Slender Spindle Research Articles

Multinucleate giant cells in neurofibromas: a clue to the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis

A 54-year-old African-American male patient underwent removal of several cutaneous neurofibromas. Histopathologic examination revealed a nonencapsulated, haphazardly arranged proliferation of slender spindle cells in a myxoid stroma consistent with neurofibroma. Interestingly, each specimen exhibited numerous, large, multinucleate giant cells with nuclei arranged in a wreath-like or linear pattern. Immunoperoxidase staining revealed these cells to be negative with S-100 and CD-34. It was subsequently learned that this patient has neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). A retrospective review of all lesions coded as neurofibroma from our institution between 1 June 2006 and 28 August 2006 was performed. Biopsies of 53 cutaneous neurofibromas from 51 patients were reviewed. In these, multinucleate giant cells were present in only three (5.7%), all in patients with single lesions. Although the incidence of floret-like giant cells in neurofibromas of patients with NF1 is unknown, our findings suggest that the presence of these cells might be a clue to the presence of NF1.

Comparative study of cherry varieties used in intense culture

Research in sweet cherry production is intensely stimulated worldwide. The programs started also in Hungary to develop technologies and to find suitable varieties for the purpose of intense cultivation. It means that dimension of crowns should be smaller, with higher number of plants per hectare. Understocks, which let grow the trees slower, are scarce in this species. On the one hand, the braking effect of the respective stocks is insufficient, they get old pretty soon, loose ramification, yield too small fruits and do not comply with the aims of intense cultivation. Experiences prove the necessity of stocks for intense culture, which are vital, growing, easily regenerating, and freely branching. Mahaleb (Prunus mahaleb), a strong growing stock, is still suitable. Further improvement is expected from the contribution of technological elements and the choice of variety. In the present paper, a 9-year old plantation is shown with trees trained to (slender) spindle, and the yield and fruit quality of the year 2009 has been analysed with 6 varieties involved.

1-Naphthaleneacetic acid and 6-benzyladenine thinning of a common slender spindle ‘Jonagold’/M.9 apple orchard. I: Dose effects and spray distribution in the crowns

SummaryTo find the most appropriate rates of application of plant growth regulator (PGR) thinning-agents for a common slender spindle apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) orchard, different volumes of dilute 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzyladenine (BA) were sprayed ha−1. Mature ‘Jonagold’/M.9 trees, 3.0 – 3.5 m high and 1.2 – 1.5 m wide, planted in a single row system with 3,030 trees ha−1, were used. Significant thinning was observed in the case of dilute sprays of NAA at 10 mg l−1, or BA at 100 mg l−1, to run-off, using 2,000 l ha−1 or 1,500 l ha−1; while 1,000 l ha−1 did not result in sufficient thinning. Thinning using smaller volumes (250, 500, or 750 l ha−1) was also significant if the concentration of PGR thinner was proportionally higher (i.e., based on the 1,500 l ha−1 application rate of more dilute sprays of NAA at 10 mg l−1 or BA at 100 mg l−1). Spray distribution measurements in the crowns showed better spray deposits when higher water volumes (i.e., more dilute PGR solutions) were sprayed at all positions (bottom, middle, or top) of the canopy. At 2,000 l ha−1, 54 – 72% coverage of the leaf area was observed; but, at 250 l ha−1, coverage was only 10 – 21%. The lower 30% of the canopy was covered poorly when smaller volumes of water (250, 500, or 1,000 l ha−1) were applied. When 1,500 l ha−1 was sprayed, good coverage of the lower and upper surfaces of the leaves occurred, and no differences in canopy positions were measured. It was concluded that 1,500 l ha−1 (i.e., dilute PGR) spraying was the most appropriate volume to use when calculating the dose of NAA or BA to be applied ha−1 to common (3.0 – 3.5 m-high) mature slender spindle apple orchards on M.9 rootstock. This study was part of the ISAFRUIT Smartfruit Project, aimed at improving existing methods for apple crop regulation with more precise use of PGR thinning agents and with minimum impact on the environment.

