Capsule Height Research Articles

Determination of Some Physico-Mechanical Properties and Critical Velocity of Opium Poppy Plant (Papaver somniferum L.) 'Ofis 1' (Blue)

In this study, it was aimed to determine some physico-mechanical properties of the stalk and capsule of Ofis 1 (Blue) poppy plant, which has a significant production size in our country. According to the evaluated research findings, on the basis of average values, poppy capsule height was 37.99 mm, width was 35.82 mm, mass was 5.86 g, volume was 300.73 mm3, horizontal projection area was 18.66 cm², vertical projection area was 17.91 cm², critical velocity was 10.22 m s-1, natural angle of repose was 22.8o, and shell ratio was 43.93%. In the study, the poppy stalk was divided into three parts: upper, middle and lower regions. During the harvest period, the wet basis moisture value of the upper region was 7.69%, the moisture value of the middle region was 7.56%, the moisture value of the lower region was 8.03%, and the average moisture value of the poppy stalk was calculated as 7.76%. The average moisture value of poppy capsule at harvest time was determined as 7.69%. The number of plants per unit area in the poppy field was 30.8 pieces m-2, the number of capsules was 55.2 pieces m-2 and the capsule/plant ratio was 1.8. Average plant height was 119.7 cm. These values are the data that should be taken into consideration for table height and finger spacing in poppy harvesting machine designs. The majority of the plants per unit area (55.9%) are single capsule. As a result of mechanical tests, poppy stem shear force values were determined between 31.14 N-74.06 N and these values vary according to the thickness of the poppy plant stem. The average compression-crushing forces of poppy capsule were determined as 159.39 N and 110.46 N for vertical and horizontal positions, respectively. As a result of the research, Ofis 1 (Blue) poppy plant physico-mechanical properties and a resource that can be useful for the studies to be carried out in machine design studies for the cultivation and harvesting of poppy plants have been put forward.

Potential use of crop water stress index (CWSI) and spectral vegetation indices for black cumin under deficit irrigation

This study was carried out in 2022 to examine the yield, yield components and changes in crop water stress index (CWSI) and vegetation index in black cumin with deficit irrigation. Five different irrigation water levels (I0, I25, I50, I75, I100) were used. The amount of irrigation water applied changed between 20 and 276 mm. Plant water consumption (ET) values varied between 182 and 425 mm. The highest seed yields were obtained from I100 treatments (692 t ha−1) and the lowest from I0 treatments (25 t ha−1). Biological yield, plant height, stem diameter, first capsule height, number of capsules per plant, number of branches per plant, number of seeds per capsule and 1000-seed weight of black cumin were affected by deficit irrigation. CWSI lower limit equation to be used in irrigation scheduling was identified Tc−Ta = − 1.7524 × VPD + 0.7698 (R2 = 0.54) and the upper limit 10.9 ℃. For black cumin plants, irrigation is recommended when the CWSI value is between 0.08 and 0.12. 9 different spectral vegetation indices were evaluated in this study. It has been determined that there are significant correlations between yield, yield components and CWSI and spectral vegetation indices.

Desenvolvimento e produtividade de gergelim (cultivar k3) em latossolo amarelo em função da adubação potássica

ABSTRACT Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an oilseed crop species valued for its nutritional properties. Sesame production has been a strategic alternative for expanding agricultural diversification in Mato Grosso, Brazil. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess growth and seed yield of sesame plants (cultivar K3) grown in a Typic Hapludox soil under potassium (K) fertilizer application. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications, using a 6×4 factorial arrangement consisting of six K2O rates (0, 30, 50, 70, 90, and 120 kg ha-1) and four application times (0, 20, 30, and 40 days after sowing). Agronomic parameters were evaluated, including plant height, first capsule height, numbers of branches and capsules per plant, capsule weight, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield. Soil samples were chemically analyzed after harvest. Individual factors (K2O rates and application times) and the interaction between factors had no significant effects on plant height, first capsule height, number of branches per plant, and capsule and 1000-seed weights. The timing of fertilizer application did not significantly affect plant growth and seed yield. However, K fertilizer application increased soil K contents, number of capsules per plant, and seed yield. The highest seed yield was found for the K2O rate of 90 kg ha-1.

