Principal Component Analysis Biplot Research Articles

Welfare Assessment of 30 Dairy Goat Farms in the Midwestern United States.

Dairy goat animal welfare assessment protocols have been developed and conducted in Europe and the United Kingdom for dairy goats; however, there are no published reports of large-scale welfare assessment for dairy goats on farms in the Midwestern United States (US). Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform welfare assessment of lactating dairy goats and identify the most prevalent welfare issues on 30 farms across the Midwestern US. Thirty dairy goat farms (self-selected) were enrolled in the study if they shipped milk for human consumption (regardless of herd size). The number of lactating does on each farm ranged from 34 to 6,500 goats, with a median number of 158 lactating does (mean ± SD: 602 ± 1,708 lactating does). The protocol used was developed from available literature on goat welfare assessment but modified for use in the Midwestern US. Observations were made without handling the animals and included 22 animal-based indicators evaluated at the group- and individual-level. The observations were conducted during ~3–5 h during a milking session (either morning or afternoon) and time in the home pen. Principal components analysis (PCA) was carried out on the welfare assessment data from each farm. The first two dimensions of the PCA explained 34.8% of the variation. The PCA biplot indicated correlations between indicators. The most prevalent conditions observed across the 30 farms included any knee calluses (80.9%), any claw overgrowth (51.4%), poor hygiene (14.9%), skin lesions (8.9%), poor hair coat condition (8.3%) and any ear pathology (8.0%). These results are the first to provide the Midwestern US dairy goat industry with information to improve commercial dairy goat welfare.

Patency and Clinico-Haematological Pathologies Sequel to Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma evansi Induced Infections in Yankasa Sheep I

Trypanosomosis remains one of the most deadly protozoan diseases that pose a significant impact on livestock health in the tropics. Sixteen (16) rams aged between 24 to 30 months and weighed between 22-25kg were acclimatized under standard animal housing conditions. Twelve (12) of the sheep deemed fit and healthy were randomly divided into four groups (I, II, III, and IV) of three sheep each. Each sheep in groups I and II was inoculated intravenously with 2 mL containing 2 X 106 trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma evansi, respectively. While group III, each sheep received 2 mL containing 2 X 106 mixed inoculums of T. brucei and T. evansi (50% each by volume of the infective inoculums). Sheep in group IV served as the non-infected control. Post-infection animals were monitored for 14 weeks for parasitaemia, clinical signs, and haematological pathologies. The patent infection became evident in groups I, II, and III between 5-21 days post-infection with average patency of 7, 20, and 8.5 days respectively. The infection was characterized by intermittent pyrexia with a significant decrease (p< 0.001) in mean weekly packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), live weight gain, plasma protein, which significantly decreased (p< 0.001) in all the infected groups. Pearson’s correlation (r) indicates a strong positive correlation (r= 0.991) between parasitaemia and pyrexia, and principal component analysis (PCA) biplot increased the predictabilities of these two indices as the major precursors in the progression of the trypanosomes pathogenesis in sheep.
 Keywords: Trypanosomosis; Patency; Clinico-haematological pathologies; Trypanosoma brucei; Trypanosoma evansi; Yankasa sheep

Concentration and Spatial Distribution of Potentially Toxic Elements in Surface Soil of a Peak-Cluster Depression, Babao Town, Yunnan Province, China.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Chinese agricultural soils, including those in some heritage protection zones, are serious and threaten food safety. Many scientists think that these PTEs may come from parent rock. Hence, at a karst rice-growing agricultural heritage area, Babao town, Guangnan County, Yunnan Province, China, the concentrations of eight PTEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined in 148 surface soil, 25 rock, and 52 rice grain samples. A principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to divide the surface soil into groups, and inverse distance weighting (IDW) was used to analyze the spatial distribution of PTEs. Soil pollution was assessed with the geoaccumulation index (Igeo). The results show that Cd, Hg, Zn, and Cr were polluting the soil (average Igeo > 0). The highest concentration of PTEs was distributed in the southwest of Babao town in the carbonate rock area, which had the highest pH and soil total organic carbon (Corg), Mn, and TFe2O3 contents. PCA biplots of soil samples showed that the carbonate rock area was associated with the most species of PTEs in the study area including Pb, Cd, Hg, As, and Zn. The clastic rock area was associated with Cu and Ni, and the lime and cement plants were associated with CaO, pH, Corg, TC, and aggravated PTE pollution around factories. In high-level PTE areas, rice was planted. Two out of 52 rice grain samples contained Cd and 4 out of 52 rice grain samples had Cr concentrations above the Chinese food safety standard pollutant limit (Cd 0.2 mg/kg; Cr 1 mg/kg). Therefore, the PTEs from parent rocks are already threatening rice safety. The government should therefore plan rice cultivation areas accordingly.

