Root Color Research Articles

Protocols for In Vivo Doubled Haploid (DH) Technology in Maize Breeding: From Haploid Inducer Development to Haploid Genome Doubling.

Doubled haploid (DH) technology reduces the time required to obtain homozygous genotypes and accelerates plant breeding among other advantages. It is established in major crop species such as wheat, barley, maize, and canola. DH lines can be produced by both in vitro and in vivo methods and the latter is focused here. The major steps involved in in vivo DH technology are haploid induction, haploid selection/identification, and haploid genome doubling. Herein, we elaborate on the various steps of DH technology in maize breeding from haploid induction to haploid genome doubling to produce DH lines. Detailed protocols on the following topics are discussed: in vivo haploid inducer line development, haploid selection using seed and root color markers and automated seed sorting based on embryo oil content using QSorter, artificial genome doubling, and the identification of genotypes with spontaneous haploid genome doubling (SHGD) ability.

Analysis of Phenotypic Characteristics and Sucrose Metabolism in the Roots of Raphanus sativus L.

The taproot of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is an important sink organ; it is morphologically diverse and contains large amounts of secondary metabolites. Sucrose metabolism is believed to be important in the development of sink organs. We measured the amounts of glucose, fructose, and sucrose in the roots of sixty three radish accessions and analyzed the association between the sugar content and the root phenotype. Fructose content correlated with the root color and length characteristics, glucose was the most abundant sugar in the roots, and the sucrose content was very low, compared to that of the hexoses in most of the accessions. Expression analysis of the genes involved in sucrose metabolism, transportation, starch synthesis, and cell wall synthesis was performed through RNA sequencing. The genes encoding sucrose synthases (SUSY) and the enzymes involved in the synthesis of cellulose were highly expressed, indicating that SUSY is involved in cell wall synthesis in radish roots. The positive correlation coefficient (R) between the sucrose content and the expression of cell wall invertase and sugar transporter proteins suggest that hexose accumulation could occur through the apoplastic pathway in radish roots. A positive R score was also obtained when comparing the expression of genes encoding SUSY and fructokinase (FK), suggesting that the fructose produced by SUSY is mostly phosphorylated by FK. In addition, we concluded that sucrose was the most metabolized sugar in radish roots.

The Expression of IbMYB1 Is Essential to Maintain the Purple Color of Leaf and Storage Root in Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam

IbMYB1 was one of the major anthocyanin biosynthesis regulatory genes that has been identified and utilized in purple-fleshed sweet potato breeding. At least three members of this gene, namely, IbMYB1-1, -2a, and -2b, have been reported. We found that IbMYB1-2a and -2b are not necessary for anthocyanin accumulation in a variety of cultivated species (hexaploid) with purple shoots or purplish rings/spots of flesh. Transcriptomic and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses revealed that persistent and vigorous expression of IbMYB1 is essential to maintain the purple color of leaves and storage roots in this type of cultivated species, which did not contain IbMYB1-2 gene members. Compared with IbbHLH2, IbMYB1 is an early response gene of anthocyanin biosynthesis in sweet potato. It cannot exclude the possibility that other MYBs participate in this gene regulation networks. Twenty-two MYB-like genes were identified from 156 MYBs to be highly positively or negatively correlated with the anthocyanin content in leaves or flesh. Even so, the IbMYB1 was most coordinately expressed with anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. Differences in flanking and coding sequences confirm that IbMYB2s, the highest similarity genes of IbMYB1, are not the members of IbMYB1. This phenomenon indicates that there may be more members of IbMYB1 in sweet potato, and the genetic complementation of these members is involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. The 3′ flanking sequence of IbMYB1-1 is homologous to the retrotransposon sequence of TNT1-94. Transposon movement is involved in the formation of multiple members of IbMYB1. This study provides critical insights into the expression patterns of IbMYB1, which are involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the leaf and storage root. Notably, our study also emphasized the presence of a multiple member of IbMYB1 for genetic improvement.

