Rice biofortification is a sustainable approach to alleviate nutrient and micronutrient malnutrition. Research efforts have led to the development and release of more than 25 biofortified rice varieties in India with enhanced grain zinc (Zn) and protein along with high yield and good quality. The efficacy of biofortified rice varieties in animal models is encouraging. The adoption of these varieties by target consumers can translate the benefits of these varieties to address nation’s nutritional security.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the effect of coffee husk biochar application and Rhizobium inoculation on the agronomic traits and nutrient availability of various faba bean varieties. Four bean varieties (Local, Dosha, Gebelcho, and Numan), four inoculation levels (control, strains: FB‐EAR‐15, FB‐1035, and EAL‐110), and three biochar rates (0, 5, and 10 t ha−1) were tested on acidic soils collected from the Gorche and Hagere Selam districts. The results revealed that the treatments applied significantly affected almost all yield‐related measurements. Inoculating seeds with the EAL‐110 strain and applying 10 t ha−1 of biochar enhanced seed and biomass yields per plant by 7% and 8%, and 9% and 8%, respectively, compared to the control. Similarly, post‐harvest soil analysis revealed a substantial change in soil physicochemical parameters following the application of 10 t ha−1 of biochar compared to the control. The soil's pH, available P, exchangeable Ca, and Mg levels increased by 0.81 mg kg−1, 4.6 mg kg−1, 32.1%, and 46.2%, respectively. Inoculation with strain EAL‐110 resulted in significant (p < 0.05) improvements in total N (16.7%) and organic carbon (3.1%). Conversely, the varieties did not significantly (p > 0.05) influence soil properties and nutrient availability. Hence, this research has identified biochar and Rhizobium inoculation as agricultural inputs with the potential to improve soil fertility, reduce soil acidity, and increase nutrient availability. Therefore, planting faba bean varieties Dosha and Numan with 10 t ha−1 biochar and strain EAL‐110 outperformed other treatments and is recommended for future research under farmers’ field conditions.

A study was conducted to determine the dry matter yields as well as the nutrient compositions and in vitro digestibility of nine silage corn varieties grown as main and second crops under Van conditions. In 2020-2021, a study was conducted on 9 corn varieties from different maturation groups during the growing periods of the main crop and the second crop. The main crop was harvested during the transition from milk maturity to dough stage maturity, while the second crop was harvested at the beginning of the milk maturity period. The study determined the crude nutrient (DM, CA, CP, EE, ADF, and NDF) analysis and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the corn herbage. The Bodega corn variety had the highest DM yield in the main crop, while the KxB6451 corn variety had the highest yield in the second crop. Among the varieties studied, DKC5685 had the lowest DM yield, ADF, and NDF content in the main product. However, it had the highest CP content and IVDMD (p &lt;.05). The KxB8392 silage variety was found to have the highest CP content and digestibility compared to other varieties in the second product (p &lt;.05). It is important to choose the most appropriate early varieties that are suitable for the ecological conditions of the region. The Capuzi variety in the main crop and the KxB8392 variety in the second crop were found to be the most suitable in terms of DM yield, CP, ADF and NDF content, and IVDMD.

