Cyanobacteria Based Nanoformulation of Biogenic CuO Nanoparticles for Plant Growth Promotion of Rice Under Hydroponics Conditions.

Synthesizing nanoparticles through a green synthesis approach is common nowadays. Cyanobacteria have attained great importance in the field of biosynthesis of nanoparticles as there is no use of toxic chemicals as reducing or capping agents for the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles. Micronutrient-based nano-formulations have become a topic of great interest in recent times due to their various advantageous properties and applications in agriculture. The current study aims to exploit the potential cyanobacterial strains isolated from different locations such as freshwater and soil ecosystems. The potential cyanobacterial isolates were screened based on their multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes such as Indol acetic acid (IAA) production, siderophores, and phosphate solubilization. After the screening of cyanobacteria based on multiple PGP activities, the cyanobacterial strain was identified at the species level as Pseudanabaena foetida RJ1, based on microscopy and molecular characterization using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The cyanobacterial biomass extract and cell-free extracts are utilized for the synthesis of CuO micronutrient Nanoparticles (NPs). The cyanobacterial strain Pseudanabaena foetida RJ1 possesses plant growth-promoting (PGP) attributes that provide reduction and capping for CuO NPs. The synthesized NPs were characterized and subjected to make a nano-formulation, utilizing the cyanobacteria-mediated CuO NPs along with low-cost zeolite as an adsorbent. The application of cyanobacterial biomass extract and cell-free extract provided an excellent comparative aspect in terms of micronutrient NP synthesis. The NPs in the form of formulations were applied to germinated paddy seeds (Pusa Basmati -1509) with varying concentrations (5, 10, 15 mg/l). Effects of cyanobacteria based CuO NPs on hydroponically grown paddy crops were analyzed. The application of nano-formulations has shown a significant increase in plant growth promotion in rice plants under hydroponics conditions. There is no such type of comparative investigation reported earlier, and NPs of micronutrients can be utilized as a new economic nanofertilizer and can be applied to plants for their growth promotion.

Nutrient supply systems and their effect on the performance of the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plant integration system.

The main aim of this work is to study the effect of different nutrient supply systems and their effect on the performance of the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) plant integration system. To achieve that, five treatments having different culture systems (T1: Aquaculture (control), T2: Hydroponics (standard requirement: N = 210, P = 31, K = 234, Mg = 48, Ca = 200, S = 64, Fe = 14, Mn = 0.5, Zn = 0.05, B = 0.5, Cu = 0.02 and Mo = 0.01 ppm), T3: Aquaponics without nutrients addition, T4: Aquaponics with supplementary nutrients (KNO3, 101 g L-1, KH2PO4, 136 g L-1, Ca(NO3)2, 236 g L-1, MgSO4, 246 g L-1, K2SO4, 115 g L-1 and chelates for trace elements) in water (EC is 800 ppm) and T5: Aquaponics with supplementary nutrients spray on plants) were carried out. The previous systems were operated at three flow rates, namely, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 L h-1 plant-1. The various water quality parameters, plant growth and fish growth were studied. The result indicated that the highest values of N, P, k, Ca and Mg consumption rate were found with T2 and 1.5 L h-1 plant-1 of flow rate. The root length, fresh and dry of shoot and root for lettuce plants grown in T2 system was better than those grown in different culture system (T3, T4 and T5). Different culture systems showed significant effect on fish growth in terms of weight gain, specific growth rate and feed efficiency ratio. Higher growth rate was observed in treatment T3 as compared to other treatments. The production costs ranged from 2820.5 to 4885.4 LE ($ = 30.92 LE) for all culture systems.

Hydroponic materials improve organic micropollutant removal in vertical flow constructed wetlands treating wastewater.