Leptospermum tairawhitiense (Myrtaceae), a new species from Aotearoa / New Zealand, segregated from Leptospermum scoparium s. l.

Leptospermum tairawhitiense G.J. Atkins, de Lange & M.A.M. Renner sp. nov. (Myrtaceae) is segregated from L. scoparium J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. (sensu lato). The new species is endemic to Tairāwhiti / East Cape, Te Ika a Māui / North Island of Aotearoa / New Zealand. The new species is genetically distinct from L. scoparium sensu lato, L. hoipolloi L.M.H. Schmid & de Lange, and L. repo de Lange & L.M.H. Schmid, and chemically it is distinguished by having unusually high levels of triketones. Morphologically, Leptospermum tairawhitiense differs from these species in vegetative characters by the shortly and densely branching growth habit; the often suckering growth habit; the patent leaves, arising at 70–90° from the stem; the lamina is narrow-lanceolate, elliptic lanceolate, or rarely narrowly ovate and (3.0–4.8–6.2(–9.0) mm long by (1.0–1.3(–2.1) mm wide and coloured dull green to dark green, red-tinged, ± glaucescent (new growth yellow-green, red-tinged, glaucescent); and in reproductive characters, the flowers are cupped and small in comparison to other species, being 8–14 mm in diameter, with 5(–8) white petals, 5.0–7.0 × 4.6–6.4 mm and 20–32 stamens with white or pink filaments. The capsules of Leptospermum tairawhitiense are up to 6.8 mm wide and 5.5 mm tall when unopened, with exserted valves that comprise half the capsule height in profile, and when opened the valves exceed the capsule rim. A conservation assessment using the New Zealand Threat Classification System is proposed and a revised key to Leptospermum of Aotearoa / New Zealand provided.

Effect of Potassium Doses on Agricultural Characteristics of Camelina Sown in Winter and Summer Season

This research carried out in Konya ecology, Arslanbey camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] genotype which was planted in 2 different times as winter and summer, in the vegetation period of 2020, was determined at 6 different doses (0 kg da-1, 10 kg da-1, 15 kg da-1, 20 kg da-1, 25 kg da-1, 30 kg da-1) potassium sulphate fertilizer was applied to the soil and its effects on some agricultural properties were determined. Field trials of the study were established according to the Random Blocks trial design with 3 replications. As the results of the research in summer plantings, plant height 50.23-54.01 cm, number of branches per plant 5.60-8.80, number of capsules per plant 30.87-58.80, number of seeds per capsule 14.10-17.60, first capsule height 39.55-45.28 cm, seed yield per plant 0.28-1.27 grams, the number of seeds per plant 252.53-1166.13, thousand grain weight 0.78-1.12 grams, grain yield 63.76-77.75 kg da-1, oil rate 22.54%-29.66%, oil yield between 14.05-22.25 kg da-1. Additionally, the values obtained as a result of the winter planting of camelina; plant height 52.04-57.74 cm, number of branches per plant 8.33-11.70, number of capsules per plant 199.80-274.67, number of seeds in capsule 11.50-13.23, height of first capsule 41.01-47.17 cm, grain yield 1.24-1.65 grams per plant, number of seeds per plant 1754.43-2424.00 pieces, thousand grain weight 0.69-0.85 grams, grain yield 80.65-125.93 kg da-1, oil rate 14.47-18.77%, oil yield 11.97-19.74 kg da-1. It can be said that it is essential to carry out long-term different agronomic studies in different locations related to camelina, an important and alternative oil plant.

Investigating Sowing Date and Foliar Application of Boron Effects on some Growth and Yield Parameters of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

This field study was conducted at Almashtal area-Heet District-Anbar province during the summer season 0f 2017 in clay loam soil. The layout was a split-plot design with three replicates, the three sowing times (20 April, 20 June, 20 July) occupy experiment the main plots while the Boron concentration (0mg L-1, 100mg L-1, 200mg L-1) occupies the subplots. The field was fertilized with superphosphate fertilizer (P2O5 %46) at the ratio of 80 kg.ha-1 and potassium sulfate (K43%) at the rate of 80kg ha-1 before sowing process during soil preparation. Also, urea fertilizer (N46%) was added at a ratio of 80 kg.ha-1 with two doses the first one at planting and the second after 30 days. Results drawn from this experiment are summarized as follows: Plant height, the height of first capsule, Number of leaves per plant, Seeds yield, biological yield decreased with the delay of sowing time by giving 78.1, 22, 238.8, 242, 982kg ha-1 respectively. While the foliar application with boron led to an increase in seed yield and biological yield by giving 541, 2252 kg ha-1 respectively. Also, some characters values decreased with boron concentration such as first capsule height and number of leaves per plant by giving 29.6 cm, 334.8 leaves per plant inthe treatment of 200 mg L-1.

