Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Impact of watershed management practices on vegetation, land use changes, and soil erosion in River Basins of the Atlas, Morocco
Get PDFSoil erosion, a land degradation process triggered by natural and anthropogenic factors, seriously impacts landscapes and water resources. The influence of vegetation cover and land use changes on intensity of soil erosion of two catchments in mountainous regions of Morocco is evident, as it alters hydrologic response and sediment dynamics. This research aims to analyze the interactions among plants, soil, geology, meteorology, and orography, assessing soil erosion responses using the process-oriented IntErO model - Erosion Potential Method to determine erosion rates. The obtained results indicate that the Tiguert river basin experiences higher soil losses (Ggod = 5184.47 m³/god) and soil losses per square kilometre (Ggod/km² = 508.28 m³/km² god) compared to the Wanmroud catchment (Ggod = 2555.66 m³/god, Ggod/km² = 381.44 m³/km² god), confirming the theory that areas with denser and more effective vegetation cover experience lower soil erosion rates. Furthermore, the Wanmroud basin exhibits a more regular shape and lower watershed development coefficient, implying lower human impact. This study has shown the relationships between land use changes, vegetation cover, and soil erosion dynamics, offering valuable insights for sustainable land management practices in mountainous regions of Morocco
Assessment of stability for some yield components in wheat under different fertilizations on saline soil
Get PDFSalt-affected soils constrain wheat production in many countries. It is estimated that more than 831 million hectares (Mha) are salt affected globally, with 10 Mha of cultivated land lost annually. Salinity adversely affects wheat grain yield and grain quality traits. Wheat genotypes show wide variation for salinity stress tolerance. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and stability of spike traits in 14 winter wheat varieties with different origin, in order to identify the varieties that can exploit the growing conditions of saline soils. The wheat material was tested in nine environments as a combination of three years and three fertilization treatments (urea, calcium nitrate, ammonium nitrate), using a split-plot design with three replications. At maturity plant height, spike length, grains number per spike, and spike yield were determined. The significant effect of genotype × environment interaction on the phenotypic expression of different traits indicates differential response of the genotypes across the testing environments, thus offering the possibility of identifying some genotypes of interest. The Romanian varieties ‘Alex’ and ‘Glosa’ present the highest productivity of spike associated with an average stability, being specifically adapted to favourable rainfall conditions, achieving above-average yields in less favourable conditions. The varieties ‘Cerere’, ‘Genesi’, ‘Alex’ and ‘Glosa’ can be selected for crossing and included in wheat breeding programs for the development of stable cultivars adapted to saline soils
Study on the effect of hydrothermal charcoal source modifier on saline-alkaline soil improvement
Get PDFLand salinization has become a global issue. To mitigate this issue, the modifiers and water-soluble fertilizers have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance soil nutrient content and promote crop production in saline soils. In this study, based on the hydrothermal method for preparing corn stalks derived biochar prepared modifiers and water-soluble fertilizers for using in soda saline-alkali soil. Through field microplot experiments, the separate and interactive effects of different concentrations of them were studied, as well as their influence on the growth of alfalfa and Leymus chinensis on saline-alkali soil. The combined application of modifiers and water-soluble fertilizers can effectively increase soil nutrient content and enzyme activity, significantly reducing soil pH and alkalinity. It was found that the optimal application rate of 20 g/kg of improver resulted in a 4.99% decrease in pH of soil and 11.23% decrease in alkalinity. Additionally, organic matter, available P2O5, NH4+-N, and NO3--N contents increased by 25.74%, 28.48%, 19.87%, and 32.90%, respectively. Soil enzyme activities generally peaked at 20 g/kg of modifiers and water-soluble fertilizers, with sucrase showing the most significant increases, with 31.14% for alfalfa and 25.52% for L. chinensis. Two-way ANOVA results demonstrated significant interaction effects between the modifiers and water-soluble fertilizer on pH, Ca2+ and Mg2+ content, quick-acting potassium content, soil sucrase and urease activity, biomass of soil and alfalfa leaf width. Moreover, planting alfalfa and L. chinensis indicated that combined use of modifies and fertilizer had a significant effect on promoting crop cultivation in saline-alkali soil. Our findings provided a robust theoretical groundwork for improving the management of saline soils and optimizing crop production in such challenging environments
The effect of artificial vs natural infection with Alternaria alternata on tomatoes, in the climate change context
