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Regan KH, Voortman CA, Barbercheck ME. Seedcorn maggot response to planting date, cover crops, and tillage in organic cropping systems. J Econ Entomol 2024; 117:555-563. [PMID: 38381578 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toae026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Seedcorn maggot, Delia platura (Meigen) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), is an economically important early-season pest of corn and soybean in the United States. Adult seedcorn maggot is attracted to decomposing plant residues for oviposition, creating potential management issues where growers typically use tillage to incorporate fertility amendments and to create a seedbed. The use of growing degree-day models to time planting dates is an important tool for effectively managing this pest, but their use has not been examined in organic crop production. Here, we report the results of experiments to determine the effects of cover crops, tillage, and relative planting date on seedcorn maggot in corn and soybean in 2 experiments: The first during the transition to organic from conventional management and the second during the 3 yr following organic certification in central Pennsylvania, United States. Overall, delaying the planting date by 1-2 wk reduced fly emergence in corn, but not in soybean in both experiments. Seedcorn maggot emergence was also consistently greater in corn than in soybean, with 6 times more flies in corn than in soy. About 15 times more seedcorn maggot flies emerged from corn in treatments in which cover crops were managed with tillage compared to treatments in which cover crops were terminated with a roller-crimper followed by no-till planting of corn. Fly emergence was negatively related to the proportion of legumes in the cover crop mixture preceding corn. These results can help inform soil, cover crop, and crop decisions for organic growers in the Mid-Atlantic United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christina A Voortman
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Mary E Barbercheck
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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2
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Rodgers E, Nicolson E, Lauder S, Hodge S. Response of Pasture Grasses to Organic Fertilizer Produced from Black Soldier Fly Frass. Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:943. [PMID: 38611472 PMCID: PMC11013756 DOI: 10.3390/plants13070943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Livestock and dairy farmers are increasingly required to maintain productivity and profitability while mitigating the environmental harm associated with high-input agriculture. Accordingly, to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, a wide range of organically derived products are being evaluated for their effects on sward growth and forage quality. This study used glasshouse experiments to investigate the responses of four grass species to a novel organic fertilizer derived from the mass production of black soldier fly larvae [Hermetia illucens, HexaFrass™, Meath, Ireland]. Although there was some variability among trials, overall our results indicate that application of HexaFrass produced increased shoot growth of Perennial Ryegrass (PRG; Lolium perenne L.), Timothy (Phleum pratense L.), and Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) compared with growth achieved in no-fertilizer control plants. In addition to increases in shoot fresh and dry weight, shoot chlorophyll content was also positively related to the HexaFrass application rate. At nitrogen-equivalent application rates, HexaFrass resulted in lower shoot growth compared with the application of urea, suggesting that the nitrogen contained in HexaFrass may not be immediately plant-available. Of relevance to grazing or silage systems, the addition of HexaFrass resulted in increased shoot regrowth of PRG and Timothy after shoots had been cut. Based on our results, insect-frass-based fertilizers may have a role in low input, organic, and/or regenerative pasture-based livestock systems, although issues may occur due to the relatively high costs and low availability compared with other organic soil amendments such as farmyard manure and slurry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simon Hodge
- School of Agriculture & Food Science, University College Dublin, D04 Dublin, Ireland; (E.R.); (E.N.)
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3
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Neher DA, Brown AR, Andrews TD, Weicht TR. Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Vermicompost to Manage Bottom Rot in Organic Lettuce. Plant Dis 2024. [PMID: 38277652 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-12-23-2569-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Rhizoctonia solani Kühn (teleomorph: Thanatephorus cucumeris [Frank] Donk) is an aggressive soilborne pathogen with a wide host range, survives saprophytically between crops presenting a challenge for organic vegetable farmers that lack effective management tools. A two-year field experiment was conducted at two organic farms to compare anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) and worm-cured compost (vermicompost) to manage bottom rot caused by R. solani subspecies AG1-IB in field-grown organic lettuce (Lactuca sativa). At each farm, four replicate plots of seven treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design. Randomization was restricted by grouping treatments to evaluate ASD, and treatments to evaluate vermicompost in starter plugs. ASD experiment treatments were three different ASD carbon sources that are commonly used and widely available to local farmers in Vermont: compost, cover crop residues, and poultry manure fertilizer, and a tarped control. Vermicompost experimental treatments were vermicompost compared to two types of controls: a commercial biocontrol product (RootShield® PLUS+G), and unamended (untarped control). This study demonstrated that the ASD method is achievable in a field setting on Vermont farms. However, neither ASD nor vermicompost produced significant disease suppression or resulted in higher marketable yields than standard growing practices. Given the laborious nature of ASD, it is likely more appropriate in a greenhouse setting with high value crops that could especially benefit from being grown in plastic tarped beds (e.g., tomatoes, strawberries). This study is the first known attempt of field-implemented ASD for soil pathogen control in the northeastern USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Neher
- University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 173139, Plant and Soil Science, Burlington, Vermont, United States;
| | - Anna R Brown
- University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 173139, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Burlington, Vermont, United States;
| | - Tucker D Andrews
- University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 173139, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Burlington, Vermont, United States;
| | - Thomas R Weicht
- University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 173139, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Burlington, Vermont, United States;
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Wu K, Spychalla PM, Pereyra M, Liou M, Chen Y, Silva E, Gevens AJ. Impacts of a commercially-available horticultural oil biopesticide (EF-400) on the tomato- Phytophthora infestans pathosystem. Plant Dis 2023. [PMID: 38105459 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-12-22-2968-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Biopesticide fungicides are naturally derived compounds that offer protection from plant diseases through various modes of action, including antimicrobial activity and upregulation of defense responses in host plants. These plant protectants provide a sustainable and safe alternative to conventional pesticides in integrated disease management programs and are especially salient in the management of high-risk and economically important diseases such as late blight of tomato and potato, for which host resistance options are limited. In this study, a commercially available biopesticide, EF400 comprised of clove (8.2%), rosemary (8.1%), and peppermint oils (6.7%) (Anjon AG, Corcoran, CA), was investigated for its effects on the Phytophthora infestans-tomato pathosystem. Specifically, we evaluated the impact of EF400 on P. infestans growth in culture, disease symptoms in planta, and activation of host defenses through monitoring transcript accumulation of defense related genes. The application timing and use rate of EF400 were further investigated for managing tomato late blight. EF400 delayed the onset of tomato late blight symptoms, although not as effectively as the copper hydroxide fungicide Champ WG (Nufarm Americas Inc., Alsip, IL). Pathogen mycelial growth and sporangial quantity on late blight-susceptible tomato leaves were significantly reduced with EF400. The biopesticide also had an enhancing or suppressing effect on the transcript accumulation of three defense related genes, Pin2, PR1a, and PR1b. Our work in exploring a commercially available horticultural oil biopesticide meaningfully contributed to the essential knowledge base for optimizing recommendations for the management of tomato late blight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuantin Wu
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 5228, Plant Pathology, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53706;
| | | | - Matthew Pereyra
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 5228, Plant Pathology, Madison, Wisconsin, United States;
| | - Michael Liou
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 5228, Department of Statistics, Madison, Wisconsin, United States;
| | - Yu Chen
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Plant Pathology, Madison, Wisconsin, United States;
| | - Erin Silva
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 5228, Plant Pathology, Madison, Wisconsin, United States;
| | - Amanda Jane Gevens
- University of Wisconsin, Plant Pathology, 1630 Linden Dr, Rm 689, Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53706;
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Nimmo V, Violle C, Entz M, Rolhauser AG, Isaac ME. Changes in crop trait plasticity with domestication history: Management practices matter. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10690. [PMID: 38020689 PMCID: PMC10651313 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Crop domestication has led to the development of distinct trait syndromes, a series of constrained plant trait trade-offs to maximize yield in high-input agricultural environments, and potentially constrained trait plasticity. Yet, with the ongoing transition to organic and diversified agroecosystems, which create more heterogeneous nutrient availability, this constrained plasticity, especially in root functional traits, may be undesirable for nutrient acquisition. Such agricultural systems require a nuanced understanding of the soil-crop continuum under organic amendments and with intercropping, and the role crop genetic resources play in governing nutrient management and design. In this study, we use a functional traits lens to determine if crops with a range of domestication histories express different functional trait plasticity and how this expression changes with soil amendments and intercropping. We utilize a common garden experiment including five wheat (Triticum aestivum) varietals with a range of domestication histories planted in a factorial combination with amendment type (organic and inorganic) and cropping design (monoculture or intercropped with soybean). We use bivariate, multivariate and trait space analyses to quantify trait variation and plasticity in five leaf and five root functional traits. Almost all leaf and root traits varied among varieties. Yet, amendment type was nearly inconsequential for explaining trait expression across varieties. However, intercropping was linked to significant differences in root acquisitive strategies, regardless of the varietals' distinct history. Our findings show substantial leaf and root trait plasticity, with roots expressing greater trait space occupation with domestication, but also the strong role of management in crop trait expression. We underscore the utility of a functional trait-based approach to understand plant-soil dynamics with organic amendments, as well as the role of crop genetic histories in the successful transition to low-input and diversified agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cyrille Violle
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRDMontpellierFrance
| | - Martin Entz
- University of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Andres G. Rolhauser
- University of Toronto ScarboroughTorontoOntarioCanada
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos y Sistemas de Información, Facultad de AgronomíaUniversidad de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
- IFEVA, CONICET, Facultad de AgronomíaUniversidad de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Marney E. Isaac
- University of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- University of Toronto ScarboroughTorontoOntarioCanada
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Werner D, Bussemas R, Baldinger L. Crossing the Old Local Breed Deutsches Lachshuhn with the Layer Breed White Rock: Effects on Laying Performance of the Females and Fattening Performance of the Males. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2999. [PMID: 37835605 PMCID: PMC10571803 DOI: 10.3390/ani13192999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We tested the novel cross of the old local breed Deutsches Lachshuhn and the layer breed White Rock, as well as purebred Deutsches Lachshuhn, for their suitability as dual-purpose chickens under 100% organic husbandry conditions, and compared their performance and welfare with the two dual-purpose crosses New Hampshire × Bresse and Bresse × White Rock, which are already established in Germany. Chicks were reared in mixed-sex groups until slaughter of the males at 15 or 18 weeks of life. Data on laying performance and animal welfare were recorded until the hens' 72nd week of life. Laying performance of Deutsches Lachshuhn × White Rock was almost twice as high as that in purebred hens, while fattening performance of the males did not differ. Deutsches Lachshuhn × White Rock, New Hampshire × Bresse and Bresse × White Rock realized a balanced performance profile of 242-250 eggs per hen alive and a final live weight of the males of 2924-3105 g after 18 weeks of rearing. The efficiency of a pair of chickens (one male and one female) was very similar for the crosses (3.69-3.77 kg feed kg-1 marketable product), while purebred Deutsches Lachshuhn was less efficient (6.35 kg feed kg-1 marketable product). Crossing the breed Deutsches Lachshuhn with a layer breed therefore improved laying performance and overall efficiency of the birds compared to purebred Deutsches Lachshuhn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Werner
