Green Cuttings Research Articles

EFFECT OF RHIZOBIUM VITIS BACTERIOCINS ON EXPERIMENTAL TUMOUR FORMATION IN PLANTS

Bacteriocins of 25% of investigated Rhizobium vitis strains isolated from grapevines in southern Ukraine caused in vitro lysis of crown gall agents of Rhizobium radiobacter N58 strain. Treatment with bacteriocins from three R. vitis strains in vivo on test-plants kalanchoe and grapevine green cuttings lead to significant decrease in tumour formation.

Development of the Green Cut Machines and their Application for Dams

Development of the Green Cut Machines and their Application for Dams

Quality characteristics of minimally processed leek packaged using different films and stored in lighting conditions

SummarySince minimal processing of vegetables does not impede their capacity to react to external stimuli, this work sought to study the effect of lighting on minimally processed leek during storage. White and green cuts were processed separately and packaged using films with different permeability: a totally permeable PVC film and two P‐Plus films: P‐Plus 120 and P‐Plus 90, with O2 permeability of 8000 and 5000 cm3 m−2 24 h−1 atm−1 at 25 °C, respectively. All the packaged leek was stored at 4 °C for more than 26 days in two different conditions: in complete darkness and in light. Lighting caused an increase in stomatal aperture and respiratory rate. Thus, the white cut achieved atmospheres with higher CO2 (10%) and lower O2 (12%) content than samples packed in the same film kept in the dark. The green cut saw respiratory activity compensated by photosynthesis, and the atmosphere composition remained similar to atmospheric conditions until day 18. Lighting also affected the colour, accelerating the changes in appearance. Exposure to light had a negative effect on the quality parameters.

Biotechnical means of soil stabilization using willow cuttings

Focus on the semi-arid and denuded loess plateau in Northwest China has resulted in emergence of biotechnical stabilization methods in response to the occurrence of severe soil erosion and numerous shallow slope failures. Green cuttings of easy-to-root species such as willow have been installed across a slope, which play an important role in preventing both surface erosion and shallow mass movements. However, the mechanical behavior of the cuttings in soil is not well understood so far. This paper presents a series of large-scale simple shear tests and finite element simulations of a soil reinforced by willow cuttings. The reinforced soils when subjected to simple shear exhibited strain-hardening behavior and failed along a horizontal plane. The shear strength of the reinforced soil increased with the cutting density and decreased with the soil water content. The finite element analysis, incorporating an elasto-plastic constitutive model for the soil, predicted shear strength parameters for the reinforced soil that agree well with those obtained from the simple shear tests. Significant stress concentrations occurred on the cuttings while the stresses in the soil were reduced—hence, the reinforced soil could withstand greater loadings.

Effects of Different Composts on Soil Nitrogen Balance and Dynamics in a Biennial Crop Succession

Italy is faced with increasing pressures to reduce the amount of refuse disposed of in landfills. Compost represents a contribution to solve this problem. To give information for the correct management of composts as nitrogen fertiliser, it is necessary to assess their nitrogen release rhythm compared with the crop needs. This semi-field trial investigated the performance of three different composts coming from food processing industry residues and municipal waste (C1), green cuttings residues and the organic fraction of municipal waste solid residues (C2), municipal sludge and green cuttings residues (C3) as nitrogen source on a two-year crop succession. The influence of compost used as N-fertilizer was studied in lysimeters over a period of 2 years (2003-2005). The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm of Padova University Faculty of Agricultural Sciences on potato (cv. Agata) and two catch crops (ryegrass - Lolium multiflorum Lam., cereal rye - Secale cereale L.), using three types of compost as unique nitrogen source, compared with an unfertilized control. The compost N-level was 200 kg ha−1 per year, applied prior to the potato crop. The experiment had a completely randomized design, with 12 replications. Nitric nitrogen concentration was measured every one-two weeks in the soil throughout the trial period. Crop yields were measured and samples of produce were taken to be analysed for N concentration and calculate N uptake. With the only exception of compost derived from food processing industry residues and municipal waste (C1), immediately after the first application, compost fertilization did not increase the nitrogen concentration in the soil compared to the unfertilized treatment. Potato yield, in both seasons, was increased by C1 application, while C2 and C3 did not induce significant differences with respect to the control. No significant differences in yield and N uptake were found in catch crops. Taking the whole crop succession, the application of compost maintained the apparent N balance (input-uptake) at around −100 kg ha−1, while it exceeded 400 kg of deficit without fertilization. The compost nitrogen mineralization rate was estimated at around 36-44%, without differences among compost types.