감초 유전자원의 생육 및 수량 특성

Background: When the licorice cultivated in Korea, the quality index components are lower than the standard value, and physiological disorders occur frequently. Therefore, we evaluated the growth and yield characteristics of resources to develop licorice varieties suitable for the domestic environment.<BR>Methods and Results: Glycyrrhiza resources were collected from five nations. Leaf margin has been identified as a species-specific characteristic that distinguishes G. uralensis and G. glabra. Glycyrrhiza resources were observed in flowers and seeds for 2 years. Leaf abscission began to fall from July and lasted until November according to the characteristics of the resources. As the number of cultivation years increased, root length, rhizome length, and rhizome number were not significantly related, however, root diameter, root weight and rhizome weight were significantly related. The skin root color became dark after a year. Yield (dry weight of underground part) increased mostly from the first to second year, whereas the yield changed depending on resource characteristics in three years. The yield was positively correlated with dry rhizome weight, plant height, stem diameter, and root diameter. Cluster analysis indicated that, they were classified into three clusters. Among them, the resources in group Ⅲ were confirmed to be of high quantity and quality.<BR>Conclusions: GLY13-05, GLY14-02, and GLY14-06 of Glycyrrhiza resources were evaluated as having excellent growth and yield characteristics. Moreover, they can be cultivated in domestic environments.

Surface Analysis, Mechanical and Corrosion Behavior of Welded Steel in 1M HCl Corrosive Media with Epoxy/Alumina Coating

Asparagus roots were dried in four selected driers vacuum, fluidized bed, tray, and solar dryer at temperatures starting from 40 to 70 °C. The drying kinetics of asparagus roots was studied with the analysis of the influence of all stated drying conditions on the drying rate, dehydration ratio, rehydration characteristic, color characteristics, and energy consumption. With an increase in the temperature required for drying asparagus, there is an increasing trend of dehydration ratio (DR) and decreasing trend of drying time. The rehydration characteristics are found to be increases with a decrease in drying temperature from 70-60 °C but decrease with a further decrease in drying temperature from 60-40 °C. The energy consumption based on the drying conditions showed great thermal sensitivity and was found higher for low-temperature drying. The results of color characteristics (Chroma, hue angle, and ΔE) showed that the cream color of roots was relatively unaffected by drying. However, the brightness of roots was observed to be increased. Eleven thin-layered drying mathematical models were applied to experimental data of different drying conditions, and the model best describing its behavior was selected based on the coefficient of determination (R2), sum square error (SSE), and root mean square error (RMSE). All selected models give good fitting results (R2 &gt; 0.96) and found the cubic model as the most suitable model for all treatments (R2 &gt; 0.99).

Integrative analysis of metabolome and transcriptome reveals the mechanism of color formation in white root (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

Tanshinones are a class of bioactive components and pigments found in the traditional Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza). To clarify the biosynthesis of tanshinones in S. miltiorrhiza roots, the metabolome and transcriptome were compared among three S. miltiorrhiza lines (two red root lines: HG and CK, one white root line: BG). In this study, 18 tanshinones showed markedly lower abundances in BG lines than in other lines and 15 significant differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were chosen as potential marker compounds. Meanwhile, the expression of 5 tanshinone biosynthesis genes in BG was significantly downregulated, which affected the metabolic flow of tanshinones. We speculated that this was the reason BG exhibited white roots. Moreover, 49 cytochrome P450 genes and 22 transcription factors were identified as candidate genes for tanshinone synthesis and regulation. Our results not only explain the formation of root color in S. miltiorrhiza, but also provide an effective solution to explore the biosynthetic pathway of tanshinones.

Genome-wide association and transcriptome analysis of root color-related genes in Gossypium arboreum L.

