4th Leaf Research Articles

Study the effect of Ca(NO3)24H2O on root initiation in notch no. 3, 4, 5, 6 of the 5th leaf of Bryophyllum.

The role of ages of leaf, the position of notch on the leaf, supplemented nutrients and growth regulators etc. on the initiation of adventitious roots and their subsequent growth in excised Bryophyllum leaves was investigated, notches of Bryophyllum leaf was the most important site for the initiation of adventitious roots. Adventitious roots were initiated from the notches when isolated leaves were placed on soil or sand sprayed with water frequently. The number of notches in a Bryophyllum leaf ranged between six to thirty-six but adventitious roots didn't develop equally on all the notches present. It might so happen that the root hormones present at the notches responsible for root initiation were not present in the notches in suitable concentrations other physiological conditions prevailing at the notches might also be responsible for root initiation. Depending on the interesting behaviour of Bryophyllum leaves, a study on the physiology of initiation of root and subsequent growth of those roots in 5th leaf particularly 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th notches in presence of externally supplied Chemicals like Ca (NO3)2 4H2O carried out. As various factors played major role in production of adventitious roots and buds in the notches, a preliminary screening was done to ascertain the most suitable leaf in regard to root initiation number of root produced per notch, length of each root time taken for root initiation, in the notches. Further it was thought essential to select the most suitable notch for early initiation of root production of maximum number of roots and the maximum growth of roots. During the course of the research, it was found. That in the young Bryophyllum plants the 5th leaf (counted from the apex toward the base, leaving the young terminal bud) showed early rooting, maximum number of roots and longest roots. Then could possibly be attributed to the most capable leaf.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEWLY CREATED GENOTYPE OF VIRGINIA TOBACCO LINE V79/09 CMS F1 IN THE REGION OF PRILEP DURING 2012-2016

V-79/09 CMS F1 is a hybrid male sterile line created in the Scientific Tobacco Institute - Prilep in 2009 by intervariety hybridization. It was included in comparative trials in the period 2012/2016, performed at the Experimental field of the Tobacco Institute, along with introduced varieties as a check. Through the whole period of investigation, line V-79/09 CMS F1 showed better biomorphological and productional properties compared to the check varieties. Due to its characteristics, it surpassed all other varieties and lines included in the investigation. Thus, the line starts to flower in 71.8 days, 50% flowering occurs in 76.6 days and end of flowering in 81.8 days from the date of planting. The average length and width of the 5th leaf are 52.1 cm and 36.8 cm, of the 10th leaf 69.3 cm and 39.9 cm, and of the 15th leaf 64.7 cm and 35.1 cm, respectively. Height of the stalk with inflorescence averages 213 cm and the number of leaves is 34.0. The yield was 3450 kg/ha, but it should be mentioned that throughout investigation, the line V-79/09 CMS F1 showed statistically significant differences compared to the check varieties. All these characteristics make this line interesting for tobacco industry.

Growth and Yield Responses of Corn (Zea mays L.) as Affected by Growth Period and Irrigation Intensity

The frequency and intensity of soil moisture stress associated with climate change has increasing, and the stability of field crop cultivation has decreasing. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of soil moisture management method on growth and yield of corn. Soil moisture was managed at the grade of WSM (wet soil moisture, 34.0~42.9%), OSM (optimum soil moisture, 27.8~34.0%), DSM (dry soil moisture, 20.3~27.8%), and ESM (extreme dry moisture, 16.6~20.3%) during V8 (8th leaf stage)-VT (tasseling stage). After VT, irrigation was limited. The treated amount of irrigation was 54.1, 47.7, 44.0 and 34.5% of total water requirement, respectively. The potential evapotranspiration during the growing period was 3.29 mm day-1, and upward movement of soil water was estimated by the AFKAE 0.5 model in the order of ESM, DSM, OSM, and WSM. We could confirm this phenomenon from actual observations. There was no significant difference in leaf characteristics, dry matter, and primary productivity depending on the level of soil moisture, but leaf development was delayed and dry weight decreased in DSM. However, dry weight and individual productivity of DSM increased after irrigation withdrawal compared to that of OSM. In DSM, ear yield and number of kernels per ear decreased, but water use efficiency and harvest index were higher than other treatments. Therefore, it is considered that the soil moisture is concentratedly managed before the V8 period, the V8-VT period is controlled within the range of 100 to 500 kPa (20.3~27.8%), and no additional irrigation is required after the VT. Yield responses of Zea mays L. as affected by irrigation scheme, WSM (10~33 kPa), OSM (33~100 kPa), DSM (100~500 kPa), and ESM (500~1500 kPa), during V8-VT.

