Stem Bending Research Articles

Understanding the Changes in Anthocyanin Degradation, Ion Leakage and Malondialdehyde in the Ageing Petals of Cut Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) Cvs Stanza and Rosalin

The present investigation entitled understanding the changes in anthocyanin degradation, ion leakage and malondialdehyde in the ageing petals, during stem bending of cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) cvs Stanza and Rosalin were carried in the laboratory, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya during the year 2021-2022. The results of the present study revealed that anthocyanin content in the petals was recorded highest at no bending stage in both the cultivars and declined further till full bending stage. The highest anthocyanin (3.56 mg/g FW) was noted in cv Stanza at no bending stage. Whereas the ion leakage and malondialdehyde content gradually increased in both the cultivars as the senescence progressed to full bending stage from no bending stage. The highest ion leakage (78.32%) was noted in cv Rosalin at full bending stage and the highest malondialdehyde (323.51 nmol.ml-1) was noted in cv Stanza at the full bending stage.

Gradual potential induced by stem bending: Douglas-fir versus poplar

Gradual potential induced by stem bending: Douglas-fir versus poplar

PlLAC15 Facilitates Syringyl Lignin Deposition to Enhance Stem Strength in Herbaceous Peony

Stems are prone to bending or lodging due to inadequate stem strength, which seriously reduces the cut-flower ornamental quality of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.). Plant LACCASE (LAC), a copper-containing polyphenol oxidase, has been shown to participate in the polymerization process of monolignols; however, the role of LAC in regulating the stem strength of P. lactiflora remains unclear. Here, the full-length cDNA of PlLAC15, which demonstrated a positive association with stem strength, was isolated. It consisted of 1790 nucleotides, encoding 565 amino acids that had four typical laccase copper ion-binding domains. Moreover, PlLAC15 was highly expressed in the stem, and its expression level gradually significantly increased during stem development. Furthermore, PlLAC15 was found to be localized specifically to the cell wall, and its recombinant protein exhibited laccase activity. Additionally, the role of PlLAC15 in regulating the stem strength of P. lactiflora was confirmed by transgenic studies. When PlLAC15 was overexpressed in tobacco, stem strength increased by more than 50%, S-lignin was significantly deposited, and the lignification degree of stem xylem fiber cells increased. These results suggested that PlLAC15 facilitated S-lignin deposition to enhance stem strength in P. lactiflora, which would provide precious information that benefits future exploration of stem bending or lodging resistance in plants.

Water and Fertilizer Management Is an Important Way to Synergistically Enhance the Yield, Rice Quality and Lodging Resistance of Hybrid Rice.

This study comprehensively investigated the synergistic effects and underlying mechanisms of optimized water and fertilizer management on the yield, quality, and lodging resistance of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa), through a two-year field experiment. Two hybrid rice varieties, Xinxiangliangyou 1751 (XXLY1751) and Yueliangyou Meixiang Xinzhan (YLYMXXZ), were subjected to three irrigation methods (W1: wet irrigation, W2: flooding irrigation, W3: shallow-wet-dry irrigation) and four nitrogen fertilizer treatments (F1 to F4 with application rates of 0, 180, 225, and 270 kg ha-1, respectively). Our results revealed that the W1F3 treatment significantly enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) accumulation, laying a robust foundation for high yield and quality. NSC accumulation not only supported rice growth but also directly influenced starch and protein synthesis, ensuring smooth grain filling and significantly improving yield and quality. Moreover, NSC strengthened stem fullness and thickness, converting them into structural carbohydrates such as cellulose and lignin, which substantially increased stem mechanical strength and lodging resistance. Statistical analysis demonstrated that water and fertilizer treatments had significant main and interactive effects on photosynthetic rate, dry matter accumulation, yield, quality parameters, NSC, cellulose, lignin, and stem bending resistance. This study reveals the intricate relationship between water and fertilizer management and NSC dynamics, providing valuable theoretical and practical insights for high-yield and high-quality cultivation of hybrid rice, significantly contributing to the sustainable development of modern agriculture.