Ana ve ikinci ürün koşullarında yetiştirilen susam (Sesamum indicum L.) çeşitlerinin bazı önemli tarımsal ve kalite özelliklerinin karşılaştırılması

Bu çalışma; 2018 ve 2019 yıllarında, ana ve ikinci ürün koşullarında, Çukurova Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Araştırma ve Uygulama alanında, bölünmüş parseller deneme desenine göre üç tekrarlamalı olarak kurulmuş ve yürütülmüştür. Bu çalışmada; ülkemizde tescil edilmiş susam çeşitlerinin farklı yetiştirme dönemlerinde (ana ve ikinci ürün koşullarında) önemli agronomik ve kalite özelliklerinin belirlenmesi ve karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaca yönelik olarak, on yedi farklı susam çeşidi denemede materyal olarak kullanılmıştır. Denemeye alınan susam çeşitlerinin; bitki boyu, ilk kapsül yüksekliği, dal ve kapsül sayısı, 1000 tohum ağırlığı, tohum verimi gibi önemli agronomik özellikleri ile yağ ve protein oranı değerleri incelenmiştir. Denemeye alınan susam çeşitlerinin incelenen özellikleri arasında her iki yetiştirme döneminde de önemli farklılıklar saptanmıştır. Ana ürün koşullarında; gün uzunluğu, toplam sıcaklık ve vejetasyon süresi daha fazla olduğundan dolayı, incelenen tüm tarımsal özelliklerine ait elde edilen değerler, ikinci ürün koşullarına göre daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Özellikle tohum verimi değerleri, ikinci ürün koşullarına göre, ana ürün koşullarında %40 daha yüksek olmuştur. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre; hem ana ürün ve hem de ikinci ürün koşullarında tohum verimi ile tarımsal ve kalite özellikleri bakımından; Muganlı-57, Sarı Susam ve Osmangazi-99 susam çeşitlerinin, diğer çeşitlerden daha üstün olduğu gözlenmiştir.

Kahramanmaraş Koşullarında Çörek Otu (Nigella Sp.) Genotiplerinde Farklı Sıra Arası Mesafelerin Verim ve Kaliteye Etkilerinin Belirlenmesi

Bu çalışmada, farklı sıra arası mesafelerinin N. sativa L., N. damascena L., ve tescilli çeşit olan Çameli (N. sativa) genotipleri üzerinde tarımsal ve kalite özelliklerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma 2019-2020 vejetasyon dönemlerinde Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü Araştırma ve Uygulama arazisinde sıra arası mesafeleri 20, 30, 40 ve 50 cm olacak şekilde yürütülmüştür. Deneme, tesadüf bloklarında bölünmüş parseller deneme desenine göre 3 tekerrürlü olarak kurulmuştur. Farklı sıra aralıklarında ekilerek yetiştirilen çörek otu genotiplerin de; bitki boyu 30.25-56.90 cm, ilk dal yüksekliği 1.58-15.62 cm, ilk kapsül yüksekliği 11.52-30.70 cm, dal sayısı 5.40-7.10 adet bitki-1, kapsül sayısı 8.37-28.37 adet bitki-1, kapsüldeki tane sayısı 7.00-26.33 adet kapsül-1, bin tane ağırlığı 2.18-2.71 g, tohum verimi 51.39-155.00 kg da-1, sabit yağ oranı %28.65-36.40, protein oranı %19.28-22.32, uçucu yağ oranı %0.58-1.12, sabit yağ verimi 20.36-53.35 kg da-1ve uçucu yağ verimi 0.34-1.74 L da-1 olarak bulunmuştur. Yürütülen bu çalışmada; genotip olarak Çameli çeşidinden (N. sativa) ve sıra arası mesafede ise; istatistiki olarak aynı grupta yer alan 30 (155.00 kg da-1 tohum verim) cm ve 20 (151.39 kg da-1 tohum verim) cm sıra arası mesafelerinden en yüksek tohum verimi elde edilmiştir.

