Semi Erect Research Articles

Characterization based on colorimetry, physiology and sensory attributes among traditional jujube cultivars of Sindh, Pakistan

Jujube (Ziziphus spp.) fruit is attaining incredible attention in current global climatic changing scenario as the fruit has significant nutritional value but remained unexplored in past. Fifteen Jujube cultivars were selected at Jujube Research Station Tandojam, Sindh Pakistan, to exploit their morphological, physiochemical, color and sensory attributes. Measured traits like tee shape diverged as semi erect, erect and spreading whereas leaf shape was also found highly variable. Thorn attachment differed as cadoucous, partial and persistent and fruit shape was set as round, oblong, oval and ovate. Maximum leaf blade length was counted by Soofi sanghar (9.0cm) while lowest was found in Gola soghat (5.1cm). Maximum fruit mass was recorded in cultivar Late gola (31.57 g) whereas least was observed in Khirol mukkhri (5.63 g). Maximum stone weight was estimated in Early gola (10.55 g) whereas minimum was recorded in Khirol desi (6.4 g). Highest glucose level was observed in Soofi local (4.46 g 100 mL−1) while lowest glucose level was recorded in Khirol desi and Khirol Ratam (3.53g 100 mL−1). Best cultivars by appearance were Late gola and Early gola followed by Gola saffina, Gola soghat, Soofi sanghar and Soofi local. Findings of this study are useful for varietal improvement and to run successful breeding programmes. Commercially relevant features evaluated in this study are highly beneficial for jujube varietal identification and germplasm conservation

Flowering, fruiting and germplasm characterization of burmese grape (baccaurea sapida muell. Arg.)

Burmese grape (Baccaurea sapida Muell. Arg.) belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae, is a minor underexploited fruit crop grown wild as well as under cultivation in Nepal, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, for fresh consumption. It is a dioecious plant and reported to have an excellent nutritive value, but mainly grown in homestead condition mostly in neglected ways. The present study was aimed to characterize the germplasm nature, details of flowering and fruiting system of Burmese grape. Tree growth habit and crown shape of all the accessions surveyed were semi erect and irregular, respectively. The colour of the male flowers varied from yellow to green yellow shades while the colour of the female flowers varied from yellow to yellow green and green yellow shades. The variation present on fruit length (2.81 cm to 3.80 cm), fruit weight (12.25g to 22.95g), pulp percentage (49.82% to 65.33%), total soluble solids (9.00º to 13.10ºBrix), tritatable acidity (0.73mg to 1.28mg/100g fruit pulp) and ascorbic acid content ranged from (23.18mg to 57.80mg/100g fruit pulp) suggest suitable selection method for identification of promising Burmese grape genotypes. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(4): 989-998, 2023 (December)

Screening of yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) genotypes for resistance to Colletotrichum gloeosporoides

Anthracnose is one of the most destructive fungal diseases caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporoides in yard long bean, leading to complete crop loss at all stages and its parts like hypocotyls, stem, peduncle, flowers, leaves and pods were seriously affected. Few bush type cowpea cultivars have been earlier identified as reliable sources of resistance while trailing types are susceptible, but high yielding. Breeding resistant varieties is suggested as the only practical strategy, especially under hot and humid condition. Fifty-yard-long bean genotypes belonging to bush, semi erect and pole types were screened against anthracnose disease through artificial inoculation under pot culture. The present study identified the resistant varieties of vegetable cowpea through artificial inoculation followed by detached leaf assay. Among the 50 varieties of yard long bean observed, Kanakamony, dual purpose yard long bean was found highly resistant with disease severity of 3.67% followed by Arimbra local.