Optimized nitrogen and potassium fertilizers application increases stem lodging resistance and grain yield of oil flax by enhancing lignin biosynthesis

The lodging issue is a significant factor that hinders the enhancement of oil flax production efficiency in northern China. Crop lodging or not, and lignin content in the stems are closely related, and how nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilization interaction regulate lignin biosynthesis in the stems of oil flax requires further in-depth study. Therefore, the research aims to enhance the lodging resistance and facilitate an increased yield of oil flax. We are examined the interaction of different nitrogen fertilizers (75, 150, and 225 kg N ha-1) and potassium fertilizers (60 and 90 kg K2O ha-1) on oil flax lignin metabolism, lodging resistance, and grain yield in 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. The results indicated that nitrogen and potassium fertilizer levels and their interaction treatments are facilitated lignin accumulation, achievement of lodging resistance and high yield. Compared to CK, the 75-150 kg N ha-1 in combination with 60 kg K2O ha-1 treatments significantly enhanced the enzyme activities (TAL, PAL, POD, and CAD) and the gene expressions (4CL1 and F5H3) for lignin syntheses, lignin content dramatically increased 29.63-43.30%, improved stem bending strength and lodging resistance index, and grain yield increased 23.27-32.34%. Correlation analysis indicated that nitrogen and potassium fertilizer positively regulated the relative enzyme activities and genes expression for lignin to facilitated lignin biosynthesis and accumulation, and enhanced stem bending strength and lodging resistance index. Positive correlations were found among the relative enzyme activities and gene expressions for lignin, lodging resistance and grain yield. To summarize, 75-150 kg N ha-1 in conjunction with 60 kg K2O ha-1 treatment was promoted to lignin biosynthesis and accumulation, enhanced the lodging resistance and grain yield of oil flax in the dryland farming region of central Gansu. Furthermore, it served as a technical guide for cultivating stress tolerance and high-yield oil flax in the dryland farming region.

S2CPL: A novel method of the harvest evaluation and subsoil 3D cutting-Point location for selective harvesting of green asparagus

Robotic selective harvesting is an ideal method for bionic manual harvest of green asparagus. However, the harvesting robot encounters difficulties in evaluating the suitable harvest due to the tilt and bending of the long stem, as well as determining the precise location of the subsoil cutting-point to prevent damage from bacteria on the cutting surface. This paper proposed the S2CPL model to address the challenges of the harvest evaluation and 3D localization of subsoil cutting-point for selective harvesting of green asparagus in field conditions. Firstly, an RGB-D sensor was used to acquire images and depth information of green asparaguses. Secondly, the improved YOLOv8 by introduced lightweight convolution and attention mechanisms in the feature fusion module to enhance the segmentation accuracy. Thirdly, a 3D morphology extraction method was proposed to calculate the length and diameter of green asparagus by utilizing the image mask fusion with depth information. Finally, harvest evaluation and subsoil 3D cutting-point location were achieved for robotic selective harvesting. In addition, the RGB-D sensor posture was optimized. The test results showed that the Intersection over Union (IoU) of green asparagus segmentation with S2CPL reaches 98.0 %, which outperforms YOLOv5 + uNet, YOLOv7 + uNet and YOLOv8-tiny by 5.60 %, 4.59 % and 1.34 % respectively. The average detection time per image was only 2.0 ms, and the GFLOPS was improved by 23.90 %, 88.49 % and 7.63 % compared with other models. The relative error of the length and diameter were less than 2.98 % and 2.15 %, respectively. The accuracy of location the subsoil cutting-point is more than 99.0 %, and the horizontal positioning error and depth positioning error of cutting-points were less than 6.0 mm and 7.4 mm. The proposed model is of strong robustness even dealing with partial occlusion and motion blur and is suitable with limited computing power to meet the needs of Robotic selective harvesting.

Optimizing biomass allocation for optimum balance of seed yield and lodging resistance in rapeseed

ContextDense planting can boost achievable yields in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). But it aggravates the lodging risk that is often associated with high–yielding cropping systems. ObjectivesThis research aimed to assess the agronomic performance of rapeseed in terms of yield and lodging related attributes under various planting densities. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of electrical measurements i.e., root capacitance (EC) and impedance (EI) for predicting root morphology and lodging resistance was also evaluated. MethodsThis study comprised two rapeseed varieties (Qinyou7: a lodging susceptible; Shanyou28: a lodging resistant) which were grown in four planting densities (15, 30, 45 and 60 plants m–2) across four site-year environments. Data on various agronomic parameters were recorded including seed yield, root and stem morphology and lodging resistance. Results and conclusionsWith an increase in planting density from 15 to 60 plants m–2, the seed yields of variety Qinyou7 and Shanyou28 were increased by 67 % and 56 %, respectively. However, a tradeoff of seed yield with lodging resistance was evidenced in lodging susceptible variety Qinyou7. It tended to invest more biomass in the siliques to maximize seed yield, which led to reduced stem bending strength (Ss) and weaker root anchorage strength (Sr), thus making plants more prone to lodging (in terms of lower safety factor, SF). Conversely, the lodging resistant Shanyou28 allocated a greater amount of photosynthates to the stems and roots to enhance its lodging resistance by maintaining higher Ss and Sr, thus compromising on a part of its seed yield. Large diameter of the root–soil cone and robust roots can be considered as critical traits for selecting lodging resistant varieties due to their strong correlation with Sr, and other lodging associated root morphological traits. Both EC and EI measurements were closely linked with seed yield, root–related traits, and SF. ImplicationsWe strongly recommend exploiting these electrical measurements as a quick, low–cost, non-destructive, and efficient technique for predicting seed yield and lodging susceptibility of rapeseed.

