PP Treatments Research Articles

Response of Nitrification Potential and Ammonia Oxidation Microbial Community in Purple Soils to the Application of Biochar Combined with Chemical Fertilizer and Manure

The effects of manure and chemical fertilizer combined with biochar on nitrification potential and ammonia oxidation microbial change characteristics of purple soils were studied to explore the effects of fertilization measures and soil environmental factors on nitrification potential and ammonia oxidation microbial change characteristics. In this study, purple soil was taken as the research object, and five treatments were set up:no fertilizer(CK), chemical fertilizer(F), manure(P), chemical fertilizer plus biochar(FP), and manure plus biochar(PP). PCR and T-RFLP methods were used to study the characteristics of soil AOA and AOB communities, and soil nitrification potential and environmental factors were measured at the same time to determine the effect of manure combined with biochar on the nitrification potential of purple soil. The results showed that:① compared with that in the CK treatment, the FP and PP treatments significantly increased soil nitrification potential(P<0.05). ② Compared with that in the CK treatment, the F, P, FP, and PP treatments significantly increased the number of copies of the AOA amoA gene in the soil by 78.17%-162.22%(P<0.05), and the F, FP, and PP treatments significantly increased the number of copies of the AOB amoA gene by 21.56%-78.32%(P<0.05). ③ Compared with that in the CK treatment, the PP treatment significantly improved the Shannon, richness, and evenness indices of the soil AOA community(P<0.05), and the combination of biochar(FP and PP treatments) could change the community structure of the soil AOB. ④ The chemical fertilizer and manure affected the AOA and AOB community structure by changing soil properties such as pH, TP, AP, C/N, SOM, NO3--N, and NH4+-N. ⑤ Stepwise regression analysis further showed that AOB amoA gene abundance was the main factor affecting soil nitrification potential. Therefore, under the condition that chemical fertilizer and manure were applied together with biochar, the AOB community was the main driver of the ammonia oxidation process in acidic purple soil, and fertilization affected the ammonia oxidation process by regulating C/N and NO3--N.

Hermetic Bags Effectively Preserve Dried Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. Fruits in Niger

Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. (jujube) is a valuable commercial fruit crop that is delicious and an effective herbal remedy. In the Sahel region of Africa, the jujube fruits are harvested from the wild and eaten dry. Postharvest management poses challenges due to insects, which leads to the degradation of the quality of the fruits. We assessed the performance of the Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags for preserving dried jujube fruits from three regions of Niger. After four months of storage, we measured infestation levels, sugar content, and organoleptic parameters. Insect (Aubeus himalayanus Voss) population (though low at the beginning) and the number of fruits with holes increased in polypropylene (PP, control) bags by 100 to 212.50% and 7.58 to 12.96%, respectively. The fruit weight loss in PP treatments ranged from 4.64 to 9.94%. In PICS bags, however, pest infestations and damages were comparable to those observed at the initial stage. No significant differences were observed in sugar content of dried jujube fruits kept in PICS and PP bags after four months of storage. No changes were seen in the quality and organoleptic properties of jujube fruits stored in PICS bags; however, they appeared to decrease in PP bags. PICS bags can be effectively used to preserve the quality of dried jujube fruits in the Sahel.

Responses of Soil PhoC and PhoD Gene Microbial Communities to the Combined Application of Biochar with Chemical Fertilizers and Organic Fertilizers