Characterization of the green gram (Vigna radiata L.) genotypes through both morphological and biochemical parameters

Eight genotypes of greengram were collected in the present investigation from AICRP on MULLaRP, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) and they were characterized with ten quantitative, nineteen qualitative and two biochemical parameters as per the NBPGR descriptor. Grouping based on DUS descriptors indicate the existence of genetic diversity within the genotypes. These eight genotypes were evaluated and characterized for 31 DUS descriptors. However, 21 characters out of 31 characters of DUS descriptors differed significantly indicating a large and exploitable amount of genetic variability for the individual elite improved line profile development for identification and protection. The elite lines are similar for the important plant traits like semi erect and determinate growth habit but the development of erect types is the need of hour and indicates the incorporation of new germplasm for the improvement of this trait in the present material. Genotypes could be easily identified through some unique characters: SML-1822 could be identified amongst genotypes studied here in through its semi-erect growth habit, green stem colour with purple shade, dark green leaf colour, light yellow flower colour and bearing pods below canopy; identification of IPM-512-1 and TMB-37 could be made through seeds with drum shape and dull seed luster respectively; and Pusa Vishal through its leaves with dark green colour along with intermediate pod position and larger seed size. Samrat is having highest amount of protein as well as carbohydrate content among these genotypes. Thus, the DUS descriptor data generated with unique profiles of the elite improved lines can be used for the registration with PPV & FRA and seed purity testing.

MODIFIKASI PEMERIKSAAN RADIOGRAFI THORAX PADA PASIEN CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)

Background: Patients with an indication of COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department have special handling because they cannot be examined at the radiology installation, so it is necessary to modify the radiographic procedures. The purpose of this study was to describes the modification of procedures and the quality of the image produced from chest X-ray procedure.
 Methods: This type of research is a qualitative study with a case study design through the research articles from international journals.
 Results: The modification of the radiographic proedures of chest X-ray with COVID-19 includes preparation of patients using masks, radiographers using PPE and arranging portable x-rays from outside the patient's room glass to minimize contact with the patient. Between the X-ray source and the patient there is a glass medium as a barrier, and necessary to modify 180 - 300 cm of SID, increases of 22-28% kV and maximum use of 12.5 mili Ampere second. The projection used is Antero Posterior, with patient position semi erect in the patient bed. The image quality from the modification technique is assessed is the aspect of anatomical information, which is visible from the lungs to the costophrenic sinus, good contrast by being able to show between objects, minimizing noise and avoiding artifacts that can be caused by glass, and the exposure index assessment has a higher number than standard techniques due to factors the exposure used is higher.
 Conclusions: Modifications are needed to ensure the safety aspects of radiographers from infectious diseases and to obtain quality images for diagnosing diseases that are spreading in the world today.

High Yielding Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Variety “NIFA Mung-2017”

National yield of mungbean is low as compared to other countries, mainly due to shortage of commercial mungbean varieties. To address this issue, an exotic Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) susceptible accession VC 1973A and a local MYMV resistant genotype NM 92 were crossed (VC 1973A x NM 92) at the experimental field of the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Peshawar during kharif 2004. Selection for best recombinant lines based on high yield (more pods per plant), resistance to MYMV, semi erect plant type in early segregating populations, and genetic stability in F2 - F5 generations for the desired traits was carried-out from 2005 to 2010. The high yielding recombinant “NFM-6-5” along with other advanced lines and local standard variety “Ramzan” were screened for MYMV resistance, and tested for seed yield and other related components in various yield trials i.e. preliminary, advanced, multi-locations and National Uniform Yield trials from 2011-2015. Results revealed that recombinant “NFM-6-5” produced up to 2283 kg ha-1 seed yield in replicated yield trials with 25-30% higher seed yield compared to the check variety “Ramzan” in various yield trials. More number of pods per plant and large seed size are the main primary yield contributing components in NIFA Mung-2017 (recombinant “NFM-6-5”). NIFA Mung - 2017 is a promising variety with different genetic background from earlier mungbean varieties. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Seed Council approved the recombinant “NFM-6-5” as a commercial variety with name “NIFA Mung-2017” for general cultivation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on 19th September 2017. Keywords: Disease resistance; Mungbean; NIFA Mung-2017; Seed yield; Variety; Yield components http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90278

JAU-17: A First High Yielding Malting Barley Variety Suitable for Marginal Lands of Punjab

