Side Shoots Research Articles

Keep a distance to be different: axillary buds initiating at a distance from the shoot apical meristem are crucial for the perennial lifestyle of Arabis alpina.

In many seed plants, perennialism is achieved through axillary buds and side shoots that remain vegetative. This work aimed to analyse the pattern of axillary bud (AB) formation in the perennial model plant Arabis alpina and to study the role of the LATERAL SUPPRESSOR (AaLAS) gene. This study combines stereomicroscopic analysis with RNA sequencing to monitor the correlation between patterns of AB formation and gene expression. The role of AaLAS was studied using an RNA interference (RNAi) approach. During vegetative development, ABs initiate at a distance from the shoot apical meristem (SAM), whereas after floral induction, they initiate adjacent to the SAM. Dormant buds are established before the onset of vernalization. Transcript profiles of ABs initiated at a distance differed from those in the SAM, whereas those of buds initiated in close proximity were similar. Knockdown of AaLAS leads to the loss of dormant buds and vegetative side shoots, strongly compromising the perennial life cycle. AB formation is regulated differently during vegetative and reproductive development. New meristems that possess different gene expression profiles from those in the SAM are established at a distance from the SAM. AaLAS is essential for the perennial life cycle by modulating the establishment of dormant buds and vegetative side shoots.

Morphophysiological responses of Billbergia zebrina Lindl. (Bromeliaceae) in function of types and concentrations of carbohydrates during conventional in vitro culture

Abstract When propagated in vitro, explants receive all the nutrients needed for their growth, including carbohydrates, from the culture medium. However, it is not well understood how the type and concentration of carbohydrates can affect the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus (particularly photosystem II) of these plants. The aim was to assess the morphophysiological responses of Billbergia zebrina plants in function of sources and concentrations of carbohydrates during in vitro culture. Side shoots of plants previously established in vitro were individualized and transferred to a culture medium containing fructose, glucose or sucrose in four concentrations (0, 15, 30 or 45 g L−1). After growth for 55 days, the chlorophyll a fluorescence transient, leaf anatomy and growth were analyzed. The concentration and type of carbohydrate employed during in vitro culture did not decrease the photosynthetic apparatus performance. However, concentrations above 30 g L−1 led to anatomical modifications, revealing some degree of stress suffered by the plants. When grown in concentrations of 15 and 30 g L−1, irrespective of the carbohydrate used, the plants presented greater stomatal density. The supplementation of the culture medium with monosaccharides caused alterations in the development of the xylem vessels, such as increased number and diameter, allowing adjustment to the microenvironmental conditions. The in vitro conditions influenced the photosynthetic and anatomical responses of plants. The concentration interval from 15 to 30 g L−1 sucrose had a better effect by not causing large changes in the performance of the photosynthetic apparatus and anatomy of plants.

Pruned side shoots as planting material: Opening new dimensions for sustainable greenhouse cucumber production system

The study was conceptualized to use pruned side shoots as planting material in greenhouse cucumber production system with 2 sets of experiments, 1st was to study the response of different cultivars to establish plants from side shoot cuttings and 2nd was to carry out the comparative performance of cultivars propagated through seeds and side shoot cuttings. Greenhouse cucumber cultivars showed variable response to propagation with the potential of using pruned side shoots as planting material, however, cv. V2 was earliest to respond for getting side shot cuttings (14.44 days), took minimum days to establishment of transplant (12.22) with maximum survival of pruned shoots (73.11%) and produced maximum number of cuttings for propagation (15.98), while V11 showed maximum survival (93.21%) after transplanting in the field. The comparative study on the performance of different greenhouse cultivars propagated though seeds and pruned shoots showed first pistillate flower at earliest node (5.22) in cultivars raised though pruned side shoots, while maximum vine length (3.87 m), fruit length (15.93 cm), diameter (3.20 cm), and av. fruit weight (136.46 g) was observed in plants cultivated via seeds. Moreover, reproductive parameters like days to first flowering and picking, and yield parameters, namely, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant expressed non-significant differences between plants raised through seeds and side shoots. The interaction of different cultivars with propagation methods revealed significant differences with maximum plant height (4.68 m) in cv. V5, number of fruits (32.94) in V9, average fruit weight (154.74 g) in V8, yield per plant (4.29 kg) in V7 when raised through seeds. However, interaction between cultivar and method of propagation exhibited non-significant differences for days to first flowering & picking, node of first pistillate flower, fruit length & diameter, sensory scoring and yield thereby recommending propagation of greenhouse cucumber cultivars via pruned side shoots for getting not only the comparative yield but also minimizing capital investment on costlier seeds of such cultivars along with higher returns by the sale of extra plants generated through this technique to other greenhouse growers.

