Growth Units Research Articles

Application of Led on Plant Growth Unit in Tomato Cultivation

Effects of Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps on plant growth with different modulations on the tomato plant were investigated by applying under actual conditions in the greenhouses. Thus, four different pulse width modulation (PWM) systems from red and blue LEDS at different wavelengths were designed. Trials were performed by using direct current (Mode1), 5Khz-φ = 0o (Mode2), 5Khz-φ = 180o (Mode3) and 1Khz-φ = 0o (Mode4) and the tomato grown under the sun at the same conditions were compared for controlling purposes. Stomata movements and total chlorophyll content of the tomatoes were examined, and the results were compared to the tomatoes that were grown under sun. The custom developed artificial four light source system, a treatment of Mode 2 produced the highest yield, while each treatment played its special role in regulating plant morphology and physiology. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 523-529, 2021 (September)

Crew time in a space greenhouse using data from analog missions and Veggie

Crew time requirements for human space exploration missions is as critical as mass, energy, and volume requirements. However, it has only been sporadically recorded in past analog and space missions for plant cultivation. In this retrospective study on crew time data collected in various analog facilities and on the Veggie hardware on ISS, we propose a methodology for efficient categorizing and reporting of crew time in space plant growth systems. Crew time is difficult to capture in operational environments, and this study intends to harmonize these efforts among different locations. This article also provides a current database for required crew time in several plant growth hardware and facilities, on the ISS, and on Earth. These data could serve mission planners as a baseline to establish standardized activities and extrapolate crew time needed to operate future plant growth units. Finally, we discuss how crew time needed for plant cultivation will change in future exploration missions, based on choices made for plant species, watering systems, level of automation, and use of virtual assistants, among others. Crew time will need to be accounted for as a decisive factor to design future space greenhouse modules.

Does the exudation of coumarins from Fe-deficient, soil-grown Brassicaceae species play a significant role in plant Fe nutrition?

The availability of iron (Fe) is highly limited for plant uptake in calcareous soils. To overcome this challenge, plants have developed different strategies of Fe mobilization. Non-gramineous species employ a reduction-based strategy (strategy I), which is assisted by the release of Fe(III)-chelating and -reducing coumarins. In this study, the coumarin release by three strategy-I plant species of the Brassicaceae family, i.e. Brassica napus L., Raphanus sativus L. and Sinapis alba L., on calcareous soil was examined using the RHIZOtest approach. With this experimental setup, the plants were first grown hydroponically in a cylindrical growth unit for 12 days, which was then subsequently brought in contact with calcareous, Fe deficient soil for another 9 days. Root exudates were collected in both experimental phases. Total carbon (C) release, coumarin exudation rates, trace metal plant uptake as well as trace metal mobilization were determined in response to Fe deficiency after 3, 6 and 9 days of soil exposure. High total C exudation rates indicated a clear stress response upon Fe deficiency during the soil contact period. Six different coumarins were detected, with scopoletin being predominantly released by all three plant species during the hydroponic stage with zero Fe supply. The exudation rate of all detected coumarins was significantly lower during soil exposure and represented only a very small fraction of the total organic compounds released. Although the role of coumarins in Fe mobilization is very complex and still not completely understood, it seems that coumarins are less important in Fe mobilization by the three investigated plant species when grown on soil compared to phytosiderophore-releasing strategy-II plants. Our data further indicate that plants growing on a Fe-deficient soil release less coumarins than in an artificial nutrient solution setup with zero Fe supply, which highlights the importance of determining root exudation rates from soil-grown plants, since data from hydroponic studies are likely not representative for soil-grown plants.

Study on the frequency of acoustic emission signal during crystal growth of salicylic acid

AbstractBased on the results of the previous experiment, this article studied the acoustic emission (AE) signals released during the crystallization of salicylic acid to establish the relationship between the AE signal and the particle size. A tremendous amount of acoustic data was analyzed using time–frequency domain analysis methods in order to extract the valuable contents. Based on the diffusion theory, the vibratory model between the AE signal and the crystal particle size was established. This article mainly studies the process of small particles diffusing to the growth point by impact, adding to the lattice, and the crystal releases energy. The impact of the growth unit on particle aggregate is equivalent to a linear elastic vibration system with one end fixed and the other end free. The vibration frequency is 200–355 kHz when the particle size is between 600 and 1,100 µm. The calculated vibration frequency is in good agreement with the measured frequency.

