Article
Agronomy
Yizhen Shao, Zhao Wang, Wenjun Liu, Xintong Zhang, Jing Wang, Peng Guo
Summary: This study found that phosphorus and water play crucial roles in farmland ecosystems. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different water and phosphorus concentrations on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Results showed that under suitable drought treatment, AMF became more abundant and beneficial for plant growth. AMF abundance also varied with phosphorus treatments, with higher abundance in low-phosphorus treatments, which is more favorable for plant growth.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xueying Feng, Quanlong Wang, Yuhuan Sun, Shuwu Zhang, Fayuan Wang
Summary: This study investigated the impacts of different types of Microplastics (MPs) on Pb-Zn contaminated soil and found that MPs, especially at a dose of 2%, decreased the richness and diversity of bacterial communities, altered microbial community composition, and significantly affected soil properties and heavy metal availability. The effects were dependent on the type and dose of MPs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Junqing Ma, Yi Xie, Yisen Yang, Changliang Jing, Xiangwei You, Juan Yang, Chenyu Sun, Shengfeng Qin, Jianhua Chen, Kexin Cao, Jinghua Huang, Yiqiang Li
Summary: This study investigated the effects of AMF colonization on maize root exudates, enzymatic activity, and bacterial diversity in rhizosphere soil. The results showed significant changes in the content of compounds in maize root exudates after AMF colonization, and also impacts on soil microorganisms and enzyme vigor.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Gezahegn Garo, Maarten Van Geel, Fassil Eshetu, Rony Swennen, Olivier Honnay, Karen Vancampenhout
Summary: This study investigated the composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities in the roots of enset plants in smallholder enset-based farming systems in south Ethiopia and assessed the effects of soil fertility management on those communities. The results showed that intensive manure application increased soil nutrient availability and organic carbon but resulted in lower AMF richness and diversity, as well as a shift in AMF community composition.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yinli Bi, Kun Wang, Shanzhou Du, Shaopeng Ma, Jiayu Zhang, Linlin Xie
Summary: The study suggests that AMF play a crucial role in restoring soil ecological functions and revegetating degraded ecosystems. The diversity and composition of AMF communities change during the reclamation process, with a rapid and stable re-establishment of a species-rich AMF community over time following artificial re-vegetation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuai Wang, Hanyu Chang, Zhenfei Dong, Yansen Ren, Tianle Tan, Hui Deng
Summary: The purpose of this study was to reduce phenolic substances in bio-mass pyrolysis fluid (BPF) and study its effect on improving saline-alkali soil. BPF was separated into upper and lower phases, with phenolic substances mainly concentrated in the upper phase. The lower phase, after dilution, was added to saline-alkali soil and significantly increased soil nutrient content, reduced soil pH and salt content, and increased soil enzyme activities. Microbial community analysis showed an increased proportion of Actinomycetes, which improved soil fertility and the growth of Chinese cabbage.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Gilbert Koskey, Luciano Avio, Alessandra Turrini, Cristiana Sbrana, Paolo Barberi
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of relay intercropping of durum wheat and lentils on soil mycorrhizal fungi. The results showed that relay intercropping increased lentil grain yield and durum wheat grain protein concentration, and enhanced soil mycorrhizal activity. However, the effect on mycorrhizal root colonization varied. The changes in AMF species diversity and community structure were mainly influenced by crop species and year.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ugyen Wangmo Tenzin, Nuttapol Noirungsee, Phanthipha Runsaeng, Prakrit Noppradit, Lompong Klinnawee
Summary: The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as biofertilizer is a sustainable approach to fertilization. Co-cultivating multiple host plants increases the production of AMF spores, but does not better sustain native AMF community compositions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fernando de Souza Buzo, Lucas Martins Gare, Nayara Fernanda Siviero Garcia, Maura Santos Reis de Andrade Silva, Juliana Trindade Martins, Pedro Henrique Giova da Silva, Flavia Constantino Meireles, Leticia Zylmennith de Souza Sales, Amaia Nogales, Everlon Cid Rigobelo, Orivaldo Arf
