Dactylis Research Articles

Chemical form of volatilized iodine obtained from orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.).

Japan's first commercial nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is expected to release radioiodine into the atmosphere, and orchard grass plants grown in the vicinity of this plant may absorb this radioiodine. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the absorption and volatilization of iodine in the leaves of orchard grass. Our findings suggest that iodine can be transferred from the leaves of this grass to the atmosphere via two routes: direct volatilization and absorption followed by volatilization. Previous studies on rice and oats also show that iodine can be absorbed by the roots and volatilized from the plant's body. Although orchard grass absorbs iodine via the leaves, the chemical form of volatilized iodine may differ from that absorbed via the roots. We applied a NaI solution to the leaves of orchard grass and analyzed the volatilized iodine. The experimental results showed that the iodine was volatilized as methyl iodide.

Association between serum alder-specific immunoglobulin E positivity and seasonal onset of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Pollen exposure may induce seasonal onset of eosinophilic esophagitis. However, whether serum pollen-specific immunoglobulin E positivity can predict such seasonal eosinophilic esophagitis onset remains unclear. Here, we aimed to evaluate the association between pollen-specific immunoglobulin E positivity and the seasonal onset of eosinophilic esophagitis during the pollen dispersal period. We seasonally classified eosinophilic esophagitis patients and compared their clinical and endoscopic findings. Seasonal trends with respect to the positivity rate of serum pollen-specific immunoglobulin E were examined. Pollens such as alder, cedar, cypress, birch, orchard grass, timothy, ragweed, and mugwort were evaluated. We classified patients into two groups: tested positive or negative for each pollen-specific immunoglobulin E. We then evaluated whether the positivity of each pollen-specific immunoglobulin E was associated with the seasonal onset of eosinophilic esophagitis during the pollen dispersal period. We included 122 patients diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis between 2010 and 2019. Among them, 31 (25.4%), 42 (34.4%), 29 (23.8%), and 20 (16.4%) patients were diagnosed during spring, summer, fall, and winter, respectively. No significant differences were observed in clinical and endoscopic findings across seasons. No significant seasonal trends were observed in the positivity rate of each pollen-specific immunoglobulin E. The positivity rate of alder-specific immunoglobulin E was significantly associated with the seasonal onset of eosinophilic esophagitis (P < 0.01). However, the positivity rates of other pollen-specific immunoglobulin E were not associated with the seasonal onset of eosinophilic esophagitis. Serum alder-specific immunoglobulin E positivity was associated with the seasonal onset of eosinophilic esophagitis.

A New Source of Inoculum for Stemphylium vesicarium: Consequences for the Management of Brown Spot of Pear

Brown spot of pear (BSP), caused by Stemphylium vesicarium, is one of the most dangerous pear fungal diseases, being responsible for huge losses in production. Currently, in order to increase its containment, chemical control is implemented in conjunction with agronomic techniques able to reduce BSP inoculum sources (e.g., orchard grass sanitation, litter removal or application of biocontrol agents). Regardless, despite the introduction of agronomic practices, the complete control of the disease is still rarely possible, which suggests that other sources of S. vesicarium inoculum that are currently neglected may be involved. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible wintering forms of Pleospora allii/S. vesicarium on pear wood and whether any spore-forming productions (conidial or ascosporic) might infect the green tissues of the plant in the following spring. Symptomatic fragments of woody tissue from a commercial pear orchard (in Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy) with a high BSP pressure (~40% incidence) were analysed. The results prove that pseudothecia and the maturation of ascospores of P. allii also develop on one-year-old branch cankers of pear trees, thus representing an additional source of inoculum. In conclusion, the pruning of affected branches and removal of relative residues should be preventatively performed in order to improve BSP management and control.

From wastewater to feed: Understanding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances occurrence in wastewater-irrigated crops.