1-Naphthaleneacetic acid and 6-benzyladenine thinning of a common slender spindle ‘Jonagold’/M.9 apple orchard. II: Partial tree spraying

SummaryMature slender spindle ‘Jonagold’/M.9 apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) trees were thinned using 10 mg l–1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or 100 mg l−1 6-benzyladenine (BA) and an axial fan sprayer at a spray volume of 1,500 l ha−1 applied to the whole canopy, or with smaller volumes, where only the upper half of each canopy was sprayed. Partial spray applications of NAA or BA (at 1,000 l ha−1, 750 l ha−1, or 500 l ha−1) to the upper half of the trees did not cause any reduction in final fruit numbers on the upper half, or on the lower half of each tree. When the whole tree was sprayed to run-off with the same thinning agent, or at 1,500 l ha−1, successful thinning on both the upper and lower parts of the canopy occurred. Good spray coverage (from 51% to 77%) was also observed on leaves at all canopy positions measured, when whole trees were sprayed at 1,500 l ha−1.The development of an innovative crop load regulation strategy was an objective of the ISAFRUIT Smartfruit Project.

Floral phenology investigation of scab resistant apple varieties and multi-resistant candidates — bred in Hungary — in 2007-2008

Apple (Malus x domestica) is considered practically self-incompatible, polleniser is essential for its economical cultivation. When choosing a polleniser many biological and economical parameters should be taken into consideration. Scab resistant apple varieties and multi-resistant candidates — bred in Hungary — were investigated in our experiment in 2007-2008. Blooming time groups were created according to the overlap of the blooming of the varieties and candidates. Observations were set up in Szigetcsép — the Research Station of Faculty of Horticultural Science. The orchard was planted in 1997. Trees were trained to slender spindle on Rootstock M9. Varieties have been assigned four blooming time groups. 'Reglindis' started blooming in both years. Candidate MR-09 belonged to the early group in 2007 and to the mid-early group in 2008. Latest varieties are 'Freedom' and `Baujade'. Candidate MR-10 belonged to the mid-late group.

THE INFLUENCE OF PLANTING DENSITY ON THE GROWING AND BEARING PROCESSES AT FLORINA AND GENEROS CULTIVARS

The promoting of the apple growing in high density system represent a continuous activity of great interest also in Romania but also in the foreign countries with advanced fruit growing. At the Fruit Research and Development Station Bistrita in the year 2000 it has been established an apple orchard with the cultivars Generos and Florina, grafted on the rootstock M26. The researches have been effectuated on trees planted at two densities: 1666 and 2500 trees/ per hectare. The training system of trees were slender spindle .The establishment of the experience was in randomized blocks with three repetitions. Every year there have been effectuated measurements of trunk girth , shoot length and after going into bearing , the weighing of the fruit production per tree and calculated per hectare. As a result of the performed researches, the obtained results show a productivity increasing at the Florina and Generos cultivars correlated with the increasing of the planted fruit trees number per hectare.

Fibronexus in Low-Grade Myofibrosarcoma: A Case Report

Fibronexus (fibronexus junction) has been thought to be a characteristic ultrastructural feature of myofibroblasts, but it is controversial as to whether fibronexus is a characteristic of various myofibroblastic tumors. We report here a case of low-grade myofibrosarcoma with fibronexus arising in the right arm of an 80-year-old man. Histologically, the tumor was composed of relatively uniform and slender spindle cells arranged in fascicles. The nuclei with fusiform and tapered shapes were mildly hyperchromatic, but never exhibited pleomorphism. Mitotic figures were common, but no atypical mitosis was identified. At the tumor periphery, tumor cells had invaded into the surrounding skeletal muscle tissue. Tumor cells were positive diffusely for alpha-smooth muscle actin and less intensely for desmin, but were negative for h-caldesmon and S-100 protein. Ultrastructurally, tumor cells had well developed cytoplasmic organelles and varying amounts of peripheral or subplasmalemmal bundles of thin myofilaments with focal density. In addition, well formed, long fibronectin fibrils adjacent to the cell surface and fibronexus contacting intracellular myofilaments were easily identified. We believe that fibronexus is a useful ultrastructural feature for differentiating myofibrosarcoma from other myogenic sarcomas.