Evaluation of the properties of tuna skin gelatin as a hard capsule material

Gelatin, which is thermally converted from collagen, is widely utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as a raw material for hard and soft capsules. The aim of this study was to produce gelatin from yellowfin tuna skin, the by-product of tuna processing, and determine the optimal concentration for hard capsule production. Capsules were prepared from the skin gelatin. The tuna skin gelatin was characterized as follows: pH 6.0, gel strength 191 g Bloom, water content 7.01%, ash content 0.92, setting temperature 22.3 °C, and viscosity 12,700 cP. A 20% gelatin solution was found to be the best concentration among the concentrations examined for hard capsule production, and gave a body capsule height of 19.4 mm, cap capsule height of 12.8 mm, weight of 0.07 g, disintegration time of 4.09 min, pH of 5.92, and moisture content of 12.0%. The results suggest that tuna skin gelatin can be an excellent source of hard capsule material.

Karst Water Pressure’s Varying Rule and Its Response to Overlying Strata Movement in Coal Mine

Karst water is widespread throughout China and is heavily influenced by complex geological conditions, and floor inrush of karst waters associated with coal seams is the second most common coal mine disaster in China. Due to the limitation of precision and cost of geophysical exploration technology, the volume and pressure of karst water are challenging to measure, especially during the mining process. Therefore, predicting karst pressure’s response to mining is critical for determining the mechanism of water inrush. Here, closed karst water pressure (CKWP) response to mining was studied in an innovative physical simulation experiment. In the simulation experiment, a capsule and a pipe were designed to reflect CKWP and the water level. In the experiment, the vertical stress and karst water level were monitored throughout the process of an advancing coal panel. Monitoring results show that the range of the abutment pressure was about 40 cm, and the peak coefficient value was about 2. When the working face is far away from the water capsule, the stress and water column near the water capsule have no obvious change. With the working face 10 cm from the water capsule, the stress and water column height increased significantly. When the working face was right above the water capsule, the stress and water column rose sharply and reached the maximum value. When the working face advanced beyond the water capsule, the stress and water column height declined. Through establishing a structural mechanics model, the karst water system underneath the working face is assumed to be a hydraulic press. Accordingly, the compressed area was assumed to be a piston. The karst water pressure increases sharply, while the piston is compressed, increasing water inrush risk. This discovery may help determine the water inrush mechanism from a novel point of view.

Effects of Different Sowing Times and Phosphorus Application on Yield and Quality of Camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz)

This study was carried out for determination effects of sowing time and phosphorus applications on several yield and quality components of Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz during 2014-2015 years in Van/Turkey ecological conditions. The factorial experiment was designed based on split plot with two factors including (A) sowing times (7-10 April, 22-25 April and 7-10 May) and (B) phosphorus fertilization (0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1 P2O5) in three replicates. Several yield and quality parameters such as plant height, first capsule height, number of branches, number of capsules, number of seeds in each capsule, thousand seed weight, seed yield, oil content as well as yield were measured. Results showed that sowing times had significant effects on all parameters except for seed numbers per capsule and oil contents (P<0.05). The most values for first capsule height (28.86 cm) and thousand seeds weight (0.94 gr) observed at 7-10 April sowing time, while the highest amounts of number of branches (12.48 branch plant-1), number of capsule (130.33 capsule plant-1), seed yield (1128.6 kg ha-1) and oil yield (328.0 kg ha-1) were obtained at 22-25 April and 7-10 May. On the other hand, the effects of phosphorus application was statistically significant (P<0.05) on first capsule height, number of branches, number of capsules and thousand seeds weight. The most value for first capsule height (28.56 cm) was determined using 40 kg ha-1 P2O5 application, while the highest number of branches (12.41 branch plant-1), number of capsules (142.85 capsule plant-1) andthousand seeds weight (0.95 gr) were observed by using 80 kg ha-1 P2O5.

