Experimental Plant Research Articles

Determination of Mass and Quantitative Productivity of the Process of Electrodispersion of Nickel Waste in Isopropyl Alcohol

The purpose of this study was to obtain electroerosive dispersed nickel by processing nickel waste by electrodispersing in isopropyl alcohol, as well as to study the performance of this process and the particle size of the obtained dispersed nickel.Methods. Nickel waste in the form of plates was processed into powder by electrodispersion at an experimental electroerosive dispersion plant (RF Patent No. 2449859) in an isopropyl alcohol medium. The study of the average particle size of the obtained electroerosive dispersed nickel was carried out using a laser particle size analyzer "Analysette 22 NanoTec".Results. For the first time, spherical nickel powders in the medium of isopropyl alcohol were obtained from industrial waste by the method of electroerosive dispersion. The parameters of the electroerosive dispersion unit necessary for the dispersion of nickel waste have been determined. A directly proportional dependence of the mass productivity of the process of electroerosion research of nickel waste dispersion on the voltage at the electrodes in isopropyl alcohol in the range of 120-220 V. has been experimentally established. The optimum for dispersing nickel waste in isopropyl alcohol is the voltage at the electrodes in the range of 200-220 V. It is established that the smallest particle size is nickel powder obtained at a voltage of 220 V at the electrodes, while the mass productivity at this value of the voltage at the electrodes is the maximum.Conclusion. Based on the presented experimental studies of the mass and quantitative productivity of the process of electroerosive dispersion of nickel waste in isopropyl alcohol, a high efficiency of the use of electrodispersion technology for obtaining dispersed nickel powder, which is not inferior to industrially used powders in terms of average particle size, has been established. It has been experimentally established that the smallest particle size has a nickel powder obtained at a voltage of 220 V on the electrodes, while the mass productivity at this value of the voltage on the electrodes is maximum.

Pretreatment of anaerobic fermentation feedstock in a vortex layer apparatus: Effect of the working chamber ferromagnetic core on biogas production

Currently, the volume of waste generation is growing at a high rate. Anaerobic digestion is an effective way to process organic waste to produce biogas. To increase the bioavailability and efficiency of mass transfer between feedstock particles and microorganisms, it is advisable to pretreat organic waste using various methods. One of the most promising and energy-efficient methods for preparing a feedstock for anaerobic bioconversion is its processing in a vortex layer apparatus (VLA). However, there are some limitations in the VLA operation. Therefore, to exclude the stagnant central zone from the volume of the VLA working chamber and increase the magnitude of the magnetic field in the VLA working chamber, a ferromagnetic core in the form of a steel pipe was coaxially mounted. Thus, the purpose of this work is to experimentally study the effect of the ferromagnetic core of the VLA working chamber on the production of biogas during anaerobic bioconversion of a model of organic waste from the agricultural sector. To achieve this goal, an experimental plant was developed and created. The experimental data obtained suggest the high efficiency of pretreatment of the feedstock in VLA with a ferromagnetic core in the working chamber before anaerobic bioconversion. The developed anaerobic bioconversion system made it possible to increase the methane production rate by 287 % at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4 days and by 3.5 times at HRT of 2 days compared to the control. At the same time, the methane yield at HRT of 4 days increased by 43 %, and at HRT of 2 days it decreased by 14 %. The hydrogen sulfide content in biogas also increased more than three times, while no hydrogen was detected in the biogas. Thus, pretreatment of the feedstock in VLA with a ferromagnetic core to produce biohythane in a one-stage anaerobic bioconversion system at 55.1 °C is impractical.

VII International scientific and practical conference Ternopil Bioscience – 2023

The article summarizes the results of the VII International Scientific and Practical Conference Ternopil Bioscience – 2023, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the renowned botanist, taxonomist, and florist, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Botany Valentina Omelianivna Shymanska. The event took place from May 11 to 13, 2023, in Ternopil at the Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University. The conference covered the following thematic areas: experimental botany and plant physiology, biology and ecology of animals, microbiology and virology, cytogenetics and histomorphology, human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, genetics of microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans, hydrobiology, biotechnology in plant cultivation, animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, environmental protection and biological aspects of biodiversity reproduction, applied aspects of adaptation of organisms, ecological biotechnology, and rational nature management, the impact of natural and social factors on human health, biomedicine and pharmacognosy, agronomy, plant protection, and quarantine, the history of biology, and the methodology of teaching natural sciences. A collection of abstracts was published before the conference opening. Over 102 participants took part in the conference. There were 8 plenary and 38 sectional reports. Following the discussions, it was decided to schedule and conduct the next conference in the Spring of 2024.

