Metagenomic analysis decodes the fungal diversity of bio-dynamic preparations

Aim: Biodynamic farming system involves use of 8 different biodynamic preparations (BD 500-BD 507). Multi functionality of any ecosystem is due to its microbial diversity and community composition of microbes. So the present study was aimed to determine the total fungal population viz. unculturable ones, metagenomic analysis was done. Methodology: In the present study, 18S rDNA sequencing of V3-V4 amplicon regions was performed to identify and characterize fungal diversity, which existed in these preparations. Results: Alpha diversity was found to be maximum in BD506 with 868 OTU (operational taxanomic units) and minimum in BD507 with 254 OTU. At phylum level, the most abundant phylum was Ascomycota as recorded in 7 BD preparations with exception in the BD 500 (Unassigned). At genus level highest percentage of OTU abundance was observed for unassigned genus in all BD preparations, except Mortierella in BD 500 and BD 502; Microascus in BD 501 and BD504; Gymnoascus in BD503, Scedosporium in BD 505, Mucor in BD 506 and Hyphopichia in BD 507. On the basis of species diversity, BD502, 503 and 506 showed high percentage of OTU abundance for Mucor racemosus, while Mortierella oligospora was abundant in BD500, Dipodascus geotrichum in BD 501, Kernia pachypleura in BD504, Petriella setifera in BD505 and Hyphopichia burtonii in BD 507. Interpretation: This indicated a unqiue class of fungus predominating each type of BD preparation. Furthermore, a large proportion of unassigned fungi at phylum and genus level were detected in metagenome analysis which might have specific roles in contributing for their overall effectiveness of each kind of BD preparations.

The effect of biodynamic preparations on growth and fruit quality of giant pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima D.)

Background Food quality of agricultural crops depends on environmental conditions, production system and cultivation method. A plant-based nutrition with food rich in vitamins, minerals and secondary plant compounds with antioxidative properties promotes human health. This investigation was inspired by an increasing global issue on how to improve product quality while using alternative preparations. The main aim of a 3-year study was to investigate the influence of fermented manure and silica products on yield and nutritive components in peel, fruit and seeds of three pumpkin cultivars. In four replicates as block design, the effects of individually as well as combined application of biodynamic horn manure and horn silica preparation were compared to a control variant. Results Horn manure application significantly increased total and marketable yield. Marketable yield, contents of macroelements, total carotenoids, single carotenoids (lutein + zeaxanthin, lycopene, ß-carotene) and antioxidants (catechins, total phenols, leuco-anthocyanins) were significantly increased by horn silica use. The combination of both biodynamic preparations had a significantly increasing effect on total and marketable yield, net photosynthetic productivity, dry matter content and total and single carotenoid contents (lutein + zeaxanthin, lycopene, ß-carotene). Conclusions The pumpkin trial results indicated a general growth-promoting effect by horn manure, a quality-enhancing effect by horn silica and a compensatory effect through both preparations on a high qualitative level. In accordance with other investigations, these effects did not occur in the same way in all plant species. Therefore, the effects of the biodynamic preparations should be tested in further trials on a plant species-specific basis. Graphic abstract

Technological qualities of common winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in conditions of unconventional agriculture

During the period 2019 - 2020, a study was conducted on soil type calcic chernozem with Venka 1 common winter wheat variety. The experiment is based on the block method, in four replications with a size of the experimental plot of 10 m2. Sowing was carried out in October with a sowing rate of 500 sprouts/m2 after the predecessor sugar beet. In the appropriate periods, treatments were made in 4 variants: 1) Control - untreated variant, 2) Treatment with biodynamic preparations: 500 + Fladen preparation + preparation 501, 3) Treatment with biological preparations: Heliosulfur + Free N. 4) Combined treatment with the same biodynamic and biological preparations. Preparation 500 was applied in the phase of autumn and spring wheat tillering - 5% solution. Preparation 501 was applied in the phase ear formation - 1.5 g for 30 l of water/da. Fladen preparation is applied in the phase of autumn and spring tillering - 1.5% solution. Heliosulfur was applied in the ear formation phase - flowering at a dose of 50 ml/da, at an appropriate date on the biodynamic calendar. Free N was applied to the soil in the phase of autumn and spring tillering at a dose of 50 ml/da, at an appropriate date on the biodynamic calendar. The analysis of the technological qualities is made according to the respective ISO methodology. The statistical data processing was performed with the STATGRAPH program. The application of biodynamic and biological preparations and their joint use leads to an increase in the yield of wet gluten, as well as an increase in the content of N, P, K and protein in wheat grain. It has been proven that the combined use of biodynamic and biological preparations increases the content of dry matter, organic matter and the content of nitrogen-free extracts in wheat grain. The content of crude proteins has been shown to increase only in the varieties treated with biodynamic and biological preparations.