FLORAL PHENOLOGY AND FRUIT SET INVESTIGATION OF SCAB RESISTANT APPLE VARIETIES IN HUNGARY 2007-2008

Apple ( Malus Xdomestica ) is considered practically self-incompatible, poll eniser is essential for its economical cultivation. When choosing a pol leniser many biological and economical parameters s hould be taken into consideration. Scab resistant apple v arieties and multi-resistant candidates - bred in H ungary - were investigated in our experiment. We investigated sel f compatibility (2007) and floral phenology (2008) of the varieties. Blooming time groups were created accord ing to the overlap of the blooming of the varieties and candidates. Observations were set up in Soroksar - the Research Station of Faculty of Horticultural Science. The o rchard was planted in 2003. Trees were trained to slender spindle on Rootstock M9. Varieties have been assigned four blooming time groups. Candidates did not show any self compatibility. 'Fr eedom' can be mentioned with its 7% self compatibility but it does not allows of making a one-variety orchard. Ca ndidate MR-12 and 'Reglindis' started blooming firs t according to our floral phenology investigations. T he latest variety is 'Rewena' and the latest candid ate is MR- 10.

Myofibroblastic sarcomas: a clinicopathological study of 20 cases

Myofibroblastic sarcoma was used to be a controversial neoplasm. This study investigated the clinicopathological features of 20 cases of myofibroblastic sarcoma arising in different locations. The paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 20 cases of patients with myofibroblastic sarcoma were stained immunohistochemically, and 5 cases examined by electron microscopy. Student's t test was used to analyze the difference of Ki-67 labeling index between grade 1 and grade 2 myofibroblastic sarcomas. Histologically, the tumors were composed of slender spindle cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, and fusiform, tapering, wavy, or plump ovoid; vesicular nuclei and a small central eosinophilic nucleoli. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells expressed smooth muscle actin (18/20), muscle specific actin (16/20), fibronectin (20/20) and desmin (2/20). Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells revealed abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and longitudinally arranged fine filaments with focal densities in the cytoplasm. A clinical follow-up of 19 patients showed that 2 cases experienced local recurrence and distant metastasis 6 months to 4 years after the initial operation. Nine cases recurred locally 17 to 46 months after the initial excision, and 9 cases were alive with no evidence of disease. Myofibroblastic sarcomas, which exhibit diverse histological appearance, can easily be misdiagnosed as benign tumors. Myofibroblastic sarcomas are local destructive lesions with frequent recurrence, and may metastase distantly.

Morphological and electrophysiological properties of single myocardial cells from Koch triangle of rabbit heart

The morphological and electrophysiological characteristics of cardiac cells in Koch triangle are still disputed. We studied the appearance and electrical properties of these diverse myocytes to elucidate their complex electrophysiological phenomena. Experiments were conducted using cooled charge coupling device (CCD) system and whole cell, patch clamp technique to determine the morphology, action potential and sodium current density of single viable myocytes enzymatically isolated from the Koch triangle of rabbit hearts. Morphologically, cardiac cells in shape of spider, tiny spindle, slender spindle, rod and strip were observed in percentage of 3.0 +/- 0.3, 35.0 +/- 5.0, 15.0 +/- 2.0, 40.0 +/- 5.0 and 6.0 +/- 0.7 respectively. The cellular dimensions and capacitance gradually increased in the above order (all P < 0.05). Electrophysiologically, action potential configurations recorded from them were similar respectively to nodal (N), atrial nodal (AN), nodal Hisian (NH), atrial (A) and Hisian like potentials obtained from the intact atrioventricular nodal preparations. Diastolic depolarization appeared in all myocytes except for rod cells. Sodium current density increased in the order of tiny spindle, strip, rod, slender spindle cell (all P < 0.05), but could not be detected in spider-shaped cells. Linear regression analysis revealed that membrane capacitance was correlated negatively to the rate of diastolic depolarization r = -0.70, P < 0.001, but positively to maximum depolarization potential, amplitude of action potential, upstroke velocity and maximum peak value of sodium current density r = 0.84, 0.80, 0.87 and 0.75, respectively; all P < 0.001. The results demonstrated that spider-shaped, spindle, rod and strip cells in Koch triangle might correspond to pacemaking, transitional, atrial and Purkinje like cells, respectively. Furthermore, tiny spindle and slender spindle cells were referred to transitional cell alpha (TCalpha) and beta (TCbeta) accordingly considering their distinctive electrical properties. Different myocytes with diverse electrical properties constituted the infrastructure of sophisticated electrophysiological phenomena in Koch triangle. In view of the prominent percentage and electrical properties, tiny spindle and slender spindle cells were presumed to play important roles.