Optimized conditions for the isolation of mesophyll protoplasts along the growing season from Arbutus unedo and their use in single cell gel electrophoresis

Global warming is affecting Mediterranean ecosystems, in which Arbutus unedo represents an important species. Mesophyll protoplasts are convenient material to study plant DNA integrity, nevertheless their release from mature plants along the year has not been reported in sclerophyll species. In this respect, in the present study the chance to isolate protoplasts from leaf tissues of A. unedo in different seasons was investigated. The digestion was obtained using Macerozyme R10 (1%) and Cellulase Onozuka RS (2%), with 0.6 M of mannitol, incubated for 4 h at 25 °C in the dark. In spring, soft leaves of different ages were studied to identify the most suitable material and protoplast yields were significantly influenced, with the still expanding 4th leaf characterized by the highest amount. Protoplast release decreased during the growing season when leaves become partially hardened, while their obtainment was quite impossible in summer and winter, due to leaf hardening. In November, an increase of incubation time (16 h) and of Cellulase RS (4%) or mannitol concentration (0.8 M) was needed with chilled leaves from the field; conversely, a good source for protoplasts were the green soft leaves coming from detached and pruned branches placed in controlled environment at spring temperatures. The employment of polyvinylpyrrolidone-40 during isolation procedure is discussed. The isolated protoplasts were employed to assess the DNA integrity, by using single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE). The X-irradiated nucleoids were significantly damaged confirming that the present approach could be used in the selection of elite material of A. unedo devoted to fruit plantation.

Maize and soybean root front velocity and maximum depth in Iowa, USA

Quantitative measurements of root traits can improve our understanding of how crops respond to soil and weather conditions, but such data are rare. Our objective was to quantify maximum root depth and root front velocity (RFV) for maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) crops across a range of growing conditions in the Midwest USA. Two sets of root measurements were taken every 10–15days: in the crop row (in-row) and between two crop rows (center-row) across six Iowa sites having different management practices such as planting dates and drainage systems, totaling 20 replicated experimental treatments. Temporal root data were best described by linear segmental functions. Maize RFV was 0.62±0.2cmd−1 until the 5th leaf stage when it increased to 3.12±0.03cmd−1 until maximum depth occurred at the 18th leaf stage (860°Cd after planting). Similar to maize, soybean RFV was 1.19±0.4cmd−1 until the 3rd node when it increased to 3.31±0.5cmd−1 until maximum root depth occurred at the 13th node (813.6°C d after planting). The maximum root depth was similar between crops (P>0.05) and ranged from 120 to 157cm across 18 experimental treatments, and 89–90cm in two experimental treatments. Root depth did not exceed the average water table (two weeks prior to start grain filling) and there was a significant relationship between maximum root depth and water table depth (R2=0.61; P=0.001). Current models of root dynamics rely on temperature as the main control on root growth; our results provide strong support for this relationship (R2>0.76; P<0.001), but suggest that water table depth should also be considered, particularly in conditions such as the Midwest USA where excess water routinely limits crop production. These results can assist crop model calibration and improvements as well as agronomic assessments and plant breeding efforts in this region.

