Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Muhoja Sylivester Nyandi Author-Workplace-Name: Kálmán Kerpely Doctoral School, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Crop Science and Beekeeping Technology, College of Agriculture and Food Technology, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Author-Name: Ebenezer Ayew Appiah Author-Workplace-Name: Kálmán Kerpely Doctoral School, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary Author-Name: Petér Pepó Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Plant Science, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary Title: Harnessing chlorophyll and canopy reflectance indices relationship for grain yield, protein and starch content in maize cultivars under different nitrogen treatments Abstract: Crop production faces increased climate change and land degradation stresses, compromising global food security with the growing population. Maize (Zea mays L.) is a versatile crop used for food, feed, and raw materials, contributing significantly to global food systems. Abiotic stresses like drought and soil fertility limit its production. Fertilisation is an amelioration technique that optimises maize growth and yield by maintaining optimum nutrition and leveraging nutrient deficiency conditions. Precision agricultural tools like chlorophyll meters are essential for non-destructive chlorophyll assessment and nitrogen status. An experiment conducted at the University of Debrecen evaluated the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilisation (0, 90, and 150 kg/ha) and three maize cultivars (P9610-FAO 340, DKC4590-FAO360, and GKT376-FAO360) on physiological parameters, namely: relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), normalised differences vegetation index (NDVI) and grain quality. Results showed that SPAD and NDVI positively correlated (P < 0.05) with grain quality and yield. Nitrogen application significantly influenced SPAD. Maize cultivars and N rates with higher chlorophyll content had maximum yield. Cultivar responses to nitrogen rates significantly (P < 0.05) varied by crop year. Higher SPAD and NDVI values were associated with higher protein content. Therefore, SPAD and NDVI values could be used to analyse the nutrient requirements of maize under field conditions to estimate grain yield. Keywords: macronutrient, spectrometry, phenotyping, remotesensing, bioindicator, hybrid selection Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 525-533 Volume: 71 Issue: 8 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/633/2024-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/633/2024-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202508-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:8:id:633-2024-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Wael A. Obaid Author-Workplace-Name: Biology Department, College of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia Author-Name: Samy Selim Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia Author-Name: Seham M. Hamed Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author-Name: Emad A. Alsherif Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt Author-Name: Shereen Magdy Korany Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author-Name: Hana Sonbol Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author-Name: Danyah A. Aldailami Author-Workplace-Name: Public Health Department, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author-Name: Soad K. Al Jaouni Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Haematology/Oncology, Chair of Prophetic Medicine Application, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Title: Wheat (C3) and maize (C4) adaptive responses to soil thallium toxicity under elevated CO2 conditions Abstract: This study investigated how wheat (C3) and maize (C4) respond to soil thallium (Tl) contamination and elevated CO2 (eCO2), aiming to understand strategies for mitigating oxidative stress. Under eCO2, both crops showed higher biomass production. However, high Tl concentration (120 mg/kg) significantly decreased fresh and dry weights by 31-59%, which translated directly to compromised yield. This growth decline is linked to impaired photosynthesis, evidenced by a 54-57% drop in net photosynthetic rate under elevated Tl. Such photosynthetic inhibition intensifies oxidative stress, marked by increased membrane damage and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Furthermore, photorespiration contributed to oxidative stress by generating H2O2, with increased activities of glycolate oxidase and hydroxypyruvate reductase rising by 122% and 201%, in wheat and by 179% and 39% in maize, respectively, in response to 120 mg/kg TI under eCO2 conditions. Simultaneously, to mitigate oxidative damage, antioxidant defences were significantly enhanced, resulting in increased activity of the ascorbate (ASC)/glutathione (GSH) cycle, along with elevated levels of metallothionein and phytochelatin for Tl sequestration, as well as augmented glutathione S-transferase activity. Overall, findings reveal complex interactions between CO2 and Tl, highlighting species-specific adaptive responses of C3 and C4 plants. C3 plants use photorespiration to combat oxidative stress, while C3 and C4 plants have strong antioxidant