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Agronomy
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Effect of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Plant Growth and...
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Effect of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Plant Growth and Nutritional Value of Field and Vegetable Crops

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Farming Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2021) | Viewed by 48099

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Aspasia (Sissy) P. Efthimiadou

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Guest Editor
Department of Soil Science of Athens, Institute of Soil and Water Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization – Demeter, Lycovrissi, Greece
Interests: plant growth; field experiments; yield; soil quality; plant nutrition; soil fertility; product quality
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Nikolaos Katsenios

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Soil Science of Athens, Institute of Soil and Water Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization – Demeter, Lycovrissi, Greece
Interests: agronomy; crop science; plant propagation; weed control; seed treatment; soil quality
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There is an urgent need for an increase in the quantity and the quality of global crop production. Two main categories of factors that have great influence on plant growth as well as on the increase of crop yield and its quality characteristics are the biotic and abiotic factors, which influence or even determine the final result. Many studies focus on the influence of these factors on plant growth and nutritional value of field and vegetable crops, though climate change and new agricultural practices have changed the scenery.

Biotic (i.e., weeds, insects, fungi, bacteria, etc.) and abiotic factors (i.e., sunlight, temperature, rain, humidity, drought, salinity, air, soil, pollution, magnetic fields, etc.) can affect plant growth and crop yield in many different ways. A major target of modern agriculture is to produce adequate quantities of food to cover society's needs in sustainable ways, and at the same time to produce high quality products. This Special Issue welcomes researchers from a wide disciplinary background to share their research into the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on plant growth and nutritional values of crops.

Dr. Aspasia (Sissy) P. Efthimiadou
Dr. Nikolaos Katsenios
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • plant growth
  • seed treatment
  • biostimulants
  • yield
  • soil
  • plant nutrition
  • crop quality
  • biotic factors
  • abiotic factors