Soil microorganisms have an important influence on the transformation of soil nutrients. As functional genes encoding phosphatase, phoC and phoD provide effective means for detecting the types, abundance, and community structure of microorganisms in the environment, and studying the changes in the diversity of phoC and phoD gene microbial communities in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil of the plant rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil under the treatment of chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer combined with biochar can provide a scientific basis for the agricultural utilization of biochar. In this study, corn stalks and rice husk stalks were used as test materials, and the pot experiment method was used to set the following treatments:control (CK), traditional fertilization (F), chemical fertilizer+20 t·hm-2 rice husk biochar (FP), chemical fertilizer+10 t·hm-2 rice husk biochar+10 t·hm-2 corn biochar (FPM), organic fertilizer+20 t·hm-2 rice husk biochar (PP), and fresh organic fertilizer+20 t·hm-2 rice husk biochar (NPP). The community structure of phoC and phoD genes in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil was analyzed by using T-RFLP and fluorescence quantitative PCR technology to clarify the response characteristics of phoC and phoD genes to the addition of biochar. The results showed that:① In rhizosphere soil and non-rhizosphere soil, the phoD gene community structure was more complicated than that of phoC, and the number of end restriction fragments of the phoC gene increased after chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer were combined with biochar. ② The combined application of biochar with chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer reduced the copy number of the phoC gene in non-rhizosphere soil compared with that in the CK. Compared with that in the CK, the copy number in the FP, FPM, PP, and NPP treatments decreased by 9.18%, 11.46%, 10.97%, and 13.76%, respectively. Organic fertilizer combined with biochar increased the copy number of the phoD gene in rhizosphere soil by 2.48% and 5.16% in the PP and NPP treatments, respectively, compared with that in the CK. ③ Total phosphorus in the soil was the main factor affecting the phoC gene microbial community structure in non-rhizosphere soil (P<0.01), whereas the phoC gene microbial community structure in rhizosphere soil was regulated by a variety of environmental factors. pH was the most critical factor affecting the phoD gene copy number, and the copy number of phoD gene was significantly correlated with soil nitrate nitrogen and pH. The combined application of biochar with chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers can promote the growth and reproduction of microorganisms that function in soil phosphorus conversion, which is of great significance for improving the utilization of phosphorus fertilizers.

Tropical grass and legume pastures may alter lamb meat physical and chemical characteristics.

The present study assessed the influence of the type of the tropical pastures on lamb body weight (BW) gain and meat quality. Fifty-four lambs were allocated to three grazing pastures: (1) AG - Aruana grass (Panicum maximum cv. IZ-5); (2) PP - pigeon pea legume (Cajanus cajan cv. Anão); and (3) CS - contiguous swards, half of the paddock with AG and half with PP. After 92days of grazing, the lambs were slaughtered. Carcasses were evaluated and the longissimus muscle was collected to determine color, lipid profile, tocopherol concentrations, and lipid oxidation. Although the pastures present differences in the characteristics of nutritional quality, the animals did not show difference in BW gain. The results show that all forage presented similar concentration of alpha-tocopherol (137 ± 14.37mgkg-1 of fresh matter), whereas total and condensed tannin contents were greater in PP, intermediate in CS, and the lowest in AG treatment (P = 0.0001). Meat α-tocopherol content was similar among treatments (P = 0.1392), with an average concentration close to the optimal level to reduce the meat oxidation. Meat from AG treatment had 45 and 25% lower n-6/n-3 ratio than meat from PP and CS treatments, respectively. The legume increases the unsaturated fatty acids and the grass can reduce the n6/n3 ratio. The level of condensed tannin concentration did show to have important effect on meat characteristics. Both tropical pastures studied can provide a high amount of alpha-tocopherol, generating a great potential to increase the concentration of this antioxidant in lamb's meat.

EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF PASTEURIA PENETRANS ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH VERTICILLIUM CHLAMYDOSPORIUM AGAINST MELOIDOGYNE JAVANICA

The potential control of Meloidogyne javanica using Pasteuria penetrans (Pp) alone and in combination with Verticillium chlamydosporium (Vc) was tested in earthen pots following a cropping sequence "tomato-tomato-tomato” over three crop cycles. After the final harvesting, analysis of variance showed significant effect of treatments (P0.01) regarding number of eggmasses, galls and nematode female populations. Similarly, significant effect of treatments (P0.01) was also recorded in case of infected nematode females with Pasteuria and number of eggs/eggmass while no significant effect (P 0.0 5) was observed in case of endospore production. Higher numbers of eggmasses (360) and root galling (6.2) was observed where biocontrol agents were absent (control). The treatments showed 46.58, 58.85 and 33.13 percent reduction in number of galls, eggmasses and nematodes in Pp alone and 43.34, 55.21 and 30.09 percent reductions in Vc+Pp treatments respectively. Numbers of females infected with the endospores of P. penetrans were recorded higher in Pp-3 alone treatment (13.2) followed by Vc+Pp combined treatment (13.0) and maize rotated treatment (10.4) respectively. Significantly lesser number of eggmasses, galls and nematodes were recorded in pots where tomato was rotated with maize (treatment 3) compared with control. Thus rotation prevented the buildup of nematode population and resulted in a 72% decrease in numbers of eggmasses, 38% in root galling and 46% regarding female populations over the control after the final harvest. Maximum colony forming units of V. chlamydosporium per gram of soil were recorded after its addition to the soil. The fungus established in the soil during the first crop and soil colonization of the fungus was also observed after final crop.

