABC calculated from the Langmuir isotherm model was 38.17 mg·g−1. ABC was used to absorb phosphorus in wastewater, whose product (ABC/P) was used for soil improvement and soybean cultivation. The results showed that adding the proper amount of ABC/P could significantly increase the pH of the soil (from 6.52 ± 0.04 to 7.49 ± 0.08), organic matter content (from 34.02 ± 0.41 to 47.05 ± 0.14 g·kg−1), cation exchange capacity (from 3.01 ± 0.18 to 3.76 ± 0.07 cmol·kg−1), water-holding capacity (from 28.78 ± 0.34 to 35.03 ± 0.31%), effective phosphorus content, and total phosphorus content. Meanwhile, the soil alkaline phosphatase activity was improved. The plant height, root length, and fresh quality were promoted by planting soybeans in ABC/P-improved soil and were better than those of the control group. Therefore, ABC/P, as a new type of phosphorus fertilizer, has the potential for soil amendment for legume crops.

Pathogenic Microbes Increase Plant Dependence on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: A Meta-Analysis

Numerous studies have confirmed that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can promote plant nitrogen and phosphorus absorption, and prime systemic plant defense to plant pathogenic microbes. Despite that, the information on the interaction between AMF and plant pathogenic microbes is limited, especially the influence of plant pathogenic microbes on the effect of AMF promoting plant growth. In this study, 650 independent paired-wise observations from 136 published papers were collected and used to calculate the different effect of AMF with plant pathogenic microbes (DAPP) in promoting plant growth through meta-analysis. The results showed that AMF had a higher effect size on plant growth with pathogenic microbes comparing to without pathogenic microbes, including the significant effects in shoot and total fresh biomass, and shoot, root, and total dry biomass. The results of the selection models revealed that the most important factor determining the DAPP on plant dry biomass was the harm level of plant pathogenic microbes on the plant dry biomass, which was negatively correlated. Furthermore, the change of AMF root length colonization (RLC) was the sub-important factor, which was positively correlated with the DAPP. Taken together, these results have implications for understanding the potential and application of AMF in agroecosystems.

Aspergillus spp. and Bacillus spp. as Growth Promoters in Cotton Plants Under Greenhouse Conditions

This study aimed to verify the potential of three Aspergillus and Bacillus species as growth promoters in cotton plants under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted with a completely randomized design with seven treatments (six microorganisms plus one control) and five replicates until the flowering stage at 70 days after emergence. The inoculation of cotton plants with Bacillus velezensis (Bv188) and Bacillus subtilis (Bs248 and Bs290) had a positive effect on total nitrogen extraction (899.31, 962.18, and 755.41 mg N/kg dry matter, respectively) compared to the control (459.31 mg N/kg dry weight), total phosphorus extraction (121.94, 124.31, and 99.27 mg P/kg dry matter, respectively) compared to the control (65.10 mg P/kg dry matter), and total dry matter (41.08, 43.59, and 49.86 g/plant, respectively) compared to the control (26.70 g/plant), as well as biomass carbon (72.26, 35.18, and 14.7 mg/kg soil, respectively). Cotton plants inoculated with Aspergillus brasiliensis (F111), Aspergillus sydowii (F112), and Aspergillus sp. (versicolor section) (F113) had higher total nitrogen extraction (953.33, 812.59, and 891.62 mg N/kg dry matter, respectively) compared to the control (459.31 mg N/kg dry matter), a higher total phosphorus (122.30, 104.86, and 118.45 mg P/kg dry matter, respectively) compared to the control (65.10 mg P/kg dry matter), a higher total dry matter (37.52, 37.41, and 53.02 g/plant) compared to the control (26.70 g/plant), and greater respiratory activity (14.98, 10.43, and 7.11 mg CO2/100 g soil, respectively) compared to the control (3.5 mg CO2/100 g soil). The fungi A. brasiliensis (F111) and A. sydowii (F112) promoted higher phosphorus absorption by cotton plants, which was reflected by the lower amount of nutrients in the soil (7.10 and 16.96 g P/dm3 soil) than in the control (26.91 g P/dm3 soil). The results suggest that B. subtilis 248 promoted an increase in phosphorus extracted from the roots and total and phosphorous compounds from the root dry matter and increased the value of soil respiratory activity, and this bacterium could be used as an inoculant in cotton crops.