NaHCO3 impairs the growth and fruit yield of tomato plants

Underground water enriched in NaHCO3 is used in farms of the Buenos Aires province for tomato crop irrigation. This farming practice leads to salt accumulation and soil impairment after several seasons of cultivation inside the greenhouses. This work assayed the effect of NaHCO3 on tomato fruit production. Plants of the Elpida variety of Solanum lycopersicum L were grown in a hydroponic system. The presence of NaHCO3 (from 5 mM, as measured in the underground water to 10 or 20 mM) reduced K+/Na+ ratio and whole plant biomass and fruit yield; however, no effect was observed on fruit quality parameters. To test the participation of ascorbic acid in the tolerance to this stress, two slggp1 Micro-Tom mutant lines deficient in this antioxidant were used. In these experiments plants were treated with 0, 5 and 10 mM NaHCO3 causing an impairment of K+/Na+ ratio, photosynthesis, fruit yield, leaf and shoot dry weight (but without effect in root biomass) and delaying of fruit ripening time. Wild type and mutants plant responses showed no differences at stress conditions. Although NaHCO3 treatments caused a similar impairment in ascorbic acid mutants and wild type plants, these results reinforced the physiological importance of ascorbic acid levels to optimize plant growth under non-stressful conditions. Taken as a whole, the results presented here demonstrated the importance of avoiding the accumulation of this salt in greenhouse soils to optimize tomato production.

Key factors in the successful adaptation of the pest <i>Corythucha ciliata</i> Say in the northern subtropics of the Black Sea coast

Aim. To identify a complex of factors in the successful adaptation of the sycamore lace bug Corythucha ciliata Say for the development of methods for regulating its numbers of and effective biological control measures against this dangerous pest. Material and Methods. The research was carried out by studying scientific publications, analysing the dynamics of climate change in the Lazarevsky district of Sochi for 15 years and studying the reporting data of the Lazarevskaya Experimental Plant Protection Station, Branch of the Federal Research Center of Biological Plant Protection for the period 2008 to 2022. Results. 5 key factors of successful adaptation of Corythucha ciliata to new invasion regions have been identified: the factors of food and climatic adaptation, the factor of interaction with natural enemies, the factor of resistance to entomopathogenic organisms and the factor of adaptation to anthropogenic load. The main conditions and possible vectors of further invasion of sycamore lace in new regions have been determined. Conclusion. The development of effective methods of biological control of the invasive pest Corythucha ciliata Say should be based taking into account the totality of qualitative characteristics of the pest's living conditions. The sycamore lace bug Corythucha ciliata Say effectively builds new trophic connections, without prejudice to its population, adapts not only to new climatic conditions, but also to their changes. Natural entomophages and entomopathogens do not significantly affect the development of the Corythucha ciliata population. The pest has adapted to survival in conditions of high anthropogenic load and successfully uses it to invade new regions.

Поступление 137Cs в почву из луговых растений при аэральном загрязнении и формирование первичных градиентов концентраций этого поллютанта в почве на агрегатном уровне

In model experiments under field conditions in the Aleksandrovsky district of the Vladimir region, the intake of 137Cs from various meadow plants into soddy-podzolic heavy loamy soil was studied. The radionuclide in the form of an aqueous solution of cesium nitrate was applied to the leaf surface of the middle tier, which prevented 137Cs from entering the soil. Representatives of different families were used as experimental plants: common cuff (Alchemilla vulgaris L.), rosaceae family; forest angelica (Angelica sylvestris L.), celery family; caustic buttercup (Ranunculus acer L.), ranunculaceae family; common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.), aster family and meadow timothy (Phleum pratense L.), bluegrass family. The experimental results showed that 2.7 to 6.9% of the applied radiocesium can enter the soil through root secretions, and the largest amount of the pollutant was found in the soil of varieties with forest angelica, the smallest – with common tansy. 137Cs entering the soil accumulated mainly in the uppermost 0 to 4 cm horizon; in the underlying layers of 4 to 12 cm radiocesium was found 1.2 to 6.7 times less. At the aggregate level, 137Cs concentrated mainly on the surface of the smallest soil particles, which were <0.5 and 0.5 to 1 mm in size.