Mepiquat chloride effects on cotton yield and biomass accumulation under late sowing and high density

Cotton production is challenged by high cost with multiple management and material inputs including mepiquat chloride (MC) application to avoid excess vegetative growth and yield losses. A competitive planting model has been practiced in recent years in Yangtze River Valley, China characterized with late sowing, high density and low fertilization. We hypothesized that MC could also be ignored under this planting model to cut down the cost further. A 2-year field experiment was performed to determine cotton response to MC in allied growth and yield dynamics in 2015 and 2016. MC was applied thrice with 5 leaf intervals initiated from the 6th leaf stage in 5 different dosages i.e. 0 (control), 30, 60, 90, and 120gha−1. The results showed that the lint yield was reduced by 6–29% with increase in MC dosages resulted from the reduced cotton plants biomass (from 1036gm−2 of MC0 to 841gm−2 of MC120) especially the reproductive organs biomass (492gm−2 of MC0 to 376gm−2 of MC120) averaged across two years. The biomass accumulation for control (MC0) during the fast accumulation period (FAP) had a higher rate (10.1 and 29.8gm−2d−1 in 2015 and 2016, respectively) for plant biomass and a longer period (34.5 and 28.0 d in 2015 and 2016, respectively) for reproductive organs biomass. The results suggested that MC application could be omitted in the new cotton planting model, ensuring more economic benefits by waiving off the labor and chemicals cost involved.

Long-term Effect of Intra-Row Spacing on Growth and Productivity of Super-High Density Hedgerow Olive Orchards (cv. Arbequina).

Intra-row spacing is known to determine early productivity of super-high density olive orchards depending on growing conditions, cultivar growth characteristics, planting geometry and subsequent pruning management but few experiments have been carried out in this olive hedgerow orchard design. In 2008 an experiment of 4-m spaced hedgerows was established with 8 intra-row spacings (from 1.0 to 2.5 m) in Toledo (Spain) resulting in orchards of density ranging from 2,500 to 1,000 trees ha−1. Tree growth was evaluated as height, trunk diameter and leaf area during the first 4 years. Hedgerow porosity was calculated from the 4th until the 9th year. In the 8th year hedgerow height, width, leaf area and branch angles were measured. Olives were harvested from 3rd to 9th year for measurements of fruit characteristics and productivity. Tree growth was not affected by intra-row spacing during the first 4 years. In the 8th year leaf area, external surface area and volume per tree were significantly greater in the more spaced trees; but hedgerow characteristics of leaf area per hectare, number of effective leaf layers horizontally through the hedgerow, and leaf density were not affected. In the more spaced trees insertion angles of branches to the vertical were significantly greater, mainly in the lower canopy. Intra-row spacing did not affect fruit characteristics. Oil production ha−1 decreased linearly with spacing during the first 4 harvests while production per tree increased significantly with spacing after the 3rd harvest. As a result, oil production ha−1 from the seven harvests combined only increased for tree spacing less than 1.2 m; wider spacing had no effect. Annual oil production ha−1 increased linearly as porosity was reduced by greater tree density and canopy development along the seasons.

Fusarium ear rot and fumonisins in maize kernels when comparing a Bt hybrid with its non-Bt isohybrid and under conventional insecticide control of Busseola fusca infestations

Maize production in South Africa is negatively affected by Fusarium verticillioides, an endophytic maize pathogen, as well as by Busseola fusca larval damage. Fusarium verticillioides causes ear, stem and root rot, and also produces fumonisin mycotoxins which are toxic to humans and livestock. The African stem borer (Busseola fusca) is a pest of economic importance in maize plants in South Africa. In this study, the interaction between F. verticillioides and B. fusca was investigated to elucidate its effects on Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin production in a Bt hybrid (MON810 event) and its B. fusca-susceptible non-Bt isohybrid. Field trials were conducted over three seasons using a randomised complete block design with six replicates per treatment. The effect of Beta-cyfluthrin (non-systemic, granular) and Benfuracarb (systemic, seed treatment) insecticide applications on the incidence of Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin production in maize was also determined in an unrelated conventional hybrid. For B. fusca infestations, larvae were dispensed into the whorl of each plant at the 12th leaf stage prior to tasselling, while a F. verticillioides MRC826 spore suspension was inoculated through the silks at the silking stage. Maize ears were harvested at physiological maturity and Fusarium ear rot, total fumonisin levels, stem borer damage and target DNA of fumonisin-producing Fusarium spp. quantified. Significantly less Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin were produced in the Bt maize hybrid compared to the non-Bt isohybrid under natural farming conditions, but fungal colonisation and fumonisin production under artificial F. verticillioides inoculation did not differ significantly between the Bt and non-Bt maize. Fumonisin production correlated moderately with the quantity of target DNA of fumonisin-producing Fusarium spp. extracted from maize plants. Benfuracarb application to control stem borer infestation resulted in a significant reduction in Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin production while Beta-cyfluthrin did not. Moreover, B. fusca damage to maize ears significantly increased when both insecticides were not applied to the B. fusca-infested plants. This study indicated that Bt maize and the application of Benfuracarb reduce B. fusca damage to maize ears thereby indirectly reducing Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin production. However, this was not consistent over seasons due to differences in climatic conditions.