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the interaction between inoculation with Rhizophagus intraradices and phosphate fertilization on the development and productivity of second-crop maize. The results showed that, in the first year of the experiment, both inoculation and phosphate fertilization benefitted the maize crop, indicating the potential to increase yield.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Belay Berza, Marcela Claudia Pagano, V. R. Prabavathy, Zerihun Belay, Fassil Assefa
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the species diversity and spore density of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with Erythrina brucei growing in different geographic locations and land use types in Ethiopia. Results showed that both geographic location and land use type significantly affected AMF species richness, with undisturbed land use types characterized by high species richness.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Ewa Blonska, Wojciech Prazuch, Piotr Boron, Jaroslaw Lasota
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of wood-ash fertilization on soil properties and microbial activity, particularly the abundance and composition of soil fungi. The results showed that the use of wood ash increased soil pH in the short term, with the highest dose having the strongest effect, and enhanced nutrient abundance and microbiological activity. Additionally, wood-ash addition played a significant role in shaping fungal composition.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yosra Ellili-Bargaoui, Christian Walter, Blandine Lemercier, Didier Michot
Summary: This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate six soil ecosystem services (SES) using a set of indicators derived from dynamic soil and crop modelling. The results revealed that soil variability plays a crucial role in providing SES, particularly for groundwater recharge, plant biomass provision, plant water provision, and carbon sequestration. These findings highlight the importance of soil properties in influencing the provision of ecosystem services.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cuc T. K. Tran, Stephanie J. Watts-Williams, Ronald J. Smernik, Timothy R. Cavagnaro
Summary: In this field study, the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on tomato production and soil characteristics were investigated. The results indicated that AM fungi had an indirect impact on fruit biomass and nutrient concentrations but did not significantly affect soil phosphorus, moisture, or bacterial community composition.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jun Wang, Hongfang Lu, Yongbiao Lin, Daniel E. Campbell, Hongyue Cai, Hai Ren
Summary: This study investigated the dynamics of soil organism communities during forest succession in subtropical forests. The eco-exergy evaluation method and redundancy analyses were used to explore the relationships between soil organisms, soil properties, and plant factors. The results indicated tight correlations between the dynamics of soil microbes and soil fauna with tree biomass and soil physicochemical properties.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jingsong Li, Huanyu Chen, Kai Guo, Weiliu Li, Xiaohui Feng, Xiaojing Liu
Summary: The study showed that vegetation patches promoted the formation of soil large aggregates and macro-porosity in topsoil by root distribution, which enhanced soil resistance to salt accumulation and promoted desalinization. This highlights the importance of pioneer vegetation in regulating soil environment in coastal ecosystems and supporting ecological restoration in saline lands.
Article
Agronomy
Joris A. Alkemade, Nelson Nazzicari, Monika M. Messmer, Paolo Annicchiarico, Barbara Ferrari, Ralf T. Voegele, Maria R. Finckh, Christine Arncken, Pierre Hohmann
Summary: This study identifies candidate genes for anthracnose resistance in white lupin through GWAS, and discovered two significant SNPs associated with anthracnose resistance. The findings provide promise for further crop improvement.
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Adnan Sisic, Thomas Oberhaensli, Jelena Bacanovic-Sisic, Pierre Hohmann, Maria Renate Finckh
Summary: A real-time PCR assay based on the TEF-1 alpha gene sequence alignments was developed for the detection and quantification of Didymella pinodella. The assay showed high specificity and consistency, with a quantification/detection limit of 3.1 pg of target DNA per reaction.
