High Lodging Research Articles

Using Genetic Engineering Techniques to Develop Banana Cultivars With Fusarium Wilt Resistance and Ideal Plant Architecture.

Bananas (Musa spp.) are an important fruit crop worldwide. The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), which causes Fusarium wilt, is widely regarded as one of the most damaging plant diseases. Fusarium wilt has previously devastated global banana production and continues to do so today. In addition, due to the current use of high-density banana plantations, desirable banana varieties with ideal plant architecture (IPA) possess high lodging resistance, optimum photosynthesis, and efficient water absorption. These properties may help to increase banana production. Genetic engineering is useful for the development of banana varieties with Foc resistance and ideal plant architecture due to the sterility of most cultivars. However, the sustained immune response brought about by genetic engineering is always accompanied by yield reductions. To resolve this problem, we should perform functional genetic studies of the Musa genome, in conjunction with genome editing experiments, to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune response and the formation of plant architecture in the banana. Further explorations of the genes associated with Foc resistance and ideal architecture might lead to the development of banana varieties with both ideal architecture and pathogen super-resistance. Such varieties will help the banana to remain a staple food worldwide.

Ciklus Svetog Dimitrija u Pećkoj patrijaršiji - II

Ciklus Svetog Dimitrija u Pećkoj patrijaršiji - II

Breeding and brewing quality of the Canadian malting barley variety 'CDC Goldstar' lacking lipoxygenase-1.

Various types of malt quality profiles have been investigated to benefit the North American brewing industry. Herein, we report the development and brewing quality of the hulled, two-row malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) variety ‘CDC Goldstar’ lacking lipoxygenase-1 (LOX-1-less). This new variety offers a novel malt type for the improvement of beer flavor stability. The agronomic performance of ‘CDC Goldstar’ was tested in the Western Cooperative Two Row Barley Registration Trials during 2013–2014. In addition to high lodging tolerance, the new variety showed 6% higher yield than the current leading variety ‘CDC Copeland’. The malt quality of ‘CDC Goldstar’ showed higher diastatic power and lower wort β-glucan content than ‘CDC Copeland’ and controllable proteolytic modification (soluble nitrogen and Kolbach Index). Pilot- (100 L) and commercial-scale (5,000 L) brewing trials were conducted using ‘CDC PlatinumStar’, another LOX-1-less variety with a low enzymatic profile, as the control variety. Absence of the LOX-1 trait from ‘CDC Goldstar’ maintained trans-2-nonenal levels in aged beers as low as those in other LOX-1-less varieties without affecting major beer parameters, such as ester and aldehyde content or foam stability. The newly developed ‘CDC Goldstar’ malting barley provides added value for the beer industry and consumers.

Productivity of sunflower hybrids with erectoid leaves at various plant densities

We carried out the research in 2018–2019 in the Western Ciscaucasia on leached chernozem, low-humus, extra-heavy, heavy-loamy to study the possibility of cultivation of new sunflower genotypes with a compact habitus at a high plant density (80 000, 100 000 and 120 000 plants/ha) and a row width of 35 cm. We chose sunflower hybrids of the breeding of V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops with the normal (Triumph and Berkut) and the erectoid (Triumph er-2, Triumph Er-3, Berkut er-2, Berkut Er-3) leaf position as an object of research. The high lodging capacity of the erectoid hybrids Triumph еr-2 (30.2%) and Triumph Еr-3 (10.9%) suggests potential yield losses due to non-threshing of heads during the combine harvesting. The highest productivity and oil content of seeds of normal and erectoid hybrids was obtained at the plant density of 80 000 plants/ha. The densification of sowings to 100 000 and 120 000 plants/ha led to a decrease in the traits of yield structure and productivity. The limited resources of the environment do not allow achieving both high productivity and product quality in sowings with the plant density exceeding 80 000 plants/ha. The compact habitus of sunflower plants is not a determining factor in the development of productivity of sowings with a high plant density.

