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Church BM, Geary B, Griffitts J, Drake CL, Ruebelmann K, Nelson SV, Madsen MD. Development of a Rhizobium Seed Coating to Establish Lupine Species on Degraded Rangelands. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2101. [PMID: 39124218 PMCID: PMC11314040 DOI: 10.3390/plants13152101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Restoring native plant species on degraded landscapes is challenging. Symbiotic partners in the plant rhizosphere can aid in nutrient acquisition, pathogen protection, stress tolerance, and many other processes. However, these microbes are often absent in altered landscapes and need to be re-integrated to improve restoration efforts. We evaluated, within a laboratory setting, the ability of commercial and indigenous rhizobia strains to form nodules on lupine species used for rangeland seedings in the Great Basin region of the Western United States and ascertained if these strains could be applied through a seed coating. We also evaluated if a compost amendment applied via seed coating could further enhance the performance of the rhizobia strains. Our analysis showed that successful nodulation could occur using commercial and wildland-collected indigenous strains through either a liquid culture applied to seedlings or as a dry seed coating. However, the number of root nodules and the presence of a pink color (indicating nitrogen fixation) were typically higher in the commercial product than in the indigenous strains. Compost did not improve nodulation or the performance of the nodules; however, this treatment alone improved shoot growth. Overall, these results suggest that commercial rhizobium may be more effective in improving plant growth, and future research with native rhizobia may want to consider identifying strains compatible with seed-coating delivery. Longer-term studies are now merited for assessing how the rhizobia strains evaluated in this study influence plant growth, particularly in a field setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget M. Church
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (B.M.C.); (B.G.); (C.L.D.); (S.V.N.)
| | - Brad Geary
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (B.M.C.); (B.G.); (C.L.D.); (S.V.N.)
| | - Joel Griffitts
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Curtis L. Drake
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (B.M.C.); (B.G.); (C.L.D.); (S.V.N.)
| | - Kate Ruebelmann
- Rehabilitation, Projects & Engineering, Rio Tinto Kennecott, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA;
| | - Shannon V. Nelson
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (B.M.C.); (B.G.); (C.L.D.); (S.V.N.)
| | - Matthew D. Madsen
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (B.M.C.); (B.G.); (C.L.D.); (S.V.N.)
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Jarrar H, El-Keblawy A, Ghenai C, Abhilash PC, Bundela AK, Abideen Z, Sheteiwy MS. Seed enhancement technologies for sustainable dryland restoration: Coating and scarification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166150. [PMID: 37595910 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166150] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
High temperatures, soil salinity, a lack of available water, loose soils with reduced water holding, and low soil fertility are obstacles to restoration efforts in degraded drylands and desert ecosystems. Improved soil physical and chemical properties, seed germination and seedling recruitment, and plant growth are all proposed as outcomes of seed enhancement technologies (SETs). Seed priming, seed coating, and seed scarification are three SETs' methods for promoting seed germination and subsequent plant development under unfavorable environmental conditions. Various subtypes can be further classified within these three broad groups. The goals of this review are to (1) develop a general classification of coating and scarification SETs, (2) facilitate the decision-making process to adopt suitable SETs for arid lands environments, and (3) highlight the benefits of coating and scarification SETs in overcoming biotic and abiotic challenges in ecological restoring degraded dryland. For rehabilitating degraded lands and restoring drylands, it is recommended to 1) optimize SETs that have been used effectively for a long time, particularly those associated with seed physiological enhancement and seed microenvironment, 2) integrate coating and scarification to overcome different biotic and abiotic constraints, and 3) apply SET(s) to a mixture of seeds from various species and sizes. However, more research should be conducted on developing SETs for large-scale use to provide the required seed tonnages for dryland restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Jarrar
- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Research Group, Research Institute for Sciences and Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ali El-Keblawy
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Chaouki Ghenai
- Department of Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - P C Abhilash
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Amit Kumar Bundela
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Zainul Abideen
- Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed S Sheteiwy
