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The influence of Hermetia illucens L. frass on the health, stress, and development of barley
Barley cultivation faces challenges from changing climate conditions, including the increasing threat of drought. This study explored the potential of a fertilizer derived from Hermetia illucens L. frass to enhance the development and health of spring barley under optimal and drought conditions. The experiment, conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment, employed various fertilization treatments, including cattle manure and two doses of H. illucens L. frass-based fertilizer. Comprehensive assessments were made through visual observations and physiological measurements, including chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf gas exchange, and CO2 exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. The results demonstrated that the application of H. illucens L. frass-based fertilizer significantly improved barley vigor and health compared to the control and cattle manure treatments, especially under drought stress. Physiological measurements revealed positive effects on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, indicating enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Leaf gas exchange parameters also reflected improved photosynthetic activity, with the H. illucens L. frass-treated plants outperforming others. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of insect-derived fertilizers, particularly H. illucens L. frass, as a sustainable and effective way to enhance crop resilience to drought. As climate change continues to pose challenges to agriculture, incorporating such novel fertilizers may offer a promising avenue for sustainable crop production.
Wpływ wybranych form miedzi na rozwój Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea i Rhizoctonia cerealis w warunkach in vitro
Effect of Biostimulants Containing Rhizobacteria on the Growth of Wheat, Barley, and Oilseed Rape Under Various Soil Moisture Conditions
Preparations containing appropriate microorganisms stimulate plant growth and are increasingly used to alleviate plant stress, including water deficit stress. Despite the growing interest in PGPR, little is known about the post-emergence efficacy of formulations based on native strains under water stress. In this study, we tested the post-emergence efficacy of preparations based on Bacillus velezensis_KT27 and Bacillus subtilis + Pseudomonas simiae + Bacillus velezensis_S103 at doses of half a liter and one liter × 200 L × ha−1 in culture fluid or oil dispersion each at a final microbial cell concentration of 5 × 108 (CFU/mL) for the tested strains. Our hypothesis was that the different biostimulants may positively affect plants’ tolerance to water stress. To this end, analyses of plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll, flavonol and anthocyanin content, and chlorophyll fluorescence were conducted under greenhouse conditions for winter wheat, winter barley, and winter oilseed rape. The preparations promoted the growth and water-stress tolerance of the selected plants, with effectiveness depending on strain, plant, dose, and formulation. B. velezensis_KT27 (0.5 L in oil dispersion) increased the dry weight of winter wheat by 17% (optimal) and 14% (water deficit stress) and of winter barley by 17% and 28%. Bacillus spp. + Pseudomonas spp. (0.5 L in oil dispersion) increased winter oilseed rape dry weight by 13% in both conditions. These findings highlight the potential of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. for post-emergence biostimulation under variable soil levels of moisture.
Agrotechnika i niechemieczne metody ochrony roślin jako działania wspomagające w zmieniającej się sytuacji geopolitycznej Unii Europejskiej – aktualne, innowacyjne badania i prace realizowane w Uniwersytecie Przyrodniczym w Poznaniu
The Effect of Post-Emergence Application of Biostimulants and Soil Amendments in Maize Cultivation on the Growth and Yield of Plants
Maize is considered to be one of the most significant crops in the world. On a global scale, the appropriate yield level of food can largely affect food security. During cultivation, this plant is exposed to many adverse environmental factors, including water deficiency. Plant stress is reduced by applying appropriate biostimulants or soil amendments. This study tested the effectiveness of preparations based on Rhizophagus irregularis, humic acids, Bacillus velezensis + Bacillus licheniformis and Methylobacterium symbioticum. The aim of the project was to assess the effect of selected microorganisms and substances on the growth, yield, and physiological parameters of maize. The hypothesis assumed that the preparations selected for this study could improve the condition of the plants in various soil moisture conditions. All treatments were carried out post-emergence. The experiments were conducted in greenhouse conditions, where, in conditions of different level of soil moisture, optimal and water deficiency, the effect of the above-mentioned substances and microorganisms on the height, mass of plants, and plant chlorophyll fluorescence was determined. Chlorophyll, anthocyanin, and flavonol content were also measured. In two-year field studies, the effect of the same preparations on plant height, grain yield, thousand-grain weight, oil, protein, and starch content in the grain was determined. It was shown that appropriately selected biostimulants have a positive effect on plant growth, physiological parameters, and the yield of maize grain. The impact of preparations on the grain yield depended on the conditions that prevailed in the growing season.
