Zoltán Molnár
56470913500
Publications - 34
Microalgae–bacteria interaction: a catalyst to improve maize (Zea mays L.) growth and soil fertility
Publication Name: Cereal Research Communications
Publication Date: 2025-06-01
Volume: 53
Issue: 2
Page Range: 1037-1049
Description:
Biofertilisers harbouring living organisms hold allure due to their prospective favourable influence on plant growth, coupled with a diminished environmental footprint and cost-effectiveness in contrast to conventional mineral fertilisers. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the capacity of a specific microalga (MACC-612, Nostoc linckia) biomass and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) separately and together to improve crop growth and promote soil health. The research used a factorial design within a completely randomised block framework, featuring four replications for three consecutive years across different fields. The experiment utilised three levels of microalga (control, 0.3 g/L of N. linckia, MACC-612, and 1 g/L of N. linckia, MACC-612) and three levels of bacterial strains (control, Azospirillum lipoferum and Pseudomonas fluorescens). The result demonstrated that the use of N. linckia and PGPB separately or jointly as soil treatment resulted in a substantial improvement in chlorophyll, plant biomass, soil humus, and nitrogen, depending on the environmental conditions of the years. The combined use of N. linckia and PGPB results in an improvement in dry leaf weight by 35.6–107.3% at 50 days after sowing (DAS) and 29.6–49.8% at 65 DAS, compared to the control group. Furthermore, the studies show that the synergistic application of N. linckia at 0.3 g/L, in conjunction with A. lipoferum, significantly improved total nitrogen and (NO3 − + NO2 −)-nitrogen, registering increases of 20.7–40% and 27.1–59.2%, respectively, during the study period. The most effective synergistic combination was identified through the application of 0.3 g/L of N. linckia along with A. lipoferum. Hence, application of biofertilisers through synergistic combinations of two or more microorganisms, such as microalgae and bacteria, holds promise in improving crop chlorophyll, growth, and soil nitrogen.
Open Access: Yes
Towards Climate-Smart Agriculture: Strategies for Sustainable Agricultural Production, Food Security, and Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Publication Name: Agronomy
Publication Date: 2025-03-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 3
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Without transformative adaptation strategies, the impact of climate change is projected to reduce global crop yields and increase food insecurity, while rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions further exacerbate the crisis. While agriculture is a major contributor to climate change through unsustainable practices, it also offers significant opportunities to mitigate these emissions through the adoption of sustainable practices. This review examines climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a key strategy for enhancing crop productivity, building climate resilience, and reducing GHG emissions, while emphasizing the need for strategic interventions to accelerate its large-scale implementation for improved food security. The analysis revealed that while nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has improved in developed countries, the global NUE remains at 55.47%, emphasizing the need for precision nutrient management and integrated soil fertility strategies to enhance productivity and minimize environmental impacts. With 40% of the world’s agricultural land already degraded, sustainability alone is insufficient, necessitating a shift toward regenerative agricultural practices to restore degraded soil and water by improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing carbon sequestration, thus ensuring long-term agricultural resilience. CSA practices, including precision agriculture, regenerative agriculture, biochar application, and agroforestry, improve soil health, enhance food security, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. However, result variability highlights the need for site-specific strategies to optimize benefits. Integrating multiple CSA practices enhances soil health and productivity more effectively than implementing a single practice alone. Widespread adoption faces socio-economic and technological barriers, requiring supportive policies, financial incentives, and capacity-building initiatives. By adopting climate-smart technologies, agriculture can transition toward sustainability, securing global food systems while addressing climate challenges.
Open Access: Yes
Flowering Synchronization Using Artificial Light Control for Crossbreeding Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) with Varied Flowering Times
Publication Name: Plants
Publication Date: 2025-02-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), one of the earliest domesticated crops, has diverse applications in textiles, construction, nutrition, and medicine. Breeding advancements, including speed breeding, accelerate genetic improvements in crops by optimizing environmental conditions for reduced generation times. This study employed greenhouse and field experiments to develop a proprietary yellow-stemmed hemp germplasm with a unique stem trait. Initial crossbreeding between the late Eletta Campana (medium green stems) and the early Chamaeleon (yellow stems) demonstrated the recessive monogenic inheritance of the yellow-stem trait and fast and safe stabilization even in the case of parent varieties with different flowering times. Controlled flowering in the case of photoperiod-sensitive genotypes, manual pollination, and successive backcrossing stabilized the yellow-stem trait over six cycles, with 100% trait consistency achieved by the fifth cycle within just 12 months in total. Open-field trials validated greenhouse results, showing strong correlations between visual stem color assessments and visible atmospherically resistant index (VARI) obtained through remote sensing imagery. Cannabinoid analyses indicated significant reductions in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content while maintaining optimal cannabidiol (CBD) levels. Accumulated growing degree days (GDDs) optimized flowering and maturity, ensuring consistency in phenological traits. This research highlights the utility of speed breeding and chemical analysis to accelerate trait stabilization and improve industrial hemp’s agronomic potential for fiber and CBD production while adhering to regulatory THC limits.