RESEARCH REGARDING THE PROPAGATION OF SOME DECIDUOUS SHRUBS USED FOR GREEN FANCES

,The research where carried out in the greenhouse experimental plots afferent to the Flower and Arboriculture Department, Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca The biological material taken into study was represented by cuttings provided by species Buxus sempervirens, Ligustrum vulgare and Ligustrum ovalifolium var. aureo-variegata. The cuttings have been collected after the green fence cuts made in the USAMV Park Cluj-Napoca. The experimental factors where: root substrate (Perlit 100%, Perlit 50% + Peat 50%), used species (Buxus sempervirens, Ligustrum vulgare, Ligustrum ovalifolium var. aureo-variegata), rooting regulator: Radistim 2. The tree factors where divided in tree repetitions. During the experiment the following observations where made: length of cuttings (cm), no. of leafs, diameter at the cutting base (mm), no. of nodes, no. of cuttings with root system, no. of roots/cutting, the length of the root (cm), the length of the root system (cm). Before root beginning at each species where made the following determinations: origin of the cuttings, length (cm), and no. of leafs, diameter at the base of cutting, no. of nodes. The main characteristics of the cuttings taken into study are in concordance with each species studied.

Anaerobic digestion of verge cuttings for transport fuel

Roadside verges need to be cut for both safety and ecological reasons. This requires energy, currently acquired from fossil fuels with associated release of carbon dioxide (CO2). Leaving the cuttings in place has a detrimental effect on plant species richness; removal leads to increased biodiversity but produces green waste for disposal. This paper describes a model to determine the energy efficiency and surplus energy yield from the use of verge cuttings as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion. The model is scaleable and could be used by national and local authorities to find ways of reducing fossil fuel consumption. Although based on UK data, the same principles can be applied anywhere with roadside verges or similar sources of green cuttings. The model uses results from trials in Powys, Wales to determine the feasibility of collection and the potential methane yield of the cuttings. The results indicate that verge material can be collected in a manner that is both CO2 neutral and produces more energy than that required for cutting, transporting and processing. The nature of the fuel produced means the process is self-sustaining—biogas can be used to fuel vehicles required for cutting and transport and to provide heat and electricity for the anaerobic digestion process.

Impact of Topping Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) On the Economic Returns under Rodh Kohi Conditions

Five topping stages i.e., pre-bud, bud, initial flowering stage, removal of secondary branches at initial flowering including control were studied in rapeseed cv. Westar under Rodh Kohi irrigation system of Dera Ismail Khan to determine the best topping stage which could be un-risky and profitable for fodder consumption and seed yield for the area farmers. Topping at initial flowering stage produced the maximum fodder yield (52080 kg ha(-1)) among the treatments but the crop could not mature for seed after topping and reduced overall net return of (6%). Similarly topping at pre-bud stage also reduced the net benefit of (8%) over control. Topping at bud stage produced valuable green cut of (33,500 kg ha(-1)) considered as vegetable (Saag) by giving a maximum net return with an increase of 68% over control. Among all the treatments, crop yield slightly increased (7%) over control by giving (1531 kg ha(-1)) yield when only the secondary branches were removed at initial flowering stage as compared to control plot yield of (1431 kg ha(-1)). Considering the fodder value, the same treatment gave (20%) more net return over control. Plant height did not recover and maturity was delayed after topping in all the treatments.