- Thünen Institute of Organic Farming, Trenthorst 32, 23847 Westerau, Germany
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Ahmad CA, Haider MS, Akhter A. Physiological and biochemical characterization of biochar-induced resistance against bacterial wilt of eggplants. R Soc Open Sci 2023; 10:230442. [PMID: 37564063 PMCID: PMC10410212 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The abrupt variation in climatic patterns has become a global concern in terms of food security. Biochar, known to ameliorate climatic adversities by sequestering carbon and activating systemic resistance pathways in plants, has become increasingly relevant. Therefore, the study was aimed to characterize leaf waste biochar (LWB) by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction analytical techniques as well as determination of its impact on the development of bacterial wilt (BW) in eggplant (Solanum melongena) caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (RS). The effect of LWB on the physiology and defence-associated biochemistry of eggplants was investigated thoroughly. Eggplants either inoculated (+RS) or uninoculated (-RS) were cultivated in potting mixture containing 3 and 6% (v/v) LWB separately. In comparison with substrate (soil only), percentage disease index was significantly reduced (71%) in plants grown in 6% LWB-amended treatments. Biochar-induced increase in level of total chlorophyll content as well as in biochemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids and peroxidases were evident on plants in terms of resistance response against BW. Moreover, biochar also significantly affected the level of NPK in the eggplants. In conclusion, biochar-triggered biochemical alterations played a pivotal role in the management of BW along with the curing of the disease-infested soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaudhry Ali Ahmad
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, PO Box 54590, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saleem Haider
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, PO Box 54590, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Akhter
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, PO Box 54590, Lahore, Pakistan
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Yue N, Wang H, Li C, Zhang C, Li S, Wang J, Jin F. The Effect of Imidacloprid on the Volatile Organic Compound Profile of Strawberries: New Insights from Flavoromics. Foods 2023; 12:2914. [PMID: 37569183 PMCID: PMC10418971 DOI: 10.3390/foods12152914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Organic agriculture is of great socioeconomic significance because it can promote the nutritional quality of horticultural crops and is environmentally friendly. However, owing to the lack of techniques for studying complex aroma-related chemical profiles, limited information is available on the influence of organic practices on the flavor quality of strawberries, one of the primary factors driving consumer preferences. Here, two-dimensional gas chromatography combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF-MS) and flavoromics analysis was employed to investigate the profiles and differences in the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of strawberries under organic (without imidacloprid) and conventional (with imidacloprid) agricultural practices. A total of 1164 VOCs, representing 23 chemical classes (e.g., aldehydes, terpenes, and furanone compounds), were detected, which is the highest number of VOCs that have ever been detected in strawberries. The sensory evaluation results indicated that there was a notable influence of imidacloprid (IMI) on the aroma of the strawberries. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis results suggested that the composition of volatile compounds significantly differed in the present study between the IMI-treated and non-IMI-treated groups. Furthermore, the flavor-related indicators of 25 key contributors to the differences between the two treatment groups suggested that VOC profiles can be considered an indicator for distinguishing between strawberries from different agricultural practices. Flavoromics can provide new insights into the quality of strawberries from different agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yue
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hongping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chunmei Li
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Simeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Fen Jin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Quality and Safety, Institute of Quality Standards & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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Benito P, Bellón J, Porcel R, Yenush L, Mulet JM. The Biostimulant, Potassium Humate Ameliorates Abiotic Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana by Increasing Starch Availability. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12140. [PMID: 37569516 PMCID: PMC10418871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Potassium humate is a widely used biostimulant known for its ability to enhance growth and improve tolerance to abiotic stress. However, the molecular mechanisms explaining its effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of potassium humate using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrated that a formulation of potassium humate effectively increased the fresh weight accumulation of Arabidopsis plants under normal conditions, salt stress (sodium or lithium chloride), and particularly under osmotic stress (mannitol). Interestingly, plants treated with potassium humate exhibited a reduced antioxidant response and lower proline accumulation, while maintaining photosynthetic activity under stress conditions. The observed sodium and osmotic tolerance induced by humate was not accompanied by increased potassium accumulation. Additionally, metabolomic analysis revealed that potassium humate increased maltose levels under control conditions but decreased levels of fructose. However, under stress, both maltose and glucose levels decreased, suggesting changes in starch utilization and an increase in glycolysis. Starch concentration measurements in leaves showed that plants treated with potassium humate accumulated less starch under control conditions, while under stress, they accumulated starch to levels similar to or higher than control plants. Taken together, our findings suggest that the molecular mechanism underlying the abiotic stress tolerance conferred by potassium humate involves its ability to alter starch content under normal growth conditions and under salt or osmotic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Benito
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Universitat Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (P.B.); (R.P.); (L.Y.)
- Caldic Ibérica, S. L. U. Llobateras 23-25, pol.ind. Santiga, Barberà del Vallés, 08210 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Javier Bellón
- Caldic Ibérica, S. L. U. Llobateras 23-25, pol.ind. Santiga, Barberà del Vallés, 08210 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Rosa Porcel
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Universitat Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (P.B.); (R.P.); (L.Y.)
| | - Lynne Yenush
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Universitat Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (P.B.); (R.P.); (L.Y.)
| | - José M. Mulet
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Universitat Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (P.B.); (R.P.); (L.Y.)
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10
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Carkner MK, Gao X, Entz MH. Ideotype breeding for crop adaptation to low phosphorus availability on extensive organic farms. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1225174. [PMID: 37534288 PMCID: PMC10390776 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1225174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Organic farming in extensive production regions, such as the Canadian prairies have a particularly difficult challenge of replenishing soil reserves of phosphorus (P). Organic grains are exported off the farm while resupply of lost P is difficult due to limited availability of animal manures and low solubility of rock organic fertilizers. As a result, many organic farms on the prairies are deficient in plant-available P, leading to productivity breakdown. A portion of the solution may involve crop genetic improvement. A hypothetical 'catch and release' wheat ideotype for organic production systems is proposed to (i) enhance P uptake and use efficiency but (ii) translocate less P from the vegetative biomass into the grain. Root traits that would improve P uptake efficiency from less-available P pools under organic production are explored. The need to understand and classify 'phosphorus use efficiency' using appropriate indices for organic production is considered, as well as the appropriate efficiency indices for use if genetically selecting for the proposed ideotype. The implications for low seed P and high vegetative P are considered from a crop physiology, environmental, and human nutrition standpoint; considerations that are imperative for future feasibility of the ideotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaopeng Gao
- Department of Soil Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Martin H. Entz
- Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Yedra VÁ, Otero P, Prieto MA, Simal-Gandara J, Reigosa MJ, Sánchez-Moreiras AM, Hussain MI. Testing the role of allelochemicals in different wheat cultivars to sustainably manage weeds. Pest Manag Sci 2023; 79:2625-2638. [PMID: 36890109 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selecting wheat varieties with allelopathic potential or high competitiveness against weeds is a sustainable solution for organic farming to eliminate the use of synthetic herbicides. Wheat is one of the most economically important crops. This study focuses on screening the allelopathic or competitive potential of four wheat cultivars, Maurizio, NS 40S, Adesso and Element, on two weeds of interest due to acquired herbicide resistance, Portulaca oleracea and Lolium rigidum, through germination and growth bioassays and the identification and quantification of benzoxazinoids (BXZs) and polyphenols (phenolic acids and flavonoids). RESULTS The different cultivars showed different abilities to manage surrounding weeds and different capacity to exude or accumulate specialized metabolites in the presence of those weeds. Furthermore, each cultivar behaved differently depending on the weed present in the medium. The most efficient cultivar to control the tested monocot and dicot weeds was Maurizio, as it effectively controlled germination and growth of L. rigidum and P. oleracea while exuding large amounts of benzoxazinones through the roots, especially the hydroxamic acids 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one and dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxaxin-3(4H)-one. By contrast, NS 40S, Adesso and Element showed the potential to control the growth of just one of the two weeds through allelopathy or competition. CONCLUSION This study reveals that Maurizio is the most promising wheat cultivar for sustainable weed control, and that the screening of crop varieties with allelopathic potential, which results in the displacement of synthetic herbicides, is an immediate solution in ecological and sustainable agriculture. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vieites-Álvarez Yedra
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Bioloxía, Vigo, Spain
| | - Paz Otero
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universidade de Vigo-Ourense Campus, Ourense, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Prieto
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universidade de Vigo-Ourense Campus, Ourense, Spain
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universidade de Vigo-Ourense Campus, Ourense, Spain
| | - Manuel J Reigosa
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Bioloxía, Vigo, Spain
| | - Adela M Sánchez-Moreiras
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Bioloxía, Vigo, Spain
| | - M Iftikhar Hussain
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia do Solo, Facultade de Bioloxía, Vigo, Spain
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Thoma JL, Cantrell CL, Tamang P, Zheljazkov VD. Determining the optimum mixture of three essential oils for potato sprout suppression at room temperature storage. Front Plant Sci 2023; 14:1199117. [PMID: 37389299 PMCID: PMC10303126 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1199117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
As a staple crop, potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) play an important role in meeting daily caloric needs. To ensure adequate supplies for year-round consumption, potato quality must be maintained throughout lengthy storage periods. Towards this end, potato sprouting during storage must be minimized. Due to changing regulations regarding chemical means of potato sprout suppression, increased focus has turned to alternative products including essential oils (EO) as sprout suppressants in recent years. The complex composition of various EOs promises numerous options for sprout suppression. Furthermore, blends of several EOs may achieve enhanced sprout suppressant properties if synergistic interactions are present. We evaluated Syzygium aromaticum, Artemisia herba-alba, and Laurus nobilis EOs and blends thereof as sprout suppressants in potato cultivar Ranger Russet stored at room temperature and also tested for their antifungal activity against Colletotrichum fragariae, a causal organism of anthracnose disease in strawberries including other vegetables and fruits. A. herba-alba EO was an effective sprout suppressant when used alone and suppressed sprouting over the 90-day storage period. Interactions between A. herba-alba and S. aromaticum affected sprout length whereas interactions between A. herba-alba and L. nobilis EOs affected sprout number. An optimum blend of 50% - 82.31% A. herba-alba, 17.69% - 50% L. nobilis, and 0% - 1.01% S. aromaticum EOs could more effectively minimize tuber sprout length and number than any of the three whole EOs used alone. Among these three EOs, only S. aromaticum EO showed antifungal activity against C. fragariae in bioautography assay. These results exhibit the potential of EOs blends as a novel tactic in potato sprout suppression as well as potential natural product-based fungicides in managing C. fragariae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jena L. Thoma
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Charles L. Cantrell
- Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, University, MS, United States
| | - Prabin Tamang
- Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, University, MS, United States
| | - Valtcho D. Zheljazkov
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