Effects of narrow-wide row planting patterns on canopy photosynthetic characteristics, bending resistance and yield of soybean in maize‒soybean intercropping systems

With the improvements in mechanization levels, it is difficult for the traditional intercropping planting patterns to meet the needs of mechanization. In the traditional maize‒soybean intercropping, maize has a shading effect on soybean, which leads to a decrease in soybean photosynthetic capacity and stem bend resistance, resulting in severe lodging, which greatly affects soybean yield. In this study, we investigated the effects of three intercropping ratios (four rows of maize and four rows of soybean; four rows of maize and six rows of soybean; six rows of maize and six rows of soybean) and two planting patterns (narrow-wide row planting pattern of 80–50 cm and uniform-ridges planting pattern of 65 cm) on soybean canopy photosynthesis, stem bending resistance, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and related enzyme activities. Compared with the uniform-ridge planting pattern, the narrow-wide row planting pattern significantly increased the LAI, PAR, light transmittance and compound yield by 6.06%, 2.49%, 5.68% and 5.95%, respectively. The stem bending resistance and cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and PAL, TAL and CAD activities were also significantly increased. Compared with those under the uniform-ridge planting pattern, these values increased by 7.74%, 3.04%, 8.42%, 9.76%, 7.39%, 10.54% and 8.73% respectively. Under the three intercropping ratios, the stem bending resistance, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin content and PAL, TAL, and CAD activities in the M4S6 treatment were significantly greater than those in the M4S4 and M6S6 treatments. Compared with the M4S4 treatment, these variables increased by 12.05%, 11.09%, 21.56%, 11.91%, 18.46%, 16.1%, and 16.84%, respectively, and compared with the M6S6 treatment, they increased by 2.06%, 2.53%, 2.78%, 2.98%, 8.81%, 4.59%, and 4.36%, respectively. The D-M4S6 treatment significantly improved the lodging resistance of soybean and weakened the negative impact of intercropping on soybean yield. Therefore, based on the planting pattern of narrow-wide row maize‒soybean intercropping planting pattern, four rows of maize and six rows of soybean were more effective at improving the lodging resistance of soybean in the semiarid region of western China.

The Potential Role of Zinc and Silicon in Improving Grain Yield and Lodging Resistance of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Understanding the agronomic interventions that ensure higher crop yields and minimize their chances of failure is critical for meeting global nutritional demands. Rice is a staple food crop that is prone to lodging risk, particularly when higher yields are desired. The potential role of a combined application of Zinc (Zn) and Silicon (Si) in determining the grain yield and lodging resistance has been rarely investigated under field conditions. Thus, field trials were carried out to evaluate the grain yield and lodging resistance of rice at two different locations i.e., Qionghai and Wuzhishan, under three levels of Zn (0, 40, and 80 kg ha−1) and Si (0, 120, and 240 kg ha−1). The results showed that Zn application at the rates of 40 and 80 kg ha−1 increased rice yield by 9% and 5% at Qionghai, and by 5% and 6% at Wuzhishan, respectively. The improved grain yield due to Zn application could be attributed to the increased panicles m−2, splikelets m−2, and aboveground biomass. Meanwhile, Zn failed to show any remarkable impact on stem and root lodging susceptibility. Conversely, no significant influence of applying Si on grain yield was observed, while its application at the rates of 120 and 240 kg Si ha−1 enhanced the stem and root lodging resistance (denoted by their respective safety factors, for stem (SFs) and for root (SFr) by 32% and 22% at Qionghai, and by 11% and 34% at Wuzhishan, respectively, compared to zero Si application. The improved lodging resistance in terms of SFs and SFr could be ascribed to the increased stem bending strength and anchorage strength, while self-weight moment of whole plant decreased. In summary, a beneficial role of Si in lodging resistance and Zn in yield enhancement were evidenced in the present study across the two sites. It can be concluded that by combining 40 kg Zn ha−1 with 120 kg Si ha−1, both grain yield and lodging resistance could be simultaneously improved in rice crops.