Unconventional substrata like activated carbon or clay beads can enhance micropollutant removal in constructed wetlands. However, hydroponic materials widely used in horticulture have not yet been investigated for their potential to remove micropollutants. In addition, potential effect of plant species other than reeds on micropollutant removal has not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, a nature-based, post-treatment technology called improved vertical flow constructed wetlands (CW) with hydroponic (H) materials (CWH) was designed by employing cocopeat and mineral with ornamental plant species syngonium and periwinkle. A mesocosm CWH system was tested in a climate-controlled greenhouse for 550 days for its potential to remove frequently found micropollutants in wastewater, namely sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, diclofenac, erythromycin, carbamazepine, pyrimethanil, tebuconazole, pymetrozine, atrazine and DEET from wastewater effluent. The main focus was to understand the contribution of sorption, microbial degradation and phytoremediation on the removal of those micropollutants. It was found that cocopeat showed a capacity for sorbing micropollutants, ranging between 80 and 99% of the compounds added while less than 10% sorption was observed for mineral wool. Additionally moderate to high biological removal (25-60 µg of compound/kg dry weight of substratum/day) for most of the studied compounds was observed in all the cocopeat biotic groups. Furthermore, it could be stated that plants appear not to be an important factor for micropollutant removal. The observed differences in removal between the cocopeat and mineral wool systems could be explained by the difference in physico-chemical properties of the substrata, where cocopeat has a higher water holding capacity, moisture content, nutrient and organic matter content, and a higher intraparticle porosity and surface area. This study revealed notable removal of persistent and mobile micropollutants in cocopeat CWH, namely carbamazepine (80-86%) and diclofenac (97-100%). These results demonstrate the potential beneficial use of hydroponic materials as substratum in more advanced constructed wetlands designed to remove micropollutants.

Biocontrol potential of endophytic Pseudomonas strain IALR1619 against two Pythium species in cucumber and hydroponic lettuce.

The use of fungicides to manage disease has led to multiple environmental externalities, including resistance development, pollution, and non-target mortality. Growers have limited options as legacy chemistry is withdrawn from the market. Moreover, fungicides are generally labeled for traditional soil-based production, and not for liquid culture systems. Biocontrol agents for disease management are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional agroprotectants. Pythium ultimum is a soil borne oomycete plant pathogen with a broad taxonomic host range exceeding 300 plants. Cucumber seedlings exposed to P. ultimum 1 day after a protective inoculation with bacterial endophyte accession IALR1619 (Pseudomonas sp.) recorded 59% survival; with the control assessed at 18%. When the pathogen was added 5 days post endophyte inoculation, 74% of the seedlings treated survived, compared to 36% of the control, indicating a longer-term effect of IALR1619. Under hydroponic conditions, IALR1619 treated leaf type lettuce cv. 'Cristabel' and Romaine cv. 'Red Rosie' showed 29% and 42% higher shoot fresh weight compared to their controls, respectively. Similar results with less growth decline were observed for a repeat experiment with IALR1619. Additionally, an experiment on hydroponic lettuce in pots with perlite was carried out with a mixture of P. ultimum and P. dissotocum after IALR1619 inoculation. The endophyte treated 'Cristabel' showed fresh weight gain, but the second cultivar 'Pensacola' yielded no increase. In summary, the endophyte IALR1619 provided short term as well as medium-term protection against Pythium blight in cucumber seedlings and may be used as an alternative to conventional fungicides in a greenhouse setting. This study also demonstrated the potential of ALR1619 as a biocontrol agent against Pythium blight in hydroponic lettuce.

Polyethylene microplastic modulates lettuce root exudates and induces oxidative damage under prolonged hydroponic exposure.

Root exudates are pivotal in plant stress responses, however, the impact of microplastics (MPs) on their release and characteristics remains poorly understood. This study delves into the effects of 0.05 % and 0.1 % (w/w) additions of polyethylene (PE) MPs on the growth and physiological properties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) following 28 days of exposure. The release characteristics of root exudates were assessed using UV-vis and 3D-EEM. The results indicated that PE increased leaf number but did not significantly affect other agronomic traits or pigment contents. Notably, 0.05 % PE increased the total root length and surface area compared to the 0.1 % addition, while a non-significant trend towards decreased root activity was observed with PE MPs. PE MPs with 0.1 % addition notably reduced the DOC concentration in root exudates by 37.5 %, while 0.05 % PE had no impact on DOC and DON concentrations. PE addition increased the SUVA254, SUVA260, and SUVA280 values of root exudates, with the most pronounced effect seen in the 0.05 % PE treatment. This suggests an increase of aromaticity and hydrophobic components induced by PE addition. Fluorescence Regional Integration (FRI) analysis of 3D-EEM revealed that aromatic proteins (region I and II) were dominant in root exudates, with a slight increase in fulvic acid-like substances (region III) under 0.1 % PE addition. Moreover, prolonged PE exposure induced ROS damage in lettuce leaves, evidenced by a significant increase in content and production rate of O2·-. The decrease in CAT and POD activities may account for the lettuce's response to environmental stress, potentially surpassing its tolerance threshold or undergoing adaptive regulation. These findings underscore the potential risk of prolonged exposure to PE MPs on lettuce growth.

