Comparison of effect of CdS QD and ZnS QD and their corresponding salts on growth, chlorophyll content and antioxidative capacity of tomato.

When applied in the same concentration to tomato plants, cadmium sulfate (CdSO and zinc sulfate (ZnSO) were transported from soil to roots and from roots to shoots more readily than their nano counterparts: cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QD) and zinc sulfide quantum dots (ZnS QD). Compared to the CdS QD, he higher rate of transport of CdSO resulted in a greater negative effect on growth, chlorophyll content, antioxidant properties, lipid peroxidation and activation of antioxidant defence systems. Although ZnSO was transported more rapidly than ZnS QD, the overall effect of Zn addition was positive (increase in total plant mass, stem length, antioxidant content and decrease in lipid peroxidation).

Structural and Functional Features of Chars From Different Biomasses as Potential Plant Amendments.

Biochars result from the pyrolysis of biomass waste of plant and animal origin. The interest in these materials stems from their potential for improving soil quality due to increased microporosity, carbon pool, water retention, and their active capacity for metal adsorption from soil and irrigation water. Applications in agriculture have been studied under different conditions, but the overall results are still unclear.

Variations in yield and gluten proteins in durum wheat varieties under late-season foliar versus soil application of nitrogen fertilizer in a northern Mediterranean environment.

Background: With the increasing demand for high-quality foodstuffs and concern for environmental sustainability, late-season nitrogen (N) foliar fertilization of common wheat is now an important and widespread practice. This study investigated the effects of late-season foliar versus soil N fertilization on yield and protein content of four varieties of durum wheat, Aureo, Ariosto, Biensur and Liberdur, in a three-year field trial in northern Italy.

Results: Variations in low-molecular-weight glutenins (LMW-GS), high-molecular-weight glutenins (HMW-GS) and gliadins were assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

Proteomics of Durum Wheat Grain during Transition to Conservation Agriculture.

Nitrogen management in combination with sustainable agronomic techniques can have a great impact on the wheat grain proteome influencing its technological quality. In this study, proteomic analyses were used to document changes in the proportion of prolamins in mature grains of the newly released Italian durum wheat cv Achille. Such an approach was applied to wheat fertilized with urea (UREA) and calcium nitrate (NITRATE), during the transition to no-till Conservation Agriculture (CA) practice in a Mediterranean environment.

Applicability of SSR markers to the traceability of monovarietal olive oils.

Background: To protect the features and authenticity of food products, the European Commission enforces two certification labels: Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). EEC Regulation No. 510/2006 imposes criteria for labelling, production and commercialisation of olive oil.