Effects of straw return with potassium fertilizer on the stem lodging resistance, grain quality and yield of spring maize (Zea mays L.)

This experiment aimed to study the effects of straw return combined with potassium fertilizer on stem lodging resistance, grain quality, and yield of spring maize. The objective was to provide a scientific basis for the rational utilization of Inner Mongolia spring maize straw and potassium fertilizer resources. The test material used was ‘Xianyu 335’, and the study was conducted in three ecological regions from east to west of Inner Mongolia (Tumochuan Plain Irrigation Area, Hetao Plain Irrigation Area, and Lingnan Warm Dry Zone). A split-plot design was employed, with the straw return method as the main plot and potassium fertilizer dosage as the secondary plot. We determined the stem resistance index, grain quality, and yield. The results showed that both straw return and potassium application improved stem lodging resistance, grain quality, and maize yield. Combining straw return with the reasonable application of potassium fertilizer enhanced the effectiveness of potassium fertilizer, increased lodging resistance, maize yield, and improved grain quality and yield stability. Under the straw return treatment, with potassium application compared to no potassium application, significant increases were observed in maize plant height, stem diameter, dry weight of stems, stem compressive strength, stem bending strength, grain protein content, yield, straw potassium accumulation content, and soil available potassium content. These increases were up to 30.79 cm, 2.63 mm, 15.40 g, 74.93 N/mm2, 99.65 N/mm2, 13.68%, 3142.43 kg/hm2, 57.97 kg/hm2, and 19.80 mg/kg, respectively. Therefore, the interaction of straw return and potassium fertilizer was found to be the most effective measure for maintaining high-yield and stress-resistant cultivation, improving grain quality, and optimizing the management of straw and potassium fertilizer resources. This approach is suitable for promotion and application in the spring maize growing areas of Inner Mongolia.

Flexure wood formation via growth reprogramming in hybrid aspen involves jasmonates and polyamines and transcriptional changes resembling tension wood development.

Stem bending in trees induces flexure wood but its properties and development are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of low-intensity multidirectional stem flexing on growth and wood properties of hybrid aspen, and on its transcriptomic and hormonal responses. Glasshouse-grown trees were either kept stationary or subjected to several daily shakes for 5 wk, after which the transcriptomes and hormones were analyzed in the cambial region and developing wood tissues, and the wood properties were analyzed by physical, chemical and microscopy techniques. Shaking increased primary and secondary growth and altered wood differentiation by stimulating gelatinous-fiber formation, reducing secondary wall thickness, changing matrix polysaccharides and increasing cellulose, G- and H-lignin contents, cell wall porosity and saccharification yields. Wood-forming tissues exhibited elevated jasmonate, polyamine, ethylene and brassinosteroids and reduced abscisic acid and gibberellin signaling. Transcriptional responses resembled those during tension wood formation but not opposite wood formation and revealed several thigmomorphogenesis-related genes as well as novel gene networks including FLA and XTH genes encoding plasma membrane-bound proteins. Low-intensity stem flexing stimulates growth and induces wood having improved biorefinery properties through molecular and hormonal pathways similar to thigmomorphogenesis in herbaceous plants and largely overlapping with the tension wood program of hardwoods.

Identification and estimation of lodging in bread wheat genotypes using machine learning predictive algorithms

BackgroundLodging or stem bending decreases wheat yield quality and quantity. Thus, the traits reflected in early lodging wheat are helpful for early monitoring to some extent. In order to identify the superior genotypes and compare multiple linear regression (MLR) with support vector regression (SVR), artificial neural network (ANN), and random forest regression (RF) for predicting lodging in Iranian wheat accessions, a total of 228 wheat accessions were cultivated under field conditions in an alpha-lattice experiment, randomized incomplete block design, with two replications in two cropping seasons (2018–2019 and 2019–2020). To measure traits, a total of 20 plants were isolated from each plot and were measured using image processing.ResultsThe lodging score index (LS) had the highest positive correlation with plant height (r = 0.78**), Number of nodes (r = 0.71**), and internode length 1 (r = 0.70**). Genotypes were classified into four groups based on heat map output. The most lodging-resistant genotypes showed a lodging index of zero or close to zero. The findings revealed that the RF algorithm provided a more accurate estimate (R2 = 0.887 and RMSE = 0.091 for training data and R2 = 0.768 and RMSE = 0.124 for testing data) of wheat lodging than the ANN and SVR algorithms, and its robustness was as good as ANN but better than SVR.ConclusionOverall, it seems that the RF model can provide a helpful predictive and exploratory tool to estimate wheat lodging in the field. This work can contribute to the adoption of managerial approaches for precise and non-destructive monitoring of lodging.