Migration of phosphorus in pig manure during pyrolysis process and slow-release mechanism of biochar in hydroponic application.

Pyrolysis is an effective method for treating of livestock and poultry manure developed in recent years. It can completely decompose pathogens and antibiotics, stabilize heavy metals, and enrich phosphorus (P) in biochar. To elucidate the P migration mechanism under different pig manure pyrolysis temperatures, sequential fractionation, solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure techniques were used to analyze the P species in pig manure biochar (PMB). The results indicated that most of the organic P in the pig manure was converted to inorganic P during pyrolysis. Moreover, the transformation to different P groups pathways was clarified. The phase transition from amorphous to crystalline calcium phosphate was promoted when the temperature was above 600 °C. The content of P extracted by hydrochloric acid, which was the long-term available P for plant uptake, increased significantly. PMB pyrolyzed at 600 °C can be used as a highly effective substitute for P source. It provides the necessary P species (e.g. water-soluble P.) and metal elements for the growth of water spinach plants, and which are slow-release comparing with the Hogland nutrient solution.

Enhanced vegetable production in hydroponic systems using decontamination of closed circulating fluid.

While plant microorganisms can promote plants by producing natural antibiotics, they can also be vectors for disease transmission. Contamination from plant management practices and the surrounding environment can adversely affect plants, leading to infections and hindered growth due to microbial competition for nutrients. The recirculation of nutrient-rich fluids can facilitate the transport of microorganisms between vegetables in the hydroponic production system. This issue can be addressed through the application of the decontamination method in the hydroponic liquid. Ultraviolet light (UV-C) has been employed for microbiology, and its effects on lettuce were evaluated in this study. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a decontamination system using UV-C in hydroponic solutions during nutrient recirculation in hydroponics. We evaluated the time required for lettuce plants to reach their maximum height, as well as their pigment content, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and micro and macronutrient levels. The evaluation was conducted under two photoperiods (18 and 20 hours) in lettuce samples exposed to UV-C in the hydroponic fluid, with control groups not exposed to UV-C. The application of the UV-C decontamination system in hydroponic circulation water containing nutrients accelerated plant growth while maintaining nutritional values equal to or higher than those in the control groups without such a system. The results of microorganism control highlight the potential application of this technique for enhancing and expediting vegetable production. This approach reduces production time and enhances nutrient absorption and the content of certain compounds and minerals.

Sorghum hybrids grown in hydroponics contrast for phosphorus use efficiency / Híbridos de sorgo crescidos em hidroponia contrastam para eficiência de uso de fósforo

Phosphorus (P) use efficiency is crucial for sorghum production. P acquisition efficiency is the most important component of P use efficiency. The early-stage evaluation of plant development is a useful tool for identifying P-efficient genotypes. This study aimed to identify sorghum hybrids that are efficient in P use efficiency and assess the genetic diversity among hybrids based on traits related to P acquisition efficiency. Thus, 38 sorghum hybrids and two inbred lines (checks) were evaluated under low and high P in a paper pouch system with nutrient solution. Biomass and root traits related to P efficiency were measured. There was no interaction between genotypes and P levels concerning all evaluated traits. The biomass and root traits, except root diameter, presented smaller means under low P than high P. Efficient and inefficient hybrids under each P level were identified. The genetic diversity assessment grouped these genotypes in different clusters. The hybrids AG1090, MSK326, AG1060, 1G100, AS 4639, DKB 540, and DKB 590 were superior under low-P and high-P. Hybrids SC121, 1236020 e 1167017 presented the lowest means than all other hybrids, under both conditions. The evaluated hybrids showed phenotypic diversity for traits related to P acquisition, such as root length and root surface area, which can be useful for establishing selection strategies for sorghum breeding programs and increasing P use efficiency.