Open Access: Yes
Evaluation of Novel Picolinamide Fungicides (QiI) for Controlling Cercospora beticola Sacc. in Sugar Beet
Publication Name: Horticulturae
Publication Date: 2024-11-01
Volume: 10
Issue: 11
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Studies were initiated to find new effective fungicides to use under field conditions to discover novel approaches for optimizing disease management in sugar beet crops. Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), a prevalent foliar disease in sugar beet crops worldwide, is caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora beticola Sacc. This disease has become the most prevalent pathogen in sugar beet crops across nearly all European growing regions, including Hungary. The epidemic spread of this disease can cause up to 50% yield loss. The use of fungicides has been a cornerstone in managing CLS of sugar beet due to the limited efficacy of non-chemical alternatives. However, the emergence of fungicide-resistant strains of Cercospora beticola Sacc. in recent decades has compromised the effectiveness of certain fungicides, particularly those belonging to the QoI (FRAC Group 11) and DMI (FRAC Group 3) classes. Hungary is among the many countries where resistance to these fungicides has developed due to their frequent application. Picolinamides represent a novel class of fungal respiration inhibitors targeting Complex III within the Quinoine-Inside Inhibitor (QiI) group. Two innovative fungicides from this class, fenpicoxamid and florylpicoxamid (both classified under FRAC Group 21), were evaluated for their efficacy in managing CLS of sugar beet in Hungary during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons. Both fungicides were applied as formulated products at various application rates and demonstrated superior efficacy in controlling CLS compared to untreated control plots and the reference fungicides difenoconazole and epoxiconazole. The results consistently demonstrated that all tested application rates of fenpicoxamid and florylpicoxamid effectively controlled CLS in sugar beet, exhibiting a clear dose–response relationship. Disease severity, as measured by the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), was significantly correlated with yield reduction but showed no significant association with root sugar content. Moreover, data from both study years indicated that picolinamide fungicides applied at a rate of 75 g ai/ha significantly outperformed difenoconazole (100 g ai/ha) in controlling the CLS of sugar beet. Additionally, higher application rates of picolinamides at 100–150 g ai/ha outperformed epoxiconazole at 125 g ai/ha in disease suppression. Fenpicoxamid is currently registered for use in cereals within Europe, and outside of Europe in Banana against Black Sigatoka (eff. Mycosphaerella fijiensis). Florylpicoxamid, while not yet registered in Europe, is undergoing approval processes in various countries worldwide for a range of crops and is continually being evaluated for potential market introduction. Additional details regarding the efficacy of florylpicoxamid against CLS in sugar beet were presented at ‘The 10th International Conference on Agricultural and Biological Sciences (ABS 2024, Győr-Hungary)’ in 2024.
Open Access: Yes
Unveiling the Role of Edaphic Microalgae in Soil Carbon Sequestration: Potential for Agricultural Inoculants in Climate Change Mitigation
Publication Name: Agriculture Switzerland
Publication Date: 2024-11-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 11
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Agricultural soil has great potential to address climate change issues, particularly the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels. It offers effective remedies, such as increasing soil carbon content while lowering atmospheric carbon levels. The growing interest in inoculating soil with live microorganisms aims to enhance agricultural land carbon storage and sequestration capacity, modify degraded soil ecosystems, and sustain yields with fewer synthetic inputs. Agriculture has the potential to use soil microalgae as inoculants. However, the significance of these microorganisms in soil carbon sequestration and soil carbon stabilization under field conditions has yet to be fully understood. Large-scale commercial agriculture has focused on the development and use of inoculation products that promote plant growth, with a particular emphasis on enhancing yield attributes. Gaining more profound insights into soil microalgae’s role in soil carbon cycling is necessary to develop products that effectively support soil carbon sequestration and retention. This review comprehensively explores the direct and indirect mechanisms through which soil microalgae contribute to soil carbon sequestration, highlighting their potential as microbial inoculants in agricultural settings. This study underlines the need for more research to be conducted on microalgae inoculation into agricultural soil systems aimed at mitigating carbon emissions in the near future.
Open Access: Yes
Time of application and cultivar influence on the effectiveness of microalgae biomass upon winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Publication Name: Cereal Research Communications
Publication Date: 2024-09-01
Volume: 52
Issue: 3
Page Range: 1153-1161
Description:
The capability of microalgae had been studied for a long time; however, some basics of using microalgae as a biostimulant are still in question. In the present work, experiments were conducted to reply to questions such as (a) how does the application time affect the effects of microalgae treatments and (b) does variety or genetic variation cause differences in the effect of microalgae biomass application on the plants? The different times of application had different weightage on different parameters; however, when applied at the early reproductive stage the yield as well as the nitrogen % in grain was significantly affected. As per the comparison, the result suggested that varietal differences had negligible differences in biological yield, hexose content, and total phenol content. Furthermore, microalgae biomass treatment irrespective of the strain species or genus influences the biological photosynthate accumulation and nitrogen uptake or in short, the efficiency of uptake. Finally, the metabolomic analyses suggested the influence of the microalgae strains on the biochemical composition of the plants.
Open Access: Yes
The use of biostimulant microalgae to influence the growth and development of ornamental plants
Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences
Publication Date: 2024-08-23
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The article discusses the use of biostimulant microalgae, known for their bioactive compounds. Understanding the positive impacts of biostimulants is essential for future applications. Research conducted in the Department of Plant Sciences at the Széchenyi István University has revealed that algae produce plant hormones and possess beneficial properties that influence the water, soil and plant systems. The effects of microalgae on various ornamental plants are being studied with a focus on improving root and general plant development. The methodology involves testing different algae extracts in ornamental plants in controlled environments. Data collection includes measuring plant height, leaf and bud numbers, chlorophyll content and other plant parameters through laboratory and destructive tests. The results indicate positive changes in plant parameters after treatments with biostimulant microalgae. In conclusion, biostimulant microalgae offer a promising and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals in the cultivation of ornamental plants. Continued research and innovation in this field is crucial to realise the full potential of biostimulants in sustainable agriculture.
Open Access: Yes
Influence of seed rate and row spacing across on two different maturity groups of sorghum grain yield and quality characteristics
Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences
Publication Date: 2024-08-23
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The goal of this resesrch is to develop cultivation practices that optimize the economical cultivation of sorghum, taking into account current environmental factors., by determining the optimal seeding rate and row spacing for two different maturity groups of sorghum hybrids, RGT Icebergg (early) and RGT Huggo (mid-early). In this context, we examine the maximum achievable yield and quality characteristics. The experiment involved different plant densities: 210,000, 240,000, 270,000, and 300,000 plants/ha, and three different row spacings: 25, 45, and 76 cm. Through conducted experiments, significant differences have been observed in harvest moisture content, hectoliter weight, protein content, head size, and plant height. Significant differences were observed in the average number of head per square meter. Although similar average protein levels were measured for different genotypes, there were differences in their stability. Increasing row spacing decreased hectoliter weight, while increasing seeding rates increased it. Harvest moisture content was significantly higher with wider row spacings, while increasing plant density resulted in a slight decrease in moisture content. Looking at the average of the tested hybrids, the row spacing of 45 cm and the number of seed of 300,000 plants/ha are the most ideal combination to achieve the yield.