Deformation mechanism of capsule-type hydrogen-storage-alloy actuator

A capsule-type actuator using hydrogen storage alloy (HSA) was fabricated and its response behavior was investigated by experiment and finite element analysis. The capsule-type HSA actuator consists of an HSA foil placed on the inner wall of a capsule. In this paper, the displacement change of the actuator made of palladium foil and epoxy resin was experimentally measured in hydrogen atmosphere. As a result, it displaced with the decrease in the capsule height when hydrogen gas was charged, and vice versa. Displacement amount and response time of the actuator depended on the hydrogen pressure during the pressurization, while the response time was independent of the pressure during the evacuation. Also, the HSA actuator's deformation with hydrogen diffusion was simulated using the finite element method. It revealed that hydrogen content in the HSA foil was decreased by high compressive stress, indicating the hydrogen atom was absorbed as a solid solution phase in the HSA foil even when a surrounding hydrogen pressure was higher than the phase transition pressure.

Phenotypic and genotypic variability in a set of sesame genotypes (Sesamum indicum L.).

TOTALLY, 86 sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes were used for the study of phenotypic and genotypic variability in summer seasons of 2015 and 2016. They were differed significantly values for all studied traits in both seasons. The genotypes mean ranged widely around the general mean in the studied traits. 67.4, 40.7, 46.5 and 48.8% of the genotypes were raised than the average for plant height (159.05cm), capsule length (2.56cm), thousand seed weight (3.65g) and seed yield per plant (14.38g). While 51.2% of genotypes were higher than the average of first capsule height, length of fruiting zone and capsules number per plant in the first season. The higher phenotypic values than overall mean observed as 53.5, 51.2, 52.3, 54.7, 40.7, 48.8 and 48.8% for the plant height, the first capsule height, the fruiting zone length, the capsule number per plant, the capsule length, the thousand seed weight and the seed yield per plant in the second year, respectively. Also, high values (>20%) of phenotypic coefficient variations (PCV) and genotypic coefficients of variations (GCV) were recorded in the first capsule height in both seasons. However, moderate values of genetic advance (GA) were observed for the plant height (18.49) in both seasons and (17.52 & 16.94) for the fruiting zone length in the first and second seasons coupled with high heritability. Higher heritability coupled with high genetic advance estimates (>20) were recorded for the first capsule height (26.05 and 25.85) and the capsules number per plant (22.55 and 26.11) in both seasons. This is indicates that these traits controlled by additive gene action and mostly which is very useful for selection efficiency.

Elastic capsules at liquid-liquid interfaces.

We investigate the deformation of elastic microcapsules adsorbed at liquid-liquid interfaces. An initially spherical elastic capsule at a liquid-liquid interface undergoes circumferential stretching due to the liquid-liquid surface tension and becomes lens- or discus-shaped, depending on its bending rigidity. The resulting elastic capsule deformation is qualitatively similar, but distinct from the deformation of a liquid droplet into a liquid lens at a liquid-liquid interface. We discuss the deformed shapes of droplets and capsules adsorbed at liquid-liquid interfaces for a whole range of different surface elasticities: from droplets (only surface tension) deforming into liquid lenses, droplets with a Hookean membrane (finite stretching modulus, zero bending modulus) deforming into elastic lenses, to microcapsules (finite stretching and bending modulus) deforming into rounded elastic lenses. We calculate capsule shapes at liquid-liquid interfaces numerically using shape equations from nonlinear elastic shell theory. Finally, we present theoretical results for the contact angle (or the capsule height) and the maximal capsule curvature at the three phase contact line. These results can be used to infer information about the elastic moduli from optical measurements. During capsule deformation into a lens-like shape, surface energy of the liquid-liquid interface is converted into elastic energy of the capsule shell giving rise to an overall adsorption energy gain by deformation. Soft hollow capsules exhibit a pronounced increase of the adsorption energy as compared to filled soft particles and, thus, are attractive candidates as foam and emulsion stabilizers.

