The experiment was conducted in the Abi Al-Khaseeb orchard, Basrah, Iraq, during the 2019 season, on date palm (‘Hillawi’). The effect of foliar nano-fertilizer on the response of the growth and fruit ripening rate was positive. Adding nano-fertilizer to the annual date palm fertilization program improved growth and increased production. A comparison was done of foliar-applied NPK (traditional; 1 and 2 g·L⁻¹), nano-fertilizer, and a combined treatment. The results revealed that the treatment of traditional foliar fertilizer and nano-fertilizer together increased the weight of fruit and bunches, water content, indoleacetic acid, and gibberellic acid relative to other treatments. Nano-fertilizers (1 g·L⁻¹) led to an increase in fruit ripening rate, dry mass, total soluble solids, activity of the enzymes peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, and abscisic acid content. The leaflet protein expression shows that the appearance of protein bands 1 to 5 and 6 was upregulated by the control and traditional fertilizer, whereas the protein bands 6 and 7 were downregulated under nano-fertilizer. Hierarchical cluster analysis of proteins in the leaf in response to traditional fertilizer and nano-fertilizer showed two distinct clusters. The use of nano-fertilizer alone leads to the acceleration of fruit ripening, while the fruit production is increased using foliar nano-fertilizer with traditional fertilizer.

Yield and quality of chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume) are affected by nitrogen (N) availability; however, there are few reports on foliar and root absorption of different chemical forms of N in chestnut. To analyze the absorption characteristics of exogenous N fertilizer labeled by ¹⁵N in chestnut, nitrate and ammonium nitrogen uptake and allocation were determined in 1-yr-old seedlings that received soil and foliar ¹⁵NH₄NO₃ and NH₄¹⁵NO₃. We found that 29% of the nitrate and 25% of the ammonium absorbed by the leaves were translocated to the roots, while 62.01% of the nitrate and 63.27% of the ammonium absorbed by the roots were translocated to the shoots. The seedlings absorbed more nitrate nitrogen than ammonium nitrogen, and their foliar N uptake was faster than their root uptake. Most of the N absorbed by the seedlings was fixed in the shoots in both foliar and soil uptake. The proportion of N fixed was greater in seedlings subjected to foliar fertilization than in those treated with soil fertilizer. Foliar fertilizer application can meet the N nutritional needs of fast-growing shoots more effectively than soil fertilizer application; however, soil fertilization was a better long-term N source than foliar fertilization. Thus, ensuring an adequate supply of nitrate N fertilizer in the soil accompanied by a commensurate increase in foliar fertilizer application can effectively meet the nutrient requirements associated with the rapid growth of chestnut seedling shoots.

Broadening the genetic base of the C genome of Brassica napus L. canola is needed for continued improvement of this crop. For this, we developed few hundred canola lines from B. napus × Brassica oleracea L. interspecific crosses involving a B. napus canola line and six B. oleracea accessions belonging to four varieties, viz. vars. alboglabra, botrytis, capitata, and italica, and following two breeding methods [F₂ and BC₁ (F₁ × B. napus) derived lines]. The objective of this study was to understand the genetic structure of this population regarding the alleles introgressed from B. oleracea by using simple sequence repeat markers and to investigate the inheritance of B. oleracea alleles in these reconstituted canola lines. Marker analysis showed that the four B. oleracea varieties were genetically quite distinct. Several canola lines derived from these six crosses tended to group together with their B. oleracea parent demonstrating that the wide diversity of the B. oleracea gene pool can be exploited for broadening the genetic base of the C genome of B. napus canola. Loss of several B. oleracea alleles occurred during the development of these inbred lines. While comparing the two breeding methods for introgression of B. oleracea alleles, significantly greater loss of alleles occurred in the F₂-derived population as compared with the BC₁-derived population. Thus, the knowledge from this study can be used for efficient introgression of exotic alleles from B. oleracea into B. napus for broadening the genetic base of this crop.