Protection of Oats against Puccinia and Drechslera Fungi in Various Meteorological Conditions
Due to their multi-purpose use and, in many cases, lower requirements and financial outlays for cultivation, oats are an interesting crop. However, fungal diseases may contribute to significant declines in grain yields and quality. The aspects that may potentially influence this matter of fact include weather conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the severity of diseases caused by fungi in oat cultivation during the vegetation season. The next goal was to assess the efficacy of the selected active ingredients (a.i.) of fungicides from the chemical groups of triazoles and strobilurins in selected diseases’ control under various meteorological conditions. All of the fungicides were applied in the form of a spray treatment to reduce the severity of the diseases in the cultivation of different oat varieties. Husked and naked oat varieties were used. The health status of the oat plants was determined on the basis of a macroscopic evaluation of plants performed in accordance with the proper methodology. Field experiments were carried out under different weather conditions, which varied over the years during which the trials were conducted. Statistically significant differences were found in the reduction in infection for F and F1 leaves with D. avenae and P. coronata in comparison to the control treatment, regardless of the a.i. used. The use of a.i. tebuconazole (250 g/L), a.i. epoxiconazole (125 g/L), a.i. azoxystrobin (250 g/L) and a.i. picoxystrobin (250 g/L) enabled a reduction in the severity of oat helmintosporiosis in all years of the study for all the varieties analyzed. The efficacy was 72.4%, 74.2%, 71.5%, and 73.1%, respectively. Higher efficacy in reducing P. coronata was found in comparison with D. avenae. The obtained research results confirm the satisfactory efficacy of the above-mentioned active substances in reducing the fungi D. avenae and P. coronata.
The Use of Selected Essential Oils as an Alternative Method of Controlling Pathogenic Fungi, Weeds and Insects on Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)
The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led researchers to explore alternative methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. Among these alternatives, essential oils (EOs) derived from various plant species have gained significant attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which can be utilized in plant protection. Essential oils are volatile compounds that possess strong aromatic characteristics and are found in many medicinal and aromatic plants. They are known for their antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities, making them viable candidates for eco-friendly pest and disease management strategies. In this research, six essential oils—pine, patchouli, geranium, spruce, coriander, and eucalyptus oil—have been tested in vitro for controlling mycelium growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria brassicicola, and Cylindrosporium concentricum. The study also covers experiments in controlling pollen beetle and cabbage seed weevil (laboratory trials). In greenhouse conditions, the phytotoxicity of EOs to oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and the effect of these substances on the control of cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) were also tested. The results obtained indicate a large diversity of different essential oils in terms of their action on pathogens, pests, weeds, and winter rapeseed. Differences in their effectiveness were also found, depending on the applied dose.
Biocontrol of Cercospora leaf spot in sugar beet by a novel Bacillus velezensis KT27 strain: Enhanced antifungal activity and growth promotion in laboratory and field conditions
Diseases in crops are a major contributor to yield reduction and economic losses. Cercospora leaf spot (CLS), caused by Cercospora beticola, is among the most severe diseases affecting sugar beet and other crops. The increasing resistance of C. beticola to conventional chemical fungicides, along with their excessive application, exacerbates environmental pollution. This study investigates the antagonistic activity of a newly isolated strain, Bacillus velezensis KT27, against Cercospora beticola, Rhizoctonia cerealis, and Fusarium oxysporum under laboratory conditions. The bacterium’s ability to produce lipopeptides (surfactin, iturin, and fengycin) and solubilize phosphorus, potassium, and zinc was also assessed. In vitro assays revealed that B. velezensis KT27 effectively inhibited C. beticola growth (60.2%), though it exhibited lower antagonistic activity against R. cerealis (22.5%) and F. oxysporum (15.5%). The elimination of bacterial biomass by centrifugation and the use of sterile supernatant reduced antifungal activity by more than 3.5-fold for all tested fungi, highlighting the importance of direct bacterial interactions. Notably, the antagonistic effect of B. velezensis KT27 against C. beticola significantly increased when bacterial cultures were supplemented with thermally inactivated fungal biomass of C. beticola especially R. cerealis. Field experiments demonstrated the high efficacy of B. velezensis KT27 biological control agent, particularly when induced by R. cerealis. The level of CLS protection achieved with the bacterial treatment was only 9.1% lower than that obtained using a combination of three chemical fungicides. Additionally, the biocontrol agent positively influenced sugar beet growth, leading to a root yield increase of up to 15.2% compared to the untreated control. These findings highlight the potential of B. velezensis KT27 as an effective and environmentally sustainable biocontrol agent against CLS in sugar beet cultivation.