Open Access: Yes
Biostimulant effect of quantitative indicators of winter rape (Brassica napus L.) quantitative indicators
Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences
Publication Date: 2024-08-23
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
In recent years, one of the major challenges for plant breeders has been the control of abiotic environmental stresses (drought, UV stress, salt concentration, water pressure). Increasingly variable and unpredictable weather anomalies are a warning of the detrimental effects they have on the growth of our crops and prevent us from reaching the potential of our genetic potential and nutrient supply. To prevent and reduce losses, the potential to protect plant health and increase plant resistance to stress must be anticipated and applied in the future if we are to be successful in agricultural production. One element of this is plant biostimulation. Today, crop producers use biostimulants as a compliance pressure, to obtain more subsidies (Agriecological Programme). Biostimulants applied inappropriately (mixed with herbicides), targeted, and at the right time, can have the opposite effect. This also induce irreversible processes in the crop plant. Although the winter swede rape area has been significantly reduced in our country, there are those who persevere despite the difficulties of growing it. Rapes can be successfully grown today with great care and intensive technology, and the weather conditions of recent years have consistently shown that environmental anomalies have a significant impact on its yield. In rapes, the use of biostimulators and fertilising products is considered common. Our studies with Quantis in rapes have clearly proven its effectiveness. In this article we would like to present the effect of biostiumulant (Quantis) on the production of rapes.
Open Access: Yes
A picolinamide fungicide for controlling Cercospora-leaf spot (CLS) of sugar beet
Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences
Publication Date: 2024-08-23
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Cercospora-leaf spot (CLS) of sugar beet, caused by Cercospora beticola Sacc., is a major foliar disease of sugar beet in all sugar beet growing areas, worldwide, causing up to 50% yield loss. The disease is now dominant in almost all sugar beet growing areas of Europe, including Hungary. The use of fungicides has been being an integral part of the control of CLS of sugar beet. In recent decades, resistance of C. beticola to fungicides belonging to different groups of active substances has been described in many countries worldwide, including Hungary. The picolinamides are a new distinct group of fungal respiration inhibitors (QiI – FRAC Group 21) promise to be a good alternative in the management of fungicide resistance in crops. The florylpicoxamid fungicide were tested and evaluated over two seasons, in vegetation period of 2020 and 2021 for controlling CLS of sugar beet in Hungary. This fungicide was applied as straight formulated product at a range of dose rates, and they showed very effective control of CLS compared to the untreated control check plots and the reference fungicide products difenoconazole and epoxiconazole. All tested dose rates of florylpicoxamid provided effective control of against CLS of sugar beet. The area under the disease progress curve values (AUDPC) was significantly correlated with yield decrease, but AUPDC did not correlated with sugar content of the roots. Additionally, the results showed in two investigated years, the efficacy of florylpicoxamid for the control on CLS of sugar beet crop.
Open Access: Yes
Impact of the microalgae-bacteria interaction on maize (Zea mays L.) health and yield
Publication Name: Bio Web of Conferences
Publication Date: 2024-08-23
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Microbial biofertilizers, which include microorganisms that improve soil nutrients and make them easier to cultivate, are eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilisers, encouraging plant growth and supporting sustainable agriculture. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the health of crops measured by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and yield, influenced by the combination of biomass from specific cyanobacteria (MACC-612, Nostoc linckia) and plant growth promoter bacteria (PGPB). Using a factorial design in a complete randomized block configuration, four replications were performed. The experimental design included the testing of three concentrations of microalgae (untreated, 0.3 g/L N. linckia, and 1 g/L N. linckia) and two PGPBs (untreated, Azospirillum lipoferum, and Pseudomonas fluorescens). Experiments in the field were conducted for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023). The results show that the combined application of N. linckia and PGPB to soil treatment has significantly improved plant health and yield characteristics. The combined use of 0.3 g/L N. linckia and A. lipoferum has improved the health of plants (NDVI), seed count per cob, thousand-seed weight, and total yields, achieving a significant increase of yield by 1.4 fold for 2021, 1.37 fold for 2022, and 1.39 fold for 2023. These results demonstrate that applying low concentrations of N. linckia (0.3 g/L) along with A. lipoferum provide a cost-effective solution without compromising the benefits. Consequently, the integration of cyanobacteria and PGPB represents a promising approach to improve crop growth and yield while minimizing environmental impacts.
Open Access: Yes
The structure–activity relationship of marine peptides: a review
Publication Name: International Journal of Food Science and Technology
Publication Date: 2024-07-01
Volume: 59
Issue: 7
Page Range: 4437-4445
Description:
Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and provide home to structurally diverse marine organisms. These creatures contribute to more than half of the biodiversity of the world and produce several bioactive molecules, including peptides. In the past years, scientific research has been focused on the compositions, sequences and structural features of marine-derived peptides. Based on their amino acid sequences, they have demonstrated a wide range of biological functions, including antithrombotic, antihypertensive, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiageing, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and other multifunctional activities that are based on their structure, hydrophobicity, binding affinity, charge and other factors. This review focuses on novel techniques used to produce marine peptides and explores the structure–function relationships of these peptides derived from representative phyla, namely Cnidaria, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Chordata, Echinodermata and Porifera. Furthermore, notable considerations regarding the structure–function basis of marine peptide applications are discussed.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.17248
Unveiling the significance of rhizosphere: Implications for plant growth, stress response, and sustainable agriculture
Publication Name: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 206
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
In the rhizosphere, the activities within all processes and functions are primarily influenced by plant roots, microorganisms present in the rhizosphere, and the interactions between roots and microorganisms. The rhizosphere, a dynamic zone surrounding the roots, provides an ideal environment for a diverse microbial community, which significantly shapes plant growth and development. Microbial activity in the rhizosphere can promote plant growth by increasing nutrient availability, influencing plant hormonal signaling, and repelling or outcompeting pathogenic microbial strains. Understanding the associations between plant roots and soil microorganisms has the potential to revolutionize crop yields, improve productivity, minimize reliance on chemical fertilizers, and promote sustainable plant growth technologies. The rhizosphere microbiome could play a vital role in the next green revolution and contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. However, there are still knowledge gaps concerning plant root-environment interactions, particularly regarding roots and microorganisms. Advances in metabolomics have helped to understand the chemical communication between plants and soil biota, yet challenges persist. This article provides an overview of the latest advancements in comprehending the communication and interplay between plant roots and microbes, which have been shown to impact crucial factors such as plant growth, gene expression, nutrient absorption, pest and disease resistance, and the alleviation of abiotic stress. By improving these aspects, sustainable agriculture practices can be implemented to increase the overall productivity of plant ecosystems.