Gray mold disease, mainly caused by Botrytis elliptica (Berk.) Cooke and Botrytis cinerea Pers., leads to severe losses in lily cut flower and bulb production. MYC2 is a critical regulator of the activation of jasmonate-mediated defense responses in plants; however, information about the lily MYC2 gene is limited. Therefore, functional characterization of MYC2 in lily, especially its role in plant immune responses, should be performed. Here, significant differences between the Botrytis-resistant Lilium hybrid ‘Sorbonne’ and the Botrytis-susceptible ‘Tresor’ were found following B. cinerea inoculation, as indicated by jasmonic acid (JA) and JA-isoleucine (JA-Ile) accumulation and related gene expression. More JA and JA-Ile were detected in ‘Sorbonne’ than in ‘Tresor’ following fungal inoculation, and higher transcript levels of JA biosynthesis genes (LhAOS, LhAOC, and LhOPR3) and a signaling gene (LhCOI1) were detected in ‘Sorbonne’ than in ‘Tresor’. In contrast, expression of the critical signaling regulator LhMYC2 was higher in ‘Tresor’ than in ‘Sorbonne’. LhMYC2 was then isolated from ‘Sorbonne’ and found to be similar to several plant MYC2 homologs that have pivotal roles in JA signaling. The expression of LhMYC2 increased significantly in response to JA and salicylic acid (SA) in ‘Sorbonne’. Ectopic expression of LhMYC2 in Arabidopsis resulted in greater susceptibility to B. cinerea than that observed in wild-type plants. This susceptibility was coupled with the transcriptional changes in SA- and JA-responsive genes. Overall, our findings indicate that LhMYC2 plays a negative role in Arabidopsis resistance to B. cinerea.

Cultivating drug-type Cannabis sativa L. with aquaponics could reduce mineral fertilizer use; however, its nutrient solution is often unbalanced and low in K⁺ and micronutrients. It is unknown if a K⁺ fertilizer, a micronutrient fertilizer, or both, would improve C. sativa production in aquaponic solution, as optimal K⁺ and micronutrient concentrations in the root zone for C. sativa during the flowering stage have not been investigated. To determine the effects of adding a K⁺ fertilizer and a micronutrient fertilizer to aquaponic solution for C. sativa production, we grew drug-type C. sativa in five aquaponic based solutions: aquaponic solution (control plants) (15 mg·L⁻¹ K⁺); aquaponic solution with added micronutrients (Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, B³⁺, Mo³⁺, and Zn²⁺); and aquaponic solution with added micronutrients and three K⁺ concentrations (75, 113, and 150 mg·L⁻¹) during the flowering stage. To evaluate the impact of additional K⁺ and micronutrients on C. sativa production, we measured growth (vegetative parameters and weight), physiology (leaf gas exchange), leaf nutrition content, and yield (inflorescence weight). Adding the K⁺ fertilizer at 75 and 113 mg·L⁻¹ with micronutrients to aquaponic solution increased harvest index (marketable inflorescence to shoot weight) by 16% and 22% compared with the control, respectively. Cannabis sativa dry apical inflorescence and total inflorescence yield also increased linearly with increasing K⁺ concentration. Alternatively, plants grown in the control (suboptimal K⁺ and micronutrient conditions) had no difference in growth or measured physiological parameters compared with plants with supplemented nutrients. Our study suggests that aquaponic solution mitigates low K⁺ concentrations from causing deficiency.

Effective management of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) in camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] production is important to ensure optimum seed yield and oil composition. The objectives of this study were to determine camelina seed yield and oil concentration and to estimate nutrient removal and N use efficiency (NUE) as influenced by N and S application. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of S rates (0 and 20 kg·ha⁻¹) and N fertilizer rates (0, 22, 45, and 90 kg·ha⁻¹) on camelina productivity and fatty acid composition over two growing seasons (2014 and 2015). Results showed S application had no effect on seed yield and oil concentration. Averaged across N rates, protein concentration increased with S application compared with the control. Seed yield showed quadratic response to N fertilizer application with maximum yield occurring at 54 kg N·ha⁻¹; however, economic optimum N rate ranged from 18 to 43 kg N·ha⁻¹. Nutrient removal, protein concentration, protein and oil yield, and estimated biodiesel were maximum at 45 kg N·ha⁻¹. The maximum amounts of N, phosphorus, potassium, and S removed were 49, 8, 10, and 7 kg·ha⁻¹, respectively. NUE and N agronomic efficiency decreased when N fertilizer rates were above 22 kg N·ha⁻¹. Application of N or S had no effect on proportions of saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our findings suggest camelina required 18–43 kg N·ha⁻¹ when grown in rain-fed systems in water-limited environments.