Another insight into the contamination levels at Ogoniland in Niger Delta, Nigeria, with focus on Goi Creek.

Environmental pollution arising from crude oil exploratory activities has adversely impacted both the living and non-living components of the ecosystem. An insight into the impact of such activities with focus on Goi Creek in Ogoniland was provided in this study. We generated reliable data for physicochemical, heavy metal, and total hydrocarbon levels in the creek via a total of 40 samples collected across 4 stations designated within the creek in a duration of 10 months. With the exception of temperature, total dissolve solid, dissolved oxygen, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, zinc, and vanadium, the levels of other regulated parameters in the samples were not compatible with the national and international guidelines and standards for surface water quality including Federal Ministry of Environment Guidelines and standards for water quality in Nigeria and Environmental Protection Agency National recommended water quality criteria, respectively. The principal components (PCs) 1 and 2 of principal component analysis biplot revealed that the concentrations of the physicochemical parameters showed a mixed distribution among the stations; however, the heavy metals were more localized to station 4. Moreover, the dataset was subjected to water quality index (WQI), contamination index (Cd), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), trace element toxicity index (TETI), and environmental water quality index (EWQI) to determine the extent of contamination. The result showed poor WQI, high contamination for Cd, and low-to-medium contamination for HEI. Although, there were variations among the stations on the contamination level, uniform remediation method should be adopted due to the similarity of the contaminants in all the stations.

PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS BIPLOT GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX ASEAN COUNTRIES

ASEAN's global competitiveness requires institutional and ASEAN countries appear to be a formidable economic actors in protecting the economic interests and at the same time having an open economic system that indicates the readiness of ASEAN to compete with the economic strength of the entire region in the world. In this case the measurement of global competitiveness factors become important aspects of state enterprises in the face of global competition. This study was conducted to determine how competitive the ASEAN countries with Biplot method of Principal Component Analysis. Results obtained from this study is the ASEAN countries have different advantages in each of the variables related to the global competitiveness index. In addition, the diversity of which can be explained more than 70% which is 90.69% which means that Principal Component Analysis Biplot describes well the overall total

Variation in frequency of CQA-tested municipal solid waste compost can alter metabolites in vegetables

The use of compost to enhance plant growth and mineral nutrients composition are extensively studied but not much literature information exists on its influence on plant metabolic profiles. A study was performed to assess a 5-year variable frequency of application of Compost Quality Alliance tested municipal solid waste (MSW) compost effect on metabolic profiles of the edible portions of four different vegetable plants. The plants were lettuce (Latuca sativa cv. Grand Rapids), beets (Beta vulgaris cv. Detroit Supreme), carrot (Daucus carota cv. Nantes) and green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Golden Wax) grown under a sub-humid continental climate. The treatments were annual, biennial and no (control) applications of the MSW compost. Typically, soil fertility highly increased with the annual application of the MSW compost followed by the biennial application but declined in the control plot. The annually applied MSW compost increased total amino acids in the lettuce, carrot, beets, and green beans by ca. 323%, 109%, 94% and 18% respectively, compared to the control. Overall, total phospholipids were enhanced by the biennially applied MSW compost. Total organic acids in the lettuce, beets, and green beans were altered by the annual and biennial MSW compost applications by ca. 35% and 23%; 6% and 6.4%; and 22% and 65%, respectively compared to the control. A 2-dimension principal component analysis biplot confirmed positive association between the different frequencies of MSW compost application and soil fertility enhancement of plant metabolites. In conclusion, the annual application of MSW compost enhanced amino acids, phospholipids, acylcarnitines, amines and choline but reduced glucose in the lettuce, beets, carrot, and green beans. Further studies to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning such biofortification will be required.

