Global market of humic substances has been increasing steadily based on the perception of the multifunctional properties as plant biostimulant, microbial vehicle and plant protective agent against environmental stress. Some field assays and many experimental observations have shown that humic matter could relieve the abiotic stress effects. Here, we explored the plant chemical priming effect concept

Application of nanotechnology for crop protection in the form of nanopesticide has attracted significant interest in modern agriculture for the management of devastating polyphagous pests. In the present work, highly stable, ready-to-use water-based nanoformulations of hydrazine-based pesticides were evaluated for their Insect Growth Regulatory potential against the polyphagous insect pest—Spodoptera

The use of biostimulants like humic substances is a promising innovative approach in agriculture to activate and sustain physiological plant processes. The development of specific bioassays is required to study their bioactivity in laboratory conditions. In previous investigations, a soil-less bioassay with cress seedlings (Lepidium sativum L.) was developed for a biostimulant used in the biodynamic

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient and necessary to plants for their proper growth. The concentration of B in soil and plant is greatly critical for the growth and productivity. Even at the low amount available in soils, B can be extremely toxic to plants especially in semi-arid and arid environments. In the present study, the effects of high B concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) were

The clean and pro-environmental technologies are one of the crucial instruments to produce healthy food without any chemicals. Recycling the agricultural residues by composting them is a clean and pro-environmental technology. Local rich compost as a clean and pro-environmental technology is the factor which strengthens agricultural soils in terms of organic materials and healthier crops production

In the present study, different concentrations of lead (factor A; 0, 15, and 30 mg L −1) and cadmium (factor B; 0 and 5 mg L −1) were applied via irrigation water during 6 months to evaluate their effects on growth of European hackberry (Celtis australis L.) plants. The experiment was arranged in factorial with completely randomized design and four replications under greenhouse conditions. Application

We applied Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques in combination with selective humus extractions to investigate in situ the chemical features of organic matter in three soil profiles recently developed from Dutch sand dunes, under well-documented vegetation sequence and containing a relatively simple mineral-organic matter system. Water-soluble and alkaline-soluble extracts were

Ample quantities of ashes generated from domestic biomass energy combustion in Ghanaian kitchens are currently disposed of despite their potential agricultural value. This study aimed to investigate the potential agricultural value of charcoal and firewood ashes in terms of differences in the chemical and mineralogical compositions, and to identify the suitability of aqua regia, H2SO4, vinegar and

A new prototype of bio-conditioner useful in rehabilitation of degraded soils was performed. In order to obtain this aim two stages were established: production of biomass of Microbacterium sp. CSB3 and formulation of this inoculum in a sediment supplemented with low-rank coal (LRC). The effect of agitation and pH on microbial growth was determined. As response variables, the final production of biomass

A modified PAMPA (parallel artificial membrane permeability assay) is proposed for evaluating the passive cuticular membrane permeability of potassium in several foliar nutrient formulations. The modified PAMPA can measure the passive permeability of ionic nutrients under fully hydrated conditions through an artificial membrane designed to more closely resemble a plant cuticle, rather than the traditional

The standard method for grain moisture measurement is the conventional air oven-drying technique. This method requires a longer period of time to determine the moisture content (m.c.). Although electric moisture meters are popular in rice industries, it has to be calibrated frequently with the oven-drying method. Therefore, an alternative but fast and reliable method is required, especially, for the

Black bean is one of the important beans as the second most consumed bean globally after soybean. It has been reported as a sustainable source of anthocyanins, important natural colorants used in food and consumer products. However, industrial uses of black bean anthocyanins in pharmaceutics and cosmetics have rarely been explored. Thus, here, a black bean anthocyanin extract was prepared, quality

The use of organic materials as soil nutrients to improve agricultural production is well documented. However, these organic materials may contain toxic pollutants that may bio-accumulate in plant tissues and eventually be consumed by humans. There is a misconception about the use of organic materials (sludge, urine, human waste and urban waste) in agriculture and organic farming. The review work examined