The significant number loci and candidate genes of root color in Gossypium arboreum are identified and provide a theoretical basis of root color for cotton. A stimulating phenomenon was observed on the 4th day of sowing in the root color of some G. arboreum accessions that turned red. To disclose the genetic mechanisms of root color formation via genome and transcript levels, we identified the significant number of SNPs and candidate genes that are related to root color through genome-wide association study (GWAS) and RNAseq analysis in G. arboreum. Initially, 215 no. of G. arboreum accessions was collected, and the colors of root on the 4th, 6th and 9th day of germination were recorded. The GWAS demonstrated that 225 significant SNPs and 47 candidate genes have been identified totally. The strongest signal SNP A04_91824 could greatly distinguish the root color with most "C" allele accessions have displayed white and "T" allele accessions displayed red. RNAseq was performed on accessions having the white and red root, and results revealed that 12 and 138 DEGs were detected on 2nd and 4th day, respectively. ACD6, UFGT, and LYM2 were the most related genes of root color, later, verified by qRT-PCR. The mature zone of red and the white roots was observed by the histological section method, and results shown that cells were more closely arranged in the white root, and both average cell length and cell width were longer in the red root. This study will be helpful to cotton breeders for utilization of several elite genes and related SNPs related to root color, in addition to find linkage with economically important traits of interests.

Identification and validation of SNPs in the phytoene synthase 2 (psy2) gene associated with yellow color of the root in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) accessions of the Brazilian Amazon

The biofortification of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) roots is one of the actual goals of genetic breeding, with the development of roots richer in carotenoids. In order to evaluate the natural genetic variation of cassava, this study analyzed 78 accessions from the Brazilian Amazon to verify the presence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular markers in the phytoene synthase 2 (psy2) gene associated with root color. From the sequencing of 294 bp containing part of the intron 2 and the exon 3 of the psy2 gene, three SNPs located in the coding region and the existence of eight haplotypes were identified. The c.1434G > C (SNP1) and c.1485C > A (SNP3) variations were found in yellow and cream root accessions and nucleotide polymorphism resulted in amino acid substitution. SNP2 (c.1462T > C) was identified in accessions with white roots and its allelic variation did not result in amino acid substitution. Four haplotypes that presented SNP3 were widely distributed in the states of Para, Amapa, Rondonia and Amazonas. All accessions of yellow or cream root that presented the SNP3 were in heterozygosity, confirming the dominance of the SNP, except for one accession, that could be used in genetic breeding. The effect of mutations on the structure and function of PSY2 was in silico evaluated by molecular dynamics and it was indicated that the aminoacid substitutions affected the active site of the protein depending on the distance. The results were compatible with the phenotype detected experimentally.

The effects of different temperatures on the storage characteristics of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera G.) root

Lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera G.) is a high economic value crop in the world. In this study, the storage characteristics (color, sensory, texture, and fatty acids) of lotus root (“Elian No.5″) were evaluated at different harvest periods (September 2018, October 2018, November 2018, December 2018, and January 2019). Moreover, the storage characteristics were evaluated after the short- term and long-term storage of lotus root at 4 °C and 20 °C. The hardness of lotus root significantly decreased at both temperatures (4 °C and 20 °C) during the first 3 days of storage. In contrast, the decrease in hardness delayed at 4 °C (beyond 3 days of storage). Further, genes related to hardness at different storage temperatures were identified using the RNA-seq and qRT-PCR. The results of this study provide a reference for lotus root storage and a basis for the molecular breeding of longterm-storable lotus root.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals candidate genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] is an economically important crop for fresh and processed consumption and is widely cultivated worldwide, especially in China. Various sweetpotato cultivars with different storage root colors are presently available. The purple-fleshed sweetpotato obtains its color from anthocyanin accumulation in the storage roots, which is beneficial for both plant and human health. To date, the molecular mechanism of this anthocyanin accumulation has not been studied in detail. In our study, three cDNA libraries generated from ‘Xuzi8’ with dark-purple flesh, ‘Xuzi6’ with light-purple flesh, and ‘Xu28’ with white flesh were sequenced utilizing an Illumina HiSeq™ 2500 platform. Corresponding totals of 28,093,466, 29,239,729 and 27,217,440 raw reads were obtained from the three libraries and assembled into 137,625 unigenes with an average length of 481 bp. Moreover, 79,203 unigenes (57.55%) were found to be annotated in several public databases, and 1285 unigenes were differentially expressed among the Xu28 vs Xuzi8, Xu28 vs Xuzi6, and Xuzi6 vs Xuzi8 libraries. After functional category enrichment analysis of differential expression genes (DEGs), 25 genes were selected as the candidate genes related to anthocyanin accumulation. Furthermore, the expression patterns of some selected DEGs were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and the correlation between expression levels of relevant genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis and anthocyanin content was determined. Taken together, the results compose a transcriptomic analysis to investigate the differences in purple flesh formation in the storage roots among different sweetpotato varieties, with the notable outcome that several key genes can now be closely linked to anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (CCD4) cleaves β-carotene and interacts with IbOr in sweetpotato