Vegetation classification for the management of large mammalian herbivores: a case study at Mushingashi Conservancy, Central Province, Zambia

The vegetation of Mushingashi Conservancy in central Zambia was classified and mapped to provide a template for wildlife management. Putative vegetation types were delineated using Landsat 8 imagery, then sampled with 73 plots for vegetation composition and structure, and topo-edaphic properties. Classification followed a four-stage process. Valley dambo and floodplain grasslands were first separated as landscape units from wooded plots. Hierarchical cluster analysis was then used to identify 13 vegetation types based on woody composition and structure. Convex hull plots on a principal component analysis biplot successfully delineated the topo-edaphic environment and woody structure of each type. Linear discriminant analysis confirmed differences in topo-edaphic environment among types. The main environmental gradient was from vertic clays, supporting open Acacia woodland, to sandy soils, supporting miombo woodland, but other gradients were also important. Of a total of 193 woody species recorded, 25 occurred only on large termitaria. An influence of environmental gradients independent of plant-available moisture and nutrients is emphasised. Total woody cover decreased conspicuously on clay-rich soils with increased water availability. A functional vegetation classification of this nature is considered an essential first step towards the informed management of rangeland for large herbivores. Potential applications for management are discussed.

Morphological characterization and genotypic identity of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpaHochst ex. A. Rich. Harms) germplasm from diverse ecological zones

AbstractAfrican yam bean (AYB) is an affordable protein source capable of diversifying the food base in sub-Saharan Africa. However, research efforts made towards the crop's improvement and in expanding production are limited. This study characterized 169 AYB accessions at Jimma, Ethiopia, using 31 phenotypic characters. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant (P< 0.01) differences for days to 50% flowering, days to first flowering, leaf area, number of seeds per pod, pod length, seed thickness, total seed weight, petiole length and significant (P< 0.05) difference for terminal leaf length. Accession TSs62B produced the highest number of seeds per pod (17.65) and recorded the highest 100 seed weight (25.30 g), while 3A was the earliest to flower at an average of 84.50 d. Principal component analysis (PCA) of qualitative traits attributed 77.6% of observed variations to the first five principal components, of which the first two PC axes accounted for 53.6% of total variations. Cluster analysis and PCA biplot distinctly grouped the accessions into two major groups, cluster I had the highest number of accessions (108). The analytical approaches used confirmed considerable diversity across the germplasm with a distance matrix ranging from 0.37 to 0.85. The extent of diversity reflected in the current study provides breeders the baseline information to design breeding strategies, which might help identify materials for release as variety or parental lines for hybridization programmes.

Variations in life-history traits and statolith shape for Sepioteuthis spp. in the waters off southwestern Japan

Sepioteuthis lessoniana is a crucial squid species in fisheries and plays a critical role in marine ecosystems. At least two taxa of the squid species have been identified in the waters around Japan; however, the basic biological information of these taxa is limited. In this study, the taxa composition of Sepioteuthis was examined using molecular evidence, and the life-history traits and statolith shape of these taxa were analyzed to elucidate the potential population structure. A total of 142 squid samples were collected from six locations around Nagasaki (southwestern Japan) where high taxonomic diversity has been found previously. Three taxa (Sepioteuthis sp. 1, sp. 2, and sp. 2A) were identified based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) gene, among which Sepioteuthis sp. 2A was defined for the first time. Sepioteuthis sp. 2 was predominant in the region (average occurrence rate 84%), whereas Sepioteuthis sp. 1 was rare, with only two individuals found near Goto Islands. The mantle length composition, mantle length–body weight relationship, age structure, and average growth rates were similar between Sepioteuthis sp. 2 and sp. 2A. However, Sepioteuthis sp. 2 mainly hatched during summer (June–July), whereas Sepioteuthis sp. 2A hatched during winter (December–February). The statolith shapes of the squids were similar between the taxa, although slight differences were noted in the wing regions. The three taxa largely overlapped in a principal component analysis bi-plot based on variations extracted from five life-history traits. These results suggest that at least three taxa of Sepioteuthis inhabited the region, although few differences were found between them in life-history traits or statolith shapes that might be substantially influenced by regional oceanographic conditions. This study provides essential information on the population structure and connectivity of the squid, which is crucial in the context of conservation and management measures for fisheries.