The Influence of Predictability and Controllability on Stress Responses to the Aversive Component of a Virtual Fence.

To ensure animal welfare is not compromised, virtual fencing must be predictable and controllable, and this is achieved through associative learning. To assess the influence of predictability and controllability on physiological and behavioral responses to the aversive component of a virtual fence, two methods of training animals were compared. In the first method, positive punishment training involved sheep learning that after an audio stimulus, an electrical stimulus would follow only when they did not respond by stopping or turning at the virtual fence (predictable controllability). In the second method, classical conditioning was used to associate an audio stimulus with an electrical stimulus on all occasions (predictable uncontrollability). Eighty Merino ewes received one of the following treatments: control (no training and no stimuli in testing); positive punishment training with an audio stimulus in testing (PP); classical conditioning training with only an audio stimulus in testing (CC1); and classical conditioning training with an audio stimulus followed by electrical stimulus in testing (CC2). The stimuli were applied manually with an electronic collar. Training occurred on 4 consecutive days with one session per sheep per day. Sheep were then assessed for stress responses to the cues by measuring plasma cortisol, body temperature and behaviors. Predictable controllability (PP) sheep showed no differences in behavioral and physiological responses compared with the control treatment (P < 0.05). Predictable uncontrollability of receiving the aversive stimulus (CC2) induced a higher cortisol and body temperature response compared to the control but was not different to CC1 and PP treatments. CC2 treatment sheep showed a higher number of turning behaviors (P < 0.001), and more time spent running (P < 0.001) than the control and PP treatment groups, indicating that predictability without controllability was stressful. The behavior results also indicate that predicting the event without receiving it (CC1) was less stressful than predicting the event then receiving it (CC2), suggesting that there is a cost to confirmation of uncontrollability. These results demonstrate that a situation of predictability and controllability such as experienced when an animal successfully learns to avoid the aversive component of a virtual fence, induces a comparatively minimal stress response and does not compromise animal welfare.

Planting models and mulching material strategies to reduce bundle sheath cell leakage and improve photosynthetic capacity and maize production in semi-arid climate.

Better understanding of soil water storage and photosynthetic regulation of maize production will be useful to develop a water-saving strategy in rain-fed conditions. Therefore, maize crop was grown under the different cultivation practices for analyzed light and CO2-response curves under various mulching strategies during 2017-2018years. Six different treatments were used such as the following: PP, ridges and furrows zone covered with plastic film mulching; PS, ridges covered with plastic film and furrows zone with stalk mulching; PN, ridges covered with plastic film and furrows zone without mulching; TP, conventional flat planting with plastic film mulching; TS, conventional flat planting with stalk mulching; and TN, conventional flat planting without mulching. The PP treatment had considerable effects on rainwater collection, improved SWS, and maize productivity than that of TP treatment. Significantly increase of SWS was observed under the PP treatment as a result photosynthetic capacity (An) improved under light and CO2-response curves, apparent quantum efficiency (α), respiration rate, total chlorophyll ab content, and 13C-photosynthates distribution in different organs. Under the PP and TP treatments, the maize might keep a great photosynthetic capacity at the post-flowering stage through improving An, LAI, soluble protein, Rubisco contents, and grain yield. The CO2 and light-response curves were significantly enhanced at the PP treatment due to higher 13C carbon isotope (Δ‰) and Ci/Ca as a result lower bundle sheath to leakiness of CO2 (ɸ) compared with the rest of all treatments. The results suggested that PP cultivation practice was the best water-saving strategy because it reduced bundle sheath leakiness to CO2 (ɸ); as a result there's a significant improvement in soil water storage, LAI, 13C-photosynthates distribution, photosynthetic capacity parameters, and maize production.

Effects of Soil Temperature, Water Content, Species, and Fertilization on Soil Respiration in Bamboo Forest in Subtropical China