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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Xi L, Zhang M, Zhang L, Lew TTS, Lam YM. Novel Materials for Urban Farming. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2105009. [PMID: 34668260 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202105009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Scarcity of natural resources, shifting demographics, climate change, and increasing waste are four major challenges in the quest to feed the exploding world population. These challenges serve as the impetus to harness novel technologies to improve agriculture, productivity, and sustainability. Urban farming has several advantages over conventional farming: higher productivity, improved sustainability, and the ability to provide fresh food all year round. Novel materials are key to accelerating the evolution of urban farming - with their ability to facilitate controlled release of nutrients and pesticides, improved seed health, substrates with better water retention capability, more efficient recycling of agricultural waste, and precise plant health monitoring. Materials science enables environmental sustainability and higher harvest yields in urban farms. Here, Singapore is used as an example of a land-scarce city where urban farming may be the solution for future food production. Potential research directions and challenges in urban farming are highlighted, and how material optimization and innovation drive the development of urban farming to meet national and global food demands is briefly discussed. This review serves as a guide for researchers and a reference for stakeholders of urban farms, policy makers, and other interested parties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifei Xi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- Facility for Analysis, Characterisation, Testing and Simulation (FACTS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Mengyuan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Liling Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Tedrick T S Lew
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Yeng Ming Lam
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- Facility for Analysis, Characterisation, Testing and Simulation (FACTS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
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Svejcar LN, Brown VS, Ritchie AL, Davies KW, Svejcar TJ. A new perspective and approach to ecosystem restoration: a seed enhancement technology guide and case study. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N. Svejcar
- USDA‐Agricultural Research Service Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center 67826‐A Hwy 205 Burns OR 97720 U.S.A
| | - Vanessa S. Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Alison L. Ritchie
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Kirk W. Davies
- USDA‐Agricultural Research Service Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center 67826‐A Hwy 205 Burns OR 97720 U.S.A
| | - Tony J. Svejcar
- Oregon State University, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center 67826‐A Hwy 205 Burns OR 97720 U.S.A
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Brown VS, Erickson TE, Merritt DJ, Madsen MD, Hobbs RJ, Ritchie AL. A global review of seed enhancement technology use to inform improved applications in restoration. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149096. [PMID: 34340083 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Seed-based restoration often experiences poor success due to a range of edaphic and biotic issues. Seed enhancement technologies (SETs) are a novel approach that can alleviate these pressures and improve restoration success. Broadly, SETs have been reviewed for agricultural and horticultural purposes, for specific types of SETs such as coating or priming, or for focal ecosystems. However, information is lacking for SETs within a restoration focused context, and how they are being used to alleviate certain barriers. This review aimed to synthesise the current literature on SETs to understand what SETs are being tested, in which sectors and locations they are being tested, what issues are faced within restoration using SETs, and how SETs are being used to approach these issues. Priming was highlighted as the main SET investigated. Inoculation, pesticide application and magnetic fields were also commonly tested (SETs we termed 'prospective techniques'). SET research mainly occurred in the agricultural sector. More recently, other sectors, such as restoration and rangeland management, have increased efforts into SET research. The restoration sector has focused on extruded pelleting and coating (with activated carbon), in combination with herbicide application, to overcome invasive species, and coating with certain additives to alleviate edaphic issues. Other sectors outside restoration were largely focused on evaluating priming for overcoming these barriers. The majority of priming research has been completed on crop species and differences between these species and ecosystems must be considered in future restoration efforts that focus on native seed use. Generally, SETs require further refinement, including identifying ideal additives and their optimum concentrations to target certain issues, refining formulations for coating and extruded pelleting and developing flash flaming. A bet-hedging approach using multiple SETs and/or combinations of SETs may be advantageous in overcoming a wide range of barriers in seed-based restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa S Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia; Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, 2 Kattidj Close, Kings Park, Western Australia, 6005, Australia.