Extension of Cut Carnation Vase Life Using Compost Tea, Putrescine and Plant Extracts

Cut flower vase life can be extended by various natural products, but their efficacy when mixed with compost tea is not reported. A study was performed to determine cut carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus cv. White Sim) vase life in 1 L of formulations (1) C3.5: 3.5% compost tea + 15 mg putrescine; (2) R5L10: C3.5 + 5 mL rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) + 10 mL lemon (Citrus limon) extracts; (3) R10L10: C3.5 + 10 mL rosemary + 10 mL lemon extracts; (4) R5L20: C3.5 + 5 mL rosemary + 20 mL lemon extracts; (5) R10L20: C3.5 + 10 mL rosemary + 20 mL lemon extracts; (6) Chrysal: Floral Chrysal Clear (positive control); and (7) Dw: distilled water alone (negative control). The 15 mg putrescine significantly (P=0.002) reduced compost tea turbidity by 34%. The neutral pH of C3.5 and Dw did not change. However, pH increased by 24% in Chrysal and reduced by 39% in R5L10, R10L10 and R5L20 and by 54% in R10L20 on day 11. TDS and EC were highest in Chrysal from days 1 to 11. Petal discoloration, wilt, shrinkage and neck bend were delayed by C3.5 followed by Chrysal and then R5L10, but were accelerated by the other treatments. In conclusion, the cut carnation cv. White Sim longevity as influenced by variations in the vase solutions was Chrysal (14 days) > C3.5 (12.6 days) > R5L10 (10.7 days) but ≤ 9 days in the other treatments. These results were confirmed by a 2-D principal component analysis biplot. Future study will investigate microbial interaction.

Biplots for compositional data derived from generalized joint diagonalization methods

Biplots constructed from principal components of a compositional data set are an established means to explore its features. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is also used to transform a set of spatial variables into spatially decorrelated factors. However, because no spatial structures are accounted for in the transformation the application of PCA is limited. In geostatistics and blind source separation a variety of different matrix diagonalization methods have been developed with the aim to provide spatially or temporally decorrelated factors. Just as PCA, many of these transformations are linear and so lend themselves to the construction of biplots. In this contribution we consider such biplots for a number of methods (MAF, UWEDGE and RJD transformations) and discuss how and if they can contribute to our understanding of relationships between the components of regionalized compositions. A comparison of the biplots with the PCA biplot commonly used in compositional data analysis for the case of data from the Northern Irish geochemical survey shows that the biplots from MAF and UWEDGE are comparable as are those from PCA and RJD. The biplots emphasize different aspects of the regionalized composition: for MAF and UWEDGE the focus is the spatial continuity, while for PCA and RJD it is variance explained. The results indicate that PCA and MAF combined provide adequate and complementary means for exploratory statistical analysis.

Effect of ultraviolet radiation on the metabolomic profiles of potentially toxic cyanobacteria.

Interactions between climate change and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) have a substantial impact on aquatic ecosystems, especially on photosynthetic organisms. To counteract the damaging effects of UVR, cyanobacteria developed adaptive strategies such as the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of UVR on the metabolomic profiles of potentially toxic cyanobacteria. Twelve strains were irradiated with ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation and parabolic aluminized reflector lamps for 3 days, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis to assess changes in metabolomic profiles. Matrices were used to generate principal component analysis biplots, and molecular networks were obtained using the Global Natural Products platform. Most strains showed significant changes in their metabolomic profiles after UVR exposure. On average, 7% of MS features were shown to be exclusive to metabolomic profiles before UVR exposure, while 9% were unique to metabolomic profiles after UVR exposure. The identified compounds included aeruginosins, spumigins, cyanopeptolins, microginins, namalides, pseudospumigins, anabaenopeptins, mycosporine-like amino acids, nodularins and microcystins. Data showed that cyanobacteria display broad metabolic plasticity upon UVR exposure, including the synthesis and differential expression of a variety of secondary metabolites. This could result in a competitive advantage, supporting cyanobacterial blooms under various UVR light exposures.