A eficiência do uso do fósforo (P) é fundamental para a produção de sorgo. A avaliação no estágio inicial do desenvolvimento da planta é uma ferramenta útil para a identificação de genótipos eficientes de P. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar híbridos de sorgo que sejam eficientes ao uso de P e avaliar a diversidade genética entre os híbridos com base em características relacionadas à eficiência de aquisição de P. Assim, 38 híbridos de sorgo e duas linhagens (testemunhas) foram avaliados sob baixo e alto P em sistema de pastas de papel com solução nutritiva. Características de biomassa e de raiz relacionadas à eficiência de P foram mensuradas. Não houve interação entre genótipos e níveis de P em todas as características avaliadas. As características de biomassa e raiz, exceto o diâmetro da raiz, apresentaram médias menores sob baixo P em comparação com alto P. Híbridos eficientes e ineficientes sob cada nível de P foram identificados e agrupados quanto à diversidade genética. Os híbridos AG1090, MSK326, AG1060, 1G100, AS 4639, DKB 540 e DKB 590 foram superiores sob baixo-P e alto-P. Os híbridos SC121, 1236020 e 1167017 apresentaram as menores médias que todos os outros híbridos, em ambas condições. Os híbridos avaliados apresentaram diversidade fenotípica para características relacionadas à aquisição de P, como comprimento e área superficial da raiz, o que pode ser útil para estabelecer estratégias de seleção para programas de melhoramento de sorgo e aumentar a eficiência de uso do P.

Microbial desalination cell treated spent geothermal brine as a nutrient medium in hydroponic lettuce cultivation: Health risk assessment.

The scarcity and contamination of freshwater resources are extremely critical issues today, and the expansion of water reuse has been considered as an option to decrease its impact. Therefore, the reuse of microbial desalination (MDC)-treated spent geothermal brine for agricultural purposes arises as a good solution to prevent water contamination and provide sustainable water usage. In this study, the potential of treated spent geothermal water from MDC system as a nutrient solution for the hydroponic cultivation of lettuce was evaluated. The effects of different water samples (Hoagland solution (R1) as a control, MDC-treated water (R2), 1:1, v/v mixture of MDC-treated water and Hoagland solution (R3), 4:1, v/v mixture of MDC-treated water and Hoagland solution (R4), and tap water (R5)) on lettuce growth were considered. The application of R3 and R4 samples for hydroponic lettuce cultivation was promising since the lettuce plants uptake sufficient nutrients for their growth and productivity with low toxic metal concentrations. In addition, the chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, and carotene contents of lettuce were in the range of 1.045-2.391 mg/g, 0.761-1.986 mg/g, and 0.296-0.423 mg/g in different water samples, respectively. The content of chlorophyll-a was highest in R1 (2.391 mg/g), followed by R3 (2.371 mg/g). Furthermore, the health risk assessment of heavy metal accumulations in the lettuce plants cultivated in the various water samples was determined. Results showed that heavy metal exposure via lettuce consumption is unlikely to suffer noticeable adverse health problems with values below the permissible limit value.

Nutrient Solution Flowing Environment Affects Metabolite Synthesis Inducing Root Thigmomorphogenesis of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in Hydroponics.

The principal difference between hydroponics and other substrate cultivation methods is the flowing liquid hydroponic cultivation substrate. Our previous studies have revealed that a suitable flowing environment of nutrient solution promoted root development and plant growth, while an excess flow environment was unfavorable for plants. To explain the thigmomorphogenetic response of excess flow-induced metabolic changes, six groups of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), including two flow conditions and three time periods, were grown. Compared with the plants without flow, the plants with flow showed decreased root fresh weight, total root length, root surface area, and root volume but increased average root diameter and root density. The roots with flow had more upregulated metabolites than those without flow, suggesting that the flow may trigger metabolic synthesis and activity. Seventy-nine common differential metabolites among six groups were screened, and enrichment analysis showed the most significant enrichment in the arginine biosynthesis pathway. Arginine was present in all the groups and exhibited greater concentrations in roots with flow than without flow. It can be speculated from the results that a high-flowing environment of nutrient solution promotes arginine synthesis, resulting in changes in root morphology. The findings provide insights on root thigmomorphogenesis affected by its growing conditions and help understand how plants respond to environmental mechanical forces.

Characterization and genomic insight of surfactin-producing Bacillus velezensis and its biocontrol potential against pathogenic contamination in lettuce hydroponics.