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Di Raimo R, Mizzoni D, Spada M, Dolo V, Fais S, Logozzi M. Oral Treatment with Plant-Derived Exosomes Restores Redox Balance in H 2O 2-Treated Mice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1169. [PMID: 37371899 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-derived exosomes (PDEs) are receiving much attention as a natural source of antioxidants. Previous research has shown that PDEs contain a series of bioactives and that their content varies depending on the fruit or vegetable source. It has also been shown that fruits and vegetables derived from organic agriculture produce more exosomes, are safer, free of toxic substances, and contain more bioactives. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of orally administered mixes of PDE (Exocomplex®) to restore the physiological conditions of mice treated for two weeks with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), compared with mice left untreated after the period of H2O2 administration and mice that received only water during the experimental period. The results showed that Exocomplex® had a high antioxidant capacity and contained a series of bioactives, including Catalase, Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Ascorbic Acid, Melatonin, Phenolic compounds, and ATP. The oral administration of Exocomplex® to the H2O2-treated mice re-established redox balance with reduced serum levels of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), but also a general recovery of the homeostatic condition at the organ level, supporting the future use of PDE for health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Di Raimo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo d'Abruzzo, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Davide Mizzoni
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo d'Abruzzo, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Massimo Spada
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolo
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefano Fais
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Logozzi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Escudero-Leyva E, Del Milagro Granados-Montero M, Orozco-Ortiz C, Araya-Valverde E, Alvarado-Picado E, Chaves-Fallas JM, Aldrich-Wolfe L, Chaverri P. The endophytobiome of wild Rubiaceae as a source of antagonistic fungi against the American Leaf Spot of coffee (Mycena citricolor). J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:7146202. [PMID: 37113015 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The American leaf spot, caused by Mycena citricolor, is an important disease of coffee (Coffea arabica), mostly in Central America. Currently, there are limited pathogen control alternatives that are environmentally friendly and economically accessible. The use of fungi isolated from the plant endomycobiota in their native habitats is on the rise because studies show their great potential for biological control. To begin to generate a green alternative to control M. citricolor, the objectives of the present study were to (i) collect, identify, screen (in vitro and in planta), and select endophytic fungi from wild Rubiaceae collected in old-growth forests of Costa Rica; (ii) confirm endophytic colonization in coffee plantlets; (iii) evaluate the effects of the endophytes on plantlet development; and (iv) corroborate the antagonistic ability in planta. METHODS AND RESULTS Through in vitro and in planta antagonism assays, we found that out of the selected isolates (i.e., Daldinia eschscholzii GU11N, Nectria pseudotrichia GUHN1, Purpureocillium aff. lilacinum CT24, Sarocladium aff. kiliense CT25, Trichoderma rifaii CT5, T. aff. crassum G1C, T. aff. atroviride G7T, T. aff. strigosellum GU12, and Xylaria multiplex GU14T), Trichoderma spp. produced the highest growth inhibition percentages in vitro. Trichoderma isolates CT5 and G1C were then tested in planta using Coffea arabica cv. caturra plantlets. Endophytic colonization was verified, followed by in planta growth promotion and antagonism assays. CONCLUSIONS Results show that Trichoderma isolates CT5 and G1C have potential for plant growth promotion and antagonism against Mycena citricolor, reducing incidence and severity, and preventing plant mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efraín Escudero-Leyva
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA) and Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
| | - María Del Milagro Granados-Montero
- Escuela de Agronomía, Estación Experimental Fabio Baudrit and Centro de Investigaciones en Estructuras Microscópicas, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Cristofer Orozco-Ortiz
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Emmanuel Araya-Valverde
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Eduardo Alvarado-Picado
- Centro para el Desarrollo de Alternativas Orgánicas (CeDAO), San Marcos de Tarrazú, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José Miguel Chaves-Fallas
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA) and Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica
- Department of Biology and Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Laura Aldrich-Wolfe
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Priscila Chaverri
- Centro de Investigaciones en Productos Naturales (CIPRONA) and Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica
- Department of Natural Sciences, Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland, USA
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Orefice NS, Di Raimo R, Mizzoni D, Logozzi M, Fais S. Purposing plant-derived exosomes-like nanovesicles for drug delivery: patents and literature review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:89-100. [PMID: 36947052 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2195093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION How can biotechnology and organic agriculture be fused and promoted simultaneously to overcome the main challenges in drug delivery systems, improving the quality of the care provided, [1] patient outcomes, and [2] reducing the side effects of most of the current treatments? Unfortunately, the role of organic agriculture in future human health treatment still represents a binary organic-conventional question, a debate perpetuating an either/or mentality. However, extracellular exosomes-like nanoparticles define a new organic path that plants and vegetables can release. In this review, we concisely propose plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles and discuss their most important biological and pharmacological roles, representing a new tool for drug delivery. AREAS COVERED plant-derived exosomes-like nanovesicles; nature farming; green manufacturing practice; drug delivery; organic agriculture. EXPERT OPINION There is growing interest in the potential use of plant-derived exosomes-like nanovesicles for various diagnostic and therapeutic applications that should translate into a supplement to current nano-pharmaceuticals. Despite their clinical potential, the lack of sensitive preparatory and analytical technologies for plant-derived exosomes-like nanovesicles poses a barrier to clinical translation. An increasing number of articles are recently published on new analytical platforms to address these challenges in cross-comparison with conventional assay methods. This review also mentions two patents from ExoLab-Italia on plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles, respectively, on plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles' ability to naturally deliver a series of potentially therapeutic molecules and a novel approach to upload them with therapeutic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Salvatore Orefice
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rossella Di Raimo
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo d'Abruzzo, Strada Statale 17 Loc. Boschetto di Pile, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Davide Mizzoni
- ExoLab Italia, Tecnopolo d'Abruzzo, Strada Statale 17 Loc. Boschetto di Pile, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Logozzi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Fais
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Özbek Çatal B, Çalişkan Keçe AF, Amangeldİ Z, Ulusoy MR. Evaluation of control for the management of four pest species (Rhagoletis cerasi L., Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) (Diptera: Drosophilidae)) in organic cherry-growing area. Pest Manag Sci 2023; 79:520-525. [PMID: 36264596 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the fruit flies Rhagoletis cerasi L., Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) (Tephritidae and Drosophilidae) have become an increasingly serious problem for cherry production in Turkey, which ranks first among cherry-producing countries. Intensive chemical control of these pests is used and little information about alternative methods of control is available for these pests, especially in organic farming. The purpose of our study was to determine a new, cost-efficient and more ecofriendly method of pest control. The study was carried out during 2019-2020 at two different locations in Turkey: Adana-Pozantı (Alpu, 1070 m, and Belemedik, 700 m). RESULTS This study investigated the effectiveness against fruit flies of netting covering trees, a mass capture technique and an insecticide suitable for use in organic agriculture (spinosad). A comparative insecticide (thiacloprid) was also applied. The methods performed quite differently from the control and were shown to be particularly effective against R. cerasi and D. suzukii. The most effective control method against the four pest species was the application of netting (100% effect). The other methods of control included in the experiment may also be useful in organic cherry cultivation. CONCLUSION The methods presented here meet the requirements for conventional and organic production. Application of netting in particular can form the basis of organic production requirements for the management of fruit flies. It has been observed that fruits ripen a little later, and fruit monilia and aphid damage are less in trees protected by netting. This is a commercial advantage, especially for late maturing varieties, and additional studies are needed for these varieties. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Özbek Çatal
- Department of Plant and Animal Production, Çukurova University, Pozantı Vocational School, Adana, Turkey
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Šišić A, Baćanović-Šišić J, Schmidt H, Finckh MR. Farming system effects on root rot pathogen complex and yield of faba bean ( vicia faba) in Germany. Front Plant Sci 2022; 13:1009906. [PMID: 36618659 PMCID: PMC9811268 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1009906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A survey across Germany was undertaken from 2016-2019 to evaluate effects of management system (organic vs conventional), pedo-climatic conditions and crop rotation history on faba bean root health status, diversity of major root rot pathogens and yield. Root rot incidence was generally low and there was no effect of the management system on the spectrum of pathogens isolated. Among the most common fungal species identified, frequencies of Fusarium redolens and Didymella pinodella were significantly higher in roots from organic fields compared with conventional and lower was observed for F. avenaceum, F. tricinctum and F. culmorum. Faba bean roots were colonized at similar rates by F. equiseti and the members of the F. oxysporum (FOSC) and F. solani (FSSC) species complexes in both management systems. Almost no legumes had been grown in the 5-11 years preceding the conventional faba beans surveyed while legumes had almost always been present during this period in the organic fields. This difference in rotational histories between the farming systems led to apparent cropping systems effects on the isolation frequencies of several species. For example, D. pinodella was ubiquitous in organic fields with a high frequency of legumes in the rotations but much rarer and often absent in conventional fields. Pedo-climatic conditions, particularly cool conditions at sowing and plant emergence and/or during the vegetative season favored most of the most prevalent Fusarium species identified in this study. In organic systems, yields correlated negatively with D. pinodella and F. redolens frequencies whereas higher levels of F. tricintum in faba bean roots had a positive correlation with yield. In conventional systems, faba bean yields depended more on the total precipitation before sowing and during the main growing season but were also negatively correlated with the frequencies of FOSC and F. culmorum. Phylogenetic analysis based on the TEF1 alpha locus indicated that the FSSC isolates mainly belonged to the F. pisi lineage. In contrast, the FOSC isolates were placed in 9 different lineages, with a conspicuous dominance of F. libertatis that has until now not been associated with any leguminous host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Šišić
- Department of Ecological Plant Protection, University of Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany
| | - Jelena Baćanović-Šišić
- Section of Organic Plant Breeding and Agrobiodiversity, University of Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany
| | - Harald Schmidt
- Foundation Ecology & Agriculture (SOEL), Ahrweiler, Germany
| | - Maria R. Finckh
- Department of Ecological Plant Protection, University of Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany
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Gao P, Wang H, Deng S, Dong E, Dai Q. Influence of organic rice production mode on weed composition in the soil seed bank of paddy fields. Front Plant Sci 2022; 13:1056975. [PMID: 36479513 PMCID: PMC9720393 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1056975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is of great significance to determine the composition of the soil weed seed bank under different organic rice production modes to provide decision making support for rational integrated weed management in organic rice production. METHODS The soil weed seed bank of the four dominant organic production modes, namely, rice-green manure rotation (RG), rice monoculture (RM), rice-crayfish coculture (RC) and rice-duck coculture (RD), with different numbers of consecutive planting years (3 to 10 years) in different sites in Jiangsu Province were investigated to determine the influence of organic rice production mode on weed composition. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION There were significant differences in the weed composition in the soil seed bank among the four organic rice production modes. The most dominant weed group was broadleaf weeds in the soil seed bank under the RG and RM modes; however, under the RM mode, the most dominant weed species were sedge and grass weeds. Sedge and grass weeds dominated the soil seed bank of the RC and RD modes, respectively. Therefore, specific weed management strategies could be formulated based on the differences in weed composition under different organic rice production modes. The application of organic fertilizer and irrigation were identified as primary factors associated with the differences in weed composition in the soil seed banks, which had higher effects on the weed composition than hand weeding. Consequently, fertilization and irrigation strategies that alter weed composition could be used as improved weed management program components in organic rice production systems. Long-term organic rice planting is beneficial for increasing weed diversity in paddy fields. Our results indicated that weed species diversity increased and weed community evenness and dominance decreased with the increase in the number of consecutive planting years under all four organic rice production modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinglei Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain, Research Institute of Rice Industrial Engineering Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain, Research Institute of Rice Industrial Engineering Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain, Research Institute of Rice Industrial Engineering Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain, Research Institute of Rice Industrial Engineering Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shiwen Deng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain, Research Institute of Rice Industrial Engineering Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain, Research Institute of Rice Industrial Engineering Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Erjia Dong