Inheritance of Seed Productivity Characteristics in F1 Inter- and Intra-Species Hybrids of Oil Flax

Knowledge of the nature of inheritance of traits of seed productivity in hybrid populations allows more efficient selection of highly heterozygous hybrids and rejection of low-value breeding material in the early stages of selection. Obtaining a qualitatively new source material of oilseed flax, created with the help of germplasm of wild species, requires genetic studies of traits associated with plant productivity, which are important in the selection of oilseed flax for high yields. Wild species of flax, such as L. angustifolium, L. hispanicum, L. bienne, L. crepitans are valuable genetic sources for obtaining disease-resistant forms, with early ripening, a large number of stems, side shoots, boxes on the plant. The aim of the research was to establish the features of inheritance of interspecific and intraspecific hybrids of the first generation of traits of seed productivity. The study was conducted at the Institute of Oilseeds NAAS in 2018-2019. The research material was interspecific and intraspecific hybrids of the first generation, obtained by crossing the full diallel scheme of two wild annual homostil species L. angustifolium and L. hispanicum and three samples of cultivated flax M 32/2 (IOC NAAS), L 5 (Czech Republic), L 6 (India), contrasting in terms of seed productivity (number of boxes per plant, number of seeds per plant, weight of 1000 seeds). Hybrids were studied in a hybrid nursery F1 according to the scheme: maternal form – direct and reverse hybrids F1 – paternal form. Structural analysis was performed on 10 plants of the parent components and on all F1 plants. The nature of the dominance of traits of seed productivity was determined by the degree of dominance (Beil, Atkins 1965). As a result of research it was established that the inheritance of the number of boxes on the plant in interspecific and intraspecific hybrids was dominated by positive overdominance (46,5% and 45,8%, respectively). In the inheritance of the number of seeds from the plant in interspecific hybrids, intermediate inheritance was predominant (44,7%); in intraspecific hybrids – positive supremacy (66,6%). On the basis of "weight of 1000 seeds" for interspecific and intraspecific hybrids, intermediate inheritance was predominant (95,9% and 62,5%, respectively). Our research allows us to conclude that the nature of inheritance of traits of seed productivity depends on a number of factors: genetic characteristics of experimental material, the studied trait, year conditions, type of crossing (interspecific or intraspecific). The obtained scientific data and genetic material have both theoretical and practical significance. The interspecific hybrid combinations M 32/2 / L. hispanicum, and L 6 / L. hispanicum and intraspecific M32/2 / L 6 and M32/2 / L 5 were isolated, in which heterosis was manifested by the number of boxes on the plant and the number of seeds from the plant. They will be used to create early-maturing varieties of oilseed flax with high seed productivity.

ОПТИМИЗАЦИЯ СОЗРЕВАНИЯ И УБОРКИ СОИ В УСЛОВИЯХ НЕЧЕРНОЗЕМНОЙ ЗОНЫ РОССИИ

The paper presents the results of long-term research on the infl uence of pinching of Northern ecotype soybeans (Okskaya variety) on yield, protein, and oil productivity in high latitudes (57°), a long day, a limited amount of active temperatures (1700…2000 °C) on sod – podzolic soils of the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation. The authors determine the prospects of using the method for varieties of an indeterminate type of growth. The pinching of crops was carried out three times: at the beginning of the fl owering phase, in the middle of the fl owering phase, and at the beginning of the bean formation phase. It was found that the pinching of crops carried out at the beginning of the bean formation phase, reduces the duration of the growing season by an average of 15 days. The technique ensures a more than double increase in the number of side shoots. The share of the coarse fraction of seeds was about 89%, the yield of seeds reached up to 2.00 t/ha, the protein content in seeds – up to 42.2%, fat – up to 19.1%, protein collection from the seed yield – up to 0.834 t/ha, essential amino acids in protein – up to 0.459 t/ha, fat – up to 0.380 t/ha, collection of unsaturated fatty acids – up to 0.228 t/ha. It is shown that the technique allows optimizing the ripening processes without reducing the productivity and quality of the crop, while the costs of pinching are paid off by reducing the costs of harvesting. The obtained data can be used to optimize soybean growing technologies at the northern border of the soy cultivation