This experiment aimed to assess the dietary adaptation and utilization of high carbohydrate diets to Ying carp and scattered-scaled mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio), focusing on growth performance, muscle nutritive value, and nutrient metabolism. Ying carp (4.5 ± 0.2 g) and scattered-scaled mirror carp (5.01 ± 0.2 g) were fed isonitrogenous diets containing 20%, 30%, and 40% carbohydrates for 8 weeks; the nitrogen content of the three feeds was (5.12% ± 0.03%). After the trail, the final body weight, feed efficiency, and specific growth rate of both carp varieties were analyzed. Results showed that the final body weight, feed efficiency, and specific growth rate of both carp varieties were significantly higher at the 30% carbohydrate level compared to 20% and 40%, indicating improved growth performance (p<0.05). Crude protein content in whole fish composition was significantly higher at the 30% carbohydrate level compared to the other two levels (p<0.05) for both varieties. However, excessive carbohydrate intake (40%) led to pronounced liver fat deposition in both varieties, with scattered-scaled mirror carp showing less severe deposition than Ying carp. As the carbohydrate levels in the feed increased, the essential amino acid (EAA) and total amino acid (TAA) content in the muscle of both carp varieties significantly increased, while the content of unsaturated fatty acids in the muscle significantly decreased (p<0.05). Gene expression analysis revealed enhanced glycolytic activity (pk1) and inhibited gluconeogenesis (g6p and pepck) in the liver with higher carbohydrate levels. In muscle tissue, high carbohydrate diets reduced expression levels of genes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthesis (elovl5, elovl6, and rxrgb). The two carp varieties exhibited distinct adaptations to varying dietary carbohydrate levels. While a 30% carbohydrate diet enhanced the growth performance of both varieties, scattered-scaled mirror carp demonstrated higher growth efficiency, whereas Ying carp excelled in maintaining muscle nutrient quality, particularly regarding PUFAs and amino acid composition. These findings suggest that carbohydrate levels in feed should be optimized based on the specific goals of aquaculture, whether prioritizing rapid growth or improved muscle nutrition. Moreover, variations in the expression of genes related to carbohydrate metabolism between the two varieties influenced their metabolic responses, offering insights for designing variety-specific feeding strategies to support sustainable aquaculture practices.

This experiment aimed to assess the dietary adaptation and utilization of high carbohydrate diets to Ying carp and scattered-scaled mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio), focusing on growth performance, muscle nutritive value, and nutrient metabolism. Ying carp (4.5 ± 0.2 g) and scattered-scaled mirror carp (5.01 ± 0.2 g) were fed isonitrogenous diets containing 20%, 30%, and 40% carbohydrates for 8 weeks; the nitrogen content of the three feeds was (5.12% ± 0.03%). After the trail, the final body weight, feed efficiency, and specific growth rate of both carp varieties were analyzed. Results showed that the final body weight, feed efficiency, and specific growth rate of both carp varieties were significantly higher at the 30% carbohydrate level compared to 20% and 40%, indicating improved growth performance (p<0.05). Crude protein content in whole fish composition was significantly higher at the 30% carbohydrate level compared to the other two levels (p<0.05) for both varieties. However, excessive carbohydrate intake (40%) led to pronounced liver fat deposition in both varieties, with scattered-scaled mirror carp showing less severe deposition than Ying carp. As the carbohydrate levels in the feed increased, the essential amino acid (EAA) and total amino acid (TAA) content in the muscle of both carp varieties significantly increased, while the content of unsaturated fatty acids in the muscle significantly decreased (p<0.05). Gene expression analysis revealed enhanced glycolytic activity (pk1) and inhibited gluconeogenesis (g6p and pepck) in the liver with higher carbohydrate levels. In muscle tissue, high carbohydrate diets reduced expression levels of genes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthesis (elovl5, elovl6, and rxrgb). The two carp varieties exhibited distinct adaptations to varying dietary carbohydrate levels. While a 30% carbohydrate diet enhanced the growth performance of both varieties, scattered-scaled mirror carp demonstrated higher growth efficiency, whereas Ying carp excelled in maintaining muscle nutrient quality, particularly regarding PUFAs and amino acid composition. These findings suggest that carbohydrate levels in feed should be optimized based on the specific goals of aquaculture, whether prioritizing rapid growth or improved muscle nutrition. Moreover, variations in the expression of genes related to carbohydrate metabolism between the two varieties influenced their metabolic responses, offering insights for designing variety-specific feeding strategies to support sustainable aquaculture practices.

