Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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The impact of greenhouse integrated photovoltaics on Aloe vera cultivation
Get PDFIn recent years, the global demand for medicinal plants has been rising steadily. This study focuses on cultivating Aloe vera within a large-scale, pilot smart greenhouse installed at the University of Patras, Greece. The integration of advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, sensors, and the KYTION cablebot robotic device plays a crucial role in monitoring the cultivation process and deriving valuable insights. The greenhouse structure presented in this study not only recognizes these challenges but actively addresses them through state-of-the-art IoT technology-based measurements. Preliminary quantitative results indicate that cultivating A. vera in greenhouses significantly enhances blooming and production compared to open-field cultivation. This promising approach addresses the growing demand for A. vera specifically and medicinal plants in general. Additionally, it maximizes the use of available arable land, labor, water, and energy, ensuring stable production under unstable and variable climatic conditions. The study aims to control and automate the microclimate, optimizing conditions for A. vera growth within a controlled digital environment. By offering insights into the intersection of smart agricultural practices, technology-driven measurement and automation, and ad-hoc crop-specific cultivation strategies, this research provides a promising pathway for sustainably enhancing A. vera cultivation in controlled environments
Viticulture in Santorini Island: current trends and challenges
Get PDFThe Santorini vineyard is a unique and extreme vineyard on a global scale with economic, historical and wine value. It also constitutes the second largest activity after tourism although linked to it. The special soil-climatic conditions and the specificity of viticulture on the island make it uniquely distinct and therefore a field of interdisciplinary study and research at a local and global level. However, the aging of the vineyard, the reduction of its cultivation area, its non-optimal management and finally the looming effects of climate change form a set of factors that should be weighed and assessed by those involved in the sector. At the same time, the rapid changes taking place at the global level (e.g. technological innovations) create opportunities, but at the same time the context in which the brand name "Santorini" is undoubtedly part of becomes more competitive, while also entailing risks from unforeseen developments. Only with collective action and a strategic approach will it be possible to ensure a sustainable future for the vineyard of Santorini. It is up, the stakeholders of the island to take the adequate initiatives
Responses to foliar sprays of strawberry variety ‘Portola’ to biostimulants on growth, yield, quality, and bioactive compounds
Get PDFThe acceptance of strawberries in international trade has increased due to their organoleptic qualities, high nutritional value, and richness in antioxidants. This research evaluated the effect of foliar spray with chitosan, brassinosteroids, and thidiazuron as metabolic enhancers on growth, productivity, quality parameters, and bioactive compounds in ‘Portola’ strawberry cultivar in the first year of production. This experiment included six treatments and control with doses of CTS of 100, 300, and 400 mg L-1, of Brassinosteroids (Vitazyme™) 0.5, 1-, and 5-mL L-1 and 0.15 mL L-1 of TDZ (Charger plex™) in applications of these biostimulants alone and combination CTS and BRs. The findings indicated that CTS treatments increased plant length, leaf count, leaf area, and fruit firmness. The joint application of CTS and BRs significantly promotes crown diameter, photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, fresh and dry weight of roots and aerial parts, and ripening. Applications of CTS 300 mg L-1 and 1 mL L-1 of Vitazyme have shown the highest fruit length, diameter, and weight values. Regarding TDZ, this work showed an increase in crown diameter and in the fresh and dry weight of both the root and the aerial part without significant differences in the content of the chlorophyll and titratable acidity compared to the control. Therefore, it could be safely recommended that foliar application with CTS, BRs, and TDZ can be used as biostimulants to improve the growth, quality and bioactive compounds of strawberry cv ‘Portola’
Ameliorating the response of slow-releasing nitrogen fertilizer on sustainable maize growth
Get PDFThe extensive utilization of nitrogen (N) fertilizers within maize cultivation systems has resulted in diminished nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and contributed to nitrogen pollution on a global scale. To assess the ecological repercussions of excessive fertilization, it is imperative to elucidate both the nitrogen use efficiency and the fate of nitrogenous fertilizers upon application. The current research evaluated the potential of a newly developed slow-release nitrogen fertilizer on maize growth and its behavior in soil under controlled conditions. Six different levels of urea fertilizer (UF) and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF) were administered within the field, representing 100%, 85%, and 70% of the recommended application rates. The slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF) exhibited superior performance regarding growth, yield and nutrient retention in comparison to urea fertilizer (UF). Moreover, minimal ammonia emissions were detected with the employment of the slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF), while other urea-based fertilizers proved inefficient in mitigating ammonia emissions, despite enhancing various growth and yield parameters. The efficiency in nutrient recovery followed a distinct pattern, with polymer-coated fertilizers demonstrating superiority. The plots treated with SRNF displayed significantly higher growth and yield characteristics compared to those treated with urea fertilizer. In terms of NH3 volatilization, the urea fertilizer (UF) treatment at 100% application rate showed higher emissions (1.99 mg g-1) after a 27-day incubation period, as opposed to the slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (SRNF) treatment (1.68 mg g-1). Leaching data indicated that urea fertilizer treatments led to greater losses of NO3-N (2.01 mg L-1) compared to SRNF treatments (0.88 mg L-1)
Diversity of Commelinaceae in Laos and two new record species: Amischotolype glabrata Hassk., and Commelina maculata Edgew.