The Extension of Vase Life in Cut Gerbera Flowers through Pretreatment with Gibberellin A3 in Combination with Calcium Chloride

The effect of pretreatment with gibberellin A3 (GA3) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the vase life of cut gerbera ‘Minou’ was investigated. Cut gerbera flowers were treated with GA3 and/or CaCl2 for 24 h and then transferred to an antimicrobial solution. Pretreatment with GA3 at 0, 29, 72, 144, and 289 µM delayed the opening of the tubular florets and promoted stem bending due to elongation of the flower stems, which shortened vase life. When cut gerbera was pretreated with 144 µM GA3 in combination with CaCl2 at 90, 180, 270, and 360 mM, stem elongation was suppressed with the increasing concentration of CaCl2. Next, the effect of pretreatment with 144 µM GA3, 270 mM CaCl2, and their combination on the vase life of the cut gerbera was investigated. Combined treatment with GA3 and CaCl2 significantly extended vase life more than GA3 alone and CaCl2 alone. The vase life of the cut gerbera ‘Banana’, ‘Kimsey’, ‘Pinta’, ‘Tim’, and ‘Vivid’ was significantly extended by pretreatment with 144 µM GA3 and 270 mM CaCl2. It was concluded that combined treatment with GA3 and CaCl2 was effective in extending the vase life of the cut gerbera.

Transcriptome and hormone metabolome reveal the mechanism of stem bending in water lily (Nymphaea tetragona) cut-flowers.

Water lilies are popular ornamental cut-flowers with significant economic and cultural value. However, stem bending affects the preservation of cut-flowers during their vase life. To gain further insights into the molecular mechanisms of stem bending, transcriptome profiling, hormone measurement, and morphological analysis were performed using the stems of the 'Blue Bird' water lily. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 607 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with the dorsal and ventral stems of the water lily, of which 247 were up-regulated and 360 were down-regulated. Significant differences in genes associated with plant hormones, calcium ions, glucose metabolism, and photosynthesis pathways genes involved in the dorsal and ventral areas of the curved stem. In particular, DEGs were associated with the hormone synthesis, gravity response, starch granules, Ca2+ ions, and photosynthesis. The results of qRT-PCR were consistent with that of the transcriptome sequence analysis. A total of 12 hormones were detected, of which abscisic acid, indole-3-carboxaldehyde, indole-3-carboxaldehyde and jasmonic acid were significantly differentially expressed in the dorsal and ventral stems, and were significantly higher in the dorsal stem than in the ventral stem. The cell morphology in the dorsal and ventral areas of the curved stem clearly changed during vase life. The direction of starch granule settlement was consistent with the bending direction of the water lily stem, as well as the direction of gravity. In conclusion, stem bending in water lily cut-flowers is regulated by multiple factors and genes. This study provides an important theoretical basis for understanding the complex regulatory mechanism of water lily stem bending.

Anatomical observation and transcriptome analysis of branch-twisted mutations in Chinese jujube

BackgroundPlant organs grow in a certain direction and organ twisted growth, a rare and distinctive trait, is associated with internal structure changes and special genes. The twisted branch mutant of Chinese jujube jujube, an important fruit tree native to China and introduced to nearly 50 countries, provides new typical materials for exploration of plant twisted growth.ResultsIn this study, the cytological characteristics and related genes of twisted branches in Chinese jujube were revealed by microscopy observation and transcriptome analysis. The unique coexistence of primary and secondary structures appeared in the twisted parts of branches, and special structures such as collateral bundle, cortical bundles, and internal phloem were formed. Ninety differentially expressed genes of ‘Dongzao’ and its twisted mutant were observed, in which ZjTBL43, ZjFLA11, ZjFLA12 and ZjIQD1 were selected as candidate genes. ZjTBL43 was homologous to AtTBL43 in Arabidopsis, which was involved in the synthesis and deposition of cellular secondary wall cellulose. The attbl43 mutant showed significant inflorescence stem bending growth. The transgenic lines of attbl43 with overexpression of ZjTBL43 were phenotypically normal.The branch twisted growth may be caused by mutations in ZjTBL43 in Chinese jujube. AtIQD10, AtFLA11 and AtFLA12 were homologous to ZjIQD1, ZjFLA11 and ZjFLA12, respectively. However, the phenotype of their function defect mutants was normal.ConclusionIn summary, these findings will provide new insights into the plant organ twisted growth and a reference for investigation of controlling mechanisms of plant growth direction.