- Anhui Pujiwei Modern Agriculture Group Co., Ltd., Tongling, China
| | - Qigen Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain, Research Institute of Rice Industrial Engineering Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain, Research Institute of Rice Industrial Engineering Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Thoma JL, Cantrell CL, Zheljazkov VD. Effects of Essential Oil Fumigation on Potato Sprouting at Room-Temperature Storage. Plants (Basel) 2022; 11:plants11223109. [PMID: 36432838 PMCID: PMC9695867 DOI: 10.3390/plants11223109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
As a global staple, potato plays an important role in meeting human dietary needs and alleviating malnutrition. Potato sprouting during storage is a major issue that threatens food security by increasing food waste and must therefore be controlled. Biopesticides, including essential oils (EOs), have a history of use as potato sprout suppressants, and interest in their use has been renewed in response to stricter regulations on CIPC, the dominant chemical sprout suppressant over the last half-century. We evaluated twenty-one EOs as potential sprout suppressants in cv. Ranger Russet potatoes at room-temperature storage. Treatment with Artemisia herba-alba EO was the most effective at suppressing both sprout length and sprout number over a 90-day storage period. GC—MS—FID analysis of A. herba-alba EO revealed the presence of α-thujone, hexadecenoic acid, β-thujone, camphor, sabinene, and camphene at amounts >1%. Cistus ladanifer, Ocimum basilicum, Ormenis mixta, and Salvia sclarea EOs significantly reduced sprout length for shorter storage periods, whereas Cinnamomum zeylanicum (bark) and Laurus nobilis EOs also significantly reduced sprout number. Syzygium aromaticum (clove) EO did not significantly suppress sprouting at room temperature. These results indicate the potential of certain EOs to be used as sprout suppressants for room-temperature potato storage, providing needed alternatives for both organic and conventional potato industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jena L. Thoma
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Charles L. Cantrell
- Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, University City, MS 38677, USA
| | - Valtcho D. Zheljazkov
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Thoma JL, Cantrell CL, Zheljazkov VD. Evaluation of Essential Oils as Sprout Suppressants for Potato ( Solanum tuberosum) at Room Temperature Storage. Plants (Basel) 2022; 11:3055. [PMID: 36432783 PMCID: PMC9696970 DOI: 10.3390/plants11223055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chlorpropham (CIPC) has been the dominant method of chemical sprout suppression for the last half-century. However, stricter regulations including outright bans on its use in several countries has prompted investigation into alternative products to replace it. Growing interest in organic foods has increased focus on the use of biopesticides, including essential oils (EOs), as potential sprout suppressants in stored potato. We evaluated the potential of ten EOs for sprout suppression in potato cultivar Ranger Russet at room temperature. Treatment with Cymbopogon citratus EO was found to be the most effective sprout suppressant, completely suppressing sprouting over the 90-day storage period. The EOs of Myrtus communis and Melaleuca quinquenervia significantly reduced sprout length relative to the control but did not have any effect on sprout number. These findings demonstrate the potential of select EOs as effective potato sprout suppressants that could replace CIPC use in this industry while also giving more power to organic potato producers and processors to control sprouting in their operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jena L. Thoma
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, 109 Crop Science Building, 3050 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Charles L. Cantrell
- Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Valtcho D. Zheljazkov
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, 109 Crop Science Building, 3050 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Šarūnaitė L, Toleikienė M, Arlauskienė A, Razbadauskienė K, Deveikytė I, Supronienė S, Semaškienė R, Kadžiulienė Ž. Effects of Pea ( Pisum sativum L.) Cultivars for Mixed Cropping with Oats ( Avena sativa L.) on Yield and Competition Indices in an Organic Production System. Plants (Basel) 2022; 11:2936. [PMID: 36365389 PMCID: PMC9656400 DOI: 10.3390/plants11212936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The benefits of cereal-legume mixed cropping is a sustainable agricultural practice. However, knowledge of the genotypic differences of semi-leafless pea varieties is not enough to help them compete with cereals. In this study, the effects of Lithuania's newest Pisum sativum cultivars ('Egle DS' and 'Lina DS') and, for comparison, a control cultivar ('Jūra DS') established with Avena sativa in mixed cropping system were investigated. Three years of field trials (2018, 2019 and 2020) with four experiments involved three different mixtures of each field pea cultivar with oat. The aboveground biomass of mixed cropped new field pea cultivars was found to be significantly higher: biomass of cultivars 'Egle DS' increased by 17.0% and 'Lina DS' by 7.2% on average compared with the control cultivar 'Jūra DS'. For the mixed cropping system, statistically greater total aboveground biomass was observed with plant ratios of 50% pea + 50% oat and 60% pea + 40% oat compared to peas monocultures. Mixed cropped oat was the dominant species in all tested mixture compositions; however, the highest total grain yield of mixed crops was obtained when new pea 'Lina DS' and 'Egle DS' cultivars were included in the mixtures compared with the control cultivar. The new pea cultivar 'Egle DS' had a greater effect on protein content compared to other tested pea cultivars. In the new pea cultivars 'Lina DS' and 'Egle DS', the higher photosynthetic capacity and aboveground biomass of mixed cropped pea with oat showed mixture effects in the mixed cropped system and could increase total yield compared with pea monoculture. Generally, the new pea cultivars displayed a greater Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) value, resulting in the greatest yield among the mixtures on average for all three years and all four experiments. Future research could optimize the effects of pea cultivar mixtures with cereals to further improve the yield of organic mixed cropping systems.
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Jiang L, Chen Y, Wang X, Guo W, Bi Y, Zhang C, Wang J, Li M. New insights explain that organic agriculture as sustainable agriculture enhances the sustainable development of medicinal plants. Front Plant Sci 2022; 13:959810. [PMID: 36247548 PMCID: PMC9562643 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.959810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As global health care demand continues to increase, medicinal plant productivity must progress without exhausting critical environmental resources. Hence, it is important to explore practices that can improve the quality, safety, and sustainability of medicinal plants, as well as ecological stability. Organic farming has recently gained significance as a sustainable cultivation alternative owing to increased awareness of the adverse effects of conventional cultivation method. Here, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of organic farming as a solution for sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants from multiple perspectives and long-term benefits to the environment. Organic agricultural practices of medicinal plants were evaluated from a multi-dimensional perspective (environment, economy, and society) using extensive research data and literature and field surveys. Data from medicinal plant cultivation in Inner Mongolia were acquired for 76 sites from four data stations between 2014 and 2021. Data analysis revealed that organic medicinal plants can improve safety by reducing pesticide exposure risks. Simultaneously, organic agriculture of medicinal plants can improve biodiversity by effectively reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, which also provides natural safe products for health care. With the improvement of quality, the retail price will have a certain advantage, which will improve the income of farmers. Moreover, organic agriculture enhanced profitability because of the higher organic premium on medicinal plant products and improved ecosystem stability by increasing plant diversity. The findings of this study suggest that organic cultivation strategies can improve the quality and safety of medicinal plants and further provide a basis for promoting the sustainable development and ecological stability of medicinal plants. However, not all medicinal plant cultivators are guaranteed to adopt organic farming practices, but if all technological elements are correctly applied, the system can be maintained sustainably to expand the area of organically cultivated plants in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Jiang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University of Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University of Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Wenfang Guo
- Inner Mongolia Institute of Traditional Chinese and Mongolian Medicine, Hohhot, China
| | - Yaqiong Bi
- Inner Mongolia Institute of Traditional Chinese and Mongolian Medicine, Hohhot, China
| | - Chunhong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Minhui Li
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University of Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
- Inner Mongolia Institute of Traditional Chinese and Mongolian Medicine, Hohhot, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Characteristic Geoherbs Resources Protection and Utilization, Baotou, China
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23
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Seemakram W, Paluka J, Suebrasri T, Lapjit C, Kanokmedhakul S, Kuyper TW, Ekprasert J, Boonlue S. Enhancement of growth and Cannabinoids content of hemp ( Cannabis sativa) using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Front Plant Sci 2022; 13:845794. [PMID: 35958223 PMCID: PMC9360772 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.845794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to promote growth and cannabinoid yield of Cannabis sativa KKU05. A completely randomized design (CRD) was conducted with six replications for 60 days. Two different species of AMF, Rhizophagus prolifer PC2-2 and R. aggregatus BM-3 g3 were selected as inocula and compared with two non-mycorrhizal controls, one without synthetic fertilizer and one with synthetic NPK fertilizer. The unfertilized non-mycorrhizal plants had the lowest performance, whereas plants inoculated with R. aggregatus BM-3 g3 performed best, both in terms of plant biomass and concentrations of CBD and THC. There were no significant differences in plant biomass and cannabinoid concentrations between non-mycorrhizal plants that received synthetic fertilizer and mycorrhizal plants with inoculum of R. prolifer PC2-2. Our data demonstrate the great potential for cannabis cultivation without risking deterioration of soil structure, such as soil hardening and increased acidity, which might be induced by long-term use of synthetic fertilizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasan Seemakram
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Jakkapat Paluka
- Natural Products Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Thanapat Suebrasri
- Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Chanon Lapjit
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Cannabis Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Somdej Kanokmedhakul
- Natural Products Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Thomas W. Kuyper
- Soil Biology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jindarat Ekprasert
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sophon Boonlue
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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24
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Logozzi M, Di Raimo R, Mizzoni D, Fais S. The Potentiality of Plant-Derived Nanovesicles in Human Health-A Comparison with Human Exosomes and Artificial Nanoparticles. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4919. [PMID: 35563310 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in science and medicine is witnessing a massive increases in literature concerning extracellular vesicles (EVs). From a morphological point of view, EVs include extracellular vesicles of a micro and nano sizes. However, this simplistic classification does not consider both the source of EVs, including the cells and the species from which Evs are obtained, and the microenvironmental condition during EV production. These two factors are of crucial importance for the potential use of Evs as therapeutic agents. In fact, the choice of the most suitable Evs for drug delivery remains an open debate, inasmuch as the use of Evs of human origin may have at least two major problems: (i) autologous Evs from a patient may deliver dangerous molecules; and (ii) the production of EVs is also limited to cell factory conditions for large-scale industrial use. Recent literature, while limited to only a few papers, when compared to the papers on the use of human EVs, suggests that plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNV) may represent a valuable tool for extensive use in health care.