| | - Todd E Erickson
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia; Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, 2 Kattidj Close, Kings Park, Western Australia, 6005, Australia
| | - David J Merritt
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia; Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, 2 Kattidj Close, Kings Park, Western Australia, 6005, Australia
| | - Matthew D Madsen
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, 701 East University Parkway, Provo, UT 84602, United States of America
| | - Richard J Hobbs
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Alison L Ritchie
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia; Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, 2 Kattidj Close, Kings Park, Western Australia, 6005, Australia
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Berto B, Erickson TE, Ritchie AL. Flash Flaming Improves Flow Properties of Mediterranean Grasses Used for Direct Seeding. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9121699. [PMID: 33287254 PMCID: PMC7761630 DOI: 10.3390/plants9121699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The demand for native grasses is increasing in restoration and agriculture, though their use is often limited due to seed handling challenges. The external structures surrounding the grass seed (i.e., the floret) possess hairs, awns, and appendages which create blockages in conventional seeding equipment. Flash flaming is a patented technology which allows precision exposure of floret material to flames to singe off hairs and appendages. We used two grasses native to Mediterranean ecosystems of Western Australia (Amphipogon turbinatus R.Br. and Neurachne alopecuoidea R.Br.) to evaluate the effects of different flaming techniques on flow properties and germination. Flaming significantly improved flowability in both species and had both neutral (A. turbinatus) and negative (N. alopecuroidea) effects on germination. Flaming torch size influenced germination, though flaming temperature (low or high) and whether this was kept constant or alternating had no effect. The best evaluation of germination following flaming was achieved by cleaning flamed florets to seed and/or germinating in the presence of karrikinolide (KAR1) or gibberellic acid (GA3). We suggest that flaming settings (particularly torch size) require species-specific evaluation and optimisation. Removing seeds from flamed florets and germination testing this material in the presence of stimulants may be a useful protocol for future flaming evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Berto
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (T.E.E.); (A.L.R.)
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park 6005, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Todd E. Erickson
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (T.E.E.); (A.L.R.)
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park 6005, Australia
| | - Alison L. Ritchie
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia; (T.E.E.); (A.L.R.)
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park 6005, Australia
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Pyke DA, Shriver RK, Arkle RS, Pilliod DS, Aldridge CL, Coates PS, Germino MJ, Heinrichs JA, Ricca MA, Shaff SE. Postfire growth of seeded and planted big sagebrush—strategic designs for restoring greater sage‐grouse nesting habitat. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Pyke
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 3200 SW Jefferson Way Corvallis OR 97331 USA
| | - Robert K. Shriver
- U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center 2255 N Gemini Road Flagstaff AZ 86001 USA
- University of Nevada Reno, Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Science, 1664 N. Virginia St Reno NV 89557 USA
| | - Robert S. Arkle
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 970 S Lusk St Boise ID 83706 USA
| | - David S. Pilliod
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 970 S Lusk St Boise ID 83706 USA
| | - Cameron L. Aldridge
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C Fort Collins CO 80526‐8118 USA
| | - Peter S. Coates
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D Dixon CA 95620 USA
| | - Matthew J. Germino
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 970 S Lusk St Boise ID 83706 USA
| | - Julie A. Heinrichs
- Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University; in cooperation with U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C Fort Collins CO 80526‐8118 USA
| | - Mark A. Ricca
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D Dixon CA 95620 USA
| | - Scott E. Shaff
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 3200 SW Jefferson Way Corvallis OR 97331 USA
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Pedrini S, Balestrazzi A, Madsen MD, Bhalsing K, Hardegree SP, Dixon KW, Kildisheva OA. Seed enhancement: getting seeds restoration‐ready. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pedrini
- ARC‐Centre for Mine Site Restoration, Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin University Kent Street Bentley 6102 Australia
| | - Alma Balestrazzi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘L. Spallanzani’University of Pavia via Ferrata 1 27100 Pavia Italy
| | - Matthew D. Madsen
- Department of Plant and Wildlife SciencesBrigham Young University Provo UT 84602 U.S.A
| | - Khiraj Bhalsing
- ARC‐Centre for Mine Site Restoration, Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin University Kent Street Bentley 6102 Australia
| | | | - Kingsley W. Dixon
- ARC‐Centre for Mine Site Restoration, Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin University Kent Street Bentley 6102 Australia
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Gornish E, Arnold H, Fehmi J. Review of seed pelletizing strategies for arid land restoration. Restor Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Gornish
- School of Natural Resources and the EnvironmentUniversity of Arizona Tucson AZ 85721 U.S.A
| | - Hannah Arnold
- School of Natural Resources and the EnvironmentUniversity of Arizona Tucson AZ 85721 U.S.A
| | - Jeffrey Fehmi
- School of Natural Resources and the EnvironmentUniversity of Arizona Tucson AZ 85721 U.S.A
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