Hermetia illucens frass improves the physiological state of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and its nutritional value under drought
To counterbalance the growing human population and its increasing demands from the ecosystem, and the impacts on it, new strategies are needed. Use of organic fertilizers boosted the agricultural production, but further increased the ecological burden posed by this indispensable activity. One possible solution to this conundrum is the development and application of more environmentally neutral biofertilizers. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two doses of Hermetia illucens frass (HI frass) with the commercial cattle manure in the cultivation of basil under drought. Soil without the addition of any organic fertilizer was used as a baseline control substrate for basil cultivation. Plants were grown with cattle manure (10 g/L of the pot volume) or HI frass at two doses (10 and 12.5 g/L). The health and physiological condition of plants were assessed based on the photosynthetic activity and the efficiency of photosystem II (chlorophyll fluorescence). Gas exchange between soil and the atmosphere were also assessed to verify the effect of fertilizer on soil condition. In addition, the mineral profile of basil and its antioxidant activity were assessed, along with the determination of the main polyphenolic compounds content. Biofertilizers improved the fresh mass yield and physiological condition of plants, both under optimal watering and drought, in comparison with the non-fertilized controls. Use of cattle manure in both water regimes resulted in a comparably lower yield and a stronger physiological response to drought. As a result, using HI frass is a superior strategy to boost output and reduce the effects of drought on basil production.
Hermetia illucens Frass Fertilization: A Novel Approach for Enhancing Lettuce Resilience and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Drought Stress Conditions
Agriculture is faced with the need to reduce mineral fertilizers in order to reduce costs but also to meet political goals. Resilience-enhancing climate change, especially in the face of increasingly frequent and prolonged droughts, has become another issue. The dynamically increasing production of insects for feed and food purposes has become one of the answers to this challenge. This study assesses the fertilizing efficacy effect of frass derived from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) production on lettuce (Lactuca L.) growth, including aspects such as yield, photosynthesis activity, photosystem II performance (chlorophyll fluorescence), mineral profile, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the properties of the soil were assessed by measuring the gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. The lettuce plants grew under two water regimes—optimal irrigation and induced drought. The efficiency of frass fertilization was compared with the control and traditional cattle manure. The results indicate that H. illucens frass (HI frass) used as a fertilizer increased the content of essential nutrients in plants—such as potassium and iron. As the dosage of frass increased, the content of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) doubled. The plants that were subjected to drought and properly fertilized showed greater resistance; therefore, a reduction in the synthesis of polyphenolic compounds was observed. Fertilizer had a positive effect on the efficiency of photosynthesis. This study underscores the promising impact of unconventional organic fertilizers, such as H. illucens frass, on enhancing plant performance, especially in challenging environmental conditions. Fertilizers obtained from insect production can be green chemicals in a sustainable food production model.