Transmission and Management of Pathogenic Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Rhodococcus fascians in Select Ornamentals.

Pathogenic Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Rhodococcus fascians are phytobacteria that induce crown gall and leafy gall disease, respectively, resulting in undesirable growth abnormalities. When present in nurseries, plants infected by either bacterium are destroyed, resulting in substantial losses for growers, especially those producing plants valued for their ornamental attributes. There are many unanswered questions regarding pathogen transmission on tools used to take cuttings for propagation and whether products used for bacterial disease control are effective. We investigated the ability to transmit pathogenic A. tumefaciens and R. fascians on secateurs and the efficacy of registered control products against both bacteria in vitro and in vivo. Experimental plants used were Rosa × hybrida, Leucanthemum × superbum, and Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum for A. tumefaciens and Petunia × hybrida and Oenothera 'Siskiyou' with R. fascians. In separate experiments, we found secateurs could convey both bacteria in numbers sufficient to initiate disease in a host-dependent manner and that bacteria could be recovered from secateurs after a single cut through an infected stem. In in vivo assays, none of six products tested against A. tumefaciens prevented crown gall disease, although several products appeared promising in in vitro trials. Likewise, four compounds trialed against R. fascians failed to prevent disease. Sanitation and clean planting material remain the primary means of disease management.

Reação de acessos de goiabeira a Meloidogyne enterolobii

ABSTRACT Guava is a highly important fruit crop worldwide; however, a severe phytosanitary problem caused by the parasitism of Meloidogyne enterolobii has been limiting guava yields in Brazil and in several countries. The incidence of the nematode M. enterolobii results in significant decreases in yield, often resulting in plant death in the medium term. Considering a contribution to control tools, the objective of this study was to assess the resistance of 37 accessions of Psidium guajava grown in a greenhouse to M. enterolobii. Seedlings from seeds of each accession were inoculated with 4,000 eggs of M. enterolobii when they were at the three- to six-leaf stage, in two experiments. The root system of each plant was collected at 135 days after inoculation for extracting nematode eggs. The eggs were counted in three aliquots of 1 mL plant-1, and the obtained data were subjected to analysis of variance, which showed significant differences among accessions and among plants of the same accession. Accessions were classified regarding resistance based on the reproduction factor (RF = Pf / Pi = 4,000). The P. guajava germplasm studied showed a significant variability in responses to M. enterolobii; resistant plants were identified for accessions A08, A15, A26, A13, and A30A in Experiment I and for accessions A31, A11, A16, A30A, GF3, and A08 in Experiment II; the accessions A08 and A30A stood out by presenting resistant plants in both experiments.

Eriochloa villosa in the Primorsky Territory of Russia and the search for soil herbicides to combat it in soybean crops

The work analyzes the results of monitoring the weed field flora of the Primorsky Territory. A tendency has been revealed to increase the occurrence and density of the woolly cupgrass Eriochloa villosa (Thunb ex Murray.) Kunth, which is difficult to control due to a number of competitive biological advantages and morphological features that determine its resistance to many herbicides. In experiments conducted in 2021–2022. in the Far Eastern Scientific Research Institute of Plant Protection, it was revealed that according to the main indicator -a decrease in the wet above-ground mass of experimental weed plants compared to the control, the most effective herbicides were Dual Gold 1.6 l/ha, Proponit 3.0 l/ha and tank mixtures Dual Gold 1.5 l/ha + Gesagard 2.5 l/ha, Dual Gold 1.5 l/ha + Zenkor Ultra 0.5 l/ha, Dual Gold 1.5 l/ha + Command 0.7 l/ha.

Concerning the main directions of biological diversity ex situ and in situ conservation providing by the Botanical Garden of Samara University

The article presents information on the results achieved by the Botanical Garden of Samara University in the field of biological diversity conservation in ex situ and in situ directions. The composition of 4 parts of living plants collection in open ground and greenhouse, together estimated over 4.5 thousand of seed plants taxa, is briefly characterized. The information on the seed bank development is given, about the implementation of experimental rare plants reintroduction into natural communities. The results gained by integration of ground-based monitoring and RS data, including operational surveying of target plant communities using UAVs, is briefly described also.

