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14 pages, 3700 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of a Lower Irrigation Limit for Lettuce Based on Comprehensive Evaluation: A Field Experiment

by Maomao Hou, Houdong Zhang, Hiba Shaghaleh, Jingnan Chen, Fenglin Zhong, Yousef Alhaj Hamoud and Lin Zhu

Plants 2024, 13(6), 853; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060853 - 15 Mar 2024

Viewed by 894

Abstract

When optimizing irrigation methods, much consideration is given to crop growth indicators while less attention has been paid to soil’s gaseous carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) emission indicators. Therefore, adopting an irrigation practice that can reduce emissions while maintaining crop yield and quality [...] Read more.

When optimizing irrigation methods, much consideration is given to crop growth indicators while less attention has been paid to soil’s gaseous carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) emission indicators. Therefore, adopting an irrigation practice that can reduce emissions while maintaining crop yield and quality is of great interest. Thus, open-field experiments were conducted from September 2020 to January 2022 using a single-factor randomized block design with three replications. The lettuce plants (“Feiqiao Lettuce No.1”) were grown using four different irrigation methods established by setting the lower limit of drip irrigation to 75%, 65%, and 55% of soil water content at field capacity corresponding to DR1, DR2, and DR3, respectively. Furrow irrigation (FI) was used as a control. Crop growth indicators and soil gas emissions were observed. Results showed that the mean lettuce yield under DR1 (64,500 kg/ha) was the highest, and it was lower under DR3 and FI. The lettuces under DR3 showed greater concentrations of crude fiber, vitamin C, and soluble sugar, and a greater nitrate concentration. Compared with FI, the DR treatments were more conducive to improving the comprehensive quality of lettuce, including the measured appearance and nutritional quality. Among all the irrigation methods, FI had the maximum cracking rate of lettuce, reaching 25.3%, 24.6%, and 22.7%, respectively, for the three continuous seasons. The stem cracking rates under DR2 were the lowest—only 10.1%, 14.4%, and 8.2%, respectively, which were decreased to nearly half compared with FI. The entropy model detected that the weight coefficient evaluation value of DR2 was the greatest, reaching 0.93, indicating that the DR2 method has the optimal benefits under comprehensive consideration of water saving, yield increase, quality improvement, and emission reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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21 pages, 3070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Responses of a Grapefruit Orchard to Irrigation with Desalinated Seawater

by Josefa M. Navarro, Alberto Imbernón-Mulero, Juan M. Robles, Francisco M. Hernández-Ballester, Vera Antolinos, Belén Gallego-Elvira and José F. Maestre-Valero

Plants 2024, 13(6), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060781 - 09 Mar 2024

Viewed by 638

Abstract

Desalinated seawater (DSW) has emerged as a promising solution for irrigation in regions facing water scarcity. However, adopting DSW may impact the existing cultivation model, given the presence of potentially harmful elements, among other factors. A three-year experiment was carried out to assess [...] Read more.

Desalinated seawater (DSW) has emerged as a promising solution for irrigation in regions facing water scarcity. However, adopting DSW may impact the existing cultivation model, given the presence of potentially harmful elements, among other factors. A three-year experiment was carried out to assess the short-term effects of four irrigation waters—freshwater (FW), DSW, a mix 1:1 of FW and DSW (MW), and DSW with low boron (B) concentration (DSW–B)—on a ‘Rio Red’ grapefruit orchard. These irrigation waters exhibited varying levels of phytotoxic elements, some potentially harmful to citrus trees. Sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) concentrations exceeded citrus thresholds in all treatments, except in DSW−B, whilst B exceeded toxicity levels in DSW and MW treatments. Leaf concentrations of Cl⁻ and Na⁺ remained low in all treatments, whereas B approached toxic levels only in DSW and MW–irrigated trees. The rapid growth of the trees, preventing excessive accumulation through a dilution effect, protected the plants from significant impacts on nutrition and physiology, such as gas exchange and chlorophyll levels, due to phytotoxic elements accumulation. Minor reductions in photosynthesis in DSW–irrigated trees were attributed to high B in leaves, since Cl⁻ and Na⁺ remained below toxic levels. The accelerated tree growth effectively prevented the substantial accumulation of phytotoxic elements, thereby limiting adverse effects on tree development and yield. When the maturation of trees reaches maximal growth, the potential accumulation of phytotoxic elements is expected to increase, potentially influencing tree behavior differently. Further study until the trees reach maturity is imperative for comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of desalinated seawater irrigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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17 pages, 6037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Effect of Deficit Irrigation on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Drip Irrigation Cotton under Film in Xinjiang Based on Meta-Analysis

by Qi Xu, Xiaomei Dong, Weixiong Huang, Zhaoyang Li, Tongtong Huang, Zaijin Song, Yuhui Yang and Jinsai Chen

Plants 2024, 13(5), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050640 - 26 Feb 2024

Viewed by 615

Abstract

Water scarcity constrains the sustainable development of Chinese agriculture, and deficit irrigation as a new irrigation technology can effectively alleviate the problems of water scarcity and water use inefficiency in agriculture. In this study, the drip irrigation cotton field under film in Xinjiang [...] Read more.

Water scarcity constrains the sustainable development of Chinese agriculture, and deficit irrigation as a new irrigation technology can effectively alleviate the problems of water scarcity and water use inefficiency in agriculture. In this study, the drip irrigation cotton field under film in Xinjiang was taken as the research object. Meta-analysis and machine learning were used to quantitatively analyze the effects of different farm management practices, climate, and soil conditions on cotton yield and water use efficiency under deficit irrigation, to investigate the importance of the effects of different factors on cotton yield and water use efficiency, and to formulate appropriate optimization strategies. The results showed that deficit irrigation significantly increased cotton water use efficiency (7.39%) but decreased cotton yield (−15.00%) compared with full irrigation. All three deficit irrigation levels (80~100% FI, 60~80% FI, and 40~60% FI; FI: full irrigation) showed a significant decrease in cotton yield and a significant increase in water use efficiency. Under deficit irrigation, cotton yield reduction was the smallest and cotton water use efficiency increased the most when planted with one film, two tubes, a six-row cropping pattern, an irrigation frequency ≥10 times, a nitrogen application of 300~400 kg·ha⁻¹, and a crop density ≥240,000 per hectare, and planted with the Xinluzhong series of cotton varieties; deficit irrigation in areas with average annual temperature >10 °C, annual evapotranspiration >2000 mm, annual precipitation <60 mm, and with loam, sandy soil had the least inhibition of cotton yield and the greatest increase in cotton water use efficiency. The results of the random forest showed that the irrigation amount and nitrogen application had the greatest influence on cotton yield and water use efficiency. Rational irrigation based on optimal management practices under conditions of irrigation not less than 90% FI is expected to achieve a win–win situation for both cotton yield and water use efficiency. The above results can provide the best strategy for deficit irrigation and efficient water use in drip irrigation cotton under film in arid areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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15 pages, 3078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safe Farming: Ultrafine Bubble Water Reduces Insect Infestation and Improves Melon Yield and Quality

by Jo-Chi Hung, Ning-Juan Li, Ching-Yen Peng, Ching-Chieh Yang and Swee-Suak Ko

Plants 2024, 13(4), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13040537 - 16 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1169

Abstract

Melon pest management relies on the excessive application of pesticides. Reducing pesticide spraying has become a global issue for environmental sustainability and human health. Therefore, developing a new cropping system that is sustainable and eco-friendly is important. This study found that melon seedlings [...] Read more.