Understanding the change pattern of soil respiration (SR) and its drivers under different bamboo species and land management practices is critical for predicting soil CO2 emission and evaluating the carbon budget of bamboo forest ecosystems. A 24-month field study was performed in subtropical China to monitor SR in experimental plots of local bamboo (Phyllostachys glauca) without fertilization (PG) and commercial bamboo (Phyllostachys praecox) with and without fertilization (PPF and PP, respectively). The SR rate and soil properties were measured on a monthly timescale. Results showed that the SR rate ranged from 0.38 to 8.53 µmol CO2 m−2s−1, peaking in June. The PPF treatment had higher SR rates than the PP and PG treatments for most months; however, there were no significant differences among the treatments. The soil temperature (ST) in the surface layer (0–10 cm) was found to be the predominant factor controlling the temporal change pattern of the monthly SR rate in the PG and PP treatments (i.e., those without fertilization). A bivariate model is used to show that a natural factor—comprised of ST and soil water content (SWC)—explained 44.2% of the variation in the monthly SR rate, whereas biological (i.e., bamboo type) and management (i.e., fertilization) factors had a much smaller impact (less than 0.1% of the variation). The annual mean SR showed a significant positive correlation with soil organic matter (SOM; r = 0.51, P &lt; 0.05), total nitrogen (TN; r = 0.47, P &lt; 0.05), total phosphorus (TP; r = 0.60, P &lt; 0.01), clay content (0.72, P &lt; 0.05) and below-ground biomass (r = 0.60*), which altogether explain 69.0% of the variation in the annual SR. Our results indicate that the fertilization effect was not significant in SR rate for most months among the treatments, but was significant in the annual rate. These results may help to improve policy decisions concerning carbon sequestration and the management of bamboo forests in China.

The enzymatic hydrolysis of soy protein isolate by Corolase PP under high hydrostatic pressure and its effect on bioactivity and characteristics of hydrolysates

Enzymatic hydrolysis of soy protein isolate by Corolase PP under high hydrostatic pressure conditions was studied and the effects of hydrolysis on antioxidant and antihypertensive activities were investigated. As observed, high hydrostatic pressure (80–300MPa) enhanced the hydrolytic efficiency of Corolase PP and decreased the surface hydrophobicity of the hydrolysates. Hydrolysates obtained at 200MPa for 4h had higher bioactivities (reducing power, ABTS radical-scavenging and ACE inhibitory activities). The molecular weight (MW) determination indicated that hydrolysis at high hydrostatic pressure could increase the production of small peptides (<3kDa) and the amino acid sequences of these peptides with different inhibitory abilities, less than 3kDa, in hydrolysates were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS). These results indicated that high hydrostatic pressure combined with Corolase PP treatments could be used as a potential technology to produce bioactive peptides from soy protein isolate.

Effect of different processing methods of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood biochemical and hematological parametersof broiler chickens

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different processing methods of pigeon pea (Pp; Cajanus cajan ) on fattening performance and carcass traits as well as blood biochemical and hematological parameters of broiler chickens. For this purpose, 300 day-old chicks were assigned to 5 treatments. Each treatment had 5 replicates and contained 12 birds each under a completely randomized design. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated with the inclusion of pigeon pea crushed (control, PPC), boiled with potash (PPP), boiled (PPB), soaked (PPS), or roasted (PPR) at the rate of 20% of the basal diet. The highest values of weight gain were observed in chicks fed the PPP diet through the starter and overall periods. Throughout the starter phase, the feed conversion ratio was significantly affected by dietary treatments. Highest values for carcass and breast weight were observed in birds fed the PPP diet as compared to the control diet. Blood biochemical parameters were not statistically influenced by Pp treatments. Hematology was also similar in all the diets. In conclusion, PPP can be used as a protein source in broiler diets and it can improve the growth performance of broilers.

Artemisia capillaris formula inhibits hepatic steatosis via an miR‑122‑induced decrease in fatty acid synthase expression invivo and invitro.

Non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a widespread health concern, and there is currently insufficient understanding regarding its pathogenesis and treatment. The present study aimed to explore the effects of Artemisia capillaris formula (ACF) on high‑fat diet‑induced hepatic steatosis and fatty acid‑induced intracellular lipid accumulation, by micro (mi)RNA regulation. A total of 72 Sprague‑Dawley rats were divided into six groups (n=12/group). One group was designated as the control group and fed a normal diet, and the remaining five groups were allowed ad libitum access to a high‑fat diet for eight weeks, in order to establish an NAFLD rat model. The rats were subsequently administered polyene phosphatidylcholine (PP; 0.076g/kg body weight/day), low dose of ACF (0.462g/kg body weight/day), middle dose of ACF (0.924g/kg body weight/day) or high dose of ACF (1.848 g/kg body weight/day) intragastrically for fourweeks. HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells were treated with oleic acid and palm acid, followed by treatment with various concentrations of ACF. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‑C), low‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‑C), and steatotic HepG2 human liver carcinoma cell TC and TG levels were measured. ACF and PP treatments attenuated high‑fat diet‑induced hepatic steatosis and fatty acid‑induced intracellular lipid accumulation. A modified high‑fat diet significantly increased ALT, AST, TG, TC, LDL‑C levels and decreased HDL‑C levels. Treatment with ACF and PP abrogated the increase in liver enzymes and TG, TC and LDL‑C levels, but did not influence HDL‑C levels in a high‑fat diet induced rat model of steotosis. Steatotic HepG2cells exhibited significantly increased levels of both TG and TC. Treatment with ACF significantly decreased TC and TG levels invivo, and ACF and PP treatment decreased the expression levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and increased miR‑122 invivo and in vitro. In conclusion, these results suggested that ACF may inhibit hepatic steatosis via miR‑122‑induced downregulation of FASN invivo and invitro.

Differential effect of coal combustion products on the bioavailability of phosphorus between inorganic and organic nutrient sources

In farming systems, all the applied phosphorus (P) is not available to plants because they are either adsorbed in soil or lost to the environment through leaching or runoff. The effect of coal combustion products (CCPs) for enhancing the bioavailability of applied phosphorus (P) in soil was examined separately for inorganic (KH2PO4 – PP) and organic (poultry manure – PM) P treatments, where fluidised bed combustion (FBC) ash emerged as the most effective amendment. Greenhouse study was conducted by growing mustard plants on FBC amended soils under leaching and non-leaching setups. The FBC increased the biomass yield for organic P treatments in the first crop and increased for both inorganic and organic P in the second cropping. The increase in cumulative yield was highest in leached PP and unleached PM treatments. Field experiment assessed the effectiveness of FBC on inorganic (single super phosphate – SSP) and organic P (biosolids – BS) uptake by mustard and sunflower plants. In the first cropping, the yield was higher in crops treated with SSP alone. In the second crop, yields were higher in the presence than absence of FBC, as reflected by the high relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) exhibited by BS+FBC (462%) combination. Overall, FBC used in these experiments enhanced bioavailability of P in soil through adsorption and mineralisation of inorganic and organic P, respectively as evident from phosphatase activity and Olsen P relationship. Hence the differential effect of CCPs has not only decreased the loss of applied P (from inorganic and organic sources) to the environment, but also enhanced the P bioavailability in the soil. Among the three CCPs used in the preliminary experiments, FBC proved to perform better than the other two and hence can be recommended for agricultural and environmental applications targeting P issues.

