1
|
Tounsi L, Ben Hlima H, Derbel H, Duchez D, Gardarin C, Dubessay P, Drira M, Fendri I, Michaud P, Abdelkafi S. Enhanced growth and metabolite production from a novel strain of Porphyridium sp. Bioengineered 2024; 15:2294160. [PMID: 38131141 PMCID: PMC10761138 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2294160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae are capable of generating numerous metabolites that possess notable biological activities and hold substantial promise for various industrial applications. Nevertheless, the taxonomic diversity of these photosynthetic microorganisms has not received thorough investigation. Using the 18S rRNA encoding gene, a recently discovered strain originating from the Tunisian coast (the governorate of Mahdia) was identified as a member of the Porphyridium genus. The growth response as well as the metabolite accumulation of Porphyridium sp. to different culture media (Pm, F/2, and Hemerick) was investigated over a period of 52 days. The highest biomass production was recorded with Pm medium (2 × 107 cell/mL). The apparent growth rates (µ) and the doubling time (Dt) were about 0.081 day-1 and 12.34 days, respectively. The highest chlorophyll a (0.678 ± 0.005 pg/cell), total carotenoids (0.18 ± 0.003 pg/cell), phycoerythrin (3.88 ± 0.003 pg/cell), and proteins (14.58 ± 0.35 pg/cell) contents were observed with F/2 medium. Cultivating Porphyridium sp. in both F/2 and Hemerick media yielded similar levels of starch accumulation. The Hemerick medium has proven to be the most suitable for the production of lipids (2.23% DW) and exopolysaccharides (5.41 ± 0.56 pg/cell).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Tounsi
- Laboratory of Enzymatic Engineering and Microbiology, Algae Biotechnology Team. National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Pascal Institute, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hajer Ben Hlima
- Laboratory of Enzymatic Engineering and Microbiology, Algae Biotechnology Team. National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Hana Derbel
- Laboratory of Enzymatic Engineering and Microbiology, Algae Biotechnology Team. National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - David Duchez
- CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Pascal Institute, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Christine Gardarin
- CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Pascal Institute, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pascal Dubessay
- CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Pascal Institute, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marwa Drira
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Plant Improvement, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Imen Fendri
- Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology Applied to Crop Improvement, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Philippe Michaud
- CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Pascal Institute, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Slim Abdelkafi
- Laboratory of Enzymatic Engineering and Microbiology, Algae Biotechnology Team. National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang X, Dong X, Bezama A, Liu Y. Improving rapeseed carbon footprint evaluation via the integration of remote sensing technology into an LCA approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174262. [PMID: 38925399 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Agricultural carbon footprint (CF) evaluation plays an important role in climate change mitigation and national food security. Many studies have been conducted worldwide to evaluate the CF of rapeseed and its byproducts; however, only a few of these studies have considered finer-scale spatial-temporal heterogeneity. Considering the advantages of using detailed crop information extracted by remote sensing (RS) techniques, we attempted to integrate RS into life cycle assessments to improve rapeseed CF evaluation. A case study was conducted from 2021 to 2023 in one of the most important grain- and rapeseed-producing areas in Southwest China, namely, the Chengdu Plain, covering an area of 18,810.00 km2. The results of our study suggest that: (1) the proposed approach is applicable for high-resolution (10 m ∗ 10 m) rapeseed distribution mapping; (2) the farm-based CFs of rapeseed in the studied region range from 3333.08 to 4572.82 kgCO2-eq ha-1, while the product-based CFs (PCFs) vary from 1316.23 to 2443.95 kgCO2-eq t-1. Nitrogen fertilizer processing and its application are identified as the dominant contributors to upstream and downstream greenhouse emissions (GHGs), respectively; (3) the significant role of soil properties and soil organic carbon in influencing crop PCFs indicates good GHG offsets. The method used in the current study has strong adaptability and universality in different areas with various climatic conditions and can provide a solid basis for policymakers to formulate differentiated agricultural carbon reduction policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Yang
- Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Agriculture (Chengdu Agricultural Remote Sensing Sub-center), Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China; Department of Bioenergy, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Xiuchun Dong
- Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Agriculture (Chengdu Agricultural Remote Sensing Sub-center), Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Alberto Bezama
- Department of Bioenergy, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yang Liu
- Chair of Management, Innovation and Sustainable Business, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu Y, Wu S, Qin X, Yu M, Shabala S, Zheng X, Hu C, Tan Q, Xu S, Sun X. Combined dynamic transcriptome and flavonoid metabolome reveal the role of Mo nanoparticles in the nodulation process in soybean. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173733. [PMID: 38851347 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Symbiotic nitrogen fixation can reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment by reducing fertilizer input. The rapid development of nanomaterials in agriculture provides a new prospect for us to improve the biological nitrogen fixation ability of leguminous crops. Molybdenum is an important component of nitrogenase, and the potential application of MoO3NPs in agriculture is largely unexplored. In this study, on the basis of verifying that MoO3NPs can improve the nitrogen fixation ability of soybean, the effects of MoO3NPs on the symbiotic nitrogen fixation process of soybean were investigated by using dynamic transcriptome and targeted metabolome techniques. Here we showed that compared with conventional molybdenum fertilizer, minute concentrations of MoO3NPs (0.01-0.1 mg kg-1) could promote soybean growth and nitrogen fixation efficiency. The nodules number, fresh nodule weight and nitrogenase activity of 0.1 mg kg-1 were increased by 17 %, 14 % and 27 %, and plant nitrogen accumulation increased by 17 %. Compared with conventional molybdenum fertilizer, MoO3NPs had a greater effect on apigenin, kaempferol and other flavonoid, and the expression of nodulation related genes such as ENOD93, F3'H. Based on WGCNA analysis, we identified a core gene GmCHS9 that was positively responsive to molybdenum and was highly expressed during MoO3NPs induced nodulation. MoO3NPs could improve the nitrogen fixation ability of soybean by promoting the secretion of flavonoids and the expression of key genes. This study provided a new perspective for the nano-strengthening strategy of nodules development and flavonoid biosynthesis by molybdenum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yining Liu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture, Micro-elements Research Center, College of Resource and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Songwei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture, Micro-elements Research Center, College of Resource and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaoming Qin
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture, Micro-elements Research Center, College of Resource and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Min Yu
- International Research Centre for Environmental Membrane Biology, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Sergey Shabala
- International Research Centre for Environmental Membrane Biology, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China; School of Biological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Xiaomei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture, Micro-elements Research Center, College of Resource and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chengxiao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture, Micro-elements Research Center, College of Resource and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiling Tan
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture, Micro-elements Research Center, College of Resource and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shoujun Xu
- Guangdong Agricultural Environment and Cultivated Land Quality Protection Center, Guangdong Agricultural and Rural Investment Project Center, Guangzhou 510500, China
| | - Xuecheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture, Micro-elements Research Center, College of Resource and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, PR China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abd Manan F, Yeoh YK, Chai TT, Wong FC. Unlocking the potential of black soldier fly frass as a sustainable organic fertilizer: A review of recent studies. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 367:121997. [PMID: 39111002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Using Hermetia illucens, or Black Soldier Fly (BSF) frass as an organic fertilizer is becoming increasingly popular in many countries. As a byproduct derived from BSF larvae that feed on organic waste, BSF frass has tremendous potential for preserving the environment and promoting the circular economy. Since it has diverse biochemical properties influenced by various production and environmental factors, further research is needed to evaluate its potential for extensive use in crop production and agriculture. Our review summarizes recent findings in BSF frass research by describing its composition and biochemical properties derived from various studies, including nutrient contents, biostimulant compounds, and microbial profiles. We also discuss BSF frass fertilizers' effectiveness on plant growth and contribution to environmental sustainability. Great compositions of BSF frass increase the quality of plants/crops by establishing healthy soil and improving the plants' immune systems. Special emphasis is given to potentially replacing conventional fertilizer to create a more sustainable cropping system via organic farming. Besides, we discuss the capability of BSF bioconversion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the socioeconomic aspect. The prospects of BSF frass in promoting a healthy environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the socioeconomic aspects of communities have also been highlighted. Overall, BSF frass offers an alternative approach that can be integrated with conventional fertilizers to optimize the cropping system. Further studies are needed to fully explore its potential in establishing sustainable system that can enhance socioeconomic benefits in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fazilah Abd Manan
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, 81310, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Yao-Kai Yeoh
- Department of Chemical Science, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, 31900, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Tsun-Thai Chai
- Department of Chemical Science, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, 31900, Perak, Malaysia; Center for Agriculture and Food Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, 31900, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Fai-Chu Wong
- Department of Chemical Science, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, 31900, Perak, Malaysia; Center for Agriculture and Food Research, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, 31900, Perak, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bandyopadhyay T, Maurya J, Bentley AR, Griffiths H, Swarbreck SM, Prasad M. Identification of the mechanistic basis of nitrogen responsiveness in two contrasting Setaria italica accessions. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2024; 75:5008-5020. [PMID: 38736217 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erae204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is a macronutrient limiting crop productivity with varied requirements across species and genotypes. Understanding the mechanistic basis of N responsiveness by comparing contrasting genotypes could inform the development and selection of varieties with lower N demands, or inform agronomic practices to sustain yields with lower N inputs. Given the established role of millets in ensuring climate-resilient food and nutrition security, we investigated the physiological and genetic basis of nitrogen responsiveness in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.). We had previously identified genotypic variants linked to N responsiveness, and here we dissect the mechanistic basis of the trait by examining the physiological and molecular behaviour of N responsive (NRp-SI58) and non-responsive (NNRp-SI114) accessions at high and low N. Under high N, NRp-SI58 allocates significantly more biomass to nodes, internodes and roots, more N to developing grains, and is more effective at remobilizing flag leaf N compared with NNRp-SI114. Post-anthesis flag leaf gene expression suggests that differences in N induce much higher transcript abundance in NNRp-SI114 than NRp-SI58, a large proportion of which is potentially regulated by APETALA2 (AP2) transcription factors. Overall, the study provides novel insights into the regulation and manipulation of N responsiveness in S. italica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jyoti Maurya
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Alison R Bentley
- NIAB, 93 Lawrence Weaver Rd, Cambridge CB3 0LE, UK
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, 2600, Australia
| | - Howard Griffiths
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Stéphanie M Swarbreck
- NIAB, 93 Lawrence Weaver Rd, Cambridge CB3 0LE, UK
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Manoj Prasad
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi 110021, India
- Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xing Y, Wang X. Impact of Agricultural Activities on Climate Change: A Review of Greenhouse Gas Emission Patterns in Field Crop Systems. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2285. [PMID: 39204720 PMCID: PMC11360188 DOI: 10.3390/plants13162285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
This review paper synthesizes the current understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from field cropping systems. It examines the key factors influencing GHG emissions, including crop type, management practices, and soil conditions. The review highlights the variability in GHG emissions across different cropping systems. Conventional tillage systems generally emit higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) than no-till or reduced tillage systems. Crop rotation, cover cropping, and residue management can significantly reduce GHG emissions by improving soil carbon sequestration and reducing nitrogen fertilizer requirements. The paper also discusses the challenges and opportunities for mitigating GHG emissions in field cropping systems. Precision agriculture techniques, such as variable rate application of fertilizers and water, can optimize crop production while minimizing environmental impacts. Agroforestry systems, which integrate trees and crops, offer the potential for carbon sequestration and reducing N2O emissions. This review provides insights into the latest research on GHG emissions from field cropping systems and identifies areas for further study. It emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable management practices to reduce GHG emissions and enhance the environmental sustainability of agricultural systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiukang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Ecology of Loess Plateau, College of Life Science, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang J, Chang G, Liu H, Yin Z, Liu P, Zhao Y, Li K, Gao T. Carbon balance analysis of agricultural production systems in oasis areas. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16698. [PMID: 39030311 PMCID: PMC11271539 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66972-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
China is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the world, and agricultural GHG emission accounts for nearly a fifth of the total emission in China. To understand the carbon absorption and emission characteristics of agricultural production systems in those arid oasis areas, a typical representative city in northwestern China, Zhangye City, was selected for study.The emission factor method was used to analyze and calculate the characteristics of changing carbon emission dynamics in the whole agricultural production system in Zhangye city region (38,592 km2) from 2010 to 2021.The results revealed that carbon emissions during agricultural planting mainly come from fertilizers, which account for the highest proportion (47.9%) of total carbon emissions in agricultural planting. Animal enteric fermentation emissions from local livestock farming are the main contributor (86%) to GHG emissions. The annual average carbon absorption intensity is 4.4 t C-eq ha-1 for crop and 2.6 t C-eq ha-1 for the agricultural production system. The ratio of total carbon emissions from agricultural production to carbon sequestration of crops is 1:1.7. We find that the total carbon sequestration slightly exceeds its total carbon emissions in the study region, with an annual average of 41% for its sustainable development index. Carbon emissions of the agricultural production system in this oasis area are mainly driven by the livestock industry, mostly CH4 emissions from cattle raising.Reducing the local carbon emissions from the livestock industry, typically the cattle raising, will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions from this local agricultural production system and maintaining its net positive carbon balance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiang Wang
- College of Environment and Urban Construction, Lanzhou City University, The Engineering Research Center of Mining Pollution Treatment and Ecological Restoration of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Guohua Chang
- College of Environment and Urban Construction, Lanzhou City University, The Engineering Research Center of Mining Pollution Treatment and Ecological Restoration of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China.