Melon pest management relies on the excessive application of pesticides. Reducing pesticide spraying has become a global issue for environmental sustainability and human health. Therefore, developing a new cropping system that is sustainable and eco-friendly is important. This study found that melon seedlings irrigated with ultrafine water containing H₂ and O₂ (UFW) produced more root hairs, increased shoot height, and produced more flowers than the control irrigated with reverse osmosis (RO) water. Surprisingly, we also discovered that UFW irrigation significantly reduced aphid infestation in melons. Based on cryo-scanning electron microscope (cryo-SEM) observations, UFW treatment enhanced trichome development and prevented aphid infestation. To investigate whether it was H₂ or O₂ that helped to deter insect infestation, we prepared UF water enrichment of H₂ (UF+H₂) and O₂ (UF+O₂) separately and irrigated melons. Cryo-SEM results indicated that both UF+H₂ and UF+O₂ can increase the density of trichomes in melon leaves and petioles. RT-qPCR showed that UF+H₂ significantly increased the gene expression level of the trichome-related gene GLABRA2 (GL2). We planted melons in a plastic greenhouse and irrigated them with ultrafine water enrichment of hydrogen (UF+H₂) and oxygen (UF+O₂). The SPAD value, photosynthetic parameters, root weight, fruit weight, and fruit sweetness were all better than the control without ultrafine water irrigation. UFW significantly increased trichome development, enhanced insect resistance, and improved fruit traits. This system thus provides useful water management for pest control and sustainable agricultural production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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12 pages, 1827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Deficit Diagnosis of Winter Wheat Based on Thermal Infrared Imaging

by Shouchen Ma, Saisai Liu, Zhenhao Gao, Xinsheng Wang, Shoutian Ma and Shengfeng Wang

Plants 2024, 13(3), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030361 - 25 Jan 2024

Viewed by 675

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the crop stress index (CWSI) obtained by infrared thermal imaging to indicate crop water status, and to determine the appropriate CWSI threshold range for wheat at different growth stages. The results showed that the [...] Read more.

Field experiments were conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the crop stress index (CWSI) obtained by infrared thermal imaging to indicate crop water status, and to determine the appropriate CWSI threshold range for wheat at different growth stages. The results showed that the sensitivity of plant physiological parameters to soil water was different at different growth stages. The sensitivity of stomatal conductance (Gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) to soil water was higher than that of leaf relative water content (LRWC) and photosynthetic rate (Pn). The characteristics of plant physiology and biomass (yield) at each growth stage showed that the plant production would not suffer from drought stress as long as the soil water content (SWC) was maintained above 57.0% of the field water capacity (FWC) during the jointing stage, 63.0% of the FWC during the flowering stage and 60.0% of the FWC during the filling stage. Correlation analysis showed that the correlation of CWSI with Gs, Tr and Pn was lower than that with LRWC and SWC at the jointing stage. CWSI was extremely significantly negatively correlated with SWC and LRWC (p < 0.01), but significantly negatively correlated with Gs, Tr and Pn (p < 0.05). At the flowering stage, CWSI was extremely significantly negatively correlated with all physiological and soil parameters (p < 0.01). The regression analysis showed that the CWSI of winter wheat was correlated with biomass (grain yield) in a curvilinear relationship at each growth stage. When the CWSI increased to a certain extent, the biomass and yield showed a decreasing trend with the increase in CWSI. Comprehensive analysis of all indexes showed that CWSI can be used as a decision-making index to guide the water-saving irrigation of winter wheat, as long as the CWSI threshold of plants was maintained at 0.26–0.38 during the jointing stage, 0.27–0.32 during the flowering stage and 0.30–0.36 during the filling stage, which could not only avoid the adverse effects of water stress on crop production, but also achieve the purpose of water saving. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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19 pages, 3328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Foliar Selenium Application on Oxidative Damage and Photosynthetic Properties of Greenhouse Tomato under Drought Stress

by Jiawen Song, Lang Xin, Fukui Gao, Hao Liu and Xingpeng Wang

Plants 2024, 13(2), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020302 - 19 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 720

Abstract

Both drought stress and exogenous selenium (Se) cause changes in plant physiological characteristics, which are key factors affecting crop yield. Although Se is known to be drought-resistant for crops, its internal physiological regulatory mechanisms are not clear. This study analyzed the effects of [...] Read more.

Both drought stress and exogenous selenium (Se) cause changes in plant physiological characteristics, which are key factors affecting crop yield. Although Se is known to be drought-resistant for crops, its internal physiological regulatory mechanisms are not clear. This study analyzed the effects of selenium application (SeA) on antioxidant enzyme activities, osmoregulatory substance contents, and photosynthetic characteristics of greenhouse tomatoes under drought stress and related physiological mechanisms. The results showed that drought stress induced oxidative damage in cells and significantly increased the content of the membrane lipidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and the osmoregulatory substance proline (p < 0.001) compared with the adequate water supply. The proline content of severe drought stress (W1) was 9.7 times higher than that of the adequate water supply (W3), and foliar SeA increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity, and SeA induced different enzymatic reactions in cells under different drought stresses; catalase (CAT) was induced under severe drought stress (p < 0.01) and was significantly increased by 32.1% compared with the clear water control, CAT. Peroxidase (POD) was induced under adequate water supply conditions (p < 0.01), which was significantly increased by 15.2%, and SeA attenuated cell membrane lipidation, which reduced MDA content by an average of 21.5% compared with the clear water control, and also promoted photosynthesis in the crop. Meanwhile, through the entropy weighting method analysis (TOPSIS) of the indexes, the highest comprehensive evaluation score was obtained for the S5W3, followed by the S2.5W3 treatment. Therefore, this study emphasized the importance of SeA to reduce oxidative damage and enhance photosynthesis under drought stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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17 pages, 7254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Modeling and Evaluating Alfalfa Yield and Optimal Water Use Efficiency in the Agro-Pastoral Ecotone of Northern China

by Xiangyang Miao, Guoshuai Wang, Ruiping Li, Bing Xu, Hexiang Zheng, Delong Tian, Jun Wang, Jie Ren, Zekun Li and Jie Zhou

Plants 2024, 13(2), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020229 - 14 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 776

Abstract

The agro-pastoral ecotone in northern China is the main production area of agriculture and animal husbandry, in which agricultural development relies entirely on groundwater. Due to the increasing water consumption of groundwater year by year, groundwater resources are becoming increasingly scarce. The substantial [...] Read more.