Review
Plant Sciences
Dereje T. Demie, Thomas F. Doering, Maria R. Finckh, Wopke van der Werf, Jerome Enjalbert, Sabine J. Seidel
Summary: Cropping system diversification through annual intercropping has potential to reduce fertilizer and pesticide inputs. Genotype choice affects intercrop performance in cereal/legume intercropping systems, with differences in phenological and morphological traits explaining variations in mixture performance. Future research should consider additional factors such as phenology, root growth, soil nutrient acquisition, and weed and disease effects to improve understanding of genotype effects in intercropping.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lars P. Kiaer, Odette D. Weedon, Laurent Bedoussac, Charlotte Bickler, Maria R. Finckh, Benedikt Haug, Pietro P. M. Iannetta, Grietje Raaphorst-Travaille, Martin Weih, Alison J. Karley
Summary: Intercropping, especially of legumes and cereals, has greater potential to improve crop yield and resource use efficiency compared to sole crops, while providing various ecosystem services. However, the effectiveness of intercrops depends on end use, specific species, and genotypes, adding complexity to the supply chain. Successful adoption and integration of intercrops require collaboration among all supply chain actors, breeding methods that consider the complexity of intercrop supply chains, and diversification strategies at every step.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Johannes Timaeus, Odette Denise Weedon, Maria Renate Finckh
Summary: Species mixtures and heterogeneous crop populations are two promising approaches for diversified ecological cropping systems with increased resilience and reduced dependency on external inputs. This study evaluated the effects of inter- and intraspecific diversity using wheat entries and winter pea cultivar. The results showed that mixtures increased grain quality, weed suppression, resource use efficiency, and yield gain, while reducing lodging. These effects were stronger under dry and nutrient-poor conditions. The study also found that there were variations in protein content, yield, and disease protection services among different wheat entries and in different environmental conditions. The analysis suggested that stable yield, yield gains, and quality under high environmental variability were clear agronomic advantages of mixtures, with heterogeneous populations being more stable than line cultivars. However, some line cultivars outperformed heterogeneous populations in either protein content or yield, but not both simultaneously. The study concluded that cultivar breeding for mixtures should consider high environmental variation and intraspecific diversity can be a valuable addition to further improve mixture performance and its stability under increasing environmental stresses.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Johannes Timaeus, Ties Ruigrok, Torsten Siegmeier, Maria Renate Finckh
Summary: This study investigates the reasons for the adoption of species mixtures in food grain production through qualitative expert interviews with nine farmers. The main factors identified for adoption include perceived performance of mixtures compared to sole crops, suitability within the farm context, challenges and opportunities in mixture management, knowledge and technology required, and quality standards in the food value chain.
Article
Agronomy
J. A. Alkemade, C. Arncken, C. Hirschvogel, M. M. Messmer, A. Leska, R. T. Voegele, M. R. Finckh, R. Kolliker, S. P. C. Groot, P. Hohmann
Summary: White lupin is a promising crop to meet the increasing global demand for plant-based protein. However, it is threatened by a seed-borne pathogen called Colletotrichum lupini. This study tested various alternative seed treatments and identified some effective methods to reduce disease incidence and increase yield. Further validation is needed for these treatments' effectiveness.
Article
Agronomy
Carolina Bilibio, Daniel Uteau, Malte Horvat, Ulla Rosskopf, Stephan Martin Junge, Maria Renate Finckh, Stephan Peth
Summary: Conservation tillage in organic farming systems has potential effects on the physical and mechanical properties of the soil. This study evaluated the impact of different conservation management treatments on the soil's physical quality in an organic field trial. The reduced-tillage systems showed lower total porosity, air capacity, and higher bulk density compared to plowing treatments, with enhanced soil aggregate stability. However, overall, the reduced-tillage treatments did not negatively affect the critical physical values or functionality of the soil, demonstrating its feasibility for sustainable organic farming.