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25
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Hulsmans E, Peeters G, Honnay O. Soil Microbiomes in Apple Orchards Are Influenced by the Type of Agricultural Management but Never Match the Complexity and Connectivity of a Semi-natural Benchmark. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:830668. [PMID: 35250946 PMCID: PMC8888915 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.830668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Conversion of natural ecosystems into agricultural land may strongly affect the soil microbiome and the functioning of the soil ecosystem. Alternative farming systems, such as organic farming, have therefore been advocated to reduce this impact, yet the outcomes of different agricultural management regimes often remain ambiguous and their evaluations mostly lack a proper more natural benchmark. We used high-throughput amplicon sequencing, linear models, redundancy analyses, and co-occurrence network analyses to investigate the effect of organic and integrated pest management (IPM) on soil fungal and bacterial communities in both the crop and drive rows of apple orchards in Belgium, and we included semi-natural grasslands as a benchmark. Fungi were strongly influenced by agricultural management, with lower diversity indices and distinct communities in IPM compared to organic orchards, whereas IPM orchards had a higher AMF abundance and the most complex and connected fungal communities. Bacterial diversity indices, community composition, and functional groups were less affected by management, with only a higher network connectivity and abundance of keystone taxa in organic drive rows. On the other hand, none of the agricultural soil microbiomes matched the complexity and connectedness of our semi-natural benchmark, demonstrating that even more nature-friendly agricultural management practices strongly affect the soil microbiome and highlighting the essential role of (semi-)natural systems as a harbor of robust and functionally diverse fungal and bacterial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hulsmans
- Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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26
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Mattila TEA, Perkiö-Mäkelä M, Hirvonen M, Kinnunen B, Väre M, Rautiainen RH. Work exposures and mental and musculoskeletal symptoms in organic farming. Ergonomics 2022; 65:242-252. [PMID: 34554049 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.1974102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study focussed on harmful exposures and mental and musculoskeletal symptoms in organic and conventional farming using interview data of Finnish farmers over the winter of 2014-2015. The data consisted of 2,169 full-time farmers, out of whom 231 (11%) practiced organic farming and 1,938 (89%) conventional farming. Exposure to poisonous and irritating substances was less frequent while exposures to vibration and mould ('smell of root cellar') were more frequent on organic farms. Mental and musculoskeletal symptoms were slightly more common among organic farmers, but the associations were not statistically significant in regression modelling. Risk factors for mental symptoms included animal production, hired labour, female gender, constant hurry, working alone, economic uncertainty, and inadequate recovery from workdays. Risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms included older age, female gender, constant hurry, economic uncertainty, difficult working postures, heavy lifting and carrying, and inadequate recovery. Workload and recovery, managing the transition period and better follow-up of the occupational well-being were identified as concerns among organic farmers. Practitioner summary: Converting from conventional to organic farming has become increasingly common. Farmer interviews indicated that exposure to poisonous and irritating substances was less frequent while exposures to vibration and mould were more frequent on organic farms. Mental and musculoskeletal symptoms and risk factors were similar in both types of farming.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Hirvonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Kuopio Regional Office, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Birgitta Kinnunen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Kuopio Regional Office, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Minna Väre
- Natural Resources Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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27
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Silva MBRD, Maffei DF, Moreira DA, Dias M, Mendes MA, Franco BDGDM. Agricultural practices in Brazilian organic farms and microbiological characteristics of samples collected along the production chain. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 132:1185-1196. [PMID: 34365710 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To gather data on agricultural practices in organic farms in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and evaluate their relationship with the microbiological characteristics of samples collected along the production chain. METHODS AND RESULTS Practices data were based on field observations and interviews with farmers in 10 selected organic lettuce producing farms. Counts of Enterobacteriaceae and surveys for Salmonella were performed in samples of lettuce (before and after washing), fertilizers, irrigation and washing water, all collected in the same farm. Water samples were also tested for total coliforms and generic Escherichia coli. Isolated Enterobacteriaceae were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Contamination of lettuce was influenced by some agricultural practices: chicken manure-based fertilization resulted in higher Enterobacteriaceae counts in lettuce when compared to other types of manure, whereas pre-washed lettuces presented lower microbial counts than non-pre-washed samples. Salmonella was detected in one lettuce sample by qPCR. Escherichia coli was detected in all irrigation water samples. All sample types contained Enterobacteriaceae species commonly reported as opportunistic human pathogens. CONCLUSIONS The data highlight the need for improvement in the good agricultural practices in the studied farms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study provides information on agricultural practices and microbiological characteristics of organic lettuce, contributing to the development of more accurate risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Belchior Rosendo da Silva
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniele Fernanda Maffei
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Agri-food Industry, Food and Nutrition, ‟Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Debora Andrade Moreira
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Meriellen Dias
- Dempster MS Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic School of University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Anita Mendes
- Dempster MS Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic School of University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo Franco
- Food Research Center (FoRC), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a scarcity of data on the impact of the pandemic in farmers. METHODS Cross-sectional survey of certified organic producers through a 28-item self-reported paper or electronic survey. Analysis included descriptive statistics, Cronbach α to measure the internal consistency of a six-item prevention scale, and correlation and regression analyses. RESULTS A total of 344 records were computed. Infection rate among producers was 6.4%. Sex and farm size were the most statistically significant predictors of prevention behaviors. Women reported more use of prevention methods (β = 0.333, P < 0.001) and those with 50 or more certified organic acres reporting less use of prevention methods (β = -0.228, P < 0.001). Mask wearing was significantly related to lower COVID-19 prevalence. CONCLUSIONS Determining prevalence and understanding how farmers follow prevention behaviors is essential for health care and public health interventions and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy V Rosero
- College of Population Health, University of New Mexico (Ms Rosero, Dr Soto Mas, Dr Nervi); Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation-Southwest Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Ms Sebastian); Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Alcalde Sustainable Agriculture Science Center, New Mexico State University, Alcalde, New Mexico, (Dr Guldan); SW Ag Center & School of Community & Rural Health, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas (Dr Casanova)
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29
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Almeida RA, Lemmens P, De Meester L, Brans KI. Differential local genetic adaptation to pesticide use in organic and conventional agriculture in an aquatic non-target species. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211903. [PMID: 34784768 PMCID: PMC8596010 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pesticide application is an important stressor to non-target species and can profoundly affect ecosystem functioning. Debates continue on the choice of agricultural practices regarding their environmental impact, and organic farming is considered less detrimental compared to conventional practices. Nevertheless, comparative studies on the impacts of both agricultural approaches on the genetic adaptation of non-target species are lacking. We assessed to what extent organic and conventional agriculture elicit local genetic adaptation of populations of a non-target aquatic species, Daphnia magna. We tested for genetic differences in sensitivity of different D. magna populations (n = 7), originating from ponds surrounded by conventional and organic agriculture as well as nature reserves, to pesticides used either in conventional (chlorpyrifos) or organic agriculture (deltamethrin and copper sulfate). The results indicate that D. magna populations differentially adapt to local pesticide use. Populations show increased resistance to chlorpyrifos as the percentage of conventional agriculture in the surrounding landscape increases, whereas populations from organic agriculture sites are more resistant to deltamethrin. While organic agriculture is considered less harmful for non-target species than conventional, both types of agriculture shape the evolution of pesticide resistance in non-target species in a specific manner, reflecting the differences in selection pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela A. Almeida
- Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Lemmens
- Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leibniz Institute für Gewasserökologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB), Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Luc De Meester
- Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leibniz Institute für Gewasserökologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB), Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Strasse 1-3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristien I. Brans
- Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, KU Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Borkent S, Hodge S. Glasshouse Evaluation of the Black Soldier Fly Waste Product HexaFrass™ as an Organic Fertilizer. Insects 2021; 12:insects12110977. [PMID: 34821778 PMCID: PMC8625123 DOI: 10.3390/insects12110977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years farmers have relied on highly efficient synthetic nitrogen fertilizers to achieve increased yields. However, the extensive application of nitrogen-based fertilizers is now associated with several negative impacts on the environment, such as pollution of waterways and eutrophication of lakes and estuaries. To promote more sustainable food production, less environmentally damaging methods of adding nutrients and organic matter to soils are needed. One potential organic fertilizer has arisen recently as a by-product of insect farming. Mass production of the black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens L.) results in the production of waste or frass, which is high in organic matter and contains essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. In this study, it was found that one such product, HexaFrass™, improved the shoot and root growth of several herb and vegetable plants when grown under glasshouse conditions, and had similar effects to other commonly-used organic fertilizers, such as chicken manure pellets. As HexaFrass™ is a waste by-product, and the BSF are themselves raised on other food or organic wastes, the use of BSF frass has good potential as a sustainable, more environmentally-friendly, organic soil amendment. Abstract The mass farming of the black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens L.), to produce insect-based feed for livestock and fish, results in considerable amounts of insect frass, which contains substantial amounts of organic matter and bioavailable nutrients. Insect frass has shown good potential as a soil amendment and organic fertilizer. This study examined the effects of HexaFrass™ on the growth of common vegetables and herbs under glasshouse conditions. In an organically-rich potting mix, HexaFrass™ increased shoot dry weight by an average of 25%, although this effect was variable among test plants. In other trials, application of HexaFrass™ caused an increase in plant growth similar to that obtained by applying chicken manure and a commercial organic fertilizer. Increases in shoot and root dry weight showed quadratic relationships with HexaFrass™ dose, indicating that application of excessive quantities could lead to plant inhibition. Shoot:root dry matter ratio tended to increase with HexaFrass™ dose suggesting there was no specific stimulation or enhancement of root growth. Overall, these results provide further evidence of the potential of insect frass as an effective organic fertilizer for vegetables and herbs.
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Saha D, Kaye JP, Bhowmik A, Bruns MA, Wallace JM, Kemanian AR. Organic fertility inputs synergistically increase denitrification-derived nitrous oxide emissions in agroecosystems. Ecol Appl 2021; 31:e02403. [PMID: 34231260 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Soil fertility in organic agriculture relies on microbial cycling of nutrient inputs from legume cover crops and animal manure. However, large quantities of labile carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in these amendments may promote the production and emission of nitrous oxide (N2 O) from soils. Better ecological understanding of the N2 O emission controls may lead to new management strategies to reduce these emissions. We measured soil N2 O emission for two growing seasons in four corn-soybean-winter grain rotations with tillage, cover crop, and manure management variations typical of organic agriculture in temperate and humid North America. To identify N2 O production pathways and mitigation opportunities, we supplemented N2 O flux measurements with determinations of N2 O isotopomer composition and microbiological genomic DNA abundances in microplots where we manipulated cover crop and manure additions. The N input from legume-rich cover crops and manure prior to corn planting made the corn phase the main source of N2 O emissions, averaging 9.8 kg/ha of N2 O-N and representing 80% of the 3-yr rotations' total emissions. Nitrous oxide emissions increased sharply when legume cover crop and manure inputs exceeded 1.8 and 4 Mg/ha (dry matter), respectively. Removing the legume aboveground biomass before corn planting to prevent co-location of fresh biomass and manure decreased N2 O emissions by 60% during the corn phase. The co-occurrence of peak N2 O emission and high carbon dioxide emission suggests that oxygen (O2 ) consumption likely caused hypoxia and bacterial denitrification. This interpretation is supported by the N2 O site preference values trending towards denitrification during peak emissions with limited N2 O reduction, as revealed by the N2 O δ15 N and δ18 O and the decrease in clade I nosZ gene abundance following incorporation of cover crops and manure. Thus, accelerated microbial O2 consumption seems to be a critical control of N2 O emissions in systems with large additions of decomposable C and N substrates. Because many agricultural systems rely on combined fertility inputs from legumes and manures, our research suggests that controlling the rate and timing of organic input additions, as well as preventing the co-location of legume cover crops and manure, could mitigate N2 O emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasish Saha
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Jason P Kaye
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Arnab Bhowmik
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Mary Ann Bruns
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - John M Wallace
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Armen R Kemanian
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
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32
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Sherpa MT, Sharma L, Bag N, Das S. Isolation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Native Rhizobacterial Consortia Developed From the Rhizosphere of Rice Grown in Organic State Sikkim, India, and Their Effect on Plant Growth. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:713660. [PMID: 34552571 PMCID: PMC8450577 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.713660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Eight rhizospheric bacteria were isolated from the organic paddy fields of Sikkim, India, and identified as Pseudomonas kribbensis KSB, Burkholderia cenocepacia SRD, Kosakonia oryzendophytica YMA7, Pseudomonas rhodesiae SRB, Bacillus sp. ARA, Paenibacillus polymyxa COW3, Bacillus aryabhattai PSB2, and Bacillus megaterium PSB1. They showed plant growth-promoting attributes in rice and have bio-control potential against phytopathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum). Burkholderia cenocepacia SRD showed production of indole acetic acid and ammonia and solubilization of phosphate and potassium and also possessed nitrogen fixation potential. It showed antagonistic activity against two other plant pathogens of large cardamom, viz., Curvularia eragrostidis and Pestalotiopsis sp., under in vitro conditions. The liquid bacterial consortium was prepared using the bacterial strains SRB, PSB1, and COW3 (Consortia-1); PSB2, SRD, and COW3 (Consortia-2); and COW3, KSB, and YMA7 (Consortia-3) to increase the growth and yield of rice plants under organic farming conditions. Greenhouse and field studies showed that the Consortia-3 had the highest plant growth-promoting activity. Consortia-3 demonstrated better agronomic performance in terms of root length (9.5 cm),number of leaflets per plant (5.3), grains per panicle (110.6), test grain weight (27.4 g), dry root weight per plant (0.73 g), and total dry biomass per plant (8.26 g).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingma Thundu Sherpa
- Department of Horticulture, School of Life Sciences, Sikkim University, Gangtok, India
| | - Laxuman Sharma
- Department of Horticulture, School of Life Sciences, Sikkim University, Gangtok, India
| | - Niladri Bag
- Department of Horticulture, School of Life Sciences, Sikkim University, Gangtok, India
| | - Sayak Das
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Sikkim University, Gangtok, India
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Logozzi M, Di Raimo R, Mizzoni D, Fais S. Nanovesicles from Organic Agriculture-Derived Fruits and Vegetables: Characterization and Functional Antioxidant Content. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158170. [PMID: 34360936 PMCID: PMC8347793 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary consumption of fruits and vegetables is related to a risk reduction in a series of leading human diseases, probably due to the plants' antioxidant content. Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) have been recently receiving great attention regarding their natural ability to deliver several active biomolecules and antioxidants. To investigate the presence of active antioxidants in fruits, we preliminarily analyzed the differences between nanovesicles from either organic or conventional agriculture-derived fruits, at equal volumes, showing a higher yield of nanovesicles with a smaller size from organic agriculture-derived fruits as compared to conventional ones. PDNVs from organic agriculture also showed a higher antioxidant level compared to nanovesicles from conventional agriculture. Using the PDNVs from fruit mixes, we found comparable levels of Total Antioxidant Capacity, Ascorbic Acid, Catalase, Glutathione and Superoxide Dismutase 1. Finally, we exposed the nanovesicle mixes to either chemical or physical lytic treatments, with no evidence of effects on the number, size and antioxidant capacity of the treated nanovesicles, thus showing a marked resistance of PDNVs to external stimuli and a high capability to preserve their content. Our study provides for the first time a series of data supporting the use of plant-derived nanovesicles in human beings' daily supplementation, for both prevention and treatment of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariantonia Logozzi
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (S.F.); Tel.: +39-064-9902-436 (M.L.); +39-064-9903-195 (S.F.); Fax: +39-064-9902-436 (M.L. & S.F.)