For the usage of beverages and malting purpose, Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad, developed the ever first variety of barley crop with the name JAU-17 in Pakistan. It is a two rowed barley variety performed best in a series of irrigated and rain fed yield trials conducted at Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad and outstation yield trials throughout the Punjab province. During yield trials for three consecutive years from Preliminary to Regular and advanced Yield Trials, it has out-yielded the Check Variety Haider-93 by an average of 23.37% while in Outstation Yield Trials throughout the Punjab province, it produced 11.5% higher grain yield than commercial Check variety Haider-93. JAU-17 has medium to tall stature of about 99 to 110 cm length, growth habit is semi erect and has medium-length-awned ear which has yellowish white color. It takes 90 to 100 days to complete heading and matures in 140 to 145 days. It bears good tillering capacity (154-160 per m). The seed is amber in color with 1000-grain weight of upto 42 gram. For quality trait evaluation it has good quantity for protein (12.2 to 13.7%) and test weight (52.7 to 54.4 kg/hl) along with opaque seed surface. Its malt making quality is excellent for industrial uses. In 2019 Jau-17 was approved by Punjab Seed Council for general cultivation due to its stable performance over the years for better grain yield, resistance against rusts and nutritional quality.

Performance evaluation of oat variety Bundel Jai-15-1 for fodder and seed yield in hill zone of India

A high yielding new forage oat entry, JHO-2015-1, a derivative of the cross between UPO 90 × IGO2-70 was released as Bundel Jai-2015-1 during the year 2018 as an alternate variety for irrigated, timely sown conditions in tropical and subtropical regions during winter season in the hilly areas of India. Variety is ready for fodder harvesting with 50 per cent of flowering in 110-120 days with additional desirable features like high green forage yield, dry matter yield, physiological efficiency and better adaptability. The variety has high crude protein content, crude protein yield and high nutritional quality for in vitro dry matter digestibility and low in ADF and NDF content. A semi erect stature variety having efficient tillering capacity, with highly acceptable plant morpho-characters, good for single cut system and with medium size of grains. An efficient material with positive response to nitrogenous fertilizer treatments for green fodder, dry matter, crude protein yield (q/h) and content (%) and the number of tillers present in per meter row length and moderately resistant to leaf blight and powdery mildew. In the overall performance, the mean green forage yield of 292.65 q/ha was recorded for entry, JHO-15-1 in five years of trials with 14-15 per cent increase over check varieties. Besides the mean dry matter yield recorded for entry was 96.6 q/ha in five years of trials with 24-26 per cent increase over check varieties. At Srinagar district of Kashmir the entry has recorded the highest green forage yield of 479.0 q/ ha and 122.3 q/ha of dry matter yield among the trials conducted, this demonstrate the genetic potential. The per day productivity of entry JHO-15-1 for green forage yield and dry matter yield and seed yield is also higher than the other released and tested varieties like Kent,OS-6 and SKO-90. Crude protein yield of entry was 3.9 q/ha, IVDMD was 54.8% and CP content was 10.0%. The entry JHO-15-1 was recommended for cultivation in hilly areas of Jammu, Himachal Pradesh and Srinagar areas of India.

Zinc Enriched High Yielding Rice Variety BRRI dhan84 for Dry Season Rice Growing Areas of Bangladesh

A newly released zinc enriched, high yielding, slender and red pericarp grain containing rice variety BRRI dhan84, suitable for dry ecosystem (Boro season) of Bangladesh is an improvement over existing zinc enriched rice varieties for Bangladesh. The main objective of this research was to develop the of high yielding rice varieties with improved nutritional quality in term of high zinc (Zn≥24 mg/kg) in polished grain. The study was taken in 2004 by crossing between BRRIdhan29/IR68144//BRRI dhan28///BR11 and it takes near about 13 years to develop the targeted variety. After selection of one homozygous advanced line (BR7831-59-1-1-4-5-1-9-P1) the Regional Yield Trial (RYT) was conducted in Boro 2014-15 saeson and the Advanced Line Adaptive Research Trial (ALART) was evaluated at different farmers’ field in Boro 2015-16 season and different yield trials were conducted using Randomized Complete Block Desing (RCBD). The variety has satisfactorily passed the Proposed Variety Trial (PVT) conducted in the farmers’ field in Boro 2016-17 season. As a result National Seed Board (NSB) approved this variety for commercial cultivation in the dry season (Boro season) in 2017. It has modern plant type with 96 cm plant height and matures by 140 days. The salient feature of this variety is the red colored grain, earlier than check variety, the proposed variety showed higher yield than check variety BRRI dhan28. Identifying characters of this variety are dark green leaf, semi erect flag leaf, long slender and red colored grain. It can produce 6.0-6.5 t/ha grain yield. Thousand grain weight of the variety is 22.8 g and it has colored grain tip. The rice has zinc content 27.6 mg/kg, 25.9% amylose content with 9.7% protein content. BRRI dhan84 was released as a high yielding, zinc enriched rice variety to meet the nutritional (zinc) demand of the country. The zinc enriched BRRI dhan84 is a superb variety for cultivating in the dry (Boro) season and farmers can be economically benefited and the country will be nutritionally benefited by the cultivation of BRRI dhan84.