Влияние морфометрических признаков растений самоопыленных линий подсолнечника на его полегаемость

We carried out the research in 2018-2019 at the experimental station of V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops. The aim of the research is to study the effect of certain morphometric characteristics of the overground part of plants and the architectonics of the root system on the sunflower lodging. We found significant differences in the architectonics of root systems in 17 maternal lines of sunflower: we identified three morphotypes, differing in the number and thickness of lateral roots of the first and subsequent orders, located in the top soil. We identified the sunflower lines that have a root system with a well-developed main root and many lateral roots of various orders (type A), lines with a normally developed main root and a small number of lateral roots (type B), and lines with a poorly developed main root and few lateral roots in top soil (type C). We identified the presence of both low and high lodging in sunflower lines with different types of root systems. At the same time, there is a tendency towards higher lodging in lines with root system types B and C. The line SL12 3660 showed the maximum lodging resistance during two years of observations. It may be of interest for further work as a possible source of a lodging resistance trait.

Compact plant type rice has higher lodging and N resistance under machine transplanting

To identify the major factors that contribute to the difference in lodging among different rice varieties under machine transplanting and their responses to nitrogen (N), field experiments were conducted at Danyang County (a representative eco-site of the Lower Yangtze River) in Jiangsu Province, China in 2017 and 2018, 22 hybrid indica varieties (HIs), 22 inbred japonica varieties (IJs) and two indica japonica hybrid varieties (IJHs) were transplanted by machine with three N rates (N0, N150 and N300, 0, 150 and 300 kg ha–1, respectively). Lodging-related physical parameters, morphological characteristics and apparent transport rates of dry matter were examined. Significant difference in yield was observed among different types of rice, and followed by IJs<HIs<IJHs. The average lodging index (LI) of hybrid varieties (HIs and IJHs) was higher than that of the inbred varieties (IJs) with higher plant height; moreover, lower apparent export rate of dry matter resulted lower LI in IJHs than in HIs. The HIs had a large difference in the LI, which came from the difference in bending stress (BS) induced by the difference in the apparent export rate of dry matter, varieties with lower leaf angle of upper three leaves possess strong lodging resistance capacity; however, the gap among the IJs was due to the difference in the cross section modulus (Z). The LI in the IJs or IJHs increased slightly with the increased N application, and there was no lodging incidence under the high N level, which was due to the low leaf angle and barely changed under high N; there was a significant interaction between varieties (HIs) and N rates in lodging rate and LI, varieties with lower leaf angle of upper three leaves were resistant to high N. These results suggest that compact plant type rice has higher lodging and N resistance at machine-transplanting method.

Relationship between Stalk and Cob Mechanical Strength during the Late Growth Stage of Maize (Zea mays L.)

The stalk strength of maize (Zea mays L.) has a significant effect on stalk lodging and harvesting loss, and the cob mechanical strength affects the grain broken rate in mechanical grain harvesting. Clarifying the relationship between maize stalk strength and cob mechanical strength could provide a theoretical basis for the selection of cultivars with high lodging resistance and high suitability for mechanical grain harvesting. In 2017 and 2018, 64 maize cultivars were planted in four locations to investigate the changes in the bending strength of stalks and cobs using the three-point bending method during the late growth stage. The results showed that, in the late growth stage, with increasing number of days after physiological maturity, the stalk bending strength (SBS) of the fifth internode above the soil gradually decreased, the cob bending strength (CBS) decreased first and then increased, and it was lowest at about six to eight days after physiological maturity. In the same experimental site and sampling period, there was no significant correlation between the SBS and the CBS of different maize cultivars. Cluster analysis showed that most of the investigated maize cultivars showed low stalk strength during the late growth stage. However, a few of the maize cultivars were suitable for mechanical grain harvesting due to their characteristics of high stalk bending strength and moderate cob bending strength during the late growth stage.