Reusing treated wastewater for irrigation is a sustainable way to recycle nutrients and reduce freshwater use. However, wastewater irrigation inadvertently introduces per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into agroecosystems, causing concerns regarding potential adverse effects to ecosystem, animal, and human health. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathways by which PFAS accumulate in forage crops is needed. A greenhouse study was conducted to (1) quantify the contribution of root uptake versus foliar sorption of PFAS in corn (Zea mays) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), (2) assess effects of PFAS-impacted wastewater irrigation on plant health, and (3) determine the potential implications for bioaccumulation. The greenhouse study was composed of four treatments for each forage crop to isolate the relative contribution of two uptake pathways. Results suggested that foliar sorption was an unlikely contributor to PFAS concentrations observed in crop tissue. Root uptake was identified as the predominant uptake pathway. PFAS were detected more frequently in orchard grass samples compared to corn silage samples. Additionally, corn exhibited a lower uptake of long-chain PFAS compared to grass. Overall, no plant health effects on growth attributable to PFAS concentrations were observed.Forage data suggest cattle exposure to PFAS would be largely short-chain PFAS or long-chain "replacement" compounds(>50%). However, cattle may still be exposed to potentially harmful long-chain PFAS; levels in the forage crops exceeded the tolerable weekly intake set by the European Food Safety Authority. This study provides insights on PFAS entry into the food chain and potential implications for livestock and human health.

Exploring microbial diversity and function in companion planting systems of white clover and orchard grass

Companion planting of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) with orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.), a famous hay grass, improves the forage quality of orchard grass. Microbiome profiling techniques can reveal the specific role of white clover companion planting with orchard grass. This study aimed to explore the microbiome distribution and gene functions of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil via companion planting systems of white clover and orchard grass. From metagenomics sequencing analysis, we confirmed the significant role of white clover on soil environment modeling during companion planting with orchard grass. Twenty-eight biomarkers of rhizosphere soil organisms were identified during companion planting, including Proteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Flavobacteriia, and Caulobacterales. The number of gene functions of nitrogen and carbon fixation in companion planting was higher than that in single plants, indicating new functional flora for companion planting. We characterized specific rhizosphere effects, typical biomarker flora, and potential regulatory mechanisms for white clover-related companion planting by metagenomics analyses.

The Effect of Biological Secondary Treated Domestic Wastewater on Agronomic Properties and Element Content of Some Forage Plants

Aims: This study was carried out to determine the effect of domestic advanced biological treated domestik wastewater on the agronomic properties and nutritional content of some forage crops, as a result of the increasing interest in the use of treated wastewater in agriculture. Material and methods: Biologically treated domestic wastewater was diluted with 25%, 50% and 75% pure water and applied to crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum Geartn), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) pots according to field capacity. Results: Alfalfa, orchard grass and crested wheatgrass plants were used as trial plants. The effect of the diluted wastewater application on the height of crested wheatgrass, orchard grass and alfalfa was significant. From the first mow, alfalfa and orchard grass had increased green and dry weights per pot, with the most marked increase for alfalfa. The wastewater ratios caused an increase in nutrient and metal concentrations in the three plants, while a decrease in the Se concentration in alfalfa and crested wheatgrass. Diluted wastewater not effected alfalfa Ca concentration significantly. While the dilute wastewater significantly and positively effected the relationship of orchard grass with all elements, but Se affected negatively. Soil organic matter and electrical conductivity increased and pH decreased with increasing wastewater ratio. Discussion: Diluted domestic water application played an important role in nutrient and metal concentrations by mediating increased plant element uptake associated with soil organic matter and electrical conductivity responses. Conclusions: However, long-term field studies are required to determine the dilution rate at which the salinity risk threshold can be determined.

Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) yield and nutritive characteristics in response to different cutting regimes in a temperate region

The present study was carried out at the Research Farm of Regional Research Station, ICAR-IGFRI, Rangreth, Srinagar, to evaluate three harvesting stages and three cutting intervals for achieving higher fodder yield and quality in orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L). Among the harvesting stages, H3 (harvesting at the flowering stage) recorded the highest green (27.04 t/ha) and dry(8.05 t/ha) fodder yield. Among the cutting intervals, CI 3 (cutting at 60-day intervals) recorded higher fresh and dry biomass yield. Fodder yield increased with harvesting at later stages and increased cutting intervals. The highest crude protein content (11.87%), lowest NDF (55.87%) and ADF (31.65%) contents were recorded when grass was harvested at the vegetative stage. Digestible dry matter (DDM) varied significantly with both harvesting stage and cutting interval and was found to be highest with H1 (64.23%) and CI 1 (63.54%). The highest relative feed value (RFV) of 106.92% and highest total digestible nutrients (TDN) of 65.68% were found in the orchard grass cut at the vegetative stage (H1), which was at par with orchard grass harvested first at the booting stage (H2). Harvesting at both vegetative and booting stages resulted in good quality (RFV &gt;103%) and energy-rich (TDN&gt; 65%) forage. Harvesting at the flowering stage resulted in fair quality (RFV 96.67% and TDN 63.65%) fodder.

Processing Orchard Grass into Carbon Bio Pellets via Hydrothermal Carbonisation—A Case Study Analysis

The presented case study evaluates the environmental and economic effects of carbon bio pellet production from orchard grass by Farmutil HS Inc. through the hydrothermal carbonisation method, using obtained biofuel as a substitute for natural gas for heat production. Hydrothermal carbonisation is a zero-waste technology that produces renewable bioenergy by substituting fossil fuels for non-renewable resources. Processing 60,000 t/y of orchard grass with this method resulted in a total amount of heat production of 456,780 GJ/y. This means that over 60% of the energy produced from natural gas could be substituted by renewable bioenergy. It is also very important that the estimated cost of heat produced from carbon bio pellets is 29% lower in comparison to the cost of heat produced from natural gas

Forage Biomass and Nutritive Value of Grasses and Legumes Grown Under Agrivoltaic Systems

Forage crops grown underneath ground-mounted photovoltaic systems (PV) may provide a feed source for livestock production. The objective was to evaluate forage biomass and nutritive value of crops, grasses and legumes grown under different PV conditions. Forages were planted underneath a 30-kilowatt PV site (30kW), a 50-kilowatt PV site (50kW) and one control site without PV (CON) in May 2022 with four replicates per site. Forage crops included alfalfa, field peas, meadow fescue, orchard grass, red clover, brown midrib sorghumsudan grass, white clover and 3 grass and legume mixes with either alfalfa, red clover, or white clover. Biomass samples were clipped at appropriate maturity levels for grazing. Samples were sorted for botanical composition and analyzed for nutrient value. Crop biomass, dry matter and nutrient values were analyzed with PROC Mixed of SAS with the fixed effects of site (30kW, 50kW, or Con), crop nested within site, and cutting (1st or 2nd) and the random effect of replicate nested within site. Forages produced less biomass at the 30kW (563.7 kg/ha) and 50kW (446.4 kg/ha) solar sites compared to CON (1099.7 kg/ha). The 50kW forages had greater crude protein on a dry matter basis (25.8%) than the 30kW (21.4%) and CON (20.9%). The 50kW (57.1%) forages also had greater total tract neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility than the 30kW (52.5%) and CON (51.0%). Additionally, the 50kW forages had greater percent calcium (1.05%) compared to the 30kW (0.75%) and CON (0.84%). Forage biomass and nutrient values varied based on the solar array design and amount of sun exposure.

61 Effects of botanical composition on grazing system management, forage quality, forage availability, and ewe performance