| | - Hao Liu
- Pratacultural College, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Zhuoxin Yin
- College of Environment and Urban Construction, Lanzhou City University, The Engineering Research Center of Mining Pollution Treatment and Ecological Restoration of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Panliang Liu
- College of Environment and Urban Construction, Lanzhou City University, The Engineering Research Center of Mining Pollution Treatment and Ecological Restoration of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Yaling Zhao
- College of Environment and Urban Construction, Lanzhou City University, The Engineering Research Center of Mining Pollution Treatment and Ecological Restoration of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Kaiming Li
- College of Environment and Urban Construction, Lanzhou City University, The Engineering Research Center of Mining Pollution Treatment and Ecological Restoration of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
| | - Tianpeng Gao
- College of Environment and Urban Construction, Lanzhou City University, The Engineering Research Center of Mining Pollution Treatment and Ecological Restoration of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730070, Gansu, China
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an, 710065, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Desaulniers Brousseau V, Goldstein BP, Sedlock C, Lefsrud M. Environmental Impact of Outdoor Cannabis Production. ACS AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 4:690-699. [PMID: 39027629 PMCID: PMC11253875 DOI: 10.1021/acsagscitech.4c00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Environmental impacts of cannabis production are of increasing concern because it is a newly legal and growing industry. Although a handful of studies have quantified the impacts of indoor production, very little is known about the impact of outdoor cannabis agriculture. Outdoor production typically uses little direct energy but can require significant fertilizer and other inputs due to dissipative losses via runoff and mineralization. Conversely, fertilizer high in nitrogen can be counterproductive, as it produces flowers with decreased cannabinoid content. This study has two aims: (1) To identify reduced-fertilizer regimes that provide optimal cannabis flower yields with reduced inputs and (2) to quantify how this shifts greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion (fossil and metal), terrestrial acidification, and the eutrophication potential of outdoor cannabis production. Primary data from a fertilizer response trial are incorporated into a life-cycle assessment model. Results show that outdoor cannabis agriculture can be 50 times less carbon-emitting than indoor production. Dissemination of this knowledge is of utmost importance for producers, consumers, and government officials in nations that have either legalized or will legalize cannabis production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Desaulniers Brousseau
- Department
of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue H9X 3 V9, Canada
| | - Benjamin P. Goldstein
- Department
of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue H9X 3 V9, Canada
| | - Charlotte Sedlock
- School
for Environment and Sustainability, University
of Michigan, 440 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mark Lefsrud
- Department
of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue H9X 3 V9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gülüt KY, Şentürk GG. Impact of nitrogen fertilizer type and application rate on growth, nitrate accumulation, and postharvest quality of spinach. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17726. [PMID: 39011375 PMCID: PMC11249000 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background A balanced supply of nitrogen is essential for spinach, supporting both optimal growth and appropriate nitrate (NO3 -) levels for improved storage quality. Thus, choosing the correct nitrogen fertilizer type and application rate is key for successful spinach cultivation. This study investigated the effects of different nitrogen (N) fertilizer type and application rates on the growth, nitrate content, and storage quality of spinach plants. Methods Four fertilizer types were applied at five N doses (25, 50, 200, and 400 mg N kg-1) to plants grown in plastic pots at a greenhouse. The fertilizer types used in the experiment were ammonium sulphate (AS), slow-release ammonium sulphate (SRAS), calcium nitrate (CN), and yeast residue (YR). Spinach parameters like Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values (chlorophyll content), plant height, and fresh weight were measured. Nitrate content in leaves was analyzed after storage periods simulating post-harvest handling (0, 5, and 10 days). Results The application of nitrogen fertilizer significantly influenced spinach growth parameters and nitrate content. The YRx400 treatment yielded the largest leaves (10.3 ± 0.5 cm long, 5.3 ± 0.2 cm wide). SPAD values increased with higher N doses for AS, SRAS, and CN fertilizers, with AS×400 (58.1 ± 0.8) and SRAS×400 (62.0 ± 5.8) reaching the highest values. YR treatments showed a moderate SPAD increase. Fresh weight response depended on fertilizer type, N dose, and storage period. While fresh weight increased in all fertilizers till 200 mg kg-1 dose, a decrease was observed at the highest dose for AS and CN. SRAS exhibited a more gradual increase in fresh weight with increasing nitrogen dose, without the negative impact seen at the highest dose in AS and CN. Nitrate content in spinach leaves varied by fertilizer type, dose, and storage day. CNx400 resulted in the highest NO3 - content (4,395 mg kg-1) at harvest (Day 0), exceeding the European Union's safety limit. This level decreased over 10 days of storage but remained above the limit for CN on Days 0 and 5. SRAS and YR fertilizers generally had lower NO3 - concentrations throughout the experiment. Storage at +4 °C significantly affected NO3 - content. While levels remained relatively stable during the first 5 days, a substantial decrease was observed by Day 10 for all fertilizers and doses, providing insights into the spinach's nitrate content over a 10-day storage period. Conclusion For rapid early growth and potentially higher yields, AS may be suitable at moderate doses (200 mg kg-1). SRAS offers a more balanced approach, promoting sustained growth while potentially reducing NO3 - accumulation compared to AS. Yeast residue, with its slow nitrogen release and consistently low NO3 - levels, could be a viable option for organic spinach production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kemal Yalçın Gülüt
- Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition/Faculty of Agriculture, Çukurova University, Sarıçam, Adana, Turkey
| | - Gamze Güleç Şentürk
- Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition/Faculty of Agriculture, Çukurova University, Sarıçam, Adana, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen J, Wang S, Zhong H, Chen B, Fang D. Assessing agricultural greenhouse gas emission mitigation by scaling up farm size: An empirical analysis based on rural household survey data. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173077. [PMID: 38735310 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Farm size affects agricultural production inputs and thus has impacts on agricultural GHG emissions. However, the effects and mechanisms behind this are still unclear. In this paper, we identified the effects and mechanisms of farm size on agricultural GHG emissions, based on survey data about over 20,000 rural households in China from 2009 to 2016. Firstly, we calculated the agricultural CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions using the life-cycle analysis (LCA). Secondly, the impacts of farm size on GHG emissions intensity were explored with a fixed effect model, based on the long-term rural household survey data. Finally, the mechanisms were tested by the mediation effect model. The results showed that a 1 % increase in farm size, on average, could reduce the GHG emissions intensity of rural households by 0.245 % from 2009 to 2016. The mechanism analysis showed that the larger farm size reduced GHG emissions intensity mainly by reducing the non-fixed input intensity and raising fixed input investment. By identifying the impacts and mechanisms of farm size on agricultural GHG emissions, this paper aims to provide insights for policymakers to achieve China's goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiangqiang Chen
- School of Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangdong 510220, China
| | - Saige Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Honglin Zhong
- Institute of Blue and Green Development, Weihai Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China; Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Bin Chen
- School of Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangdong 510220, China; State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Dan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jones EM, Marken JP, Silver PA. Synthetic microbiology in sustainability applications. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:345-359. [PMID: 38253793 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-01007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Microorganisms are a promising means to address many societal sustainability challenges owing to their ability to thrive in diverse environments and interface with the microscale chemical world via diverse metabolic capacities. Synthetic biology can engineer microorganisms by rewiring their regulatory networks or introducing new functionalities, enhancing their utility for target applications. In this Review, we provide a broad, high-level overview of various research efforts addressing sustainability challenges through synthetic biology, emphasizing foundational microbiological research questions that can accelerate the development of these efforts. We introduce an organizational framework that categorizes these efforts along three domains - factory, farm and field - that are defined by the extent to which the engineered microorganisms interface with the natural external environment. Different application areas within the same domain share many fundamental challenges, highlighting productive opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaborations between researchers working in historically disparate fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan M Jones
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John P Marken
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Resnick Sustainability Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Pamela A Silver
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tonelli D, Rosa L, Gabrielli P, Parente A, Contino F. Cost-competitive decentralized ammonia fertilizer production can increase food security. NATURE FOOD 2024; 5:469-479. [PMID: 38755344 PMCID: PMC11199140 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00979-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The current centralized configuration of the ammonia industry makes the production of nitrogen fertilizers susceptible to the volatility of fossil fuel prices and involves complex supply chains with long-distance transport costs. An alternative consists of on-site decentralized ammonia production using small modular technologies, such as electric Haber-Bosch or electrocatalytic reduction. Here we evaluate the cost-competitiveness of producing low-carbon ammonia at the farm scale, from a solar agrivoltaic system, or using electricity from the grid, within a novel global fertilizer industry. Projected costs for decentralized ammonia production are compared with historical market prices from centralized production. We find that the cost-competitiveness of decentralized production relies on transport costs and supply chain disruptions. Taking both factors into account, decentralized production could achieve cost-competitiveness for up to 96% of the global ammonia demand by 2030. These results show the potential of decentralized ammonia technologies in revolutionizing the fertilizer industry, particularly in regions facing food insecurity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Tonelli
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
- Aero-Thermo-Mechanics Department, ULB, Brussels, Belgium.