Impact assessment is an important process that helps the policy makers to understand the consequences of possible and actual government interventions. Assessing the impacts and consequences is considered as applicable means for policy makers and planners of projects, since not only it measures and presents the plans’ developments, but also for determining their impacts on the target group. Therefore

The use of humic substances as plant biostimulants has been increasingly attracting farmers and stunning researchers. The ability of these substances to enhance root growth by changing root architecture is often linked to their hormonal activities, such as auxin effects and nitric oxide production. Humeomics accesses the molecular constituents of humic substances, revealing the importance of alkyl

Contamination of vegetable crops with heavy metals is a great threat to human health. On the other hand, monitoring plant tissue content of heavy metals at different growth stages could have important implications. In this study, shoot and root samples of garden cress and sweet basil were collected from five farms, from heavy metal polluted fields located in Shahre Rey, south of Tehran, Iran, in either

Soil salinity is a real challenge in nowadays crop production in many regions. Various strategies have been applied to increase plant salinity tolerance. Salicylic acid (SA) frequently has been reported to increase plant salinity tolerance; however, the comparative efficiency of soil (root) or foliar application of SA has not been well tested yet. In this study, the effects of root or leaf pretreatment

This study evaluated the antimicrobial potentials of Citrus essential oils (CEOs) against spoilage microorganisms isolated from selected fruits. The fruits were randomly purchased from different markets in Akure, Nigeria. The microorganisms were isolated and identified using molecular tools. In vitro antimicrobial efficacies of CEOs and their synergistic potentials were tested against spoilage microorganisms

Fusarium root rot disease in Indian mulberry (Morinda officinalis How.) (FRRBK), caused by Fusarium proliferatum (FP), is widespread and responsible for serious economic losses in Viet Nam. The efficacy of a new bio-product named MICROTECH-1(NL) is compared with other commercial products for suppression of FP under in vitro, pot, nursery as well as in the field conditions. In in vitro antagonistic

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi provide benefits to plants, especially under stressful growing conditions. These symbiotic fungi can be applied as biofertilizers prior to transplant in order to increase establishment success in the field. Roots are often trimmed at the time of transplant to reduce the probability of J-rooting, the upward orientation of roots within a planting hole which can lead to root

Exploration of composition and chemical characteristics of soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) is significant to understand its biogeochemical role in terrestrial ecosystems. A total of 43 cropped and 16 natural soils (0–20 cm) under four soil types (cinnamon, chernozem, red and paddy soils) across China were collected to investigate the spectral characteristics of DOM using UV–Vis and 3D-EEM spectroscopy

Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases damaging human health and thus, there is an urgent need for insecticidal compounds to control their population. The objective of this study was to determined the efficiency from trans-cinnamic acid isolated from Alpinia galanga (Zingiberales: Zingiberaceae) for control of Aedes aegypti (Dipetera: Culicidae), Anopheles dirus B (Dipetera: Culicidae) and Culex quinquefasciatus

The study area exhibits a first class catena; variation in soils is a result of differences in drainage and lateral movement of materials. The site was delineated into Soil Mapping Units (SMUs) through augering, into soils differing in macro relief. Slope categories included 0 to 5%, 5 to 8%, 8 to 16%, 16 to 30% and > 30%. Profile pits were opened in the five mapping units using stratified random sampling

Detection of anthraquinone in tea samples marketed in Europe is raising a concern due to the possible carcinogenicity of this compound. The European Union has set a very low maximum residue level (MRL) for anthraquinone residue in tea (0.02 mg/kg). The available method analyses for anthraquinone are mostly by gas chromatography (GC) coupled by mass spectrophotometer (MS) which are relatively more expensive

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) belong to a family of organic thickeners or alternative hydrocolloids of microbial origin. Because the chemical structure offers beneficial bioactive functions, biocompatibility and biodegradability, EPSs are used in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and packaging industries as well as in agriculture and medicine. In this study, new bacterial strains were selected

The negative consequences of industrial agriculture greatly affect human health and the environment. Debating our dietary requirements and challenging the means of food production are necessary. In the first years of transitioning to agroecological production, crop yields normally decrease. Humic acids and beneficial bacteria used as plant growth promoters can be helpful during this stressful time