Intranuclear paracrystals observed in striated muscle specific LIM protein‐deficient mouse cardiomyocytes

A paracrystalline structure was observed within left ventricular cardiomyocyte nuclei of MLP(-/-) mice. The paracrystal possessed cross lines, approximately 8.0 micro m long and 0.3 micro m wide, with a slender spindle shape and a periodicity of 13 nm. Paracrystals were best observed along the longitudinal orientation of myofibrils and were detected in less than 10% of the nuclei observed. One dimension of the protein unit forming the paracrystal was 8.5 nm long. The electron density of the paracrystal appeared to be slightly higher than that of heterochromatin, suggesting that RNA-associated proteins are constituents of the paracrystal. This is the first report of intranuclear paracrystals in cardiomyocytes, which appear to be unique to MLP(-/-) mice.

Growth and productivity of plum cultivars on various rootstocks in intensive orchard

Trees of three plum cultivars (Stanley, Cacanska Lepotica and Althann's Gage) were planted at Szigetcsép experimental station in Spring 1994 and trained to slender spindle with the aim to test their growth, effect of productivity under not irrigated conditions and to evaluate the adaptability of rootstock/scion combinations to intensive orchards. As control, trees on Myrobalan C 162/A (P. cerasifera) seedling are planted. In the trial two rootstocks are from Slovakia: Myrobalan MY-KL-A (red leaf) and Myrobalan MY-BO-1, vegetatively propageted. Further on two French rootstocks, the Marianna GF 8-1: Marianna plum (P. cerasifera x P munsoniana) and the Sainte Julien GF 655/2 (P. insititia) were involved. The Hungarian bred plum Fehér besztercei (P. domestica), which is recommended as apricot rootstock is also tested. Rootstocks MY-BO-1 and Fehér besztercei were planted with cultivar Stanley only. Trees were planted to a spacing of 5x3 m trained to slender spindle with 3-4 permanent basal branches. After yield start (1997) trees have been pruned only in summer, after harvest. In the alleyway the natural plant vegetation is mown, the orchard is not irrigated.&#x0D; Based on tree size, vigorous rootstocks are Marianna GF 8-1 and Myrobalan C 162/A seedling, medium vigorous are MY-BO-I and MY­KL-A; vegetative propageted myrobalan plums from Slovakia, while St. Julien GF 655/2 and Feller Besztercei proved to be growth reducing rootstocks. No significant difference between the rootstocks was found in turning to bearing. Under non-irrigated condition at Szigetcsép, cultivar Stanley produced the highest yield per area unit on vigorous rootstock (GF 8-1). The cultivar Althann's Gage produced the highest yield efficiency on Marianna GF 8-1 and they were healthy in the last 10 years. The symptoms of Althann's Gage trees on MY-KL-A rootstock indicate a possible incompatibility. The average fruit weight was significantly influenced by crop load on cultivar Cacanska lepotica, while no statistically proved differences were found on Stanley and Althann's Gage. The Cacanska lepotica trees produced significantly lower yield and larger fruit weight on St. Julien GF 655/2 rootstock. Adaptability to spindle training system depends on vigour of scion/rootstock combination: low or medium vigour cultivars (C. lepotica, Stanley) are good choice for spindle training systems even on vigorous rootstock; while the St. Julien GF 655/2 can be recommended only for vigorous Althann's Gage under our soil and climate conditions.

Effect of summer and winter pruning of peach as slender spindle bush type on growth, yield and quality of fruit.

Effect of summer and winter pruning of peach as slender spindle bush type on growth, yield and quality of fruit.