Adaptive autonomous UAV scouting for rice lodging assessment using edge computing with deep learning EDANet

Rice is a globally important crop that will continue to play an essential role in feeding our world as we grapple with climate change and population growth. Lodging is a primary threat to rice production, decreasing rice yield, and quality. Lodging assessment is a tedious task and requires heavy labor and a long duration due to the vast land areas involved. Newly developed autonomous crop scouting techniques have shown promise in mapping crop fields without any human interaction. By combining autonomous scouting and lodged rice detection with edge computing, it is possible to estimate rice lodging faster and at a much lower cost than previous methods. This study presents an adaptive crop scouting mechanism for Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). We simulate UAV crop scouting of rice fields at multiple levels using deep neural networks and real UAV energy profiles, focusing on areas with high lodging. Using the proposed method, we can scout rice fields 36% faster than conventional scouting methods at 99.25% accuracy.

Key indicators affecting maize stalk lodging resistance of different growth periods under different sowing dates

The accurate evaluation of maize stalk lodging resistance in different growth periods enables timely management of lodging risks and ensures stable and high maize yields. Here, we established five different sowing dates to create different conditions for maize growth. We evaluated the effects of the different growth conditions on lodging resistance by determining stalk morphology, moisture content, mechanical strength and dry matter, and the relationship between stalk breaking force and these indicators during the silking stage (R1), milk stage (R3), physiological maturity stage (R6), and 20 days after R6. Plant height at R1 positively affected stalk breaking force. At R3, the coefficient of ear height and the dry weight per unit length of basal internodes were key indicators of stalk lodging resistance. At R6, the key indicators were the coefficient of the center of gravity height and plant fresh weight. After R6, the key indicator was the coefficient of the center of gravity height. The crushing strength of the fourth internode correlated significantly and positively with the stalk breaking force from R1 to R6, which indicates that crushing strength is a reliable indicator of stalk mechanical strength. These results suggest that high stalk strength and low ear height benefit lodging resistance prior to R6. During and after R6, the coefficient of the center of gravity height and the mechanical strength of basal internodes can be used to evaluate plant lodging resistance and the appropriate time for harvesting in fields with a high lodging risk.

Economic crisis of rural patients insured with critical illness insurance: Do working-age patients have higher financial burden?

Working-age patients are generally found to have higher healthcare expenditure than elder. China implemented critical illness insurance (CII) in 2012 to decrease the medical expenditure of patients. The aim of this study was to determine if the economic burden of rural working-age patients with CII was more serious than other age groups. A questionnaire survey was undertaken in two counties of central and western China in 2017. Comprehensive financial measurement was used, including direct costs, indirect costs and medical debt rate. All data collected were used for descriptive statistics and multivariate variance analysis. Linear regression with random effect analysis upon area was used to evaluate the differences in ages. A total of 834 rural patients were surveyed in this study. Patients aged 18-44years had the highest lodging and food payments (3,838 Chinese Yuan [CNY]), work loss (15,350 CNY) and medical debt rate (83.24%). Patients who were of working age, sought health services out of counties, had longer length of stay, and were diagnosed with chronic illness had higher healthcare expenditure. Rural working-age patients with CII had higher direct and indirect costs, which were attributed to medical debt. The increased service capability of hospitals in counties and improved medical financial assistance may also be issues of concern.

Handaxe types, colonization waves, and social norms in the British Acheulean

The handaxes of north-western Europe are some of the most varied in the Acheulean world, with the meanings of that variation debated since the late nineteenth century. To reassess handaxe form in this region, we performed a 3D morphometric analysis of 150 handaxes from five British Acheulean assemblages: Boxgrove, High Lodge, Hitchin, Swanscombe Middle Gravels, and Broom. Regression analyses indicate the importance of the effects of allometry and the assemblage to which the handaxe belongs on shape variation. Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11c assemblages Hitchin and Swanscombe occupy significantly different shape space from both the MIS13 assemblages Boxgrove and High Lodge, and the MIS9 assemblage of Broom. Handaxe types such as ovates, cordates, limandes, triangular, and ficrons occupy unique areas of shape space in plan form. Twisted-profile and plano-convex handaxes are distinctive in their profile forms from handaxes with similar plan forms. We suggest that the distinctive and difficult to produce handaxes types that characterize the British Late Acheulean were reproduced according to normative expectations of what handaxes should look like. Different occupation phases in MIS13, MIS11c, and MIS9 are characterized by different suites of handaxe types, likely as the result of different waves of colonization with different normative social traditions.