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3048 KiB  
Article
Do Water and Nitrogen Management Practices Impact Grain Quality in Maize?
by Adrian A. Correndo, Javier A. Fernandez, P.V. Vara Prasad and Ignacio A. Ciampitti
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1851; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091851 - 15 Sep 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4627
Abstract
Concomitantly pursuing superior maize (Zeamays L.) productivity with grain quality is essential for food security. Therefore, this study provides a meta-analysis of 21 studies assembled from the scientific literature to tackle the effect of the two most limiting factors for maize [...] Read more.
Concomitantly pursuing superior maize (Zeamays L.) productivity with grain quality is essential for food security. Therefore, this study provides a meta-analysis of 21 studies assembled from the scientific literature to tackle the effect of the two most limiting factors for maize production, water and nitrogen (N), and their impacts on grain quality composition, herein focused on protein, oil, and starch concentrations. Water stress levels resulted in erratic responses both in direction and magnitude on all the grain quality components, plausibly linked to a different duration, timing, and intensity of water stress treatments. Nitrogen fertilization more consistently affected the grain protein concentration, with a larger effect size for protein as fertilizer N levels increased (protein change of +14% for low, ≤70 kg N ha−1; +21% for medium, >70–150 kg N ha−1; and +24% for high, >150 kg N ha−1). Both starch and oil grain concentrations presented less variation to fertilizer N levels. The positive protein–oil correlation (r = 0.49) permitted to infer that although the oil concentration may reach a plateau (8%), further increases in protein are still possible. Augmented research on grain quality is warranted to sustain food production but with both high nutritional and energetic value for the global demand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Plant Growth and Nutritional Value of Field and Vegetable Crops)
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13 pages, 616 KiB  
Article
A Combined Nutrient/Biocontrol Agent Mixture Improve Cassava Tuber Yield and Cassava Mosaic Disease
by Kumar Neelakandan, Kalarani M. Karuppasami, Nageswari Karuppusamy, Kavitha P. Shanmugam, Pugalendhi Lakshmanan, Suganya Subramanian, Venkatachalam S. Ramasamy, Deivamani Mariyappan, Velmurugan Muthusamy and Djanaguiraman Maduraimuthu
Agronomy 2021, 11(8), 1650; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11081650 - 19 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2762
Abstract
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important tropical root crop and a major dietary energy source for more than 500 million people. The major production constraints in cassava are the occurrence of nutrient deficiency and cassava mosaic disease (CMD). Hence to increase [...] Read more.
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important tropical root crop and a major dietary energy source for more than 500 million people. The major production constraints in cassava are the occurrence of nutrient deficiency and cassava mosaic disease (CMD). Hence to increase the cassava yield, it is critical to develop a technology to overcome the problems associated with nutrient deficiencies and CMD. Series of field experiments were conducted to evaluate and validate a new mixture containing biocontrol agent and nutrients on different genotypes and locations. The result indicated that foliar spray of combined nutrient/biocontrol agent mixture at 21 d interval from one to five-month after planting (MAP) had significantly decreased the incidence of nutrient deficiency symptom and CMD incidence resulting in an increased tuber yield. There were significant differences among the cassava genotypes for CMD reaction and foliar spray of combined nutrient/biocontrol agent mixture at 21 d interval from 1 to 5 MAP. The genotype H226 had lower CMD incidence and higher tuber yield. The multilocation trial indicated that foliar spray of combined nutrient/biocontrol agent mixture at 21 d interval from 1 to 5 MAP significantly improved the tuber yield (24%) and decreased the CMD incidence (65%) than unsprayed control. Metabolomic study indicates that foliar spray of combined nutrient/biocontrol agent mixture has altered lipid biosynthesis and metabolism, as evidenced by increased accumulation of octadecatrienoic acid (2.28-fold) trilinolein (126.3-fold) in combined nutrient/biocontrol agent mixture sprayed plants over unsprayed control. Overall, it is evident that foliar spray of combined nutrient/biocontrol agent mixture from 1 to 5 MAP has decreased CMD incidence and increased the tuber yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Plant Growth and Nutritional Value of Field and Vegetable Crops)
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13 pages, 1290 KiB  
Article
Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Growth, Physiology and Postharvest Quality of Kale (Brassica oleracea), Wheat (Triticum durum) and Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) Microgreens
by Nikolaos Katsenios, Miltiadis V. Christopoulos, Ioanna Kakabouki, Dimitrios Vlachakis, Victor Kavvadias and Aspasia Efthimiadou
Agronomy 2021, 11(7), 1364; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11071364 - 4 Jul 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3947
Abstract
Microgreens’ popularity is increasing worldwide, and many efforts are focused on novel techniques that could increase fresh production without affecting the quality and the shelf life of the young plants. Three species of microgreens (kale, durum wheat, and spinach) were cultivated in a [...] Read more.
Microgreens’ popularity is increasing worldwide, and many efforts are focused on novel techniques that could increase fresh production without affecting the quality and the shelf life of the young plants. Three species of microgreens (kale, durum wheat, and spinach) were cultivated in a greenhouse experiment in November–December 2020. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) was applied at three different growth stages (seed, newly developed plant, and before harvest) and three different times of exposure at each stage, while untreated seeds were used as control. According to the results, certain PEMF treatments increased fresh weight for all three plant species, while dry weight was higher in the treated plants for wheat and spinach, compared to the control. As for the color parameters L*, a*, and b*, at the harvest and postharvest, PEMF treatments had no negative effects, either at harvest or at green color retention, during storage. Moreover, PEMF treatments improved green color in wheat, and restricted yellow color in spinach. An important finding regarding respiration was that PEMF treatments increased both O2 consumption and CO2 production for durum wheat and CO2 production for spinach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Plant Growth and Nutritional Value of Field and Vegetable Crops)