Open Access: Yes
Effects of Biostimulant and Zinc (Zn) Treatment on Qualitative and Quantitative Indicators of Winter Rape (Brassica Napus L.)
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 114
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 769-774
Description:
Winter rapeseed production has completely changed in Hungary in recent years. The use of hybrids has become commonplace, and intensive cultivation techniques are widespread. At the same time, average yields also increased, making rapeseed one of the most profitable crops. Maintaining profitability is a priority task, and in addition to further increasing average yields, improving quality parameters and crop safety is also decisive. Rapeseed production today faces significant challenges. As a result of climate change, the cultivation routine of decades is changing, and biostimulators are becoming more and more perspective in addition to foliar fertilisation with macro- and microelements. During this research, a 3-year small-plot field experiment was set up with a winter rapeseed indicator. The main objective of the experiment was to study the physiological reactions of rape plants to different doses of Zn and the combined reaction of the biostimulator and Zn. During the experiment, the reaction of the rapeseed test plant on zinc-deficient calcareous chernozem soils was investigated under the influence of different doses of Zn and combined doses of Zn and biostimulation. The aim of the study is to determine whether rapeseed plants respond to zinc supplementation and the combined effect of the bio stimulator and zinc with increased yield and improved nutritional values (protein content, oil content). In the first annual study, two treatments were performed, one in autumn (BBCH 16-18 phenological stage) and one in spring (BBCH 29 phenological stage). Zinc tetramine hydroxide was used in 4 different doses (2, 5, 10, 20 L/ha), zinc tetramine hydroxide enriched with copper in 2 different doses (5 and 10 L/ha), Quantis in the manufacturer's prescribed dose of 2 L/ha, biostimulant enriched with zinc, and a usual foliar fertiliser used in rapeseed growing with Wuxal boron at the dose recommended by the manufacturer. During the growing season, the development of root mass, root length, SPAD values, as well as the yield and oleic acid content were evaluated by mathematical statistical method. It can be stated that there was no significant difference in the root mass, root length, and SPAD values, but there was a significant yield difference in the amount of the crop in the second-year experiment (P = 10 %). Studies have shown that biostimulants have the greatest influence on the development of measured parameters.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET24114129
Harnessing the Synergy of the Cyanobacteria-Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria for Improved Maize (Zea mays) Growth and Soil Health
Publication Name: Sustainability Switzerland
Publication Date: 2023-12-01
Volume: 15
Issue: 24
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Intensive use of chemicals in agriculture harms the soil, disrupts the ecological balance, and impacts microorganisms. Biofertilizers are gaining traction due to their eco-friendly and cost-effective benefits. This study evaluates the potential of the cyanobacterium MACC-612 (Nostoc piscinale) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) (Azospirillum lipoferum, Pseudomonas fluorescens) in enhancing crop growth, yield, and soil health. A two-year field study was conducted using a factorial approach and a completely randomized block design, comprising four replications. The three levels of the cynobacterium (0, 0.3, or 1 g/L of N. MACC-612) and different bacteria strains were used in the experiments. The results demonstrated substantial enhancements in seed number per ear, kernel weight, and yield when using N. piscinale and PGPB, whether used individually or in combination. The soil pH, humus, (NO3 − + NO2 −)-nitrogen, and soil microbial biomass showed significant increases across both years. The combining application of the N. piscinale (0.3 g/L) with A. lipoferum increased grain yield by 33.20% in the first year and 31.53% in the second. The humus and (NO3 − + NO2 −)-nitrogen content significantly rose in treatments involving N. piscinale at 0.3 g/L combined with A. lipoferum at about 20.25% and 59.2%, respectively, in comparison to the untreated control. Hence, the most effective approach was the combined use of N. piscinale and A. lipoferum, which enhanced maize growth and soil fertility.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/su152416660
Chitosan and cyanobacterial biomass accounting physiological and biochemical development of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under nutrient stress conditions
Publication Name: Agrosystems Geosciences and Environment
Publication Date: 2023-12-01
Volume: 6
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
In the spirit of getting back to nature and using science to increase crop productivity without posing any threat to the environment, researchers are paying attention to making natural products alternative sources of nutrients for plants at affordable prices. On top of this, chitosan and cyanobacteria have become popular in agriculture as metabolic enhancers, biofertilizers, and antimicrobial properties. Cyanobacteria are known to possess biostimulating properties while chitosan is well known for its inherent biological properties. With the aim of minimizing the application of nitrogen, this experiment was conducted for the first time to check if the application of chitosan, microalgae, or both with 50% nitrogen can balance the nutrient requirement for different physiological and biochemical development as effectively as a 100% nitrogen dose. The data were recorded only for the early vegetative stages, as the seeds were non-vernalized. The basic parameters recorded were hexose content, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total phenol content, and relative water content (RWC). In most of the parameters, comparable results were found between the control (with a 100% nitrogen recommended dose) and other treatments (where either microalga, chitosan, or both were added), whereas it was clearly shown that 50% of recommended nitrogen doses reduce the hexose, chlorophyll, and RWCs. Thus, the treatments were effective in supplementing the developmental requirements. Therefore, the combined use of chitosan and cyanobacteria on crops significantly lowers nitrogen fertilization, increases photosynthesis, enhances resistance to water stress, and enhances antioxidant activity in modern agriculture.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1002/agg2.20428
Effect of Different Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Biological Soil Properties, Growth, Yield and Quality of Oregano (Origanum onites L.)