systems to reduce the effects of oxidative stress, promoting crop resilience and growth despite Tl toxicity. Keywords: climate changes, functional group, heavy metal, redox status, detoxification Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 534-552 Volume: 71 Issue: 8 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/239/2025-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/239/2025-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202508-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:8:id:239-2025-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ozlem Cakmakci Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Horticulture, Agriculture Faculty, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Türkiye Author-Name: Suat Sensoy Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Horticulture, Agriculture Faculty, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Türkiye Title: Nano-silica modulates salt stress response in lettuce by enhancing growth, antioxidant activity, and mineral uptake Abstract: Salt stress is a significant abiotic factor that limits crop growth and yield. Nano-fertilisers, effective even in small quantities, have gained prominence for their ability to enhance plant growth and stress tolerance. This study investigated the effects of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) at different concentrations (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/L solution) under varying saline water application levels (0.6, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 dS/m) on growth parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, and nutrient uptake in lettuce. The greenhouse experiment followed a randomised complete block design with three replications. Results demonstrated that SiNPs effectively increased head diameter and plant height by approximately 8% and 14%, respectively, compared to the control. Similarly, dry matter content improved by 22% with SiNP-400. While salinity stress significantly increased electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation (as indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) content), SiNPs reduced MDA levels by 21%, indicating lower oxidative damage. Soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) values improved by 6%, and leaf relative water content increased by 4% with the application of SiNPs. Enzyme activity analysis revealed that salinity stress enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, but SiNP-400 reduced SOD and CAT levels by 23% and 50%, respectively, suggesting a decrease in oxidative stress. Furthermore, SiNPs enhanced nutrient uptake, significantly increasing the contents of Mg, Fe, and Zn while reducing Na accumulation. The highest Mg, Zn, and K concentrations were recorded under the SiNP-400 treatment. These findings highlight the potential of silica nanoparticles in mitigating the effects of salt stress and improving plant resilience, highlighting their role in sustainable agriculture. Keywords: abitic stress, Lactuca sativa L., plant nutrients, stress condition, vegetable Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 553-564 Volume: 71 Issue: 8 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/233/2025-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/233/2025-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202508-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:8:id:233-2025-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Aya H. El-Nagar Author-Workplace-Name: Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt Author-Name: Kholoud Z. Ghanem Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biological Science, College of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author-Name: Fahmy A.S. Hassan Author-Workplace-Name: Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt Author-Name: Mohammed I. Fetouh Author-Workplace-Name: Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt Author-Name: Rasha S. El-Serafy Author-Workplace-Name: Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt Author-Name: Mohamed M. Moussa Author-Workplace-Name: Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Egypt Title: The changes in growth, yield, and biologically active compounds of essential oil in Trachyspermum ammi L. upon rhizobacteria and seaweed applications Abstract: Using biostimulants to enhance plant growth and increase yield and secondary metabolites in medicinal and aromatic plants is an important strategy to achieve sustainable agriculture. The influence of two strains of nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria (NFB) of Azotobacter chroococcum (NFB1) and Azospirillum lipoferum (NFB2), three levels of seaweed extract (SWE; 0 (SWE1), 250 (SWE1), and 500 mg/L (SWE2)) and their interactions have been investigated on Trachyspermum ammi L. (ajwain) growth, fruit yield, and essential oil constituents for two winter seasons. Growth traits (plant height, number of branches, and fresh and dry weights) and fruit traits (umbel number, 1 000-fruit weight, and fruit yield) were improved following NFB and/or SWE applications. Leaf pigments, total phenols, carbohydrates, free amino acids, and nutrient content were also enhanced. Ajwain plants that received NFB2 soil inoculation and foliarly sprayed with SWE1 observed the