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Lorenzo Rosa
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Paolo Gabrielli
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute of Energy and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Francesco Contino
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, UCLouvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Haelterman L, Louvieaux J, Chiodi C, Bouchet AS, Kupcsik L, Stahl A, Rousseau-Gueutin M, Snowdon R, Laperche A, Nesi N, Hermans C. Genetic control of root morphology in response to nitrogen across rapeseed diversity. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2024; 176:e14315. [PMID: 38693794 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.14315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an oil-containing crop of great economic value but with considerable nitrogen requirement. Breeding root systems that efficiently absorb nitrogen from the soil could be a driver to ensure genetic gains for more sustainable rapeseed production. The aim of this study is to identify genomic regions that regulate root morphology in response to nitrate availability. The natural variability offered by 300 inbred lines was screened at two experimental locations. Seedlings grew hydroponically with low or elevated nitrate levels. Fifteen traits related to biomass production and root morphology were measured. On average across the panel, a low nitrate level increased the root-to-shoot biomass ratio and the lateral root length. A large phenotypic variation was observed, along with important heritability values and genotypic effects, but low genotype-by-nitrogen interactions. Genome-wide association study and bulk segregant analysis were used to identify loci regulating phenotypic traits. The first approach nominated 319 SNPs that were combined into 80 QTLs. Three QTLs identified on the A07 and C07 chromosomes were stable across nitrate levels and/or experimental locations. The second approach involved genotyping two groups of individuals from an experimental F2 population created by crossing two accessions with contrasting lateral root lengths. These individuals were found in the tails of the phenotypic distribution. Co-localized QTLs found in both mapping approaches covered a chromosomal region on the A06 chromosome. The QTL regions contained some genes putatively involved in root organogenesis and represent selection targets for redesigning the root morphology of rapeseed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Haelterman
- Crop Production and Biostimulation Laboratory (CPBL), Brussels Bioengineering School, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julien Louvieaux
- Crop Production and Biostimulation Laboratory (CPBL), Brussels Bioengineering School, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Applied Plant Ecophysiology, Haute Ecole Provinciale de Hainaut Condorcet, Centre pour l'Agronomie et l'Agro-industrie de la Province de Hainaut (CARAH), Belgium
| | - Claudia Chiodi
- Crop Production and Biostimulation Laboratory (CPBL), Brussels Bioengineering School, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne-Sophie Bouchet
- Institut de Génétique, Environnement et Protection des Plantes (IGEPP), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Institut Agro, Université de Rennes, Le Rheu, France
| | - Laszlo Kupcsik
- Crop Production and Biostimulation Laboratory (CPBL), Brussels Bioengineering School, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Julius Kühn Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Resistance Research and Stress Tolerance, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Mathieu Rousseau-Gueutin
- Institut de Génétique, Environnement et Protection des Plantes (IGEPP), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Institut Agro, Université de Rennes, Le Rheu, France
| | - Rod Snowdon
- Department of Plant Breeding, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Germany
| | - Anne Laperche
- Institut de Génétique, Environnement et Protection des Plantes (IGEPP), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Institut Agro, Université de Rennes, Le Rheu, France
| | - Nathalie Nesi
- Institut de Génétique, Environnement et Protection des Plantes (IGEPP), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Institut Agro, Université de Rennes, Le Rheu, France
| | - Christian Hermans
- Crop Production and Biostimulation Laboratory (CPBL), Brussels Bioengineering School, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Homem BGC, Borges LPC, de Lima IBG, Guimarães BC, Spasiani PP, Ferreira IM, Meo-Filho P, Berndt A, Alves BJR, Urquiaga S, Boddey RM, Casagrande DR. Forage peanut legume as a strategy for improving beef production without increasing livestock greenhouse gas emissions. Animal 2024; 18:101158. [PMID: 38703756 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The transformation of pastures from a degraded state to sustainable productivity is a major challenge in tropical livestock production. Stoloniferous forage legumes such as Arachis pintoi (forage peanut) are one of the most promising alternatives for intensifying pasture-based beef livestock operations with reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This 2-year study assessed beef cattle performance, nutrient intake and digestibility, and balance of GHG emissions in three pasture types (PT): (1) mixed Palisade grass - Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster (syn. Brachiaria brizantha Stapf cv. Marandu) and forage peanut (A. pintoi Krapov. & W.C. Greg. cv. BRS Mandobi) pastures (Mixed), (2) monoculture Palisade grass pastures with 150 kg of N/ha per year (Fertilised), and (3) monoculture Palisade grass without N fertiliser (Control). Continuous stocking with a variable stocking rate was used in a randomised complete block design, with four replicates per treatment. The average daily gain and carcass gain were not influenced by the PT (P = 0.439 and P = 0.100, respectively) and were, on average, 0.433 kg/animal per day and 83.4 kg/animal, respectively. Fertilised and Mixed pastures increased by 102 and 31.5%, respectively, the liveweight gain per area (kg/ha/yr) compared to the Control pasture (P < 0.001). The heifers in the Mixed pasture had lower CH4 emissions (g/animal per day; P = 0.009), achieving a reduction of 12.6 and 10.1% when compared to the Fertilised and Control pastures, respectively. Annual (N2O) emissions (g/animal) and per kg carcass weight gain were 59.8 and 63.1% lower, respectively, in the Mixed pasture compared to the Fertilised pasture (P < 0.001). Mixed pasture mitigated approximately 23% of kg CO2eq/kg of carcass when substituting 150 kg of N/ha per year via fertiliser. Mixed pastures with forage peanut are a promising solution to recover degraded tropical pastures by providing increased animal production with lower GHG emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B G C Homem
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, MG 37200-900, Brazil; Embrapa Agrobiologia, Rodovia BR-465, km 7, Seropédica 23897-970 RJ, Brazil
| | - L P C Borges
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, MG 37200-900, Brazil
| | - I B G de Lima
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, MG 37200-900, Brazil
| | - B C Guimarães
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, MG 37200-900, Brazil
| | - P P Spasiani
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, MG 37200-900, Brazil
| | - I M Ferreira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, MG 37200-900, Brazil
| | - P Meo-Filho
- Embrapa Southeast Livestock, Rodovia Washington Luiz, km 234, Sao Carlos, SP 13560-970, Brazil
| | - A Berndt
- Embrapa Southeast Livestock, Rodovia Washington Luiz, km 234, Sao Carlos, SP 13560-970, Brazil
| | - B J R Alves
- Embrapa Agrobiologia, Rodovia BR-465, km 7, Seropédica 23897-970 RJ, Brazil
| | - S Urquiaga
- Embrapa Agrobiologia, Rodovia BR-465, km 7, Seropédica 23897-970 RJ, Brazil
| | - R M Boddey
- Department of Soil Science, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia BR 465, km 7, Seropédica, RJ 23897-000, Brazil
| | - D R Casagrande
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, UFLA, Lavras, MG 37200-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Qin J, Duan W, Zou S, Chen Y, Huang W, Rosa L. Global energy use and carbon emissions from irrigated agriculture. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3084. [PMID: 38600059 PMCID: PMC11006866 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47383-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Irrigation is a land management practice with major environmental impacts. However, global energy consumption and carbon emissions resulting from irrigation remain unknown. We assess the worldwide energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with irrigation, while also measuring the potential energy and carbon reductions achievable through the adoption of efficient and low-carbon irrigation practices. Currently, irrigation contributes 216 million metric tons of CO2 emissions and consumes 1896 petajoules of energy annually, representing 15% of greenhouse gas emissions and energy utilized in agricultural operations. Despite only 40% of irrigated agriculture relies on groundwater sources, groundwater pumping accounts for 89% of the total energy consumption in irrigation. Projections indicate that future expansion of irrigation could lead to a 28% increase in energy usage. Embracing highly efficient, low-carbon irrigation methods has the potential to cut energy consumption in half and reduce CO2 emissions by 90%. However, considering country-specific feasibility of mitigation options, global CO2 emissions may only see a 55% reduction. Our research offers comprehensive insights into the energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with irrigation, contributing valuable information that can guide assessments of the viability of irrigation in enhancing adaptive capacity within the agricultural sector.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiu Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Weili Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China.