Due to food borne pathogen, maintaining the viability of fresh fruits and vegetable is a great concern. Several strategies including microbial and plant-based formulations to reduce their infection and maintain quality of the fresh food are in practice. Currently, Bacillus has gained significant traction as a biocontrol agent for regulating diseases affecting a variety of agricultural and horticultural crops. Food-grade citric acid and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were used as antimicrobial agent, MIC results showed that PGPR (14.87 mm) and CA (20.25 mm) exhibited notable antimicrobial activity against E. coli. Lettuce treated with PGPR showed reduction in E. coli contamination, E. coli was detected at 3.30, 3.68 in control, and 2.7 log CFU/g in random root injury lettuce inoculated with PGPR KACC 21110 respectively. Random root injury showed a trend toward increasing E. coli internalization. The strains exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics, including Imipenem, tetracycline, ampicillin, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, and ceftriaxone. Comprehensive data analysis revealed the presence of ten putative bacteriocin or bacteriocin-like gene clusters. The structure of lipopeptide homologs was characterized by using QTOF-MS/MS. The mass ion peaks attributed to surfactin homologs, surfactin A ion at m/z 1008.66, surfactin B, C at m/z 1022.67 and 1036.69. In addition to surfactin, a polyketide oxydifficidin and lipopeptide NO were extracted and detected from the extract of B. velezensis. Both isolates are key biocontrol agents and have significant potential in combating foodborne pathogens and can be utilized to explore novel antibacterial products for preventing pathogens in fresh produce.

PRODUCTIVITY AND SELENIUM ENRICHMENT OF STEVIA IN HYDROPONIC AND SOIL CULTIVATION SYSTEMS IN THE ARARAT VALLEY.

Hydroponics offers a viable solution for obtaining plant products that are rich in micronutrients and ultramicronutrients, such as selenium. Selenium plays a crucial role in strengthening the body's immune defense and acts as a potent antioxidant. Low levels of selenium have been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (SrB), a relatively new crop in plant cultivation, was the focus of the present study. SrB has numerous medicinal and prophylactic properties, and its leaves are rich in macro- and microelements, vitamins, and diterpene glycosides. These diterpene glycosides, when extracted from the plant material, exhibit a sweetness that is 200-300 times greater than that of sugar. The study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous application of varying amounts of selenium to the nutrient solution and foliar feeding of SrB plants with a selenium aqueous solution. The productivity of SrB and selenium accumulation in the leaves were assessed under both hydroponic and soil cultivation conditions in the Ararat Valley. Comparative analyses were also conducted on biometric and biochemical indicators, as well as the productivity of SrB cultivated using different fillers, including black volcanic slag, red volcanic slag, and gravel, in hydroponic and soil environments. The findings of this research hold practical significance as they serve as a foundation for the development of biotechnological approaches to enhance selenium enrichment in various crops. By applying these strategies, crop cultivation methods can be improved, and the selenium content in plant products can be enhanced. This optimization of crop production techniques can increase the nutritional value and potential health benefits of selenium-enriched plant products.

Effects of different phosphorus levels on tiller bud development in hydroponic Phyllostachys edulis seedlings.

An appropriate amount of phosphate fertilizer can improve the germination rate of bamboo buds and increase the bamboo shoot output. However, the underlying biological mechanisms of phosphate fertilizer in bamboo shoot development have not been systematically reported. Herein, the effects of low (LP, 1 µM), normal (NP, 50 µM) and high (HP, 1000 µM) phosphorus (P) on the growth and development of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) tiller buds were first investigated. Phenotypically, the seedling biomass, average number of tiller buds and bud height growth rate under the LP and HP treatments were significantly lower than those under the NP treatment. Next, the microstructure difference of tiller buds in the late development stage (S4) at three P levels was analyzed. The number of internode cells and vascular bundles were significantly lower in the LP treatments than in the NP treatments. The relative expression levels of eight P transport genes, eight hormone-related genes and four bud development genes at the tiller bud developmental stage (S2-S4) and the tiller bud re-tillering stage were analyzed with real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the expression trends for most P transport genes, hormone-related genes and bud development genes from S2 to S4 were diversified at different P levels, and the expression levels were also different at different P levels. In the tiller bud re-tillering stage, the expression levels of seven P transport genes and six hormone-related genes showed a downward trend with increasing P level. REV expression level decreased under LP and HP conditions. TB1 expression level increased under HP condition. Therefore, we conclude that P deficiency inhibits tiller bud development and re-tillering, and that P depends on the expression of REV and TB1 genes and auxin, cytokinin and strigolactones synthesis and transporter genes to mediate tiller bud development and re-tillering.

Neuroprotective effects of hydroponic ginseng fermented by Lactococcus lactis KC24 in oxidatively stressed SH-SY5Y cells.