Preservation of ex-situ gene pool of rare medicinal plant species in Kazakhstan

The approved “List of Medicinal Plants” consists of 278 medicinal plants used in official or traditional medicine. At the same time, 65 species have been listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. In the experimental medicinal plant collections located in the foothills of Zailiyskiy Alatau (in the Main Botanical Garden, Almaty), a total of 48 (74%) are indigenous medicinal herbs of Kazakhstan’s flora were grown over different years. A significant number of rare medicinal plant species of Kazakhstan (37 species), which is more than half of all tested ones, can be successfully grown. Eight of them are blooming and bearing fruit regularly and tree crops give real yields. Thirteen species of trees and shrubs have high adaptive abilities and were introduced at the expositions of the botanical garden. Sixteen species could bloom but not all of them produced seeds consistently. Introduction of 13 species are very difficult or unsuccessful, 17 species (26%) of the medicinal flora have not been tested in culture, mainly due to the known futility of cultivation in the open ground.

A Comprehensive Chemical Characterization of Leaves of Five Potential Medicinal Plants in Paschim Medinipur District, W. B., India

The physico-chemical and spectroscopic characterization of five selected medicinal plants viz., Acalypha indica, Senna tora, Euphorbia hirta, Physalis angulata and Ziziphus mauritina are the essence and has been carried out to assess bioactive potential and to establish traditional belief in the light of scientific interpretation. Fresh leaves were collected from Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India, dried and powdered for Proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and compositional analysis, FTIR and GCMS. The study revealed that the highest concentration of Volatile matter (75.452%), Bulk density (0.256 %), Swelling index (1.456 %), Cellulose content (61.727 %), Hemicellulose content (4.372 %) and Tannins (0.635 g/ 100g) was observed to occur in Acalypha indica leaf than other experimental plants. In Physalis angulata the percentage composition of fixed carbon (15.251%) and extractive content (1.974 %) was higher than others. Ash content (12.327 %), hemicellulose content (4.372 %), and lignin content (5.531 %) were observed to be higher in the Senna tora leaf than others. Total carbohydrate concentrations (9.619 gm/100 gm) and nitrogen content (2.050 %) were observed to be higher in Euphorbia hirta than others. Total protein (2.321 gm/100 gm), total fat (0.655 gm/100 gm), oxygen content (34.222 %) and Higher heat value (HHV) (16.546 %) were higher in Ziziphus mauritina than others. The existence of functional groups and the relevance of the presence of a specific bioactive component were determined using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) of the leaves of five plant samples. According to GCMS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy), five different medicinal plants contain significant bioactive chemicals. By using GC-MS analysis, a total of 10 bioactive compounds (Acalypha indica, Senna tora) and 8 bioactive compounds (Ziziphus mauritina, Euphorbia hirta, Physalis Angulata) were found in the peaks of methanolic extracts of five potential medicinal plants. The bioactive compounds like Cyclotrisiloxane, Hexamethyl-, Dodecane, 1-Fluoro-, Myo-Inositol, 4-C-Methyl obtained from Acalypha indica leaf extract, Palmitic Acid, Phthalic Acid, Cyclopentadecanol obtained from Senna tora leaf extract and 4-Tert-Octylphenol, TMS Derivative obtained from Euphorbia hirta leaf extract has no records of individual bioactivity as per Dr. Duke’s ethnobotanical and pharmaceutical database and are considered as novel bioactive compounds. Isolation of these compounds and successive bioactivity studies should be the thrust area for future researchers. Also, the current study confirms that specific plant leaves are a great source of important phytochemicals and can be used to make herbal formulations, practical medications, and complementary medicines.

An analysis of the interaction of infiltration waters from tungsten ore processing tailings and limestone

An experimental plant designed to study the interaction of acidic pore waters in tailings ponds was developed. The study showed that processing tailings of the Dzhida tungsten-molybdenum plant contain residual ore mineralization, which decomposed during long-term storage. The filtrate obtained by washing sand with distilled water contains sulfur, aluminum, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, cadmium and other components. To displace all dissolved substances from the pore space of sand, the threefold volume of water is sufficient. When the filtrate is neutralized with limestone under the dynamic conditions, amorphous compounds of iron, calcium, aluminum, sulfur, silicon, and fluorine are precipitated and the minerals gypsum, dolomite, and smithsonite appear. In addition, precipitation of non-ferrous and rare earth elements occurs on the surface of limestone. The study revealed an europium anomaly. To precipitate rare earth elements from a solution, it is necessary to use substances with an active surface.