Assessment of genetic divergence in diploid cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.) germplasm using fibre quality traits

AbstractCotton is one of the most important crops among natural fibres. Fibre quality determines the spinning ability, which is negatively correlated with yield and yield-contributing traits. Limited efforts have been made to improve fibre quality and yield in diploid cotton. Therefore, screening a large panel of germplasm lines can help identify genotypes with better fibre quality and yield. We evaluated 712 desi cotton genotypes for fibre quality traits. The genotypes showed a significant difference for all the traits, suggesting considerable variability for fibre quality improvement. Fibre length and strength showed high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation. Heritability was high for fibre strength, length, and elongation. Fibre length and strength were positively correlated; however, micronaire was negatively correlated with these two traits. Superior accessions were identified for fibre length (11), strength (20), uniformity (7), and elongation (25) among genotypes. Most of the desi lines (71%) had medium micronaire values. Twenty accessions identified were ideal for spinning, showing the fibre strength-to-length ratio of one. Cluster analysis based on Euclidean distance grouped all 712 accessions into four major clusters. Principal component analysis biplot revealed that accessions AC3418, 360-SP1, AC3522B, Kanpur A, Gao16CB-9, and AC3370 were genetically diverse. The superior accessions for fibre quality identified in this study are potential lines for the diploid cotton improvement programme.

Genetic parameters and principal components analysis biplot for agronomical, insect and pathological traits in some sugarcane genotypes

The present investigation was conducted at El-Mattana Agricultural Research Station, Luxor Governorate, Egypt during two successive seasons 2018/2019 (plant cane) and 2019/2020 (first ratoon) to screening of eighteen sugarcane genotypes s for the lesser sugarcane borer, smut, streak and mosaic diseases resistance under natural infection and elimination of sensitive genotypes from sugarcane breeding program and to evaluate the performance of some sugarcane genotypes based on principal components analysis biplot and genetic components; heritability and genetic advance for the studied traits. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results show all studied traits varied significantly among evaluated different genotypes in the plant cane and first ratoon. Cane yield of five and two genotypes in plant cane and first ratoon, respectively, gave significantly the highest mean values of cane yield as compare with check variety. Bored stalks% and bored joints % varied significantly among evaluated genotypes. It found high positive correlation between bored stalks% and bored joints and brix% in the positive direction. Plant height and stalk diameter were positively correlated with cane yield, not only smut, mosaic and streak diseases but also bored stalks and bored joints were negatively correlated with cane and sugar yield and negatively correlated sucrose%, purity% and recovery%. The differences between the estimates of GCV and PCV was comparatively narrow for all the characters (except stalk diameter and Mosaic disease) suggesting the possibility of affective selection of these traits and indicating high prospects for genetic progress through selection under the conditions of this investigation.

Spatio-Temporal Distribution, Ecological Risk Assessment, and Multivariate Analysis of Heavy Metals in Bathinda District, Punjab, India

The pollution of agricultural soil due to heavy metals is a serious environmental problem throughout the world due to their persistence and toxicity. The present study was carried out on agricultural soils of district Bathinda, Punjab where a total of 120 soil samples were collected from 40 different locations during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon season. The total mean concentration of heavy metals (arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb)) was estimated by ThermoScientific–iCAP Qc (Germany) inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentration of heavy metals was of the order of Fe > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Co > As > Pb > Hg > Cd, Fe > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Co > As > Pb > Hg > Cd, and Fe > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Co > Pb > As > Hg > Cd in pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. The metals such as Fe, Zn, Cr, and Ni indicated higher concentrations at most of the sites, whereas Hg and Cd showed lower concentrations throughout the region. The total mean concentrations (mg/kg) of the metals were found to be lower than their natural background concentration values. Based on enrichment factor (EF), the soils were moderately contaminated at most of the sites with a few cases where the soil was minimally enriched with heavy metals. Other pollution indices such pollution load index (PLI) and degree of contamination (Cd) also indicated low to moderate level of soil contamination. Besides, risk assessment of heavy metals was also determined using potential ecological risk factor (Ei) and ecological risk index (Ri) which indicated low Ei and Ri in the region for most of the metals. Spatial distribution using interpolation technique, Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) in ArcGIS 10.6.1 software, showed a significant spatial and seasonal variability of heavy metals throughout the region. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) between heavy metal variables was found to be significant at p < 0.05 significance level (As-Cr (r = 0.769), As-Fe (r = 0.760), As-Co (r = 0.883), As-Ni (r = 0.886), As-Cu (r = 0.859), As-Hg (r = 0.678) in pre-monsoon samples; As-Fe (r = 0.613), As-Co (r = 0.669), As-Ni (r = 0.619), As-Cu (r = 0.639) in monsoon samples and As-Cr (r = 0.631), As-Fe (r = 0.715), As-Co (r = 0.710), As-Cu (r = 0.690) in post-monsoon samples) indicated a strong relationship between different variables. Principal component analysis (PCA) technique also proved to be significant in studying the behavioral pattern of variables, where PCA biplots showed different behavior as revealed from some strong associations. Finally, continuous monitoring of the sites is suggested to avoid further contamination and degradation of soil quality, despite low contamination levels in the region.