BACKGROUND: Panax ginseng Meyer, a traditional herb in Asia, contains bioactive compounds such as polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and ginsenosides. Furthermore, fermentation with probiotics can promote the biofunctional activities of ginseng. This study's object was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of hydroponic ginseng against hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 )-induced cytotoxicity and its effect on the fermentation time. RESULTS: Nonfermented hydroponic ginseng (HNF) was fermented with Lactococcus lactis KC24 at 37 °C for 12 h (H12F) or 24 h (H24F). As fermentation progressed, the content of ginsenosides Rd and F2 increased slightly. The viability of cells pretreated with H2 O2 -exposed nonfermented soil-cultivated ginseng (SNF), HNF, H12F, and H24F gradually improved. In addition, a similar cytotoxicity trend was observed for the level of lactate dehydrogenase released. Fermentation with L. lactis KC24 also enhanced the protective effect of HNF in all assays related to the neuroprotective pathway. In other words, superoxide dismutase and catalase messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels were upregulated in H24F-treated cells. Similarly, H24F also upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor to the highest observed concentration. Moreover, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was the lowest after H24F pretreatment in H2 O2 -induced SH-SY5Y cells. Attenuating the cytotoxicity in H2 O2 -induced SH-SY5Y cells, H24F markedly reduced caspase-3 and -9 mRNA expression and caspase-3 activity. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HNF exhibited higher neuroprotection than SNF, which was enhanced after fermentation. This study demonstrates that H12F and H24F can be potential ingredients for developing healthy functional foods and pharmaceutical materials. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antiproliferative Effect of Essential Oil Obtained from Oregano (Lippia palmeri S. Watson) Leaves Grown in Hydroponics and LED Light.

Nowadays, light-emitting diodes (LED) provide an alternative source to sunlight with specific intensity and wavelength that promotes plant growth. The features offered by LED could also stimulate the production of secondary metabolites of pharmaceutical interest. This work analyzed the cultivation of oregano (Lippia palmeri S. Watson) in a floating root hydroponic system supplemented by full-spectrum LED artificial light. Growth indicators like height, diameter, number of shoots, and leaf length and width were measured. The essential oil (EO) composition from the leaves of wild and hydroponic conditions found thymol (41.8 %) as the main product for the former and carvacrol (47 %) in hydroponics. The antiproliferative activity of EOs on human colorectal cancer HCT-15 shows that 6.4 µg/ml for hydroponic and 7.4 µg/ml for the wild plant reduce more than 50 % the cell viability. Overall, this study indicates that hydroponic conditions and full spectrum LED modifies the composition of the EO of L. palmeri on compared with the wild plant, which effectively induces cell growth inhibition in human colorectal cancer.

Hydroponic Ginseng ROOT Mediated with CMC Polymer-Coated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Cellular Apoptosis via Downregulation of BCL-2 Gene Expression in A549 Lung Cancer Cell Line.

The unique and tailorable physicochemical features of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized from green sources make them attractive for use in cancer treatment. Hydroponic-cultured ginseng-root-synthesized ZnO-NPs (HGRCm-ZnO NPs) were coated with O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) polymer, which stabilized and enhanced the biological efficacy of the nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The flower-shaped nanoparticles were crystalline in nature with a particle size of 28 nm. To evaluate if these NPs had anti-lung cancer activity, analysis was performed on a human lung carcinoma cell line (A549). HGRCm-ZnO nanoparticles showed less toxicity to normal keratinocytes (HaCaTs), at concentrations up to 20 µg/mL, than A549 cancer cells. Additionally, these NPs showed dose-dependent colony formation and cell migration inhibition ability, which makes them more promising for lung cancer treatment. Additionally, Hoechst and propidium iodide dye staining also confirmed that the NP formulation had apoptotic activity in cancer cells. Further, to evaluate the mechanism of cancer cell death via checking the gene expression, HGRCm ZnO NPs upregulated the BAX and Caspase 3 and 9 expression levels but downregulated Bcl-2 expression, indicating that the nanoformulation induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, these preliminary results suggest that HGRCm ZnO NPs can be a potential candidate for future lung cancer treatment.

Biostimulant Formulations and Moringa oleifera Extracts to Improve Yield, Quality, and Storability of Hydroponic Lettuce.