Screening of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) ecotypes for biomass production under salt stress

Given its high biomass and plasticity, Arundo donax L. is a promising ligno-cellulosic crop for cultivation in marginal lands in temperate climates. In order to test for adaptation to salinity, growth parameters of several A. donax clones were evaluated under two salt regimes in hydroponics. Mild NaCl stress (50 mM NaCl, 5.6 mS cm−1 EC, for 10 days) failed to discriminate between ecotypes, while a more severe NaCl treatment (150 mM, 18.8 mS cm−1 EC, for 21 days) enabled the identification of ecotypes maintaining plant growth under high salinity. Among several biometric parameters, 4th leaf width, and shoot and root DW consistently highlighted differences between ecotypes. Gas-exchange parameters also responded to severe NaCl treatment, while the photosystem efficiency was good, regardless of treatment. The results confirm that A. donax can be considered moderately tolerant to NaCl stress, with variation between ecotypes. Our screening protocol identified ecotypes with higher biomass production under severe NaCl treatment and can be useful for preliminary evaluation of NaCl tolerant clones for increasing productivity under salinity. The detected inter-ecotype variability could also be investigated to identify suitable clones for different environments.

Characterization and Expression Profiling of Camellia sinensis Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase Genes in Phenylpropanoid Pathways.

Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), a cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase, participates in the synthesis of numerous polyphenoid compounds, such as flavonoids and lignins. However, the C4H gene number and function in tea plants are not clear. We screened all available transcriptome and genome databases of tea plants and three C4H genes were identified and named CsC4Ha, CsC4Hb, and CsC4Hc, respectively. Both CsC4Ha and CsC4Hb have 1518-bp open reading frames that encode 505-amino acid proteins. CsC4Hc has a 1635-bp open reading frame that encodes a 544-amino acid protein. Enzymatic analysis of recombinant proteins expressed in yeast showed that the three enzymes catalyzed the formation of p-coumaric acid (4-hydroxy trans-cinnamic acid) from trans-cinnamic acid. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that CsC4Ha was highly expressed in the 4th leaf, CsC4Hb was highly expressed in tender leaves, while CsC4Hc was highly expressed in the young stems. The three CsC4Hs were induced with varying degrees by abiotic stress treatments. These results suggest they may have different subcellular localization and different physiological functions.

A sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) mutant with altered carbon isotope ratio.

Recent efforts to engineer C4 photosynthetic traits into C3 plants such as rice demand an understanding of the genetic elements that enable C4 plants to outperform C3 plants. As a part of the C4 Rice Consortium’s efforts to identify genes needed to support C4 photosynthesis, EMS mutagenized sorghum populations were generated and screened to identify genes that cause a loss of C4 function. Stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) of leaf dry matter has been used to distinguishspecies with C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways. Here, we report the identification of a sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) mutant with a low δ13C characteristic. A mutant (named Mut33) with a pale phenotype and stunted growth was identified from an EMS treated sorghum M2 population. The stable carbon isotope analysis of the mutants showed a decrease of 13C uptake capacity. The noise of random mutation was reduced by crossing the mutant and its wildtype (WT). The back-cross (BC1F1) progenies were like the WT parent in terms of 13C values and plant phenotypes. All the BC1F2 plants with low δ13C died before they produced their 6th leaf. Gas exchange measurements of the low δ13C sorghum mutants showed a higher CO2 compensation point (25.24 μmol CO2.mol-1air) and the maximum rate of photosynthesis was less than 5μmol.m-2.s-1. To identify the genetic determinant of this trait, four DNA pools were isolated; two each from normal and low δ13C BC1F2 mutant plants. These were sequenced using an Illumina platform. Comparison of allele frequency of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between the pools with contrasting phenotype showed that a locus in Chromosome 10 between 57,941,104 and 59,985,708 bps had an allele frequency of 1. There were 211 mutations and 37 genes in the locus, out of which mutations in 9 genes showed non-synonymous changes. This finding is expected to contribute to future research on the identification of the causal factor differentiating C4 from C3 species that can be used in the transformation of C3 to C4 plants.