Novo cultivar catarinense de azevém anual: SCS316 CR Altovale

Abstract - SCS316 CR Altovale is the new diploid annual ryegrass cultivar resulting from the selection process of genotypes from the “Alto Vale from Itajai” region of Santa Catarina State, Southern of Brazil. It differs from other commercial cultivars by productivity, precocity and their adaptation to climate Cfa. The SCS316 CR Altovale is medium annual ryegrass, with semi erect growth habit and leaf: stem ratio of 4: 1 in the vegetative period. In two years of evaluation (2014 and 2015) and three sites in the State (Papanduva, Lages and Ituporanga), it was managed at the height of 30cm, reaching an average yield of 32t ha-1 of green mass and 5,8t ha-1 of dry mass, in eight cuts, between June and October. In the average of all the sites, it presented 23% of crude protein and 69% of in vitro digestibility, in the evaluation realized in the third cut. The cultivar was registered in Registro Nacional de Cultivares do Ministerio da Agricultura, Pecuaria e Abastecimento. The availability of commercial seeds should occur from 2020.

New high yielding and disease resistant mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] variety “NIFA Mung-19”

Mungbean is an important kharif crop of Pakistan as well as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. The overall yield of this crop is low and one of the main reasons is the poor genetic background of the existing mungbean varieties in the country. Mungbean varieties adapted to the growing conditions have purple hypocotyls, whereas mungbean varieties with green hypocotyls have an additional potential for sprouts production. In order to replenish the existing pool of mungbean varieties with better ones, a locally adapted mungbean variety “NM 92” and an exotic Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) susceptible variety “VC 1560D” were crossed (NM 92 x VC 1560D) in kharif 2004 at Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Peshawar. Single plants selections for more pods plant-1, semi erect growth, purple/green hypocotyls color, resistance to MYMV disease, and confirmation of breeding behavior of these traits were carried-out in F2 – F5 generations during 2006-2010. One of the recombinants designated as NFM-5-36-27 was selected on the basis of overall better performance with green hypocotyls color, and further evaluated in disease screening nurseries and various replicated yield trials. NFM-5-36-27 produced seed yield of 530 to 2076 kg ha-1 in replicated yield trials conducted during different years and locations compared with the check variety Ramzan (316 – 1417 kg ha-1) with 38% to 68% increases in seed yield over Ramzan. In Mungbean National Uniform Yield Trial conducted in 2015 and 2017, NFM-5-36-27 produced higher seed yields of 725 and 996 kg ha-1, respectively compared with national checks. NFM-5-36-27 has a future potential for mungbean sprouts production in the country due to its green hypocotyls color. NFM-5-36-27 was recommended as new mungbean commercial variety with the name “NIFA Mung – 19 by the KP Provincial Seed Council in its 38th meeting held on 3rd January, 2018 at Peshawar. Keywords: disease; high yield; hypocotyls; recombinant; variety; Vigna radiata http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80084

English

The study of genetic diversity of any germplasm helps to facilitate its use and management. This experiment was carried out to determine the genetic diversity among 87 rice accessions from six countries. Seventeen quantitative traits were recorded based on the internationally accepted standard evaluation system for rice from IRRI. Analysis of variance, principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation amongst quantitative traits were carried out. Highly significant (P<0.001) differences were observed among the accessions for all the quantitative traits. The first five principal components accounted for 75.01% of the total genetic variance among the accessions. Some of the morphological traits had significant positive correlations with grain yield. At 21% similarity coefficient, the 87 accessions from six countries were grouped into seven clusters based on the morpho-agronomic traits. Accessions from these seven clusters have tiller number of 10-20, erect culm angle, no awn, 90-120 days to 50% flowering, semi erect flag leaf, well exserted panicle and grain width of 2-3.5 mm respectively. This experiment has proven that morphological markers are effective in assessing genetic diversity in rice. The genetic diversity revealed by the morpho-agronomic traits in this study would be very important in selecting appropriate genotypes for rice improvement in Africa and elsewhere. Key words: Genetic diversity, morpho-agronomic traits, principal component analysis, rice.