The agro-pastoral ecotone in northern China is the main production area of agriculture and animal husbandry, in which agricultural development relies entirely on groundwater. Due to the increasing water consumption of groundwater year by year, groundwater resources are becoming increasingly scarce. The substantial water demand and low germination rate in the first year are the main characteristics of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yield in the agro-pastoral ecotone in northern China. Due to unscientific irrigation, water resources are seriously wasted, which restricts the development of local agriculture and animal husbandry. The study constructed the Dssat-Forages-Alfalfa model and used soil water content, leaf area index, and yield data collected with in situ observation experiments in 2022 and 2023 to calibrate and validate the parameters. The study found ARE < 10%, E_NRMS < 15%, and R² ≥ 0.85. The model simulation accuracy was acceptable. The study revealed that the water consumption at the surface soil layer (0–20 cm) was more than 6~12% and 13~31% than that at the 20–40 cm and 40–60 cm soil layers, respectively. The study showed when the irrigation quota was 30 mm, the annual yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (7435 kg/ha) was consistent with that of the irrigation quota of 33 mm, and increased by 3.99% to 5.34% and 6.86% to 10.67% compared with that of irrigation quotas of 27 mm and 24 mm, respectively. To ensure the germination rate of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), it is recommended to control the initial soil water content at 0.8 θ_fc~1.0 θ_fc, with an irrigation quota of 30 mm, which was the best scheme for water-use efficiency and economic yield. The study aimed to provide technological support for the rational utilization of groundwater and the scientific improvement of alfalfa yield in the agro-pastoral ecotone in northern China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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21 pages, 3315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Irrigation and Fertilization Scheduling for Peanut Cultivation under Mulched Drip Irrigation in a Desert–Oasis Area

by Jianshu Dong, Xiaojun Shen, Qiang Li, Zhu Xue, Xianfei Hou, Haocui Miao and Huifeng Ning

Plants 2024, 13(1), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010144 - 04 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 957

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of water and nitrogen regulation on the characteristics of water and fertilizer demands and the yield, quality, and efficiencies of the water and nitrogen utilization of peanuts cultivated under mulched drip irrigation in [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of water and nitrogen regulation on the characteristics of water and fertilizer demands and the yield, quality, and efficiencies of the water and nitrogen utilization of peanuts cultivated under mulched drip irrigation in a desert–oasis region. The experiment, conducted in Urumqi, Xinjiang, centered on elucidating the response mechanisms governing peanut growth, yield, quality, water consumption patterns, and fertilizer characteristics during the reproductive period under the influence of water and nitrogen regulation. In the field experiments, three irrigation levels were implemented, denoted as W₁ (irrigation water quota of 22.5 mm), W₂ (irrigation water quota of 30 mm), and W₃ (irrigation water quota of 37.5 mm). Additionally, two nitrogen application levels, labeled N₁ (nitrogen application rate of 77.5 kg·ha⁻¹) and N₂ (a nitrogen application rate of 110 kg·ha⁻¹), were applied, resulting in seven treatments. A control treatment (CK), which involved no nitrogen application, was also included in the experimental design. The results indicate a direct correlation between the increment in the irrigation quota and increases in farmland water-related parameters, including water consumption, daily water consumption intensity, and water consumption percentage. The nitrogen harvest index (NHI) demonstrated a higher value in the absence of nitrogen application compared to the treatment with elevated nitrogen levels. The application of nitrogen resulted in an elevation in both nitrogen accumulation and nitrogen absorption efficiency within pods and plants. When subjected to identical nitrogen application conditions, irrigation proved to be advantageous in enhancing water-use efficiency (WUE), nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP), and the yield of peanut pods. The contribution rate of water to pod yield and WUE exceeded that of nitrogen, while the contribution rate of nitrogen to nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) was higher. The total water consumption for achieving a high yield and enhanced water- and nitrogen-use efficiencies in peanuts cultivated under drip irrigation with film mulching was approximately 402.57 mm. Taking into account yield, quality, and water- and nitrogen-used efficiencies, the use of an irrigation quota of 37.5 mm, an irrigation cycle of 10–15 days, and a nitrogen application rate of 110 kg·ha⁻¹ can be regarded as an appropriate water and nitrogen management approach for peanut cultivation under mulched drip irrigation in Xinjiang. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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15 pages, 2661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Post-Anthesis Irrigation on the Activity of Starch Synthesis-Related Enzymes and Wheat Grain Quality under Different Nitrogen Conditions

by Lang Xin, Yuanyuan Fu, Shoutian Ma, Caixia Li, Hongbo Wang, Yang Gao and Xingpeng Wang

Plants 2023, 12(24), 4086; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244086 - 06 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 655

Abstract

To develop optimal management strategies for water and nitrogen fertilizer application in winter wheat cultivation, we conducted a potted experiment to investigate the effects of different irrigation levels and nitrogen fertilizer treatments on the activity of starch synthesis-related enzymes and the grain quality [...] Read more.

To develop optimal management strategies for water and nitrogen fertilizer application in winter wheat cultivation, we conducted a potted experiment to investigate the effects of different irrigation levels and nitrogen fertilizer treatments on the activity of starch synthesis-related enzymes and the grain quality of winter wheat. The potted experiment consisted of three irrigation levels, with the lower limits set at 50–55% (I₀), 60–65% (I₁), and 70–75% (I₂) of the field capacity. In addition, four levels of nitrogen fertilizer were applied, denoted as N₀ (0 kg N hm⁻²), N₁ (120 kg N hm⁻²), N₂ (240 kg N hm⁻²), and N₃ (300 kg N hm⁻²), respectively. The results revealed the significant impacts of irrigation and nitrogen treatments on the activities of key starch-related enzymes, including adenosine diphosphoglucose pyrophosphrylase (ADPG-PPase), soluble starch synthase (SSS), granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS), and starch branching enzymes (SBE) in wheat grains. These treatments also influenced the starch content, amylopectin content, and, ultimately, wheat yield. In summary, our findings suggest that maintaining irrigation at a lower limit of 60% to 65% of the field capacity and applying nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 240 kg hm⁻² is beneficial for achieving both high yield and high quality in winter wheat cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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21 pages, 833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Water and Nitrogen Supply Modes on Peanut Growth and Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency under Mulched Drip Irrigation in Xinjiang

by Jianshu Dong, Zhu Xue, Xiaojun Shen, Ruochen Yi, Junwei Chen, Qiang Li, Xianfei Hou and Haocui Miao

Plants 2023, 12(19), 3368; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12193368 - 24 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 983

Abstract

The optimization of irrigation and fertilization indexes for peanuts with drip irrigation is urgently needed in Xinjiang. A field experiment was conducted during the 2021 peanut growing season at Urumqi, Xinjiang, in Northwestern China, to evaluate the effects of different water and nitrogen [...] Read more.