Publication Name: Agronomy
Publication Date: 2023-10-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 10
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Intensive agriculture uses continuous chemical fertilizers to increase crop yields, but excessive use of fertilizers leads to environmental pollution, permanent changes in physicochemical conditions in soil ecology, deterioration of soil biological health, leaching of nutrients, surface and groundwater pollution and eutrophication. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are becoming increasingly important for ensuring crop safety, increasing nutrient uptake and output, lowering fertilizer costs, preventing environmental contamination and promoting sustainable agriculture and agricultural resources. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate the effects of fifteen bacteria strains that were isolated from various acidic rhizospheric soils as biofertilizers on soil biological properties. Growth, yield and quality traits were analyzed, and various PGPR were identified using 16S ribosomal RNA of Turkish oregano. Fifteen bacterial inoculations with 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, N2 -fixing, P-solubilizing and/or IAA-producing genes were used in the experiment, which was carried out in a randomized block design with five replicates (each with three pots) and a control without inoculation. Increased biological activity in soil inoculated with bacteria with multiple traits was confirmed by high C and N content in microbial biomass, urease, dehydrogenase and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities. Essential oil content, oil yield, thymol and carvacrol contents increased by 0.5–40.1%, 5.9–71.9%, 0.07–16.7% and 0.3–9.2%, respectively, as a result of bacterial inoculation. Oil content ranged from 2.02% to 2.83%; carvacrol (66.1–72.2%) was the main constituent, followed by thymol (14.5–16.9%) and linalool (1.38–3.68%). Two large PGPR groups were formed based on genetic distance analysis. Responses were variable and depended on the inoculant strain and the parameters being evaluated. The results indicate PGPR has clear potential for improving the yield of cultivated aromatic and essential oil plants, such as oregano.
Open Access: Yes
Potential benefit of microalgae and their interaction with bacteria to sustainable crop production
Publication Name: Plant Growth Regulation
Publication Date: 2023-09-01
Volume: 101
Issue: 1
Page Range: 53-65
Description:
Agriculture is undergoing a paradigm shift as it moves away from relying only on agrochemicals toward natural-based product to enhance plant growth and productivity while sustainably maintaining soil quality and productivity. In this sense, microalgae and bacteria offer a unique potential due to the growing use of novel and eco-friendly products such as biofertilizers, biostimulants, and biopesticides. Microalgae improve crop growth and health by fixing nitrogen, releasing soil trace elements, solubilizing potassium, and phosphorus, producing exopolysaccharides, and converting organic matter into utilizable nutrients. They also release bioactive substances including, carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, and hormones, to promote plant growth, control pests, and mitigate plant stress responses. Even though it has long been known that microalgae produce various bioactive and signaling molecules (like phytohormones, polysaccharides, lipids, carotenoids, phycobilins, and amino acids) which are effective in crop production, the targeted applications of these molecules in plant science are still in the very early stages of development. Microalgae are beneficial to bacteria because they produce oxygen and extracellular chemicals, and bacteria, in turn, provide microalgae with carbon dioxide, vitamins, and other nutrients in exchange. This review discusses the possible role of microalgae in increasing crop yield, protecting crops, and maintaining soil fertility and stability, and it points out that interactions of microalgae and bacteria may have a better enhancement of crop production in a sustainable way than using either of them alone.
Open Access: Yes
Understanding the Mechanisms of Fe Deficiency in the Rhizosphere to Promote Plant Resilience
Publication Name: Plants
Publication Date: 2023-05-01
Volume: 12
Issue: 10
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
One of the most significant constraints on agricultural productivity is the low availability of iron (Fe) in soil, which is directly related to biological, physical, and chemical activities in the rhizosphere. The rhizosphere has a high iron requirement due to plant absorption and microorganism density. Plant roots and microbes in the rhizosphere play a significant role in promoting plant iron (Fe) uptake, which impacts plant development and physiology by influencing nutritional, biochemical, and soil components. The concentration of iron accessible to these live organisms in most cultivated soil is quite low due to its solubility being limited by stable oxyhydroxide, hydroxide, and oxides. The dissolution and solubility rates of iron are also significantly affected by soil pH, microbial population, organic matter content, redox processes, and particle size of the soil. In Fe-limiting situations, plants and soil microbes have used active strategies such as acidification, chelation, and reduction, which have an important role to play in enhancing soil iron availability to plants. In response to iron deficiency, plant and soil organisms produce organic (carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, phytosiderophores, microbial siderophores, and phenolics) and inorganic (protons) chemicals in the rhizosphere to improve the solubility of poorly accessible Fe pools. The investigation of iron-mediated associations among plants and microorganisms influences plant development and health, providing a distinctive prospect to further our understanding of rhizosphere ecology and iron dynamics. This review clarifies current knowledge of the intricate dynamics of iron with the end goal of presenting an overview of the rhizosphere mechanisms that are involved in the uptake of iron by plants and microorganisms.
Open Access: Yes
Outcome of Microalgae Biomass Application on Seed Germination and Hormonal Activity in Winter Wheat Leaves
Publication Name: Agronomy
Publication Date: 2023-04-01
Volume: 13
Issue: 4
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The present work aimed to test selected microalgae strains from the Mosonmagyaróvár Algae Culture Collection (MACC) on germination ability and certain physiological processes in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants. Germination tests showed substantial differences between the strains, meaning that certain strains (such as MACC-430, MACC-612, MACC-922) improved the germination processes while others performed worse (MACC-438, MACC-755) than the control in a concentration-dependent manner. The germination index of seeds treated with MACC-430 @ 1 g L−1 concentrations was 87, while that of the control was 45. The mungbean rooting bioassay proves that microalgae biomass may exhibit auxin-like activity, especially in strain MACC-612 (Nostoc sp.), which was characterized by the highest endogenous level of plant growth regulator indole-3-acetic-acid among the selected strains. Foliar spray on the leaves of developed plants did not significantly alter the photosynthetic processes, but it influenced the secondary metabolite composition. After the application of microalgae biomass, there were also changes in plant hormones, including salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and jasmonic acid-leucine/isoleucine conjugate compositions, which play a role in plant stress signaling in plants. A decrease in indole-3-acetic acid was also observed in the Mv Nádor cultivar. These results suggest that the application of certain microalgae strains can be used effectively to improve the germination of wheat seeds, and as a foliar spray, they may also modify the acclimation processes in a genotype-dependent way.