ADT 6-A high yielding blackgram variety suitable for rice fallow condition of cauvery Delta Zone

A high yielding blackgram variety ADT 6 suitable for rice fallow season of Cauvery Delta Zone was released during 2017. The variety ADT 6 (ADBG 13004) is a cross derivative of VBN 1 x VBG 04-006 and matures in 65-70 days. The plant type is semi erect and determinate. The seeds are bold, black oval in shape with dull lustre and the mean 100 seed weight is 4.7 g. The variety manifests good battering and recorded an average of 21.6 per cent protein and 5.7 % arabinose content. The average yield of ADT 6 is 741 kg/ha which is 13.8 per cent increased yield over ADT 3(651 kg/ha). The culture possesses moderate resistance to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV), leaf crinkle and powdery mildew diseases. The variety is fast spreading among the farmers of Cauvery Delta as a rice fallow blackgram variety.

Registration of ‘CIM-Pushti’: Withanolide-A rich, leaf blight tolerant high yielding variety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) with good root textural quality

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an Indian origin, dryland medicinal plant sought across the world as a potent rejuvenative adaptogen owing to its various pharmacological properties. The roots are the most frequently used plant part of Ashwagandha since ancient India Vedic era, as the tissue is enriched with Withanolide A that imparts neuroprotection, mitigates stress and helps to increase brain health. Under a Withanolide targeted breeding program at CSIRCIMAP, a new variety ‘CIM-Pushti’ has been developed through intraspecific hybridization between ‘Nagouri’ X ‘Kashmiri’, the two major ecotypes prevalent in India. The new variety combines the root quality of Nagouri type (cultivated and annual type) and biomass yield of Kashmiri type (wild, perennial type) in one genotype background. The characteristics of the new variety includes highly wavy, subcoriaceous, light green leaves with semi erect, strong culm and yellow orange mature berries. Roots are whitish cream with nonseparable rind, fine pulverisable, brittle roots with high starch to fibre ratio and Withanolide-A content averaging 0.713mg/g dry weight basis. It is also high in Withanolide- B(0.460mg/g dry weight basis) and negligible presence of Withanone. It matures in 168-178 days producing average yield of 9-10 quintal roots per hectare. It is also tolerant to leaf blight caused by Alternaria alternata. The variety is suitable for cultivation in the Indian agro-climatic zones (VIII,XIII &amp; XIV) i.e. Central Plateau, Western dry region and Gujarat planes regions of India.

Morphological characterization of walnut genotypes of diverse origin

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a major nut crop of temperate region and the existing germplasm available in the country is of seedling origin, thus, contributing towards the large variability in this crop. Therefore, a research study was carried out ICAR-CITH, Srinagar to characterized and decipher the genetic variability among 27 genotypes of Indian walnut (Juglans regia L.) based on morphological characters, viz., growth habit, bearing habit, foliage, fruit and kernel characteristics for further improvement, conservation and utilization. The Erect growth habit was noticed in genotype, viz., CITH-W-12, while semi erect growth habit was noticed in majority of the genotypes. Three types of leaf shapes were recorded i, e narrow elliptic, elliptic, and broad elliptic and based on leaf characteristics all the genotypes could also be categorized viz. pubescence as glabrous, slightly pubescent and pubescent. The genotype was categorized into early, mid and late group based on their fruit maturity duration. High variability was also recorded for fruit shape viz, round, cordate, ovate, long trapezoid, and elliptic. The current findings clearly characterized each genotype and can be identified or grouped individually based on this descriptor. Present study provides the detailed morphological descriptor of walnut which can be utilised for DUS testing of walnut, varietal identification, characterization, registration, documentation etc. The database generated may be useful for comparison against the candidate varieties developed in future

Genetic dissection of plant growth habit in chickpea.