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) is one of the most important food crops, as it ensures food and nutrition security in the face of climate change, given its high carbohydrate, antioxidant (carotenoid), dietary fiber, and mineral contents. The Orange protein of sweetpotato (IbOr) shows high molecular chaperone activity. Previously, we showed that transgenic sweetpotato plants overexpressing the IbOr gene exhibited strong tolerance to abiotic stresses such as high temperature (47 °C) and drought, owing to the increased contents of carotenoids including β-carotene. Interestingly, the expression of the sweetpotato carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (IbCCD4) gene was also significantly up-regulated in IbOr-overexpressing sweetpotato plants. In this study, we confirmed that the IbCCD4 gene is highly expressed in carotenoid-rich leaves and storage roots of three types of sweetpotato cultivars, each with a different storage root color (pale yellow, orange, and purple). The IbCCD4 protein showed interaction with IbOr in yeast two-hybrid and pull-down assays. Additionally, in vitro, carotenoid cleavage assays indicated that β-carotene is the major substrate of IbCCD4. Interestingly, the interaction between IbCCD4 and IbOr did not affect β-carotene degradation. Further characterization of the IbCCD4 gene in transgenic sweetpotato plants will provide new insights into carotenoid homeostasis under severe stress conditions.

Genetic diversity of sweet potatoes [Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam.] in Ecuador

The present work considered collecting and characterizing the genetic diversity of sweet potato [Ipomoea batata (L.) Lam.] in Ecuador through morphological and molecular descriptors (SSRs). Germplasm collections were made to assemble a national sweet potato collection for Ecuador. Characterization of the genetic diversity of this species was done through 34 morphological descriptors (24 qualitative and 10 quantitative), plus 12 exclusive descriptors for flowering and 8 microsatellites (SSRs). Three hundred and sixty-eight sweet potato accessions were collected in 18 provinces of Ecuador. Morphological characterization showed seven morphological groups and the variables with the greatest discriminating power for the description of the germplasm (p < .001) were the color, shape and defects of the reservoir root, in addition to the shape of the profile and lobes of the leaves. Principal component analysis determined the association of the main quantitative morphological features to the components. Eight microsatellite markers detected 89 alleles, with an average of 11.12 allele/locus and average polymorphism (PIC) of 0.848. STRUCTURE software revealed the formation of 4 different genetic groups. Morphological and molecular data did not show the formation of any group defined according to the province of origin. Factors such as the sweet potato reproductive system (cross-pollination), random sweet potato mutations and farmer exchange, contributed to the greater genetic diversity present. High genetic diversity and low number of duplicates were identified. This collection could provide outstanding genotypes to be used in breeding programs. Local landraces still in the hands of local farmers suggest that in situ conservation projects must be put in place.