Abstract The objective was to compare the effects of two forage mixtures utilized in a rotational grazing system on ewe performance, forage quality, and forage availability. Dorset-Suffolk crossbred ewes [n = 48; body weight (BW) = 187 ± 20 kg] were stratified by BW, body condition score (BCS), and age, then allotted to six groups. Groups were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: forage mixture 1 (FM1; 47% orchard grass, 30% white clover, 14% brome grass, and 9% ryegrass) and forage mixture 2 (FM2; 44% ryegrass, 33% white clover, and 23% red clover). There were 18 paddocks (30.5 m x 22 m) for each treatment, each group was rotated between one of six paddocks; the rotation of each group was determined by the reduction of forage height to approximately 10 cm. Ewe BW and BCS were collected on d 0, 14, and 28. Forage heights were measured using meter sticks upon the groups entering and exiting each paddock. Forage heights were used to calculate forage availability, and the difference between pre-grazing and post-grazing forage availability was assumed to be forage disappearance. Five pre-grazing forage samples from each paddock were clipped at 10 cm using the forage square (0.0625 m²) to determine fiber content. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. No effects on ewe BW or BCS were observed (P = 0.4134) between treatments. Ewes grazing FM2 spent more time grazing each paddock (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared with ewes grazing FM1. Pre-grazing forage ground cover (P &amp;lt; 0.01) was greater in FM2 compared with FM1; however, grazed forage mass disappearance was not different (P = 0.44) between treatments. The NDF and ADF values were greater for FM1 than FM2 (P &amp;lt; 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) indicating that more forage is needed to meet ewe energy requirements. Results suggest that neither forage mixture had a significant impact on ewe BW or BCS; however, ewes grazing FM2 maintained themselves on a smaller land area during growing season, making it a more feasible option for rotational grazing management.

127 Color and oxidative stability of Longissimus lumborum muscles from artificially raised ram lambs finished on a high-concentrate diet

Abstract Pre-weaning strategies, such as artificially raising on milk replacer, can impact lamb quality. Limited studies have examined the influence of artificial raising on color attributes of lamb. The aim of this study was to evaluate how artificially raising on milk replacer affects the color and oxidative stability of longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle from ram lambs finished on a high-concentrate diet. For a 60-day pre-weaning period, Polypay ram lambs were reared either conventionally with ewes (CR; n = 5) or artificially on milk replacer (MR; n = 5). After 60 days, the lambs were finished on a high concentrate diet (85:15 concentrate: forage) containing 78% cracked corn and 22% pre-mixed protein pellet as the concentrate source as well as 15% orchard grass pellet as the forage source. The lambs were fed ad libitum high-concentrate diet until the target body weight of 59 kg. The lambs were harvested, and the LL muscles from both sides of the carcasses (24 h post-mortem) were fabricated into 2.5-cm thick chops. Carcass characteristics were recorded during harvesting and fabricating. The chops were placed on polystyrene trays, overwrapped with oxygen-permeable polyvinyl chloride film, and stored at 2°C in the darkness for 0, 3, and 6 d. Instrumental color, color stability (R630/580), pH, lipid oxidation, and myoglobin reducing activity of the chops were evaluated on the storage days. A split-plot design was employed to analyze the data. Pre-weaning management was the main plot, while the storage time was considered as the sub-plot. The LL muscles from each lamb carcass were considered as the experimental unit, whereas the sub-plot experimental units were the chops allocated for 0, 3, or 6 d storage. The data were analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX. The least square means were separated utilizing the PDIFF option and adjusted with the Tukey-Kramer method. The differences among means were detected at a 5% level. There was no effect (P &amp;gt; 0.05) of pre-weaning management on carcass characteristics, surface redness (a* value), lightness (L* value), yellowness (b* value), color stability (R630/580), pH, or metmyoglobin reducing activity of LL chops. Color stability (R630/580) and metmyoglobin reducing activity declined (P &amp;lt; 0.05) during storage in both CR and MR chops. In contrast, lipid oxidation, lightness (L* value), yellowness (b* value), and hue value of the chops increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in both treatments during storage. Artificial raising on milk replacer for 60 d pre-weaning period did not influence color and oxidative stability of lambs finished on a high-concentrate diet. Carcass characteristics, color stability, and lipid oxidation were comparable in lambs raised through conventional method and those raised artificially on milk-replacer. These findings indicate that milk-replacer could be employed as a practical approach for artificial rearing in lamb production.