Research on the Morphology of the Working Surfaces of Contacts Used in Starters in the Agro-Industrial Sector.

The operational suitability of electromagnetic starters equipped with experimental contacts has been substantiated within their use in electrical installations of the agro-industrial sector, which may be affected by the environments containing aggressive components. Tests on commutation wear resistance and investigations on arc erosion of the series-produced contact parts of such starters as PML-1100O4, PML-2100O4 (versions A and B; contact material-CpH-90, CpM-0,2 + M1, KMK-A10m, respectively) and PML-1100O4 starter with the experimental copper-based contact parts (Cu + Nb + Zr + Y2O3; Cu + Mo + MoO3 + C + Ni; Cu + Cr + TiB2 + Nb + C + Zr) have been conducted. The influence of energy parameters of a commutated circuit on the value of electro-erosion wear, the morphology of the working surfaces of contacts and contact resistance have been determined. Investigation results have been obtained by conducting a set of tests on electromagnetic starters at the experimental plant that simulates the operating conditions of the AC-3 application category. The impact of the electric arc of alternative current on the arc erosion of silver-based and copper-based contact materials have been determined by using a scanning electron microscope Cambridge Stereoscan S4-10 equipped with an attachment for X-ray spectroscopic analysis, Link System-290 and an X-ray microanalyzer Camebax SX-50 (CAMECA, Gennevilliers, France). A metallographic analysis of the contact surfaces has been conducted, which contributed to the determination of the patterns of erosive destruction of bridging contacts based on Ag and Cu. Evolution of the eroded morphology of contacts and the surface components of electrical contacts under the influence of an arc have been characterized. In addition, contact mass loss and the dependence of contact resistance have been studied. When manufacturing the experimental contacts, it is possible to abandon the use of silver, which is significantly cost saving, and not to use dangerous contact additives that are hazardous to the environment and people's health.

Dynamics of SOD activity and accumulation of TBA-active products in the process of ontogeny of some sod-forming plants in a megalopolis

In the conditions of a modern metropolis, green spaces are an integral planning structure, which the issues of not only improving the aesthetics of the city's architecture, but also improving the environmental safety of the population are solved. Lawn grasses play a significant role in improving the microclimate of urban areas; the harmful concentration of gases in the air decreases, the regulation of the thermal regime and humidity is observed. Since almost half of the urban area is occupied by sod-forming plants, it is relevant to study the resistance of these species to anthropogenic impact in an urbanized environment. The aim of the work was to assess the state of the antioxidant system, namely the activity of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.11), and the accumulation of TBA-active products in the process of ontogeny of sod-forming plants growing in a metropolis. The objects of the study were Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv.) and Elytrígia répens (L.) Nevski.). It has been established that due to oxidative stress caused by vehicle emissions and industrial aeropollutants, there is an intensification of lipid peroxidation processes in the vegetative organs of Setaria viridis, Elytrigia repens during all phases of ontogeny. According to the results of the research, it was found that Elytrigia repens was more stable in terms of the content of TBA-active products (the level of the indicator in leaves was 30–50 %, roots – 20–44 % higher than the control indices) compared to Setaria viridis, for which the excess was 50–70 % (leaves) and 40–62 % (roots). SOD activity is an indicator of resilience to stressors and varies with the duration and intensity of stressors. The obtained results indicate that the enzyme activity of experimental plants in the generative state (increase in enzyme activity by 47.5–38 % in Elytrigia repens, by 74–62.5 % in Setaria viridis) in contaminated areas was higher than in virginile individuals (SOD activity levels: Elytrigia repens (37.5–26.5 %), Setaria viridis (60–50 %). The presence of close correlations between the activity of SOD and the content of TBA-active products characterizing the adaptive potential of plant organisms in the vegetative organs of the studied species was established.