The effect of Busseola fusca infestation, fungal inoculation and mechanical wounding on Fusarium ear rot development and fumonisin production in maize

Fusarium verticillioides and Busseola fusca are among the most significant biotic constraints to maize production in South Africa. In this study, the effect of B. fusca damage and mechanical wounding to maize ears on Fusarium ear rot development and fumonisin production was investigated. The effect of the interaction on Fusarium ear rot and B. fusca damage was studied by inoculating maize ears with F. verticillioides isolate MRC826 and infesting plant whorls with aliquots of 10–15 neonate larvae at the 12th leaf stage prior to tasselling. To simulate hail damage, maize ears were mechanically wounded at the blister stage with cork borers of different sizes and number of wounds, with and without F. verticillioides inoculation. Uninoculated, uninfested and undamaged control treatments were included. Field trials were conducted over three seasons using a randomised complete block design with six replicates per treatment. In all seasons, most Fusarium ear rot developed on ears inoculated with F. verticillioides. This study indicated that B. fusca infestation was not associated with higher Fusarium ear rot incidence in two of the three seasons. Moreover, B. fusca infestation was not associated with high fumonisin production in any season. This indicates that the presence of B. fusca was not highly associated with Fusarium ear rot or fumonisin production, possibly due to its characteristic feeding nature that causes sporadic wounds on maize ears, but also the strong impact of weather variability. Fusarium ear rot development and fumonisin production by F. verticillioides inoculum varied seasonally indicating the importance of environmental conditions on Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin production. Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin production significantly increased with the severity of cork borer wounding in both naturally infected and artificially inoculated maize ears. Therefore, the prevention of severe injuries to kernels, whether by mechanical damage or insects, should be considered as important in reducing Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin production in maize.

Leaf photosynthetic rate and mesophyll cell anatomy changes during ontogenesis in backcrossed indica × japonica rice inbred lines.

The high-yielding indica rice variety, 'Takanari', has the high rate of leaf photosynthesis compared with the commercial japonica varieties. Among backcrossed inbred lines from a cross between 'Takanari' and a japonica variety, 'Koshihikari', two lines, BTK-a and BTK-b, showed approximately 20% higher photosynthetic rate than that of 'Takanari' for a flag leaf at full heading. This is a highest recorded rate of rice leaf photosynthesis. Here, the timing and cause of the increased leaf photosynthesis in the BTK lines were investigated by examining the photosynthesis and related parameters, as well as mesophyll cell anatomy during ontogenesis. Their photosynthetic rate was greater than that of 'Takanari' in the 13th leaf, as well as the flag leaf, but there were no differences in the 7th and 10th leaves. There were no consistent differences in the stomatal conductance, or the leaf nitrogen and Rubisco contents in the 13th and flag leaves. The total surface area of mesophyll cells per leaf area (TAmes) in the 13th and flag leaves increased significantly in the BTK lines due to the increased number and developed lobes of mesophyll cells compared with in 'Takanari'. The mesophyll conductance (g m) became greater in the BTK lines compared with 'Takanari' in the flag leaves but not in the 10th leaves. A close correlation was observed between TAmes and g m. We concluded that the increased mesophyll conductance through the development of mesophyll cells during the reproductive period is a probable cause of the greater photosynthetic rate in the BTK lines.