Get PDFTomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are some of the most popular vegetables in the world. The productivity of crops is determined by a detailed knowledge of the natural environment, the correct application of the knowledge related to the specific technology, and the interaction between species and the environment. The environment itself influences the crops and they may be beneficial to the normal development of the plant or may induce different sensitivities to the cultivated plants. The main objective of this article was to identify the most resistant tomato varieties to Alternaria alternata attack, in natural and artificial infection conditions. The biological material used was five varieties of tomatoes with large-fruit: ‘San Marzano’, ‘Marmande’, ‘Romus’ and with cherry-type fruit: ‘Perun’ and ‘Bajaja’. The varieties were chosen due to large scale cultivation, resistance to various stress factors (disease and pest), and different organoleptic qualities. In the present events of climate change, it is necessary to continue testing the genetic material on the resistance and tolerance to the action of pathogens. The aim of the research was to test a group of tomato varieties to A. alternata attack. The pathogens can cause plant populations to evolve into an extremely varied set of immune receptors with differing ways of responding. In the Transylvanian Plain area, Romania, 2021 was a favourable year for this pathogen due to suitable infection conditions. Among the varieties of tomatoes, the cherry-type fruit ‘Perun’ (14.73%), was one of the most resistant to A. alternata. At the same time at the opposite end, the ‘Bajaja’ variety (25.33%) was the most affected cherry-type tomato in case of natural infection in 2022. The differences between the varieties reinforce the fact that climatic conditions significantly impact the dispersion of the pathogen on the field cultivated in both types of infection
Sequencing and analysis of transcriptome to reveal regulation of gene expression for polysaccharide synthesis in Dendrobium officinale under different light quality
Get PDFLight is a key factor affecting the growth and quality formation of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo. In this study, we used D. officinale under different light conditions as experimental materials to explore the key genes that regulate its polysaccharide content. In addition, we cloned the UGPase gene and validated the gene by bioinformatics analysis and real-time quantitative PCR. Compared with the natural light control group, 494, 1630 and 599 differentially expressed genes were screened under different light quality conditions of red, blue and yellow, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of these differentially expressed genes showed that the differentially expressed genes were enriched in the light signal transduction process under different light quality conditions. Bioinformatics analyses showed that the sequences of the genes were highly conserved with the sequences of the UGPase genes of other species, and had the highest sequence similarity with Phalaenopsis, which is also a member of the orchid family. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that red light had the most significant promoting effect on the UGPase gene of D. officinale. In this study, we applied high-throughput sequencing technology to establish a transcriptome database of D. officinale under different light conditions and obtained a large amount of transcriptional information about D. officinale. The related genes affecting the quality of D. officinale were analysed at the transcriptional level, and the D. officinale UGPase gene was cloned, and its expression was analysed in different tissues and under different light conditions
Assessing montane grassland and butterfly biodiversity to improve management strategies in locally significant conservation areas
Get PDFMontane grasslands must be managed effectively to conserve biodiversity since they play an important role in sustaining healthy and diversified ecosystems. A 9 km transect was used to assess plant and lepidopteran biodiversity in mountain meadows in Bilbor, Romania. Different management strategies were used in each plot. The identified plants were divided into three categories: Poaceae, Fabaceae, and other families. In the case of lepidoptera, diurnal butterfly species from three families were observed: Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, and Pieridae. The number of plant species in the abandoned meadows was reduced, with a focus on those with low fodder value (Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa), as well as some invasive species (Vaccinium myrtillus). The implementation of protection and conservation measures resulted in species diversification, with an increase in the number of Poaceae (11 to 16 species) and Fabaceae (nine to fourteen species). In addition to providing more feed, the flora can benefit lepidopteran entomofauna. During the monitoring period, 29 species were identified from the three lepidopteran families. The most abundant species were Maniola jurtina L., Boloria selene Denis & Schif., Argynnis paphia L., Coenonympha pamphilus L. (Nymphalidae), Pseudophilotes schiffermuelleri Hemming (Lycaenidae), and Pieris mannii Mayer (Pieridae). Traditional mowing and grazing activities can help to maintain the structure and composition of these ecosystems, limiting biological succession to forest and sustaining floristic biodiversity
Impact of salinity and fertilization on soil properties, and root development in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) cultivation
Get PDFSalinity is a paramount factor that poses challenges to agricultural productivity and sustainability. At the same time, fenugreek is valued as a forage crop for its medicinal properties in addition to its extensive edible use. The objective of this study is to explore how fertilization and salinity impact soil physical properties and root system development in fenugreek cultivation. A field experiment was established at the Agricultural University of Athens during growing seasons 2019-2020 (1st GS) and 2020-2021 (2nd GS) in a split-splot design with the 2 main salinity treatments (High salinity; HS & Conventional salinity; CS) and 5 fertilization treatments (biocyclic-vegan (BHS), manure (FYM), compost (COMP), inorganic fertilization (11-15-15) and the control (C). Soil porosity was statistically significantly affected by both salinity (p<=0.05) and fertilization (p<=0.001). Also, organic matter was significantly affected by fertilization (p<=0.001). HS (59.78±2.65) resulted in 20.02% fewer nodules on plant roots compared to CS treatments (71.75±2.65). The maximum number of nodules was recorded in the FYM treatment (68.93±0.77). In addition, mean root diameter was affected by fertilization (p<=0.01) COMP (2.92±0.31 mm) and NPK treatments (2.83±0.31 mm) resulted in 19.52% and 23.32% smaller root diameter respectively compared to BHS, while FYM (2.68±0.31 mm) resulted in a 30.22% smaller diameter. A significant increase of seed yield was noticed under organic fertilization where the highest yield of 2.1 t ha−1 was recorded in BHS (2nd GS). Although fenugreek was affected by high salinity, it demonstrated considerable resistance and maintained its yields, rendering it a crop suitable for challenging soils