Variations in growth and biochemical parameters in annual cherry plants under the infl uence of growth regulators

This study addresses the influence of the Applin drug on the growth and biochemical parameters of the leaves in three annual cultivars of cherries (Tyutchevka, Podarok Ryazani and Chermashnaya) grafted onto the Izmailovsky rootstock. The research was carried out in 2021-2022 both in field and laboratory conditions at the Federal Horticultural Centre for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery. It was established that following treatment with Applin, the biometric indicators improved, with the yield of branched annual cherry seedlings increasing to 100 %. The treatment and removal of apical leaves stimulated the formation and growth of lateral branches in annual plants. The number of lateral shoots in experimental plants of the Chermashnaya cultivars increased by 6 times, while in the Tyutchevka and Podarok Ryazani cultivars, it increased by 3-4 times relative to the control. Growth regulators induced an increase in the average length of lateral shoots to 30-50 cm in all cultivars. The total length of the branches in the experimental Chermashnaya cultivar was 118.5 cm, which is 6.7 times higher than in the control. The other two cultivars exhibited a 4–4.5 times increase in total growth in treated plants compared with the control. Biochemical studies revealed an increase in photosynthetic pigment content in leaves following Applin treatment. The total content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity exhibited significant changes. A positive correlation (r = 0.709) was observed between the antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract and the amount of phenolic compounds. The content of chlorophylls (a+b) in the leaves of treated plants increased by 5-10%. Depending on the cultivar, the content of carotenoids varied from 1.1 to 1.8 mg/g, remaining practically constant following treatment. All cultivars showed an increase in the “chlorophyll (a+b)/carotenoids” ratio. Applin treatment also influenced the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites, stimulating an increase in the content of carbohydrates (fructose, sucrose, turanose, and trehalose) and phenolic compounds (quinic and chlorogenic acids) in cherry plant leaves

Grain Seed Treatment by a Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field

The paper notes the potential for enhancing seed productivity through exposure to an electromagnetic field. It touches upon both theoretical and practical considerations for developing an experimental laboratory plant for pre-sowing seed treatment using a low-frequency electromagnetic field and aiming to achieve a magnetobiological effect. (Research purpose) The study aims to investigate the influence of low-frequency electromagnetic field on the composition and properties of grain seeds. (Materials and methods) Standard emitters, characterized by a magnetic induction variability of 3-75 millitesla and a radiation frequency of 1-100 Hertz, were employed to ensure the necessary treatment parameters for a batch of seeds. (Results and discussion) The study investigates the impact of magnetization on the germination process, germination energy, and the physical and chemical properties of seeds subjected to different parameters of a low-frequency electromagnetic field (ranging from 3 to 75 millitesla in magnetic induction and a radiation frequency of 10-16 Hertz).The quality of the effect was analyzed with respect to the installation parameters and seed mass, ranging from 10 to 500 grams, across various cereal crops. Subsequently, specific modes were identified, and a functional irradiation program was devised to ensure a highly effective impact on seeds, optimizing their germination, sprouting and development. (Conclusions) The impact of a low-frequency electromagnetic field on the composition and properties of grain has been studied. An experimental laboratory plant with sources of a low-frequency electromagnetic field has been developed and irradiation modes have been justified. The pre-sowing treatment of an industrial batch, the magnetobiological effect is contingent upon several factors, including the crop type and variety, activation of a biological complex in a cell that initiates the development of a seedling, seed quality and moisture content, the presence of microorganisms on the surface, pathogenic ones included, and the characteristics of irradiation sources and energy parameters. The parameters of the low-frequency electromagnetic field were determined as follows: magnetic induction ranging from 3 to 75 millitesla, a frequency 10-16 Hertz, and seed weight varying from 10 to 500 grams. These identified parameters will be applied in the development of an industrial unit designed for the preparation of seed material and enhancement of its sowing properties.