| | - Shan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
- Akesu National Sation of Observation and Research for Oasis Agro-ecosystem, Akesu, Xinjiang, 843017, China
| | - Yaning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Lorenzo Rosa
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, 94025, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wolf ESA, Vela S, Wilker J, Davis A, Robert M, Infante V, Venado RE, Voiniciuc C, Ané JM, Vermerris W. Identification of genetic and environmental factors influencing aerial root traits that support biological nitrogen fixation in sorghum. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkad285. [PMID: 38096484 PMCID: PMC10917507 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Plant breeding and genetics play a major role in the adaptation of plants to meet human needs. The current requirement to make agriculture more sustainable can be partly met by a greater reliance on biological nitrogen fixation by symbiotic diazotrophic microorganisms that provide crop plants with ammonium. Select accessions of the cereal crop sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) form mucilage-producing aerial roots that harbor nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Breeding programs aimed at developing sorghum varieties that support diazotrophs will benefit from a detailed understanding of the genetic and environmental factors contributing to aerial root formation. A genome-wide association study of the sorghum minicore, a collection of 242 landraces, and 30 accessions from the sorghum association panel was conducted in Florida and Wisconsin and under 2 fertilizer treatments to identify loci associated with the number of nodes with aerial roots and aerial root diameter. Sequence variation in genes encoding transcription factors that control phytohormone signaling and root system architecture showed significant associations with these traits. In addition, the location had a significant effect on the phenotypes. Concurrently, we developed F2 populations from crosses between bioenergy sorghums and a landrace that produced extensive aerial roots to evaluate the mode of inheritance of the loci identified by the genome-wide association study. Furthermore, the mucilage collected from aerial roots contained polysaccharides rich in galactose, arabinose, and fucose, whose composition displayed minimal variation among 10 genotypes and 2 fertilizer treatments. These combined results support the development of sorghums with the ability to acquire nitrogen via biological nitrogen fixation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily S A Wolf
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32609, USA
| | - Saddie Vela
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32609, USA
| | - Jennifer Wilker
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Alyssa Davis
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Madalen Robert
- Independent Junior Research Group–Designer Glycans, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32609, USA
| | - Valentina Infante
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Rafael E Venado
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Cătălin Voiniciuc
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32609, USA
| | - Jean-Michel Ané
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Wilfred Vermerris
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ragland CJ, Shih KY, Dinneny JR. Choreographing root architecture and rhizosphere interactions through synthetic biology. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1370. [PMID: 38355570 PMCID: PMC10866969 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45272-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change is driving extreme changes to the environment, posing substantial threats to global food security and bioenergy. Given the direct role of plant roots in mediating plant-environment interactions, engineering the form and function of root systems and their associated microbiota may mitigate these effects. Synthetic genetic circuits have enabled sophisticated control of gene expression in microbial systems for years and a surge of advances has heralded the extension of this approach to multicellular plant species. Targeting these tools to affect root structure, exudation, and microbe activity on root surfaces provide multiple strategies for the advancement of climate-ready crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carin J Ragland
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kevin Y Shih
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - José R Dinneny
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lauk C, Magerl A, le Noë J, Theurl MC, Gingrich S. Analyzing long-term dynamics of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in Austria, 1830-2018. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168667. [PMID: 37996017 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture is an important contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While the development of agricultural GHG emissions on national and global scales is well studied for the last three to six decades, little is known about their trajectory and drivers over longer periods. In this article, we address this research gap by calculating and analyzing GHG emissions related to agriculture in Austria from 1830 to 2018. We calculate territorial emissions on an annual basis and include all GHG emissions from the processes directly involved in agricultural production. Based on this time series, we quantify the relative importance of major drivers of changes in GHG emissions across time and agricultural product categories, applying a structural decomposition analysis. We find that agricultural GHG emissions in Austria increased by 69 % over the total study period, from 4.6 Mt. CO2e/yr in 1830 to 7.7 Mt. CO2e/yr in 2018. While emissions increased only moderately from 1830 to 1945 (+22 % overall), with strong fluctuations between 1914 and 1945, they doubled from 1945 to 1985. In the most recent period from 1985 to 2018, emissions fell by one third, with decreases leveling off over time. Our decomposition analysis reveals that increases in agricultural production per capita most importantly contributed to the high growth in GHG emissions from 1945 to 1985. Conversely, decreasing emission intensities of products and a more climate friendly product mix were key drivers in the emissions reduction observed after 1985. We also contribute to the discussion around the global warming potential star (GWP*), by calculating GHG emissions based on this alternative metric, and contextualize our data within total socio-economic GHG emission trends. By providing insights into the historical trends and drivers of agricultural GHG emissions, our findings enhance the understanding of their long-term historical dynamics and adds to the knowledge base for future mitigation efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lauk
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Andreas Magerl
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Julia le Noë
- Institut des Sciences de l'Ecologie et de l'Environnement de Paris (CNRS, Sorbonne Université, IRD, INRAE, UPEC, Université Paris-Cité), Sorbonne Université, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France.
