Institut für Tropische Agrarwissenschaften (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institut)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hohpublica.uni-hohenheim.de/handle/123456789/21

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A low-tech approach to mobilize nutrients from organic residues to produce bioponic stock solutions
(2024) Heintze, Sebastian; Beckett, Marc; Kriem, Lukas Simon; Germer, Jörn; Asch, Folkard; Heintze, Sebastian; Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Nobelstr. 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (S.H.); (L.S.K.); Beckett, Marc; Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Nobelstr. 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (S.H.); (L.S.K.); Kriem, Lukas Simon; Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Nobelstr. 12, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; (S.H.); (L.S.K.); Germer, Jörn; Hans-Ruthenberg Institute for Tropical Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 13, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (J.G.); (F.A.); Asch, Folkard; Hans-Ruthenberg Institute for Tropical Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 13, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (J.G.); (F.A.); Liu, Guodong
Organic residues, as a nutrient source suitable of producing solutions for hydroponic crop production, have the potential to reduce the dependence on mineral fertilizers. Especially in remote and resource-constrained regions, organic residues might be the only option to produce hydroponic nutrient solutions. However, nutrient solutions made from organic residues, called bioponic solutions, are usually unbalanced in their nutrient composition, which leads to deficiencies and poor plant growth. This study aimed to experimentally develop a low-tech approach to produce bioponic stock solutions rich in NO3−, P, and K, to create a balanced bioponic solution. The mixed bioponic solution contained 58 mg L−1 NH4+-N, 43 mg L−1 NO3−-N, 50 mg L−1 PO43−-P, and 246 mg L−1 K+. This approach resulted in satisfactory levels of P, K and micronutrients. The solution was tested pure and spiked with Ca(NO3)2 on lettuce in comparison with a mineral Hoagland nutrient solution. Neither the bioponic nor the spiked bioponic solution achieved comparable lettuce yields to the Hoagland solution. The poor growth of the plants in the bioponic solution was attributed to an unfavorable NH4+:NO3− ratio, high microorganism load, and elevated pH levels. However, the approach of preparing bioponic stock solutions could be promising for future research into the production of balanced bioponic nutrient solutions from organic residues.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-based bioremediation of mercury: insights from zinc and cadmium transporter studies
(2023) Guo, Yaqin; Martin, Konrad; Hrynkiewicz, Katarzyna; Rasche, Frank; Guo, Y.; Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, 70593, Stuttgart, Germany; Martin, K.; Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, 70593, Stuttgart, Germany; Hrynkiewicz, K.; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100, Torun, Poland; Rasche, F.; Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, 70593, Stuttgart, Germany
Phytoremediation, a sustainable approach for rehabilitating mercury (Hg)-contaminated soils, can be enhanced by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, which promote plant growth and metal uptake, including Hg, in contaminated soils. Hg, despite lacking a biological function in plants, can be absorbed and translocated using Zn and/or Cd transporters, as these elements belong to the same group in the periodic table (12/2B). In fact, the specific transporters of Hg in plant roots remain unknown. This study is therefore to provide fundamental insights into the prospect to remediate Hg-contaminated soils, with a focus on the role of AM fungi. The hypothesis posits that Hg uptake in plants may be facilitated by transporters responsible for Zn/Cd, affected by AM fungi. The Scopus database was used to collect studies between 2000 and 2022 with a focus on the ecological role of AM fungi in environments contaminated with Zn and Cd. Particular emphasis was laid on the molecular mechanisms involved in metal uptake and partitioning. The study revealed that AM fungi indeed regulated Zn and/or Cd transporters, influencing Zn and/or Cd uptake in plants. However, these effects vary significantly based on environmental factors, such as plant and AM fungi species and soil conditions (e.g., pH, phosphorus levels). Given the limited understanding of Hg remediation, insights gained from Zn and Cd transporter systems can guide future Hg research. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of considering environmental factors and provides fundamental insights into the potential of Hg phytoremediation with the assistance of AM fungi.