Soil disturbance and five-year tree growth in a montane alternative silvicultural systems (MASS) trial

Ground-based forestry practices can negatively affect soil productivity by altering the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. The effect of soil disturbance on soil properties and tree growth was evaluated following single-pass hydraulic excavator and multiple-pass combined excavator and flexible track grapple skidder forwarding in four silvicultural systems treatments: Clearcut (CC), Green Tree Retention (GT), Patch Cut (PC), and Uniform Shelterwood (SW). The effectiveness of an excavator soil-rehabilitation technique (tilling) in decompacting skidtrails (i.e., reducing soil bulk density) and nutrient availability was also evaluated. Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) and amabilis fir (Abies amabilis Dougl. Ex. Forbes) seedlings were planted on undisturbed plots, within tracks and between tracks of skidtrails, and in rehabilitated trails within the four harvesting treatments in the spring of 1994. Seedling growth was measured after five growing seasons, and nutrient concentrations of current-year foliage were determined at the end of the fourth growing season. Seedling survival and growth was generally reduced by soil disturbances associated with skid-trails. Effects of disturbance on physical properties of soil (e.g., compaction, puddling) and disruption of drainage were the most likely causes. Nutrient deficiencies do not appear to be a factor. Nonetheless, nitrogen concentrations were lower in current-year foliage taken from rehabilitation treatments than from either undisturbed or skidtrail treatments. Effectiveness of soil rehabilitation varied. In well-drained deeper soils, tilling reduced soil bulk density to levels below those of undisturbed soils and, in the short-term (five years), improved tree growth. In wetter conditions, rehabilitation treatment decreased survival and growth of both species. Thus specific rehabilitation (tilling) prescriptions should not be universally applied across a landscape. Key words: Abies amabilis, Tsuga heterophylla, foliar analysis, soil bulk density, soil compaction, soil rehabilitation

Nitrate uptake kinetics for rooted cuttings of Acer rubrum L.

Red maple (Acer rubrumL.) occurs in a broad spectrum of both woodland and managed landscapes in much of eastern North America. Earlier work has indicated considerable plasticity within the species in water use efficiency, as well as dry mass accumulation and tertiary root extension when grown in a solution in which all N was supplied as NO3 -. Nitrogen uptake is largely a function of N supply, soil water availability and root surface area. Therefore, compensatory mechanisms could have evolved among cultivars to compensate for site differences. The objective of this study was to define NO3 - uptake parameters for red maple in a hydroponic system through the use of two cultivars known to differ in root production and water use efficiency. Green wood stem cuttings of two red maple cultivars, `Autumn Flame' and `Franksred', were rooted and then transferred to solution culture. Using established techniques, three separate experiments were conducted to define ranges of Imax, Km and Cmin values and to determine root mass, length, mean radius and surface area. Estimates of Imax exhibited considerable variation between experiments with means ranging from 1.57E-5 to 5.91E-5 μmol cm-2 s-1. However, cultivar differences in Imax were statistically significant in only one of the three experiments. Means for Km ranged from 2.04E-1 to 5.23E-1 μmol cm-3, while Cmin values were consistent at 0.001 μmol cm-3 (the limit of analytical detection) across all experiments. While data on variation among red maple cultivars are not conclusive, some evidence exists for genotype differences that may relate to the broad range of site conditions under which red maple is successfully grown.

ROOTING OF STEM CUTTINGS OFCASUARINA EQUISETIFOLIAAND THEIR NODULATION

SUUMMARY Juvenile, mature green stem, and mature brown stem/woody cuttings of Casuarina equisetifolia were tested for their capacity to form roots. Cuttings were treated with different concentrations of auxins (IBA, NA A and IA A). Treated cuttings were planted either in soil beds or in water culture jars. Maximum success was achieved with mature green stem cuttings soaked in 50 mg/1 IBA for 3 hrs followed by water culture in V-strength Hoagland's solution minus nitrogen. Inoculating rooted cuttings with a nodule suspension of Frankia gave 84% nodule formation after 3 months.

The fate of vitamin D3 and indolylbutyric acid applied to cuttings of Populus tremula L. during adventitious root formation

Abstract Treatment of green cuttings of Populus tremula L. with vitamin D3 enhances adventitious rooting and synergy is observed on simultaneous application with indolylbutyric acid. Translocation experiments with labelled vitamin D3 and IBA, fed to the base of the cuttings, showed that such synergy was not due to an effect of one substance on the translocation of the other. When indolylbutyric acid was fed to the base of the cuttings, a high proportion was rapidly converted into conjugates which, on saponifaction, released inter alia indolylbutyric acid, but no indolylacetic acid. On the other hand, vitamin D3 was metabolized to give products similar to those produced in non‐sterile aqueous solutions of vitamin D3 stored under the conditions of culture of the cuttings. Such a mixture is as effective as vitamin D3 itself in promoting adventitious rooting. A preliminary examination of the products showed that extensive oxidation of vitamin D3 had occurred and some of the individual components were synthesized and tested for their effect on rhizogenesis in P. tremula.