| | - Michaela C Theurl
- Environment Agency Austria, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Simone Gingrich
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Social Ecology, Schottenfeldgasse 29, 1070 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pinho S, Leal MM, Shaw C, Baganz D, Baganz G, Staaks G, Kloas W, Körner O, Monsees H. Insect-based fish feed in decoupled aquaponic systems: Effect on lettuce production and resource use. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295811. [PMID: 38241264 PMCID: PMC10798475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The utilisation of insect meal-based fish feed as a substitute for conventional fish meal-based fish feed is considered as a promising innovative alternative to boost circularity in aquaculture and aquaponics. Basic research on its use in aquaponics is limited. So far, no reports on the effects of fish waste water, derived from a recirculating aquaculture system using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) meal-based diets, were available on the growth performance of lettuce. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of reusing fish waste water from tilapia culture (as a base for the nutrient solution) fed with a fish meal-based diet (FM) and a BSF meal-based diet on resource use and lettuce growth in decoupled aquaponic systems. A conventional hydroponics nutrient solution (HP) served as control, and inorganic fertilisers were added to all nutrient solutions to reach comparable target concentrations. The experiment was conducted in a controlled climate chamber in nine separate hydroponics units, three per treatment. Lettuce fresh and dry weight, number of leaves, relative leaf chlorophyll concentration, water consumption, and the usage of inorganic fertilisers were measured. Micro- and macronutrients in the nutrient solutions were monitored in time series. Similar lettuce yield was seen in all treatments, with no significant effects on fresh and dry weight, the number of leaves, and relative chlorophyll values. Water use per plant was also similar between treatments, while the amount of total inorganic fertiliser required was 32% lower in FM and BSF compared to HP. Higher sodium concentrations were found in the FM nutrient solutions compared to BSF and HP. The results confirm that BSF-based diet is a promising alternative to FM-based diet in aquaponics with no negative effects on lettuce growth. Additionally, BSF-based diet might be beneficial in intensive, professional aquaponics applications due to the lower sodium concentration in the nutrient solution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pinho
- Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Grossbeeren, Germany
| | - Margarida Meneses Leal
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christopher Shaw
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
- Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniela Baganz
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gösta Baganz
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Staaks
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Werner Kloas
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
- Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Körner
- Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Grossbeeren, Germany
| | - Hendrik Monsees
- Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Grossbeeren, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Owusu SM, Adomako MO, Qiao H. Organic amendment in climate change mitigation: Challenges in an era of micro- and nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168035. [PMID: 37907110 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
As a global strategy for mitigating climate change, organic amendments play critical roles in restoring stocks in carbon (C) depleted soils, preserving existing stocks to prevent further soil organic carbon (SOC) loss, and enhancing C sequestration. However, recent emerging evidence of a significant proportion of micro- and nanoplastics (M/NPs) occurrence in most organic substrates (e.g., compost manure, farmyard manure, and sewage sludge) compromises its role in climate change mitigation. Given the predicted surge of soil M/NPs proliferation in the coming years, we argued whether organic amendment remains a reliable climate change mitigation strategy. Toxicity effects of M/NPs influx within the soil matrix disrupt plants and their associated key microbial taxa responsible for crucial biogeochemical processes and restructuring of SOC, leading to increasing emissions of potent greenhouse gases (GHGs, e.g., CO2, CH4, and N2O) that feedback to aggravate the rapidly changing climate. Here, we summarize evidence based on literature that the discovery of M/NPs in organic substrates compromises its role in the climate change mitigation strategy. We briefly discuss the overview of synthetic fertilizers and their impact on SOC and atmospheric emissions. We discuss the role of organic amends in climate change mitigation and the emergence of M/NPs in it. We discuss M/NPs-induced damages to SOC and subsequent emissions of GHGs. We briefly highlight management approaches to clean organic substrates of M/NPs to improve their use in agrosystems and provide recommendations for future research studies. We found that organic amendment plays pivotal role in modulating the biotic and abiotic drivers responsible for climate mitigation. However, M/NPs in organic amendments weaken the regulatory mechanisms of organic amendments in plant-soil systems. We conclude that organic amendments of soils are critical for restoring SOC and mitigating the rapidly changing climate; yet, the discovery of M/NPs in organic substrates put their usage in a dilemma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Mensah Owusu
- Schoo of Business, Jinggangshan University, Qingyuan District, Ji'an City 343009, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Michael Opoku Adomako
- Institute of Wetland Ecology & Clone Ecology/Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hu Qiao
- Schoo of Business, Jinggangshan University, Qingyuan District, Ji'an City 343009, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chakraborty B, Gayen K, Bhowmick TK. Transition from synthetic to alternative media for microalgae cultivation: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165412. [PMID: 37429469 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, microalgae have drawn attention as a most feasible alternative and sustainable feedstock for biofuel production. However, laboratory-scale and pilot-scale studies revealed that producing only biofuels through the microalgal route is economically unfeasible. The high cost of synthetic media is one concern, and low-cost alternative cultivation media would replace synthetic media to culture microalgae for economic benefit. This paper critically consolidated the advantages of alternative media over synthetic media for microalgae cultivation. A comparative analysis of the compositions of synthetic and alternative media was made to evaluate the potential use of alternative media in microalgae cultivation. Investigations on microalgae cultivation using alternative media derived from different waste materials, such as domestic, farm, agricultural, industrial, etc., are highlighted. Vermiwash is another alternative media that contains essential micro and macronutrients required for the cultivation of microalgae. Two prime techniques, such as mix-waste culture media and recycling culture media, may provide more economic benefit for the large-scale production of microalgae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bikram Chakraborty
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Agartala, West Tripura, Tripura 799046, India
| | - Kalyan Gayen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Agartala, West Tripura, Tripura 799046, India.
| | - Tridib Kumar Bhowmick
- Department of Bioengineering, National Institute of Technology, Agartala, West Tripura, Tripura 799046, India.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Van Gelder K, Oliveira-Filho ER, Messina CD, Venado RE, Wilker J, Rajasekar S, Ané JM, Amthor JS, Hanson AD. Running the numbers on plant synthetic biology solutions to global problems. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 335:111815. [PMID: 37543223 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering promise to deliver sustainable solutions to global problems such as phasing out fossil fuels and replacing industrial nitrogen fixation. While this promise is real, scale matters, and so do knock-on effects of implementing solutions. Both scale and knock-on effects can be estimated by 'Fermi calculations' (aka 'back-of-envelope calculations') that use uncontroversial input data plus simple arithmetic to reach rough but reliable conclusions. Here, we illustrate how this is done and how informative it can be using two cases: oilcane (sugarcane engineered to accumulate triglycerides instead of sugar) as a source of bio-jet fuel, and nitrogen fixation by bacteria in mucilage secreted by maize aerial roots. We estimate that oilcane could meet no more than about 1% of today's U.S. jet fuel demand if grown on all current U.S. sugarcane land and that, if cane land were expanded to meet two-thirds of this demand, the fertilizer and refinery requirements would create a large carbon footprint. Conversely, we estimate that nitrogen fixation in aerial-root mucilage could replace up to 10% of the fertilizer nitrogen applied to U.S. maize, that 2% of plant carbon income used for growth would suffice to fuel the fixation, and that this extra carbon consumption would likely reduce grain yield only slightly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Van Gelder
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | | | - Carlos D Messina
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Rafael E Venado
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jennifer Wilker
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shanmugam Rajasekar
- Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jean-Michel Ané
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Amthor
- Center for Ecosystem Science and Society, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Andrew D Hanson
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Qi Y, Liu H, Zhao J. Prediction model and demonstration of regional agricultural carbon emissions based on Isomap-ACO-ET: a case study of Guangdong Province, China. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12688. [PMID: 37542116 PMCID: PMC10403573 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39996-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientific analysis of regional agricultural carbon emission prediction models and empirical studies are of great practical significance to the realization of low-carbon agriculture, which can help revitalize and build up ecological and beautiful countryside in China. This paper takes agriculture in Guangdong Province, China, as the research object, and uses the extended STIPAT model to construct an indicator system for the factors influencing agricultural carbon emissions in Guangdong. Based on this system, a combined Isomap-ACO-ET prediction model combing the isometric mapping algorithm (Isomap), ant colony algorithm (ACO) and extreme random tree algorithm (ET) was used to predict agriculture carbon emissions in Guangdong Province under five scenarios. Effective predictions can be made for agricultural carbon emissions in Guangdong Province, which are expected to fluctuate between 11,142,200 tons and 11,386,000 tons in 2030. And compared with other machine learning and neural network models, the Isomap-ACO-ET model has a better prediction performance with an MSE of 0.00018 and an accuracy of 98.7%. To develop low-carbon agriculture in Guangdong Province, we should improve farming methods, reduce the intensity of agrochemical application, strengthen the development and promotion of agricultural energy-saving and emission reduction technologies and low-carbon energy sources, reduce the intensity of carbon emissions from agricultural energy consumption, optimize the agricultural planting structure, and develop green agricultural products and agro-ecological tourism according to local conditions. This will promote the development of agriculture in Guangdong Province in a green and sustainable direction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Qi
- School of Economics and Management, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, China.
| | - Huailiang Liu
- School of Economics and Management, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, China
| | - Jianbo Zhao
- School of Economics and Management, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Parkes MG, Azevedo DL, Cavallo AC, Domingos T, Teixeira RFM. Life cycle assessment of microgreen production: effects of indoor vertical farm management on yield and environmental performance. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11324. [PMID: 37443192 PMCID: PMC10345114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38325-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The global production of plant-based foods is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Indoor vertical farms (IVFs) have emerged as a promising approach to urban agriculture. However, their environmental performance is not well understood, particularly in relation to operational choices where global warming potentials (GWP) can vary between 0.01-54 kg CO2e/kg-1 of leafy greens produced. We conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a building-integrated IVF for microgreen production to analyse a range of operational conditions for cultivation: air temperature, CO2 concentration, and photoperiod. We analyzed a dynamic LCA inventory that combined a process-based plant growth model and a mass balance model for air and heat exchange between the chamber and the outside. Results showed that the GWP of IVFs can vary greatly depending on the operation conditions set, ranging from 3.3 to 63.3 kg CO2e/kg-1. The optimal conditions for minimizing GWP were identified as 20 ℃, maximum CO2 concentration in the chamber, and maximum photoperiod, which led to a minimum GWP of 3.3 kg CO2e/kg-1 and maximum production of 290.5 kg fresh weight week-1. Intensification of production thus led to lower impacts because the marginal increase in yield due to increased resource use was larger than the marginal increase in impact. Therefore, adjusting growing conditions is essential for the sustainability of urban food production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Parkes
- Environment and Technology Centre, LARSyS-Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering System, MARETEC-Marine, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco País 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal.