Impact of sharp weather warming on the exchangeable forms of 137Cs in soils and its bioaccumulation in orchard grass

The manuscript considers the effects of the sharp temperature increase on the exchangeable forms of 137Cs, from one to three months after its entrance in the soil. The impact of the sharp increase of the environmental temperature on the migration ability of 137Cs and bioaccumulation in orchard grass was investigated in soils taken from five different regions in Bulgaria. The soil samples were contaminated with an aqueous solution of 137Cs and stored at different temperature regimes, simulating temperate and hot summer conditions for a period from one to three months. The exchangeable forms of the radionuclide were determined by single extractions with 1 M NH4NO3, followed by gamma-spectrometric determination. Vegetation experiments with the conditioned soil samples were carried out and the transfer factors (TFs) of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) were determined. The results showed that the conditioning for one month at increased temperature, two months after contamination caused a decrease in the exchangeable 137Cs and the transfer factors. A reduction of the exchangeable forms of radiocesium with the increase of the content of muscovite in the soils was observed. It was found that the change in TFs provoked by the temperature raise two months after contamination increased with increasing potassium concentration in the soils.

How does the neighborhood of annual or perennial species affect the first one hundred days of the establishment of grasses?

Pastures that include annual and perennial grasses can play a strategic role in increasing the sustainability of temperate livestock systems. However, the impacts of the competition between annual and perennial genetically improved forage species on pastures has scarcely been studied. We evaluated the early dynamics of tillering, carbon partitioning and both intra- and interspecific competition in – or between – an annual (Bromus willdenowii; prairie grass; Bw) and a perennial (Dactylis glomerata; orchard grass; Dg) C3 grass species. We sowed 24 0.18 m2 microplots in May 2008. Each microplot constituted an experimental unit and contained five sowing lines spaced 0.175 m apart. On three of the lines, we sowed different combinations of the mentioned grasses, while on the two lines between them, we sowed red clover (Trifolium pratense). We randomly applied a factorial array of eight treatments—2 species (Dg vs. Bw) × 2 types of competition (intra vs. interspecific) × 2 levels of winter nitrogen fertilization (0 vs. 170 kg of N ha-1)—designed in three complete random blocks. Fertilization did not have any significant effect on any species. The evaluation period lasted 109 days after sowing (das), separated into three phases (0-53 das, 59-90 das and 90-109 das). The variables recorded were aerial biomass (leaves, sheets and senescent material), root biomass and tiller density per species. As expected, annual Bw inhibited the growth of perennial Dg at the latest stage of establishment but surprisingly promoted it at the earliest stage. This work suggested that a low initial density of an annual species should optimize the initial facilitating effect of the annual species on the perennial species with its subsequent inhibitory effect.

Yield of white clover and orchard grass cultivated in mining passives adding black earth and compost as a substrate.

Mining environmental liabilities generate environmental pollution. The objective of the present study was to determine the yield of white clover (Trifolium repens) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) cultivated in mining environmental passives adding black earth and compost as a substrate in the Buenaventura Julcani Huancavelica Company. The treatments were the combinations: 4: 3.1: 3.1: 3:1.1 kg of RP: RP, TN: RP, C: RP, TN, C respectively. They were distributed in four treatments with twelve experimental units for each species of leguminous and gramineous grass, we worked according to the completely randomized design (DCA) with a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, the experimental unit being a treatment with twelve repetitions. The variables evaluated were: germination percentage (TG) and stem survival percentage (TST). For the statistical analysis, the SPSS software was used.