Structural dynamics of deciduous mixed stands in the Hyrcanian forests, northern Iran
Get PDFForest structure as an effect of forest dynamics can be used to characterize biophysical processes, biodiversity and ecosystem functions. This study examines the structural components of old-growth forest stands located in the Caspian forests, north of Iran. We measured forest-related attributes in five plots located in the Kheyrud Forest, Mazandaran Province, Iran in 2004 and 2014, respectively. The mean stand density was of 338.6 tree ha-1, the mean volume was of 389.2 m3 ha-1, and the volume of deadwood accounted for 34.1 m3 ha-1. The mean stocking volume per hectare was for beech: 3.95; hornbeam: 7.00; oak: 1.39; maple: 0.60 and other species: 2.55 m3 ha-1. Meanwhile, the mean volume of the felled trees, other cuttings, snags and logs were 31.3, 1.1, 12.6, and 21.5 m3 ha-1, respectively. The mean abundance of gap size on small (<200 m2), intermediate (200-500 m2), and large (>500 m2) classes were calculated as 53.5, 37.9, and 14.1%, respectively. No significant difference in size gap distribution was detected over 10 years, neither any gap size class. The coarse woody debris (CWD) percentage from total deadwood volume varied from 67% to 93%, whereas the fine woody debris (FWD) amount was estimated ranged between 7 and 33%. No significant differences between 2004 and 2014 was found for CWD and FWD. Comparison of spatial pattern results of tree species in 2004 and 2014 implies that there were no significant changes in the mingling index, uniform angle index, or diameter differentiation at species and stand levels, except oak and maple species that showed a significant change in diameter growing. In other words, despite the harvesting of the trees, spatial pattern indices have not changed significantly. These results indicate the performance of ecological forestry programs by foresters in the Hyrcanian Forest stands and their increasing consideration to the ecological principles of the forest. The results are useful in the sense that they characterize the stand structure components which are fundamental to performing silvicultural treatments based on the emulation of natural forest structural dynamics
Effect of soil management techniques and different vine nutrient methods on the physiology and grape quality of vines of cv. ‘Robola’ (Vitis vinifera L.) in Kefalonia
Get PDFThe aim of the study was to be determine the effects of conventional and organic soil and vine nutrition management on the growth, physiology and grape quality of vines of cv. ‘Robola’ in Kefalonia island, Greece. The overall aim was to understand and evaluate the combined effects of these different viticultural practices on soil quality (fertility) and on the physiological parameters of the vine as well as on grape quality, in terms of production sustainability and environmental biodiversity. The physiological parameters that were assessed and determined were leaf assimilation rate, leaf stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration and chlorophyll content. Additionally, grape and berry mechanical properties were also evaluated. The results of all the combinations of the two soil treatments with the three different nutrition methods (organic and two conventional), showed no statistically significant difference regarding the grape and berry mechanical properties. Moreover, the viticultural practice with reduced tillage and the application of slow-release fertilizer appears to show higher concentration of total soluble solids and higher pH and titratable acidity. Finally, the viticultural practice with the usual tillage (milling) and the application of fertilization with stems exhibited the highest values in the physiological parameters that were studied
Establishing the intensity of interventions in young beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands based on a spline regression mathematical model
Get PDFThe purpose of this work is to establish the optimal intensity of interventions in young beech stands. The study was carried out in the north-western part of Romania, in Zalău Forest District, Răstolţ Production Unit. Statistical-mathematical inventories were carried out on circular sample plots of 300 m2, adopting a coverage probability of p = 90% and a tolerance of t = 10%. The number of sample plots was established according to the area of the stand S(ha), volume variation coefficient sv(%), p(%) and t(%). The optimal intensity of interventions is determined by using the average diameter of crowns on each stand. The average diameter of crown was determined for the stands under study based on a spline regression mathematical model which represents the main objective of the current study. The stands, wherein no forest interventions have been applied, have a relatively high stocking and a relatively small spacing. Consequently, the intensity of selective combined thinning must be weak to moderate, and the periodicity shorter of 4-5 years. Another objective of the present paper is the determination of the allometric relationships between the diameter of the crowns and the heights of trees, in three young beech stands with or without any forest interventions, specific to the stage of development. From the analysis of experimental data, it turned out that the most suitable law of dependence is the linear regression, with a positive slope, representing the allometric relationship between the diameter of the crowns and the height of trees