Compelling evidence recently demonstrated that plants can take up nitrogen (N) as organic molecules. Yet, very little research addressed this issue in the context of organic horticulture, where N is provided as organic residues. Organic N and carbon (C) transported from roots to shoots could contribute significantly to the plant C and N accumulation. We posited that the type (organic or mineral) and amount of N fertilization affect the soluble organic N and C content of the growing medium, in turn influencing xylem sap N and C and fruit soluble solids content (SSC). To test this hypothesis, we collected growing medium, xylem sap, and fruit samples in a greenhouse cucumber crop grown in a peat-based growing medium and fertilized with organic (blood and feather meals) or mineral (ammonium nitrate) N fertilizers. The organic N source reduced growing medium concentrations of soluble mineral and organic N relative to the mineral source through microbial immobilization. Xylem sap C and N were positively linked to the soluble C and N contents of the growing medium, contributing to higher fruit SSC. A causal model is proposed, in which 62.6% of the variance observed in fruit SSC is explained by variation in mineral soluble N and soluble organic C in the growing medium and dissolved organic C and amino acids in xylem sap. Our results provide in situ indications that organic molecules in the growing medium are taken up by cucumber plants and contribute to fruit soluble solids in a context relevant to greenhouse horticulture.

Natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMPs) are able to transport various metal ions across cell membranes, which play an important role in plant growth and development. Here, a survey of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] genomes found a total of five CsNRAMPs and four ClNRAMPs, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic relationships, CsNRAMPs and ClNRAMPs were clustered into three groups (I, II, and III). Five orthologous pairs were identified between cucumber and watermelon genome, and they were clustered on the same branch of the phylogenetic tree. The number of introns in CsNRAMPs and ClNRAMPs ranged from 3 to 13 and the genes from group I were more fragmented than those in group II. Subsequently, analysis of promoter sequences found that five putative transcription factors could act on NRAMPs. Moreover, CsNRAMPs and ClNRAMPs were differentially regulated by deficiencies of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), or zinc (Zn), along with toxicities of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, or cadmium (Cd). Functional analysis by heterologous expression in yeast indicated that CsNRAMP4 and ClNRAMP3 participate in Cd transport. Overall, the comprehensive analysis of CsNRAMPs and ClNRAMPs reported herein may pave the way for further investigations examining the regulation and functions of this gene family in cucumber and watermelon.

Canola production in western Canada has expanded such that in many regions canola area rivals the area seeded to wheat. This change can be mainly attributed to adoption of herbicide resistant hybrid varieties and resulting higher relative profitability. Producers responded to higher seed prices by reducing seeding rates, leading to plant densities that were often lower than industry recommendations. The study objectives were to examine canola yield response to plant density and assess economically optimal density levels relative to industry recommendations and grower practices. A meta-analysis approach was applied to yield response and plant density data with herbicide resistant hybrid canola from multiple studies. Three alternative marginal yield–density functions were estimated and used to calculate economically optimal plant density. Sensitivity of results to key parameters was assessed. Resulting optimal density levels under recent average prices, seed size, and emergence were 62–73 plants·m⁻², consistent with industry recommendations for western Canada. Recent field surveys report lower densities than this range, suggesting that producers are seeding at less than optimal rates; however, there is significant uncertainty associated with canola production and interaction of seeding rate with other factors. These would impact optimal plant density, although much of the uncertainty remains until well after seeding. The empirical results represent a foundation for development of more detailed models, highlight the significance of the relationship between plant density and economically optimal yield, and suggest the need to develop decision making tools to support producers in making canola planting decisions.

A Basidiomycota endomycorrhizal fungus, Piriformospora indica Verma, colonizes and promotes the growth of canola (Brassica napus L.) and other Brassica crops and can reduce diseases of other crops. Clubroot is an important disease of Brassica crops caused by the obligate, soil-borne pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae Woronin. The effect of P. indica on clubroot severity in canola was assessed in replicated growth room studies. Seed was treated with P. indica using a proprietary process. Microscopic observation confirmed that canola roots grown from treated seed were colonized by P. indica; however, P. indica did not consistently reduce clubroot severity and did not promote the growth of canola.