Rozvětvování jabloní a slivoní pomocí různých metod indukce větvení ve školce

Chemical (benzyladenine - BA, gibberelins - GA4/7), mechanical (leaf pinching), and combined treatments were tested in 2015 and 2016 to increase the number and length of sylleptic side shoots (feathers) on apple (´Rubinola´, ´Topaz´/M9) and plum (´Elena´, ´Tophit´/St. J. A) trees. The numbers of feathers of three different lengths (1-10, 10-30, and >30 cm) were measured as the main indicator of quality along with other important morphological characteristics. The numbers of all feathers on both apple cultivars were the highest when BA was applied four times. However, mainly an increase in the numbers of shorter feathers was observed in both years. The efficiency of leaf pinching of apple trees was low. The numbers of all feathers and feathers 1-10 and 10-30 cm in length were the highest in both plum cultivars when BA was applied four times in both years. In contrast to apples, the induction of feathers longer than 30 cm improved in plum cultivars when pinching was used. Thus this approach can be also effective in organic production.

Розвиток рослин огірка посівного бджолозапильного гібриду Янос f1 залежно від рівня мінерального живлення

Розвиток рослин огірка посівного бджолозапильного гібриду Янос f1 залежно від рівня мінерального живлення

Korelasi Antara Kandungan Karbohidrat, Protein, dan Lemak dengan Kompatibilitas Grafting Bibit Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.)

Pembibitan Durian dapat dilakukan dengan menggunakan sumber bahan generatif dan vegetatif. Kedua sumber propagasi ini memiliki kelemahan dan kekuatan masing-masing. Bibit berkualitas diperoleh melalui kombinasi dari dua sumber bahan perbanyakan yang memiliki masing-masing kelebihan yang dapat saling melengkapi. Proses penggabungannya bisa melalui mini grafting. Metode mini grafting di pembibitan durian dapat menggunakan cara grafting samping dan grafting pucuk. Penelitian ini ingin mengkaji hubungan kandungan karbohidrat, protein, dan lemak terhadap keberhasilan pertumbuhan hasil mini grafting pada tanaman durian. Penelitian dilaksanakan dengan menganalisis kandungan karbohidrat, protein dan lemak pada batang atas yang akan digunakan untuk grafting, serta mengamati dan mengukur proses pertumbuhan tanaman hasil mini grafting. Kandungan karbohidrat pada batang atas memberikan kontribusi positif tertinggi terhadap peningkatan jumlah tunas diikuti oleh jumlah daun, luas daun, perbandingan luas daun, perbandingan pupus akar, panjang tunas, dan diameter batang. Kandungan protein dan kandungan lemak tidak dapat berkontribusi pada pertumbuhan bibit okulasi bahkan memiliki kecenderungan untuk menghambat pertumbuhan.

Features of formation of grain sorghum yield structure elements in dependence on inter-row spacing and fertilizing

Purpose. Reveal varietal features of formation grain sorghum yield structure elements depending on inter-row spacing and fertilizing doses of nitrogen fertilizers.Methods. Laboratory, field, statistical. Results. Data on features of structural elements formation and productivity of grain sorghum in dependence on varietal characteristics, inter-row spacing and level of mineral nutrition are presen­ted. An important indicator for plant productivity formation is productive tillering, since grain sorghum, like most cereals, has the ability to tiller, which under favourable conditions allows forming up to 25–45% of yield on the side shoots. In our case, sowing of grain sorghum with sowing rate 190 thousand pcs./ha and inter-row spacing 35, 50 and 70 cm, respectively, we got the same plant nutrition area – 526 cm2; the distance between plants in the row is 15, 10.5 and 7.5 cm, respectively. The average number of grains per panicle in the sorghum hybrid ‘Lan 59’ according to the experiment was 866.9 grains, but the maximum values were observed with inter-row spacing 70 cm and fertilizers N60P60K60 + N40 – 1035.1 pcs. In hybrid ‘Brigga F1’, on the average in the experiment was 554.3 pcs. grains/panicle, and with inter-row spacing 70 cm and fertilizing by nitrogen fertilizers N20–60, respectively 595.7 – 602.4 pcs. We obtained similar indicators in hybrid ‘Burggo F1’ and fertilizing rate N60P60K60 + N40 – 961.7, but on average, in the experiment, the hybrid formed 858.6 pcs. grains/panicle. Mass of grain from one plant allows fully evaluate individual productivity of plants of studied hybrids. The best indicators of grain mass per plant were obtained with inter-row spacing 50 cm and fertilizing rates N60P60K60 + N60. So, on average, in the experiment in hybrid ‘Lan 59’, 41.2 g of seeds were formed per one plant, in the hybrid ‘Brigga F1’ – 63.4 g, in the hybrid ‘Burggo F1’ – 64.0 g. The best weight parameters of 1000 seeds were obtained with the inter-row spacing 50 cm and fertilizing rates N60P60K60 + N60, that is, ‘Lan 59’ – 37.3 g, ‘Brigga F1’ – 37.4 g, ‘Burggo F1’ – 30.2 g. Conclusions. Changes in inter-row spacing and level of mine­ral nutrition cause variability in formation of yield structural components of grain sorghum hybrids – productive tillering, number of panicles per hectare, number of grains per panicle, mass of grain per plant, mass of grain per panicle and mass of 1000 seeds, which determine individual productivity of plants.

