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Fedeli R, Vannini A, Djatouf N, Celletti S, Loppi S. Can lettuce plants grow in saline soils supplemented with biochar? Heliyon 2024; 10:e26526. [PMID: 38404867 PMCID: PMC10884517 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Salt stress is presently a major environmental concern, given the huge number of soils affected by the presence of dissolved salts. Therefore, it is necessary to find solutions, preferably nature-based ones, to deal with this problem. In this study, biochar, a product made from plant biomass residues through the process of pyrolysis, was tested to alleviate salt stress on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants. Six different concentrations of NaCl were tested: 0, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mM with and without the addition of 5% (w/w) biochar. Biochar ability to mitigate salinity damage was assessed by means of both biometric (fresh weight), physiological (chlorophyll content), and biochemical (i.e., electrolyte leakage, total antioxidant power, total soluble proteins, free amino acids, and mineral content) parameters. The experiment lasted four weeks. The results showed that NaCl has a negative effect from the concentration of 100-200 mM and that biochar was to some extent effective in mitigating the negative effects of salt on plant physiology; nevertheless, biochar failed to counteract Na accumulation. Similarly, biochar did not influence the content of free amino acids in lettuce leaves, but enhanced the expression of several parameters, such as total antioxidant power, fresh weight, chlorophyll content, total soluble protein, K content, although only clearly evident in some cases. Overall, the present study showed that biochar is a viable solution to counteract the damage caused by high salt concentrations on plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Fedeli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Vannini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Nesrine Djatouf
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Celletti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
- BAT Center - Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138, Napoli, Italy
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Fedeli R, Cruz C, Loppi S, Munzi S. Hormetic Effect of Wood Distillate on Hydroponically Grown Lettuce. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:447. [PMID: 38337980 PMCID: PMC10856926 DOI: 10.3390/plants13030447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The addition of biostimulants to nutrient solutions of hydroponically grown crops to speed up plant growth and improve plant yield and quality has been attracting more and more attention. This study investigated the effects of wood distillate (WD) addition to hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants. Two concentrations of WD, 0.2% and 0.5%, were added to the nutrient solution, and biometric (i.e., leaf fresh weight, root fresh weight, root length and root surface area), photosynthetic (i.e., chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid content) and biochemical (i.e., electrolyte leakage, total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and total antioxidant power content) parameters were evaluated. The effects of WD were hormetic, as the 0.2% concentration stimulated biometric and biochemical parameters, while the 0.5% concentration inhibited plant growth. Based on these results, it can be suggested that the addition of 0.2% WD to the nutrient solution has a stimulating effect on the growth of lettuce plants, and could be a successful strategy to boost the yield of crops grown hydroponically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Fedeli
- BioAgry Lab, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Cristina Cruz
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Stefano Loppi
- BioAgry Lab, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- BAT Center—Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvana Munzi
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (S.M.)
- Centro Interuniversitário de Historia das Ciências e da Tecnologia Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
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Deng H, Zhang Y, Liu K, Mao Q, Agathokleous E. Allelopathic effects of Eucalyptus extract and wood vinegar on germination and sprouting of rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:4280-4289. [PMID: 38100025 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31481-w] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Eucalyptus plantations are usually characterized by low biodiversity due to allelopathy effects. Wood vinegar is considered a complex growth regulator that can promote plant growth at low concentrations. However, there is information scarcity about the co-application of eucalypt leaf water extract and wood vinegar on plants. This study aimed at clarifying whether wood vinegar can protect seed germination against suppression by eucalypt-induced allelopathy. We examined germination behavior and seedling elongation characteristics in rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) treated with different solutions of wood vinegar and eucalypt leaf water extract. The results showed that eucalypt leaf water extracts, wood vinegar solutions, and their mixture allelopathically suppressed seed germination rate. After rapeseed sprouting, eucalypt leaf water extracts promoted root elongation, stem elongation, and fresh weight elongation. Malondialdehyde content was also lower under the influence of eucalypt leaf water extract. Mixture of high concentration of eucalypt leaf water extract and lower concentration of wood vinegar significantly promoted root elongation. Therefore, both eucalypt leaf water extract and wood vinegar are complex plant growth regulators, which can be used to inhibit or stimulate plants at different ontogenic stages. During the seed germination period, both eucalypt leaf extracts and wood vinegar could be used as weed inhibitors. Conversely, during the period of sprouting (seedling establishment), low concentrations of eucalypt leaf extracts and wood vinegar can promote growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Deng
- College of Resources, Environment and Life Sciences, Ningxia Normal University, Guyuan, 756000, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Kangping Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Sanya Qihuimin New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Sanya, 572022, China
| | - Qiaozhi Mao
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Evgenios Agathokleous
- Department of Ecology, School of Ecology and Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, 210044, China.