Glencross hard red extra strong spring wheat

Glencross is a hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) adapted to the wheat-growing regions of the Canadian Prairies, particularly where orange blossom wheat midge is a production constraint. Glencross was evaluated in the High Yielding Red Wheat Cooperative Test in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Glencross had grain yield similar to the Canada Western Extra Strong (CWES) checks, Glenlea and CDC Rama, as well as the Canada Western Red Spring check, Superb; however, Glencross was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) earlier maturing than all checks by 3 (Superb) to 4 (Glenlea and CDC Rama) days. Glencross had plant height and lodging scores similar to the CWES checks, Glenlea and CDC Rama, but was significantly taller and had significantly higher lodging scores compared with the CWRS check, Superb. Glencross was moderately resistant to moderately susceptible to leaf rust but was highly resistant to stem rust and loose smut. Glencross showed an intermediate reaction to common bunt and was similar to the susceptible checks for Fusarium head blight. Glencross is the first CWES cultivar with resistance to the orange blossom wheat midge (Setodiplosis mosellana Géhin). Glencross demonstrated end-use quality suitable for all grades of the Canada Western Extra Strong wheat class.

Late Middle Pleistocene temperate and associated events in lowland England

This article examines the interpretation and implications of certain conifer-dominated pollen assemblages recorded in lowland England, at sites glaciated during the Middle Pleistocene Wolstonian Stage. Such assemblages indicate the absence of severely cold-climate during a predominantly cold period and the presence of northern temperate boreal-type forest. The unambiguous stratigraphical position of the sequences provides evidence of climatic change during the late Middle Pleistocene.Nine sequences are considered, six in the English West Midlands, and three in eastern England. Evidence for temperate climate, and at some, subsequent cold-climate (periglacial) conditions is present within deposits pre-dating Wolstonian-age glacial deposits. In the Midlands, Wolston Formation glacial sediments overlie deposits of a pre-existing river system, the Baginton Formation. The latter accumulated during the transition from boreal to subarctic conditions. Evidence is based on sequences at Mathon, Waverley Wood, Brandon, Brooksby, Witham-on-the-Hill, High Lodge and Barnham. Since the Wolstonian glaciation occurred during the Late Wolstonian Substage (= Late Saalian, Marine Isotope Stage [MIS] 6), the Baginton Formation must span the MIS 7/6 boundary.Reinterpretation of the sequences indicates that the temperate continental climate interval, termed here the Waverley Wood temperate event, potentially represents the latter part of MIS 7 (Substages 7a-c, or 7e). This correlation is supported by comparison with sites on the near Continent. The implications of these conclusions are presented.

Yield, dry matter and N characteristics in canola as affected by fertilizer N rate and split-application ratio under high soil fertility condition

The effects on seed yield, dry matter and nitrogen (N) characteristics under two fertilizer N rates of 240 and 270 kg ha−1 and three N split-application ratios (SAR) of basal: bolting fertilizer 7:3, 6:4 and 5:5 were investigated. Under 240 kg N ha−1 condition, seed yield was positively correlated with the number of effective pods (r = 0.90**), which was the main determinant of seed yield. Under 270 kg N ha−1 condition, seed yield was closely related to 1000-seed weight (r = 0.97**) and the number of seeds per pod (r = 0.90**), with the former appeared to be the most important determinant. The yields and numbers of effective pods in the N SAR 6:4 with N rate of 240 kg ha−1 were the highest among three SARs, while the yields of N SAR 5:5 under 270 kg N ha−1 were the lowest, attributable to the high lodging angle, low 1000-seed weight and low number of seeds per pod. Under 240 kg N ha−1 condition, the biomass, root dry weight, ratio of root to shoot, harvest index (HI), total N accumulation, N harvest index (NHI)and N utilization efficiency for grain yield (NUEg)in the N SAR 6:4 were the greatest among different SARs. The study revealed that, to achieve stable and high yields of winter canola, N recommendation at a rate of 240 kg ha−1 and N SAR 6:4 was suggested in this high soil fertility region.