The urgent need to increase the sustainability of crop production has pushed the agricultural sector towards the use of biostimulants based on natural products. The current work aimed to determine whether the preharvest application of two commercial formulations, based on a Fabaceae enzymatic hydrolysate or a blend of nitrogen sources including fulvic acids, and two lab-made aqueous extracts from Moringa oleifera leaves (MLEs), could improve yield, quality, and storability of lettuce grown in a hydroponic system, as compared to an untreated control. Lettuce plants treated with the MLEs showed significantly improved quality parameters (leaf number, area, and color), total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, and resistance against the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea, comparable to that obtained with commercial formulates, particularly those based on the protein hydrolysate. A difference between the M. oleifera extracts was observed, probably due to the different compositions. Although further large-scale trials are needed, the tested MLEs seem a promising safe and effective preharvest means to improve lettuce agronomic and quality parameters and decrease susceptibility to rots.

Production and characterization of cyanocobalamin-enriched tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits grown using hydroponics.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is absent in plant-derived foods such as fruits and vegetables. This can result in an increased risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency in strict vegetarians (vegans). There are several studies that have aimed to enhance nutrients in food crops. The purpose of the present study was to fortify tomato fruits with vitamin B12 (or cyanocobalamin). RESULTS: Tomato plants were grown for 70 days in hydroponic culture pots and treated with 5 µm of cyanocobalamin on days 1-24 after the fruiting, and then harvested for tomato fruits. The ripened tomato fruits contained 4.0 × 10-7  g of cyanocobalamin per 100 g of dry weight and showed a significant increase in glucose and lycopene levels. CONCLUSION: The present study highlights the use of a cyanocobalamin-supplementation system for the production of B12 fortified tomato fruits that can help prevent B12 deficiency in vegetarians. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Effects of pH value on stachydrine biosynthesis of hydroponic Leonurus japonicus and its physiological mechanism].

The present study explored the physiological mechanism of the effects of different pH treatments on the growth, physiological characteristics, and stachydrine biosynthesis of Leonurus japonicus to provide references for the cultivation and quality control of L. japonicus. Under hydroponic conditions, different pH treatments(pH 5,6,7,8) were set up. The growth, physiology, and the content of stachydrine and total alkaloids of L. japonicus, as well as the content of key intermediate products in stachydrine biosynthesis pathway(i.e., pyruvic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, glutamic acid, and ornithine) were monitored to explore the physiological mechanism of the effects of pH on the growth and active components of L. japonicus. The results showed that L. japonicus. could grow normally in the pH 5-8 solution. The pH treatment of neutral acidity was more conducive to the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments and the increase in soluble protein in leaves of L. japonicus. to promote its growth and yield. However, since stachydrine is a nitrogen-containing pyrrolidine alkaloid, its synthesis involves the two key rate-limiting steps of nitrogen addition: reductive ammoniation reaction and Schiff base formation reaction. High pH treatments promote the synthesis and accumulation of substrates and products of the above two reactions, indicating that the alkaline environment can promote the nitrogen addition reaction, thereby promoting the biosynthesis and accumulation of stachydrine.

Farming for Pharming: Novel Hydroponic Process in Contained Environment for Efficient Pharma-Grade Production of Saffron.

Soilless cultivation of saffron (Crocus sativus) in a controlled environment represents an interesting alternative to field cultivation, in order to obtain a standardized high-quality product and to optimize yields. In particular, pharma-grade saffron is fundamental for therapeutic applications of this spice, whose efficacy has been demonstrated in the treatment of macular diseases, such as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). In this work, a hydroponic cultivation system was developed, specifically designed to meet the needs of C. sativus plant. Various cultivation recipes, different in spectrum and intensity of lighting, temperature, photoperiod and irrigation, have been adopted to study their effect on saffron production. The experimentation involved the cultivation of corms from two subsequent farm years, to identify and validate the optimal conditions, both in terms of quantitative yield and as accumulation of bioactive metabolites, with particular reference to crocins and picrocrocin, which define the 'pharma-grade' quality of saffron. Through HPLC analysis and chromatography it was possible to identify the cultivation parameters suitable for the production of saffron with neuroprotective properties, evaluated by comparison with an ISO standard and the REPRON® procedure. Furthermore, the biochemical characterization was completed through NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses of saffron extracts. The whole experimental framework allowed to establish an optimized protocol to produce pharma-grade saffron, allowing up to 3.2 g/m2 harvest (i.e., more than three times higher than field production in optimal conditions), which meets the standards of composition for the therapy of AMD.