Hormones and carbohydrates are both involved in the negative effects of reproduction on vegetative bud outgrowth in the mango tree: consequences for irregular bearing.

The negative effects of fruit production during one cycle on reproduction during the following cycle are generally explained by two complementary processes: hormone synthesis and carbohydrate mobilization. Our study focused on mango (Mangifera indica L.) for which it has been shown that reproduction decreases and delays vegetative bud outgrowth. This, in turn, affects flowering and fruiting in the following cycle. Vegetative growth therefore plays a pivotal role in irregular fruit production patterns across consecutive years. Our aim was to decipher the respective roles of hormones and carbohydrates on the negative effects of reproduction on vegetative growth. We analyzed the changes in various hormone (auxin, cytokinin, abscisic acid) and carbohydrate (glucose, sucrose, starch) concentrations in terminal axes with vegetative and reproductive fates of two mango cultivars, Cogshall and José, characterized by different bearing patterns, across consecutive phenological periods during a growing cycle. Auxin concentrations were high in inflorescences, fruit peduncles and axes bearing inflorescences or fruit, suggesting auxin-induced inhibition of vegetative bud outgrowth in the flowering and fruiting axes. Moreover, growing fruits, which are strong sink organs, depleted carbohydrates from non-fruiting axes. During vegetative growth, this starch depletion probably contributed to decreasing the probability of and to delaying vegetative bud outgrowth of reproductive axes for Cogshall, and of reproductive and nonreproductive axes for José. Starch dynamics in quiescent and flowering growth units during early fruit growth and their starch concentrations at fruit maturity differed between the two cultivars, presumably in relation to the observed contrasted crop loads and/or to differences in photosynthetic capacity or carbohydrate allocation. These differences between the two cultivars in terms of starch concentration in terminal axes during vegetative growth could partly explain their different bearing patterns.

Insights into Microscopic Crystal Growth Dynamics of CH3NH3PbI3 under a Laser Deposition Process Revealed by In Situ X-ray Diffraction

The process dynamics for the vacuum deposition of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite was analyzed by in situ X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation. MAPbI3 was fabricated by alternatingly supplying PbI2 and methylammonium iodide via a laser deposition system installed at the synchrotron beamline BL46XU at SPring-8, and in situ crystallization analysis was conducted. Microscopic insights into the crystallization were obtained, including observation of Laue oscillation during the PbI2 growth and octahedral unit (PbI6) rotation during the transformation into perovskite. On the basis of this analysis, conditions that favor the construction of atomically flat MAPbI3 perovskite films were deduced.

Facile synthesis of bimetallic MOF crystals with controllable morphology and topology by the self-converted strategy of hydroxy double salts (HDSs)

Controllable synthesis of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) crystals with definite morphology and topology plays an important role in determining the property and application of MOFs materials, especially bimetallic MOFs which have exhibited an improved performance in many fields due to the incorporation of the second metal ion. Herein, we for the first time report a simple and convenient method of the self-conversion of hydroxy double salts (HDSs) for synthesizing bimetallic MOFs with controllable morphology and topology by merely adjusting the synthesis conditions. As the sample, we employed Zn/Co-HDS as metal source and 2-methylimidazole (HMeIm) and 2-ethylimidazole (HEtIm) as organic ligands, respectively, to investigate the effects of the synthesis conditions on the morphology and topology of Zn/Co bimetallic MOF. The arbitrary transformation with two topologies (SOD and dia) and four morphologies (2D nanosheets, rhombic dodecahedron, truncated rhombic dodecahedron and truncated cubes) of the bimetallic Zn/Co(MeIm)2 was achieved by adjusting synthesis solvent, reaction time and ligand concentration. Analogously, three other topologies (ANA, RHO and QTZ) were also discovered in the bimetallic Zn/Co(EtIm)2 by simply adjusting the synthesis conditions. It is thought that the different synthesis conditions in the preparation of bimetallic MOFs are closely related to the supersaturation of crystal growth unit, thus affecting the morphology and topology of the products. Therefore, this novel synthesis strategy is highly efficient for preparing bimetallic MOFs with controllable morphology and topology.