The optimization of irrigation and fertilization indexes for peanuts with drip irrigation is urgently needed in Xinjiang. A field experiment was conducted during the 2021 peanut growing season at Urumqi, Xinjiang, in Northwestern China, to evaluate the effects of different water and nitrogen treatments on the growth, yield, and water and nitrogen utilization of peanuts. In field experiments, we set up three irrigation levels (irrigation water quotas of 22.5, 30, and 37.5 mm, respectively, for W₁, W₂, and W₃), two nitrogen application levels (77.5 and 110 kg·ha⁻¹, recorded as N₁ and N₂), and a control treatment (W₂N₀) that did not include the application of nitrogen. The results showed that nitrogen application enhanced the growth, physiological indexes, yield, and water use efficiency of the W₁, W₂, and W₃ treatments when the irrigation volume remained the same. In comparison with no nitrogen application (W₂N₀), the peanut growth, physiological indexes, yield, and water use efficiency improved with increasing irrigation amounts in the N₁ and N₂ treatments. With an increase in the irrigation volume, the water use efficiency grew; the W₃N₂ treatment had the highest water use efficiency, which was 1.32 kg·m⁻³. The total water consumption and reproductive-stage water consumption of the peanuts in all treatments increased with the irrigation volume, and a high yield was achieved at 402.57 mm, which was 5.2974 Mg·ha⁻¹. In the W₁, W₂, and W₃ treatments, the nitrogen partial factor productivity significantly decreased as the nitrogen application increased, with the nitrogen partial factor productivity in the W₃N₁ treatment being the highest, at 60.61 kg·kg⁻¹. A comprehensive evaluation based on principal component analysis assigned W₃N₂ the higher score. These findings suggest that irrigation water quotas of 37.5 mm should be coupled with 110 kg·ha⁻¹ nitrogen applications for peanuts using drip irrigation in mulch film in Xinjiang. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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15 pages, 1613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Harvest Salicylic Acid Application Affects Fruit Quality and Yield under Deficit Irrigation in Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Plants

by Jorge González-Villagra, León A. Bravo, Marjorie Reyes-Díaz, Jerry D. Cohen, Alejandra Ribera-Fonseca, Rafael López-Olivari, Emilio Jorquera-Fontena and Ricardo Tighe-Neira

Plants 2023, 12(18), 3279; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183279 - 15 Sep 2023

Viewed by 691

Abstract

Salicylic acid (SA) application is a promising agronomic tool. However, studies under field conditions are required, to confirm the potential benefits of SA. Thus, SA application was evaluated under field conditions for its effect on abscisic acid levels, antioxidant related-parameters, fruit quality, and [...] Read more.

Salicylic acid (SA) application is a promising agronomic tool. However, studies under field conditions are required, to confirm the potential benefits of SA. Thus, SA application was evaluated under field conditions for its effect on abscisic acid levels, antioxidant related-parameters, fruit quality, and yield in Aristotelia chilensis subjected to different levels of irrigation. During two growing seasons, three-year-old plants under field conditions were subjected to full irrigation (FI: 100% of reference evapotranspiration (ETo), and deficit irrigation (DI: 60% ETo). During each growth season, a single application of 0.5 mM SA was performed at fruit color change by spraying fruits and leaves of both irrigation treatments. The results showed that DI plants experienced moderate water stress (−1.3 MPa), which increased ABA levels and oxidative stress in the leaves. The SA application facilitated the recovery of all physiological parameters under the DI condition, increasing fruit fresh weight by 44%, with a 27% increase in fruit dry weight, a 1 mm increase in equatorial diameter, a 27% improvement in yield per plant and a 27% increase in total yield, with lesser oxidative stress and tissue ABA levels in leaves. Also, SA application significantly increased (by about 10%) the values of fruit trait variables such as soluble solids, total phenols, and antioxidant activity, with the exceptions of titratable acidity and total anthocyanins, which did not vary. The results demonstrated that SA application might be used as an agronomic strategy to improve fruit yield and quality, representing a saving of 40% regarding water use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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14 pages, 11066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Mechanism of Waterlogging Stress on Yield of Waxy Maize at the Jointing Stage

by Xuepeng Zhang, Chao Huang, Ye Meng, Xuchen Liu, Yang Gao, Zhandong Liu and Shoutian Ma

Plants 2023, 12(17), 3034; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173034 - 23 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1004

Abstract

In the main agricultural area for waxy maize production in China, waterlogging occurs frequently during the waxy maize jointing stage, and this causes significant yield reduction. It is very important to understand the physiological mechanism of waterlogging stress in waxy maize during the [...] Read more.

In the main agricultural area for waxy maize production in China, waterlogging occurs frequently during the waxy maize jointing stage, and this causes significant yield reduction. It is very important to understand the physiological mechanism of waterlogging stress in waxy maize during the jointing stage to develop strategies against waterlogging stress. Therefore, this study set waterlogging treatments in the field for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days during the waxy maize jointing stage, and were labelled CK, WS2, WS4, WS6, WS8 and WS10, respectively. By analyzing the effect of waterlogging on the source, sink, and transport of photoassimilates, the physiological mechanism of waterlogging stress in the jointing stage was clarified. The results show that PEPC and POD activities and Pro content decreased significantly under WS2 compared to CK. Except for these three indicators, the Pn, GS, leaf area, kernel number, yield, and puncture strength of stems were significantly decreased under the WS4. Under the WS6, the content of MDA began to increase significantly, while almost all other physiological indices decreased significantly. Moreover, the structure of stem epidermal cells and the vascular bundle were deformed after 6 days of waterlogging. Therefore, the threshold value of waterlogging stress occured at 4 to 6 days in the jointing stage of waxy maize. Moreover, waterlogging stress at the jointing stage mainly reduces the yield by reducing the number of kernels; specifically, the kernel number decreased by 6.7–15.5% in 4–10 days of waterlogging, resulting in a decrease of 9.9–20.2% in the final yield. Thus, we have shown that waterlogging stress at the jointing stage results in the decrease of potential waxy maize kernel numbers and yield when the synthesis of sources was limited and the transport of photoassimilates was restricted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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14 pages, 1552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide Application on Salt Stress Mitigation in Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

by Jéssica Aragão, Geovani Soares de Lima, Vera Lúcia Antunes de Lima, André Alisson Rodrigues da Silva, Jessica Dayanne Capitulino, Edmilson Júnio Medeiros Caetano, Francisco de Assis da Silva, Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos Soares, Pedro Dantas Fernandes, Maria Sallydelândia Sobral de Farias, Hans Raj Gheyi, Lucyelly Dâmela Araújo Borborema, Thiago Filipe de Lima Arruda and Larissa Fernanda Souza Santos