Surveying the relations among traits affecting seed yield in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

To determine the most important traits influencing seed yield of sesame, 18 lines were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replicates in two years during the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons. Following a combined analysis of variance, multivariate statistical analyses such as simple correlation coefficients, factor analysis, stepwise analysis, path analysis, and cluster analysis were administered on combined means. The correlation coefficient analysis showed a significant negative correlation between seed yield and number of capsules per plant and number of seeds per capsule. Correlation between germination period and seed yield was positive and significant at 5% probability level. Factor analysis divided the 14 measured variables into five factors. In the stepwise regression analysis for seed yield as the independent variable, four traits including number of capsules per plant, first capsule height, number of seeds per capsule, and stem length to first capsule were entered into the regression model in four steps with r2 =0.72. The regression coefficient of number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, and stem length to first capsule were negative and the regression coefficient of the first capsule height was positive and significant at the 5% probability level. The path coefficient analysis based on seed yield as a dependent variable implicated that the number of seeds per capsule had the highest negative direct effect on seed yield. The highest negative indirect effect on seed yield was related to the number of capsules per plant through the number of seeds per capsule. Cluster analysis using Ward’s method divided 18 investigated lines into five clusters.

English

Kenaf seed yield depends on morpho-physiological traits between varieties, and the interaction between genotype and the environment. Studies were conducted in Ibadan, Ilora and Kisi stations of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria during 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons to determine the influence of location and genotypes on seed yield potentials in 20 kenaf genotypes. The experiment was carried out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Result shows that, kenaf plants had tallest average capsule height in Ilora in both years, while higher numbers of capsule/plant and seed number/capsule were recorded in Kishi. There were no significant differences among all the genotypes planted irrespective of the location on seed weight/plant, 100 seed weight and seed yield/ha. Average highest capsule height was recorded in 2009 across genotypes. However, average number of capsule/plant, seed number/capsule, seed weight/plant and seed yield/ha were higher in 2010. Local kenaf had highest number of capsules (55.04) with about the least seeds per capsule (9.45) and least weight of seed per plant (3.30 g). While BS-1 had the least capsule number (18.86) and highest seeds per capsule (15.74) was recorded in SF-549. AU-75 recorded the highest seed weight/plant. The 100 seed weight ranged from 3.37 to 2.19 g. Seed yield/ha across genotypes ranged from 660 kg/ha in Local line 36 to 1454.3 kg/ha in AU-75.   Key words: Kenaf, capsule height, capsule number, seed number, seed weight/capsule, 100 seed weight and seed yield/ha.

FRI0480 Ultrasonographic joint capsular height index: reproducibility and independence from antropometric factors, age and sex.

BackgroundMost of data obtained from musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MUS) is expressed in terms of subjective interpretations of images. Evolutive comparisons into same patients or assessment of existence of mild synovitis in...

The Effects of Female Shell Size on Reproductive Potential of the Egg Capsule in Rapa Whelk Rapana venosa in Three Regions of Different Salinities.

We investigated the effects of shell height on reproductive potential of the female Rapana venosa in three regions of different salinities (the coastal zone of the Gwangyang Bay (S-1); the upper reaches (S-3); lower reaches (S-2) of the Seomjin River). The number of egg capsules, egg capsule height, and fecundity associated with reproductive potential of larger female rapa whelks were higher than those of smaller individuals in all three regions. Correlation analyses showed that there is a significant positive correlation between egg capsule and female shell height. Mean of shell heights, egg capsule heights, the number of egg capsules in an egg mass, and fecundity in an egg capsule produced from female individuals inhabiting S-1 region were markedly higher than those inhabiting S-2 and S-3 regions. In particular, the fecundity of the rapa whelk increased with the salinity and shell height. Although large rapa whelks produced a large number of egg capsules at S-1 region, those at S-3 habitat laid less egg capsules with smaller size. If these rapa whelks were put into S-2 region, the number of egg capsules produced by a female at S-2 region was slightly larger than those produced by a female at S-3 region. This provides a clear evidence that the number of the egg capsules can be controlled by the salinity. In the coastal zone of the Gwangyang Bay and the upper reaches of Seomjin River, the fecundity of this species was estimated to be approximately 182,000-1,302,000 eggs/ind./yr.