A process-based model to predict the evolution and final concentration of sugars in mangoes

Pruning is one of the most important management practices for the mango tree, and it is known to affect vegetative growth. Pruning may affect mango tree flowering as well, at least indirectly, as close relationships exist between vegetative growth and mango reproduction. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of pruning on flowering. An experiment was conducted in 2016 in Reunion Island on adult mango trees, cv. Cogshall. Pruning was applied after harvest and characterized by pruning intensity (defined as the amount of fresh biomass removed per unit volume of canopy) and pruning severity (defined as the distance between the distal end of the branch and the pruning point). Vegetative growth was recorded on 30 pruned and 30 unpruned terminal growth units (GUs) per tree. After vegetative growth and the resting period, flowering was described, in terms of occurrence, intensity and dynamics, on five populations of terminal GUs characterized by their age and origin (initial pruned and unpruned GUs that did not growth after pruning, or daughter GUs stemmed from them after pruning). Flowering occurrence, intensity and dynamics were affected by the population of GUs and by pruning intensity and severity. For instance, flowering probability on daughter GUs produced on pruned GUs increased with pruning intensity and decreased with pruning severity. Moreover, some terminal GUs produced on pruned or unpruned GUs of pruned trees flowered late, leading to a second flowering event. Finally, the results showed that pruning affects mango tree flowering through the proportion and flowering ability of the different populations of GUs within the canopy generated by pruning. As a next step, vegetative and flowering responses to pruning at the GU scale may be integrated into a functional-structural mango tree model to further analyze their complex effects and interactions at the tree scale.

Role of Shale Deformation in the Structural Development of a Deepwater Gravitational System in the Niger Delta

AbstractThis paper presents a three‐dimensional (3D) seismic‐based case study (∼1,200 km2) from the deepwater Niger Delta to examine the role of shale deformation in the structural development of a deepwater gravitational system. Tectono‐stratigraphic interpretation reveals that this system consists of two sets of major fold‐thrusts laterally separated by a central oblique detachment fold. A prominent shale thick beneath these structures is believed to have originated from tectonic deformation rather than a pretectonic thick, due to its complex internal structures. Seismic mapping of the growth units indicates synchronous initiation of the oblique detachment fold with the main thrusts and gradual growth in response to thickening shales. Downslope gravitational contraction is not considered the direct cause for the oblique shale‐detachment fold. Evidence from the 3D shale distribution and deformation styles within the shale unit reveals that shales that were squeezed out of adjacent shale‐thinning areas “flowed” laterally into the detachment‐fold core. Based on the spatial variation in structural deformation and growth strata distribution, this study proposes a model that considers differential contraction and differential loading from syntectonic sediments as two key factors leading to the 3D shale redistribution which ultimately determines the deformation styles and evolution history within the overburden. Additionally, seismic imaging within the shale unit recognizes various internal structures ranging from hundreds to thousands of meters in scale, and confirms what has been suggested in previous studies, that redistribution of shales occurred through a combination of multiscale brittle failures, ductile folding, and plastic flows.

Fusarium oxysporum as an Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen on Zinnia hybrida Plants Grown on board the International Space Station.