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Agathokleous E, Frei M, Knopf OM, Muller O, Xu Y, Nguyen TH, Gaiser T, Liu X, Liu B, Saitanis CJ, Shang B, Alam MS, Feng Y, Ewert F, Feng Z. Adapting crop production to climate change and air pollution at different scales. NATURE FOOD 2023; 4:854-865. [PMID: 37845546 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution and climate change are tightly interconnected and jointly affect field crop production and agroecosystem health. Although our understanding of the individual and combined impacts of air pollution and climate change factors is improving, the adaptation of crop production to concurrent air pollution and climate change remains challenging to resolve. Here we evaluate recent advances in the adaptation of crop production to climate change and air pollution at the plant, field and ecosystem scales. The main approaches at the plant level include the integration of genetic variation, molecular breeding and phenotyping. Field-level techniques include optimizing cultivation practices, promoting mixed cropping and diversification, and applying technologies such as antiozonants, nanotechnology and robot-assisted farming. Plant- and field-level techniques would be further facilitated by enhancing soil resilience, incorporating precision agriculture and modifying the hydrology and microclimate of agricultural landscapes at the ecosystem level. Strategies and opportunities for crop production under climate change and air pollution are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Source and Sink, China Meteorological Administration (ECSS-CMA), School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael Frei
- Department of Agronomy and Crop Physiology, Institute for Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oliver M Knopf
- Institute of Bio- and Geoscience 2: plant sciences (IBG-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Onno Muller
- Institute of Bio- and Geoscience 2: plant sciences (IBG-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Yansen Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Source and Sink, China Meteorological Administration (ECSS-CMA), School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Institute of Resource, Ecosystem and Environment of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Liu
- National Engineering and Technology Center for Information Agriculture, Engineering Research Center of Smart Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Costas J Saitanis
- Lab of Ecology and Environmental Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Bo Shang
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Source and Sink, China Meteorological Administration (ECSS-CMA), School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Shahedul Alam
- Department of Agronomy and Crop Physiology, Institute for Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Yanru Feng
- Department of Agronomy and Crop Physiology, Institute for Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Zhaozhong Feng
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Source and Sink, China Meteorological Administration (ECSS-CMA), School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
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Fedeli R, Fiaschi T, Angiolini C, Maccherini S, Loppi S, Fanfarillo E. Dose-Dependent and Species-Specific Effects of Wood Distillate Addition on the Germination Performance of Threatened Arable Plants. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3028. [PMID: 37687274 PMCID: PMC10489648 DOI: 10.3390/plants12173028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Wood distillate (WD) is a bio-based product applied to crop plants for its known action in terms of growth promotion and yield enhancement, but studies are lacking on its effects on the germination of arable plants. To test such effects, we applied WD at six different concentrations on the diaspores of three threatened arable plants: Bromus secalinus, Centaurea cyanus, and Legousia speculum-veneris. For all the studied species, the effect of WD was dose-dependent and species-specific. In B. secalinus, the germination percentage (GP) decreased at 0.125% WD but then remained stable at higher concentrations up to 1%. At 2% WD, almost no germination was observed. Mean germination time (MGT) was not influenced up to 1% WD but significantly increased at 2% WD. The germination rate index (GRI) and germination energy (GE) remained unaffected up to 1% WD but decreased at 2% WD. In C. cyanus, WD had no effects on GP and GE at any concentration. MGT showed no difference with the control up to 1% WD, but significantly increased at 2% WD. GRI increased only at low concentrations (0.125% and 0.25%). The germination performance of L. speculum-veneris was unaffected up to 0.25% WD for all the tested parameters. From 0.5% WD, a reduction in GP, GRI, and GE and an increase in MGT were observed. At 2% WD, germination was totally blocked. Our results suggest that using WD at low concentrations (<0.5%), those commonly used in arable crops, does not affect the germination of the three investigated plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Fedeli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.F.); (C.A.); (S.M.); (E.F.)
| | - Tiberio Fiaschi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.F.); (C.A.); (S.M.); (E.F.)
| | - Claudia Angiolini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.F.); (C.A.); (S.M.); (E.F.)