highest growth and yield values. Applying this treatment resulted in 27.6% and 32.7% higher fruit yield per plant for the first and second seasons, respectively, compared to the control. The results of GC-MS revealed that γ-terpinene, p-cymene, and thymol are the major components in ajwain essential oil. All applications used changed the percentages of the main components detected in ajwain essential oil. For instance, increasing SWE level caused a reduction in γ-terpinene with an increase in thymol content. The highest conservation rate from γ-terpinene to thymol was detected in NFB2 × SWE1-treated plants, with the highest thymol content and least γ-terpinene. Azospirillum lipoferum soil inoculation with SWE1 foliar application is recommended to enhance ajwain production, in terms of fruit yield and oil quality. Keywords: aromatic herb, nutrition, metabolite, phytochemistry, biofertilisation, Apiaceae Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 565-580 Volume: 71 Issue: 8 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/266/2025-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/266/2025-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202508-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:8:id:266-2025-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Xiaoqi Tang Author-Workplace-Name: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China Author-Name: Chunming Jiang Author-Workplace-Name: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China Author-Name: Hongjie Li Author-Workplace-Name: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China Author-Name: Jing Tian Author-Workplace-Name: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China Author-Name: Dawei Li Author-Workplace-Name: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China Author-Name: Xuan Zhang Author-Workplace-Name: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China Author-Name: Xiuli Ge Author-Workplace-Name: College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China Author-Name: Xia Liu Author-Workplace-Name: Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P.R. China Author-Name: Wenjun Gao Author-Workplace-Name: Jundi Tree Planting Specialistic Cooperative of Wudi, Binzhou, P.R. China Author-Name: Guoli Liu Author-Workplace-Name: Agricultural Comprehensive Service Center of Xiaobotou Town, Wudi County, Binzhou, P.R. China Author-Name: Wenjuan Li Author-Workplace-Name: Wudi Yuanxing Engineering Construction Supervision Company Limited, Binzhou, P.R. China Title: Combined application of biochar and phosphorus influenced maize production and soil properties in the Yellow River Delta: a comparison between contrasting weather conditions Abstract: The Yellow River Delta, an important area of reserved arable land resources in China, is faced with the problem of crop productivity being typically limited by low soil quality. Developing techniques that raised crop yield without environmental damage was critically needed. To date, the knowledge about the joint impacts of biochar (C) and phosphorus (P) addition on soil properties and maize production under different weather conditions in this area is seriously lacking. Consequently, a full factorial field experiment including three biochar intensities (0 (C0), 5 000 (C1), and 10 000 (C2) kg/ha), three phosphorus fertilisation levels (0 (P0), 60 (P1), and 120 (P2) kg P/ha), and their combinations was conducted in Binzhou, Shandong province of China from 2021 to 2022. Compared to 2022, the maize yield was dramatically reduced in 2021 (with a 35% mean decrease) due to excessive rainfall in the maize reproductive growth stage (P < 0.01). C addition caused greater proportions and contributions of dry matter and nutrient remobilisation from pre-anthesis vegetation organs to grain. Subsequently, maize yield was much more promoted in 2021 (23%) than in 2022 (5%) by adding C, in which the discrepancies between C1 and C2 were relatively small and insignificant. On the other hand, these corresponding effects of P and C × P were relatively modest. From the soil perspective, soil physical (hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and bulk density) and chemical properties (soil organic carbon, total N, and soil available N) were significantly improved by C addition (P < 0.01). More importantly, we detected negative interactions of C × P on soil available P and phosphorus activation coefficient (P < 0.01), as soil available P was lowered with more input of C and P together (particularly under P2 series). The two-year outcomes suggested that C addition could enhance maize growth and ensure crop yield stability. Still, the combined incorporation of this kind of C and P (especially for C2P2) was not recommended in the saline-alkali land. The present study delivered useful insight into the rational utilisation of C and P fertilisers in the Yellow River Delta. Keywords: bio-waste, soil fertility, unfavourable weather conditions, multiple seasons, fertiliser management Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 581-594 Volume: 71 Issue: 8 Year: 2025 DOI: 10.17221/268/2025-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/268/2025-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202508-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:8:id:268-2025-PSE