Distribution, variation, and relationship of Curcuma soloensis Valeton in Java, Indonesia based on morphological characters

Abstract. Jalil M, Purwantoro A, Daryono BS, Purnomo. 2020. Distribution, variation, and relationship of Curcuma soloensis Valeton in Java, Indonesia based on morphological characters. Biodiversitas 21: 3867-3877. Curcuma soloensis Valeton (locally called temu genyeh) was a plant originating from Solomon Islands and was synonymous with Curcuma longa L. This plant was often considered to be turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) or temulawak (Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb.), because the rhizome is almost the same color. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution, variation, and relationship of C. soloensis in Java, Indonesia. Retrieval of data with exploratory roaming methods in 12 districts/cities in Java Island as a center for planting medicinal plants. Morphological character observations were made on habit, rhizome, roots, tubers, leaves, pseudo-stems, and flowers. Morphological data were analyzed by descriptive and numerical methods. Analysis of grouping with Gower Coefficients because it uses 45 binary and multistate data. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to determine the role of each character in the grouping. Cluster analysis and PCA graphics were assisted with MVSP 3.1 software. The results of the study were obtained from 25 accessions of C. soloensis in East Java (Trenggalek, Pacitan, Ponorogo), Central Java (Wonogiri, Karanganyar, Magelang, Semarang), Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta City, Bantul, Gunungkidul), and West Java (Ciamis and Tasikmalaya). The variation of C. soloensis lies in habit, stem color, leaf shape, rhizome shape, rhizome flesh color, and tuber shape. The highest abundance percentage is in Pajangan, Tirtomoyo, and Tawangmangu. The dendrogram divides 32 OTUs into two clusters on the phenon line 0.617, namely cluster A (C. zanthorrhiza) and cluster B (C. soloensis and C. longa). PCA results showed that the characters that had the most role in grouping were leaf blade color, leaf blade length, rhizome shape, root color, rhizome taste, outer and inner rhizome flesh color.

Insights into genetic diversity and population structure of Indian carrot (Daucus carota L.) accessions.

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is acknowledged as a highly valuable vegetable crop. Despite having high demand, limited breeding efforts have been made to develop the varieties and hybrids suitable to wider climatic conditions due to improper characterization of the available germplasm. An accession panel (AP) consisting of 144 accessions of five different root colors representing Asiatic and Western gene pools collected from different parts of India was utilized in the present study. This diverse AP was used to assess the population structure and genetic diversity from 80 polymorphic DNA markers distributed throughout the genome. Population structure, neighbor-joining (NJ) tree, and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA)-based diversity assessment divided the AP into three subpopulations/clusters. Greater than ninety percent polymorphism and the higher average polymorphic information content (͂> 0.50) coupled with higher gene diversity (He) indicating the broad genetic base of the population. Moderate to high Fst and gene flow (Nm) between the subpopulations revealed a moderate genetic differentiation among Indian carrot accessions owing to the highly outcrossing nature of carrot. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) exhibited higher variation among individuals within the subpopulations (69.00%) or total populations (19.00%) than among the subpopulations (13%) as expected in the single Daucus species used here. The information obtained in the study would benefit the carrot breeders to explore the genetic diversity of the Indian carrots in the carrot breeding program for widening the genetic base and multi-color target trait improvement.

Comparing carotene, anthocyanins, and terpenoid concentrations in selected carrot lines of different colors

Plant pigments such as anthocyanins and carotenoids have been shown to be beneficial to human health. Therefore, carrot lines of different colors have been recently developed. This study aimed to characterize terpenoid, carotene, anthocyanin, and soluble solids content and antioxidant activity levels in orange, yellow, black, and purple carrots to develop new color carrot cultivars with more nutrients, health benefits, and consumer acceptance. Both individual and total terpenoid content greatly varied among breeding lines. Each line had a unique composition, and there was no general pattern between color and terpenoid content. Orange carrot roots had high levels of α-carotene, β-carotene, and total carotenoids compared with yellow. Red carrots were characterized by high lycopene content, and black carrots exhibited identical levels of lycopene content to yellow carrots. Leaf tissues contained lutein as the main carotenoid followed by β-carotene. There was no clear relationship between leaf and root carotene profiles and content. Black and purple root colors were determined by composition and amount of anthocyanin compounds, and about five major compounds were detected in this study. Total anthocyanin content was high in solid black carrots and decreased as the interior root color contained more yellow, with low and trace levels in purple and orange carrots, respectively. Soluble solid content ranged between 4.0 and 9.5 °Brix among lines. Anthocyanin content was highly correlated with antioxidant activity. Each color of carrot contained different levels of the tested compounds and may require extensive breeding to obtain desired levels.