A plant production system called Veggie was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2014. In late 2015, during the growth of Zinnia hybrida cv. 'Profusion' in the Veggie hardware, plants developed chlorosis, leaf curling, fungal growth that damaged leaves and stems, and eventually necrosis. The development of symptoms was correlated to reduced air flow leading to a significant buildup of water enveloping the leaves and stems in microgravity. Symptomatic tissues were returned to Earth on 18 May 2016 and were immediately processed to determine the primary causal agent of the disease. The presumptive pathogen was identified as Fusarium oxysporum by morphological features of microconidia and conidiophores on symptomatic tissues; that is, by epifluorescent microscopy (EFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), metabolic microarrays, and ITS sequencing. Both EFM and SEM imaging of infected tissues showed that germinating conidia were capable of stomatal penetration and thus acted as the primary method for infecting host tissues. A series of ground-based pathogenicity assays were conducted with healthy Z. hybrida plants that were exposed to reduced-airflow and high-water stress (i.e., encased in sealed bags) or were kept in an unstressed configuration. Koch's postulates were successfully completed with Z. hybrida plants in the lab, but symptoms only matched ISS-flown symptomatic tissues when the plants were stressed with high-water exposure. Unstressed plants grown under similar lab conditions failed to develop the symptoms observed with plants on board the ISS. The overall results of the pathogenicity tests imply that F. oxysporum acted as an opportunistic pathogen on severely high-water stressed plants. The source of the opportunistic pathogen is not known, but virulent strains of F. oxysporum were not recovered from unused materials in the Veggie plant pillow growth units assayed after the flight.

A reservoir model for geothermal energy production from the Middle Devonian Slave Point Formation

Clarke Lake is a depleted gas field developed in carbonate platform deposits of the Slave Point Formation (Middle Devonian) in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. The field displays anomalously high reservoir temperature (≥100 °C) and strong water drive, making it a candidate for repurposing as a source of geothermal power. Porous and permeable reservoir developed near the platform margin through the hydrothermal alteration of host limestone to dolomite. A depositional model provides a basis for mapping the dolomite reservoir properties. Facies analysis combined with porosity and permeability measurements are applied to flow simulations to test how reinjected water would affect geothermal power production.Nine depositional facies and two diagenetic facies are identified: the former based on bioclast assemblages, rock types, texture and composition; and the latter based on rock fabric and the extent of alteration to dolomite. These facies were deposited within lagoonal, reef-flat, shoal, reef margin and foreslope settings associated with a rimmed carbonate platform and can be separated into stratigraphic successions that influenced dolomitization: an initial shoal unit, S1, three subsequent reef units, R1, R2, R3, and terminal shoal units of D1, D2 and D3. Shoal units were deposited in the transgressive systems tracts, whereas reef growth units were deposited in the highstand systems tracts. Dolomitized lagoonal, reef flat, reef margin and shoal lithologies show enhanced porosity and permeability due to dissolution of stromatoporoid bioclasts, forming mouldic and vuggy porosity. Diagenetic facies show high permeability due to fractures but reduced porosity as a result of precipitation of porosity-occluding dolomite, fluorite, and sulphide minerals. High quality reservoir zones occur primarily at the reef margin, caused by fabric-selective hydrothermal alteration of carbonate sediments near the contact with shales of the Horn River and Muskwa formations.Numerical modelling of geothermal injection and production scenarios shows that thermal breakthrough from injection wells to producing wells presents a negligible risk to estimated power productions, with efficiencies being reduced by 10–15% compared to scenarios that assume no thermal breakthrough. Permeable, fractured diagenetic and reef front facies are suitable targets for geothermal fluid production.

A hybrid stochastic/robust-based multi-period investment planning model for island microgrid

Microgrid is becoming an effective way to solve the power supply problem in off-grid islands. The investment economy is one of the key factors affecting its development and application, which is very challenging due to various uncertain information involved in the investment decision process. In this paper, a multi-period investment planning model is proposed to support decision-making for the stakeholders in determining the optimal sizing as well as investment timing of distributed energy resources of an island microgrid. The applicability of the model in dealing with various uncertainties is enhanced via a hybrid optimization framework, in which the long-term uncertainty of energy price fluctuation is captured by a stochastic programming approach and the short-term variations of renewable energy generation and load are addressed through robust optimization method. The dynamic information of load growth, unit cost variation and device degradation are considered to make the decision more practical and economically attractive. The multi-period investment planning model is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming problem, and the conservatism of the decision can be flexibly adjusted by regulating the robustness of the model. Simulation results based on actual data illustrate that the proposed model shows better economic and synergetic performances than the traditional multi-year optimization model, with the total planning cost dropped by nearly 3.6%, the initial investment cost reduced by nearly 36.6%, and the utilization rate of renewable energy increased by nearly 5.4%. In addition, the sensitivity analyses for load growth rate, loan ratio, unit cost, and uncertain budgets further verify the applicability of the proposed model under various conditions.