| | | | | | - Stefano Fais
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (S.F.); Tel.: +39-064-9902-436 (M.L.); +39-064-9903-195 (S.F.); Fax: +39-064-9902-436 (M.L. & S.F.)
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Glick BR, Gamalero E. Recent Developments in the Study of Plant Microbiomes. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071533. [PMID: 34361969 PMCID: PMC8306116 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, an understanding of how plant growth-promoting bacteria facilitate plant growth has been primarily based on studies of individual bacteria interacting with plants under different conditions. More recently, it has become clear that specific soil microorganisms interact with one another in consortia with the collective being responsible for the positive effects on plant growth. Different plants attract different cross-sections of the bacteria and fungi in the soil, initially based on the composition of the unique root exudates from each plant. Thus, plants mostly attract those microorganisms that are beneficial to plants and exclude those that are potentially pathogenic. Beneficial bacterial consortia not only help to promote plant growth, these consortia also protect plants from a wide range of direct and indirect environmental stresses. Moreover, it is currently possible to engineer plant seeds to contain desired bacterial strains and thereby benefit the next generation of plants. In this way, it may no longer be necessary to deliver beneficial microbiota to each individual growing plant. As we develop a better understanding of beneficial bacterial microbiomes, it may become possible to develop synthetic microbiomes where compatible bacteria work together to facilitate plant growth under a wide range of natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard R. Glick
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
| | - Elisa Gamalero
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, Viale Teresa Michel, 11, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Vukelić ID, Prokić LT, Racić GM, Pešić MB, Bojović MM, Sierka EM, Kalaji HM, Panković DM. Effects of Trichoderma harzianum on Photosynthetic Characteristics and Fruit Quality of Tomato Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6961. [PMID: 34203436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The beneficial role of fungi from the Trichoderma genus and its secondary metabolites in promoting plant growth, uptake and use efficiency of macronutrients and oligo/micro-nutrients, activation of plant secondary metabolism and plant protection from diseases makes it interesting for application in environmentally friendly agriculture. However, the literature data on the effect of Trichoderma inoculation on tomato fruit quality is scarce. Commercially used tomato cultivars were chosen in combination with indigenous Trichodrema species previously characterized on molecular and biochemical level, to investigate the effect of Trichoderma on photosynthetic characteristics and fruit quality of plants grown in organic system of production. Examined cultivars differed in the majority of examined parameters. Response of cultivar Gružanski zlatni to Trichoderma application was more significant. As a consequence of increased epidermal flavonols and decreased chlorophyll, the nitrogen balance index in leaves has decreased, indicating a shift from primary to secondary metabolism. The quality of its fruit was altered in the sense of increased total flavonoids content, decreased starch, increased Bioaccumulation Index (BI) for Fe and Cr, and decreased BI for heavy metals Ni and Pb. Higher expression of swolenin gene in tomato roots of more responsive tomato cultivar indicates better root colonization, which correlates with observed positive effects of Trichodrema.
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Semagn K, Iqbal M, Chen H, Perez-Lara E, Bemister DH, Xiang R, Zou J, Asif M, Kamran A, N'Diaye A, Randhawa H, Pozniak C, Spaner D. Physical Mapping of QTL in Four Spring Wheat Populations under Conventional and Organic Management Systems. I. Earliness. Plants (Basel) 2021; 10:plants10050853. [PMID: 33922551 PMCID: PMC8144964 DOI: 10.3390/plants10050853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In previous studies, we reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the heading, flowering, and maturity time in four hard red spring wheat recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations but the results are scattered in population-specific genetic maps, which is challenging to exploit efficiently in breeding. Here, we mapped and characterized QTL associated with these three earliness traits using the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) RefSeq v2.0 physical map. Our data consisted of (i) 6526 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two traits evaluated at five conventionally managed environments in the 'Cutler' × 'AC Barrie' population; (ii) 3158 SNPs and two traits evaluated across three organic and seven conventional managements in the 'Attila' × 'CDC Go' population; (iii) 5731 SilicoDArT and SNP markers and the three traits evaluated at four conventional and organic management systems in the 'Peace' × 'Carberry' population; and (iv) 1058 SNPs and two traits evaluated across two conventionally and organically managed environments in the 'Peace' × 'CDC Stanley' population. Using composite interval mapping, the phenotypic data across all environments, and the IWGSC RefSeq v2.0 physical maps, we identified a total of 44 QTL associated with days to heading (11), flowering (10), and maturity (23). Fifteen of the 44 QTL were common to both conventional and organic management systems, and the remaining QTL were specific to either the conventional (21) or organic (8) management systems. Some QTL harbor known genes, including the Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1, Rht-A1, and Rht-B1 that regulate photoperiodism, flowering time, and plant height in wheat, which lays a solid basis for cloning and further characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassa Semagn
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Agriculture-Forestry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Muhammad Iqbal
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Agriculture-Forestry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Hua Chen
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Agriculture-Forestry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
- Department of Agronomy, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, 59 Qinglong Road, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Enid Perez-Lara
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Agriculture-Forestry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Darcy H Bemister
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Agriculture-Forestry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Rongrong Xiang
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Agriculture-Forestry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Agriculture-Forestry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Agriculture-Forestry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
- Department of Agronomy, 2004 Throckmorton Plant Science Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Heartland Plant Innovations, Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, 1990 Kimball Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Atif Kamran
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Agriculture-Forestry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
- Seed Centre, Department of Botany, The University of Punjab, New Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Amidou N'Diaye
- Crop Development Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Harpinder Randhawa
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 5403-1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Curtis Pozniak
- Crop Development Centre, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Dean Spaner
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Agriculture-Forestry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
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Abstract
Agriculture is in crisis. Soil health is collapsing. Biodiversity faces the sixth mass extinction. Crop yields are plateauing. Against this crisis narrative swells a clarion call for Regenerative Agriculture. But what is Regenerative Agriculture, and why is it gaining such prominence? Which problems does it solve, and how? Here we address these questions from an agronomic perspective. The term Regenerative Agriculture has actually been in use for some time, but there has been a resurgence of interest over the past 5 years. It is supported from what are often considered opposite poles of the debate on agriculture and food. Regenerative Agriculture has been promoted strongly by civil society and NGOs as well as by many of the major multi-national food companies. Many practices promoted as regenerative, including crop residue retention, cover cropping and reduced tillage are central to the canon of 'good agricultural practices', while others are contested and at best niche (e.g. permaculture, holistic grazing). Worryingly, these practices are generally promoted with little regard to context. Practices most often encouraged (such as no tillage, no pesticides or no external nutrient inputs) are unlikely to lead to the benefits claimed in all places. We argue that the resurgence of interest in Regenerative Agriculture represents a re-framing of what have been considered to be two contrasting approaches to agricultural futures, namely agroecology and sustainable intensification, under the same banner. This is more likely to confuse than to clarify the public debate. More importantly, it draws attention away from more fundamental challenges. We conclude by providing guidance for research agronomists who want to engage with Regenerative Agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken E Giller
- Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Renske Hijbeek
- Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jens A Andersson
- Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - James Sumberg
- Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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Aun NJ, de Assis RL. Organic agriculture and rural networks in the mountain environments of Região serrana fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. R Soc Open Sci 2021; 8:200498. [PMID: 33972836 PMCID: PMC8074709 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a case study on organic agriculture at Região Serrana Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. We sought to understand what was the role of organic farming, and if it can be considered as an aggregating element between different kinds of people or groups who were located in the same region. The methodology used to carry out this investigation was based on the concept of the rural network, which enabled us to comprehend the articulations and connections that comprise the organic agriculture circuit in the mountains of this specific region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Jarouche Aun
- Program in Science, Technology and Innovation in Agriculture from Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renato Linhares de Assis
- Embrapa Agrobiology, Professor and Tutor at UFRRJ PhD program Science, Tecnology an Agricultural Innovation, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Flores-León A, García-Martínez S, González V, Garcés-Claver A, Martí R, Julián C, Sifres A, Pérez-de-Castro A, Díez MJ, López C, Ferriol M, Gisbert C, Ruiz JJ, Cebolla-Cornejo J, Picó B. Grafting Snake Melon [ Cucumis melo L. subsp. melo Var. flexuosus (L.) Naudin] in Organic Farming: Effects on Agronomic Performance; Resistance to Pathogens; Sugar, Acid, and VOC Profiles; and Consumer Acceptance. Front Plant Sci 2021; 12:613845. [PMID: 33679829 PMCID: PMC7933694 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.613845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The performance of snake melon [Cucumis melo var. flexuosus (L.)] in organic farming was studied under high biotic and salt stress conditions. Soilborne diseases (mainly caused by Macrophomina phaseolina and Neocosmospora falciformis), combined with virus incidence [Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), and Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV)] and Podosphaera xanthii attacks, reduced yield by more than 50%. Snake melon susceptibility to M. phaseolina and Monosporascus cannonballus was proved in pathogenicity tests, while it showed some degree of resistance to Neocosmospora keratoplastica and N. falciformis. On the contrary, salt stress had a minor impact, although a synergic effect was detected: yield losses caused by biotic stress increased dramatically when combined with salt stress. Under biotic stress, grafting onto the melon F1Pat81 and wild Cucumis rootstocks consistently reduced plant mortality in different agroecological conditions, with a better performance compared to classic Cucurbita commercial hybrids. Yield was even improved under saline conditions in grafted plants. A negative effect was detected, though, on consumer acceptability, especially with the use of Cucurbita rootstocks. Cucumis F1Pat81 rootstock minimized this side effect, which was probably related to changes in the profile of sugars, acids, and volatiles. Grafting affected sugars and organic acid contents, with this effect being more accentuated with the use of Cucurbita rootstocks than with Cucumis. In fact, the latter had a higher impact on the volatile organic compound profile than on sugar and acid profile, which may have resulted in a lower effect on consumer perception. The use of Cucumis rootstocks seems to be a strategy to enable organic farming production of snake melon targeted to high-quality markets in order to promote the cultivation of this neglected crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Flores-León
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Vicente González
- Plant Protection Unit/Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Garcés-Claver
- Horticulture Unit/Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Raúl Martí
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Julián
- Plant Protection Unit/Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alicia Sifres
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Pérez-de-Castro
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - María José Díez
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmelo López
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Ferriol
- Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Gisbert
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan José Ruiz
- Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Orihuela, Spain
| | - Jaime Cebolla-Cornejo
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén Picó
- Instituto de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Belén Picó,
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Brockman R, Kuesel R, Archer K, O’Hearn K, Wilson N, Scott D, Williams M, Bessin R, Gonthier D. The Impact of Plant Essential Oils and Fine Mesh Row Covers on Flea Beetle (Chrysomelidae) Management in Brassicaceous Greens Production. Insects 2020; 11:insects11100714. [PMID: 33086511 PMCID: PMC7603271 DOI: 10.3390/insects11100714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Brassicaceous leafy greens are an important crop for small growers but are difficult to produce due to damage by flea beetles. Flea beetles are problematic for growers as they chew many small holes through leaves rendering produce unmarketable. We tested the efficacy of several essential oils, the woven-mesh row cover ProtekNet, and the spunbonded row cover Agribon, compared to organic and conventional insecticides and no spray controls in the spring and fall of 2019. We found that the two row cover treatments (Agribon and ProtekNet) provided the best control of flea beetles and associated damage. Thyme oil was highly phytotoxic and killed the crop entirely and rosemary and neem essential oils caused mild phytotoxic burns. Organic insecticides rarely performed better than the no spray control. While conventional insecticides controlled most flea beetles, the crop was often still too highly damaged to sell. The results of our study suggest row covers offer producers an effective method of flea beetle control that reduces their dependence on insecticides for conventional and organic production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Brockman
- Department of Entomology, S-225 Ag. Sci. Center North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (R.K.); (K.A.); (K.O.); (D.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Ryan Kuesel
- Department of Entomology, S-225 Ag. Sci. Center North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (R.K.); (K.A.); (K.O.); (D.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Kendall Archer
- Department of Entomology, S-225 Ag. Sci. Center North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (R.K.); (K.A.); (K.O.); (D.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Kyla O’Hearn
- Department of Entomology, S-225 Ag. Sci. Center North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (R.K.); (K.A.); (K.O.); (D.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Neil Wilson
- Department of Horticulture, N-322 Ag. Sci. Center North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (N.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Delia Scott
- Department of Entomology, S-225 Ag. Sci. Center North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (R.K.); (K.A.); (K.O.); (D.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Mark Williams
- Department of Horticulture, N-322 Ag. Sci. Center North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (N.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Ricardo Bessin
- Department of Entomology, S-225 Ag. Sci. Center North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (R.K.); (K.A.); (K.O.); (D.S.); (R.B.)