The 2-phenylphenol is used as an agricultural fungicide. It is generally applied for the post-harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables to protect against microbial damage. It is also used for waxing of citrus fruits and for disinfection of seed boxes. It has been reported that 2-phenyphenol has some toxic effects human beings due to its disposal in the environment. Therefore, preparation of selective

Black (pyrogenic) carbon (BC) has its origin in incomplete combustion of organic matter. It is considered to be a stable fraction of soil organic carbon (SOC) accounting for a great proportion of SOC in many soils. The aim of this article is to verify the reliability of the three most widely applied methods to determine BC in soils: the benzene polycarboxylic acid (BPCA) method, the UV/NMR method and

Traditionally, the most popular sentences used to describe the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis sound like: “AM fungi form one of the most widespread root symbioses, associating with 80% of land plants. In this symbiosis, the fungus provides the plant host with mineral nutrients, especially phosphate, receiving in turn carbohydrates.” In the last years, the mycorrhiza research field has witnessed a

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is heavily and positively implicated in phosphorus (P) acquisition from soil to plants, including many important agricultural crops. Its role in plant nitrogen (N) nutrition is generally not as prominent or beneficial, with exception of some situations when N is available predominantly in organic forms. Yet the AM fungi (AMF) are, due to their poor exo-enzymatic

The use of plant-based biostimulants to increase crop yield and enhance protection has grown in popularity. We previously manufactured an inoculant combining humic acids with plant growth-promoting bacteria and observed a significant effect on crop yields. However, electrophysiology studies elucidating the mechanisms responsible for enhanced nutrient and water uptake are scarce and are generally restricted

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a source of antioxidant-containing vegetable protein that is beneficial to human health. The intense cultivation of common bean may result in environmental degradation. Thus, environmentally friendly cultivation methods that use an endophyte to improve productivity are needed. An entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, can serve as an endophyte that stimulates

Increasing restrictions on pesticide application in the production process of agricultural food products indicate urgent need for safer alternatives to keep the product quality, and to inhibit pathogen infections. In the present study, effect of three essential oils from rosemary, thyme and tarragon, in concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm, were evaluated on shelf life and postharvest decay of Valencia

This study evaluated the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) consortium fermentation on proximate and in vitro starch and protein digestibility of sorghum flour using standard techniques at 12-h intervals. Lactic acid bacteria previously isolated from fermenting maize and sorghum were combined as follows: Lactobacillus nantensis LP33 + Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 + Lactobacillus fermentum CIP10

Sugarcane is known to be one of the oldest cultivated plants in tropical and subtropical countries. Sugar industries are increasing exponentially to satisfy the growing demand for sugar; whereas, the ethanol distilleries have been rapidly expanding, since bioethanol emerged as an affordable, low carbon footprint and renewable bioenergy. However, inadequately treated and indiscriminate disposal of the

Spodoptera litura larvae are polyphagous insects that have become a significant pest in recent years. The spread of this pest has led to the continuous usage of insecticides on crops. Some plant extracts have been used as a mixture to control insect pests and improve productivity. A plant-based mixture was mixed at a ratio of 1:1 v/v to demonstrate the effect on contact toxicity, feeding (no-choice

Land leveling is one of the most important steps in soil preparation and cultivation. Although land leveling with machines require considerable amount of energy, it delivers a suitable surface slope with minimal deterioration of the soil and damage to plants and other organisms in the soil. Notwithstanding, researchers during recent years have tried to reduce fossil fuel consumption and its deleterious

In this study, lettuce roots and leaves were contaminated with enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H− strain 431/97 under greenhouse conditions. Furthermore, the internalization of strain 431/97 in lettuce roots and leaves was examined. To track the inoculated bacteria during the experiments and to differentiate them from the autochthonous microbiota, a combined protocol including matrix-assisted

The role of humic acids in root crosstalk signaling has been demonstrated, including modification of soil properties, plant physiology, and regulation of microbial community structure. The exudation underpins nearly all major changes that occur in the rhizosphere playing active role in the regulation of ecosystem functioning. Modifications in exudation yield or its chemical composition are a possibility