Article
Agronomy
Chloe Salembier, Ane Kirstine Aare, Laurent Bedoussac, Iman Raj Chongtham, Abco de Buck, Nawa Raj Dhamala, Christos Dordas, Maria Renate Finckh, Henrik Hauggaard-Nielsen, Marek Krysztoforski, Soren Lund, Boki Luske, Bertrand Pinel, Johannes Timaeus, Cristina Virto, Robin Walker, Marina Wendling, Marie-Helena Jeuffroy
Summary: New forms of field experimentation, such as multi-actor experimental networks (MAENs), are emerging to support sustainable agriculture. This study explores the mechanisms through which MAENs support participatory design processes for intercrop (IC) design. The analysis identifies various generative functions, different ways to manage MAENs, and three strategies for managing MAENs to support IC design.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Fernanda M. M. Gamba, Adnan Sisic, Maria R. R. Finckh
Summary: This study investigated the virulence variability among Moroccan isolates of Pyrenophora teres f. teres, the net form net blotch of barley. The interaction between 109 single spore isolates and 12 barley genotypes was assessed. Cluster analysis revealed three isolate clusters and five barley genotype clusters with highly variable mean infection levels. The findings highlight the importance of diversification strategies and non-host rotation in disease management against this highly variable fungus.
JOURNAL OF PLANT DISEASES AND PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Odette D. Weedon, Sarah Brumlop, Annette Haak, Joerg Peter Baresel, Anders Borgen, Thomas Doering, Isabelle Goldringer, Edith Lammerts van Bueren, Monika M. Messmer, Peter Miko, Edwin Nuijten, Bruce Pearce, Martin Wolfe, Maria Renate Finckh
Summary: A winter wheat composite cross population (CCP) created in the UK in 2001 has been grown in Germany, Hungary, and the UK since 2005. A cycling pattern for the populations was developed in 2008/09 to test the effects of changing environments on agronomic performance. In 2013, the CCPs were included in a two-year experiment in Germany, showing comparable performance to line varieties and potential for competition.
Article
Mycology
Samad Ashrafi, Jan-Peer Wennrich, Yvonne Becker, Jose G. Macia-Vicente, Anke Brisske-Rode, Matthias Daub, Torsten Thuenen, Abdelfattah A. Dababat, Maria R. Finckh, Marc Stadler, Wolfgang Maier
Summary: This study investigated fungal strains isolated from eggs of the cereal cyst nematode Heterodera filipjevi and roots of Microthlaspi perfoliatum. The strains were found to belong to a distinct lineage closely related to Equiseticola and Ophiosphaerella. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated that the fungus could parasitize its original nematode host as well as the sugar beet cyst nematode H. schachtii. The fungus also showed the ability to colonize the roots of wheat and produce melanized hyphae.
Article
Mycology
Renee Lebeuf, Jacques Landry, Joseph F. Ammirati, Arne Aronsen, Taimy Cantillo, Robinson Castillo, Mike Anderson Corazon-Guivin, Gladstone Alves da Silva, Alden C. Dirks, Rosanne A. Healy, Quincy Marvin Holzapfel, Marian Jagers, Abdul Nasir Khalid, Yves Lamoureux, Hugo Madrid, Arooj Naseer, Jorinde Nuytinck, Fritz Oehl, Andre Paul, Viviane Monique Santos, Garrett Taylor, Adela Vallejos-Tapullima, Michal Gorczak, Danny Haelewaters, Irmgard Krisai-Greilhuber
Summary: In this article, the authors formally describe 12 fungal species, including Bipolaris chusqueae, Cortinarius anomalosimilis, and Inocybe nigroumbonata. Additionally, new country records for Camptomyces africanus and Tricholoma fulvimarginatum are reported.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jailma Alves da Silva, Daniele Magna Azevedo de Assis, Jose Hilton dos Passos, Fritz Oehl, Leonor Costa Maia
Summary: The structure, diversity, composition, and drivers of AMF communities in succession areas of the Atlantic Forest were investigated in this study. It was found that the distribution of AMF species varied with different successional stages and soil attributes, with higher rates of root colonization and number of glomerospores in the early secondary forest.
ACTA BOTANICA BRASILICA
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jan H. Schmidt, Leonard V. Theisgen, Maria R. Finckh, Adnan Sisic
Summary: This study aims to improve soil suppressiveness towards pests and diseases through agroecosystem management, using nematode-based bioindicators. The results show that non-inversion tillage is effective in controlling pea root rot.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2022)