| | - David Gonthier
- Department of Entomology, S-225 Ag. Sci. Center North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (R.K.); (K.A.); (K.O.); (D.S.); (R.B.)
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Regan KH, Voortman CA, Wallace JM, Barbercheck ME. Prevalence of Early- and Late-Season Pest Damage to Corn in Cover Crop-Based Reduced-Tillage Organic Systems. Environ Entomol 2020; 49:865-875. [PMID: 32566947 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvaa071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In organic agronomic cropping systems, the use of synthetic insecticides and transgenic varieties are prohibited and producers rely mainly on biological control, tillage, crop rotation, and other cultural practices to manage pests. We measured damage to organic corn (Zea mays L.) from multiple invertebrate pests, including slugs (Gastropoda: Mollusca), European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie), and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith), early and late in the growing season in four cropping systems that varied in tillage frequency and intensity and in winter cover crop species. Specific management tactics included two cover crop mixtures preceding corn, the use of a roller-crimper or tillage to terminate cover crops preceding corn, and the establishment of interseeded cover crops after corn emergence. Prevalence of early-season damage was high, but severity of damage was very low and unrelated to corn yield. The proportion of corn plants affected by chewing pests early in the season was lower in plots in which tillage compared to a roller-crimper was used to terminate cover crops. Cropping system did not affect the numbers of late-season caterpillar pests or corn yield. Predation by natural enemies appeared to effectively maintain damage from chewing pests below yield-damaging levels. These results support the inclusion of winter and interseeded cover crops in organic agronomic crop rotations to gain environmental benefits without increasing risks of damage by insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karly H Regan
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
- Present Address: Department of Entomology, Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY
| | - Christina A Voortman
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - John M Wallace
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Mary E Barbercheck
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Brito AF. Assessing the potential of milk iodine intake to mitigate iodine deficiency in pregnant women of the United States via supplementation of Ascophyllum nodosum meal to dairy cows: A sensitivity analysis. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:6798-6809. [PMID: 32505413 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum is known to bioaccumulate iodine (I). Previous research showed a linear relationship between A. nodosum meal (ASCO) intake and milk I concentration in dairy cows. Thus, improving milk I concentration by supplementation of ASCO to dairy cows may be a compelling strategy to naturally boost I intake in humans. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to gain insights regarding how different milk I intakes affect the I status of pregnant women relative to the United States Institute of Medicine (US IOM) recommended dietary allowance (RDA; 220 µg/d) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended nutrient intake (RNI; 250 µg/d) for I. Four studies in which dairy cows received various amounts of ASCO generated the milk I data set used in the sensitivity analysis. The annual per capita consumption of 2% reduced-fat milk in the United States, converted to daily intake (i.e., 0.26 cup; 1 cup = 236.6 mL), was used as the actual milk intake in the simulations. Five additional milk intake scenarios (2, 3, 4, and 5 times the actual per capita milk consumption and the 3 cups-equivalent recommended by the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for American were also included in the sensitivity analysis with varying milk I concentrations (180, 765, and 483 µg/L). The 180, 765, and 483 µg/L values are milk I concentrations derived from cows not receiving ASCO or fed various amounts of ASCO in the diet or a single level (113 g/d) during the grazing season, respectively. With the actual United States milk per capita consumption of 0.26 cup/d and milk I concentrations of 180, 765, and 483 µg/L, 5.09, 21.7, and 13.6% of the RDA for I for pregnant women were met based on the US IOM, respectively. Similarly, 4.48, 19, and 12% of the RNI for I advised by the WHO was achieved with intake of 0.26 cup/d of milk containing I concentrations of 180, 765, and 483 µg/L, respectively. When 3 cups/d was included in the simulations, 58.2, 247, and 156% (US IOM), and 51.2, 217, and 137% (WHO) of the RDA or RNI for I required by gestating women was satisfied with milk I concentrations of 180, 765, and 483 µg/L, respectively. A regression analysis between I intake and milk I concentration revealed that 103 g/d of ASCO in the diet of dairy cows reached the maximum 500 µg/L threshold of I in milk recommended by the European Food Society Authority. Overall, milk from dairy cows fed ASCO can prevent I deficiency in pregnant women, but the amount of ASCO fed to cows needs to be fine-tuned to avoid excess I in milk. Further research is required to better understand the interactions between goitrogenic compounds from forages and concentrates and milk I concentration in cows fed ASCO. Research to evaluate the concentration of I in retail organic milk should be also conducted because of the high prevalence of ASCO fed in organic dairies in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Brito
- Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824.
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Coelho FC, Squitti R, Ventriglia M, Cerchiaro G, Daher JP, Rocha JG, Rongioletti MCA, Moonen AC. Agricultural Use of Copper and Its Link to Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E897. [PMID: 32545484 PMCID: PMC7356523 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential nutrient for plants, animals, and humans because it is an indispensable component of several essential proteins and either lack or excess are harmful to human health. Recent studies revealed that the breakdown of the regulation of copper homeostasis could be associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia. Copper accumulation occurs in human aging and is thought to increase the risk of AD for individuals with a susceptibility to copper exposure. This review reports that one of the leading causes of copper accumulation in the environment and the human food chain is its use in agriculture as a plant protection product against numerous diseases, especially in organic production. In the past two decades, some countries and the EU have invested in research to reduce the reliance on copper. However, no single alternative able to replace copper has been identified. We suggest that agroecological approaches are urgently needed to design crop protection strategies based on the complementary actions of the wide variety of crop protection tools for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio C. Coelho
- Phytotechnics Laboratory, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro—UENF; Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil;
| | - Rosanna Squitti
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Instituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefrate lli, 25125 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mariacarla Ventriglia
- Fatebenefratelli Foundation for Health Research and Education, AFaR Division, 00186 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giselle Cerchiaro
- Center for Natural Science and Humanities, Federal University of ABC—UFABC, Santo André, SP 09210-580, Brazil;
| | - João P. Daher
- Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24210-350, Brazil;
| | - Jaídson G. Rocha
- Phytotechnics Laboratory, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro—UENF; Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil;
| | - Mauro C. A. Rongioletti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research and Development Division, San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina, 00186 Rome, Italy;
| | - Anna-Camilla Moonen
- Land Lab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
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Sternhagen EC, Black KL, Hartmann EDL, Shivega WG, Johnson PG, McGlynn RD, Schmaltz LC, Asheim Keller RJ, Vink SN, Aldrich-Wolfe L. Contrasting Patterns of Functional Diversity in Coffee Root Fungal Communities Associated with Organic and Conventionally Managed Fields. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:e00052-20. [PMID: 32220838 PMCID: PMC7237791 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00052-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The structure and function of fungal communities in the coffee rhizosphere are influenced by crop environment. Because coffee can be grown along a management continuum from conventional application of pesticides and fertilizers in full sun to organic management in a shaded understory, we used coffee fields to hold host constant while comparing rhizosphere fungal communities under markedly different environmental conditions with regard to shade and inputs. We characterized the shade and soil environment in 25 fields under conventional, organic, or transitional management in two regions of Costa Rica. We amplified the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of fungal DNA from coffee roots in these fields and characterized the rhizosphere fungal community via high-throughput sequencing. Sequences were assigned to guilds to determine differences in functional diversity and trophic structure among coffee field environments. Organic fields had more shade, a greater richness of shade tree species, and more leaf litter and were less acidic, with lower soil nitrate availability and higher soil copper, calcium, and magnesium availability than conventionally managed fields, although differences between organic and conventionally managed fields in shade and calcium and magnesium availability depended on region. Differences in richness and community composition of rhizosphere fungi between organic and conventionally managed fields were also correlated with shade, soil acidity, and nitrate and copper availability. Trophic structure differed with coffee field management. Saprotrophs, plant pathogens, and mycoparasites were more diverse, and plant pathogens were more abundant, in organic than in conventionally managed fields, while saprotroph-plant pathogens were more abundant in conventionally managed fields. These differences reflected environmental differences and depended on region.IMPORTANCE Rhizosphere fungi play key roles in ecosystems as nutrient cyclers, pathogens, and mutualists, yet little is currently known about which environmental factors and how agricultural management may influence rhizosphere fungal communities and their functional diversity. This field study of the coffee agroecosystem suggests that organic management not only fosters a greater overall diversity of fungi, but it also maintains a greater richness of saprotrophic, plant-pathogenic, and mycoparasitic fungi that has implications for the efficiency of nutrient cycling and regulation of plant pathogen populations in agricultural systems. As well as influencing community composition and richness of rhizosphere fungi, shade management and use of fungicides and synthetic fertilizers altered the trophic structure of the coffee agroecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Sternhagen
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Katie L Black
- Biology Department, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - W Gaya Shivega
- Biology Department, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, USA
| | - Peter G Johnson
- Biology Department, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, USA
| | - Riley D McGlynn
- Biology Department, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - Stefanie N Vink
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Laura Aldrich-Wolfe
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
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Bieber A, Wallenbeck A, Spengler Neff A, Leiber F, Simantke C, Knierim U, Ivemeyer S. Comparison of performance and fitness traits in German Angler, Swedish Red and Swedish Polled with Holstein dairy cattle breeds under organic production - ERRATUM. Animal 2020; 14:1110. [PMID: 31948504 DOI: 10.1017/S175173112000004X] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Inculet CS, Mihalache G, Sellitto VM, Hlihor RM, Stoleru V. The Effects of a Microorganisms-Based Commercial Product on the Morphological, Biochemical and Yield of Tomato Plants under Two Different Water Regimes. Microorganisms 2019; 7:E706. [PMID: 31888271 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The practice of organic agriculture represents an essential requirement for conserving natural resources and for providing the food necessary for a growing population, on a sustainable basis. Tomatoes are considered to be one of the most important crops worldwide. In this context, the organic production of tomatoes should be taken into more consideration. The use of microorganisms-based commercial products is an alternative to chemical fertilizers. Anyway, the results of their use are still variable because of various factors. The aim of this study was to test the effect of inoculation with AMF, PGPR and fungi-based products (Rizotech plus®) on the morphological (length of the plants), biochemical (lycopen, polyphenols, antioxidant activity), and number of fruits and yields of four tomato cultivars (Siriana F1, HTP F1, Minaret F1, Inima de Bou) in two different water regimes used for irrigation (200 m3 or 300 m3 of water/hectare) under a protected area. The results showed that the efficiency of Rizotech plus® application is dependent on the cultivar and the amount of water used. Also, it was clearly demonstrated that the microorganism inoculation significantly increased the yield of Minaret F1, Siriana F1 and HTP F1 cultivars as compared to the uninoculated plants, regardless of the water amount used in the experiment. Moreover, it was observed that for the irrigation of all four cultivars, inoculated with Rizotech plus®, a lower amount of water (200 m3·ha−1) can be used to get the same length of plants, number of fruits and yield as in the case of a higher amount of water (300 m3·ha−1). In the case of lycopene, polyphenols and antioxidant activity, the results varied with the cultivar and the water amount used. This study gives new information about the functionality and performance of the microorganisms from Rizotech plus® product when applied to different tomato cultivars grown in a tunnel, in the condition of two different water regimes, contributing to a better characterization of it and maybe to a more efficient use in agriculture to achieve optimum results.