Phenotypic Diversity within Ipomoea Mauritiana Jacq. (Ksheeravidari) Germplasm Collections

The morphological parameters have been widely used in the evaluation of various crops. Quantitative and qualitative characters of 18 phenotypes of Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq, collected from various locations of Kerala were studied and data were recorded. Various qualitative data collected were grouped using PAUP software and dendrogram was constructed using UPMGA. The morphological characters like vine color, plant type, root formation, root color, root shape were the same and notable variations were seen in leaf lobe number, leaf color, leaf length and breadth, petiole length, petiole color. The morphology of tubers was studied after one year of planting and the data were scored and tabulated. The phenotypic variations provide an easy way to assess the accessions and for further evaluations. The variations were most expressed in the leaf colour, vine color, petiole colour, leaf length, leaf breadth, tuber fresh weight, tuber dry weight, tuber dry recovery percentage, number of roots formed per plant. From dendogram IM-6 showed much significant morphological variation from others. Furthermore studies have to be done to confirm existence of any genetic variations amongst them by carrying out experiments using molecular techniques.

Carrot Genotypes Contrasted by Root Color and Grown under Different Conditions Displayed Differential Pharmacological Profiles in Vascular and Metabolic Cells.

Carrots’ genotype and growing conditions influence their potential properties to fight against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The present study evaluated the influence of carrot genotypes contrasted by root color (Bolero, Presto, Karotan, Deep Purple, Kintoki and Blanche des Vosges) growing under standard, water-restricted, biotic stress (Alternaria dauci inoculation), and combined stress conditions (water restriction and A. dauci inoculation). The effect of carrots’ polyphenol and carotenoid content was assessed on endothelial and smooth muscle cells, hepatocytes, adipocytes and macrophages functions (oxidative stress, apoptosis, proliferation, lipid accumulation and inflammation). Independently of varieties or growing conditions, all carrot extracts affected vascular cells’ oxidative stress and apoptosis, and metabolic cells’ oxidative stress and lipid accumulation. Three clusters were revealed and displayed beneficial properties mostly for adipocytes function, smooth muscle cells and hepatocytes, and endothelial cells and hepatocytes, respectively. Karotan and Presto varieties exhibited endothelial tropism while Blanche des Vosges targeted adipocytes. Carrots under biotic stress are more efficient in inducing beneficial effects, with the Bolero variety being the most effective. However, extracts from carrots which grew under combined stress conditions had limited beneficial effects. This report underscores the use of certain carrot extracts as potential effective nutraceutical supplements for metabolic diseases.