Human occupation of Northern Europe in MIS 13: a response to comments by Gibbard et al. (2019)

In a recent paper (Lewis et al., 2019) we reported the results of geological and archaeological investigations at Happisburgh Site 1. We also considered the significance of the site for understanding the human occupation of northern Europe during the early Middle Pleistocene. In a comment on the paper, Gibbard et al. (2019) raise a number of issues concerning lithostratigraphic terminology, the age of the deposits at Site 1, and the wider regional context of the Site 1 archaeological assemblage. Here we respond to Gibbard and colleagues’ objections and, in particular, we present evidence in support of our contention that the Palaeolithic assemblages from the Breckland sites of Warren Hill and High Lodge pre-date the Anglian (MIS 12) glaciation and may be considered to date to MIS 13.

Human occupation of northern Europe in MIS 13: Happisburgh Site 1 (Norfolk, UK) and its European context: A response to Lewis et al. (2019)

This comment concerns the article by Lewis et al. (2019). We do not question the detail of the Happisburgh site sequence, but the stratigraphical significance, the regional correlations and the age of certain localities with which the Happisburgh 1 sequence is equated by these authors. In particular we question the correlation with sequences at Warren Hill (Three Hills) and High Lodge in Suffolk since detailed research has demonstrated that they are neither the same age nor of the origin stated in the original article. We also question the correlation of disparate geological sequences on the basis of their artefactual contents; an approach long considered to be inappropriate.

ESTIMATION OF THE VARIETIES WITH DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL ORIGIN ACCORDING TO THEIR MAIN TRAITS AND PROPERTIES

The article presents the results of productivity and grain quality of 47 winter durum wheat varieties of various ecological origin studied in 2016–2018. All studied samples belong to semi-dwarf and dwarf forms (height of 61–105 cm). Semi-dwarf forms possessed high lodging resistance (3.9 points). The grain harvest of the main part (89.3%) of the samples ranged from 8.41 to 9.65 t/ha in the environmental test. Only three varieties (“Lazurit”, “Agat Donskoy”, “Andromeda”) in the winter durum wheat trial are characterized with high yields ranging from 9.65–10.0 t/ha. The yield of the standard variety of “Khristella” was 9.03 t / ha on average in 2016- 2018. The varieties “Kondor” (116.8%), “Zolotko” (123.0%), “Afina” (126.9%) showed high frost tolerance of the plants through the years of research, in comparison with the standard variety “Donchanka” (100%). In the ecological test the main part (68%) of winter durum wheat varieties possessed large grain. “1000-grain weight” was more than 40 g: “Amazon” (42.9 g), “Lazurit” (47.7 g), “Diona” (42.1 g), “Alyi Parus” (43.7 g), “Dnepryana” (45.4 g), “Krupinka” (46.9 g), etc. The studied samples had high percentage of protein (13.6–15.1%), gluten (22.8–27.0%), SDS-sedimentation (30–45 ml), carotenoids (468–779 μg/%), nature weight (777.0–819.0 g/l), kernel hardness (85–98%). The technical and culinary qualities of the pasta made from the main part of the samples were evaluated as excellent (the varieties “Donchanka”, “Oniks”, “Kiprida”, “Atoll”, “Kermen”, “Winter Gold”, etc.) and as good (the varieties “Teya”, “Eirena”, “Lazurit”, “Diona”, “Alyi Parus”, “Krupinka”, “Afina”, etc.).

Demonstration and Popularization of Improved Oat Varieties/Accessions at the Highland of Guji Zone High Land, Ethiopia