Adventitious root formation in green cuttings of Populus tremula: Characterisation of the effect of vitamin D3 and indolylbutyric acid

Indolyl‐3‐butyric acid and vitamin D3 enhance adventitious root formation in green cuttings of Populus tremula L. A significant synergistic effect is observed between these two substances. The number of roots formed on application of the individual substances and on simultaneous application depends on the growth substance concentration, the timing of application, the age of the cuttings and the number of leaves. Of the vitamin D3 animal metabolites tested, only 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 markedly promoted adventitious rooting, and this to a lesser extent than vitamin D3 itself. The 3‐O‐glucopyranosides of vitamin D3 and the vitamin D3 animal metabolites, promoted rooting to the same extent as the parent compounds.

Light Requirement for AgNO3 Inhibition of Ethrel-Induced Leaf Abscission from Cuttings of Vigna radiata

To obtain information regarding the antiethylene properties and binding site of Ag(+), studies were initiated to define conditions under which Ag(+) does or does not inhibit ethylene action. AgNO(3), applied as a leaf spray, inhibited 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (Ethrel)-induced leaf abscission from green cuttings of Vigna radiata in white light but lost considerable activity in the dark. In the absence of Ethrel, AgNO(3) stimulated abscission in the dark. When cuttings were dark-aged for 24 hours prior to treatment with AgNO(3) and aged for an additional 24 hours in the dark after treatment, good inhibition of subsequent Ethrel-induced abscission was restored by returning the cuttings to light. However, when dark aging was preceded by far-red irradiation, considerably less inhibition of Ethrel-induced abscission was restored in the light. AgNO(3) was completely inactive on cuttings aged in the dark and treated with Ethrel in the dark. Light is required for the antiethylene activity of AgNO(3) with regard to leaf abscission of Vigna.

Clonal differences in rooting ofAlnus incana leafy cuttings

Green cuttings ofAlnus incana (L.) Moench, consisting of one internode and one leaf with its axillary bud, were easily rooted in aerated liquid substrate under growth-chamber conditions. In tests on material of up to 8 years-old, the age of the stock plants was shown to have no influence on rooting. Tap water or a diluted nutrient solution gave higher rooting percentages than a full strength nutrient solution. Root growth was most rapid in the diluted nutrient solution. Eight out of 9 clones ofA. incana gave a rooting percentage of 80–100% while one clone gave only 40%. Good rooting ofA. incana leafy cuttings, therefore, seems to be genetically controlled.

NITROGEN FIXATION AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION IN CLONES OF ALNUS INCANA

SummaryNitrogen fixation, growth, biomass production and nitrogen content of seven clones from grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) were compared. Rooted green cuttings, inoculated with a root nodule suspension, were grown without combined nitrogen in a growth chamber for nine weeks. Nitrogenase activity (C2H2 reduction) was repeatedly measured in intact plants, and biomass and nitrogen content were measured at the end of the growth period.There were considerable, often significant, differences between clones in most of the studied parameters. Within each clone a very close correlation between various parameters was found. It was suggested that the value of any one variable which was easy to measure, such as shoot length, may be used for the prediction of the response of other variables when clones are grown together under the same conditions.

Phytochrome Involvement in Stimulation and Alleviation of Inhibition of Plant Growth by Malformin

Stimulation of stem elongation on green cuttings of Phaseolus aureus by malformin occurred only in red light and was specifically reversible by subsequent treatment with far red radiation. Inhibition of stem elongation of etiolated cuttings by malformin in the dark was alleviated by red light and was repeatedly reversible with far red irradiation. A direct or indirect effect of malformin on phytochrome action was suggested.