Intestinal Phosphorus Absorption in Moderate CKD and Healthy Adults Determined Using a Radioisotopic Tracer

BackgroundReducing intestinal phosphorus absorption is a cornerstone in CKD-MBD management. Yet, knowledge gaps include how CKD pathophysiology affects intestinal phosphorus absorption. In vivo rodent studies suggest that intestinal phosphorus absorption remains inappropriately normal in early-moderate CKD, despite declining 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D). We measured intestinal phosphorus absorption in patients with moderate CKD versus healthy adults using a direct radiotracer method.MethodsPatients with CKD and healthy adults matched for age, sex, and race were enrolled in this 8-day controlled diet study: the first 6 days outpatient and the final 2 days inpatient. Oral and intravenous doses of 33P and serial blood and urine sampling determined intestinal phosphorus absorption during the final 2 days. Secondary outcomes included fasting biochemistries and 24-hour urine phosphorus (uP).ResultsIn total, n=8 patients with CKD (eGFR=29–55 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and n=8 matched healthy controls completed the study. On a controlled diet, no difference in fractional intestinal phosphorus absorption was detected between patients with CKD and healthy adults (0.69 versus 0.62, respectively; P=0.52), and this was similar for 24-hour uP (884 versus 935 mg/d, respectively; P=0.70). Fractional intestinal phosphorus absorption was not significantly related to 24-hour uP. Patients with CKD had higher serum intact PTH and intact FGF23 and lower 1,25D. The relationship between 1,25D and fractional intestinal phosphorus absorption was not statistically significant.ConclusionsIntestinal phosphorus absorption with typical dietary intake did not differ in patients with moderate CKD compared with controls, despite lower serum 1,25D levels. In this setting, a relationship between 24-hour uP and fractional or absolute intestinal absorption was not evident. Further investigation is needed to determine what factors influence intestinal phosphorus absorption in CKD and the apparent lack of compensation by the intestine to limit phosphorus absorption in the face of declining kidney function and reduced 1,25D. Whether this is evident across a range of dietary phosphorus intakes, as well as CKD severity, also needs to be determined.Clinical Trial registry name and registration number:Phosphorus Absorption in Healthy Adults and in Patients with Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease, NCT03108222

APPLICATIONS OF MOLECULAR MARKERS AND GENOMIC TOOLS IN PEARL MILLET [CENCHRUS AMERICANUS (L.) MORRONESYN. PENNISETUM GLAUCUM (L.) R. BR.]

Thisreviewsummarizesthemainmolecularmarkersandtheirapplicationson pearl milletaswellasasummaryof the discoveriesonitsreferencegenome.Molecularmarkers,unlikemorphologicalandbiochemicalmarkers,arehighlypolymorphicandneutral. Theirgreatliabilitycomesfromthefactthattheydirectlyconcern the DNA.Theyhavebeenwidelyusedonpearl millet,rangingfromlow andmedium-throughputtohigh-throughput markers, targetingspecificregionsorcharacterizinggermplasmat thegenomelevel. Many studiesrelatetomappingusingdifferentpopulationsandhaveidentifiedQTLslinkedtoimportantagronomictraits(floweringtime,tolerancetodrought,to mildew,phosphorus absorption),iron content...Studieshavealsobeenconductedondomesticationsyndromeandshowedtheir importance of genes flowfromwildmilletstocultivatedvarieties. Genotyping-by-Sequencing - a rapid, cost-effective and reduced representation sequencing method – has been used to assess genetic diversity, population structure, LD and heterotic pool formation in pearl millet. A draft genome sequence that can serve as a reference for further development of genomics-assisted breeding is now available. It is an important milestone in generating genomic resources for pearl millet. Annotation of 24,000 genes indicates that enrichment of wax biosynthesis genes providing potential genetic mechanisms for heat and drought tolerance. Althoughmolecularmarkersarewidelyappliedtomillet,geneticandgenomicresourcesarestilllimitedcomparedtootherimportantcereals.However,theavailabilityofacollectionofinbredlinesrepresentativeofgermplasmandareferencegenomeoffernewperspectivesintheimprovement of pearl millet.

ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI (AMF) CHARACTERIZATION IN RHIZOSPHERE of Gigantochloa atter

Mycorrhizae are typical structures found in a plant's root system found symbiotic mutualism between fungi (myces) and roots (rhiza). Mycorrhizae have an essential role for plants because they can increase water and nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus absorption. The purpose of this study was to determine the mycorrhizal genera on the roots of parring bamboo plants (Gigantochloa atter) in Sabantang Hamlet, Toddopulia Village, Tanralili District, Maros Regency because there is no scientific information regarding this issue. This research was conducted with the wet filter method or sieving. The isolation of spores from the rhizosphere of Gigantochloa atter samples was carried out by referring to the pouring method and wet sieving using a stratified filter set. Staining techniques were used to observe the colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal structures in the roots of the sample plants. The results showed that 27 spores were found, consisting of 15 spores of the Glomus genera, three spores of the Gigaspora genera, and nine Acaulospora genera. Observation of the root structure has not shown the presence of vesicular and arbuscular. However, only hyphae and spore structures were found because the mycorrhizal hyphae in Gigantochloa atter have not yet reached the infection stage to form arbuscular or vesicular structures