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25 pages, 1643 KiB  
Article
Adaptive Responses to Nitrogen and Light Supplies of a Local Varieties of Sweet Pepper from the Abruzzo Region, Southern Italy
by Fabio Stagnari, Gabriele Campanelli, Angelica Galieni, Cristiano Platani, Aldo Bertone and Nadia Ficcadenti
Agronomy 2021, 11(7), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11071343 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1996
Abstract
Local varieties represent a heritage for plant biodiversity and, thanks to their resilience, are characterized by a better adaptation and rusticity to environmental variables. This work reports the morphological and physiological responses of a local ecotype of sweet pepper grown in Southern Italy, [...] Read more.
Local varieties represent a heritage for plant biodiversity and, thanks to their resilience, are characterized by a better adaptation and rusticity to environmental variables. This work reports the morphological and physiological responses of a local ecotype of sweet pepper grown in Southern Italy, i.e., Altino, to N and light supplied at optimal and sub-optimal levels. In 2017, two open-field experiments were set up, comparing increasing N rates (0, 100 and 200 kg N ha−1, 0_N, 100_N and 200_N, respectively) and different percentages of shading and/or manipulations of the transmitted solar radiation, obtained through photoselective nets (red net, RN; black net, BN; unshaded Control). The unfertilized plants reduced growth (by 32% on average, at 83 days after transplanting, DAT), especially in terms of number of leaves, leaf area and effectiveness (chlorophyll content) of photosynthetic apparatus; no differences were recorded among fertilization treatments. On the other hand, the shading avoidance mechanisms resulted in higher biomass partitioned to leaves at the expense of sink organs, the building of more expanse (higher total leaf area) and thinner (higher specific leaf area and lower leaf-cuticular waxes) photosynthetic apparatus, and in a greater concentration of leaf pigments. The effects on yield and fruit quality of Altino ecotype deserve to be further explored. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Plant Growth and Nutritional Value of Field and Vegetable Crops)
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11 pages, 805 KiB  
Article
Effect of Genotype × Environment Interaction on Yield of Maize Hybrids in Greece Using AMMI Analysis
by Nikolaos Katsenios, Panagiotis Sparangis, Dimitriοs Leonidakis, George Katsaros, Ioanna Kakabouki, Dimitrios Vlachakis and Aspasia Efthimiadou
Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030479 - 5 Mar 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3113
Abstract
An increase in grain yield remains a major target for all involved in maize cultivation. In this study, five maize genotypes were evaluated in a two-year (2017 and 2018) field experiment that was conducted at six locations. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction [...] Read more.
An increase in grain yield remains a major target for all involved in maize cultivation. In this study, five maize genotypes were evaluated in a two-year (2017 and 2018) field experiment that was conducted at six locations. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis was used to detect the narrow adaptations of genotypes in specific mega-environments and the positive interactions of genotypes (G) and environments (E). According to the results of ANOVA, the G × E interaction effect explained 80.36% of the variation, while G explained only 12.79% of the variation, with the remainder explained by E (6.85%). The AMMI model indicated that GEN2, GEN4, and GEN5 were the most suitable genotypes for the three mega-environments delineated. Furthermore, GEN4 was found to have a large positive interaction with the environments featuring the highest rain precipitation during the cultivation period, while GEN2 had a large positive interaction with environments where the mean monthly high temperature was over 34 °C, according to the climatic data during the cultivation period. Additionally, the four environments with slightly acidic pH had a positive interaction with all genotypes of the research, except GEN2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Plant Growth and Nutritional Value of Field and Vegetable Crops)
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15 pages, 529 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Processing Tomato Pomace after Composting on Soil Properties, Yield, and Quality of Processing Tomato in Greece
by Ioanna Kakabouki, Antigolena Folina, Aspasia Efthimiadou, Stella Karydogianni, Charikleia Zisi, Varvara Kouneli, Nikolaos C. Kapsalis, Nikolaos Katsenios and Ilias Travlos
Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010088 - 5 Jan 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3487
Abstract
While processing tomato cultivation (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is considered one of the most important industrial crops in Greece, a waste known as tomato pomace is growing significantly high. Notably, the tomato pomace presents enormous opportunities for the creations of organic fertilizers. The [...] Read more.
While processing tomato cultivation (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is considered one of the most important industrial crops in Greece, a waste known as tomato pomace is growing significantly high. Notably, the tomato pomace presents enormous opportunities for the creations of organic fertilizers. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of tomato pomace as a fertilizer in the same crop. A field experiment was established at the Agricultural University of Athens during 2018 and 2019 in a randomized complete design with five treatments (control, inorganic NPK (NPK), Tomato pomace and Biocycle Humus Soil (Tp and BHS), Tomato pomace and Farmyard manure (Tp and FYM), and Tomato pomace and Compost (Tp and CM). Physical soil properties such as soil porosity and penetration resistance were improved by the application of organic blends. Additionally, soil nitrogen content ranged from 0.10% (control and NPK) to 0.13% (Tp and FYM). A significant increase of yield was noticed under organic fertilization where the highest yield of 8.00 tn ha−1 was recorded in Tp and BHS (2018). Lycopene content was significantly affected by fertilization and its highest values were 87.25 (Tp and BHS; 2018), and 88.82 mg kg−1 fresh (Tp and FYM; 2019). Regarding fruit firmness, the three organic blends did not have statistically significant difference. In addition, the Total Soluble Solids (TSS) was significantly affected by the fertilization and the maximum value was 4.80 ◦Brix (Tp and CM; 2018). In brief, tomato pomace blended with organic fertilizers was yielded considerable since it improved soil quality and increased yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Plant Growth and Nutritional Value of Field and Vegetable Crops)
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Review

