Period Of Active Growth Research Articles

Features of the formation of the structure of physical fitness of primary school children and the development of its main components

This article deals with pedagogical problems of theory and practice of physical education of primary school children. The structure of physical fitness of 8-9-year-old children is analyzed. The level of physical fitness of a person largely determines his physical and mental health, ability to work, success in professional activities. The conducted theoretical analysis convincingly shows that one of the pedagogical conditions for effective education of physical abilities is a system of rational planning of pedagogical actions taking into account sensitive periods and features of age development of children. In the structure of physical fitness of children of primary school age, its components are quite clearly defined - strength and speed-power abilities, motor skills and endurance, flexibility and agility. As you know, these components are interconnected and interact and change with age. When studying the structure of physical training of primary school children, factor analysis is used, which allows to obtain information about the main factor in the structure of physical fitness and the influence of certain factors on the age formation of physical abilities of primary school children. It is established that in preschool and school age in the period of active growth and development, the effectiveness of physical training can be achieved under the condition of appropriate physical activity, features of age development of physical abilities. The development of technologies for planning the means of electoral orientation can be carried out in two directions - the study of sensitive periods in the development of individual physical abilities and their relationships using correlation or factor analysis. Due to the fact that the physical fitness of children 8-9 years of age is insufficiently studied, and there is no information about the planning of pedagogical activities of electoral and complex orientation, we conducted research in which these problems were solved.

Comparison of water consumption for the conversion of croplands to orchards in dryland ecosystems

AbstractEvapotranspiration (ET) is the main ecological and soil water consumption process in terrestrial ecosystems. Previous studies have investigated ET partitioning across sites and plants; however, direct comparisons of water consumption before and after the transition from one crop to another are scarce. The variation in and proportion of ET and its subcomponents as well as the change in soil water storage (SWS) were compared in maize (Zea mays L.) croplands and apple (Malus domestica auct. non Borkh. cv. Fuji) orchards in four active (approximately May to September) and three inactive growth periods on the southern Loess Plateau, China. Soil water evaporation (Es) accounted for 36.3 and 37.7% of the total ET for cropland and orchard, respectively, in the active growth period. The canopy interception (Ic) significantly differed between cropland and orchard. The mean Ic/ET for cropland and orchard was 23.1 and 22.7%, respectively, in the active growth period, showing that the effects of Ic on ET partitioning should not be ignored. The mean ratio of transpiration (T) to ET for cropland was 2.8% less than that for orchard during the active growth period. The T/ET of cropland peaked twice in each active growth period. Precipitation (P) met the water consumption requirements of crop growth in the active growth period. The ET of cropland and orchard in the inactive growth period accounted for 29.4 and 31.8% of the ET for the hydrological year, respectively. These results help assess water consumption and soil sustainability under changes in crops in dryland agricultural ecosystems.

Evaluation of Spheno-occipital Synchondrosis Fusion in Chinese Population Using CBCT: A Cross-sectional Study

This study sought to assess the fusion of spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) in Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This is a cross-sectional study in which data were randomly collected based on the pre-existing institutional records. Following selection criteria, the CBCT images of 500 patients aged 6-25 years (226 males and 274 females) were analyzed. Three-dimensional virtual models were oriented at a standardized position, then adjusted to the median sagittal plane (MSP) view. A four-stage scoring system was used; completely open, partially fused, semi-fused, or completely fused. The student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analysis were used and the significant level was set at ≤0.05. The mean age of closure of stages 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 7.44, 9.62, 12.94, and 19.03 years in females, and 8.79, 11.13, 14.82, and 20.18 years in males, respectively. There was significantly strong positive correlation between spheno-occipital fusion and age (female: r = 0.853, male: r = 0.879; p <0.001), with 1.47 ± 0.33 years earlier fusion in females. All inter- and intra-stages mean ages were statistically significant in both genders. The transition age model demonstrated a mean age (in years) between stages 1-2 (10.1), stages 2-3 (12.79), and stage 3-4 (17.93) for males, and stages 1-2 (8.96), stages 2-3 (11.45), and stage 3-4 (16.69) for females. The present findings of SOS stages of fusion in both genders could guide age estimation and assessment of normal skeletal growth patterns and active skeletal growth period in the Chinese population. There is still controversy about the time to closure of the SOS because of population and assessment technique variations. This study could be used as a reference for the specific examined population during planning for dentofacial orthopedic and/or orthognathic surgery and dental implant prosthesis for both genders. Moreover, these finding may be useful for medical purposes.

Chronic myeloid leukemia in children: a rare and unique entity

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) rarely occurs in the first two decades of life, accounting for 2% to 3% of leukemias in children and adolescents. Because of a lack of robust clinical study evidence, management of CML in children is not standardized and often follows guidelines developed for adults. Children and young adults tend to have a more aggressive clinical presentation than older adults, and recent data indicate that some genetic differences exist in pediatric and adult CML. Because children with CML may receive tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for many decades, and are exposed to TKIs during a period of active growth, the acute and long-term toxicities of this option should be carefully evaluated against the complications associated with lifelong use of TKIs. This review aims to outlines the morphological, genetic and immuno-phenotypical findings of pediatric CML, and to recommend a uniform approach for the diagnostic procedures to be applied and for standardized treatment.

High Phenotypic Plasticity, but Low Signals of Local Adaptation to Climate in a Large-Scale Transplant Experiment of Picea abies (L.) Karst. in Europe

The most common tool to predict future changes in species range are species distribution models. These models do, however, often underestimate potential future habitat, as they do not account for phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation, although being the most important processes in the response of tree populations to rapid climate change. Here, we quantify the difference in the predictions of future range for Norway spruce, by (i) deriving a classic, occurrence-based species distribution model (OccurrenceSDM), and (ii) analysing the variation in juvenile tree height and translating this to species occurrence (TraitSDM). Making use of 32 site locations of the most comprehensive European trial series that includes 1,100 provenances of Norway spruce originating from its natural and further beyond from its largely extended, artificial distribution, we fit a universal response function to quantify growth as a function of site and provenance climate. Both the OccurrenceSDM and TraitSDM show a substantial retreat towards the northern latitudes and higher elevations (−55 and −43%, respectively, by the 2080s). However, thanks to the species’ particularly high phenotypic plasticity in juvenile height growth, the decline is delayed. The TraitSDM identifies increasing summer heat paired with decreasing water availability as the main climatic variable that restricts growth, while a prolonged frost-free period enables a longer period of active growth and therefore increasing growth potential within the restricted, remaining area. Clear signals of local adaptation to climatic clines spanning the entire range are barely detectable, as they are disguised by a latitudinal cline. This cline strongly reflects population differentiation for the Baltic domain, but fails to capture the high phenotypic variation associated to the geographic heterogeneity in the Central European mountain ranges paired with the species history of postglacial migration. Still the model is used to provide recommendations of optimal provenance choice for future climate conditions. In essence, assisted migration may not decrease the predicted range decline of Norway spruce, but may help to capitalize on potential opportunities for increased growth associated with warmer climates.

Comparative analysis of the results of surgical correction of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis in patients with active bone growth

Objective. To conduct a comparative analysis of surgical treatment results for idiopathic thoracic scoliosis in patients during active bone growth and to identify the most effective methods of scoliosis correction for the considered age group.Material and Methods. The results of surgical treatment of 343 patients aged 10–14 years with continued active growth and progressive idiopathic thoracic scoliosis were analyzed. The patients were operated on in 1998–2018 using five surgical techniques: hybrid fixation with and without anterior stage, transpedicular fixation, and laminar fixation with and without anterior stage.Results. Statistically significant deformity progression was observed in patients operated on using laminar (Group IV) and hybrid (Group I) fixation. An additional anterior stage (discectomy and interbody fusion) in combination with laminar fixation (Group V) does not prevent deformity progression after surgery. In patients who underwent hybrid fixation in combination with the anterior stage (Group II) or total transpedicular fixation (Group III), no statistically significant progression of scoliotic deformity was observed in the postoperative period. Patients operated on with total transpedicular fixation (Group III) show improvement in all domains of the SRS-24 questionnaire: no increase in pain throughout the entire follow-up period, higher assessment of appearance after surgery and satisfaction with the treatment result. In groups II and III, there was no negative dynamics of topographic parameters in the long-term period after treatment; the initial correction of the deformity was maintained throughout the entire postoperative follow-up.Conclusion. Total transpedicular fixation provides the best correction of scoliosis in the absence of progression in the long-term postoperative follow-up in children during the period of active bone growth (age 10–14 years). According to the survey data, patients operated on with total transpedicular fixation demonstrate improvement in the following domains: the absence of pain syndrome throughout the entire postoperative follow-up period, the highest assessment of appearance after surgery and satisfaction with the result of surgical treatment. Hybrid fixation in combination with the anterior stage and total transpedicular fixation ensure the absence of negative dynamics of topographic parameters in the long term after surgery with maintenance of the initial surgical correction of spinal deformity.

DYNAMICS OF THE ACCUMULATION OF FRUCTOSE-CONTAINING CARBOHYDRATES IN THE UN-DERGROUND ORGANS OF PLANTS FROM DIFFERENT FAMILIES

Fructose-containing carbohydrates (fructans) are sources of reserve nutrients for plants and ensure their adaptation to stressful environmental influences. We studied variability of content of these compounds during growing season. In species of Dicotyledonous (Echinacea pallida, Tussilago farfara (Asteraceae), Lithospermum officinale, Symphytum officinale (Boraginaceae)) content of glucofructans during the period of active growth was low, a significant part of them were low molecular weight compounds. By the end of growing season polymerization index rised and high molecular weight glucofructans prevailed. The separation in time of processes of intensive growth and accumulation of fructans was observed.&#x0D; For species of Allium (Monocotyledonous), maximum content of glucofructans was observed during the period of flowering and fruiting. In species of bulbous life form (A. caeruleum, A. aflatunense), accumulation of high molecular weight glucofructans proceeded simultaneously with a period of intensive growth and budding, polymerization index increased from the regrowth and reached a maximum by the time of flowering. In species of bulbous-rhizomatous life form (A. obliquum, A. ledebourianum, A. victorialis), content of glucofructans did not change during intensive growth or fell. The polymerization index decreased during this period, but reached its maximum during flowering and fruiting.&#x0D; Generative individuals of a number of species contained less low molecular weight glucofructans than virginal ones, but they had a greater amount of high molecular weight glucofructans and an increased polymerization index. These age states did not differ in the sum of glucofructans.

The content of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves of «healthy» and «weakened» balsam poplar trees (&lt;i&gt;Populus balsamifera&lt;/i&gt; L.) growing under conditions of industrial pollution (Republic of Bashkortostan, Sterlitamak industrial center)

The paper presents the results of studies on the assessment of the relative vitality of balsam poplar ( Populus balsamifera L.) plantations under the conditions of polymetallic pollution of the Sterlitamak Industrial Center (SIC). Poplar plantations of the sanitary protection zone of the SPC are classified as weakened. External signs of oppression are manifested in a decrease in crown density, an increase in the number of dead branches, damage to the assimilation apparatus by chlorosis and necrosis. Trees belonging to the healthy category grow in the plantations. It was shown that the average content of chlorophylls ( a + b ) in the leaves of healthy poplar trees varied from 25,0 to 28,0 g/cm of fresh weight, while in weakened trees it was relatively low and amounted to 17,2-22,6 g/cm wet weight. The decrease in the total content of chlorophylls and the deterioration in the relative vitality of trees are interrelated. It has been established that during the period of active leaf growth (in June and early July), a high content of chlorophylls and nitrogen balance index (NBI) is noted in the leaves of both healthy and weakened balsam poplar trees. The relationship of the indicators under consideration is confirmed by the regression equations of the polynomial function ( y = -2,15x + 8,05x + 23,2 ; y = -2,35x + 8,75x + 19,9 for the leaves of healthy trees; y = -3,1x + 11,1x +13,4 ; y = -3,9x + 14,1x + 10 for the leaves of weakened trees), as well as determination coefficients (R = 1 for the leaves of healthy trees; R = 1 for the leaves of weakened trees). The maximum differences in the ratio of chlorophyll content ( a + b ) and nitrogen balance in the leaves of healthy and weakened poplar trees were noted at the end of August. During the growing season, in the leaves of weakened trees, compared with the leaves of healthy poplar trees, a decrease in the values NBI and the content of chlorophylls is observed. At the same time, there are no significant changes in the content of chlorophylls on the adaxial and abaxial sides of the leaves of healthy and weakened balsam poplar trees during the growing season.

Изменения структуры мозгового вещества надпочечных желез самок марала в течение года

This paper dwells on the histological structure and karyometric parameters of the adrenal medulla of non-pregnant maral does throughout the year. It was found that in autumn the synthetic activity of norepinephrine-producing cells in non-pregnant maral does is the lowest in relation to other seasons of the year. Having compared our results with the literature data, we identified sex-related differences in the activity of glandular cells of the adrenal medulla, which indicates different mechanisms of metabolic regulation in bucks and does during spring (period of active horn growth in bucks) and different levels of stress in autumn (period of sexual reproduction).

The role of environmental conditions in regulating long-term dynamics of an invasive seaweed

The mechanisms underpinning long-term dynamics and viability of invader populations in the receiving environment remain largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that temporal variations in the abundance of a well-established invasive seaweed, Caulerpa cylindracea, in the NW Mediterranean, could be regulated by inter-annual fluctuations in environmental conditions. Abundance data of C. cylindracea, sampled repeatedly between 2005 and 2020 at the peak of its growing season (late summer/early fall), were related to interannual variations in seasonal seawater temperature, wind speed and rainfall recorded during different growth phases of the alga, in both subtidal and intertidal habitats. In both habitats, higher peak of C. cylindracea cover was associated with lower seawater temperature in spring and summer, when the seaweed exits the winter resting phase and starts a period of active growth. In addition, the peak abundance of subtidal C. cylindracea was positively associated with higher autumn wind speed intensity and spring daily total precipitation. Our study reveals the importance of seasonal and interannual variation of abiotic factors in shaping temporal patterns of abundance of C. cylindracea, in both subtidal and intertidal habitats. Identifying the factors underpinning invasive population temporal dynamics and viability is essential to predict the time and conditions under which an invader can thrive, and thus guide management strategies aimed to containing invasions under current and future climates.

Analysis of varietal diversity, decorativeness and peculiarities of growth and development of cultivars Dahlia cultorum Thorsrud & Reisaeter in the collection of the biostationary of Bila Tserkva NAU

Aim. In order to identify promising cultivars of Dahlia cultorum for use in landscaping in Kyiv region, the analysis of the system of qualitative and quantitative indicators of cultivars of dahlias, the peculiarities of their growth and development in the absence of irrigation is conducted. Methods. To analyze the diversity of Dahlia cultorum cultivars at the biostationary of Bila Tserkva NAU, the classification developed by the American Society of Dahlia (ADS classification) was used. The cultivar assortment of dahlias was studied according to the descriptions of the catalog of the company “SontseSad”, which transferred 108 cultivars of Dahlia cultorum to Bila Tserkva NAU biostationary in 2014. Phenological rhythms of growth and development of dahlias were studied according to the methods of B. K. Shybniev, H. D. Yurkevych, and D. S. Holod. The increment of dahlias was measured during the period of active growth, the size of the flower — during the period of its full opening with the help of a measuring ruler on 5 specimens of each cultivar every decade. Results. Based on the analysis of the varietal composition of Dahlia cultorum collection of dahlia cultivars of Bila Tserkva NAU biostationary, it was found that the largest number of 36% belongs to the cultivar group of decorative dahlias, 12% — to cactus, 7% — to spherical and 1% to pompoms and anemones. The mixed cultivar of dahlias is 43.4%, among them the most numerous group of dahlias with dissected leaves “Deer antlers” — 48%, “Karma” — 19%, pot — 12%, French collection — 21%. According to the color spectrum, the collection is dominated by dahlias of red color — 29%, pink — 19%, yellow and orange — 16% each, violet — 12%, white color — 6%. Two-color cultivars amount to only 2%. Observations show that in May–June, due to the long and dry period and the lack of artificial irrigation, all cultivars of dahlias at Bila Tserkva NAU biostationary were marked by very slow growth. As of July 15, the height of dahlia bushes averaged 30–50 cm, which was significantly less than the size presented in the catalog of the magazine “SontseSad”. Conclusions. The collection of dahlias at Bila Tserkva NAU biostationary includes 108 cultivars belonging to seven main cultivar groups, including 11 cultivars from the new French collection. Early in the first decade of July, the cultivars ‘Islande’, ‘Maki’, ‘Sir Alf Ramsay’, ‘Mingus Alex’, ‘Glorie van Heemstede’ begin to bloom. Latest of all, in August, cultivars ‘Babylon Rose’, ‘Amanda’, ‘Aitara Bronwyn’, ’Karma Gold’, ‘Gallery Rembrandt’, ‘Lilac Time’, and ‘Star Spectacle’ began flowering. It is established that the period from the appearance of the bud to the opening of the flower in dahlia cultivars lasts 25-30 days. The first buds appeared in early July, but their peduncles were very short and such flowers were not suitable for cutting. In fact, the blooming central flower itself was 5-10 cm lower than the second-order buds around it, and therefore had a limited view from the inflorescence, which led to a loss of decorativeness in the cultivars ‘Romance’, ‘Candlelight’, and “Karma Bon Bini”. The duration of flowering of one dahlia flower in different cultivars ranged from 5 to 17 days. The longest period of blooming of one flower is 14-17 days in ‘Autumn Fairy’, ‘Nagano’, ‘Idylle’, ‘Babylon Brons’, ‘Duet’ cultivars. The shortest blooming period of one flower is 5-7 days for ‘Ellen Huston’, ‘Champs Elysees’, ‘ThykiYori No Shisha’, ‘Aspen’ cultivars. Due to the high air temperature and the long rainless period, the peak of flowering of dahlias in the conditions of Bila Tserkva NAU biostationary was at the beginning of September.

EVALUATION OF ROMANIAN APPLE CULTIVARS IN LATVIA

Commercial apple growing in Latvia feels some lack of climate adapted modern cultivars. Development of fruits and trees is limited by active growth period (temperatures over 10 °C) of 135-150 days and active temperature sum of 1700-2100 °C. Winter hardiness also is essential, as temperatures below −30°C occur each 10 years, and winter thaws are frequent. Annual precipitation 692 mm favours development of fungal diseases. In 2016, a trial of four Romanian apple cultivars resistant to scab - ‘Aura’, ‘Ciprian’, ‘Jonaprim’ and ‘Romus 3’ was established in Latvia. Trees were grafted on dwarfing rootstock B.396 and planted as 1-year old whips in 3 replications with 2-3 trees in each replication, and trained as slender spindle. Commercial cultivars ‘Auksis’ (midseason) and ‘Ligol’ (late) were used as controls. Most trees of all cultivars in the 2nd year (2017) developed a well branched frame, from 37.5% trees of ‘Ciprian’ to 90% trees of ‘Jonaprim’. The first fruits were harvested in 2017, and commercially significant yield was achieved in 2018, except ‘Jonaprim’, which had the slowest yield increase. By the sum of yield in 2017-2021 ‘Aura’ and ‘Jonaprim’ surpassed commercial cultivar ’Auksis’, but were less productive than ‘Ligol’. Only slightly lower summary yield was obtained from ‘Ciprian’, while ‘Romus 3’ showed the lowest productivity and strong premature fruit drop. Very good taste panel results were obtained for ‘Aura’ and ‘Ciprian’, 7 to 8 points in average. Their fruits also kept well, to 5 months in common storage at 2 ±1oC. Fruits of the other two cultivars were too small and had mediocre or poor taste. The weather conditions in the trial years allowed to test susceptibility to spring frosts and drought. All cultivars showed good tree health after over-wintering. ‘Jonaprim’ and ‘Auksis’ in 2019 had the highest spring frost injury, 60-70% of fruits, while least injured were ‘Aura’ (21.5%) and ‘Ciprian’ (27.7%). Extreme drought in summer of 2021 led to low average fruit mass of all cultivars including the normally large fruited ‘Ligol’ (120-130 g), while in other years ‘Aura’ had fruits over 180 g, very attractive yellow with red stripes. Fruits of ‘Ciprian’ also had good size, but in some years too dark over-colour. ‘Aura’ and ‘Ciprian’ showed good adaptation to the climate of Latvia and can be recommended for wider trials at farms.

NanoKremny effect on the quality of grapes and wines

Introduction. There is still an urgent need in viticulture for studying the effect of tank mixtures of pesticides and bioactive substances on Vitis vinifera and, therefore, the quality and composition of wine. We aimed to study the effect of NanoKremny (silicon fertilizer) treatment of the grapevine on the productivity and quality of grape harvest, as well as the quality of dry wines.&#x0D; Study objects and methods. Grape varieties from three vineyards in Crimea and the wines produced from them. We applied standard methods used in viticulture, plant protection, and oenological practice. Organic acids and volatile components in grapes and wines were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography.&#x0D; Results and discussion. We found that the most effective use of NanoKremny was threefold at 0.15 L/ha during the periods of active growth and formation of vegetative and generative organs in grapevines. It had a positive effect on vegetative development, water balance, productivity of grape plants, as well as yield quality and quantity. Also, NanoKremny decreased the development of mildew and oidium diseases, preserved the content of titratable acids in grapes during their ripening, as well as accumulated phenolic compounds, tartaric and malic acids in grape berries.&#x0D; Conclusion. We found no negative effect of NanoKremny treatment of the grapevine on the physicochemical parameters and sensory characteristics of wines. Thus, this preparation can be used as a bioorganic additive in viticulture.

Morphogenetic potential of grape explants at initiation stage of in vitro culture during the active plant growth and dormancy periods

ISHS VIII International Scientific and Practical Conference on Biotechnology as an Instrument for Plant Biodiversity Conservation (Physiological, Biochemical, Embryological, Genetic and Legal Aspects) Morphogenetic potential of grape explants at initiation stage of in vitro culture during the active plant growth and dormancy periods

Физическое состояние агрочернозема при использовании природной соли с гербицидной активностью на яровой пшенице

The studies were carried out in order to assess the effect of a 30 % solution of natural salt with herbicidal activity on the physical state of agrochernozem during the cultivation of spring wheat. In a field experiment in the conditions of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe, crude natural brines of the Troitsk deposit of the Krasnoyarsk Territory were used, containing in their composition, g/l: sodium – 77,07; magnesium – 0,49; iron – 3,68; calcium – 2,56; potassium – 2,36; chlorides – 131,00; sulfates – 1,51. The concentration of natural salt was obtained by diluting the original base brine. Studies have established that sodium chloride, being the main component of the brines of the Troitskoye deposit, has a migration ability in the "plant-soil" system. A single use of natural salt as a herbicide on spring wheat crops determined a significant transformation of the physical parameters of agrochernozem. It manifested itself in poor reserves of productive moisture, their decrease by 9-12 mm (НСР05 = 3,5) during the period of active growth of spring wheat and an increase in the seasonal variability of the indicator to 46-52 %. Studies have established an increase in the density of the addition of agrochernozem on average for the growing season by 0,07-0,09 g/cm3 while maintaining the loose addition of the arable layer (0,77-0,79 g/cm3). An increase in the content of agronomically valuable fractions 10-0,25 mm in size by 10-12% with the formation of an excellent structural state (74-76 %) of the arable layer is accompanied by intensive destruction of blocky structural units&gt; 10 mm and a significant increase in structural units 5-3 in size; 3-2 m 2-1 mm, which is a consequence of peptization of soil colloids. Keywords: NATURAL BRINE, TROITSKOE DEPOSIT, HERBICIDE, AGROCHERNOZEM, PRODUCTIVE MOISTURE RESERVES, DENSITY OF COMPOSITION, STRUCTURAL COMPOSITION

The Effect of Water Stress on Total-Phenolic Content of Barley

Little is known about the relation between water stress and the accumulation of phenolics in plant tissues. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of water stress and maturation on the production of total-phenolics (TP) by four barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties (‘Manel’, ‘Martin’, ‘Rihane’, ‘Espérance’). During three phenological stages (S-8, S-10.5, S-11), following Feekes scale, whole barley plants were pulled out of the field and separated into roots, stems, and leaves. Water extracts were prepared from plant parts and their TP contents were determined by spectrophotometer. To determine periods of water deficit (WD) at field, climatic characterization of the region was carried out. TP accumulated in barley plant and its parts under the influence of water deficit essentially at S8, which coincided with barley spring growth. However, TP content decreased when WD became more pronounced at the following stages. This response may be explained, partially by the biosynthesis of lignin from free phenols when the plant approached maturity. Results suggest that water stress stimulates the synthesis and accumulation of TP in barley tissues during active growth periods (spring growth) at S-8. This response doesn’t persist until the critical periods of WD where barley maturity favors a decrease in TP content for all plant parts. Regardless of growth stage and WD, barley accumulates preferentially phenolics in above-ground plant parts. The evolution of phenolic accumulation under water stress showed the same trends for the tested barley varieties, indicating a genetic control of phenolic production and their partitioning across plant parts.

Assessment of Meteorological and Agricultural Drought Occurrence in Central Poland in 1961–2020 as an Element of the Climatic Risk to Crop Production

The results of numerous studies concerning meteorological drought show that there is a considerable impact of this phenomenon on several regions in Europe. On the other hand, statistical trends of dry spell occurrences in some areas of the continent are unclear or even negative. Therefore, further research should be directed towards a better understanding of this hazard, particularly the seasonal changes, in order to elaborate adequate strategies to prevent and mitigate its undesirable effects. The main goal of the work, conducted as part of the research strategy on contemporary climate change, was to confirm the hypothesis of increasing frequency and intensity of droughts during the period of active plant growth and development (May–August) in central Poland in 1961–2020. The prevailing rainfall conditions in this period determine the production and economic effects of agricultural output. The analysis covered a multiannual period, including two separate climate normals: 1961–1990 and 1991–2020. The work is also aimed at detecting relationships between indicators characterizing meteorological drought (the Standardized Precipitation Index—SPI) and agricultural drought (the actual precipitation deficiency—PAdef). It was found that the frequency of meteorological droughts in the studied period amounts to 30.0% (severe and extreme constitute 6.7%). No significant increase in the frequency and intensity of meteorological droughts over time was observed. Relationships between meteorological and agricultural drought indicators were significant, so the SPI can be considered an indicator of plant irrigation needs in the studied area.

Progression of Symptoms Caused byBotryosphaeria dothideaon Apple Branches

Until recently, the causal agent of Botryosphaeria canker was assumed to differ from that causing ring rot on fruit and warts on branches on apple trees in China and East Asia. However, recent research documented that Botryosphaeria dothidea caused both disease symptoms on apple. Inoculations with strains isolated from cankers and warts on branches were conducted to investigate symptom progression caused by B. dothidea and conditions inducing the two symptom types. The results confirmed that both cankers and warts are caused by B. dothidea. Warts are the results of hyperplasia and suberization of bark tissues induced by fungal infection, whereas cankers result from the rapid growth of hyphae from inside warts, lenticels, or wounds. Resistance to B. dothidea exists in living apple branches. When a living branch is infected via lenticels, the pathogen induces proliferation and suberization of cortical cells that restricts the growth and expansion of the hyphae, leading to warts. However, under certain stress conditions such as drought, the hyphae inside host tissues expand rapidly and kill cortical cells, leading to canker development. Host resistance may recover during active growth periods, which suppresses or even stops rapid expansion of the hyphae, leading to the intermediate symptom of canker warts. Abiotic factors, such as drought or high temperature in early spring, can result in rapid extension of colonized hyphae in branches and conversion of warts to cankers. Preventing this transition can be an important measure in managing Botryosphaeria canker on apple.

The effect of soil fertility on antioxidant enzymes activity in a subarctic woody species

The influence of major nutrients’ reserves (available to plants) – nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) – in the top 25-cm layer of soil on the Karelian birch (Betula pendula Roth var. carelica (Mercl.) Hämet-Ahti) with non-figured and figured wood via the antioxidant enzymes’ activity was investigated. The analysis of sites in area where Karelian birch trees with varying degree of figured wood intensity were growing was carried out. The cambial zone of the sample trees during active cambial growth period was studied for the activity of AOS enzyme complex (superoxide dismutase (SOD); catalase (CAT); peroxidase (POD); polyphenol oxidase (PPO)). Cellulose content and lignin content were studied. It was noticed that the availability of major nutrients in the investigated sites had influence on the degree of figured wood intensity in Karelian birch plants. Thus, non-figured and figured Karelian birch plants that grew on sites with various levels of major nutrients’ reserves differed in the AOS enzymes’ activity, which was a consequence of different xylogenesis scenarios in the studied birch forms. It was supposed, that the certain site conditions (N, P, K levels) formation could affect the degree of figured wood intensity, cellulose and lignin content. The N level and P/N ratio had the most effects under the adequate K level. So AOS enzymes’ complex activity could indicate differences in Karelian birch wood quality in sites that differ in soil fertility (N, P, K levels).

An automated multiplexed turbidometric and data collection system for measuring growth kinetics of anaerobes dependent on gaseous substrates

Standard methods of monitoring the growth kinetics of anaerobic microorganisms are generally impractical when there is a protracted or indeterminate period of active growth, and when high numbers of samples or replications are required. As part of our studies of the adaptive evolution of a simple anaerobic syntrophic mutualism, requiring the characterization of many isolates and alternative syntrophic pairings, we developed a multiplexed growth monitoring system using a combination of commercially available electronics and custom designed circuitry and materials. This system automatically monitors up to 64 sealed, and as needed pressurized, culture tubes and reports the growth data in real-time through integration with a customized relational database. The utility of this system was demonstrated by resolving minor differences in growth kinetics associated with the adaptive evolution of a simple microbial community comprised of a sulfate reducing bacterium, Desulfovibrio vulgaris, grown in syntrophic association with Methanococcus maripaludis, a hydrogenotrophic methanogen.