Crystal Morphology Prediction of Olanzapine Forms III and IV

AbstractIt is of great significance to explore and predict crystal growth behavior that can target the optimal growth conditions and obtain ideal properties. The ability to effectively treat schizophrenia and other psychoses has led to numerous studies of olanzapine (OZPN) polymorphs. There are four reported anhydrous forms of OZPN, but two of whose crystal morphologies (forms III and IV) are still unavailable in the laboratory. Based on the advanced spiral growth model, this study predicts the crystal morphologies of OZPN forms III and IV from vapor and different solvents (i.e., water, ethyl acetate, ethanol, cyclohexane, and dichloromethane), where the potential energies between dimeric growth units (stronger than specific energy cutoff) are considered as strong bond. It is demonstrated that the growth rate of form III increases with the increase of supersaturation from 1.01 to 1.07. Form III crystallizes from solvents with the block‐like shape, whereas form IV grows with the rectangular shape, that obviously differs from the flat‐square shapes of form I and form II. This mechanistic model is able to apply on various compounds, especially for the crystals with non‐centrosymmetric molecules to obtain important guidance for their experimental preparations.

Staphylococcal infection prevention using antibiotic-loaded mannitol-chitosan paste in arabbit model of implant-associated osteomyelitis.

Antibiotic-loaded chitosan pastes have shown advantages in the treatment and coverage of complex musculoskeletal defects. We added mannitol, previously shown to increase antibiotic susceptibility of biofilm, to an injectable chitosan/polyethylene glycol paste for delivery of antibiotics. Ground sponges (0.85% acetic acid solution, 1% chitosan, 0% or 2% mannitol, 1% polyethylene glycol) were hydrated using phosphate-buffered saline with 10 mg/ml amikacin and 10 mg/ml vancomycin added to form pastes. We inoculated rabbit radial defects with 105 colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus (UAMS-1) and inserted titanium pins into the cortical bone. Groups compared included mannitol blend pastes, non-mannitol blends, antibiotic-loaded bone cement, vancomycin powder, and no treatment controls. We harvested tissue samples and retrieved the pins retrieved at 3 weeks. All antibiotic-loaded groups lowered bacterial growth and colony-forming unit counts in soft and bone tissue and on titanium pins in in vivo studies. The results indicate this biomaterial is capable of eluting active antibiotics at concentrations that reduce bacterial growth on biomaterials and tissue, which, in turn, may prevent biofilm formation. Blends of chitosan and mannitol may be useful in prevention and treatment of osteomyelitis and implant-associated infections.

Growth, Development and Suitability for Kent of Mango Rootstocks on Soil Substrates Collected under <i>Anacardium occidentale</i> L., <i>Khaya senegalensis</i> (Desv.) A. Juss and <i>Mangifera indica</i> L., in Casamance, Senegal

With an overall contribution of nearly 4 billion CFA francs to Senegal’s income, providing 23,000 employments more than 50% are women in 2021, the mango sector has shown its importance in the Senegalese economy even if the potential remains largely under-exploited. Thus, the study on the main local varieties remains an important perspective. This work carried out in the farm of the agroforestry department concerns the growth and development of four varieties (Pince, Kouloubadaseky, Sierra Leone and Diourou) on different soils (Mangifera indica, Anacardium occidentale and Khaya senegalensis). This work aims to contribute to the knowledge of the most cultivated varieties in Casamance. It is also a question of seeing the response of these varieties to grafting with the Kent variety. An experiment was conducted for one year with a split plot design consisting of 4 replicates (blocks). Each block contains 4 plots and each plot contains 3 sub-plots with 20 plants each. The parameters measured were: diameter at the collar, height, number of leaves, biomass, number of growth units and grafting success rate. The Sierra Leone variety showed the best growth results in terms of diameter at the crown (0.511 ± 0.090), leaf production (16 ± 2.52) and dry biomass (28.67 ± 16.80). The Kouloubadaseky variety had the best height record (41.90 ± 6.15) and the Diourou variety gave the best results in terms of fresh biomass (68.94 ± 30.90), number of growth units (9.350 ± 2.06) and grafting success rate (78.84% ± 29.44%). Anacardium occidentale soil substrate gave the best growth in height (39.73 ± 5.54 cm) while the substrate collected under M. indica L produced a greater number of leaves (13.14 ± 3.64) and grafting success rate (71.12% ± 37.25%). The Khaya senegalensis substrate recorded the highest values in biomass production (61.00 ± 35.93 for fresh biomass and 25.25% ± 15.74% for dry biomass).