Open Access: Yes
Response of wheat to combined application of nitrogen and phosphorus along with compost
Publication Name: Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology
Publication Date: 2022-12-01
Volume: 25
Issue: 5
Page Range: 557-564
Description:
To achieve food security and increase crop productivity in a sustainable way, keeping soil fertile and balanced fertilization is vital. Soil fertility declining and unbalanced fertilization is one of the bottlenecks to sustainable agricultural production. To overcome these problems, a field experiment was investigated, with the aim of exploring the potential of organic and inorganic nutrient sources with their optimal application and integration for sustainable wheat production. The experiment was conducted in a factorial approach with three replications, where one factor was the level of the NP (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) fertilizer and the other compost, set in a randomized complete block design. Four levels of the N:P fertilizer (control, 27.6%:18.4%, 41.4%:32.2% and 55.2%:46%) were combined with three levels of compost (0, 3 ton/ha and 6 ton/ha), giving 12 treatments combination. From the data collected and analyzed, integrated application of the NP fertilizer and compost significantly increased soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus but had no effect on soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Application of 6 ton/ha compost was higher with plant height, spike length, number of seeds per spike, 1000 seeds weight, and biological yield. The sole application of the NP (55.2%:46%) produced (6.19 ton/ha) grain yield whereas combined application of the NP (55.2%:46%) along with the compost (6 ton/ha) produced the higher grain yield (8.16 ton/ha). This clearly revealed that application of 75% recommended inorganic NP fertilizers combined with compost resulted in increased wheat yield by 27.45% over sole application of inorganic fertilizer indicated that the integrated approach could enable to save up to 25% of commercial fertilizers and increase the yield of wheat.
Open Access: Yes
Correction to: Response of wheat to combined application of nitrogen and phosphorus along with compost (Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology, (2022), 25, 5, (557-564), 10.1007/s12892-022-00151-7)
Publication Name: Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology
Publication Date: 2022-12-01
Volume: 25
Issue: 5
Page Range: 621
Description:
Due to unfortunate oversight author names have been misspelt.
Open Access: Yes
The beneficial effect of peppermint (Mentha X Piperita L.) and lemongrass (Melissa officinalis L.) dosage on total antioxidant and polyphenol content during alcoholic fermentation
Publication Name: Food Chemistry X
Publication Date: 2022-03-30
Volume: 13
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Our research aimed to create an herbal fermented alcoholic beverage with high antioxidant and polyphenol content. In this study, continuous sampling was performed throughout the fermentation period, and the changes in total antioxidant (TA) and total polyphenol (TP) contents were determined. After processing the raw material, the prepared herbs were added in 0.5 and 1.0 v/v% concentrations to the samples. The TP content of the control sample was between 1.17 and 1.57 mg/g, and the TA content was 2.12 and 2.54 mg/g during the fermentation process. The lemongrass dosage increased 77.86 % the antioxidant and 70.98 % the polyphenol content by the end of the fermentation process. In the best case, the peppermint dosage increased 72.80 % of the antioxidant content and 72.05 % of the polyphenol content. Overall, fermentation combined with herbs dosage could increase the bioavailability of products made from its polyphenol and antioxidant contents and can be used to develop novel functional foods.
Open Access: Yes
Biologia Futura: potential of different forms of microalgae for soil improvement
Publication Name: Biologia Futura
Publication Date: 2022-03-01
Volume: 73
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Products derived from microalgae have great potential in diverse field. As a part of the enhancing agriculture application, various forms of microalgae applications have been developed so far. They are known to influence soil properties. The various forms of application may enhance soil in more or less similar manner. They can help improve soil health, nitrogen, and phosphorus content, and even carbon sequestration. Thus, overall, it can enhance fertility of the soil.
Open Access: Yes
Growth and bioactivity of two chlorophyte (Chlorella and Scenedesmus) strains co-cultured outdoors in two different thin-layer units using municipal wastewater as a nutrient source
Publication Name: Algal Research
Publication Date: 2021-06-01
Volume: 56
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The application of microalgae in wastewater treatment has recently been at the forefront of interest due to the increasing concern about environmental protection and economic sustainability. This work aimed to study two chlorophyte species, Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus acutus, co-cultured outdoors in centrate of municipal wastewater as a nutrient source. Two different thin-layer units were used in these trials — thin-layer cascade (TLC) and thin-layer raceway pond (TL-RWP), suitable for this purpose due to their high biomass productivity and better culture transparency when using muddy wastewater. The units were operated in batch, and subsequently in semi-continuous growth regime — and monitored in terms of photosynthetic performance, growth, nutrient removal rate, and bioactivity. The results showed that the co-cultures grew well in the centrate, achieving the maximum biomass densities of 1.3 and 2.1 g DW L−1 in TLC and TL-RWP, respectively, by the end of the batch regime and 1.9 and 2.0 g DW L−1 by the end of the semi-continuous regime. Although TL-RWP grown cultures showed faster growth, the TLC-one revealed better nutrient removal efficiencies batch wise than the culture grown in TL-RWP — removing up to 48% of total nitrogen and 43% of total phosphorus. Conversely, the latter was more efficient under the semi-continuous regime (54% and 42% consumption of total nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively). In the harvested biomass, an important antimicrobial activity (specifically antifungal) was detected. In this sense, the in-vitro growth of the oomycete Pythium ultimum was inhibited by up to 45% with regard to the control. However, no biostimulating activity was observed. The present findings confirm the possibility of using these two species for biomass production in municipal wastewater centrate using highly productive thin-layer systems. This technology can be a valuable contribution to circular economy since the produced biomass can be re-applied for agricultural purposes.