Diacetoxyscirpenol, a Fusarium exometabolite, prevents efficiently the incidence of the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica
(2022) Anteyi, Williams Oyifioda; Klaiber, Iris; Rasche, Frank; Anteyi, Williams Oyifioda; Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Klaiber, Iris; Core Facility Hohenheim, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Rasche, Frank; Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics (Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Background: Certain Fusarium exometabolites have been reported to inhibit seed germination of the cereal-parasitizing witchweed, Striga hermonthica , in vitro . However, it is unknown if these exometabolites will consistently prevent S. hermonthica incidence in planta . The study screened a selection of known, highly phytotoxic Fusarium exometabolites, in identifying the most potent/efficient candidate (i.e., having the greatest effect at minimal concentration) to completely hinder S. hermonthica seed germination in vitro and incidence in planta , without affecting the host crop development and yield. Results: In vitro germination assays of the tested Fusarium exometabolites (i.e., 1,4-naphthoquinone, equisetin, fusaric acid, hymeglusin, neosolaniol (Neo), T-2 toxin (T-2) and diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS)) as pre- Striga seed conditioning treatments at 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 µM, revealed that only DAS, out of all tested exometabolites, completely inhibited S. hermonthica seed germination at each concentration. It was followed by T-2 and Neo, as from 10 to 20 µM respectively. The remaining exometabolites reduced S. hermonthica seed germination as from 20 µM ( P < 0. 0001). In planta assessment (in a S. hermonthica -sorghum parasitic system) of the exometabolites at 20 µM showed that, although, none of the tested exometabolites affected sorghum aboveground dry biomass ( P > 0.05), only DAS completely prevented S. hermonthica incidence. Following a 14-d incubation of DAS in the planting soil substrate, bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and fungal 18S rRNA gene copy numbers of the soil microbial community were enhanced; which coincided with complete degradation of DAS in the substrate. Metabolic footprinting revealed that the S. hermonthica mycoherbicidal agent, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae (isolates Foxy-2, FK3), did not produce DAS; a discovery that corresponded with underexpression of key genes (Tri5, Tri4) necessary for Fusarium trichothecene biosynthesis ( P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Among the tested Fusarium exometabolites, DAS exhibited the most promising herbicidal potential against S. hermonthica . Thus, it could serve as a new biocontrol agent for efficient S. hermonthica management. Further examination of DAS specific mode of action against the target weed S. hermonthica at low concentrations (≤ 20 µM), as opposed to non-target soil organisms, is required.
Governance of land rehabilitation and remediation: case studies of Ghana’s small-scale mining sector
(2024) Adu-Baffour, Ferdinand Ababio; Birner, Regina
The artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector is a complex and evolving industry that presents unique challenges within the global resource landscape. Despite its traditional labeling as artisanal, ASM operations are increasingly becoming mechanized, utilizing heavy machinery and hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide for mineral extraction. Concurrently, the informal nature of most ASM operations limits effective top-down regulatory enforcements due to governance challenges. These developments have led to wide spreads of degraded, contaminated and abandoned rural community lands which also serve as valuable agricultural and forest lands for inhabitants of affected mining communities. While the existing literature has extensively analyzed the impacts of these developments on local, national, and global economies, ecologies, health, and welfare, there remains a notable gap in understanding the governance of rehabilitating and remediating affected environments post-mineral extraction. Furthermore, phytoremediation – a biological innovation which can help remediate contaminated sites and address the problem of soil degradation and erosion, with reported economic and environmental benefits – has only seen very limited global commercial adoption. In regions where traditional remediation approaches are financially untenable, like in the Global South, however, phytoremediation is argued to be a suitable and viable solution towards a greener future for remediation and environmental restoration. This thesis aims to address the knowledge gaps pertaining to the governance of rehabilitating and remediating affected environments affected by mineral extraction in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. Specifically, it focuses on systematically investigating the governance challenges in ASM, exploring community-based solutions for sustainable land restoration, and proposing a framework for the broader-based application of phytoremediation to address land contamination in the small-scale gold mining sector in Ghana. These research objectives are structured around three chapters, with the first two focusing on empirical case studies and the last chapter serving as a review of scientific and grey literature, as well as project reports on land rehabilitation and phytoremediation. Chapter 2, which addresses the first objective, delves into the obstacles hindering the implementation of the legal framework for artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) in Ghana. The first part conducts an institutional analysis of the legal and political framework governing Ghana’s small scale mining sector, with a particular focus on its implications for post-mined land rehabilitation efforts. This is followed by an assessment of the practical application of the legal framework in the context of small-scale gold mining (ASGM) value chain, using the Process Net-Mapping tool along with stakeholder interviews. The study reveals outdated legislation, formal licensing bureaucracies, land tenure issues, and ineffective collaboration among stakeholders as major bottlenecks. Drawing on these insights, the chapter discusses the broader implications of the findings for the effective running of the ASGM value chain and recommends, among other things, the adoption of collaborative governance systems, like co-management, to ensure sustainability. Chapter 3, which addresses the second objective, examines community-based solutions for sustainable mined land restoration through a case study of an NGO-initiated project in five active mining communities in Ghana's Amansie West district. The chapter utilizes a combination of qualitative methods including the participatory Net-Mapping tool to explore conditions under which local communities would engage in restoration efforts without financial incentives, revealing community support, using communal labor, dependent on factors like land tenure arrangements and local leadership influence. The study underscores the potential of community-led efforts for land rehabilitation, emphasizing the role of social networks, norms, and land tenure structures. Chapter 4, which addresses the third objective, introduces a conceptual framework for the effective and sustainable application of phytoremediation to clean contaminated lands resulting from mining activities. This is the result of insights drawn from existing phytoremediation literature, including case studies where the field application or/and commercialization of phytoremediation has been successful, and lessons gleaned from other real-world applications of the technology. The framework encompasses technical considerations across the phytoremediation process and identifies the socio-cultural, economic, political, and institutional conditions necessary for successful large-scale implementation. The paper provides valuable guidance for regions seeking to leverage phytoremediation to benefit society and the environment. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to understanding the challenges facing the ASM sector and proposes innovative solutions to address governance issues, promote community-based land restoration, and facilitate the scaling of phytoremediation initiatives for sustainable development in the mining sector, particularly in developing regions. The holistic approach advocated in this thesis underscores the importance of legal reforms tailored to the constantly evolving ASM sector, stakeholder collaboration, adaptive governance systems, and community engagement to effectively navigate the intricate ASM landscape and maximize its beneficial effects on local livelihoods and development worldwide.