THE QUALITY OF THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT IN FISH PONDS

In our country, the most widespread growth system is the semiintensive one with growth units represented by ponds (anthropogenic ecosystems). The semi-intensive fish culture is based on the natural productivity and / or enriched by fertilization of the anthropogenic ecosystems, respectively also on the administration of supplementary food. In fact, semi-intensive cultivation involves obtaining a fish biomass with low production costs due to the use of inexpensive inputs. The productionprofile and the way of obtaining it determine the structure and duration oftheexploitation cycle within a fish farm.

Polymorph-Selective Role of Hydrogen Bonding and π–π Stacking in p-Aminobenzoic Acid Solutions

Understanding molecular self-association in solution is vital for uncovering polymorph-selective crystal nucleation pathways. In this paper, we combine solution NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to shed light on the structural and dynamical features of p-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) in solution, and on their role in pABA crystals nucleation. pABA is known to yield different crystal forms (α, and β) depending on solvent choice and supersaturation conditions. NMR reveals that dominant interactions stabilizing pABA oligomers are markedly solvent-dependent: in organic solvents, hydrogen bonds dominate, while water promotes π-πstacking. Despite this clear preference, both types of interactions contribute to the variety of self-associated species in all solvents considered. MD simulations support this observation and show that pABA oligomers are short-lived and display a fluxional character, therefore indicating that the growth unit involved in pABA crystallization is likely to be a single molecule. Nevertheless, we note that the interactions dominating in pABA oligomers are indicative of the polymorph obtained from precipitation. In water, at low pABA concentrations - conditions that are known to yield crystals of the β form - carboxylic-carboxylic hydrogen bonds are exclusively asymmetric. At higher pABA concentration conditions in which the crystallization is known to yield the α form - a small but statistically significant fraction of symmetric carboxylic-carboxylic hydrogen-bonded dimers is present. We interpret the presence of these interactions in solvated pABA oligomers as indicative of the fact that a simultaneous and complete desolvation of two carboxylic groups, necessary to form the symmetric hydrogen-bonded dimer typical of the α crystal form, is accessible, therefore directing the nucleation pathway toward the nucleation of α-pABA.

How do preharvest applications of nitrogen fertiliser affect branch growth, leaf morphology and fruit, inMangifera indica(mango) orchards?

The effect of preharvest applications of nitrogen (N) fertiliser to mango trees during the late fruit maturation stage was investigated over 3 years (2012-2014) to determine the effects on canopy growth in 8 year-old 'Kensington Pride' (KP) mango trees grown in Queensland. The experiment consisted of six treatments where 156 g N tree-1 was applied as a single treatment, as 340 g of urea or split between three different times. The N treatments were 1) 100% of N 2 weeks postharvest (control), 2) 50% of N 2 weeks preharvest, plus 50% 2 weeks postharvest, 3) 65% 2 weeks preharvest, plus 35% 2 weeks postharvest, 4) 35% 4 weeks preharvest plus 65% 2 weeks postharvest, and 5) 65% 4 weeks preharvest, plus 35% 2 weeks postharvest. Vegetative growth was investigated at the branch, sub-branch (shoots), growth unit (GU) and leaf scales. Branches from different aspects (north, south, east and west), in the upper and lower canopy were assessed, and for 2 branch types (apical or lateral) was considered. Fruit counts were also considered at the branch level. Results showed that when 50-65% of the N was applied 2 and 4 weeks before harvest with the balance 2 weeks postharvest, the number of branches, branch length and fruit count increased. When 35% N was applied 4 weeks preharvest with the balance 2 weeks postharvest, only stem biomass was increased. Generally, branches in the upper canopy had longer sub-branches, longer and thicker, first level growth units, shorter leaf petioles and shorter and thinner leaves compared to those in the lower canopy. The SPAD N index was lowest in the northern canopy aspect. Differences were also observed between lateral and apical branches. Lateral branches had longer leaves than apical branches while apical branches had a trend for higher leaf area, stem biomass and leaf counts. There were also negative relationships between fruit count and measurements for stem biomass, leaf count and leaf area for apical branches however for lateral branches these relationships were positive. In summary, when a higher proportion of N was applied 2 or 4 weeks prior to harvest the partitioning of growth to leaves and stem increased while low rates of N applied prior to harvest led to increased stem biomass only. Applications of N 2 or 4 weeks prior to harvest resulted in increased fruit count and more efficient nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), although the relationship between fruit count, and leaf and stem growth was dependent on branch type.