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Lazaroiu G, Andronie M, Uţă C, Hurloiu I. Trust Management in Organic Agriculture: Sustainable Consumption Behavior, Environmentally Conscious Purchase Intention, and Healthy Food Choices. Front Public Health 2019; 7:340. [PMID: 31803705 PMCID: PMC6877712 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We draw on outstanding recent research to substantiate factors driving pro-environmental food purchasing behavior. Throwing light on purchasing behavior for environmentally sustainable foods, our study highlights the relevance of consumer trust and motivations in organic product markets together with individuals' perceived value and willingness to buy such items throughout the choice behavior and decision-making process. Our findings prove that most aspects influencing consumers' attitudes for and choices of organic foods are related to their trust and perceptions of the nutritional benefits such products provide. The insights gained from our research extend present knowledge concerning consumer behavior and purchase intention for environmentally sustainable products. The chief gaps and issues identified by the review cover the variety of organic food consumer purchase intentions and behaviors, including the relative environmental performance of organic food production and the link between the motivational values and attitudes concerning the consumption of non-chemical products. Apart from sustainable agriculture and upsides of organic farming, the main disadvantages are as follows: recycling and aligning with natural operations does not necessitate chemical inputs, but organic food is more prohibitive as farmers do not obtain significant crop productivity out of their land, while organic goods may have a price of up to 40% more (production expenses are steeper because farmers demand more labor force), marketing and distribution are not streamlined as organic products are delivered in diminished volumes, food disorders may occur more frequent, and chemical-free agriculture cannot produce sufficient nutrients that the world's population requires to live on.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Lazaroiu
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Spiru Haret University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Andronie
- Department of Economic Sciences, Spiru Haret University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Uţă
- Department of Economic Sciences, Spiru Haret University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iulian Hurloiu
- Department of Economic Sciences, Spiru Haret University, Bucharest, Romania
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Heidbüchel K, Raabe J, Baldinger L, Hagmüller W, Bussemas R. One Iron Injection Is Not Enough-Iron Status and Growth of Suckling Piglets on an Organic Farm. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E651. [PMID: 31487865 PMCID: PMC6770926 DOI: 10.3390/ani9090651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Suckling piglets cannot satisfy their demand for the essential trace element iron from sows' milk alone, which is poor in iron. Therefore, iron is usually supplemented by injecting 200 mg iron (as iron dextran) on day 3 post natum. However, the longer suckling period in organic pig herds leads to iron intake from feed starting later. We hypothesized that one iron injection is not enough for organically reared piglets, and that a second and third injection would improve their iron status and growth. On an organically certified experimental farm, 288 piglets from 32 litters were allocated to three treatments with one iron injection on day 3, two injections on day 3 and 14 and three injections on day 3, 14 and 21 post natum, respectively. One injection resulted in the lowest hematocrit and serum iron levels until day 28 post natum and the lowest daily weight gains until weaning, while piglets receiving two or three iron injections did not differ from each other. Based on these observations, we conclude that one iron injection is not enough to ensure adequate iron supply and unimpaired growth of organically reared piglets, and additional iron supply is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Heidbüchel
- Institute of Organic Farming, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Trenthorst 32, 23847 Westerau, Germany.
| | - Jessica Raabe
- Institute of Organic Farming, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Trenthorst 32, 23847 Westerau, Germany.
| | - Lisa Baldinger
- Institute of Organic Farming, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Trenthorst 32, 23847 Westerau, Germany.
| | - Werner Hagmüller
- Institute of Organic Farming and Farm Animal Biodiversity, Austrian Research and Education Center Raumberg-Gumpenstein, 4600 Thalheim/Wels, Austria.
| | - Ralf Bussemas
- Institute of Organic Farming, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Trenthorst 32, 23847 Westerau, Germany.
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Bieber A, Wallenbeck A, Spengler Neff A, Leiber F, Simantke C, Knierim U, Ivemeyer S. Comparison of performance and fitness traits in German Angler, Swedish Red and Swedish Polled with Holstein dairy cattle breeds under organic production. Animal 2020; 14:609-16. [PMID: 31477188 DOI: 10.1017/S1751731119001964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the use of local breeds is recommended by organic regulations, breed comparisons performed under organic production conditions with similar production intensities are scarce. Therefore, we compared data of local and widely used Holstein dairy cattle breeds from 2011 to 2015 regarding production, fertility and health from German and Swedish organic farms with similar management intensities within country. In Germany, the energy-corrected total milk yield tended to be lower in the local breed Original Angler Cattle (AAZ, 5193 kg) compared to the modern German Holstein Friesian breed (HO, 5620 kg), but AAZ showed higher milk fat and protein contents (AAZ v. HO: 5.09% v. 4.18% and 3.61% v. 3.31%, respectively). In Sweden, the widely used modern Swedish Holstein (SH) breed had the highest milk yield (9209 kg, fat: 4.10%, protein: 3.31%), while the local Swedish Polled (SKB) showed highest milk fat and protein contents (6169 kg, 4.47%, 3.50%, respectively), followed by the local breed Swedish Red (SRB, 8283 kg, 4.33%, 3.46%, respectively). With regard to fertility characteristics, the German breeds showed no differences, but AAZ tended to have less days open compared to HO (-17 days). In Sweden, breeds did not differ with regard to calving interval, but both local breeds showed a lower number of days open (-10.4 in SRB and -24.1 in SKB compared to SH), and SKB needed fewer inseminations until conception (-0.5 inseminations) compared to SH. Proportion of test day records with a somatic cell count content of ≥100 000 cells per ml milk did not reveal breed differences in any of the two countries. German breeds did not differ regarding the proportion of cows with veterinary treatments. In Sweden, SRB showed the lowest proportion of cows with general veterinary treatment as well as specific treatment due to udder problems (22.8 ± 6.42 and 8.05 ± 2.18, respectively), but the local breed SKB did not differ from SH in either of the two traits. In Sweden, we found no breed differences regarding veterinary treatments due to fertility problems or diagnosis of claw or leg problems during claw trimming. Our results indicate a stronger expression of the antagonism between production and functional traits with increasing production intensity. Future breed comparisons, therefore, need to consider different production intensities within organic farming in order to derive practical recommendations as to how to implement European organic regulations with regard to a suitable choice of breeds.
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50
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Antaya NT, Ghelichkhan M, Pereira ABD, Soder KJ, Brito AF. Production, milk iodine, and nutrient utilization in Jersey cows supplemented with the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (kelp meal) during the grazing season. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:8040-8058. [PMID: 31279546 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Kelp meal (KM) is a supplement made from the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum, known to bioaccumulate iodine (I) and to be the richest source of phlorotannins, which can inhibit ruminal proteolysis and microbial growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of KM on production, milk I, concentrations of blood metabolites, apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, and CH4 emissions in grazing dairy cows. Eight multiparous Jersey cows averaging (mean ± SD) 175 ± 60 d in milk and 12 primiparous Jersey cows averaging 142 ± 47 d in milk at the beginning of the study were assigned to either 0 g/d of KM (control diet, CTRL) or 113 g/d of KM (brown seaweed diet, BSW) in a randomized complete block design. Diets were formulated to yield a 70:30 forage-to-concentrate ratio and consisted of (dry matter basis): 48% cool-season perennial herbage and 52% partial TMR (pTMR). Each experimental period (n = 3) lasted 28 d, with data and sample collection taking place during the last 7 d of each period. Cows had approximately 16.5 h of access to pasture daily. Herbage dry matter intake increased, and total dry matter intake tended to increase in cows fed BSW versus the CTRL diet. Milk yield and concentrations and yields of milk components were not affected by diets. Similarly, blood concentrations of cortisol, glucose, fatty acids, and thyroxine did not change with feeding CTRL or BSW. However, a diet × period interaction was observed for milk I concentration; cows offered the BSW diet had greater milk I concentration during periods 1, 2, and 3, but the largest difference between BSW and CTRL was observed in period 2 (579 vs. 111 µg/L, respectively). Except for period 2, the concentration of milk I in cows fed KM did not exceed the 500 µg/L threshold recommended for human consumption. Diet × period interactions were also found for serum triiodothyronine concentration, total-tract digestibilities of crude protein and acid detergent fiber, CH4 production, and urinary excretion of purine derivatives. Overall, the lack of KM effects on milk yield and concentrations and yields of milk components indicate that dairy producers should consider costs before making KM supplementation decisions during the grazing season. Future research is needed to evaluate the concentration of I in retail organic milk because of the high prevalence of KM supplementation in northeastern and midwestern US organic dairies and possibly in other regions of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- N T Antaya
- Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824
| | - M Ghelichkhan
- Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824
| | - A B D Pereira
- Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824
| | - K J Soder
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, University Park, PA 16802
| | - A F Brito
- Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824.
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