Plants 2023, 12(16), 2981; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12162981 - 18 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1054

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the foliar application of hydrogen peroxide on the attenuation of salt stress on the growth, photochemical efficiency, production and water use efficiency of ‘All Big’ bell pepper plants. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the foliar application of hydrogen peroxide on the attenuation of salt stress on the growth, photochemical efficiency, production and water use efficiency of ‘All Big’ bell pepper plants. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. Treatments were distributed in a randomized block design, in a 5 × 5 factorial scheme, corresponding to five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.8, 1.2, 2.0, 2.6 and 3.2 dS m⁻¹) and five concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 μM), with three replicates. Foliar application of hydrogen peroxide at concentration of 15 μM attenuated the deleterious effects of salt stress on photochemical efficiency, biomass accumulation and production components of bell pepper plants irrigated using water with an electrical conductivity of up to 3.2 dS m⁻¹. Foliar spraying of hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 60 μM intensified the effects of salt stress. The ‘All Big’ bell pepper was classified as moderately sensitive to salt stress, with an irrigation water salinity threshold of 1.43 dS m⁻¹ and a unit decrease of 8.25% above this salinity level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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22 pages, 8276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Salicylic Acid as a Salt Stress Mitigator on Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Photosynthetic Pigments, and Growth of Precocious-Dwarf Cashew in the Post-Grafting Phase

by Thiago Filipe de Lima Arruda, Geovani Soares de Lima, André Alisson Rodrigues da Silva, Carlos Alberto Vieira de Azevedo, Allesson Ramos de Souza, Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos Soares, Hans Raj Gheyi, Vera Lúcia Antunes de Lima, Pedro Dantas Fernandes, Francisco de Assis da Silva, Mirandy dos Santos Dias, Lucia Helena Garófalo Chaves and Luciano Marcelo Fallé Saboya

Plants 2023, 12(15), 2783; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12152783 - 27 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 911

Abstract

Salicylic acid is a phytohormone that has been used to mitigate the effects of saline stress on plants. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid as a salt stress attenuator on the physiology and growth of precocious-dwarf [...] Read more.

Salicylic acid is a phytohormone that has been used to mitigate the effects of saline stress on plants. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid as a salt stress attenuator on the physiology and growth of precocious-dwarf cashew plants in the post-grafting phase. The study was carried out in a plant nursery using a randomized block design in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement corresponding to five electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water (0.4, 1.2, 2.0, 2.8, and 3.6 dS m⁻¹) and four salicylic acid concentrations (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mM), with three replications. Irrigation water with electrical conductivity levels above 0.4 dS m⁻¹ negatively affected the relative water content in the leaf blade, photosynthetic pigments, the fluorescence of chlorophyll a, and plant growth and increased electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade of precocious-dwarf cashew plants in the absence of salicylic acid. It was verified through the regression analysis that salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.1 mM attenuated the effects of salt stress on the relative water content and electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade, while the concentration of 1.7 mM increased the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments in precocious-dwarf cashew plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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13 pages, 453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth and Performance of Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.) Genotypes under Various Irrigation Regimes with and without Biogenic Silica Amendment in Arid Southwest US

by Alonso Garcia, Kulbhushan Grover, Dawn VanLeeuwen, Blair Stringam and Brian Schutte

Plants 2023, 12(13), 2486; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132486 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 965

Abstract

Guar is a potential crop that can be grown as a forage or as a seed crop in arid to semi-arid regions due to its low water requirements and tolerance to heat. Optimizing irrigation water use is important for making alternative crops such [...] Read more.

Guar is a potential crop that can be grown as a forage or as a seed crop in arid to semi-arid regions due to its low water requirements and tolerance to heat. Optimizing irrigation water use is important for making alternative crops such as guar a sustainable option. Amendments such as biogenic silica, a sedimentary rock from a biogenic source such as fossils, may help plants tolerate water stress due to reduced irrigation. The objective of the current study was to evaluate seed yield and attribute components and agronomic and physiological parameters for four guar genotypes (Matador, Kinman, Lewis, and NMSU 15-G1) under five drip irrigation regimes (I₁-normal irrigation, I₂-no irrigation at 75% pod formation, I₃-no irrigation at 50% and 75% pod formation, I₄-terminate irrigation at flowering, and I₅-terminate irrigation at flowering + biogenic silica amendment) at Las Cruces in southern New Mexico, USA, from 2016 to 2018. On average, the I₁ irrigation regime produced the highest guar seed yield (2715 kg ha⁻¹) followed by I₅ (2469 kg ha⁻¹) from 2016 to 2018. As compared to the I₁ regime, the I₂ and I₃ regimes resulted in a 20.8% and 23.4% decline in guar seed yield, respectively, on average from 2016 to 2018. The results suggest that the addition of biogenic silica might help to improve guar seed yield under reduced irrigation conditions and can produce comparable yields with an average of 300 mm of irrigation during the growing season in the southern New Mexico region of the Southwest US. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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14 pages, 2131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Foliar Supplementation of Silicon on Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Winter Wheat to Drought Stress during Different Growth Stages

by Dongfeng Ning, Yingying Zhang, Xiaojing Li, Anzhen Qin, Chao Huang, Yuanyuan Fu, Yang Gao and Aiwang Duan

Plants 2023, 12(12), 2386; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12122386 - 20 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1369

Abstract

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses, resulting in serious yield reductions in wheat production. Silicon (Si) has been considered beneficial to enhancing wheat resistance to drought stress. However, few studies have explored the mediated effects of foliar supplementation of Si on [...] Read more.