沟垄全覆盖种植方式对旱地玉米生长及水分利用效率的影响

2008-2010年在渭北旱塬区,以沟不覆盖为对照(CK),研究垄上覆地膜沟内分别覆普通地膜(PP)、生物降解膜(PB)、玉米秸秆(PS)和液体地膜(PL)4种沟垄全覆盖种植模式对土壤水温、玉米生长、产量及水分利用效率的影响。结果表明,在玉米生长前期,PP、PB和PS处理可明显提高0-200 cm土壤蓄水量;生育中期,PS处理蓄水保墒效果最为显著;生育后期,各沟垄全覆盖处理与对照的土壤蓄水量无显著差异;整个生育期PL处理与CK的土壤蓄水量差异不显著。PP和PB处理3a玉米生育期5-25 cm平均土壤温度分别较CK增高1.6 ℃和1.3 ℃,PS处理降低1.9 ℃,而PL处理与CK无显著差异。PP和PB的增温保水效应使玉米株高、叶面积及地上生物量均高于CK;PS处理的降温效应促进玉米中后期生长,其株高、叶面积及地上生物量均高于CK;PL处理对玉米各生长指标影响不显著。与CK相比,PP、PB和PS处理3a平均的籽粒产量分别提高13.0%、13.8%和15.0%,水分利用效率分别提高9.8%、10.2%和11.6%。可见,垄覆地膜沟覆地膜、生物降解膜或秸秆的沟垄全覆盖种植可明显改善土壤的水温状况,促进玉米生长,从而显著提高作物产量和水分利用效率,对渭北旱塬区春玉米丰产栽培具有重要指导意义。;From 2008-2010, we conducted a field experiment in the Weibei Highlands to determine the effects of planting with ridge and furrow mulching on the soil water and temperature, and the maize growth, yield, and water use efficiency. Ridges were covered with plastic film in all treatments, while furrows were mulched with plastic film (PP), biodegradable film (PB), corn straw (PS), or liquid film (PL). In the control treatment (CK), ridges were covered with standard plastic film, while furrows received no mulching. The three-year trial showed that, during the early maize growth stage, the soil water storage (0-200 cm) was significantly higher with the PP, PB, and PS treatments compared with CK. The three-year average water storage increased by 14.1, 17.9, and 22.2 mm compared with CK. Our analysis of the vertical distribution of the soil water content in the 0-200 cm soil profile showed that the soil water content at the 0-20 cm and 100-200 cm depth were higher with PP, PB, and PS compared with CK. The effect of PS on water conservation was the highest during the middle growth stage, while the three-year average water storage was 16.9 mm higher with the PS treatment than CK. However, the soil storage with PP and PB was significantly lower than CK in 2008 and 2009. Compared with CK, the soil water content with PP and PB increased significantly at the 0-200 cm depth, whereas it decreased at the 80-180 cm depth. There were no significant differences among the mulching treatments during the later growth stage. Soil water storage was slightly higher with PL than CK, while there were no differences in soil water storage between the two treatments during the entire maize growing season. The three-year mean soil temperatures (5-25 cm) with the PP and PB treatments were 1.6 ℃ and 1.3 ℃ higher than CK, respectively, whereas the PS treatment was 1.9 ℃ lower than CK. However, there was no significant difference in the soil temperature with the PL treatment and CK during the maize growing season. The water retention and temperature-raising effects of the PP and PB treatments increased the plant height, leaf area, and aboveground biomass by 2.3% and 2.4%, 30.9% and 29.9%, and 15.5% and 13.9%, compared with CK, respectively, while the maize growing period was reduced by 5-6 d. The cooling effect of the PS treatment also increased the plant height, leaf area, and aboveground biomass by 7.0%, 34.6%, and 6.5% compared with CK, respectively, although the growing period was extended by 4-5 d. There was no difference between the maize growth indices of the PL treatment and CK during the entire maize growing period. PP, PB, and PS produced a higher maize yield and water use efficiency throughout the experimental period. Compared with CK, the PP, PB, and PS treatments increased the three-year mean maize yields by 13.0%, 13.8%, and 15.0%, with water use efficiency improvements of 9.8%, 10.2%, and 11.6%, respectively. Therefore, covering ridges with plastic film and mulching furrows with plastic film, biodegradable film, or corn straw, greatly improved the soil water and temperature status, promoted maize growth, and significantly increased the crop yield and water use efficiency. These results may have important implications for maize production in the Weibei Highlands, China.

Effects on soil temperature, moisture, and maize yield of cultivation with ridge and furrow mulching in the rainfed area of the Loess Plateau, China

Field experiments were conducted from 2008 to 2010 in the Weibei Highlands of China to determine the effects of cultivation with ridge and furrow mulching on soil temperature, moisture, and maize (Zea mays L.) growth and yield. Ridges were covered with plastic film in all the treatments. Different furrow treatments were mulched with plastic film (PE film) (PP), biodegradable film (PB), maize straw (PS), and liquid film (PL). For the control (CK), ridges were covered with plastic film and the furrows received no mulching. Compared with CK, the soil water storage and soil temperature in furrow were significantly higher with the PP and PB treatments 0–60 days after planting (DAP), evapotranspiration was significantly higher at 60–90DAP, but significantly lower at 120–140DAP. The PS treatment had the highest soil water storage and the lowest temperature, while evapotranspiration was significantly lower at 0–60DAP but significantly higher at 120–140DAP, when compared with CK. Soil water storage and temperature were slightly higher with the PL treatment during the maize-growing season when compared with CK, but there were no significant differences in evapotranspiration. The three-year mean maize yields with PP, PB, and PS were significantly increased by 13.0%, 13.8%, and 15.0%, respectively, while water use efficiency increased by 9.8%, 10.2%, and 11.6%, compared with CK. Net income and input/output was highest with PS, and the three-year average net income increased by 1888.0 Chinese yuan (CNY) ha−1, compared with the control. Soil moisture and temperature conditions were improved, while the maize yield and net income were increased, when ridges were covered with plastic film and the furrows were mulched with straw. Therefore, this treatment may be considered the most efficient for maize production in the rainfed area of the Loess Plateau, China.

Influences of phytoncide supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, diarrhea scores and fecal microflora shedding in weaning pigs.