Development of the Reliability Assurance Program in a Brazilian nuclear power plant subsidized by a Reliability, Availability and Maintainability Model

The main objective of this work is to present a methodology for the development of a Reliability Assurance Program (RAP) specific to a PWR experimental nuclear installation, through the analysis of the installation and the development of a preliminary RAP subsidized by a Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) model. The study of an evaluation was carried out in the long-term decay heat removal of the studied experimental plant, whose data were used for application of the RAP. The necessary steps for applying the developed RAP are followed, using the data from the assessment of the studied plant, resulting in a list of components of significant risk for the Program, and in the following steps of sending the list to the experts panel, ranking of SSCs by the panel and development of the final list of significant risk SSCs for using the list in the optimization of the plant. The RAP subsidized by a RAM model will be able to work with the logical relationships between each component of the plant for their effects on energy generation and with the quantitative prediction of the magnitude of each contributor to the occurrence of high-level events, and the developed methodology can be applicable throughout the experimental plant. In this way, it will be possible to implement the RAP in the plant, which will provide a structured way to meet the regulatory requirements for its licensing. Also, it will be possible to complement the plant safety analysis report, which must contain the RAP.

COMPLEX INOCULATION OF SOYBEANS WITH NODULE BACTERIA BRADYRHIZOBIUM JAPONICUM AS A MEASURE TO OPTIMIZE SYMBIOTIC NITROGEN FIXATION

Objective. Establish effective mixed inoculants for soybeans based on new active strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum with different intensity and dynamics of nitrogen-fixing activity to improve nodulation processes and functional activity of legume-rhizobia symbiosis. Methods. Microbiological, physiological, statistical, gas chromatography. Legume-rhizobia systems based on Glycine max L. (Merill) soybean, variety Samorodok, were studied using recombinant strains of B. japonicum: B199, B201, Д47, Д48, Д52, Д60, Д63. Monoinoculation of soybean with B. japonicum 634б served as the control. Results. Mixed inoculation of B. japonicum ensured positive ontogenetic dynamics of root nodule formation in soybean. The indicator of the number of root nodules in experimental plants was 1.2–1.9 times higher versus the control plants from Day 18 to 45 of soybean vegetation. When soybeans were inoculated with B. japonicum 634б + B201 and 634б + Д 52, the mass of nodules at Day 45 of vegetation increased by 30.0–35.3 % versus the control and was the highest (1.10–1.15 g/plant) among the studied variants, as a result of the strengthening effect of complex bacterization. A positive synergistic effect of the combined use of strains was obtained — intensification of the nitrogen-fixing activity of soybean root nodules. In the phase of budding/beginning of flowering and full flowering under combined inoculation with active strains of B. japonicum 634б + Д47, 634б + Д52 and 634б + В201, nitrogen fixation of soybean nodules increased by 10.7–25.5 % (at Day 32), by 13.2–30.9 % (at Day 38), and was also 2.3–2.8 times higher in the phase of full flowering (Day 45 of soybean vegetation) versus the similar indicator of control plants. In the phase of full flowering of plants (Day 45 of vegetation), under mixed inoculation with strains of B. japonicum 634б + Д47, 634б + В201, 634б + Д52 and В201 + Д52, the aboveground mass of plants exceeded that of control plants by 8.3–17.2 % variant, which was probably provided by improved conditions of their nitrogen nutrition, due to enhanced assimilation of N2 by root nodules. The most developed root system was in soybeans inoculated with strains B. japonicum 634б and B. japonicum 634б + Д52, B. japonicum 634б + В201 and B. japonicum Д48 + Д52. Conclusion. Symbiotic features of active recombinant strains of B. japonicum and their variability in functional activity at different stages of soybean ontogenesis should be taken into account when creating complex nitrogen-fixing bacterial preparations for soybeans with the effect of microbiological synergy.

Preliminary Design of a Cryogenic System with GM Cryocooler for Testing the Hydrogen Condensers of the Distillation Columns

The Experimental Pilot Plant for Tritium and Duterium Separation has been designed and built at the Rm. Valcea National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies to separate deuterium and tritium from deuterated and tritiated water based on two combined processes: catalytic isotope exchange and cryogenic distillation. For this, additional experimental stands were developed for testing different components of the columns, such as the cold box, heat exchangers, condensers, and boilers. This paper presents the design of a new generation of fin condensers that avoids film condensation and allows the dropwise condensation mode. A small-scale cryogenic system equipped with a hydrogen liquefaction unit is presented as an alternative for condenser conductivity testing. The condenser is fixed on a hydrogen tank that is protected by a radiation shield and mounted inside a vacuum chamber. The proposed method is to continuously liquefy hydrogen using a two-stage Gifford McMahon 4K cycle cryocooler. A method for estimating the liquefaction rate was proposed and confirmed by the test results.