Drought stress memory in orchard grass and the role of marker-based parental selection for physiological and antioxidant responses

Drought stress memory occurring in some plants plays a crucial role in their adaptation to unfavorable conditions. However, in open-pollinated plants, this phenomenon is assumed to be affected by population plasticity resulting from kind and level of diversity and inbreeding depression. Physiological perspectives of drought stress memory in four synthetic poly-crossed populations (groups) of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) constructed from parental genotypes with contrasting levels (narrow and wide) of molecular and morphological genetic variation were assessed. Populations of two generations (Syn1 and Syn2) were developed and were subjected to three moisture treatments, including normal irrigation (C), primary mild stress-secondary intense stress (D1D2), and secondary intense stress (D2). Pre-exposure to drought significantly improved the mean values of leaf water, chlorophyll, proline, and ascorbate peroxidase compared to intense stress, leading to more effective memory responses. Superiority of groups with high levels of molecular diversity for most traits, suggesting that the molecular genetic distance among parents is an effective predictor of progeny performance. The results indicated that the fitness of progenies of the four polycross groups declines significantly from Syn1 to Syn2, however the magnitude of observed inbreeding depends on the level of diversity and moisture conditions. We propose a hypothesis that underscores the interplay between genetic diversity among parents and drought stress memory providing valuable insights for developing new synthetic varieties in open-pollinated grasses. Specifically, we posit that higher molecular diversity among parental genotypes enhances the potential for robust drought stress memory, thereby contributing to improved progeny fitness under unfavorable conditions.

Biostimulants in the Production of Forage Grasses and Turfgrasses

Biostimulants are becoming more prevalent in the production of forage and turfgrasses. Many can be classified as natural biostimulants, including humic acids (HA), fulvic acids (FA), protein hydrolysates (PHs) and seaweed extracts (SWE), in addition to chitosan, silicon, inorganic compounds, beneficial fungi, bacteria and synthetic biostimulants. The article reviews recent research on the effects of biostimulants in the cultivation of forage grasses (perennial ryegrass, annual ryegrass, Festulolium, Kentucky bluegrass, annual bluegrass, orchard grass and timothy-grass) and turfgrasses (perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, red fescue and creeping bentgrass). Literature analysis suggests that biostimulants enhance the quality of grasses, augment their tolerance to environmental stresses, facilitate nutrient uptake and improve the visual aspect of grasses. While biostimulants cannot replace fertilisers, they can significantly improve crop effectiveness in utilising the nutrients present in the fertilisers. This paper also briefly describes the legal and regulatory status of biostimulants with a focus on the EU and PL.

Natural Grass Cultivation Management Improves Apple Fruit Quality by Regulating Soil Mineral Nitrogen Content and Carbon-Nitrogen Metabolism.

Orchard grass cultivation management is an effective measure to safeguard the sustainable development of the fruit industry in China. However, details of the influence of natural sod culture management on carbon (C)-nitrogen (N) nutrition of trees and fruit quality in Hanfu apple orchards are lacking. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted, which consisted of two treatments: clean tillage (CT) and natural grass cultivation (NG). Results revealed that NG treatment contributed to the increases in soil organic matter (SOM), total N, and soil NH4+-N at depths of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm, while the soil NO3--N concentration under NG treatment was significantly decreased at the same depth, within the range of 0-200 cm of the soil profile, compared with CT. NG treatment also significantly promoted leaf photosynthesis and enhanced leaf N and fruit sugar metabolism. The results of isotope labeling showed that NG treatment obviously elevated the 13C accumulation and distribution rate in fruits, as well as the 15N accumulation in the whole tree, whereas the 15N accumulation in fruits decreased. Furthermore, NG treatment significantly increased the fruit anthocyanin content. These results provide theoretical references for the feasibility of natural sod culture management to improve fruit quality in Hanfu apple orchards.

Effects of Orchard Grass on Soil Fertility and Nutritional Status of Fruit Trees in Korla Fragrant Pear Orchard

