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Comprehensive overview of the extent genetic diversity in South-East European landrace collection was estimated regard broadening of broomcorn (Sorghum bicolor [L]. Moench) germplasm variability. In a long-term field trials 28 accessions were analyzed to determine variability of agronomic (unthreshed panicle weight UTP, threshed panicle weight TRP, grain yield per panicle SWG and threshed panicle ratio RAN), morphological (plant height PHG, stalk height SHG, panicle length PLG, peduncle length PDL, flag leaf sheath length LSL and panicle exsertion PEX) and technological (fiber length FLG, fiber number per panicle NOP and fiber fineness FFI) traits. By all obtained results combining over univariate and multivariate analysis, the study showed significant variability over traits, so the examined landraces will be included in existing broomcorn germplasm. Accessories with valuable quantitative and qualitative characters can significantly contribute to improvement of new bred cultivars and broadening germplasm diversity. Three years field experiment showed significant positive correlations between PHG-SHG, PDL-PEX and UTP-SWG and significant negative correlations between PDL-FLG and SWG-RAN. The performance of examined landraces were generally within the ambit of broomcorn germplasm variability, but several accessions with the extreme trait profile for yield components and panicle quality will be useful as parents in the breeding process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research indicated the potential use of struvite (STR) as an alternative source of phosphorus (P) in crop production. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of STR and triple superphosphate (TSP) on the growth and chemical composition of butterhead lettuce grown on peat substrate over a three-month period (May–July). Both alternative (STR) and conventional (TSP) fertilizers were applied at three rates: (1) recommended rate based on the elemental content of substrate and crop nutritional need; (2) reduced rate (50% lower than recommended); and (3) increased rate (50% higher than recommended). Unfertilized (control) plants were also grown in the pot experiment. As expected, fertilizer application tended to increase the content of heavy metals in the substrate. Thus, an increase in Zn, Pb, and Cu content in peat substrate was found following STR amendments. However, compared with unfertilized plants, the applied rates of the STR and TSP fertilizers did not increase the content of Cd and Cu in the plant leaf, while Hg content was below the detection limit. In addition, Zn content in the plant leaf significantly decreased following STR and TSP applications. In comparison to unfertilized plants, both alternative and conventional fertilizers increased the content of P and nitrate nitrogen (N-NO3−) in the plant leaf while their effect on Mg content was negligible. The increased rate of STR was the best fertilizer treatment because it produced the largest number of leaves, which were also characterized by the highest P content. Our findings showed that STR was an effective source of P in butterhead lettuce cultivation without adverse effects on heavy metal accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A permanent field trial with different Fertilization variants, monoculture and two-crop rotation was established in 1965 at Rimaki Šancevi experiment field of Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, on the calcareous chernozem soil. This paper analyzes the experiment data obtained in the period 1971-2001. Yield trends were negative in all fertilization variants, due to unfavorable weather conditions during the second sub-period and the occurrence of Diabrotica virgifera in monoculture. Grain yields were higher in the two-crop rotation than in the monoculture. Highest yields and quality were achieved in both cropping systems when manure and mineral fertilized were applied in combination. The application of manure alone showed significant advantages over the sole application of NPK mineral fertilizers. Plowing under of harvest residues in combination with application of NPK mineral fertilizers is an advantageous solution when manure is not available. In addition to optimum yields and top quality, the variants with combined application of manure and mineral fertilizers left the highest amounts of N03- N in soil after harvest. For chernozem-type soils with deep ground water table, where there is no risk of nitrate leaching, the dosing of N fertilizers should be further refined. The NO3 level after crop harvest, as a criterion of environmental protection efficiency, should be diversified to fit different soil types and different agro-ecological regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The study evaluated the effects of the application of microbial inoculants (N-fixing Klebsiella planticola and Enterobacter spp.), two rates of composite mineral fertilizers, and their combination on microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase and proteinase