A combinatorial genomics-assisted breeding strategy encompassing association analysis, genetic mapping and expression profiling is found most promising for quantitative dissection of complex traits in crop plants. The present study employed GWAS (genome-wide association study) using 24,405 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) obtained with genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of 92 sequenced desi and kabuli accessions of chickpea. This identified eight significant genomic loci associated with erect (E)/semi-erect (SE) vs. spreading (S)/semi-spreading (SS)/prostrate (P) plant growth habit (PGH) trait differentiation regardless of diverse desi and kabuli genetic backgrounds of chickpea. These associated SNPs in combination explained 23.8% phenotypic variation for PGH in chickpea. Five PGH-associated genes were validated successfully in E/SE and SS/S/P PGH-bearing parental accessions and homozygous individuals of three intra- and interspecific RIL (recombinant inbred line) mapping populations as well as 12 contrasting desi and kabuli chickpea germplasm accessions by selective genotyping through Sequenom MassARRAY. The shoot apical, inflorescence and floral meristems-specific expression, including upregulation (seven-fold) of five PGH-associated genes especially in germplasm accessions and homozygous RIL mapping individuals contrasting with E/SE PGH traits was apparent. Collectively, this integrated genomic strategy delineated diverse non-synonymous SNPs from five candidate genes with strong allelic effects on PGH trait variation in chickpea. Of these, two vernalization-responsive non-synonymous SNP alleles carrying SNF2 protein-coding gene and B3 transcription factor associated with PGH traits were found to be the most promising in chickpea. The SNP allelic variants associated with E/SE/SS/S PGH trait differentiation were exclusively present in all cultivated desi and kabuli chickpea accessions while wild species/accessions belonging to primary, secondary and tertiary gene pools mostly contained prostrate PGH-associated SNP alleles. This indicates strong adaptive natural/artificial selection pressure (Tajima's D 3.15 to 4.57) on PGH-associated target genomic loci during chickpea domestication. These vital leads thus have potential to decipher complex transcriptional regulatory gene function of PGH trait differentiation and for understanding the selective sweep-based PGH trait evolution and domestication pattern in cultivated and wild chickpea accessions adapted to diverse agroclimatic conditions. Collectively, the essential inputs generated will be of profound use in marker-assisted genetic enhancement to develop cultivars with desirable plant architecture of erect growth habit types in chickpea.

Productivity of cocoyam/ cowpea intercropas influenced by cowpea growth habit

Cocoyam was grown with vegetable cowpea in sole cropping and in intercropping to examine the effects of four contrasting vegetable cowpea growth habits on the productivity of the component crops in Umudike, southeastern Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments comprised all combinations of cocoyam and four cowpea cultivars (spreading Akidi ani, climbing Akidi enu, semi erect IT81D-128-14 and erect IT86F-2014-1) and sole crops of each crop. On average, intercropping reduced cocoyam corm yield by 22% in spreading Akidi ani, 25% in semi erect IT81D- 128-14 and 41% in erect IT86F-2014-1. Similarly, intercropping reduced cowpea pod yield by 21% in erect IT86F-2014-1, 22% in climbing Akidi enu and 27% in semi erect IT81D-128-14. The climbing Akidi enu had the least adverse effect on corm yield and gave high pod yield, with a high combined average land equivalent ratio (LER) of 1.8.Keywords: Cocoyam, vegetable cowpea, growth habit, productivity

Radiation Capture and Use as Affected by Morphologically Contrasting Maize/Pea in Sole and Intercropping