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25 pages, 672 KiB  
Review
Evaluation of Various Nitrogen Indices in N-Fertilizers with Inhibitors in Field Crops: A Review
by Antigolena Folina, Alexandros Tataridas, Antonios Mavroeidis, Angeliki Kousta, Nikolaos Katsenios, Aspasia Efthimiadou, Ilias S. Travlos, Ioannis Roussis, Mohammed K. Darawsheh, Panagiota Papastylianou and Ioanna Kakabouki
Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030418 - 25 Feb 2021
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5883
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) management remains a global challenge for the sustainability of diversified farming systems. Field crops are often over-supplied with nitrogen by farmers aiming to high productivity. Although the increase of nitrogen rates leads in many instances to high yields, degree of effectiveness [...] Read more.
Nitrogen (N) management remains a global challenge for the sustainability of diversified farming systems. Field crops are often over-supplied with nitrogen by farmers aiming to high productivity. Although the increase of nitrogen rates leads in many instances to high yields, degree of effectiveness for nitrogen use remains low. Urease and nitrification inhibitors are technologies which have been present in the fertilizers market at least 50 years. Inhibitors exploitation ensures long-term nitrogen release and improved N-uptake by plants and N-storage in seeds and silage. Avail of inhibitors, such as the decline of nitrogen leaching in form of NO3−, reduction of emissions in NH3 form, and rise of yield, are some of the desirable attributes that are derived from their integration in fertilization schedules. This review reports the evaluation of applied nitrogen, with inhibitors, and field crops based on nitrogen indices. The examined N-indicators include Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency (NUtE,) Nitrogen Agronomic Efficiency (NAE), Nitrogen Harvest Index (NHI), and N uptake. This review gathered all, to the best of our knowledge, available data regarding the utilization of nitrification and urease inhibitors under an exclusively agronomic perspective. Either dual or single use of nitrification and urease inhibitors has been reported to significantly increase yield components and promote nitrogen uptake. To conclude, the assessment of N-related indices is vital to promoting sustainability in diversified farming systems, while the integration of inhibitors in national N fertilizations schemes may contribute to system profitability through enhancement of N-supply to crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Plant Growth and Nutritional Value of Field and Vegetable Crops)
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