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses, resulting in serious yield reductions in wheat production. Silicon (Si) has been considered beneficial to enhancing wheat resistance to drought stress. However, few studies have explored the mediated effects of foliar supplementation of Si on drought stress imposed at different wheat growth stages. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of Si supplementation on the physiological and biochemical responses of wheat to drought stress imposed at the jointing (D-jointing), anthesis (D-anthesis) and filling (D-filling) stages. Our results showed that a moderate water deficit markedly decreased the dry matter accumulation, leaf relative water content (LRWC), photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Sc), transpiration rate (Tr) and antioxidant activity [peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)]. On the contrary, it remarkably increased the content of osmolytes (proline, soluble sugar, soluble protein) and lipid peroxidation. The grain yields of D-jointing, D-anthesis and D-filling treatments were 9.59%, 13.9% and 18.9% lower, respectively, compared to the control treatment (CK). However, foliar supplementation of Si at the anthesis and filling stages significantly improved plant growth under drought stress due to the increased Si content. Consequently, the improvement in antioxidant activity and soluble sugar, and the reduction in the content of ROS, increased the LRWC, chlorophyll content, Pn, Sc and Tr, and ultimately boosted wheat yield by 5.71% and 8.9%, respectively, in comparison with the non-Si-treated plants subjected to water stress at the anthesis and filling stages. However, the mitigating effect of Si application was not significant at the jointing stage. It was concluded that foliar supplementation of Si, especially at the reproductive stage, was effective in alleviating drought-induced yield reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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18 pages, 983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Irrigation Management Strategies to Enhance Forage Yield, Feed Value, and Water-Use Efficiency of Sorghum Cultivars

by Amir Ghalkhani, Farid Golzardi, Azim Khazaei, Ali Mahrokh, Árpád Illés, Csaba Bojtor, Seyed Mohammad Nasir Mousavi and Adrienn Széles

Plants 2023, 12(11), 2154; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12112154 - 30 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1647

Abstract

Water scarcity is a major obstacle to forage crop production in arid and semi-arid regions. In order to improve food security in these areas, it is imperative to employ suitable irrigation management techniques and identify drought-tolerant cultivars. A 2-year field experiment (2019–2020) was [...] Read more.

Water scarcity is a major obstacle to forage crop production in arid and semi-arid regions. In order to improve food security in these areas, it is imperative to employ suitable irrigation management techniques and identify drought-tolerant cultivars. A 2-year field experiment (2019–2020) was conducted in a semi-arid region of Iran to assess the impact of different irrigation methods and water deficit stress on forage sorghum cultivars’ yield, quality, and irrigation water-use efficiency (IWUE). The experiment involved two irrigation methods, i.e., drip (DRIP) and furrow (FURW), and three irrigation regimes supplied 100% (I₁₀₀), 75% (I₇₅), and 50% (I₅₀) of the soil moisture deficit. In addition, two forage sorghum cultivars (hybrid Speedfeed and open-pollinated cultivar Pegah) were evaluated. This study revealed that the highest dry matter yield (27.24 Mg ha⁻¹) was obtained under I₁₀₀ × DRIP, whereas the maximum relative feed value (98.63%) was achieved under I₅₀ × FURW. Using DRIP resulted in higher forage yield and IWUE compared to FURW, and the superiority of DRIP over FURW increased with the severity of the water deficit. The principal component analysis indicated that, as drought stress severity increased across all irrigation methods and cultivars, forage yield decreased, while quality increased. Plant height and leaf-to-stem ratio were found to be suitable indicators for comparing forage yield and quality, respectively, and they showed a negative correlation between the quality and quantity of forage. DRIP improved forage quality under I₁₀₀ and I₇₅, while FURW exhibited a better feed value under the I₅₀ regime. Altogether, in order to achieve the best possible forage yield and quality while minimizing water usage, it is recommended to grow the Pegah cultivar and compensate for 75% of soil moisture deficiency using drip irrigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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32 pages, 7731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Foliar Applications of Salicylic Acid on Boosting Salt Stress Tolerance in Sour Passion Fruit in Two Cropping Cycles

by Thiago Galvão Sobrinho, André Alisson Rodrigues da Silva, Geovani Soares de Lima, Vera Lúcia Antunes de Lima, Vitória Ediclécia Borges, Kheila Gomes Nunes, Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos Soares, Luciano Marcelo Fallé Saboya, Hans Raj Gheyi, Josivanda Palmeira Gomes, Pedro Dantas Fernandes and Carlos Alberto Vieira de Azevedo

Plants 2023, 12(10), 2023; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12102023 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1519

Abstract

Brazil stands out as the largest producer of sour passion fruit; however, the water available for irrigation is mostly saline, which can limit its cultivation. This study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effects of salicylic acid in the induction [...] Read more.

Brazil stands out as the largest producer of sour passion fruit; however, the water available for irrigation is mostly saline, which can limit its cultivation. This study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effects of salicylic acid in the induction of tolerance in sour passion fruit to salt stress. The assay was conducted in a protected environment, using a completely randomized design in a split-plot scheme, with the levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (0.8, 1.6, 2.4, 3.2, and 4.0 dS m⁻¹) considering the plots and concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 mM) the subplots, with three replications. The physiological indices, production components, and postharvest quality of sour passion fruit were negatively affected by the increase in the electrical conductivity of irrigation water, and the effects of salt stress were intensified in the second cycle. In the first cycle, the foliar application of salicylic acid at concentrations between 1.0 and 1.4 mM partially reduced the harmful effects of salt stress on the relative water content of leaves, electrolyte leakage, gas exchange, and synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, in addition to promoting an increase in the yield and quality parameters of sour passion fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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18 pages, 2549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photosynthesis Product Allocation and Yield in Sweet Potato in Response to Different Late-Season Irrigation Levels

by Mingjing Zhou, Yiming Sun, Shaoxia Wang, Qing Liu and Huan Li

Plants 2023, 12(9), 1780; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091780 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1460

Abstract

Soil water deficit is an important factor affecting the source–sink balance of sweet potato during its late-season growth, but water regulation during this period has not been well studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the appropriate irrigation level in [...] Read more.