White Light Requirements for Stimulation of Plant Growth by Malformin

Over a 3-day period, the minimum white fluorescent light intensity required for malformin-induced growth stimulation of etiolated and green cuttings of Phaseolus aureus was approximately 2.6 x 10(3) and 0.4 x 10(3) ergs/cm(2) . sec, respectively. High light intensities were unable to inhibit the ability of malformin to stimulate growth. Over 3 days, the minimum photoperiod for malformin-induced growth stimulation using etiolated and green cuttings and a light intensity of 13.5 x 10(3) ergs/cm(2) . sec was 4 hours and 1 hour, respectively. Malformin must be present in the area of growth stimulation during the time of light treatment. Those changes induced by light and required for malformin-induced growth stimulation were estimated to undergo almost complete decay within 1 hour in the dark. By manipulating the experimental technique, it was possible to stimulate the growth of green cuttings with malformin with a 10-min light treatment (13.5 x 10(3) ergs/cm(2) . sec). Although low light intensities and short photoperiods did not allow growth stimulation by malformin using etiolated cuttings, they prevented or alleviated growth inhibition induced by malformin in the dark.

A Mung Bean Assay for Malformin-induced Growth Stimulation

A bioassay employing green or etiolated cuttings of Phaseolus aureus Roxb. was developed for determining malformin-induced growth stimulation in light. Growth enhancement of green cuttings was more rapid and relatively greater than that of etiolated cuttings. Cuttings from green seedlings responded less as seedlings aged; those from etiolated seedlings responded more. Malformin also stimulated the growth of green or etiolated seedlings in light. Most growth enhancement induced by malformin occurred in the upper 1 cm of the stem. Using green cuttings, malformin stimulated stem elongation relatively more when cotyledons, leaves, or especially apical buds were removed. Although malformin failed to stimulate elongation of 2-cm stem sections "floated" on solutions in Petri dishes, it stimulated elongation of sections when they were upright. High concentrations of indoleacetic acid inhibited growth enhancement by malformin. When gibberellin and malformin were combined, growth enhancement was nearly additive.

Studies on Nutrient Yield of Green Cut Jerusalem Artichoke : (Part 8) Relations between nitrogen quantities supplyed and nutrient yield

(1) In sand cultures, relations between the concentration of nitrogen supply and the nutrient yield were examined. The absorption coefficient and the distribution of N in the plant were also studied. (2) Regarding the height of plant and the dry matter yield, the largest figures were observed in the N-100-mg plot. With N-contents in the plant below 1 % (by the N-20-mg plant), no lateral shoots developed. (3) In regard to the leaf-stem-ratio, the smallest figure was registered in the N-50-mg plot. This ratio was found to rise as the concentration of nitrogen increased. (4) Both in the leaf and in the stem, the protein content increased as the N-concentration was raised. The rate of increase and drop of T.P./C.P. value were observed more remarkably in the leaf than in the stem. (5) In the stem, the carbohydrate showed a trend inverse to that of the protein content. In the leaf, however, the carbohydrate content was small in the N-lacking plot. In the N-50-mg plot, it recorded the largest figure, but decreased as N became surplus. Saccharide showed the same inclination as that of the dry matter yield. (6) Both in the leaf and the stem, crude fiber became more as the N-concentration increased but the crude ash content decreased to the contrary. (7) The protein yield showed a remarkable increase in the N-200-mg plot. However, the increase became small after N-concentration increased more. Regarding the carbohydrate yield, the highest figure was observed in the N-100-mg plot. (8) The largest rate of distribution of N absorbed was found in the leaf, the root followed it and then the stem. However, under the N-lacking condition the rate of distribution was large in the root, but small in the stem. As N-concentration became larger, the rate in root decreased, but maintained the level of about 24 %. The rate in the stem decreased gradually. (9) As N-concentration became higher, the rate of N-absorption decreased. The efficiency of protein production and the index of dry matter produdtion likewise decreased. (10) From the foregoing, it is deduced that the rate of proper amount of dry matter production in the Jerusalem artichoke plant is N : P2O5 : K2O=1 : 0.5 : 1, and that of the nutrient production is 2 : 0.5 : 1.