Get PDFThe Commelinaceae diversity in Laos have been published, recorded 23 species belonging to nine genera, two species were the new record species in Laos namely Amischotolype glabrata, and Commelina maculata. The objective of this research was to study the diversity of Commelinaceae in Laos including the data of distribution, ecology, phenology, and conservation status of each species in Commelinaceae family. The research areas included four National Parks of Laos namely Nam Et–Phou Louey National Plank, Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, Hin Namnor National Park, and Dong Houa Sao National Park. The distribution of Commelinaceae in Laos is based on a study of four areas, Commelinaceae species in NKNT and DHS exhibited the highest similarity index (0.2857) with 10 species found in both National Parks. The ecology of Commelinaceae is highly diverse included dry evergreen forest, deciduous forest, evergreen forest, grassland, hill evergreen, limestone forest, mix deciduous forest, marshy places, open area, and secondary forest, the majority, including 11 species were discovered in marshy places. The Commelinaceae flowering from May to November, the highest flowering occurs in August, with 23 species blooming. The conservation status of Commelinaceae species in this research has been assessed by the IUCN, with five species recorded, including Commelina benghalensis, C. diffusa, Cyanotis axillaris, Cy. cristata, and Floscopa scandens. All of them have been classified as least concern (LC) species. The conservation status of Commelinaceae by the authors is also assessed using the IUCN Red List criteria, and these species were related to the IUCN Red List, these species of Commelinaceae separated into two groups, rare plants group including nine species namely Aetheolirion stenolobium, Amischotolype glabrata, Commelina maculate, Cyanotis arachnoidea, Dictyospermum ovatum, Murdannia japonica, Pollia secundiflora, P. thrysiflora and Rhopalephora scaberrima. Other species were in a commonly found plant group. The study of the conservation status requires further investigation to confirm its accuracy
Protective role of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles synthesized using sesame oil as biocontrol approach against Erwinia amylovora causing fire blight in pears (Pyrus communis L.)
Get PDFErwinia amylovora, the primary cause of fire blight, is thought to be one of the most difficult crop diseases to eradicate. The study aimed to evaluate the performance of essential sesame oil (SO) and silver nanoparticle synthesized by sesame oil SO-AgNPs against E. amylovora. Using GC-MS, it was found that essential sesame oil contains the main component of the oil was sesamin, asarninin, heptane, c-Sitosterol, anethol, and trimethyl -6- ((s) - 4-methylcyclohexan – 3 – en-1-yl)) tetrahydro -2H-pyran. The diluted sesame oil (SO) was used as a reducing agent in synthesis of AgNPs in aqueous solution. By using UV-Visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), and Fourier Transformer InfraRed (FTIR) analysis, the produced Ag NPs were studied. The average particle size of the spherical Ag NPs was determined to be 54.98 nm using data from HRTEM and DLS. SO-Ag NPs (20 µg/ml) showed a promising antibacterial against E. amylovora, producing a 22.9 mm Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) against E. amylovora, followed by SO-Ag NPs (10 ug/ml) that gave 18.2 mm ZOI., compared to gentamicin that produced 13.2 mm ZOI. The most effective inducers were SO-Ag NPs at 10 ug/ml, which decreased the percentage of disease severity by 27.5 and increased the percentage of protection against disease infection by 68.39%. SO-Ag NPs was the most effective inducers which decreased the contents of Malonaldehyde (MDA) and H2O2 by 41.3% and 77.1%. Applying SO-Ag NPs or SO lowered the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and improved the fruit set and yield in infected trees. We could assume that, to prevent E. amylovora fire blight disease in pears, SO-Ag NPs, SO are safe, effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional antibiotics.