Soil water deficit is an important factor affecting the source–sink balance of sweet potato during its late-season growth, but water regulation during this period has not been well studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the appropriate irrigation level in late-season sweet potato, and the effect of irrigation level on accumulation and allocation of photosynthetic products. In this study, two yield-based field trials (2021–2022) were conducted in which five late-season irrigation levels set according to the crop evapotranspiration rate were tested (T₀: non-irrigation, T₁: 33% ET_c, T₂: 75% ET_c, T₃: 100% ET_c, T₄: 125% ET_c). The effects of the different irrigation levels on photosynthetic physiological indexes, ¹³C transfer allocation, water use efficiency (WUE), water productivity (WP), and the yield and economic benefit of sweet potato were studied. The results showed that late-season irrigation significantly increased the total chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate of functional leaves, in addition to promoting the accumulation of above-ground-source organic biomass (p < 0.05). The rate of ¹³C allocation, maximum accumulation rate (V_max), and average accumulation rate (V_mean) of dry matter in storage root were significantly higher under T₂ irrigation than under the other treatments (p < 0.05). This suggests that both non-irrigation (T₀) and over-irrigation (T₄) were not conducive to the transfer and allocation of photosynthetic products to storage roots in late-season sweet potato. However, moderate irrigation (T₂) effectively promoted the source–sink balance, enhanced the source photosynthetic rate and stimulated the sink activity, such that more photosynthate was allocated to the storage sink. The results also showed that T₂ irrigation treatments significantly increased yield, WUE and WP compared to T₀ and T₄ (p < 0.05), suggesting that moderate irrigation (T₂) can significantly promote the potential of storage root production and field productivity. There was a close relationship between economic benefit and marketable sweet potato yield, and both were highest under T₂ (p < 0.05), increasing by 36.1% and 59.9% compared with T₀ over the two-year study period. In conclusion, irrigation of late-season sweet potato with 75% evapotranspiration (T₂) can improve both the yield and production potential. Together, these results support the use of late-season water management in the production of sweet potato. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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18 pages, 5686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Irrigation Scheduling for Maize under Different Hydrological Years in Heilongjiang Province, China

by Tangzhe Nie, Zhenping Gong, Zhongxue Zhang, Tianyi Wang, Nan Sun, Yi Tang, Peng Chen, Tiecheng Li, Shuai Yin, Mengmeng Zhang and Siwen Jiang

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1676; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081676 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1318

Abstract

Appropriate irrigation schedules could minimize the existing imbalance between agricultural water supply and crop water requirements (ET_c), which is severely impacted by climate change. In this study, different hydrological years (a wet year, normal year, dry year, and an extremely [...] Read more.

Appropriate irrigation schedules could minimize the existing imbalance between agricultural water supply and crop water requirements (ET_c), which is severely impacted by climate change. In this study, different hydrological years (a wet year, normal year, dry year, and an extremely dry year) in Heilongjiang Province were calculated by hydrological frequency methods. Then, the single crop coefficient method was used to calculate the maize ET_c, based on the daily meteorological data of 26 meteorological stations in Heilongjiang Province from 1960 to 2020. Afterward, the CROPWAT model was used to calculate the effective precipitation (P_e) and irrigation water requirement (Ir), and formulate the irrigation schedules of maize in Heilongjiang Province under different hydrological years. The results showed that ET_c and Ir decreased first and then increased from west to east. The P_e and crop water surplus deficit index increased first and then decreased from west to east in Heilongjiang Province. Meanwhile, the average values of the Ir in were 171.14 mm, 232.79 mm, 279.08 mm, and 334.47 mm in the wet year, normal year, dry year, and extremely dry year, respectively. Heilongjiang Province was divided into four irrigation zones according to the Ir of different hydrological years. Last, the irrigation quotas for the wet year, normal year, dry year, and extremely dry year were 0~180 mm, 20~240 mm, 60~300 mm, and 80~430 mm, respectively. This study provides reliable support for maize irrigation practices in Heilongjiang Province, China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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22 pages, 3947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Long-Term Semiarid Pasture Management on Soil Hydraulic and Thermal Properties

by Geeta Kharel, Madhav Dhakal, Sanjit K. Deb, Lindsey C. Slaughter, Catherine Simpson and Charles P. West

Plants 2023, 12(7), 1491; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12071491 - 29 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1252

Abstract

Semiarid pasture management strategies can affect soil hydraulic and thermal properties that determine water fluxes and storage, and heat flow in unsaturated soils. We evaluated long-term (>10 years) perennial and annual semiarid pasture system effects on saturated hydraulic conductivity (k_s), [...] Read more.

Semiarid pasture management strategies can affect soil hydraulic and thermal properties that determine water fluxes and storage, and heat flow in unsaturated soils. We evaluated long-term (>10 years) perennial and annual semiarid pasture system effects on saturated hydraulic conductivity (k_s), soil water retention curves (SWRCs), soil water thresholds (i.e., volumetric water content (θ_v) at saturation, field capacity (FC), and permanent wilting point (PWP); plant available water (PAW)), thermal conductivity (λ), and diffusivity (D_t) within the 0–20 cm soil depth. Forage systems included: Old World bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii) + legumes (predominantly alfalfa (Medicago sativa)) (OWB-legume), native grass-mix (native), alfalfa + tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum) (alfalfa-TW), and annual grass-mix (annual) pastures on a clay loam soil; and native, teff (Eragrostis tef), OWB-grazed, and OWB-ungrazed pastures on a sandy clay loam soil. The perennial OWB-legume and native pastures had increased soil organic matter (SOM) and reduced bulk density (ρ_b), improving k_s, soil water thresholds, λ, and D_t, compared to annual teff and alfalfa-TW (P < 0.05). Soil λ, but not D_t, increased with increasing θ_v. Grazed pastures decreased k_s and water retention compared to other treatments (P < 0.05), yet did not affect λ and D_t (P > 0.05), likely due to higher ρ_b and contact between particles. Greater λ and D_t at saturation and PWP in perennial versus annual pastures may be attributed to differing SOM and ρ_b, and some a priori differences in soil texture. Overall, our results suggest that perennial pasture systems are more beneficial than annual systems for soil water storage and heat movement in semiarid regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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15 pages, 2939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Grassland Had Higher Water Use Efficiency in Year with Less Precipitation in the Agro-Pastoral Ecotone

by Kun Zhao, Yan Qu, Deping Wang, Zhongkuan Liu and Yuping Rong

Plants 2023, 12(6), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12061239 - 09 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1380

Abstract

Improving plant water use efficiency is a key strategy for the utilization of regional limited water resources as well as the sustainable development of agriculture industry. To investigate the effects of different land use types on plant water use efficiency and their mechanisms, [...] Read more.