A total of 140 weaning pigs ((Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc, BW = 6.47±0.86 kg) were used in a 5-wk growth trail to determine the effects of phytoncide supplementation on growth performance, nutrient apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), blood profiles, diarrhea scores and fecal microflora shedding. Pigs were assigned randomly by BW into 5 treatments, dietary treatments were: i) NC, basal diet; ii) PC, NC+0.05% tylosin; iii) EO, NC+0.1% essential oil; iv) PP, NC+0.2% PP (phytoncide with 2% citric acid), and v) PA, NC+0.2% PA (phytoncide). Each treatment had 7 replicate pens with 4 pigs per pen. All pigs were housed in pens with a self-feeder and nipple drinker to allow ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the experimental period. During 0 to 2 wks, supplementation with essential oil and PA decreased (p<0.05) G/F compared with the other treatments. During 2 to 5 wks, supplementation with PA led to a higher (p<0.05) G/F than the other treatments. At 2 wk, ATTD of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) in EO treatment were decreased (p<0.05) compared with NC treatment. Dietary PC treatment improved (p<0.05) ATTD of DM and E compared with the CON group, and PA and PP treatments showed a higher (p<0.05) ATTD of E than that in NC treatment. Pigs fed phytoncide (PA and PP) had a greater (p<0.05) ATTD of DM than those of NC and EO treatments at 5 wk. Moreover, supplementation with phytoncide elevated (p<0.05) the concentration of immunoglobulin (IgG) in blood at 2 wk. The inclusion of EO, PP and PA treatments showed a greater (p<0.05) amount of fecal Lactobacillus compared with CON group. However, no difference (p>0.05) was observed in diarrhea scores among treatments. In conclusion, phytoncide can elevate feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, and improve the fecal Lactobacillus counts in weaning pigs. Our results indicated that the phytoncide could be used as a good antibiotics alternative in weaning pigs.

Root distribution and herbage production under different management regimes of mountain grassland

The importance of grassland as providers of an ecosystem service is increasing. Our objective was to determine the effect of land management on the root distribution and herbage production of mountain grassland. A field experiment was conducted on the Haplic Cambisol Dystric soil from 2004 to 2007. The treatments considered the use of separate meadows as follows: one without any fertilizers (MC), one with mineral fertilization (MM), another with organic fertilization (MSM), a sheep-grazed pasture (PP) and an abandoned meadow (MA). Botanical composition, herbage yield and root morphology in terms of root length density, mean root diameter, specific root length and root dry matter were determined. The different land management regimes used in the experiment affected the herbage production. Sheep pens (PP) and all treatments with mineral or organic fertilization (MM and MSM) increased dry matter yields (5.95 t DM ha −1 in average) in comparison with meadow without any fertilization (3.08 t DM ha −1). The highest herbage production was obtained from the meadow with mineral fertilization, which was 6.51 t DM ha −1. The land management treatments also affected the botanical composition. Mineral N fertilization decreased the percentage of legume and small grass species which were replaced by tall grasses such as Festuca pratensis, Poa pratensis and Agropyron repens. Sheep manure decreased the occurrence of Deshampsia ceaspitosa. At the untreated control there was observed the increasing in percentage of Festuca rubra. The treatments applied in the experiment resulted not only in above ground plant yields and botanical composition but also affected root distribution and morphology. The effect of land management on root dry matter distribution was observed only in the upper, 0–5 cm, soil layer. The highest values (above 0.0100 g cm −3) were observed for the MC, PP and MA treatments with respect to 0.0067 g cm −3 from plants with sheep manure fertilization (MSM). The non-fertilized control (MC) had the highest root length (56.27 cm cm −3) but only in the 0–10 cm soil layer, whereas for the other treatments (MM, MSM, PP and MA) it was usually below 40 cm cm −3. Root diameter was greater (0.26 mm in average) in the MM, PP and MA treatments with respect to roots from non-fertilized plots and those receiving sheep manure (0.22 mm in average). We conclude that fertilization will increase herbage production but it will also change botanical composition and decrease the strength of root systems which may be undesirable with regard to preventing soil erosion.