Win-win opportunities combining high yields with high multi-taxa biodiversity in tropical agroforestry
(2022) Wurz, Annemarie; Tscharntke, Teja; Martin, Dominic Andreas; Osen, Kristina; Rakotomalala, Anjaharinony A. N. A.; Raveloaritiana, Estelle; Andrianisaina, Fanilo; Dröge, Saskia; Fulgence, Thio Rosin; Soazafy, Marie Rolande; Andriafanomezantsoa, Rouvah; Andrianarimisa, Aristide; Babarezoto, Fenohaja Soavita; Barkmann, Jan; Hänke, Hendrik; Hölscher, Dirk; Kreft, Holger; Rakouth, Bakolimalala; Guerrero-Ramírez, Nathaly R.; Ranarijaona, Hery Lisy Tiana; Randriamanantena, Romual; Ratsoavina, Fanomezana Mihaja; Raveloson Ravaomanarivo, Lala Harivelo; Grass, Ingo; Wurz, Annemarie; Conservation Ecology, Department of Biology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Tscharntke, Teja; Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use (CBL), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Martin, Dominic Andreas; Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Osen, Kristina; Tropical Silviculture and Forest Ecology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Rakotomalala, Anjaharinony A. N. A.; Entomology Department Faculty of Science, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar; Raveloaritiana, Estelle; Plant Biology and Ecology Department, University of Antananarivo, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar; Andrianisaina, Fanilo; Department of Tropical Agriculture and Sustainable Development, Higher School of Agronomic Science,University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar; Dröge, Saskia; Division of Forest, Nature and Landscape, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Fulgence, Thio Rosin; Natural and Environmental Sciences, Regional University Centre of the SAVA Region (CURSA), Antalaha, Madagascar; Soazafy, Marie Rolande; Doctoral School of Natural Ecosystems (EDEN), University of Mahajanga, Mahajanga, Madagascar; Andriafanomezantsoa, Rouvah; Zoology and Animal Biodiversity, Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar; Andrianarimisa, Aristide; Zoology and Animal Biodiversity, Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar; Babarezoto, Fenohaja Soavita; Diversity Turn in Land Use Science, coordination office, Sambava, Madagascar; Barkmann, Jan; Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Research Unit Environmental- and Resource Economics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Hänke, Hendrik; Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Research Unit Environmental- and Resource Economics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Hölscher, Dirk; Tropical Silviculture and Forest Ecology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Kreft, Holger; Biodiversity, Macroecology and Biogeography, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Rakouth, Bakolimalala; Plant Biology and Ecology Department, University of Antananarivo, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar; Guerrero-Ramírez, Nathaly R.; Biodiversity, Macroecology and Biogeography, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Ranarijaona, Hery Lisy Tiana; Doctoral School of Natural Ecosystems (EDEN), University of Mahajanga, Mahajanga, Madagascar; Randriamanantena, Romual; Natural and Environmental Sciences, Regional University Centre of the SAVA Region (CURSA), Antalaha, Madagascar; Ratsoavina, Fanomezana Mihaja; Zoology and Animal Biodiversity, Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar; Raveloson Ravaomanarivo, Lala Harivelo; Entomology Department Faculty of Science, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar; Grass, Ingo; Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
Resolving ecological-economic trade-offs between biodiversity and yields is a key challenge when addressing the biodiversity crisis in tropical agricultural landscapes. Here, we focused on the relation between seven different taxa (trees, herbaceous plants, birds, amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, and ants) and yields in vanilla agroforests in Madagascar. Agroforests established in forests supported overall 23% fewer species and 47% fewer endemic species than old-growth forests, and 14% fewer endemic species than forest fragments. In contrast, agroforests established on fallows had overall 12% more species and 38% more endemic species than fallows. While yields increased with vanilla vine density and length, non-yield related variables largely determined biodiversity. Nonetheless, trade-offs existed between yields and butterflies as well as reptiles. Vanilla yields were generally unrelated to richness of trees, herbaceous plants, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and ants, opening up possibilities for conservation outside of protected areas and restoring degraded land to benefit farmers and biodiversity alike.

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