Boron (B) is an essential and widely studied element in plants. Due to B dynamics in highly weathered soils, its concentration is generally low. Among other benefits, B interacts with calcium pectate, promotes stability on cellular membrane, and influences directly on plant nutrients uptake and non-structural metabolites synthesis. In sugarcane (<i>Saccharum</i> spp.) crop, adequate B supply has been associated with juice quality and yield of stalks and sugar and its response on adequate B concentration on commercial fields can differ greatly even into a group of varieties recommended for the same production environment. In this context, the authors aimed to assess the effects of B availability on sugarcane root and shoot development, nutrient status, and carbohydrate synthesis and allocation in two sugarcane varieties recommended for the same production environment using hydroponic solution. The experimental design was completely randomized and consisted of four treatments and four replicates. The treatments comprised two sugarcane varieties (RB867515 and RB92579) and two B concentrations (0.05 and 0.5 mg L⁻¹) considered deficient and adequate, respectively, for plant development. Carbohydrate partitioning, nutrient concentrations in various plant parts, and growth and morphological parameters were evaluated. Under adequate B supply, the total concentrations of reducing sugars and sucrose increased 67 and 20% in RB867515 and 30 and 20% in RB92579, respectively, whereas starch decreased by 27% for both varieties. Adequate B supply increased the concentrations of all elements in all plant organs, except for N and K in leaves, and improved most yield and morphological parameters. Principal component analysis correlated the higher carbohydrates concentration and yield parameters with the variety RB92579, whereas the highest concentration of most nutrients was mainly associated with the variety RB867515, especially under adequate B supply. The main influence of adequate B supply was on carbohydrate synthesis. Although the sugarcane varieties responded differently to B availability, their biometric parameters were enhanced by adequate B supply. These results emphasize the need for B fertilization, regardless of the sugarcane variety’s susceptibility to B deficiency.

The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in assisting the growth of different fruit tree species is well-established, yet the impact of loquat cultivation under long-term human management on the rhizosphere soil characteristics and AMF community structure remains unresolved. To address this knowledge gap, we collected roots and soil samples from 20-year-old loquat in a loquat germplasm resources nursery with consistent water and nutrient conditions including one wild species (YS), three pure species (GXQH, MHH, DWX), and four hybrid species (ZJ90, JT, JTH, ZU7). Our analysis revealed that AMF colonization rates ranged from 40.57% to 65.54%, with Glomus (30.72%) and Paraglomus (29.46%) being the dominant genera across all varieties. Paraglomus dominated in pure species, while Glomus prevailed in wild species. YS exhibited the highest AMF richness than cultivars. Significant variations in soil nutrients and enzyme activities in the rhizosphere among different varieties. Total nitrogen (TN) and total potassium (TK) were significantly negatively correlated with relative abundance of AMF genera, suggesting that nitrogen and potassium may reduce AMF abundance. Mantel test showed that total carbon (TC) and soil organic matter (SOM) were the key factors influencing AMF community composition (P&lt;0.01). These nutrients were positively correlated with dominant AMF genus (0.06, R2 = 0.05) but negatively with rare genus such as Ambispora (−0.08, R2 = 0.24). Overall, these findings confirmed that plant varieties or genotypes drive changes in AMF communities and further demonstrated that long-term nutrient enrichment reduces the diversity of loquat rhizosphere AMF communities. These results support the use of AMF biofertilizers and reducing fertilizer application.