Early stage variable rate nitrogen fertilization of silage maize driven by multi-temporal clustering of archive satellite data

Nitrogen fertilization of silage maize in Central Italy is typically carried out with two applications at early stages of crop development: 2nd (V2) and 6th (V6) leaf respectively. In such conditions, the crop has not yet fully covered the soil and proximal or remote sensing of the canopy is hindered by the strong soil background signal. There is thus great interest in rapid and inexpensive approaches to N fertilization prescription. Therefore, an indirect method for inferring information on yield potential and soil variability, through a field-based clustering of multi-temporal satellite data, has been developed using archive Landsat images to identify temporally constant patterns. This method is potentially useful for the creation of prescription maps. The usefulness of the method was evaluated during an N fertilisation field trial in Maccarese (Central Italy), in 2016. At the V2 stage, both uniform and variable rate applications were performed and compared. A pseudo-cross variogram and a standardized ordinary co-kriging methodology was used to highlight spatially variable significant differences among the treatments.

Simulated attack of defoliating insects on upland rice cultivated in new agricultural frontier from amazon rainforest region (Brazil) and its effect on grain production

Simulation of the attack of defoliating insects provides a measurement of the level of damage that the crop can support at a given developmental stage and also allows to quantify the loss of productivity. This study evaluated the effects of increasing levels of artificial defoliation in upland rice plants under field conditions, on grain production at three phenological stages, vegetative stage V8 (collar formation in the 8th leaf of the main stem), vegetative stage V12 (formation of the flag leaf) and reproductive stage R3/R4 (liberation of the panicle or anthesis). The percentage of damage at all stages increased significantly from 25% defoliation, and was higher when defoliation occurred in V8 and V12. Defoliation levels up to 50% in the reproductive stage did not influence the quantity of filled grains, total spikelets per panicle and weight of filled grains per panicle, and thus the pest control is not required. The data show that the control of leaf-chewing insects in upland rice should be restricted to the vegetative stage.

Establishing peach trees for organic production in Utah and the Intermountain West

Adequate weed control and nutrient supply are critical for successful establishment of fruit trees. This is of particular concern in organic orchard establishment. In order to determine the best approach for establishing peach trees (Prunus persica L.) organically in climates characterized by hot dry summers and cold winters such as the North American Intermountain West, seven organic and three integrated and conventional treatment combinations were established in two first leaf orchards at the USU Kaysville Research Farm, Utah, in 2008 and 2009. Treatments consisted of different tree-row and alleyway mulch and fertilizer combinations. Compost or conventional fertilizer (16-16-16 and urea) were applied at a baseline rate of 4.9, 9.6, 19g and 114g of available nitrogen (N) per 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th leaf tree respectively and adjusted up or down on a plot basis based on tree growth. Compost was supplemented with a feather meal 13-0-0 fertilizer starting in year three to avoid over application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Organic experiment tree growth was initially slowed by living and straw mulches present in the tree-row. By 2011, 3rd leaf trees were largest in treatments with Birdsfoot trefoil alleyways, despite considerable tree-row weed/living mulch pressure. In the integrated experiment, trees were larger in the compost plus conventional herbicide compared to conventional fertilizer and herbicide treatment. Paper mulch depressed tree growth in combination with both compost and conventional N sources, but more so in combination with compost and organic herbicide where weed control was moderate. Weed pressure not lack of N was determined to limit organic tree growth in this study. A trefoil alleyway may alleviate the need for intensive weed control when establishing organic peach orchards.