Growth and productivity of a young apple orchard at different spacing

Planting of new high density apple orchards showed an increasing tendency over the last ten years. Growers use in those orchards mainly dwarfing or semi dwarfing rootstocks. The spacing for those orchards is recommended based on Dutch and German experiences; however, the optimization of orchard planting density as a key factor for successful orchard management should consider the local climate conditions. An experimental orchard was planted in 2000 to investigate the effect of spacing on three dwarfing rootstocks with two apple cultivars `Jonica' and 'Gala Must'. We compared 8 planting densities (1270-3704 tree/ha) and two tree shapes (slender spindle and vertical axis). In this paper the data of the first five years' growth and bearing are presented. After 4 years, the decreasing tree densities caused reduced trunk cross sectional area. Tree density had a significant positive effect on cumulative yield per hectare. From the examined rootstocks, M.9 Burgmer 984 gave the smallest canopy for both cultivars. The trees on M.9 T.337 and on Jork 9 rootstocks have stronger growth. The light interception was measured under the canopy by AccuPAR (Decagon Devices Inc.'s).

PERFORMANCE OF APPLE CULTIVARS AND ROOTSTOCKS IN VARIOUS ORCHARD SYSTEMS IN NORTH-EASTERN HUNGARY

In the autumn of 2001, a trial apple orchard was planted to compare 2 training systems (slender spindle and vertical axis), 8 rootstocks (M.9 T.337, M.9 Burgmer 984, Jork 9, B9, M.26, MM.106, MM.111 and B118), and 8 planting densities (3.6-4.5 x 0.75-1.75 m) with 2 varieties ('Jonathan Csany 1' and 'Sampion'). To aid the proper development of the trees a trellis system was constructed, and also a micro-sprinkler irrigation system installed. The objective of this trial is to select the best new, promising rootstocks -not yet used in Hungary- that best suits the natural conditions of the North-Eastern apple growing area of Hungary. We also want to know the influence of each rootstocks and training systems on the performance of the trees. In the first years after planting, growth of the cultivars on various rootstocks are presented.

Varying Density with Constant Rectangularity: I. Effects on Apple Tree Growth and Light Interception in Three Training Systems over Ten Years

The effect of increasing planting density at constant rectangularity on the vegetative growth and light interception of apple [Malus ×sylvestris (L) var. domestica (Borkh.) Mansf.] trees in three training systems (slender spindle, tall spindle, and Geneva Y trellis) was assessed for 10 years. Five tree densities (from 1125 to 3226 trees/ha) and two cultivars (Royal Gala and Summerland McIntosh) were tested in a fully guarded split-split plot design. Planting density was the most influential factor. As tree density increased, tree size decreased, and leaf area index and light interception increased. A planting density between 1800 and 2200 trees/ha (depending on training system) was needed to achieve at least 50% light interception under the conditions of this trial. Training system altered tree height and canopy diameter, but not total scion weight. Training system began to influence light interception in the sixth leaf, when the Y trellis system intercepted more light than either spindle form. Trees trained to the Y trellis tended to have more spurs and a lower proportion of total leaf area in shoot leaves than the other two systems. The slender and tall spindles were similar in most aspects of performance. Tall spindles did not intercept more light than slender spindles. `Royal Gala' and `Summerland McIntosh' trees intercepted about the same amount of light. `Royal Gala' had greater spur leaf area per tree than `Summerland McIntosh', but the cultivars were similar in shoot leaf area per tree and spur density.

Varying Density with Constant Rectangularity: II. Effects on Apple Tree Yield, Fruit Size, and Fruit Color Development in Three Training Systems over Ten Years

The effect of increasing planting density at constant rectangularity on the fruit yield, fruit size, and fruit color of apple [Malus ×sylvestris (L) var. domestica (Borkh.) Mansf.] in three training systems (slender spindle, tall spindle, and Geneva Y trellis) was assessed for 10 years. Five tree densities (from 1125 to 3226 trees/ha) and two cultivars (Royal Gala and Summerland McIntosh) were tested in a fully guarded split-split plot design. Density was the most influential factor. As tree density increased, per-tree yield decreased, but yield per unit area increased. The relation between cumulative yield per ha and tree density was linear at the outset of the trial, but soon became curvilinear, as incremental yield diminished with increasing tree density. The chief advantage of high density planting was a large increase in early fruit yield. In later years, reductions in cumulative yield efficiency, and in fruit color for `Summerland McIntosh', began to appear at the highest density. Training system had no influence on productivity for the first 5 years. During the second half of the trial, fruit yield per tree was greater for the Y trellis than for either spindle form at lower densities but not at higher densities. The slender and tall spindles were similar in nearly all aspects of performance, including yield. `Summerland McIntosh' yielded almost 40% less than `Royal Gala' and seemed more sensitive to the adverse effects of high tree density on fruit color.