Although precision agriculture is touted to enhance both farm returns and environmental quality, its perceived uptake is not as widespread as would be expected. The objective of this paper was to update and compare the adoption rates for precision agriculture technologies in Ontario. Geographic service technologies were the most adopted technology and showed an increase in adoption between 2017 and 2019. The survey was extended to include crop input suppliers across the country. Increasing adoption rates for precision agriculture technologies requires overcoming barriers, specifically reducing the cost and providing demonstrated value.

AAC Madawaska is a two-row spring feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar with high grain yield and lodging resistance. AAC Madawaska was tested as CH2801-48 in the Maritime Two-Row Barley Registration and Recommendation Test and Ontario Barley Orthogonal Test in 2016 and 2017 before being registered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The cultivar was released by the Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, ON, in 2019. AAC Madawaska is recommended for barley growing areas in eastern Canada.

CDC Dorado is a yellow seed coat oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) registered in 2017 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. This cultivar has a 7% higher yield than AC Nugget in the Black soil zone of the prairies coupled with a earlier maturity than Flanders across 10 site-years in western Canada. It has a medium (45.2%) oil content, high iodine value (204.2), an α-linolenic acid content of 64%, and a 1000-seed weight of 6.0 g. It is immune to flax rust caused by Melampsora lini (Ehrenb.) Thüm. and is moderately resistant to wilt and powdery mildew caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. f. sp. lini (Bolley) W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hansen and Oidium lini, respectively.

CDC Melyn is a yellow seed coat oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), registered in 2016 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. This cultivar has a yield (106%) comparable to the cultivar AC Nugget (the yield standard for yellow seed coat oilseed flax) and a maturity rating equal to Flanders. It has a medium (46.6%) oil content, iodine value (199.4), alpha-linolenic acid content (61%), and a 1000-seed weight of 5.0 g. It is immune to flax rust caused by Melampsora lini (Ehrenb.) Thüm. and moderately resistant to wilt and powdery mildew caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. f. sp. lini (Bolley) W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hansen and Oidium lini, respectively.

CDC Buryu, a late maturing oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), was registered in 2016 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. This cultivar had a yield (106%) comparable to CDC Bethune and a maturity rating equal to Flanders in all soil zones of the northern prairies. The yield advantage over CDC Bethune was greater (>8%) in the Brown soil and Black soil zones of the northern prairies. It had medium oil content, oil quality, and seed size and good lodging resistance. It is immune to North American rust (race 371) caused by Melampsora lini (Ehrenb.) Thüm. and moderately resistant to wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. f. sp. lini (Bolley) W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hansen and powdery mildew caused by Oidium lini.

CDC Plava oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), registered in 2015 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, is targeted to the shorter growing season and the Dark Brown, Black, Grey, and Dark Grey soil zones of the northern prairies. This cultivar has a high seed yield (106%) compared with cultivar CDC Bethune and a medium maturity rating equal to Prairie Thunder. It has medium oil content (47.0%), α-linolenic acid content (57.8%), seed size (6.1 g 1000-seed weight), and good lodging resistance. It is resistant to North American races of rust caused by Melampsora lini (Ehrenb.) Thüm. and moderately resistant to wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. f. sp. lini (Bolley) W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hansen.

AAC Lorlie is a maple pea variety developed at Lacombe Research and Development Centre of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. It has large seeds with a 1000-seed weight of 236–269 g. The seed coat colour of AAC Lorlie has mottled brown patterns on a light sage background and cotyledon colour of AAC Lorlie is yellow. The variety reaches maturity 100–101 d after seeding. It has a pre-harvesting lodging score of 5.4–6.6 on a 0–9 scale. The variety is resistant to powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe pisi Syd.

AAC Brown 18 is the first brown mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] hybrid variety developed using an improved Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility hybrid system at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada — Saskatoon Research and Development Centre (AAFC-SRDC). AAC Brown 18 has significantly higher (24%) yield than the check variety Centennial Brown. It is resistant to white rust race 2a, whereas Centennial Brown is susceptible to race 2a. AAC Brown 18 is well adapted to all mustard growing areas of western Canada.

AAC Banner is a white-hulled spring oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivar developed at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. AAC Banner yielded well in Ontario and Quebec, particularly in southern and eastern Ontario, partially due to its superior resistance to crown rust (Puccinia coronata Corda. f. sp. avenae Eriks). AAC Banner also has high β-glucan content and superior post-maturation standability.