The growth response of pokem (Setaria italica L.) inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from tailings area

The purpose of this research was to study the growth response of pokem (Setaria italica), which was inoculated by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from the tailings area. The method used in this research was a completely randomized design of factorial pattern. The factors consisted of AMF types (M)(M0: non-mycorrhizal, M1: Claroideoglomus etunicatum BGR, M2: C. lamellosum B1107S, M3: C. etunicatum L3101D), and inoculum density (I) (I: 5 g, II: 10 g per pot of planting media) with 8 replicates. The source of inoculum C. lamellosum B1107S and C. etunicatum L3101D originated from tailings in the gold mining area of Timika. The results showed that inoculation of C. etunicatum L3101D could increase the plant growth better than C. etunicatum BGR and C. lamellosum B1107S. Significant growth occurred on the parameters of the height of the plants, leaf area, dry weight and fresh weight of the plants, relative growth rate, and phosphorus absorption by the plants. The amount of nitrogen tended to decrease with AMF treatment, but it was not significant, whereas K has insiginificantly increased. The propagule density treatment increased plant growth on all parameters. The best growth occurred if the type C. etunicatum L3101D was inoculated with 10 g of propagule per planting media.

ANALYSIS OF CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM IN THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF THE CATTLE

Проблема и цель. Целью настоящего исследования является анализ состояния обмена кальция и фосфора в организме оперированных бычков при разных типах кормления. Методология. Для изучения процессов минерального обмена в организме животных было проведено исследование методом латинского квадрата с использованием приемов экспериментальной хирургии, в частности, установки фистулы рубца и кишечного анастомоза. Были изучены такие показатели как поедаемость кормов рациона, содержание изучаемых минеральных веществ и их соотношений в исходном сырье, кормах, дуоденальном химусе, кале, моче, крови, а также количество потребленных, усвоенных и использованных минеральных веществ, в частности, кальция и фосфора. Результаты. В ходе исследования было отмечено резкое снижение кальция и фосфора в растительном сырье и кормах, заготовленных на более поздней стадии вегетации, а также более низкий уровень поедаемости подобных кормов, что приводит к снижению концентрации данных веществ в рационе и в организме животных. Анализ метаболизма изучаемых минеральных веществ выявил, что коэффициент усвоения фосфора во всех случаях был достоверно выше коэффициента усвоения кальция. Наблюдалось снижение коэффициента усвоения фосфора у бычков в группах, получавших корма, приготовленные на более поздней стадии вегетации. Кроме того, коэффициент усвоения фосфора в группах, получавших силос, был выше, чем в группах, получавших сенаж. В случае с кальцием такой четкой зависимости выявлено не было, но и в этом случае прослеживалась тенденция относительного увеличения коэффициента усвоения у животных в группах, использовавших силосные рационы. Анализ содержания фосфора в крови показал повышение его концентрации при использовании силосных рационов, что объясняется активизацией процессов межуточного обмена. Заключение. Результаты исследования показали, что метаболизм кальция и фосфора в организме зависит от целого ряда факторов, и для правильной корректировки рационов с целью повышения эффективности их использования необходим комплексный анализ их состава и структуры. Problem and purpose. The purpose of this study was to analyze the state of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the organism of operated bulls with diferent types of feeding.Methodology. To study the processes of mineral metabolism in animals, an investigation was carried out using the Latin square method using the techniques of experimental surgery, in particular, the installation of a scar fstula and intestinal anastomosis. The following parameters were studied: the feed intake of the diet, the content of the studied minerals and their ratios in the initial raw materials, feed, duodenal chyme, feces, urine, blood, as well as the amount of consumed, assimilated and used minerals, in particular calcium and phosphorus. Results. In the course of the study, a sharp decrease in calcium and phosphorus in plant materials and feeds prepared at a later stage of the growing season was noted, as well as a lower level of consumption of such feeds, which led to a decrease in the concentration of these substances in the diet and in animals. The analysis of the metabolism of the studied mineral substances revealed that the coefcient of phosphorus absorption in all cases was signifcantly higher than the coefcient of calcium absorption. There was a decrease in the coefcient of phosphorus assimilation in bulls in the groups that received feed prepared at a later stage of the growing season. In addition, the phosphorus absorption rate in the silage-fed groups was higher than that in the haylage-fed groups. In the case of calcium, such a clear relationship was not revealed, but in this case, there was also a tendency towards a relative increase in the absorption coefcient in animals in the groups that used silage rations. Analysis of the phosphorus content in the blood showed an increase in its concentration when using silage rations, which was explained by the activation of the processes of interstitial metabolism. Conclusion. The results of the study showed that the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the body depends on a number of factors, and a comprehensive analysis of their composition and structure is required for the correct adjustment of diets in order to increase the efciency of their use.