Open Access: Yes
Growth, biostimulant and biopesticide activity of the MACC-1 Chlorella strain cultivated outdoors in inorganic medium and wastewater
Publication Name: Algal Research
Publication Date: 2021-03-01
Volume: 53
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The use of wastewater (WW) for cultivation contributes to the sustainability of microalgae production due to the reduced costs of cultivation. The main objective of this work was to study growth, physiological performance and bioactivity of the microalgae strain Chlorella vulgaris MACC-1 grown in two nutrient sources – inorganic BG-11 medium and centrate from municipal WW. For the comparison, two thin-layer cultivation units – thin-layer cascade and a novel, thin-layer raceway pond – were used. The cultures grew well in both units showing good photosynthetic activity. The germination index of watercress seeds, as well as the auxin-like activity in mung bean and cytokinin-like activity in wheat growth tests were used to evaluate the biostimulant potential. The slight increase on the germination index was determined in C. vulgaris cultures grown in BG-11, but the biomass revealed no biostimulant activity when cultivated in WW. On the other hand, the antibacterial and antifungal activities determined by antagonism bioassay using dual cultures were significantly higher when grown in WW. We expect that the antimicrobial activities may be induced by WW-microbes and the biostimulating effect could probably be suppressed by the presence of some inhibiting substances. The results revealed a clear interplay among ambient irradiance intensity, growth rate, maximum quantum yield of PSII, Fv /Fm and oxygen production/respiration.
Open Access: Yes
Effect of cell disruption methods on the extraction of bioactive metabolites from microalgal biomass
Publication Name: Journal of Biotechnology
Publication Date: 2020-01-10
Volume: 307
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 35-43
Description:
Microalgae synthesize a variety of potentially high-value compounds. Due to their robust cell wall, cell disruption is necessary to improve extraction of these compounds. While cell disruption methods have been optimized for lipid and protein extraction, there are limited studies for other bioactive compounds. The present study investigated the effect of freeze-drying combined with sonication or ball-milling on the extraction of antioxidant and plant biostimulating compounds from Chlorella sp., Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus acutus. Both cell disruption methods resulted in higher extract yields from the biomass compared to freeze-dried biomass using 50% methanol as a solvent. Antioxidant activity of Chlorella extracts was generally higher than freeze-dried extracts based on the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene linoleic acid assays. However, the effectiveness of each treatment varied between microalgae strains. Sonication resulted in the highest antioxidant activity in Chlorella sp. extracts. Ball-milling gave the best results for C. vulgaris extracts in the DPPH assay. Both cell disruption methods decreased antioxidant activity in S. acutus extracts. Plant biostimulating activity was tested using the mung bean rooting assay. Damaging the membrane by freeze-drying was sufficient to release the active compounds using water extracts. In contrast, both cell disruption methods negatively affected the biological activity of the extracts. These results indicate that bioactive compounds in microalgae are sensitive to post-harvest processes and their biological activity can be negatively affected by cell disruption methods. Care must be taken to not only optimize yield but to also preserve the biological activity of the target compounds.
Open Access: Yes
Biostimulating effects of the cyanobacterium Nostoc piscinale on winter wheat in field experiments
Publication Name: South African Journal of Botany
Publication Date: 2019-11-01
Volume: 126
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 99-106
Description:
Due to global warming, a permanent rainfall deficit and higher temperatures reduce the available water in the soil, which severely influences plant water status. Current research needs to address ways to overcome these problems in order to maintain crop yields. The beneficial effects of seaweed extracts against abiotic and biotic stress factors of plant growth is well known but the use of microalgae for the same purpose is not well described. The aim of the present work was to investigate the plant biostimulating effects of the cyanobacterium Nostoc piscinale on the winter wheat variety “Bőség.” Experiments were carried out over three years in Hungary at the Mosonmagyaróvár Faculty Farm. Freeze-dried cyanobacterium was re-suspended in water (0.3 or 1.0 g/L) and sprayed at 400 L/ha on wheat leaves at tillering or tillering and ear emergence. Root weight, relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll and proline content of leaves were measured during the vegetation period. Ear number, ear length, grain numbers in ear, thousand grain weight and yield were measured at harvest. The most economic and highest yield increase was obtained by 0.3 g/L treatment with N. piscinale at tillering and ear emergence. Beneficial effects included a stronger root system, elevated leaf RWC, higher proline content and increased leaf chlorophyll content, which remained high in plant leaves treated with N. piscinale for one or two weeks longer than in the control leaves. The high chlorophyll content extended the productive vegetation period of the treated plants. Cyanobacterium treatment increased the ear number, ear length, grain number per ear, thousand grain weight and yield of the wheat crop.
Open Access: Yes
Phylogenetic re-evaluation of previously identified Chlamydomonas (Chlorophyta, Chlamydomonadaceae) strains from The Mosonmagyaróvár Algal Culture Collection, Hungary, using molecular data
Publication Name: South African Journal of Botany
Publication Date: 2019-09-01
Volume: 125
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 16-23
Description:
Systematic studies on 70 MACC isolates previously identified as ‘Chlamydomonas’, a unicellular flagellate, were carried out based on partial 18S rRNA. The aim of this study was to determine the phylogenetic affiliations of Chlamydomonas strains in the MACC collection. The study found that most of the strains were not Chlamydomonas. Nine clusters of phylogenetically similar taxa were identified. The previous determinations were completed with their new phylogenetic affiliations (partly due to changes in green algae classification). Molecular data revealed that 3 of the 70 strains are from Arenicolinia, 14 are members of the phylogroup Stephanosphaerinia, 11 are Oogamochlamydinia, 1 is Chloromonadinia, 19 are Reinhardtinia, 2 are Polytominia, 9 are Scenedesmaceae, 5 are Moewusinia, and 6 are Chlorella. Clades were established by 18S rRNA similarity and p-distances. This study reveals the need to revise established culture collections whose isolates are solely identified with morphology.
Open Access: Yes
Molecular taxonomic evaluation of Anabaena and Nostoc strains from the Mosonmagyaróvár Algal Culture Collection
Publication Name: South African Journal of Botany
Publication Date: 2019-08-01
Volume: 124
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 80-86
Description:
The taxonomy of genera Anabaena and Nostoc is very controversial. They are typically paraphyletic within phylogenetic trees and show similar morphological characters. The present study aimed to determine the taxonomic relationships among Anabaena and Nostoc strains of the Mosonmagyaróvár Algal Culture Collection (MACC)using 16S rRNA and rbcLX gene sequences. We concluded on the basis of the number of unsuccessful amplifications that more of the examined MACC Nostoc cultures are axenic than the Anabaena cultures. In agreement with previous studies we noticed that the applied phylogenetic algorithms gave congruent results in phylogenetic analyses. However, the genus Nostoc clearly was found not monophyletic in the present study and this finding differed from many of the previous studies. Molecular results contradicted the previous morphology-based classification of some MACC cyanobacteria strains, therefore polyphasic taxonomic approaches are required for the reliable identification of cyanobacterial species. Some strains seemed to be identical based on the alignment of 16S rRNA or rbcLX sequences.