Parthenocarpic Cucumber Cultivar Evaluation in High-tunnel Production

Fresh-consumed parthenocarpic cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are a popular and high-value crop sold in local food markets. The parthenocarpic plant characteristics and climbing growth habit make cucumbers an ideal crop for high-tunnel production. Major types of parthenocarpic cucumbers include Beit alpha and mini, Dutch greenhouse, American slicer, and Japanese. Information regarding yield performance, plant growth, and disease resistance of the four types grown in high-tunnel conditions is limited. In this study, 16 parthenocarpic cucumber cultivars from the four major types were evaluated in high tunnels at three locations in Indiana and Illinois during Spring 2018. Plants were pruned to a single stem that was supported on a string. At all locations, the cultivars that had the most total yields were Beit alpha and mini, although their total yields were not always significantly higher than that of all the others. However, Beit alpha and mini cucumbers had high percentages of unmarketable fruit, mainly because of insect feeding damage and mechanical injuries on the skins that led to scarred fruit. Dutch greenhouse cultivars had relatively lower marketable yields at two of the three locations where there was a high percentage of misshaped fruit. ‘Tasty Green’ Japanese cucumber consistently had the lowest yields at all three locations. This cultivar also produced the most side shoot growth and, therefore, more pruning waste. The Japanese types ‘Tasty Jade’ and ‘Taurus’ had yields comparable to those of other cultivars, and they were more tolerant to two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae). However, ‘Tasty Jade’ was the cultivar most susceptible to powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii and Golovinomyces cichoracearum). ‘Corinto’ American slicer cucumber had relatively high yields at two of the three locations. This cultivar also had the highest percentage of marketable fruit. Information provided in the study is readily useful for growers using high tunnels when selecting parthenocarpic cucumber cultivars. It is also valuable for seed companies wishing to breed new cultivars adaptive for high-tunnel production.

Effect of Treatment of <i>Callistephus chinensis </i>( L.) Ness. Plants by Ivin at Growth and Decorative Parameters in Conditions of Industrial City

The effect of the new growth stimulator with the cytokinin nature Ivin was investigated at the parameters of growth, blooming and chlorophylls content of the leaves of Callistephus chinensis (L.) Ness. plants. The researched plants grow under the impact of industrial and exhaust fumes. The intensification of the growth processes of the treatment plants in comparison with untreated was established. The processed specimens enhance height, the number of side shoots, quantity of the leaves and their area as well as the area of the total assimilation plants surface with increasing of the vegetative mass of the plants accordingly. At the same time, the number of inflorescences and their average diameter increase. There was no significant difference in essential influence of the biostimulator upon the plants of Callistephus chinensis between breeds ‘Victoria Sharlachovaya’ and ‘Strausovo pero Rubinivaya’ with the exception of some variables (total assimilation surface). The content of chlorophyll in leaves of Callistephus chinensis plants increases under spraying by Ivin. The rising occurs originally after spraying seedlings due to chlorophyll, after the third treatment (flower-bud formation) – due to both forms of chlorophylls was established, as well as the breed specific reaction of plants was determined. The novelty of this work consists in the investigation of the influencing the growth stimulator on the development of the ornamental flower plants in the conditions of environmental pollution. The treatment of this preparation is appropriate for stimulation of growth and intensity of bloom of the ornamental flower plants of urban territories.