Synergistic effect of using active substances from the group of triazoles and strobilurins with biofungicides in limiting the growth of fungi of the genus Fusarium under in vitro conditions
The Efficacy of Plant Pathogens Control by Complexed Forms of Copper
Copper is a substance that has been used in plant protection for years. Currently, however, more and more attention is being paid to the need to limit the amount of it that ends up in the natural environment. At the same time, it is necessary to partially replace synthetic fungicides with alternative preparations. It is therefore worth looking for forms of copper that will contain a smaller amount of the mentioned ingredient while being highly effective. This experiment assessed the effect of selected preparations on the development of mycelium of pathogens of the Fusarium genus and the germination parameters of winter wheat. The efficacy of copper lignosulfonate and copper heptagluconate in seed treatment was tested, comparing them to copper oxychloride, copper hydroxide, and tebuconazole. The obtained results indicate that the use of copper lignosulfonate and copper heptagluconate allows for the effective limitation of the development of the tested pathogens (mycelium development was inhibited by up to 100%). Most of the preparations had no effect on the energy and germination capacity of winter wheat (only in one combination were the values lower than 90%). The use of preparations containing reduced doses of copper is an effective solution when applied as seed dressings.
Effect of Synthetic and Biological Plant Growth Stimulants and Soil Amendments on the Development of Maize in Various Soil Moisture Conditions
Currently, methods are being sought to reduce the effects of drought. The conducted research tested the effect of potassium polyacrylate, β-cyclocitral, and Rhizophagus irregularis on the development of maize (Zea mays L.). The first of the substances mentioned was mixed with the soil; the others were used as seed dressings. The effect of substances and microorganisms on the height and weight of plants, chlorophyll fluorescence and the gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere was tested in greenhouse conditions. Plant development was tested at optimal soil moisture levels and in drought conditions. Field experiment determined the effect of the abovementioned preparations on the height of maize, the level of grain yield and seed parameters. The hydrothermal index was calculated for the entire vegetative season of plants. All preparations used had a positive effect on the development of test plants. Significant improvement was found for many parameters compared to the control combination plants, including maize weight and grain yield. This was confirmed for various soil moisture conditions. An increase in grain yield was noted by 0.6–1.3 t ha−1 compared to the control. The tested substances and microorganisms may, therefore, be a good solution for protecting plants against the effects of drought.
Impact of novel herbicide based on synthetic auxins and ALS inhibitor on weed control
Abstract Delayed sowing of winter cereals or unfavorable weather conditions in autumn may make it impossible to carry out herbicide treatment in autumn. In such cases, weed control should be started in the spring. During this time, the plantation should be protected as effectively as possible because the weeds are at an advanced stage of growth. Therefore, they are less sensitive to applied herbicides. In the treatment, it is worth using a mixture of different mechanisms of action. Studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a band of tribenuron-methyl, and MCPA applied as soluble granules in spring control of dicotyledonous in winter cereals. The biological efficacy of herbicides was estimated in the 25 field experiments on winter cereals in Poland. Postemergence, a spring application of tribenuron-methyl + MCPA, effectively controls the majority of weed species present in spring: Anthemis arvensis, Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Centaurea cyanus, Lamium purpureum, Matricaria chamomilla, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Stellaria media and Thlaspi arvense. Satisfactory control was confirmed for Veronica persica, Viola arvensis, and Galium aparine. Tribenuron-methyl with MCPA is recommended for application to winter cereals in spring. To prevent the development of resistance in weeds, it is advantageous to combine two active substances.
Effect of the Time of Herbicide Application and the Properties of the Spray Solution on the Efficacy of Weed Control in Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivation
A field experiment was carried out in 2019–2021. The effect of an increased amount of iron in water and the addition of citric acid on the efficacy of herbicides applied in maize cultivation at various times was tested. In the pre-emergence treatment, thiencarbazone-methyl + isoxaflutole were applied, while in the post-emergence treatment, nicosulfuron + tritosulfuron + dicamba were applied once in a full dose or in low dose system at two times in half of the recommended dose with the addition of an adjuvant. In selected combinations, FeSO4 × 7H2O and citric acid were added to the composition of the spray solution. The species composition of weeds and the efficacy of the herbicides used were determined. Plant stress caused by competition from weeds was investigated by measuring the plant chlorophyll fluorescence. The height of the cultivated plants and their yield level were also determined. The lowest efficacy of weed control was observed when the post-emergence herbicides were applied once. Increasing the iron content in water reduced the efficacy of the herbicides, but the addition of citric acid made it possible to decrease this problem.