Open Access: Yes
The reclassification of 37 strains from The Mosonmagyaróvár Algal Culture Collection, Hungary, which were previously identified as Anabaena (Cyanobacteria, Nostocaceae)
Publication Name: South African Journal of Botany
Publication Date: 2019-07-01
Volume: 123
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 333-340
Description:
Study on 37 MACC isolates previously identified as “Anabaena,” a freshwater filamentous heterocytous taxon, were carried out using the 16S rRNA. The study found that most of the strains were misidentified at genus level. Three clusters of phylogenetically and morphologically similar taxa were identified. The previous determinations were amended with their new taxonomic classifications (partly due to changes in cyanobacterial classification). Some morphological structures could not be found in the cultures (e.g. akinetes). Molecular data revealed that 6 of the 37 strains are Desmonostoc, 8 are members of the genus Nostoc, 19 strains bear genetic resemblance to the genus Trichormus and 4 strains remain unresolved. Clades were established by 16S rRNA similarity and p-distances. The goal of this study was to amend the strain designations in this collection. This study reveals the necessity to revisit established culture collections that originally used only morphological classifications for species identification.
Open Access: Yes
Biostimulant properties of cyanobacterial hydrolysate related to polyamines
Publication Name: Journal of Applied Phycology
Publication Date: 2018-02-01
Volume: 30
Issue: 1
Page Range: 453-460
Description:
Developing new and natural sources of plant growth promotors is essential to ensure the safe and sustainable production of vegetables for human consumption. In recent years, the potential of microalgae as plant biostimulants has been investigated. Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) biomass is a recognized protein source and its enzymatic hydrolysis contains molecules such as polyamines with potential to promote plant growth. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the biostimulant properties of hydrolyzed biomass of A. platensis. Bioassays were performed to determine auxin-like and cytokinin-like bioactivity of the hydrolysates. In addition, its effect on lettuce seedling growth was investigated and an organic system field trail performed where yield and free polyamine levels in leaves quantified. The hydrolysates had a cytokinin-like effect in the bioassay. Foliar applications promoted the growth of lettuce seedlings with the 4-h reaction hydrolysate (Sph4) being the most effective at promoting growth and increasing the spermine content by 64% in the lettuce leaves. The polyamine concentration was also compared in non-hydrolyzed A. platensis and Sph4. Hydrolysis resulted in a 34% increase in spermine content. It was concluded that Sph4 is a natural plant growth promoter that can be used as a raw material for biostimulants, and spermine could be an active compound and a metabolic indicator of Sph4 bioactivity.
Open Access: Yes
Managing soil health for climate resilience and crop productivity in a changing environment
Publication Name: Science of the Total Environment
Publication Date: 2025-10-20
Volume: 1000
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Healthy soil is essential for life on Earth, valued for its ability to sustain productivity, provide ecosystem services, support biodiversity, socioeconomic structure, food security, and promote environmental health. However, climate-induced changes, such as extreme weather events, shifting precipitation patterns, and rising temperatures, can disrupt essential soil processes. Climate change, combined with unsustainable soil management practices, can accelerate soil degradation, loss soil organic matter, reduce soil moisture retention, intensify erosion, disrupt nutrient cycling, and increase greenhouse gas emission. An increase in temperature of 1 °C is estimated to increase pest incidence by 10–25 % and reduce major crop yields by up to 7.4 %. Enhancing soil health strengthens plant resilience, suppresses disease development, and safeguards agroecosystems against the adverse effects of climate extremes. The growing recognition of the central role of soil in both agricultural and environmental sustainability has therefore driven interest in holistic strategies that integrate advanced agronomic practices, innovative technologies, and enabling policy frameworks to sustainably manage and restore soil health. This review examines recent advances in soil management strategies, highlighting the integration of interdisciplinary approaches to strengthen soil health as a basis for climate change resilience and increased crop productivity. Our synthesis emphasizes the importance of tailoring agricultural management practices such as soil amendments, diverse cropping systems, beneficial microbes, conservation agriculture, precision agriculture, and innovative technologies to specific soil and environmental contexts. By adopting these strategies through an interdisciplinary approach, we can improve soil productivity, sustain agroecosystem functions, and mitigate negative environmental impacts, ensuring the capacity of soil to meet the demands of a changing world.
Open Access: Yes
First step from an arable weed to a honey crop: Breaking seed dormancy of Stachys annua
Publication Name: Acta Agrobotanica
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 78
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Stachys annua (L.) L.– a typical annual weed species in stubble fields – was the most important melliferous plant in the Carpathian Basin during the 19th century. The agricultural intensification led to a drastic decline in the species, and previous efforts for its cultivation were unsuccessful due to its unevenly germinating seeds. This study aims to identify an effective method for overcoming the primary seed dormancy of S. annua. In laboratory experiments, we evaluated the effects of moist stratification for 4 weeks (in cold/warm sand) as well as using a gibberellic acid (GA) solution (250 mg/L) on seed germination under two light-temperature regimes (a “constant” regime at 20°C in continuous darkness, and a “fluctuating” regime with 14 h light at 20°C followed by 10 h dark at 10°C). Our results indicate that freshly matured seeds were mostly dormant at maturity. Gibberellic acid has a substantial role in breaking seed dormancy and can help substitute for the cold requirement. The best combination consisted of a GA treatment following a short (4 weeks) warm stratification, which led to a high (98%) germination rate in darkness at 20°C. The results indicate that, under natural circumstances, the seeds of S. annua require a longer period for their primary dormancy to be released. Our findings can establish the basis for the development of a dormancy-breaking technology to achieve uniform germination allowing future cultivation of the plant in bee gardens and arable fields.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.5586/aa/207013