Effect of Treatment of <i>Callistephus chinensis </i>( L.) Ness. Plants by Ivin at Growth and Decorative Parameters in Conditions of Industrial City

The effect of the new growth stimulator with the cytokinin nature Ivin was investigated at the parameters of growth, blooming and chlorophylls content of the leaves of Callistephus chinensis (L.) Ness. plants. The researched plants grow under the impact of industrial and exhaust fumes. The intensification of the growth processes of the treatment plants in comparison with untreated was established. The processed specimens enhance height, the number of side shoots, quantity of the leaves and their area as well as the area of the total assimilation plants surface with increasing of the vegetative mass of the plants accordingly. At the same time, the number of inflorescences and their average diameter increase. There was no significant difference in essential influence of the biostimulator upon the plants of Callistephus chinensis between breeds ‘Victoria Sharlachovaya’ and ‘Strausovo pero Rubinivaya’ with the exception of some variables (total assimilation surface). The content of chlorophyll in leaves of Callistephus chinensis plants increases under spraying by Ivin. The rising occurs originally after spraying seedlings due to chlorophyll, after the third treatment (flower-bud formation) – due to both forms of chlorophylls was established, as well as the breed specific reaction of plants was determined. The novelty of this work consists in the investigation of the influencing the growth stimulator on the development of the ornamental flower plants in the conditions of environmental pollution. The treatment of this preparation is appropriate for stimulation of growth and intensity of bloom of the ornamental flower plants of urban territories.

The Development of Lulo Plants (Solanum quitoense Lam. var. septentrionale) Characterized by BBCH and Landmark Phenological Scales

ABSTRACT The landmark and the Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt, and Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scales describe the phenology of lulo plants. The landmark scale comprises six main stages, 1.0 seed germination, 2.0 seedling growth, 3.0 early vegetative growth, 4.0 leaf development, 5.0 floral, and 6.0 fruit development. Seed gemination stages describe seed sowing, imbibition, and subsequent germination. Seedling growth stages include the emergence of hypocotyl hook, seedling growth, the development of cotyledons, and true leaves. During the early vegetative shoot stages, plants increase in height, pubescence turns dark, cotyledons abscise, and thorns become visible at the base of the leaf. Leaf development stages comprise the emergence of young, true leaves, and leaf expansion. During this period, leaf color changes from light green to mature dark green and ends with leaf senescence. Floral development stages include the emergence of the swollen generative buds, early floral-bud development, inflorescence enlargement, anthesis in hermaphrodite or male flowers, and floral parts decay and abscission. Fruit development stages include fruit developing below the petals, the light green tiny fruit enlarges forming the small, enlarged, intermediate, and light green fruit. Fruit turns dark green until reaching the mature dark orange color. The BBCH scale depicts eight principal stages such as seed germination, leaf development, formation of side shoots, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturation, and senescence. The BBCH mesostages and secondary growth stages were described and coded according to the two- and three-digit-code system. The secondary stages were used as precise steps during development of the plants. Flower and fruit production occurred throughout the year. This research can be used to better understand the flowering and fruiting process and it can be applied to breeding and production programs.

Phytochromes and Other (Photo)Receptors of Information in Plants

In land plants, at least five groups of photoreceptors perceive information about light conditions and diurnal rhythm, as well as about ambient temperature, presence of pathogens or competing neighbors, direction of the gravity vector and other factors. The photoreceptor toolkit allows plants to integrate environmental information and “make decisions” necessary for survival and successful reproduction, i.e., whether to enter or exit dormancy, accelerate or stop growth, promote or delay flowering; choose the direction of growth, induce or suppress the formation of side shoots, as well as regulate the synthesis of volatile substances affecting the growth of neighbors or pathogens. These photoreceptors include phytochromes, cryptochromes, phototropins, the ZTL (ZEITLUPE) family proteins, and the ultraviolet-B receptor UVR8. In spite of the diversity of plants photoreceptors, their functionality follows several “common rules.” Transformation of the information on light quality and quantity into metabolic and morphogenetic responses occurs via controlled degradation of transcription factors mediated by interactions of the active form of a photoreceptor and the СОР1-SPA1 E3-ubiquitine ligase complex in the nucleus. Apart from interacting with СОР1, the active forms of photoreceptors in the nucleus can directly bind to transcription factors and trigger their degradation. Phytochromes belong to the largest (the molecular mass of a monomer is ca. 125 kD) and most sophisticated plant photoreceptors. In addition to the abovementioned mechanisms, they also regulate alternative splicing and the selection of alternative promoters for thousands of plant genes. The interaction of phytochrome with jasmonate signaling is of special interest, as phytochromes regulate the jasmonate-mediated cessation of growth in response to stress. This review focuses on data revealing the potential for the application of novel information on plant photoreceptors for the generation of crop varieties capable of high performance under stress conditions.