Summer pruning effects on fruit size, fruit quality, return bloom and fine root survival in apple trees

SummaryWhile many undesirable effects of summer pruning on apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) growth and development have been reported, the results are inconsistent and difficult to interpret. This study resolves the inconsistency by supplying a model that integrates pruning effects with tree physiological crop load, i.e. canopy net carbohydrate exchange rate per fruit. Our previous study suggests that the potential impact of reducing canopy photosynthesis after summer pruning depends on the balance of carbohydrate supply and demand. To test the hypothesis that summer pruning affects carbohydrate balance, we measured fruit growth, fruit quality, return bloom, and root growth in 20 year old slender spindle ‘Empire’/M.9 apple trees in response to different severities of summer pruning. Results were interpreted in relation to pruning severity, fruit number per tree, and the physiological crop load. Within commercial cropping ranges, light and moderate summer pruning had slight influences on fruit size and fresh weight. Summer pruning did not affect fruit colour, soluble solids content, starch, firmness, and internal breakdown after storage. Summer pruning alone did not affect return bloom or root growth. However, the potential negative effects of summer pruning on fruit growth, return bloom, and fine root survival can be predicted through their relationships with physiological crop load. This study suggests that the carbohydrate supply and demand balance model feasibly explains summer pruning influences. In addition, the impact of carbohydrate shortage after summer pruning is likely to be mediated by the reduction in canopy transpiration. However, the interaction between canopy carbon balance and water status after summer pruning is also likely to be manipulated by annual weather pattern.

High-density Apple Orchard Performance on an Orchard Replant Site: An 11-year Summary

High-density apple (Malus domestica) orchard management techniques and productivity were evaluated on an old orchard replant site in North Carolina. Trees were planted at 5 × 10 ft (1.5 × 3.0 m), giving a tree density of 871 trees/acre (2152 trees/ha). Well-branched `Smoothee Golden Delicious' trees on `Mark' rootstock were planted in 1990. Orchard-management factors which increased cumulative yield were supplemental irrigation (+21%), slender spindle training (+19%), preplant tree-hole fumigation (+11%), and fumigation + postplant mefenoxam (Ridomil) collar drench (+17%). Collectively, these factors increased cumulative yield by 55%. Supplemental irrigation was the only treatment to significantly impact fruit quality, increasing average fruit size by 20% over the 11-year study.

Summer pruning reduces whole-canopy carbon fixation and transpiration in apple trees

SummaryCanopy size control is one of the major purposes of summer pruning. However, reducing canopy size might also result in less light interception, consequently decreasing canopy photosynthetic efficiency and carbohydrate production, which might lead to the imbalance of carbohydrate supply and fruit demand. To document the effectiveness of summer pruning on canopy control and the impact on canopy gas exchange, pruning treatments at four levels of intensity (unpruned, light, moderate, and severe) were carried out on mature ‘Empire’/M.9 slender spindle apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) on 30 July 1998 and 4 August 1999. Changes in canopy leaf area after summer pruning were estimated. Canopy net carbon exchange rate (NCER) and canopy transpiration before and after summer pruning were monitored. Canopy growth was suppressed by summer pruning and the post-pruning regrowth was insignificant. Canopy NCER was reduced in proportion to the amount of leaf area removed by summer pruning. The result suggests that commercial pruning intensity similar to the moderate to severe treatments in this study could cause a significant reduction in canopy NCER and carbohydrate production. In addition, canopy transpiration was reduced in proportion to pruning intensity. Lower water consumption and improved water status during the growing season after summer pruning might benefit fruit growth and relieve the potential detriment due to carbohydrate shortage.