Textual research on Chinese herbaceous peony in Chinese classical prescriptions

In this paper,the name,origin,producing area,harvesting and processing changes of Paeonia lactiflora used in classical prescriptions were studied by textual research of herbal medicine and field investigation. Chinese herbaceous peony wasn&apos; t distinguished before the Northern and Southern Dynasties; Tao Hongjing proposed that there were two kinds of P. lactiflora in the Northern and Southern Dynasties,but they were not clearly defined; since the Song and Yuan Dynasties,the method of distinguishing P. lactiflora by flower color and root color was proposed. In the Ming Dynasty,people put forward the criteria similar to modern ones,that is,to divide red peony and white peony by means of harvesting and processing,and to continue for future generations. Since modern times,different growth patterns and processing methods have been used to classify red peony and white peony. Paeoniae Radix Alba has gradually formed three major cultivation genuine producing areas: Hangzhou,Sichuan and Bozhou,while Paeoniae Radix Rubra in modern times has praised the wild medicinal materials produced in Inner Mongolia,Toronto and other places. According to textual research,Paeoniae Radix Alba was highly praised in Song Dynasty. When people in Song Dynasty revised the previous literature,they changed &quot; Shaoyao&quot; into &quot; Baishao&quot; and continued to use Paeoniae Radix Alba for future generations. Therefore,the origin of P. lactiflora in classical prescriptions before the Song Dynasty should be determined by the combination of prescription function and prescription meaning evolution; After the Song Dynasty,the origins of &quot; Red Paeonia Root&quot; and &quot; White Paeonia Root&quot; in prescriptions are basically the same as those in today&apos;s prescriptions,which should be recorded in ancient prescriptions. For the medicinal flavor of &quot; Paeonia Root&quot; recorded in prescriptions after the Song Dynasty,the origins can be determined by functional domination and the evolution of prescriptions.

Effects of Root Pruning on Cucumber Seedling Growth

Plant growth regulator as chemical stopper application which is the most common practice in nurseries is practical in order to regulate height control and development on seedlings. However, the problems experienced after application of chemicals and the fact that the application is not organic brought up alternative control methods. This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of different types of root pruning and chemical regulator application on cucumber (cv. Murat F1) seedling quality. Cucumber seeds were sown on 25.07.2017 in peat (vermiculite was used as only the cover) in styrofoam tray with 128 holes at a commercial seedling company under polyethylene covered greenhouse. After the germination room, seedlings were put in the seedling adaptation greenhouse and growth there until transplanting. When the seedlings reached 1-2 true leaves, applications were performed. In the experiment (1) 1/3 of the root was pruned from bottom, (2) 1/3 of root was pruned from side and they were compared with (3) the chemical regulator with paclobutrazol active ingredient (Cultar, Sygenta) which used very common by commercial seedling companies. Seedlings with (4) no application were tested as control. For each treatment, 3 styrofoam trays were used, and each tray was considered as 1 repetition. 16 days after the seed sowing, when seedlings were ready for transplanting stem and root length, leaf numbers, stem diameter, leaf color, fresh and dry weight of root and shot were measured. Obtained results show that the number of leaves, L, a*/b* and h° values did not changed with treatments, however, compared with chemical regulator, root pruning decreased root length, stem diameter, root and shoot fresh and dry weights. Chemical regulator application thickened the stem and increased plant biomass. It can be concluded that root pruning can be an alternative to the use of chemical regulator, the root pruning from side part can be used as a regulator because it creates a lower seedling biomass but the root pruning from bottom can be used because of its ease of application. Keywords : Cucumis sativus, Plant Growth Regulator, Paclobutrazol, Root Pruning. DOI : 10.7176/JSTR/5-5-05

Assessment of Wall Shear Stress on the Aortic Valve in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device Using Vector Flow Mapping

Purpose De novo aortic insufficiency is one of unresolved complications after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant. It has been hypothesized that decreased and oscillatory wall shear stress (WSS) on the aortic valve following LVAD implantation cause leaflet degeneration resulting in AI. We developed novel approach to measure WSS on the aortic valve using vector flow mapping (VFM) images. Methods Aortic root color Doppler image was obtained using intraoperative epiaortic echocardiogram in 6 patients who received LVAD implant and 8 patients undergoing LVAD explant and heart transplant. As a control group, we enrolled 5 patients undergoing CABG surgery. Using obtained images, WSS and oscillatory shear index (OSI) on the right coronary cusp (RCC) was calculated with off-line software, Echo VFM® (Cardio Flow Design, Tokyo, Japan) (Figure). Results Image analysis was successful in all patients. The WSS on the ventricularis of the RCC was significantly lower in the LVAD group compared to control (0.09±0.06 vs. 0.35±0.27 Pa, p Conclusion Significantly lower WSS on the ventricularis may be accountable for AV degeneration and subsequent De Novo AI in patients with LVAD.