Grass cultivation is widely used as an effective soil management method in pear orchards. A Korla fragrant pear orchard with clean cultivation (CK) and natural grass planting for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was examined in this study. We analyzed the differences in soil fertility and shoot and leaf nutrient content under different grassing years. Compared with the clean cultivation, grass cultivation reduced the soil fertility and nutrient content of shoots and leaves at the early stage of natural grass planting (1–2 years). With the increase in grassing years, the overall level of the nutrient content of soil, shoots, and leaves gradually increased; the shallower the soil layer, the more significant the effect. Furthermore, grass cultivation significantly increased the contents of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium. The nutrient contents of shoots and leaves were also significantly increased after grass cultivation. The contents of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium in shoots were significantly increased by 7.32%, 154.84%, and 219.29% in 5, 4, and 5 years, respectively, and their contents were also increased by 69.57%, 22.86%, and 26.45% in leaves. The correlation analysis showed that there was a significant or extremely significant positive correlation among the shoots, leaves, and soil nutrient contents. In conclusion, continuous grass cultivation significantly improved the soil quality, health status, and nutritional status, and effectively solved the problem of harm to the pear orchard caused by long-term clean cultivation. This study will provide the scientific basis for the construction of a reasonable orchard soil management mode.

Determination in Forage Yield and Quality of Chicory and Different Plants Mixtures in Grazing Maturity Period

This study was conducted to determine forage yield and quality of chicory (Cichorium inthybus L.) in a pure stand and a simple pasture (two-species) in the grazing maturity period. The experiment design was a Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. The experimental site was located on the grounds of the Ondokuz Mayıs University Agricultural Faculty during the 2017 and 2018 growing periods. In this study, chicory (C), orchardgrass (OG), and red clover (RC) were grown as forage plant materials in a rainfed cropping system in North Türkiye. Simple pastures comprised of 80%C + 20%OG, 60%C +40%OG, 40%C + 60%OG, 20%C + 80%OG, 80%C + 20%RC, 60%C + 40%RC, 40%C + 60%RC, 20%C + 80%RC. Five sequential harvests were made when chicory plants reached 25 cm of plant height in both years. The average plant height ranged from 17.3 to 35.6 cm, and 29.1 to 38.3 cm in 2017 and 2018 respectively. The highest fresh forage yield was determined in red clover mixtures (6519-5443 kg/da) in 2017 and 80%C+20%RC mixture (as 7137 kg/da) in 2018. Total dry matter production was ranged from 216 to 1238 and 279 to 1164 kg/da in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In pure stand chicory pasture, dry matter production was evaluated 216 kg/da in 2017 and 908 kg/da in 2018. Considering the calculated area equivalence ratios (LER) of mixed planting plots in both years and in all forms, it was determined that all mixtures were superior to plain plantings (LER≥1).

Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome in Japanese Children and Adolescents: Risk Factors and Pollen Sensitisation.

Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is caused by cross-reactivity with pollen; however, not all-pollen-sensitised individuals develop PFAS, and studies on the characteristics of PFAS development are limited in Japan. We investigated the prevalence and risk factors for the development of PFAS in Japanese children and adolescents sensitised to pollen and their association with pollen-specific IgE levels. The characteristics of PFAS were investigated in patients with allergies aged 3-18 years who visited Dokkyo Medical University Hospital between January 2016 and December 2019. Specific IgE levels for alder, Japanese cedar, ragweed, and orchard grass were measured in patients sensitised to any of the pollens. Patients were categorised into preschool (G1), elementary school (G2), and middle-high school (G3) groups. Overall, 600 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of PFAS was 8.5% in G1, 20% in G2, and 36.3% in G3. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated strong associations between the risk of developing PFAS and older age (odds ratio (OR), 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-1.19; P < 0.001), seasonal allergy rhinitis (OR, 6.93; 95% CI, 1.59-30.34; P = 0.010), and alder sensitisation (OR, 6.20; 95% CI, 2.66-14.49; P < 0.001). Spearman's correlation revealed statistically significant positive correlation between each pollen-specific IgE level; high pollen-specific IgE levels were also a risk factor. The OR for being sensitised to all four species was 36.83 (95% CI, 8.93-151.83, P < 0.001) when compared with Japanese cedar alone. Alder was most relevant, with an alder-specific IgE level cutoff value of 2.54 UA/mL. The sensitivity was 78.9%, and the specificity was 70.9%. In conclusion, preschool children develop PFAS with alder sensitisation, and higher pollen-specific IgE levels and increased number of pollen sensitisations are risk factors for developing PFAS.