Field experiments were conducted at the Field Unit of the School of Plant Sciences in Reading, UK, during the 2000 and 2001 growing seasons to compare the radiation capture and use efficiency of morphologically and physiologically contrasting maize/pea intercrops with sole crops. The maize cultivars comprised Nancis with erect and Sophy with floppy leaves whilst the peas consisted of Maro, a conventional leaved, and Princess, a semi-leafless cultivar. Radiation capture by the sole and intercrops was measured using a Sunflek Ceptometer (Delta T Devices), with a sensor length of 80 cm. Measurements were taken at four equidistant positions in each plot, 1 m away from the edges of the plot. Before the maize grew above the peas, measurements were taken at the top of the canopy and below. When the canopies were distinct, three measurements were taken, above the canopy, above peas and below the canopy from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. at weekly intervals. In both seasons the intercrops and sole pea crops intercepted more radiation compared to the sole maize crops. Towards the end of the season the intercrops and sole maize had similar interception. Intercropping both maize cultivars in 2000 with the conventional pea had the greatest interception in 2001. Radiation use efficiency (RUE) was measured by taking the respective changes in above ground dry weight and dividing by the respective changes in cumulative absorbed photosynthetic active radiation (PAR). The RUE were highest at mid-season for both intercrops and sole crops in both seasons. Comparisons were also made using cumulative radiation use efficiencies (CRUE), representing the RUE from emergence to any time. Sole pea had the lowest CRUE in both seasons. The sole maize in 2000 had highest CRUE. However, in 2001 intercrops had similar CRUE to sole maize, suggesting an increase in RUE of peas in intercrops. Nancis had consistently higher CRUE in both seasons compared to Sophy. The results emphasize that radiation capture and use efficiency in sole and intercrops are greatly affected by morphological characteristics of the component crops. In choosing cropping partners for intercropping special attention should be given to selecting cereal crops with erect leaves as against those with droopy leaves. The under-storey legume crop should also have erect or semi erect leaves so as to capture radiation filtering through the cereal canopy in order to maximize the capture and use of photosynthetically active radiation for increased and stable yields.West African Journal of Applied Ecology Vol. 13 2008: pp. 55-66

Characterization of a collection of Aeschynomene histrix in subhumid Nigeria

A collection of 64 accessions of the South American pasture legume Aeschynomene histrix Poiret was characterized in 1995 at Ibadan in south-west Nigeria in order to test the potential of the accessions as forage plants in subhumid areas and as a trap crop for the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. All accessions had a low biomass production during the first 8 weeks after sowing but soon variations in the collection became apparent. Morphologically, accessions could be classified as having prostrate, decumbent, semi-erect and erect growth habit. The semi-erect to erect accessions grew vigorously and had high dry matter yields. The most frequent disease was Rhizoctonia foliar blight, for which, in general, prostrate accessions had a higher severity. In contrast, plants with semi- erect to erect growth habit were more susceptible to a wilting disease probably caused by Fusarium spp. With an average crude protein content of 16% and 48-h in sacco dry matter and protein digestibilities of c. 50%, fodder quality of 13-week-old plants was similar to that of other tropical forage legumes. As a result of a laboratory experiment to test the potential of A. histrix to act as a trap crop for Striga hermonthica, 13 accessions showing a significant influence on in vitro Striga hermonthica seed germination were identified. Twenty promising accessions were selected for further evaluation. These accessions showed good biomass production and/or high tolerance to diseases and/or significant influence on Striga hermonthica seed germination. Such material has the potential to contribute to both livestock-forage and improved fallow systems with the aim of increasing the sustainability of agricultural production in West Africa.

Implante de silicone na conchectomia em caninos

Com o objetivo de promover a correção no posicionamento da cartilagem conchal, foram implantados segmentos de silicone entre a cartilagem e a pele da face externa da orelha de caninos, mediante incisões horizontais na face interna da cartilagem conchal. Para isso foram utilizados doze animais da espécie canina, machos e fêmeas, jovens e adultos. Desse total, seis eram cães SRD, que foram submetidos ao implante de silicone sem prévia conchectomia parcial. Outros seis foram cães da raça doberman, dog alemão e boxer, de casos clínicos que apresentavam fragilidade e/ou quebra na cartilagem conchal em seu terço médio. Em todos os animais experimentais os implantes foram bilaterais, enquanto que nos casos clínicos os implantes foram feitos apenas na orelha necessária. Nos animais sem prévia conchectomia, observou-se posicionamento semi ereto das orelhas. Os seis animais restantes apresentaram posicionamento ereto das orelhas após implante, salvo um único caso onde foi necessário associar técnica de encurtamento da pele na região nucal.