Simultaneous Determination of Gaseous Ammonia and Particulate Ammonium in Ambient Air Using a Cylindrical Wet Effluent Diffusion Denuder and a Continuous Aerosol Sampler.

A sensitive and fast method for simultaneous determination of gaseous ammonia (NH3) and particulate ammonium (NH4+) in ambient air is presented. NH3 is sampled in a cylindrical wet effluent diffusion denuder (CWEDD) and analyzed online by a continuous flow system with a fluorescence detector (FLD), while NH4+ bound to aerosol particles is sampled in parallel by a condensation growth unit-the aerosol counterflow two-jet unit (CGU-ACTJU) sampler-and analyzed online with another FLD. The sensitive fluorescence detection of ammonium in concentrates of the CWEDD and the ACTJU is based on its reaction with ortho-phthaldialdehyde and sulfite to form isoindol-1-sulfonate. The calibration curve of ammonium is linear in the concentration range of 5 × 10-9 to 2 × 10-6 M. The limit of detection (LOD = 3 s/n) values of NH3 and NH4+ are 3.52 ng m-3 (5.05 ppt) and 1.04 ng m-3, respectively. The developed method enables online measuring of distribution of NH3/NH4+ in ambient air with a time resolution of 1 s. The optimized method was used for the determination of NH3/NH4+ in urban air in Brno in two campaigns during the winter and summer of 2018. The results obtained by the developed method were compared with a reference method based on the sampling on filters and "dry" diffusion denuders coated by phosphoric acid.

An image analysis method to quantify heterogeneous filamentous biomass based on pixel intensity values – Interrelation of macro- and micro-morphology in Actinomadura namibiensis

• An image analysis method for the heterogeneous cell morphology was developed. • Quantification of the network of dispersed mycelia. • Salt-enhanced cultivation affected pellet size and non-agglomerated hyphal network. • Hyphal network spacing was found to decrease during salt-enhanced cultivation. • A new correlation between macro- and micro-morphological parameters was found. The cell morphology of the filamentous actinobacterium Actinomadura namibiensis was evaluated by image analysis of microscopic pictures. A pixel intensity thresholding method was used to differentiate between pelleted bioagglomerates, the macro-morphology, and the characterization of individual hyphae, the micro-morphology. At both scales morphological differences between salt-enhanced cultivation (addition of 50 mM (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 ), which increased the labyrinthopeptin A1 concentration from < 50–325 mg L −1 , and the non-supplemented standard medium were revealed. The major focus in this investigation was set on the analysis of the network of dispersed mycelia to provide complementary data to previously published pellet shape characteristics. Hyphal network spacing (HNS), a newly introduced shape descriptor to describe the spatial proximity of loosely entangled hyphae, was found to decrease to during salt-enhanced cultivation resulting in a 20 % lower HNS value compared to the unsupplemented control after 10 d of shaking flask cultivation. The macro-morphological pellet shape descriptors of circularity and aspect ratio correlated with individual micro-morphological parameters. The strongest correlation was found between pellet circularity and hyphal growth unit (HGU) (r = 0.73) and between pellet circularity and HNS (r = 0.82).