Sources and concentrations of silicon modulate the physiological and anatomical responses of Aechmea blanchetiana (Bromeliaceae) during in vitro culture

The use of silicon (Si) has been shown to be a good alternative to improve the growth and content of photosynthetic pigments of plants propagated in vitro. So far, it is not well understood how the sources and concentrations of Si can affect the root and leaf anatomy as well as the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus of these plants. The aim was to assess the physiological and anatomical responses of Aechmea blanchetiana plants in function of sources and concentrations of Si during in vitro culture. Side shoots of plants previously established in vitro were excised and transferred to a culture medium containing CaSiO3 or Na2SiO3 in four concentrations (0, 7, 14 or 21 µM). After culture for 90 days, the chlorophyll a fluorescence transient, root and leaf anatomy, contents of photosynthetic pigments and mineral nutrients as well as growth were analyzed. Plants grown in medium supplemented with Na2SiO3 presented characteristics of salt stress, such as smaller stomata, higher potassium content and lower number of active reaction centers (RC/CSM). On the other hand, plants cultured with 7 and 14 µM CaSiO3 had an increase in photosynthetic pigment content and performance of photosynthetic apparatus, verified by the performance indexes (PI(ABS) and PI(TOTAL)). The employment of concentrations equal to or higher than 21 µM Si, independent of Si source, caused toxicity symptoms in the plants. The use of CaSiO3 had a positive effect on the concentration interval between 7 and 14 µM by improving physiological and anatomical quality of A. blanchetiana plants. Silicon source and concentration can affect the physiological responses of Aechmea blanchetiana during in vitro culture. This study highlights that CaSiO3 increases the photosynthetic pigment content and photosynthetic apparatus performance.

Effects of nanoplastics and microplastics on the growth of sediment-rooted macrophytes

Plastic debris of all sizes has been detected in marine, terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Effects of plastic debris on macrophytes have hardly been studied, despite their importance in aquatic ecosystems. We provide the first experimental study exploring nano- and microplastic effects on the growth of sediment-rooted macrophytes. Myriophyllum spicatum and Elodea sp. were exposed to sediments amended with six doses of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastic (50–190 nm, up to 3% sediment dry weight) and PS microplastic (20–500 μm, up to 10% dry weight) under laboratory conditions. Both macrophyte species were tested for changes in root and shoot dry weight (DW), relative growth rate (RGR), shoot to root ratio (S:R), main shoot length and side shoot length. Microplastics did not produce consistent dose-effect relationships on the endpoints tested, except that main shoot length was reduced for M. spicatum with increasing microplastic concentration. Nanoplastic significantly reduced S:R for both macrophytes as a result of increased root biomass compared to shoot biomass. Nanoplastic also caused a decrease in M. spicatum main shoot length; however, shoot biomass was not affected. Elodea sp. side shoot length, root and shoot biomass and RGR were positively correlated to the nanoplastic concentration. All effects occurred at higher than environmentally realistic concentrations, suggesting no immediate implications for ecological risks. Our study did not aim for the elucidation of the exact mechanistic processes that cause the effects, however, particle size seems to play an important factor. CapsuleNano- and microplastics affect growth of sediment-rooted macrophytes.

Effect of Environmentally Friendly Nutrition Supply on Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana B.) Production

The experiment was carried out on raised bed (3 rows) with 33 cm row distance and 25 cm between the plants and 24 plant m-2 density. The plantation was prepared on 28 May, 2015 with about 10 cm high transplants. The soil surface was mulched with wooden chips (5 cm layer). The aim was to evaluate the environmentally friendly fertilizers (Dudarit - 150 g m-2, Sprintalga – 0.04% concentration four times 200 mL per plant). During the vegetation period pruning was applied at 30 cm plant height at the 4th double leaf from the soil surface and two cuttings (13 Aug and 29 Sept). By evaluating the effect of treatment on the leaf surface and chlorophyll content, statistically significant results were not found. Higher SPAD (relative chlorophyll content) value was measured in the middle of the growing period compared to the end of the vegetation when the plants were older and the temperature started to decrease. The positive effect of Dudarit and Sprintalga was clear on the plant height and biomass production. The dried herb yield was higher (4 kg m-2) on treated plots comparing to control (3 kg m-2). Although increased photosynthetic intensity was not detected on treated plots, the plantation showed greater vitality and side shoot improvement to control plots. Under our circumstances, the environmentally friendly fertilization (Dudarit and Sprintalga) has increased the dried leaves yield with 20% by similar stevioside and rebaudioside-A content.