Identification and molecular analysis of watermelon chlorotic stunt virus infecting snake gourd in Saudi Arabia
Get PDFSnake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) plants exhibiting typical begomovirus-like symptoms of stunted growth, leaf yellowing and mottling were observed at an open field in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Sequencing analysis of the amplified complete DNA molecules revealed that the plants were infected with watermelon chlorotic stunt virus (WmCSV), which is a bipartite begomovirus prevalent mostly in the Old World and a serious threat to cucurbit production in the Arabian Peninsula, Middle East and Africa. The two WmCSV DNA-A isolates (SG31A and SG52A) were 98.9% identical and showed their highest nucleotide (nt) sequence identities (98.7%) with the isolates from Iran and Saudi Arabia. The DNA-B isolates (SG31B and SG52B), on the other hand, were 97.4% identical and exhibited their highest nt sequence identities (99.5 and 97%) with isolates reported from Iran and Oman. In the phylogenetic dendrograms the identified isolates clustered closely with previously reported WmCSV isolates from Iran and Saudi Arabia. Infectivity assays revealed that the DNA-A components alone could not induce infection in Nicotiana benthamiana plants however, together with DNA-B these isolates successfully caused typical begomovirus symptoms and both components were detected successfully using Southern blot hybridization. This study highlights the importance of conducting extensive future begomovirus surveillance to detect spillover events that could threaten native vegetable production in Saudi Arabia. This is crucial as begomoviruses pose a serious threat to vegetable cultivation throughout the Middle East
Effects of soil amendments and coverings on the kenaf yield and soil physicochemical properties in saline-alkali land
Get PDFIn order to investigate the effects of various treatments on the growth of kenaf in saline soil, this study employed a comprehensive experimental design incorporating a dual approach of soil amendment and mulching techniques. Soil treatment of saline and alkaline land, as well as biological material mulching treatment after sowing kenaf, were conducted. The growth dynamics of kenaf were assessed before the mid-term investigation, and the harvest period was examined. Soil physicochemical properties were measured and analysed at different periods. The results show that in the analysis of red sesame yield traits, the differences mainly appeared between soil treatments. There is no significant difference between the different mulching treatments within each soil treatment. In the mid-term study, significant differences were observed in kenaf plant height. Plant height was the most affected by soil conditioners, while other yield traits did not show significant variations. During harvest, only stem thickness and dry weight of a single plant did not show significant differences, whereas other yield traits did. The application of soil conditioners resulted in a 58.15% increase in dry hull yield compared to organic fertilizers and a 22.66% increase compared to regular fertilizers. Soil conditioners also led to higher levels of effective phosphorus, quick-acting potassium, organic matter, and total nitrogen throughout the kenaf growth period compared to organic and regular fertilizers. This is beneficial for enhancing soil quality and reducing soil alkalinity. Combined with the results of kenaf yield and soil physical and chemical properties analysis, it has been proven that the application of soil conditioner has the best effect, followed by the application of compound fertilizer, with organic fertilizer treatment being the least effective
Analysis of land use changes and soil erosion using the EPM-IntErO model in the Sokobanja Basin, Serbia
Get PDFSoil erosion, with the progressive loss of fertile topsoil and its negative impact on agricultural productivity, has become a critical global environmental problem. In the second half of the 20th century, many municipalities in Serbia experienced significant changes in land use, vegetation, and environmental conditions. The drive towards industrialization and urbanization aimed to improve the living standards of the population, but as a consequence, it led to substantial depopulation of rural areas and the adoption of inadequate agricultural practices, which, in turn, further intensified soil erosion. This study focuses on the Sokobanjska Moravica River basin (Eastern Serbia), extending to the Bovan Lake Dam and upstream, with a total area of 540.4 km². The basin is situated in a characteristic karst landscape. Changes in erosion intensity and runoff from this basin are analyzed using the Intensity of Erosion and Outflow (IntErO) model, which algorithmically integrates the widely used Erosion Potential Method (EPM) with innovative computational techniques to predict sediment production and runoff from the river basin accurately. This analysis utilizes GIS software and official statistical yearbook data, focusing on the period from the second half of the 20th century, including the analysis of the current state. According to our research, the most intensive changes in land use occurred between 1961 and 1971, marking the beginning of the period of a decline in rural population and, consequently, a decrease in erosion intensity. Key findings indicate that predominant changes in land use and vegetation led to a shift from crop farming to animal husbandry. After 1971, ongoing depopulation, particularly in rural areas, resulted in a gradual and steady decrease in erosion intensity. The primary aim of this study is to support policymakers in developing more effective soil and water conservation regulations. By making recommendations for the protection of vegetation, and thus the soil within this river basin, this research helps ensure their long-term preservation. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of current land use practices and develop strategies to mitigate erosion in the context of changing climate conditions
Spectral characterization, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera leaf and dry latex from Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Get PDFTraditional healers have used the shrub Calotropis procera (CP) for many years for various therapies. The present study investigated the bioactive constituents of ethanolic extract of CP leaf and dried latex using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. The identification and characterization of the compounds were confirmed by examining the constituents' mass spectrum fragmentations and FT-IR spectra and comparing the results with those in the literature. The tail-flick method was used to investigate the analgesic properties of the extract and its anti-inflammatory activities using a rat model of formalin-induced oedema. Acute oral toxicity in rats was studied per OECD recommendations. Twenty male rats were divided into four groups and received an ethanolic extract of the leaves and dried milky sap of CP (200 mg/Kg) in groups 1, 2, and 3. Group 4 rats were administered aspirin 50 mg/kg as a positive control. The CP dried latex extract has the highest content of lupeol and its acetate derivative compared to its leaf extract. The CP dried latex extract inhibited inflammation more significantly than the ethanolic leaf extract and the drug indomethacin at a higher dosage (200 mg/kg). The ethanolic extracts showed analgesia comparable to aspirin. It suggests that fatty acids and their esters, particularly ethyl linoleate (8.96%), ethyl palmitate (7.99%), ethyl linoleate (6.98%), and palmitic acid (5.18%), may be valuable biomarkers for characterizing leaf and latex samples and describing the medicinal potential of CP