The composition simplex (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) of the leaf is the main score used by different approaches, like the Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System and Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis, to study nutrient interactions and balance in plant leaves. However, the application and validation of these concepts to grain composition remains unexplored. Contrary to foliar analysis’s early intervention for nutrient deficiency detection and correction, applying this approach to seeds assesses diverse cultivars’ potential, enabling anticipation of their adaptation to climate conditions and informed selection for future crops. In the present study, a collected database of more than 924 scores, including the grain yield (kg ha⁻¹) and the nutrient composition (mg kg⁻¹) of different corn varieties, is used to develop a novel nutrient-based diagnostic approach to identify reliable markers of nutrient imbalance. A ‘nutrient signature’ model is proposed based on the impact of the environmental conditions on the nutrient indices and composition (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) of the corn grains. The yield threshold used to differentiate between low- and high-yielding subpopulations is established at 12,000 kg ha⁻¹, and the global nutrient imbalance index (GNII) of 2.2 is determined using the chi-square distribution function and validated by the Cate–Nelson partitioning method, which correlated yield data distribution with the GNII. Therefore, the nutrient compositions were classified into highly balanced (GNII ≤ 1.6), balanced (1.6 < GNII ≤ 2.2), and imbalanced (GNII > 2.2). In addition, we found that the Xgboost model’s predictive accuracy for the GNII is significantly affected by soil pH, organic matter, and rainfall. These results pave the way for adapted agricultural practices by providing insights into the nutrient dynamics of corn grains under varying environmental conditions.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for human health, but selenium deficiency is widespread worldwide. In this study, we investigated the effects of selenium uptake, grain morphology, and antioxidant enzyme activities in three wheat varieties, including Huamai 1168 (high gluten), Huamai 2152 (medium gluten), and Wanximai 0638 (low gluten), by foliar spraying of bio-nano-selenium at the early flowering stage of wheat. The bio-nano-selenium nutrient solution was a patented product of microbial fermentation (Patent No. 201610338121.6) independently developed by our team, with a pure selenium concentration of 5000 mg/kg. The results showed that the total selenium content in all the varieties increased by 1843.52%, and the organic selenium content increased by 2009.87%, with Huamai 1168 showing the highest total selenium and organic selenium content. After selenium treatment, CAT activity decreased in all varieties; POD and SOD activities showed a tendency to increase and then decrease; MDA and proline content increased; and GSH content fluctuated during the filling period. Overall, foliar spraying of selenium enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and improved the plants’ ability to cope with environmental stresses. In terms of agronomic traits, bio-nano-selenium positively affected plant height (12.63% increase on average), effective spike number (17.24% increase on average), and spikelet number (17.81% increase on average), but had a limited effect on grain morphology. In addition, bio-nano-selenium not only increased soil nutrient content but also promoted the uptake of hydrolyzed nitrogen, effective phosphorus, fast-acting potassium, and sulfate in wheat. In summary, bio-nano-selenium is expected to be an effective tool for selenium biofortification of wheat, which not only significantly increases the selenium content of grains but also improves yields, stress tolerance, and fertilizer utilization, providing a potential solution to selenium deficiency through dietary solutions, while contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture.

This study aims to evaluate the nutrient status in the leaves of patchouli grown in Inceptisols soil in Aceh, Indonesia. The experiment utilized a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The study’s factor was applying fertilizer nutrients across eight treatments designed according to omission trials. The response to fertilizer nutrients was analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations in patchouli leaves 120 days after planting seedlings in pots. The patchouli seeds used were local varieties from Aceh (“Tapak Tuan”). Urea (45% N), triple phosphate/SP-36 (15.65% P), potassium chloride (49.8% K), calcium carbonate (40% Ca), magnesium oxide (60% Mg), and S elementary (88.9% S) are used as fertilizer sources of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S, respectively. The Inceptisols soil used was topsoil (0–20 cm). The experimental results showed that fertilizer nutrient stress treatment influenced the nutrient content of patchouli leaves in Inceptisols. The concentrations of N, P, K, and Ca in the patchouli leaves were below the adequacy threshold, showing deficiency symptoms. The critical nutrient levels in patchouli plants for macroelements N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S were 4.5%, 0.35%, 1.2%, 2.5%, and 0.25%, respectively. Only Mg reached the nutrient adequacy standard in patchouli. The limiting nutrients for patchouli plants in Aceh Besar Inceptisols are N, P, K, and Ca. It is necessary to add nutrients of N, P, K, and C macro fertilizers to increase the growth and yield of patchouli in Aceh Besar, Indonesia.