Unsupervised machine learning with petrological database ApolloBasaltDB reveals complexity in lunar basalt major element oxide and mineral distribution patterns

Diversity of lunar basalt characteristics is partly a consequence of lunar mantle heterogeneity. Although the cumulate mantle overturn hypothesis is the current standard model invoked to explain mantle asymmetries of unknown length scale in both compositional and geometrical space, successful petrological modeling of this mixing event requires a specific set of parameters not currently agreed upon. In contrast, surface basalt patterns may yield clues to both localized and nearside lunar interior structure.Using two multidimensional data analysis approaches – principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means cluster analysis (KCA) – we report the patterns produced from basalt characteristics over changing spatial scales, from intra-site to inter-site to nearside. The data are sourced from a newly developed, self-contained database of lunar basalt characteristics (ApolloBasaltDB), which includes major element oxides, mineral modes, ages, and textures for petrological and statistical modeling. Through the simultaneous considerations of multiple basalt characteristics contained in the database, we find that terrestrial-based basalt classifications cannot adequately describe the complex and overlapping distribution patterns of major element oxides and mineral modes that define multiple distinct basalt groupings over multidimensional space. These patterns provide opportunities for alternative lunar basalt classification schemes. Our analyses suggest that Al2O3 volumetric content is more diverse inside the Procellarum KREEP Terrane rift boundary versus content for older Apollo samples in close proximity to the eastern arm of the same rift boundary. Northernmost basalt samples show increased pyroxene diversity. Easternmost sites suggest anti-correlations in modal ilmenite and plagioclase, based on major element oxide PCA biplots, while nearside analyses of either major element oxides or mineral modes similarly suggest plagioclase (and Al2O3) diversity comes at the expense of ilmenite (and TiO2) diversity. There is evidence to suggest that approximate mineral content can be extracted from major element oxide data based on correlative patterns between major element oxide PCA biplots and mineral mode PCA biplots. These patterns have implications for remote sensing missions in that onboard data manipulation may provide lithologic basalt vectors of interest.

Nutrient Release Pattern and Greenhouse-Grown Swiss Chard Response to Biochar Inoculated with Vermicast

A study was performed to assess nutrient release from biochar inoculated with solid vermicast (SVB), vermicast tea (VTB), deionized water (DWB), uninoculated biochar (Bioc), and Promix-BX (Pro-BX). The growth response of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) cv. Rhubarb chard was also assessed. Comparatively, nutrients were released slowly from treatments SVB and VTB compared to the other treatments. The rate of nutrient release determined by total dissolved solids and electric conductivity from the Pro-BX was the highest. The trend for the plant growth components, total leaf surface area and leaf fresh weight at first harvest, was Pro-BX &gt; Bioc &gt; DWB = SVB &gt; VTB. The only treatment that increased total leaf area and leaf fresh weight at the second harvest by approximately 1.02- and 1.88-fold was VTB. Leaf fresh weight was significantly reduced by approximately 0.33-fold for DWB, 0.28-fold for Bioc, and 0.70-fold for Pro-BX but was not altered by SVB at the second harvest as compared to the first harvest. A 2-dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) biplot confirmed that treatment Pro-BX increased plant growth components at the first harvest only. The locations of SVB and VTB on the PCA biplot confirmed their efficacies, which led to increases in the plant growth components at the second harvest. Overall, the VTB adsorbed more nutrients onto its surface that were slowly released to enhance the Swiss chard cv. Rhubarb chard plant growth at the second harvest. Further studies should consider microbial activities.