Photosynthetic apparatus performance in function of the cytokinins used during the in vitro multiplication of Aechmea blanchetiana (Bromeliaceae)

During the in vitro multiplication phase, the employment of cytokinins may be necessary to induce side shoots of many plant species. However, the mechanism by which cytokinins influence the physiology of plants in vitro is not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the influence of two cytokinins in function of concentration on the o photosynthetic apparatus performance and the stomatal functionality of Aechmea blanchetiana during in vitro multiplication. Plants previously established in vitro were transferred to MS culture media supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin—KIN) at concentration of 0, 5, 10, 15 or 20 µM. After 60 days of exposure to the plant growth regulators, the multiplication rate, photosynthetic apparatus performance and stomatal functionality were assessed. The use of KIN did not induce the formation of microshoots. On the other hand, the shoot number increased with rising BAP concentration. There was a reduction of the maximum fluorescence (Fm) and maximum quantum yield (φP0) as a function of concentration of cytokinins. The most pronounced decrease was observed in the microshoots grown with KIN. The increase in concentration of cytokinins induced greater absorption flux (ABS/RC), trapping flux (TR0/RC) and dissipation flux (DI0/RC) of energy per reaction center. The stomatal functionality declined with rising cytokinin concentration. The use of KIN is not recommended for in vitro multiplication of this species. The use of BAP at low concentrations assures a multiplication rate with lower degree of disorders in the photosynthetic apparatus of the formed microshoots.

Effects of stocking densities of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) with the inclusion of silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes, 1844) in C/N-CP prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879) culture pond

The effects of stocking density of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus with the inclusion of silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix were evaluated in the C/N-CP prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii farming system in triplicate. Management practices were same for all treatments. Bamboo side shoots were posted vertically into the pond bottoms as a periphyton substrate. A locally formulated and prepared feed containing 15.44% crude protein with a C/N ratio 15 were applied twice daily in all ponds. Maize flour was supplied in water for raising the C/N ratio 20 in all treatments. Water quality parameters, except transparency and chlorophyll a, did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the treatments. The periphytic abundance and biomass differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the treatments and even among different months. Although the individual harvesting weight, individual weight gain, and SGR were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the T10000 treatment compared to T15000 and T20000 treatments, respectively, the gross and net yields of tilapia were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the treatment T20000 followed by T15000 and T10000 treatments resulting in higher combined gross and net yield of both prawn and tilapia (16.05 and 16.92%, 32 and 33.59% from the later two treatments, respectively) with a higher economic return (BCR 0.53) during a 122-day culture period. As a whole, the study revealed that prawn, tilapia, and silver carp with a stocking density at 30,000, 20,000, and 1250 ha−1, respectively, was found to provide an optimum and sustainable production as well as economic benefit in the C/N-CP-based culture system.

Hubungan Power Otot Lengan dan Kekuatan Pergelangan Tangan terhadap Hasil Tembakan dari Samping Badan (Side Shoot)

This research was conducted with the aim to study the relationship of arm strength and fighting strength to the side shot results. This study discusses the presence or absence of a relationship. The method used in this research is descriptive research method with quantitative research. In this study data collection techniques using the test, for arm strength using the ball medicine test, for the strength of the battle using the hand grip test. The population used in this study were 12 members of the STKIP Pasundan Cimahi Student Activity Unit (UKM). Based on the research data, the results of the experimental arm strength and side shoot results are as broad as 0.1643, then the arm muscle strength has a positive relationship to the side shoot results. To challenge the existing power and the side shot result of 0.5534, the strength of hand combat has a positive relationship with the side shot result. And to fight the strength of the arm muscles and the strength of the side shot results as broad as 0.7439, the strength of the muscles together with the strength of the hand gives a positive influence on the results of the side shot. It can be interpreted that good arm muscle strength and hand strength will be presented with good side firing results too.