Effect of Rice Straw Compost on Cadmium Transfer and Metal-ions Distribution at Different Growth Stages of Soybean

In soil-to-plant transfer of heavy metals, the amount absorbed and accumulated varies depending on the environment conditions. The absorption rate of cadmium (Cd) in plants differs considerably depending on the bioavailability of Cd in the soil, while usage by various organic matters is also reported to affect absorption patterns. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the difference in the transfer of essential metal ions and Cd to various plant parts when rice straw compost was used to cultivate soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Daepung). In the two-leaf stage of soybean cultivated in a greenhouse, Cd was mixed in the soil, after which the Cd and essential metal ions contents, and physiological changes of soybean seedlings were studied on the 15th and 25th day. The Cd toxicity in the plant was reduced with the use of rice straw compost. Further, the Cd content varied with the plant part, and was higher in young leaves (3rd and 4th leaf) than in the stem. When analyzed by leaf age, the Cd transfer was highest in young leaves (3rd and 4th leaf), followed by mature leaves (1st and 2nd leaf). While there was no significant difference between plant tissues in the absorption rate of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) when rice straw compost was used against Cd toxicity, the absorption rate of manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) showed a significant decline in both the control and rice straw compost treatment conditions, as well as a significant difference between leaf ages. Therefore, these results confirm that the use of rice straw compost against Cd toxicity is effective, and implies that the rate of Cd transfer in the soybean plant varies significantly with leaf age.

Multi-temporal variation in water consumption of summer maize as determined by the Water Transformation Dynamical Processes Experimental Device

A better understanding of the multi-temporal variation in evapotranspiration (ET) at different crop growth stages is the key for determining a reasonable irrigation schedule. In this study, a new device known as ‘Water Transformation Dynamical Processes Experimental Device’ (WTDPED) was used to monitor ET for maize under controlled environmental and groundwater conditions, and the multi-temporal variations of ET considering the combined impact of environmental factors (air temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH)) and groundwater in homogeneous and layered soils were focused on. During the whole growing period, the ET peaked at 14:00–15:00 on a daily basis. The variation in daily ET followed a bell curve during the entire growing period. The 5-day ET reached its maximum during the 12th leaf and maturity stage. The correlation coefficient between ET and AT reached its maximum value of 0.70 during planting and the third leaf stage. The negative correlation coefficient between RH and ET reached its maximum during the 12th leaf and tasseling-silking stage. Groundwater recharge was positively correlated to ET and the daily contribution was up to 10.07%. The silt sandy loam–loam layered soil was favorable for water and nutrient uptake during the entire growing period of maize.

Screening and purification of catechins from underutilized tea plant parts and their bioactivity studies.

Comparative investigation of major phytoconstituents was performed from various parts of tea plant viz. apical bud, subtending 1st-5th leaf, stem, coarse leaves, flowers, fruits and roots. From the results of comparative RP-HPLC-DAD analysis it was found that underutilized tea parts especially coarse leaves, flowers and fruits contains abundant amount of phenolics (17.5%) and catechins (4-5%). From these underutilized tea plant parts the catechins were extracted and purified and then screened for their anticancer, immunomodulatory effect and antimicrobial activity against food borne pathogens. The results showed that tea fruit extract exhibited higher toxicity against oral cancer cells and also promotes proliferation of mice splenocytes. The results of antimicrobial studies revealed the inhibitory effect of these extracts against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. These investigations clearly demonstrated that the underutilized tea plant parts could act as economical and sustainable bioresource of functionally active constituents which further lead to the development of new cost-effective nutraceuticals and other formulations.

P.3.f.005 - Lipid profile in schizophrenia: study about 78 patients and 68 controls

The midrib of maize leaves provides the primary support for the blade and is largely associated with leaf angle size. To elucidate the role of the midrib in leaf angle formation, the maize line Shen137 (larger leaf angle) and a near isogenic line (NIL, smaller leaf angle) were used in the present study. The results of the analysis showed that both the puncture forces and proximal collenchyma number of the midribs of the first and second leaves above the ear were higher in NIL than in Shen137. Comparative proteomic analysis was performed to reveal protein profile differences in the midribs of the 5th, 10th and 19th newly expanded leaves between Shen137 and NIL. Quantitative analysis of 24 identified midrib proteins indicated that the maximum changes in abundance of 22 proteins between Shen137 and NIL appeared at the 10th leaf stage, of which phosphoglycerate kinase, adenosine kinase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase and adenylate kinase were implicated in glycometabolism. Thus, glycometabolism might be associated with leaf angle formation and the physical and mechanical properties of the midribs. These results provide insight into the mechanism underlying maize leaf angle formation.