Evidence for residence-induced enhancement of aggressiveness in the non-territorial pig

Wild pigs ( Sus scrofa) are only territorial during the peri-parturient period and when young compete for access to teats. In other species, territorial defence is affected by contextual factors including resource quality. Territoriality could be stimulated in species such as pigs by artificial mixing and intensive housing. Test pigs were introduced to a novel opponent for 5 min on consecutive days (days 1 and 2) in two locations (home pen of the test pig (P) or a neutral arena (A)) in a randomised block design. On day 1, animals tested in their home pen were more likely to initiate an escalated attack (proportion of pigs 0.43 vs 0.19 in the pen and neutral arena, P < 0.01). A shorter latency to attack on day 2 in the PP (pen on both days) and PA (pen then arena) treatments suggested that a previous encounter in the home pen affected later aggressiveness. The time spent engaged in non-escalated aggressive behaviours (parallel walking, pushing, knocking and biting) with the opponent was similar in the two environments. Some capacity for territorial defence through escalated aggression and the enhancement of subsequent aggressiveness appears to occur in pigs when in their home pen. The suppression of escalated aggression in the neutral arena by handling and environmental exploration cannot be discounted, but appears not to have affected the occurrence of non-escalated aggression. The mixing of pigs in an occupied pen is likely to enhance escalated aggression from the occupants without reducing that from the intruders and should be avoided.

Successful deceased donor renal transplant in a sensitized pediatric recipient with the use of plasmapheresis

Sensitization following renal transplant is a significant barrier to repeat transplantation in children. We report a successful DD renal transplant, with the use of PP, in an 11-yr-old girl who became highly sensitized following a prior failed transplant. She received PP treatments after failure of high-dose IVIg (Gamimune). We established the effectiveness of PP by attaining a 0% PRA and negative cross-matches after five PP treatments. Subsequently, our patient underwent a second round of scheduled PP. When the PRA was 0%, unacceptable antigens were removed from the UNOS wait list, PP was continued, and a kidney became available within 10 days. The final flow cytometry cross-match with the eventual donor was negative. This success demonstrates that coordination of desensitization by PP and advanced laboratory monitoring techniques with recent policies regarding allocation of organs to pediatric patients provides new opportunities for children awaiting transplantation. Since the transplant, our patient sustained a low-titer increase of anti-HLA antibodies. However, she has had no episodes of acute rejection and has maintained excellent graft function more than 17 months later.

Protein Extraction From Chicken Myofibrils Irrigated with Various Polyphosphate and NaCl Solutions

ABSTRACT:Physical changes in chicken gastrocnemius myofibrils incubated in 0.1 to 1.0 M NaCl solutions with or without 10 mM ortho‐(P), pyro‐(PP), tripoly‐(TPP) or hexameta‐ (HMP) phosphate at pH 6.0 were examined by phase‐contrast microscopy, electrophoresis, and solubility. PP and TPP performed similarly in promoting protein extraction, P had no apparent effect, and HMP exhibited an intermediate effect. PP, TPP, and HMP treatments markedly improved protein solubility in 0.3 and 0.4 M NaCl through the release of myosin, but the phosphate effect diminished in ≥ 0.6 M NaCl. Overall, phosphates influenced the ultrastructure of myofibrils and extraction of their constituents in the order: PP ∼ TPP &gt; HMP &gt; P ∼ nonphosphate control.

Evaluation of Pasteuria penetrans alone in combination with oxamyl, plant resistance and solarization for control of Meloidogyne spp. on vegetables grown in greenhouses in Crete

In a plastic polytunnel in Crete, spores of Pasteuria penetrans (Pp) contained in powdered tomato roots were incorporated in 61 of soil at planting sites at a concentration of 25 000 spores g −1 of soil. The soil had been artificially infested with a natural population that was a mixture of Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita. In one experiment the root galling and egg production on a nematode-susceptible tomato variety was significantly less in plots treated with Pp and oxamyl than in untreated controls. Pp and oxamyl had an additive effect in combined applications. Yields, however, did not differ significantly between treatments. There were reductions of nematode populations and root galling on a subsequent cucumber crop, which became severely damaged. This had to be curtailed because of premature senescence and death in the nematode-only control plots. The presence of Pp in 65–75% of mature females and on free-living juveniles in soil indicated that Pp had persisted in the soil and had increased over the two crops. The efficacy of the parasite was enhanced by oxamyl applications. In one experiment, nematodes failed to develop in a resistant tomato cv. and there was no beneficial effect from application of Pp and oxamyl. In a subsequent cucumber crop planted in the same plots, nematode population remained small in all treatments but 16–18% of mature females in Pp-treated plots were infected with the bacterium and 25–40% of J2 in the soil had spores attached to them. In another experiment when a solarization treatment was included, root galling, egg production and J2 in soil were significantly less after growing cucumber for 10 weeks in Pp, oxamyl and solarization treatments, In this case the efficacy of Pp was enhanced after oxamyl application and probably in solarized soil; when all factors were combined the treatments were additive.