Technological properties of triticale (Secale cereale L.) grown under unconventional agriculture

During the period 2019 - 2020, a study was conducted on soil type calcic chernozem with Kolorit triticale variety. The experiment is based on the block method, in four replications with a size of the experimental plot of 10 m2. Sowing was carried out in October with a sowing rate of 500 sprouts/m2 after the predecessor sugar beet. In the appropriate periods, treatments were made in 4 variants: 1) Control - untreated variant, 2) Treatment with biodynamic preparations: 500 + Fladen preparation + preparation 501, 3) Treatment with biological preparations: Heliosulfur + Free N, 4) Combined treatment with the same biodynamic and biological preparations. Preparation 500 was applied in the phase of autumn and spring triticale tillering - 5% solution. Preparation 501 was applied in the phase of ear formation - 1.5 g for 30 l of water/da. Fladen preparation was applied in the phase of autumn and spring tillering - 1.5% solution. Heliosulfur was applied in the ear formation phase - flowering at a dose of 50 ml/da, on an appropriate date on the biodynamic calendar. Free N was applied to the soil in the phase of autumn and spring tillering at a dose of 50 ml/da, on an appropriate date on the biodynamic calendar. The analysis of the technological qualities is made according to the respective ISO methodology. The statistical data processing was performed with the STATGRAPH program. The application of biodynamic and biological preparations and their joint use leads to an increase in the content of Nitrogen-free Extracts, an increase in the content of Minerals and Ca in the variant treated with a combination of biodynamic and biological preparations. Treatment with biodynamic preparations has been shown to increase the dry matter and organic matter content of the grain, while when compared to the control one, a difference in the same indicators has been observed only in the second year of the experiment with biological preparations. Treatment with biodynamic and biological preparations and their joint use did not affect the content of N, P and K.

Productivity of wheat grown in conditions of unconventional agriculture

The production of clean, healthy and high quality agricultural products is becoming increasingly important. In modern wheat agriculture, research with biological and biodynamic preparations is increasingly presented. With the common variety of winter wheat Venka 1, a study was conducted in the period 2019 - 2020 on carbonate, chernozem soil type, in the experimental field of Agricultural Institute Shumen. The experiment is based on the block method, in four replications with the size of the experimental plot 10 m2. Sowing was carried out in October with a sowing rate of 500 sprouts / m2 after the predecessor sugar flower. In the appropriate periods, treatments were made in 4 variants: 1) Control – untreated variant; 2) Treatment with biodynamic preparations: Preparation 500 + Fladen preparation + preparation 501; 3) Treatment with biological preparations: Heliosulfur + Free N; 4) Combined treatment with the same biodynamic and biological preparations. After the readings of the biometric indicators and the statistical analysis for the first year of the study, a proven positive difference was found in the variant treated with biological preparations on the length of the spike, number and weight of grains per spike. In the second year, a proven positive difference was obtained in the variants treated with biological and biodynamic preparations and in their combination on the length of the spike, number and weight of grains per spike. A difference in the number of spikelets per spike was substantially demonstrated only in the variant treated with biological preparations in the second year of the study. For a proven positive effect in the variant treated with biodynamic preparations, technological time is needed in order to show the real effect of their action on the yield in wheat.

Bioprospecting of microbial isolates from biodynamic preparations for PGPR and biocontrol properties

Aim: To study the role of microorganisms behind their bioenhancing, biocontrol properties, their enzymatic potential, and characterization of high performing microbial isolates on molecular basis. Methodology: Dominant culturable microbes including bacteria and fungi were isolated from biodynamic preparations and screened on the basis of plant-growth promoting (PGP) activities viz., ammonia production, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, hydrogen cyanide production, seed germination efficacy and biocontrol properties. The dominant and effective microorganisms were screened for enzymes activities viz., pectinase, cellulase and amylase. The selected bacterial and fungal isolates, exhibiting higher enzyme activities, were subjected to molecular characterization. Results: Out of 68 bacterial and 25 fungal isolates from 8 biodynamic preparations (BD 500 - BD 507), 15 bacterial isolates exhibited high plant growth promoting activities while 10 bacterial isolates exhibited biocontrol activity against pathogens. Bacillus licheniformis isolated from BD 504, expressed high pectinase (2.595 U ml-1 min-1), cellulase (0.308 U ml-1 min-1) and amylase (0.418 U ml-1 min-1) activities. Fungal isolates with high enzymatic activities, were isolated from BD 500, 503 and 506, respectively. Interpretation: Microorganism isolates from biodynamic preparations possessed strong plant growth promoting, biocontrol and enzymatic properties, which might be responsible for the efficacy of organic preparations under field conditions.

GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY OF YOUNG GRAPEVINES (CV. BRS CARMEM) UNDER ORGANIC AND BIODYNAMIC PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

The biodynamic cultivation method consists of seeing the farm as an agricultural organism; its main goal is soil fertility, along with a rich diversity and biological activity. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth, the physiology and the yield of grapevines cv. BRS Carmem, comparing organic and biodynamic production systems. The experiment was conducted under field conditions in Guarapuava, Paraná State, Southern Brazil planted in September 2013 and evaluated until June 2017. The experimental design was a randomized block with two treatments and six replications. In the plots of biodynamic treatment the following biodynamic preparations were applied: silica horn (501), manure horn (500), 508 (Equisetum hyemale L.) and Fladen. All plants were fertilized with the same organic compost, however, those from the biodynamic treatment received the preparations 502 (Achillea millefolium), 503 (Chamomilla officinalis), 504 (Urtica dioica), 505 (Quercus robus), 506 (Taraxacum officinale) And 507 (Valeriana officinalis). During three consecutive growing seasons the following variables were evaluated: enzyme activity (EC 3.2.1.39) β 1,3 glucanase and (EC 3.2.1.14) chitinase, mildew severity Plasmopara viticola, leaf water potential, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, SPAD index, Measurements of length and diameter of the canes, trunk diameter, weight of the pruning material, number of clusters, cluster length, berry diameter and soluble solids concentration. Biodynamic treatment promoted at least one year greater growth of plants (length and diameter of canes trunk diameter and SPAD index), better physiological response (leaf photosynthetic activity, Rubisco enzyme efficiency, maximum quantum yield of PSII), biochemistry (ß 1,3 glucanases and chitinase enzymes) and consequently greater resistance to disease and productivity.

Research in biodynamic food and farming – a review

Research into biodynamic food and farming has a long history within the biodynamic movement. Whilst the basic aim of this research has always been to provide knowledge for furthering the development of this farming approach, recently interest has increased in sharing research activities and results with the global scientific community. After commencing with an introduction to biodynamic agriculture, this review gives an overview of peer-reviewed publications on issues in biodynamic food and farming that have been published between 2006 and 2017. The time before this period is covered by the reviews of Leiber et al. (2006) and Turinek et al. (2009).Overall, 86 articles were included into this review. The most recognized topics were soil quality and soil health in biodynamic vs. conventional and organic farming, effects of biodynamic preparations, food quality, and viticulture. The studies provide substantial evidence for positive effects of biodynamic management on agroecosystems and food quality:1) Biodynamic management creates system effects on soils, where compost application plays a crucial role.2) Biodynamic preparations create effects on food chemical composition and food quality.3) Biodynamic production can improve the value of food with regard to nutritive properties, taste and human health and well-being.4) Biodynamic management improves grape quality and plant traits compared to non-biodynamic management.Until now, the effects of biodynamic management have usually been studied with classical analytical methods in natural and life sciences through disciplinary and reductionist study designs. An application of study designs or specific methods that are conducive for a more holistic analysis are rarely implemented. Thus, we identify the development of appropriate methods and study designs for a holistic examination as a major challenge of future research in biodynamic food and farming.

Organic Onion Production in Nalanda: Using Eco-Friendly Agri. Bios Inputs

Organic agriculture seeks to augment ecological process that foster plant nutrition while conserving soil and water resources. Organic systems eliminate agrichemicals and reduce other external inputs to improve the environment as well as farm economics. It is a production system which favours maximum use of organic materials like crop residues, FYM, compost, green manures, oil cakes, biodynamic preparations and bio fertilizers etc. to enhance crop production, carbon sequestration and improve soil health. Organic production system is based on specific and precise standards of production which aim to achieving agro-ecosystems which are socially and ecologically sustainable. As demand for organically grown food has been growing rapidly and significant proportion of consumers believe that organic food is qualitatively better than non organic, the present study showed not only the quality of the produce but also quantitatively higher yield that touched the world record production (660 q/ha) in Nalanda Bihar.