The current knowledge does not prepare a precise scientific tool for quantifying the effects of inputs particularly ecofriendly inputs such as superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and humic acid (HA) are being used to increase soil fertility, improve crop performance and finally food production. This study was designed and conducted aimed to suggest an innovative approach not only to identify and quantify

Foliar iron (Fe) fertilization of crops may increase Fe concentrations in edible portions of plants and improve yield in soils with low available Fe. However, the role of foliar Fe fertilization in increasing seed Fe has not been studied in soybeans (Glycine max). In this study, the Pheroid® nutrient delivery technology was combined with FeSO4 or nanostructured FePO4 to develop potential new Fe foliar

Some pathogenic microbial species are becoming less sensitive to antibiotics and developing resistance multiples. The use of essential oils is a serious substitute for treatment with antibiotics in infectious diseases. The present study aims to investigate the chemical composition and to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oil of branches of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Masters (Cupressaceae)

Considering the potential impact of climate change on the ecology of insect pests, different planting dates and cropping patterns were investigated as farm-level adaption to control insect pests of cabbage and improve productivity. This is a 3 × 4 factorial experiment setup in randomized complete block design including three planting dates (early, normal and late) and four cropping patterns (control—sole

Potassium (K) is not easily assimilated into organic matter but helps to improve rice quality. Paddy yield and its quality depend on the correct time of fertilization and harvesting (days after flowering) in the field. Changes in the grain quality of (Oryza sativa L.) were studied in a field experiment over two dry seasons using three rates of muriate of potash (MOP; 60% K2O) as 12.5, 25 and 37.5 kg/ha

The researchers have tried to economically make a flower pot from sludge cake produced in paper mill industries for the purpose of decreasing its volume. The crude flower pot did not resist natural sprinkling of water or natural rain. The aims of this study were to clarify two hypotheses: (1) whether life time of a degradable flower pot on the ground would be prolonged or not by coating it with appropriate

Weed control represents a major issue in plant cultivation in containers. Manual weed control is very expensive and the use of chemical herbicide or plastic mulch films has a large environmental impact. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of an experimental biodegradable chitosan-based mulching spray in controlling weed growth in containers. This research also studied the effect of this

Actinomycetes are known to produce various lytic enzymes such as chitinase which have different biotechnological aspects. Plackett–Burman design (PBD) was applied to evaluate significant components of medium to improve chitinase enzyme production. Response surface methodology was implemented to select those variables which are highly fitted in the model and helped in increasing enzyme production. A

Two humic acids extracted from a volcanic soil (HA1) and a leonardite (HA2) were used to form insoluble complexes with iron metals. To simulate the rhizospheric processes that displace iron from complexes of humic molecules and solubilize the soil humeome, the insoluble iron–humates were treated with a solution of siderophore deferoxamine mesylate (DFOM) and a mixture of citric, oxalic, tartaric and

Fungal rot diseases of white yam (Discorea rotundata) tubers and cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) are the major post-harvest challenges in the availability of these root tubers. The use of biological extract of plants will prevent post-harvest losses without any negative health challenge. Microwave-assisted method of extraction was used for both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of neem samples. Fungal-rotted

Poultry production is one of the fastest growing agricultural activities in Egypt. This activity is delivering large quantities of chicken manure. This organic waste can have a negative impact on the environment and public health in the vicinity of the Egyptian agricultural farms. In this study, we treated this organic waste by anaerobic digestion for achieving the maximum production of biogas with

Bioactive components from medicinal plants are said to be responsible for the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of plant extracts. It was the main purpose of this paper to evaluate the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of leaf extracts of Euclea schimperi. Strong evidence was found when a positive correlation was found between

The surface layers of two German grassland soils, a silt loam soil from Dortmund (Soil A) and a sandy loam soil from Hannover (Soil B), were subjected to the Humeomics fractionation to identify the molecular composition of the soil Humeome. The separated Humeomic fractions were analysed by high performance size exclusion chromatography hyphenated to a high-resolution electrospray-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry