Average Height Growth Research Articles

Evaluation of Average Post-menarche Height Growth and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Adolescents experience rapid height growth during puberty, which eventually slows down and ceases due to epiphyseal senescence. Menarche marks the final stage of puberty and often raises concerns about the cessation of height growth. Objectives: This study aims to examine post-menarche height growth and identify the factors associated with it. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included adolescent females who visited pediatric endocrinology clinics in Hamadan between 2001 and 2018 and had a minimum follow-up period of three years. Data extracted from patients' medical records included demographic details, birth weight, birth order, height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and stages of thelarche and pubarche. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. Results: The medical records of 91 girls were evaluated. The mean age of menarche was 11.93 ± 1.27 years. On average, the participants grew 7.98 ± 3.47 cm in height within three years after menarche. The study revealed a significant inverse correlation between post-menarche height growth and both the age at menarche and height at the onset of menarche. No correlation between height growth and other variables was observed. Conclusions: Post-menarche height growth was negatively correlated with height and age at menarche. However, there is limited research on post-menarche height growth in Iranian girls, highlighting the need for further studies.

Porcine Cross-Linked Collagen Matrix for Peri-Implant Vertical Soft Tissue Augmentation: A Randomized Prospective Observational Study.

The mucosa height has always been of interest in modern implant dentistry to obtain biomimetic results. Papilla height, mucosa scalloping, and free mucosal margin level are crucial to achieve "pink aesthetics". The aim of this study was to investigate the vertical increase in the peri-implant soft tissues with a porcine cross-linked collagen matrix (Geistlich Fibro-Gide®). Methods: A total of 60 patients were divided into the following three groups: Group 1-patients who received porcine cross-linked collagen matrix for vertical soft tissue augmentation and a cover screw combined with a coronally advanced flap (CAF); Group 2-patients who received the collagen matrix combined with a healing abutment and CAF; Group 3 (control group)-patients who received a traditional surgical approach based on crestal incision and no collagen matrix as well as no CAF. Results: The average horizontal tissue thickness growth after 3 months was more effective for Group 1 (1.35 ± 1.23 mm) compared to Group 2 (0.85 ± 0.67 mm) and the control group (0.20 ± 0.41 mm). The average tissue height growth was 1.05 ± 1.39 mm for Group 1, 0.32 ± 1.28 mm for Group 2, and -0.05 ± 0.39 mm for the control group. Finally, the average increase in the band of keratinized mucosa was 0.60 ± 1.23 mm for Group 1, -0.60 ± 0.94 mm for Group 2, and 0.45 ± 0.60 mm for the control group. Conclusions: The combination of the CAF, porcine cross-linked collagen matrix, and cover screw resulted in better clinical results compared to Group 2 and 3.

Trees response to selective thinning and pruning in Sudanian woodland zone

IntroductionManaging the degradation and loss of Sudanian woodlands to ensure sustainable use for mainly firewood, poles, and timber is receiving increasing attention, and it requires tailored strategies to improve stand productivity. This study determined: (i) tree response (density, recruitment, and height growth) to selective stem thinning and branch pruning; and (ii) tree species that are most affected by selective stem thinning and branch pruning in the Sudanian woodland of Benin.MethodsThree homogeneous vegetation units of 80 m × 80 m each were identified, representing the three stages of woodland development (WDS): early and young WDS of 3 and 3–5 years old, respectively, and the advanced to mature secondary WDS of 6–9 years old. Three random blocks of 20 m × 20 m each, subdivided into four 10 m × 10 m treatment plots, were delineated per vegetation unit. Each of these plots was randomly assigned a treatment (T): T1—no thinning and no pruning; T2—30% thinning; T3—60% thinning; T4—100% thinning. Branch pruning was applied to all remaining stems in T2 and T3. Tree species, stem abundance and height of individuals = 1 m were recorded every 6 months in 2015 and 2016.Results and discussionThinning intensity significantly influence tree density both in WDS 2 and 3 with the 30% thinning showing the best tree density (3355.56 ± 250.19 stems/ha and 3255.56 ± 772.68 stems/ha, respectively). However, more stem recruitment was observed without thinning and pruning (883.33 ± 212.13 stems/ha), and 30% thinning and pruning (383.33 ± 164.99 stems/ha). There was a significant increase in tree height growth both in WDS 2 and 3 with an increasing thinning intensity. The two most affected tree species were Terminalia avicennioides and Pteleopsis suberosa with an average growth in height after 6 months of 105.5 ± 1.05 mm (for 30% thinning and pruning in stage 3), and 61.75 ± 0.67 mm (for 60% thinning and pruning in stage 3), respectively. Overall, moderate stem thinning (30%) at WDS 1 and more severe thinning at WDS 2 and 3 resulted in the best tree height growth and recruitment.

Manipulating overstory density and mineral soil exposure for optimal natural regeneration of Scots pine

In northern boreal region the growth of forests is slow, and yield and profit are low, which is why low reforestation costs are important for profitable forestry. If natural regeneration is successful, expensive artificial forest regeneration (planting or direct seeding) can be avoided. In this study, we look at the impact of overstory density and site preparation on natural regeneration and seedling growth of Scots pine. Study stands were established in different parts of Northern Finland and in each stand following treatments: 50, 150 and 250 trees ha−1 or unthinned control, where the stand density was ≥ 250 trees ha−1, were randomly allocated to experimental plots. In addition, site preparation (disc trenching, 4000–5000 m ha−1) was carried out on two experimental plots in which tree density was either 50 or 150 trees ha−1. In the experimental stands seedling number, age and growth were monitored for 11 years. Monitoring revealed that the number of seedlings increased with decreasing tree density. Average seedling height growth was very low or even non-existent in the unthinned control and in the densest (250 trees ha−1) treatment, but increased when the density of trees decreased. The highest seedling number and the highest growth were achieved when the tree density was 50 trees ha−1 and the soil was prepared to expose mineral soil. Achieving e.g. 2000 seedlings ha−1, would need about 40% exposition of mineral soil. The required low tree density implies that not only seed supply from seed trees and site preparation is important for regeneration success in northern boreal Scots pine forests but also the reduction of competition by mature trees.

The hard lives of trees in African savanna—Even without elephants

AbstractThe ongoing loss of large trees and densification of shrubs are two prevalent processes that take place in African savannas, with profound consequences for their structure and function. We evaluated herbivore impacts on savanna woody communities using a long‐term exclosure experiment in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, with three treatments: the exclusion of large mammals only (i.e. elephant and giraffe), exclusion of all herbivores larger than a hare, and areas open to all herbivores. We asked three questions: (1) How did variable exclusion of herbivores affect woody density and structure across the catena (i.e. riparian, sodic and crest vegetation)? (2) Did the exclusion of herbivores result in unique woody species composition? (3) Did herbivore exclusion result in a higher proportion of palatable species? After 17 years, we found that herbivores mainly affected the heights and densities of existing species, rather than leading to turnover of woody species assemblages. Although densities of individuals increased in the full exclosure (350 ha−1), the change was more moderate than expected. By contrast, mixed mega‐and meso‐herbivores decreased the number of trees and shrubs (decreases of 780 ha−1) via a variety of physical impacts. Meso‐herbivores alone, on the other hand, had less impact on individual density (i.e. no change), but limited average height growth and canopy dimensions in certain habitat types. Where elephants are present, they are effective at reducing the density of woody stems to the point of counteracting woody encroachment, but at the same time are actively preventing the persistence of large trees (>5 m) as well as preventing trees from recruiting to larger size classes. However, the lack of massive recruitment and woody cover increases with elephant exclusion, especially for more preferred species, suggests that factors beyond elephants, such as dispersal limitation, seed predation, and drought, are also acting upon species.

Assessment of a 20-year-old mixed western redcedar/red alder plantation in southwestern British Columbia

A replacement series designed trial containing mixed and pure stands of western redcedar and red alder (cedar: alder; 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 0:100) was monitored over a 20-year period. Tree and stand growth performance across the pure and mixed species treatments were inconclusive. Inherent site variation in soils and microclimate resulted in a range of survival and productivity responses. After twenty years since planting, total stand volumes were similar across the treatments, ranging between 145 and 165 m3/ha. Average cedar height and diameter growth performance surpassed alder growth performance in the last 7 years. Soil C, N and exchangeable cations (K, Ca, and Mg) trended towards greater accumulation with increasing red alder proportion. These observations indicate cedar in combination with alder may further benefit from enhanced soil fertility over the next decades as stands continue to develop.

Assessing White-Tailed Deer Impacts to Tree Seedling Growth using Citizen Science Data in Minnesota, USA

Abstract White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman) present numerous challenges for maintaining the health of forests in the US Lake States. Although many sources of data exist that provide coarse estimates of deer-browse impacts on plant survival and abundance (e.g., national forest inventories) or examine areas where deer are excluded (e.g., exclosures), few studies exist that use detailed tree seedling measurements across diverse stand conditions and forest types. This study evaluated four years of citizen science data collected in the Assessing Vegetation Impacts from Deer (AVID) program in Minnesota, USA. Results showed that average annual height growth of seedlings for nine browse-palatable species was 1.9 cm. For four of these tree species, annual height growth was not significantly different from zero. These results point to the challenges for the growth and survival of browse-palatable tree species in Minnesota under current deer population levels. Engaging the public through a citizen science project such as AVID showcases the importance of evaluating browse impacts on trees from white-tailed deer while simultaneously providing information to managers and decision makers about this important conservation concern. Study Implications: Citizen scientists can collect data on important conservation issues with ecological implications. This study showcases data provided by volunteers in Minnesota’s Assessing Vegetation Impacts from Deer (AVID) program. These results showed that the growth of nine browse-palatable species grew minimally over a four-year span. Citizen science data like these can be used by state wildlife agencies to better understand forest-wildlife interactions and establish wildlife population harvest goals. Measurements of deer browse can also assist researchers by reducing the costs of data collection and providing a geographically diverse data set with detailed measurements of deer impacts to forest vegetation.

Germplasm characterization of half‐sib families from seminal matricies of Coffea canephora

AbstractThe genetic diversity of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner present in old seminal crops must be characterized because it represents a source of genetic variability for breeding programs. In this study, the genetic diversity of 388 half‐sib families of C. canephora, collected from Espírito Santo, Brazil, were assessed for their phenotypic traits. The data were obtained in a trial planted in April 2018 with five commercial clones as controls. Vegetative development was evaluated based on plant height, stem diameter, and average height and diameter growth rates. Abiotic (drought) and biotic (rust, leaf miner, and mealybug) stresses were evaluated by a rating scale. The phenotypic variability of the population was detected for all traits, and divergent clusters of families were identified. Negative correlations indicated that adverse conditions hampered the early development of the coffee plants. Groups of families should be investigated for breeding programs according to adequate development even under stressful conditions. These results show the importance of preserving the germplasm of old crops in the south of Espírito Santo as a source of genetic resources for coffee breeding programs. This valuable resource should be maintained and conserved as a strategy to guarantee the sustainability of coffee production.

THE EFFECT OF ECOLOGICAL FACTORS ON GROWTH OF Sterculia foetida L. IN BUON DON AND EA SUP DISTRICTS, DAK LAK PROVINCE

Accurate and reliable assessment of site suitability for the growth of selected plant species is critical for afforestation projects and programs to improve rural livelihoods. This research examines the relationship between growth of Sterculia foetida L. and six ecological factors in Buon Don and Ea Sup districts, Dak Lak Province. The purpose of the research is to predict the growth in average height and trunk diameter of the trees using ecological factors that are easy to measure and observe. These include topography (slope) and soil characteristics (clay ratio, depth of soil layer, surface and subsurface rock concentrations, and agglomeration ratio). The ecological factors were evaluated by multivariable regression analysis of growth data from 31 experimental plots, 16 in Buon Don district and 15 in Ea Sup district. The results show that four of the six factors affect average growth in tree height and that five factors affect average trunk diameter growth. The findings are of practical value for households and agricultural extension officers to consider before planting Sterculia foetida L. in the two areas.

OSAHS Growth Impairment and Resolution after Adenotonsillectomy in Children.

Introduction:One of the most important complications of OSAHS in children is growth delay. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in clinical body growth, and laboratory growth in children with OSAHS after adeno-tonsillar surgery.Materials and Methods:In our study, among 102 children suffering from sleep-disordered breathing, 70 met the inclusion criteria because they were affected by OSAHS and adenotonsillar hypertrophy. In total, 96 children affected by adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy (55 males and 41 females) underwent nocturnal cardiorespiratory monitoring with Embletta MPR, monitoring for post-operative 24 hours. Patients underwent blood sampling to evaluate preoperative GH and IGF-1 serum levels, “placement” in Cacciari’s growth charts and adenotonsillectomy and saturation monitoring for post-operative 24 hours. According to auxological parameters, 82.86% of the patients were below the fiftieth percentile of BMI Cacciari’s growth charts and IGF-1 preoperative serum levels were below the normal range. All patients underwent adenotonsillectomy. Results:All 70 patients recovered from OSAHS according to the results of nocturnal cardiorespiratory monitoring after six months. IGF-1 serum levels significantly increased after three months and one year after. All the auxological parameters showed a significant increase after surgery. We calculated the average annual growth in height of the patients before and after adenotonsillectomy (AT): the growth rate was impaired by OSAHS (5.4±1.3 cm/year), while in the following year post-surgery we found a significant growth speed acceleration (9.9±1.7 cm/year, P=0.001). Conclusions:In conclusion, growth delay in children can be caused by OSAHS, and when it is due to adenotonsillar hypertrophy, adenotonsillectomy is to be considered as the therapy of choice.

GERMINATION AND MONITORING OF THE GROWTH OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LAM. SEEDLINGS IN NURSERY

The study evaluates the germination of the Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds and growth of the seedlings in nursery. The seeds of species M. oleifera have been collected in the city of Brazzaville on the site of the semi-industrial nursery of the National Reforestation Service (SNR) of Kintele located 15 km from Brazzaville. A complete device of two blocks (owing to 100 seeds per block) has been set up in nursery. Each batch of 100 seeds has been subdivided as follows: the first batch of 50 seeds and/or seedlings treated with NPK 12-12-17 and the second batch of 50 seeds and/or seedlings untreated considered as a control block. For the NPK treatment, we have taken 10 grams of NPK (i.e. a full a box of tomatoes soaked in a 10 liter watering). Germination tests have been carried out in nursery at an average temperature of 22°C and an average humidity of 60%. The seeds have been individually and immediately sowned after treatment, and placed on a previously sterilized substrate composed of 25% sawdust and 75% humified earth in 0.5 liter phytocel bag. Overall, the results reveal 146 seeds germinated on 200 seeds sowned, i.e. 73% of seeds germinated. The number of days had a very highly significant effect on the seeds germination (p-value < 0.005). The average height of the seedlings varies from 8.971 to 21.54cm. The highest mean height was 21.91±6.12cm whose the coefficient of variation was 27.94%. On the other hand, the lowest average height was 12.71±2.01cm, with a coefficient of variation of 15.80%. Overall, the seedlings displayed an average height growth of 34.18 cm. Nonetheless, the Student's t test demonstrates a very highly significant influence on the height growth of the seedlings between fertilized and unfertilized blocks (p-value < 0.005). The study suggests that efforts should be deploy for species M. oleifera, used generally in Africa. Reforestation of M. oleifera species with seedlings from nurseries would seem to be the essential technique to ensure the sustainability of the plant.

INFLUÊNCIA DO LODO DE ESGOTO, COMO SUBSTRATO, NA RECUPERAÇÃO DE UMA COMUNIDADE VEGETAL DO SEMIÁRIDO

In the northeastern semiarid, environmental degradation, combined with climatic and socioeconomic factors, can cause loss of soil quality and biological diversity, requiring application of techniques that recover and offer benefits to it, providing a nutritional support for the introduced species. This work has assessed the effects of sewage sludge application as fertilizer on the horizontal and vertical structures of a plant community in the seasonally dry tropical forest (caatinga) in the process of recovery. The research took place in the campus of Instituto Federal do Ceara in the city of Quixada. Three treatments with three repetitions each were applied: raw sludge, sanitized sludge and unmanipulated treatment. There were nine plots containing 20 seedlings each, making a total of 180 seedlings. They were all tagged, and planted away from each other according to specific lengths using the nucleation technique. They also had their ground-level diameter and height measured throughout seven months. As far as the vertical structure is concerned, sanitized sludge was responsible for producing better results in terms of minimum height, average height and height growth rate. In regard to maximum height, there was a difference between sanitized sludge and unmanipulated treatment, but there was no difference between raw sludge and other treatments. After seven months, sanitized sludge produced more individuals with great height, differing from the other two treatments. When the horizontal structure is taken into consideration, minimum and maximum diameters did not increase as a consequence of sludge use; however, differences in average diameter, diameter growth rate and basal area could be noticed from sanitized sludge manipulation. After six months, sanitized sludge produced increased diameters and thicker individuals. Thus, it was observed that the use of sanitized sludge can be a good tool for obtaining quick soil cover in surroundings under recovery.

Hydroponically Planting Ipomoea Aquatica Vegetables Using Planting Media from Used Goods

This study aims to determine the growth of ipomoea aquatica plants using hydroponic techniques with planting media treatment. Ipomoea aquatica is a plant that is a type of vegetable that is easy to obtain, easy to cultivate, processed consumptive and quite economical. Media for seeding, nursery, used cup as a media for plants, which is used is water to facilitate the growth process. Harvesting is carried out in about 25 days. Maintenance of kangkung plants includes controlling and measuring pH. The research method used is to test the hypothesis using the t-test. From the results of this study, it was found that there was a significant difference in the height of the kangkung plants to the treatment of the planting medias. Uneconomical planting medias / industrial business scale plants have an average height growth of ipomoea aquatica plants which is better and more economical than the use of economical planting medias.

AVID: A rapid method for assessing deer browsing of hardwood regeneration

Extensive deer browsing threatens the ability of many forests in the northeastern United States to regenerate and sustain their biodiversity. To reliably assess whether deer are reducing the regeneration of key tree species valued for timber and wildlife, we developed a rapid field protocol for Assessing Vegetation Impacts from Deer (AVID, http://AVIDdeer.com). AVID is a method for foresters, landowners, volunteers, and others to measure the effect of deer browsing on seedling growth. Our objectives were to: 1. Determine if the AVID method could detect differences in growth rates for protected (fenced) and unprotected seedlings, 2. Evaluate AVID’s usefulness as a regeneration monitoring tool for citizen-science engagement, and 3. Compare and contrast the relative strengths and weaknesses of common methods for measuring deer impacts to vegetation. We compared fenced and unfenced plots at 10 research sites in New York State to validate the sensitivity of AVID for detecting deer impacts to seedling growth. Tagged seedlings were measured annually for height growth in replicated plots. Deer reduced average seedling height growth of palatable species several fold at these sites often in combination with the effects of site and year. From 2016 through 2020, we conducted 59 AVID training events with 1,399 participants including landowners, students, educators, naturalists, resource management professionals, and land trust staff. Volunteers established plots at 83 sites in 24 New York counties demonstrating that AVID provides a valued citizen-science approach for both teaching people and assessing deer impacts to forest regeneration. Once volunteers consistently monitor a statistically valid number of plots for several years, the New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation intends to use AVID data to inform deer management decisions.

A Sustainable Solution to Obtain P-K-Mn Glass Fertilizers from Cheap and Readily Available Wastes.

The sustainable economy framework imposes the adoption of new ways for waste reuse and recycling. In this context, this paper proposes a new alternative to obtain glass fertilizers (agriglasses) by reusing two cheap and easily available wastes, wood ash and manganese rich sludge resulting from drinking water treatment processes for groundwater sources. Glasses were obtained using different amounts of wastes together with (NH4)2HPO4 and K2CO3 as raw materials. The P-K-Mn nutrient solubilization from the obtained glasses was investigated using a citric acid solution. The kinetics of the leaching process was studied after 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, respectively. The intraparticle diffusion model was used to interpret kinetic data. Two distinct stages of the ion leaching process were recorded for all of the studied compositions: first through intraparticle diffusion (the rate-controlling stage) and second through diffusion through the particle–medium interface. The fertilization effect of the obtained agriglasses was studied on a barley crop. The specific plant growth parameters of germination percentage, average plant height, biomass and relative growth rate were determinate. The positive impact of the agriglasses upon the plants biomass and relative growth rate was highlighted. The effects of agriglasses can be tuned through glass compositions that affect the solubility of the nutrients.

Investigation on sand-dune afforestation by Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill) in Patara-Antalya region

As a result of the measurements made in these afforestation works carried out with the Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill) species under the scope of Patara Sand-Dune Afforestation Works in Kas district of Antalya province, the average breast height growth was found to be between 32.4 and 46.5 cm, the average height growth was found to be between 15.2 and 24.6 m and the average growing stock per hectare was found be varying between 9.164 and 17.098 m3/ha. Moreover, it was found that outstanding results had been achieved with this sand-dune afforestation work carried out to prevent the threat of the sand-dune movements to the inner settlements and fertile agricultural lands, and that new fertile soil formations had been obtained. In addition to this, although the Eucalyptus species used in afforestation was an exotic species, it was also determined that the average adaptability varied between 71.8 and 86.3% and that it showed a great adaptation to the region.

A Comparison of Tree Growth in Two Sites near Schefferville, Quebec

This aim of this study is to determine if there are differences in tree growth between two sites near Schefferville, Quebec (located at 54°48′N,  66°50′W): the Ephemeral Lake and Airport Woodland site. Tree core samples were collected in order to determine if the “stressed” condition might make a difference in the growth of the trees within the site, and to evaluate how trees may adapt to particular conditions. Cores were collected from 20 trees in the 100x100 meter stressed site, Ephemeral Lake. Core samples were taken from 30 trees located in the in the 10x10 meter ideal site, Airport Woodland.Analysis of the tree cores showed that that there was no statistically significant difference in rate of trunk circumference (or diameter) growth, but rather, both the stressed and ideal forests displayed nearly identical growth rates. This seems to indicate that trees in both plots had similar amounts of water to facilitate their annual growth rate. However, average tree height and average vertical growth per year are highly statistically significant, and are thus found to be key factors. Trees in the stressed forest grow slower upwards (but not in thickness) than trees in the ideal forest, and they reach lower total height—by a factor of almost two—than trees in the ideal forest.If we assume, for example, that the stressed forest under study constitutes a random sample of trees that, in a sense, comes from a population of “all stressed forests,” and similarly for the “ideal forest,” then we may conclude that stressed forests—ones exposed to heavy winds and facing unreliable water supply—tend to produce shorter and slower-growing trees than do forests under “ideal” conditions. Equally, the non-significance of the width-growth variable can indicate that it is not necessarily true that tree-width and tree-width-growth-rate are adversely affected by stressed environment.On the other hand, there were differences in the heights—or lengths of trunks—of trees in the two groups. First, trees in the stressed group were less likely to be growing vertically. About half of the trees in the stressed group were tilted or growing with their main trunk underground. The trees in the ideal group, on the other hand, were nearly all growing vertically, with only a single tree identified as “slanted” rather than “straight.” Also, the trees in the stressed group grew upward at a slower rate than those in the ideal group, and displayed lower overall heights.&nbsp

Application of selected teak clone and organic fertilizer to accelerate rehabilitation of lowland forest in Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Hardiwinoto S, Ardiansyah F, Widiyatno. 2021. Application of selected teak clone and organic fertilizer to accelerate rehabilitation of lowland forest of Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 1750-1756. Lowland forest in Java Island Indonesia is dominated by teak forest. However, for some decades, the forest has degraded and decreased teak wood production. Rehabilitation of the degraded forest is needed to accelerate the forest land cover. Vegetative propagation of selected clones is one of the techniques used in the asexual reproduction of plants to maintain superior genetics from ancestors to their offspring. In addition, adding organic fertilizer can improve the chemical and physical properties of degraded sites. In this study, vegetative propagation techniques of selected teak clones and addition of organic fertilizer were used to rehabilitate the degraded forest. The objectives of the research were to determine the best propagation technique and appropriate dosage of organic fertilizer toward the early growth of clonal teak plantations. The results showed that the height and diameter parameters did not significantly differ for vegetative propagation and interaction with organic fertilizer dosage (P > 0.05). However, the dosage of organic fertilizer significantly increased the DBH of the teak (P < 0.05), although the height parameter did not significantly differ among dosages of organic fertilizer (P > 0.05). The best dosage of organic fertilizer was 5 kg/individual, under which the average growth in height and diameter of teak at 14 months was 3.79 and 5.60 cm, respectively. This suggests that vegetative propagation of selected teak clones and addition of 5 kg/individual organic fertilizer could be implemented to support the successful rehabilitation of degraded forests.

Birthweight, Childhood Body Mass Index, Height and Growth, and Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Introduction: Adult obesity is linked with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the importance of body size at ages before PCOS is diagnosed is unknown. Objective: To investigate associations between a woman’s own birthweight, childhood body mass index (BMI), height and growth patterns in relation to her risk of PCOS. Methods: We included 65,665 girls from the Copenhagen School Health Records Register, born in the period 1960–1996, with information on birthweight and measured weight and height at the ages of 7–13 years. Overweight was defined using International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria. From the Danish National Patient Register, 606 women aged 15–50 years were identified. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by Cox regression analysis. Results: Birthweight was not associated with PCOS. At the age of 7–13 years, girls with overweight had a higher risk of developing PCOS than girls without overweight; HR 2.83 (95% CI 2.34–3.42) at age 7 years and 2.99 (95% CI 2.38–3.76) at age 13 years. Furthermore, girls with overweight at both 7 and 13 years had a higher risk of developing PCOS than girls without overweight or overweight at only one age. Height was positively associated with PCOS risk at all ages. Girls who were persistently tall or changed from tall to average height had a higher risk of developing PCOS than girls with average height growth. Conclusion: Overweight and tall stature in childhood are positively associated with PCOS risk, but birthweight is not.

Effect of prohexadione calcium on vegetative growth, yield and scab development on ‘Sinap Orlovskii’ apple trees

There are many apple orchards in the Russian Federation where trees were trained with volumetric canopies; the vigor of these canopies must be suppressed. Prohexadione calcium (calcium 3-hydroxy-5-oxo-4-propionyl-cyclohex-3-enecarboxylate) was developed to inhibit the gibberellins biosynthesis to reduce vegetative growth. The study was done in the commercial orchard of “Planeta sadov” LLC in Michurinck district of Tambov Region (53°02’11.9 “N 40°29’29.9 “E). This research was aimed to evaluate the influence of prohexadione calcium on the length of one-year shoot growth, yield, and scab development on trees of vigorous apple cultivar ‘Sinap Orlovskii,’ planted 6 x 4 m (418 tr. ha-1). After 1.25 + 1.25 g ha-1 prohexadione calcium double treatment, the length of one-year shoots was 1.96 (2019) and 1.60 (2020) times less than Control 1 (without prohexadione calcium application and hand pruning) and 2,00 times less than in hand pruning treatment. The application of prohexadione calcium inhibited apple tree height and reduced the average height growth rate by 10.7% (2019) and 17.0% (2020). Growth retardant treatments stimulated significant yield increases and improved the commercial value of fruits. The enhance of scab protection improved under the influence of prohexadione calcium treatments. The application of growth retardant increased the alternate bearing index.