activity in acid Lessivated Cambisol and yield-related properties of maize and wheat grains in a two-year trial. The results indicated that mineral fertilizers are not, in general, negative for soil microbiota when used in the context of sustainable agriculture without monoculture. It was found that the combined application of microbial inoculants and lower doses of mineral nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers, increased the yield of maize and wheat compared to the use of only NPK fertilizers in our case study. The highest values of the examined parameters of soil fertility were determined in the period with better precipitation distribution during the vegetation period of the studied year due to the optimal values of soil moisture and air temperature. Concluding, the authors point out the task of science to offer the producer a solution for conducting intensive agricultural production, which must be economically and ecologically safer. This study evaluated the effects of the application of microbial inoculants (N-fixing Klebsiella planticola and Enterobacter spp.), two rates of composite mineral fertilizers, and their combination on microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dehydrogenase (DHA), and proteinase activity (PTA) in Lessivated Cambisol and yield-related properties of maize and wheat grains in a two-year trial. Unfertilized soil was used as a control variant. MBC was measured using the chloroform fumigation-extraction method, DHA was determined spectrophotometrically by measuring the intensity of the formed red-colored triphenyl formazan, while PTA was determined using a titration method by measuring the degree of gelatine decomposition. In grain samples, P was determined spectrophotometrically, K—by flame emission photometry, N—on an elemental carbon/nitrogen/sulfur (CNS) analyzer, and crude proteins—by calculation of N content. Measuring both crops' yield was carried out at the end of the vegetation. The results indicated that mineral fertilizers are not, in general, negative for soil microbiota when used in the context of sustainable agriculture without monoculture. There is a significant increase in the values of soil MBC, DHA, and PTA in the variants with combined application of bacterial inoculants and lower rates of mineral fertilizers. The highest values of these parameters were determined in the period with a better distribution of precipitation during the vegetation period of the year. The mentioned combination also resulted in a higher grain yield of maize and wheat comparing to the application of lower rates of the NPK nutrients solely. The combined application of high rates of mineral fertilizers and bacterial inoculants resulted in significantly increased N, P, K, and protein content in the grains of crops, and the same applied to yield. Concluding, studied bacterial inoculants can be used to specify the replacement of nitrogen fertilizers, stimulating the microbial biomass and enzyme activity in the soil, helping to ensure that the supply of nutrients contributing to an optimized yield of crops is maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is currently one of the most controversial and promising crops. This study compared nine wild hemp (C. sativa spp. spontanea V.) accessions with 13 registered cultivars, eight breeding lines, and one cannabidiol (CBD) hemp strain belonging to C. sativa L. The first three groups had similar main essential oil (EO) constituents, but in different concentrations; the CBD hemp had a different EO profile. The concentration of the four major constituents in the industrial hemp lines and wild hemp accessions varied as follows: β-caryophyllene 11–22% and 15.4–29.6%; α-humulene 4.4–7.6% and 5.3–11.9%; caryophyllene oxide 8.6–13.7% and 0.2–31.2%; and humulene epoxide 2, 2.3–5.6% and 1.2–9.5%, respectively. The concentration of CBD in the EO of wild hemp varied from 6.9 to 52.4% of the total oil while CBD in the EO of the registered cultivars varied from 7.1 to 25%; CBD in the EO of the breeding lines and in the CBD strain varied from 6.4 to 25% and 7.4 to 8.8%, respectively. The concentrations of δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the EO of the three groups of hemp were significantly different, with the highest concentration being 3.5%. The EO of wild hemp had greater antimicrobial activity compared with the EO of registered cultivars. This is the first report to show that significant amounts of CBD could be accumulated in the EO of wild and registered cultivars of hemp following hydro-distillation. The amount of CBD in the EO can be greater than that in the EO of the USA strain used for commercial production of CBD. Furthermore, this is among the first reports that show greater antimicrobial activity of the EO of wild hemp vs. the EO of registered cultivars. The results suggest that wild hemp may offer an excellent opportunity for future breeding and the selection of cultivars with a desirable composition of the EO and possibly CBD-rich EO production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]