Changes in the volatile profile of ‘Fantasia’ nectarines [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, var. nectarina] treated with an enhanced freshness formulation (EFF) containing hexanal

Postharvest technologies play a key role in enhancing shelf life and maintaining quality characteristics of tender fruits, such as nectarines (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch var. nectarina). This research investigated the effects of an enhanced freshness formulation (EFF), containing hexanal as the key ingredient, in enhancing the shelf life of field grown nectarines and its effects on the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). ‘Fantasia’ nectarine fruits at two commercial orchards in the Niagara region were subject to preharvest sprays of 2% EFF (15 and 7 days preharvest) and stored at ambient conditions (25 °C) with volatile analyses conducted at 0, 3, 5, 7, and 11 days postharvest. The volatile analysis study indicated for the first time that hexanal is naturally present in nectarine fruit. This was confirmed by GC–MS analysis and validated with standards. GC–EIMS analyses of targeted VOCs validated with standards indicated reduced levels of VOCs associated with fruit ripening and fruity odor, such as lactones, in hexanal-treated fruit, and an increased level of C6 compounds associated with unripe fruit. Principal component analysis biplot with scores and loadings of the fruit VOCs and quality parameters indicated a tight association between TSS and lactones, which was inversely associated with firmness, ground color, acetates, and ester compounds. Pearson correlation coefficients also indicated a very high positive correlation between hexanal and levels of VOCs, such as 1-hexanol, E-2-hexanal, 3-hexanal, hexen-1-ol, and other C6 acetates. These findings may indicate a delay in the ripening process caused by hexanal formulation, which may be associated with modulated expression of key ripening-related volatile pathways, therefore enhancing the shelf life and quality of nectarines.

Genetic Diversity Based on Morphological Traits of 19 Maize Genotypes Using Principal Component Analysis and GT Biplot

Among the phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular methods employed in assessment of genetic diversity, the phenotypic method has proven efficient for the assessment, description and classification of germplasm collections to enhance their use in maize breeding. The objectives of the present study were: (i) to assess the extent of genetic diversity in a collection of Egyptian commercial maize hybrids and populations, through field evaluation under water and N stressed and non-stressed conditions, using morphological data based on Principle Component Analysis (PCA), (ii) to measure the genetic distance among these genotypes using UPGMA cluster analysis and (iii) to assess the relationship between grain yield and yield-related traits of maize genotypes using GT-biplot analysis. A two-year field experiment was conducted in a split-split plot design with 3 replications, where 2 irrigation regimes, three N rates and 19 maize genotypes occupied the main plots, sub plots and sub-sub plots, respectively. The germplasm was assessed for 21 agronomic traits. Highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) were observed among the maize hybrids and populations for all measured traits. Results of the GT biplot in the present study indicated that high values of 100-Kernel weight, ears/plant, kernels/plant, kernels/row, plant height, nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and grain nitrogen content and short ASI could be considered reliable secondary traits for improving grain yield under stressed and non-stressed conditions. The highest genetic distance was found between G9 (SC-2055) and each of G15 (American Early Dent), G18 (Midland) or G19 (Ried Type). The Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering based on phenotypic data assigned the maize genotypes into five groups. The different groups obtained can be useful for deriving the inbred lines with diverse features and diversifying the heterotic pools.

Analysis of genotype-environment interaction and yield stability of Thai upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes using AMMI model

Genotype-environment interaction and stability analysis has been important for plant breeders and plays a vital role in identifying genotypes that are stable or unstable in a given environment. The experiments in this research were conducted to determine the effects of genotype, environment and genotype-environment interaction on grain yield using the AMMI statistical model, and to recognize the most stable rice genotypes among ten genotypes in southern Thailand’s provinces of environments in Songkhla, Satun and Phatthalung. Highly significant differences were shown from the combined analysis for environments with grain yields, revealing that environments were different and indicated change ability between the genotypes and their interactions. The average grain yield assessment of the tested genotypes was around the environments where genotype G8 (Nahng Kian) had the highest grain yield 6234.11 kg/ha. AMMI biplot of the Interaction Principal Component Analysis (IPCA) scores visualized 90.7% for IPCA1 and 9.3% for IPCA2 with the genotypes and environments for grain yield. In the AMMI stability value method, G8 (Nahng Kian) was the most stable genotype followed by the genotypes G2 (Mai Tahk) and G10 (Hawm Jet Ban) Songkhla, Satun and Phatthalung environments.