Improving plant water use efficiency is a key strategy for the utilization of regional limited water resources as well as the sustainable development of agriculture industry. To investigate the effects of different land use types on plant water use efficiency and their mechanisms, a randomized block experiment was designed in the agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China during 2020–2021. The differences in dry matter accumulation, evapotranspiration, soil physical and chemical properties, soil water storage and water use efficiency and their relationships among cropland, natural grassland and artificial grassland were studied. The results show that: In 2020, the dry matter accumulation and water use efficiency of cropland were significantly higher than those of artificial and natural grassland. In 2021, dry matter accumulation and water use efficiency of artificial grassland increased significantly from 364.79 g·m⁻² and 24.92 kg·ha⁻¹·mm⁻¹ to 1037.14 g·m⁻² and 50.82 kg·ha⁻¹·mm⁻¹, respectively, which were significantly higher than cropland and natural grassland. The evapotranspiration of three land use types showed an increasing trend in two years. The main reason affecting the difference of water use efficiency was that land use type affected soil moisture and soil nutrients, and then changed the dry matter accumulation and evapotranspiration of plants. During the study period, the water use efficiency of artificial grassland was higher in years with less precipitation. Therefore, expanding the planted area of artificial grassland may be one of the effective ways to promote the full utilization of regional water resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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18 pages, 2017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Trait Loci for Genotype and Genotype by Environment Interaction Effects for Seed Yield Plasticity to Terminal Water-Deficit Conditions in Canola (Brassica napus L.)

by Harsh Raman, Nawar Shamaya, Ramethaa Pirathiban, Brett McVittie, Rosy Raman, Brian Cullis and Andrew Easton

Plants 2023, 12(4), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040720 - 06 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1458

Abstract

Canola plants suffer severe crop yield and oil content reductions when exposed to water-deficit conditions, especially during the reproductive stages of plant development. There is a pressing need to develop canola cultivars that can perform better under increased water-deficit conditions with changing weather [...] Read more.

Canola plants suffer severe crop yield and oil content reductions when exposed to water-deficit conditions, especially during the reproductive stages of plant development. There is a pressing need to develop canola cultivars that can perform better under increased water-deficit conditions with changing weather patterns. In this study, we analysed genetic determinants for the main effects of quantitative trait loci (QTL), (Q), and the interaction effects of QTL and Environment (QE) underlying seed yield and related traits utilising 223 doubled haploid (DH) lines of canola in well-watered and water-deficit conditions under a rainout shelter. Moderate water-deficit at the pre-flowering stage reduced the seed yield to 40.8%. Multi-environmental QTL analysis revealed 23 genomic regions associated with days to flower (DTF), plant height (PH) and seed yield (SY) under well-watered and water-deficit conditions. Three seed yield QTL for main effects were identified on chromosomes A09, C03, and C09, while two were related to QE interactions on A02 and C09. Two QTL regions were co-localised to similar genomic regions for flowering time and seed yield (A09) and the second for plant height and chlorophyll content. The A09 QTL was co-located with a previously mapped QTL for carbon isotope discrimination (Δ¹³C) that showed a positive relationship with seed yield in the same population. Opposite allelic effects for plasticity in seed yield were identified due to QE interactions in response to water stress on chromosomes A02 and C09. Our results showed that QTL’s allelic effects for DTF, PH, and SY and their correlation with Δ¹³C are stable across environments (field conditions, previous study) and contrasting water regimes (this study). The QTL and DH lines that showed high yield under well-watered and water-deficit conditions could be used to manipulate water-use efficiency for breeding improved canola cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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13 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Medium-Term Effects of Sprinkler Irrigation Combined with a Single Compost Application on Water and Rice Productivity and Food Safety

by David Peña, Carmen Martín, Damián Fernández-Rodríguez, Jaime Terrón-Sánchez, Luis Andrés Vicente, Ángel Albarrán, Jose Manuel Rato-Nunes and Antonio López-Piñeiro

Plants 2023, 12(3), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030456 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1578

Abstract

Traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) management (tillage and flooding) is unsustainable due to soil degradation and the large amount of irrigation water used, an issue which is exacerbated in the Mediterranean region. Therefore, there is a need to explore rice management strategies [...] Read more.

Traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) management (tillage and flooding) is unsustainable due to soil degradation and the large amount of irrigation water used, an issue which is exacerbated in the Mediterranean region. Therefore, there is a need to explore rice management strategies in order to improve water-use efficiency and ensure its sustainability. Thus, field experiments were conducted to determine the medium-term effects of different irrigation and tillage methods combined with a single compost application on water and rice productivity, as well as food safety in a semiarid Mediterranean region. The management systems evaluated were: sprinkler irrigation in combination with no-tillage (SNT), sprinkler irrigation in combination with conventional tillage (ST), which were implemented in 2015, and flooding irrigation in combination with conventional tillage (FT), and their homologues (SNT-C, ST-C, and FT-C) with single compost application in 2015. In reference to rice grain yield, the highest values were observed under ST treatment with 10 307 and 11 625 kg ha⁻¹ in 2018 and 2019 respectively; whereas between FT and SNT there were no significant differences, with 8 140 kg ha⁻¹ as mean value through the study. Nevertheless, sprinkler irrigation allowed saving 55% of the total amount of water applied in reference to flooding irrigation. Furthermore, the highest arsenic concentration in grains was found under FT but it decreased with compost application (FT-C) and especially with sprinkler irrigation, regardless of tillage management systems. However, sprinkler irrigation favors the cadmium uptake by plants, although this process was reduced under SNT in reference to ST, and especially under amended compost treatments. Therefore, our results suggested that a combination of sprinkler irrigation and compost application, regardless of the tillage system, could be an excellent strategy for rice management for the Mediterranean environment in terms of water and crop productivity as well as food safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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Review

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18 pages, 999 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Regulation of Irrigation Management on Wheat Physiology, Grain Yield, and Quality

by Zhuanyun Si, Anzhen Qin, Yueping Liang, Aiwang Duan and Yang Gao

Plants 2023, 12(4), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040692 - 04 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3147

Abstract

Irrigation has been pivotal in sustaining wheat as a major food crop in the world and is increasingly important as an adaptation response to climate change. In the context of agricultural production responding to climate change, improved irrigation management plays a significant role [...] Read more.

Irrigation has been pivotal in sustaining wheat as a major food crop in the world and is increasingly important as an adaptation response to climate change. In the context of agricultural production responding to climate change, improved irrigation management plays a significant role in increasing water productivity (WP) and maintaining the sustainable development of water resources. Considering that wheat is a major crop cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions, which consumes high amounts of irrigation water, developing wheat irrigation management with high efficiency is urgently required. Both irrigation scheduling and irrigation methods intricately influence wheat physiology, affect plant growth and development, and regulate grain yield and quality. In this frame, this review aims to provide a critical analysis of the regulation mechanism of irrigation management on wheat physiology, plant growth and yield formation, and grain quality. Considering the key traits involved in wheat water uptake and utilization efficiency, we suggest a series of future perspectives that could enhance the irrigation efficiency of wheat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Plant Production)

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