This experiment was conducted with the objectives of to demonstrating and popularizing recommend improved Oat accessions/varieties to the area and to assess farmers preference for the improved Oat cultivars as a feed for livestock production in Guji Zone high land parts. The experiment was laid out in simple plot with size of 10 X10 m under four kebele's of eight farmers two each kebele's of Bore and Ana Sora districts. The materials used for this experiment was CI-8251, CI-8235, 79Ab384 (TX) 80SA95, Lampton, SRCPX80Ab2291and SRCPX80Ab2806 oat accessions. Data was recorded for plant height, maturity date, 50% flowering date, seed yield, diseases reaction, lodging, green fodder yield and farmers preferences. The varieties differed in yield and yield related parameters. Accession CI-8251 produced significantly higher green forage yield (73.13 ton/ha) followed by SRCPX80Ab2806 and 79Ab384 (TX) 80SA95 which was 64.05 and 61.65 ton/ha respectively, the variety lampton recorded lowest green forage yield (55.0 ton/ha) might be due to high lodging and diseases. The highest seed yield (31.34qt/ha) was obtained from SRCPX80Ab2806 accession followed by 79Ab384 (TX) 80SA95 and CI-8235 (31.15qt/ha and 30.65qt/ha) respectively while lampton variety gives only 22.94qt/ha was the lowest yield. The tallest plants (184.5 cm) recorded from Lampton followed by CI-8251 (175.5 cm) and 79Ab384 (TX) 80SA95 (161.25 cm) and minimum (147.75, 154.75cm) from SRCPX80Ab2806 and SRCPX80Ab2291 respectively. Based on their own evaluation criteria, farmers grouped SRCPX80Ab2806 and 79Ab384 (TX) 80SA95 in the first rank; CI-8251 in the second; SRCPX80Ab2291 in the third; CI-8235 and lampton ranked as last. Lampton variety was the most susceptible and have low resistance to disease and no diseases was recorded from accession CI-8251. Low diseases was recorded from 79Ab384 (TX) 80SA95 and SRCPX80Ab 22 91, but resistance to disease and give good yield and yield components. Hence accessions SRCPX80Ab2806, CI-8251 and 79Ab384 (TX) 80SA95 proved its superiority over all the other varieties included in the experiment and could popularized with the same agro-ecology of the zone and other parts of the country. Keywords: diseases resistance, forage yield, oats, Seed yield DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-5-05 Publication date :March 31 st 2019

Airbnb, la forma de hospedarte y sentirte en casa

This article makes an analysis of the Airbnb lodging alternative, from its origin as a need for cheap lodging, its evolution and the level of competition it has reached in the face of the high lodging costs that hotels handle. Increasing mobility due to the need to travel to various destinations and in particular when the trips are made for leisure, caused a high demand for places to stay, and consequently to more demand, also affecting the increase in costs. Given the difficulty of finding affordable accommodation, the alternative of (Airbnb and breakfast) was given, with which the number of travelers and the number of days per stay increased. The alternative of lodging has gained relevance first among Young people, but like hostels, every day there are more people interested in staying in cheap places and with alternatives to cook and avoid raising travel costs. In Mexico, it has become relevant in the main tourist destinations such as Cancun, as site classified as having a high cost of accommodation but with the modality offered by Airbnb it has allowed to increase the trips of people who seek to achieve the highest performance of their travel budgets.

Genetic enhancement of lodging resistance in rice due to the key cell wall polymer lignin, which affects stem characteristics.

Lodging in crops seriously restricts plant growth and grain production. The genetic modification of cell walls to enhance plant mechanical strength has been suggested as a promising approach toward improving lodging resistance. However, because of the complexity of the plant cell wall, the exact effects of its polymers on plant lodging resistance remain elusive. To address this issue, we performed large-scale analyses of a total of 56 rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties that displayed distinct cell wall component and lodging index. Lignin was identified as the key cell wall polymer that positively determines lodging resistance in rice. Correlation analysis between cell wall composition and plant morphological characteristics revealed that lignin enhanced rice lodging resistance by largely increasing the mechanical strength of the basal stem and reducing plant height. Further characterization of four representative rice varieties, ShenNong9903, YanJian218, KongYu131, and ShenNongK33, displaying varied levels of lodging resistance, revealed the multiple candidate genes (PAL, CoMT, 4CL3, CAD2, CAD7 and CCR20) responsible for increasing lignin level. Hence, our results demonstrate that the high lignin level in the cell wall predominately improves lodging resistance and suggest target genes for the genetic modification of lignin towards breeding rice with high lodging resistance.