- Canguru Foods, Lda, Social Enterprise, Rua José Dias Simão S/N, TAGUSVALLEY - Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, 2200-062, Abrantes, Portugal.
| | - Duarte Leal Azevedo
- Environment and Technology Centre, LARSyS-Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering System, MARETEC-Marine, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco País 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Celeste Cavallo
- CIRSA - Centro Interdipartimentale Di Ricerca Per Le Scienze Ambientali, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Dell'Agricoltura 5, 48123, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Tiago Domingos
- Environment and Technology Centre, LARSyS-Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering System, MARETEC-Marine, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco País 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ricardo F M Teixeira
- Environment and Technology Centre, LARSyS-Laboratory of Robotics and Engineering System, MARETEC-Marine, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco País 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Collado-González J, Carmen Piñero M, Otalora G, Lopez-Marín J, Del Amor FM. Plant growth-promoting bacteria as affected by N availability as a suitable strategy to enhance the nutritional composition of lamb's lettuce affected by global warming. Food Chem 2023; 426:136559. [PMID: 37348394 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Heat and nutritional stresses have a significantly effect on the accumulation of bioactive and other compounds harmful to human health, like nitrates, in green leafy vegetables like lamb's lettuce. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have shown to confer beneficial biochemical changes to various crops under different stresses. The hypothesis proposed here is that the combination of optimal N level (2.5 Mm, 12 mM or 20 mM of N) with the inoculation of PGPB in plants exposed to heat shock (43 °C) may be a good strategy to obtain healthier lamb's lettuce with a higher yield. Results showed that a dose of 20 mM N can be considered as overfertilization. Moreover, the inoculation of plants fed with fertilizers with reduced N and under heat stress, resulted in higher productivity and content of sugars (60 %), amino acids (94 %), nitrogen (21 %), and total phenolic compounds (30 %), and a reduced content of nitrates (27 %).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Collado-González
- Department of Crop Production and Agri-Technology, Murcia Institute of Agri-Food Research and Development (IMIDA), C/Mayor s/n, 30150 Murcia, Spain.
| | - María Carmen Piñero
- Department of Crop Production and Agri-Technology, Murcia Institute of Agri-Food Research and Development (IMIDA), C/Mayor s/n, 30150 Murcia, Spain
| | - Ginés Otalora
- Department of Crop Production and Agri-Technology, Murcia Institute of Agri-Food Research and Development (IMIDA), C/Mayor s/n, 30150 Murcia, Spain
| | - Josefa Lopez-Marín
- Department of Crop Production and Agri-Technology, Murcia Institute of Agri-Food Research and Development (IMIDA), C/Mayor s/n, 30150 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco M Del Amor
- Department of Crop Production and Agri-Technology, Murcia Institute of Agri-Food Research and Development (IMIDA), C/Mayor s/n, 30150 Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fuchs W, Rachbauer L, Rittmann SKMR, Bochmann G, Ribitsch D, Steger F. Eight Up-Coming Biotech Tools to Combat Climate Crisis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1514. [PMID: 37375016 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biotechnology has a high potential to substantially contribute to a low-carbon society. Several green processes are already well established, utilizing the unique capacity of living cells or their instruments. Beyond that, the authors believe that there are new biotechnological procedures in the pipeline which have the momentum to add to this ongoing change in our economy. Eight promising biotechnology tools were selected by the authors as potentially impactful game changers: (i) the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, (ii) carbonic anhydrase, (iii) cutinase, (iv) methanogens, (v) electro-microbiology, (vi) hydrogenase, (vii) cellulosome and, (viii) nitrogenase. Some of them are fairly new and are explored predominantly in science labs. Others have been around for decades, however, with new scientific groundwork that may rigorously expand their roles. In the current paper, the authors summarize the latest state of research on these eight selected tools and the status of their practical implementation. We bring forward our arguments on why we consider these processes real game changers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Werner Fuchs
- Department IFA-Tulln, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 20, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Lydia Rachbauer
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Deconstruction Division at the Joint Bioenergy Institute, 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Simon K-M R Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology & Biotechnology Group, Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Universität Wien, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Wien, Austria
| | - Günther Bochmann
- Department IFA-Tulln, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 20, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Doris Ribitsch
- ACIB-Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Krenngasse 37, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Franziska Steger
- Department IFA-Tulln, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 20, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rencricca G, Froldi F, Moschini M, Trevisan M, Lamastra L. Mitigation Actions Scenarios Applied to the Dairy Farm Management Systems. Foods 2023; 12:foods12091860. [PMID: 37174398 PMCID: PMC10178217 DOI: 10.3390/foods12091860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental impacts of the dairy industry, particularly global warming, are heavily influenced by milk production. Thus, there is an urgent need for farm-level actions and opportunities for improvement, implying mitigation strategies. The aim of this paper is to investigate five possible mitigation actions at the dairy farm and which one the farmers were willing to adopt: management and distribution of livestock manure and fertilizers, anaerobic manure treatment, optimization of the herd composition, feed quality, and heat recovery. A life cycle assessment was conducted on 63 farms using the product environmental footprint approach. The latter was divided into four quartiles, from which four representative farms were selected. For each farm, three scenarios have been analyzed considering the reference impact (reference scenario), the application of the mitigation actions (best-case scenario), and what farmers would implement (realistic scenario). Overall, the most effective mitigation actions in the best-case scenario were anaerobic manure treatment and the management and distribution of livestock manure and fertilizers, showing a potential reduction in total environmental impacts of 7-9% and 6-7%, respectively. Farmers' responses indicated a willingness to implement the latter mitigation strategy better. The optimization of the herd composition, feed quality, and heat recovery reported a range impact reduction between 0.01-5%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rencricca
- Department for Sustainable Food Process (DiSTAS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Federico Froldi
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition (DiANA), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Maurizio Moschini
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition (DiANA), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marco Trevisan
- Department for Sustainable Food Process (DiSTAS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Lamastra
- Department for Sustainable Food Process (DiSTAS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ahmed N, Ishfaq M, Ali G. Genetic engineering for enhanced biological nitrogen fixation in cereal crops. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:473-475. [PMID: 36344382 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Enhancing biological nitrogen (N) fixation in cereal crops has been a long-sought objective. Recently, Yan et al. identified plant compounds that induce biofilm production of diazotrophic bacteria and then performed genetic engineering in order to improve nitrogen fixation in rice plants. These findings hold promise for sustainable agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ahmed
- Agricultural Biotechnological Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), College of Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan; Department of Biotechnology, The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Ishfaq
- Department of Agronomy, The University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ghazanfar Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Greenhouse gas emissions from nitrogen fertilizers could be reduced by up to one-fifth of current levels by 2050 with combined interventions. NATURE FOOD 2023; 4:170-178. [PMID: 37117855 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00698-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Food security relies on nitrogen fertilizers, but its production and use account for approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Meeting climate change targets requires the identification and prioritization of interventions across the whole life cycle of fertilizers. Here we have mapped the global flows of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and manure and their corresponding GHG emissions across their life cycle. We have then explored the maximum mitigation potential of various interventions to reduce emissions by 2050. We found that approximately two-thirds of fertilizer emissions take place after their deployment in croplands. Increasing nitrogen-use efficiency is the single most effective strategy to reduce emissions. Yet this should be combined with decarbonization of fertilizer production. Using currently available technologies, GHG emissions of fertilizers could be reduced up to approximately one-fifth of current levels by 2050.