Egg capsules of the little skate, Psammobatis extenta (Garman, 1913) (Chondrichthyes, Rajidae)

Corresponding author: rochaf_bio@yahoo.com.br The elasmobranch Rajidae family, known usually as skates, is the most numerous group among cartilaginous fishes, having almost 245 species with very conservative morphology (EBERT and COMPAGNO, 2007). Elasmobranch egg capsules are widely recognised as important in species identification and provide relevant information concerning their reproductive biology (ODDONE et al. , 2004). The genus Psammobatis GUNTHER, 1870 comprises eight species, four of them recorded in Brazil (PARAGO, 2001): P. extenta (GARMAN, 1913), P. rutrum JORDAN, 1890, P. bergi MARINI, 1932, and P. lentiginosa (BIGELOW and SCHROEDER, 1953). Psammobatis extenta , the little skate, is endemic to the continental shelf of the western South Atlantic, ranging from Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (22°56’S) to Patagonia, Argentina (~ 45°S) (PARAGO, 2001). Recent studies of P. extenta have focused mainly on its reproduction, morphology and feeding habits (BRACCINI and PEREZ, 2005; BRACCINI and CHIARAMONTE, 2002a; 2002b) and detailed information concerning its egg capsules is lacking. Only the egg capsules of P. scobina (PHILIPPI, 1857), from the Southeastern Pacific, have been accurately described (CONCHA et al. , 2009); short descriptions of the egg capsules of P. rudis , P. normani and P. bergi have been presented with their reproductive biology (MABRAGANA and COUSSEAU, 2004 and SAN MARTIN et al. , 2005). The present study describes the egg capsules of Psammobatis extenta , a small common rajid species of the western South Atlantic. Sixty-one egg capsules were removed directly from the 35 female Psammobatis extenta oviduct, thus avoiding species misidentification. The females were collected by bottom trawlers on the Sao Paulo continental shelf, at 30 to 50 m depths (between 24°12’S; 46°04’ W and 24°08’S; 46°50’W), during 2002, except in autumn. The general morphology, color, texture, presence and number of eggs, presence and position of attachment fibrils, presence and shape of velum and keel and finally, presence, position and shape of ventilation fissures were all recorded. The measurements taken were: capsule length (without horns), maximum width, anterior and posterior horn lengths, capsule height, and thickness and width of lateral keel. Both the terminology and morphometrics follow TEMPLEMAN (1982), ODDONE et al. (2004) and TREOLAR et al. (2006). Only fully developed capsules were used in the calculations made and the terms ‘anterior’/‘posterior’ and ‘dorsal’/‘ventral’ refer to the position of the egg capsules in the female oviduct (TEMPLEMAN, 1982). Capsules were fixed in formalin and preserved in 70% ethanol. The total length of the females was measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. Differences between anterior and posterior horn lengths and between right and left egg capsules were verified with Student´s t-test and the relationship between the females´ total length and the body length of the capsules was investigated by linear regression (SOKAL and ROHLF, 1995). The capsule measurements are presented in Table 1. Only one egg capsule was found in each female’s oviduct and just one egg was found per capsule. Almost 75% of the gravid females had capsules in both oviducts and when only one capsule was present, it was in the left oviduct (except for one female, which had developing horns on the right shell gland). The fully developed egg capsules are rectangular, with a horny process on each corner and a brownish copper in color (Fig. 1). The capsule walls are symmetrically convex, with the highest point situated centrally. Both capsule walls present a

Yield, yield characteristics and sequential path analysis of sesame (Sesamum indicum) as affected by organic fertilizers

A field experiment was conducted 2017 and 2018 at the experimental farm of Agricultural Research station, Arab EL-Awamer, Agriculture Research Center (A.R.C.), Assiut Governorate, Egypt, to evaluate the effect of differ- ent organic sources of nutrients superimposed on inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). The experiment included 14 factorial treatments, consisting of 2 sesame cultivars, viz. Shandaweel 3 and Giza 32, and 7 combinations of cattle and sheep manures fertilizers. Shandaweel 3 cultivar exhibited signifi- cant superiority to Giza 32 sesame with regard to most of studied characters except first capsule height across the 2 seasons. Among the organics manures, application of 2.5 tonnes sheep manure and 4 tonnes cattle manure resulted in the maximum values of fruit zone length, 1,000-seed weight and seed yield in the 2 seasons with sig- nificant differences compared to the control. The interaction effect between cultivars and manures application was significant for all characters in the 2 seasons except first capsule height in the first season and fruit zone length in the second season. Shandaweel 3 fertilized with 2.5 tonnes sheep manure gave the maximum seed yield in both the seasons. Results revealed positive and highly significant association between seed yield and its all related characters except first capsule height, which had no significant correlation coefficient with seed yield. A sequential path analysis was used to order the various variables based on their maximum direct effect and minimal collinear- ity.