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90100 Palermo, Italy
- BAT Center—Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Simona Maccherini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.F.); (C.A.); (S.M.); (E.F.)
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90100 Palermo, Italy
- BAT Center—Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.F.); (C.A.); (S.M.); (E.F.)
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90100 Palermo, Italy
- BAT Center—Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Emanuele Fanfarillo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.F.); (C.A.); (S.M.); (E.F.)
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90100 Palermo, Italy
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Lamaro GP, Tsehaye Y, Girma A, Vannini A, Fedeli R, Loppi S. Evaluation of Yield and Nutraceutical Traits of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato Storage Roots in Two Agro-Climatic Zones of Northern Ethiopia. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1319. [PMID: 36987006 PMCID: PMC10052921 DOI: 10.3390/plants12061319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the genotype by environment interactions in the yield and nutraceutical traits of the orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) storage root in different agro-climatic zones of northern Ethiopia. Five OFSP genotypes were cultivated at three different locations following a randomized complete block design, and the yield, dry matter, beta-carotene, flavonoids, polyphenols, soluble sugars, starch, soluble proteins, and free radical scavenging activity were measured in the storage root. The results showed consistent variations in the nutritional traits of the OFSP storage root depending on both the genotype and the location, as well as on their interaction. Ininda, Gloria, and Amelia were the genotypes that provided the higher yield and dry matter, as well as the higher content of starch and beta-carotene; they also showed a high antioxidant power. These findings suggest that the studied genotypes have the potential to alleviate vitamin A deficiency. This study demonstrated a high possibility of sweet potato production for storage root yield in arid agro-climate regions with limited production inputs. Moreover, the results suggest that it is possible to enhance the yield, dry matter content, beta-carotene, starch, and polyphenols of the OFSP storage root through genotype selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Peace Lamaro
- Institute of Climate and Society, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
| | - Yemane Tsehaye
- College of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Dryland Crops and Horticultural Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
| | - Atkilt Girma
- Institute of Climate and Society, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
- College of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Land Resources Management and Environmental Protection (LaRMEP), Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
| | - Andrea Vannini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Fedeli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
- BAT Center—Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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The Antifungal Effect of Pyroligneous Acid on the Phytopathogenic Fungus Botrytis cinerea. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043080. [PMID: 36834495 PMCID: PMC9959546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, climate change has intensified harsh periods of rain alternating with periods of drought, leading to an increase in the presence of phytopathogenic fungi. In this study, we want to analyse the antifungal properties of pyroligneous acid against the fungal phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea. Through the inhibition test, we observed that the application of different dilutions of pyroligneous acid rarefied the growth of the fungal mycelium. Furthermore, we have seen through the metabolic profile that B. cinerea is not able to use pyroligneous acid as a resource or even grow in close contact with this resource. Moreover, we observed that the pre-incubation of the fungus in pyroligneous acid leads to a reduction in biomass production. These results give us hope for the possible use of this natural substance as a possible substance to protect plantations from pathogen attacks.
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Becagli M, Arduini I, Cantini V, Cardelli R. Soil and Foliar Applications of Wood Distillate Differently Affect Soil Properties and Field Bean Traits in Preliminary Field Tests. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:121. [PMID: 36616250 PMCID: PMC9823333 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Natural products such as wood distillate (WD) are promising alternatives to xenobiotic products in conventional agriculture and are necessary in organic farming. A field study gave insight into the effectiveness of WD applied as foliar spray (F-WD), soil irrigation (S-WD), and their combination as growth promoters for field beans. The soil fertility and quality parameters, plant growth, nutrient uptake, and resource partitioning within plants were evaluated. In a pot trial, we tested the effect of S-WD on root nodule initiation and growth. S-WD increased DOC and microbial biomass by approximately 10%, prompted enzyme activities, and increased nitrate and available phosphorus in soil, without affecting the number and growth of nodules in field beans. In contrast, the F-WD slightly reduced the DOC, exerted a lower stimulation on soil enzymes, and lowered the soil effect in the combined distribution. In field beans, the F-WD reduced the stem height but increased the number of pods per stem; S-WD increased the N and P concentrations of leaves and the N concentration of the pods. Moreover, all WD treatments retarded plant senescence. The WD revealed itself to be promising as a growth promoter for grain legumes, but further research is needed to understand the interference between the combined soil and foliar applications.
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