Collapse
|
30
|
Legumes Regulate Symbiosis with Rhizobia via Their Innate Immune System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032800. [PMID: 36769110 PMCID: PMC9917363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant roots are constantly exposed to a diverse microbiota of pathogens and mutualistic partners. The host's immune system is an essential component for its survival, enabling it to monitor nearby microbes for potential threats and respond with a defence response when required. Current research suggests that the plant immune system has also been employed in the legume-rhizobia symbiosis as a means of monitoring different rhizobia strains and that successful rhizobia have evolved to overcome this system to infect the roots and initiate nodulation. With clear implications for host-specificity, the immune system has the potential to be an important target for engineering versatile crops for effective nodulation in the field. However, current knowledge of the interacting components governing this pathway is limited, and further research is required to build on what is currently known to improve our understanding. This review provides a general overview of the plant immune system's role in nodulation. With a focus on the cycles of microbe-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity (MTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), we highlight key molecular players and recent findings while addressing the current knowledge gaps in this area.
Collapse
|
31
|
The Strigolactone Pathway Is a Target for Modifying Crop Shoot Architecture and Yield. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12010095. [PMID: 36671787 PMCID: PMC9855930 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Due to their sessile nature, plants have developed the ability to adapt their architecture in response to their environment. Branching is an integral component of plant architecture, where hormonal signals tightly regulate bud outgrowth. Strigolactones (SLs), being a novel class of phytohormone, are known to play a key role in branching decisions, where they act as a negative regulator of bud outgrowth. They can achieve this by modulating polar auxin transport to interrupt auxin canalisation, and independently of auxin by acting directly within buds by promoting the key branching inhibitor TEOSINTE BRANCHED1. Buds will grow out in optimal conditions; however, when conditions are sub-optimal, SL levels increase to restrict branching. This can be a problem in agricultural applications, as reductions in branching can have deleterious effects on crop yield. Variations in promoter elements of key SL-related genes, such as IDEAL PLANT ARCHITECTURE1, have been identified to promote a phenotype with enhanced yield performance. In this review we highlight how this knowledge can be applied using new technologies to develop new genetic variants for improving crop shoot architecture and yield.
Collapse
|
32
|
Sutherland WJ, Bennett C, Brotherton PNM, Butterworth HM, Clout MN, Côté IM, Dinsdale J, Esmail N, Fleishman E, Gaston KJ, Herbert-Read JE, Hughes A, Kaartokallio H, Le Roux X, Lickorish FA, Matcham W, Noor N, Palardy JE, Pearce-Higgins JW, Peck LS, Pettorelli N, Pretty J, Scobey R, Spalding MD, Tonneijck FH, Tubbs N, Watson JEM, Wentworth JE, Wilson JD, Thornton A. A global biological conservation horizon scan of issues for 2023. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:96-107. [PMID: 36460563 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
We present the results of our 14th horizon scan of issues we expect to influence biological conservation in the future. From an initial set of 102 topics, our global panel of 30 scientists and practitioners identified 15 issues we consider most urgent for societies worldwide to address. Issues are novel within biological conservation or represent a substantial positive or negative step change at global or regional scales. Issues such as submerged artificial light fisheries and accelerating upper ocean currents could have profound negative impacts on marine or coastal ecosystems. We also identified potentially positive technological advances, including energy production and storage, improved fertilisation methods, and expansion of biodegradable materials. If effectively managed, these technologies could realise future benefits for biological diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William J Sutherland
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK; Biosecurity Research Initiative at St Catharine's (BioRISC), St Catharine's College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Craig Bennett
- Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 1WT, UK
| | - Peter N M Brotherton
- Natural England, 4th Floor Foss House, Kings Pool, 1-2 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PX, UK
| | - Holly M Butterworth
- Natural Resources Wales, Cambria House, 29 Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 0TP, UK
| | - Mick N Clout
- Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, PB 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Isabelle M Côté
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Jason Dinsdale
- Environment Agency, Horizon House, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AH, UK
| | - Nafeesa Esmail
- Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, 1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6, Canada
| | - Erica Fleishman
- College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Kevin J Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | | | - Alice Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | | | - Xavier Le Roux
- University of Lyon, Microbial Ecology Centre, INRAE (UMR1418), CNRS (UMR5557), University Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Fiona A Lickorish
- UK Research and Consultancy Services (RCS) Ltd, Valletts Cottage, Westhope, Hereford HR4 8BU, UK
| | - Wendy Matcham
- Natural Environment Research Council, UK Research and Innovation, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1FL, UK
| | - Noor Noor
- UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, UK
| | - James E Palardy
- The Pew Charitable Trusts, 901 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
| | - James W Pearce-Higgins
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK; British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU, UK
| | - Lloyd S Peck
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, UK
| | - Nathalie Pettorelli
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Jules Pretty
- Centre for Public and Policy Engagement and School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Richard Scobey
- TRAFFIC, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Mark D Spalding
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK; The Nature Conservancy, Strade delle Tolfe, 14, Siena 53100, Italy
| | | | - Nicolas Tubbs
- WWF-Belgium, BD Emile Jacqumainlaan 90, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - James E M Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jonathan E Wentworth
- Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, 14 Tothill Street, Westminster, London SW1H 9NB, UK
| | - Jeremy D Wilson
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, 2 Lochside View, Edinburgh EH12 9DH, UK
| | - Ann Thornton
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Guo J, Chen J. The Impact of Heavy Rainfall Variability on Fertilizer Application Rates: Evidence from Maize Farmers in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15906. [PMID: 36497975 PMCID: PMC9740578 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Global warming increases the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, which is harmful to agricultural production. Given that the overuse of fertilizer has been found to be a significant contributor to global warming, it is crucial to analyze the factors affecting farmers' fertilizer use and find appropriate fertilizer reduction measures. Agriculture is inherently risky, but previous studies have ignored the risk factors related to heavy rainfall variability, including fertilizer losses and the possible yield risks, which may lead to income risk. Using the 1995-2018 National Rural Fixed Observation Point Survey Data, this study examines the impact of heavy rainfall variability on maize farmers' fertilizer application rates, aiming to understand farmers' fertilization behavior in response to weather shocks. The results show that heavy rainfall variability significantly increases farmers' fertilizer application rates on maize. Furthermore, we find that heavy rainfall variability has greater effects on fertilizer use in hills and mountainous areas and areas with good irrigation conditions or high economic levels. When examining the potential channels underlying the estimated effects, we find that yield fluctuations are a channel through which heavy rainfall variability affects farmers' fertilizer use on maize. The above results indicate that farmers view applying extra fertilizer as a risk reducing activity in response to rainfall shocks, which helps to prevent low yield and income. Strengthening agricultural infrastructure construction according to local conditions and promoting fertilizer reduction technologies and products to reduce yield risk caused by heavy rainfall can help alleviate the problem of high fertilizer application rates by Chinese farmers.
Collapse
|