Stem bending in cut gerbera under the condition of suppressing bacterial proliferation is associated with the weakening of the stem strength

Bacterial proliferation causes stem bending, which shortens the vase life of cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hook. F.). We investigated the effect of an antimicrobial compound on the symptoms of ornamental value loss using 8 gerbera cultivars. In five different cultivars, the vase life of 11–44% and 11% cut flowers held in distilled water and antimicrobial solution, respectively, was terminated by stem bending. To explore in detail variations in the occurrence of stem bending under condition in which bacterial proliferation is suppressed, the occurrence of stem bending was investigated using cut flowers from 31 cultivars in the presence of the antimicrobial compound. The occurrence of stem bending varied significantly between cultivars. Following that, the stem diameter, stem elongation, and maximum breaking strength of stems were investigated using ‘Kentucky’, which is prone to stem bending, and ‘Kimsey’, which is less prone to it. The flower stem diameter of ‘Kentucky’ became smaller than that of ‘Kimsey’. In addition, the maximum breaking strength of the stem became lower in ‘Kentucky’ compared to ‘Kimsey’. Treatment with calcium chloride (CaCl2) suppressed the occurrence of stem bending in ‘Kentucky’. In ‘Kentucky’ and ‘Kimsey’, CaCl2 treatment suppressed transpiration and increased stem diameter and maximum breaking strength. These results suggest stem bending in cut gerbera ‘Kentucky’ may be caused by a decrease in flower stem diameter and a weakening of stem strength under conditions of suppressing bacterial proliferation.

Effect of the pectin contents and nanostructure on the stem straightness of two Paeonia lactiflora cultivars.

Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is an ancient ornamental crop and, in recent decades, an emerging popular cut flower. Straight stems are a vital criterion for cut herbaceous peony selection, while many cultivars bend as the plant develops. Pectin helps maintain the mechanical strength of the cell wall. However, little is known about its role in the stem bending of herbaceous peony. Two herbaceous peony cultivars with contrasting stem morphologies ('Dong Fang Shao Nv', upright; 'Lan Tian Piao Xiang', bending gradually) at five developmental stages were used as materials to investigate the effects of pectin content and nanostructure on straightness using the carbazole colorimetric method and atomic force microscopy observations. The contents of water-soluble pectin (WSP), CDTA-soluble pectin (CSP), and sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (SSP) differed significantly between the two cultivars, and the contents and angle of the flower and branch showed correlations. For the pectin nanostructure, WSP showed agglomerates and long chains, with a higher proportion of broad agglomerates at the later stages of the bending cultivar than the upright cultivar. CSP showed branched chains, and the proportion of broad chains was higher in the upright cultivar at later stages, while CSP shape changed from agglomerates to chains in the bending cultivar. SSP mainly consisted of short linear main chains, and side chains in the upright stem were stacked, and the bent cultivar had more broad and short chains. It can be concluded that the contents, nanometric shape, and size of the three kinds of pectin are highly likely to affect herbaceous peony stem straightness. This study provides a theoretical basis for the role of pectin in the production and breeding of herbaceous peony cut flowers.

Effect of calcium chloride and floral preservatives in the vase life of gerbera cut flower

Postharvest loss of cut flower at all the stakeholders in Nepal before reaching consumer is about 20-25% in Nepal. The major problem in gerbera for its vase life is stem or scape bending. This study was aimed to assess the effect of calcium chloride and different floral preservatives in the vase life and to evaluate the quality of different varieties of gerbera cut flower. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design in the controlled lab of Central Agricultural Laboratory located at Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur at 17±2 ˚C temperature, 55 ± 2% relative humidity (RH) and 100 lux light. The study revealed that among two varieties, Rosalin, a light pink variety of gerbera was found to be better with prolonged vase life. Rosalin showed the longest vase life (14.05 days) with higher solution uptake (13.97 mL) and recorded minimum stem bending (43.8˚) on 15th day of vase life. Among ten different vase solutions, 4% sucrose + 1% calcium chloride (18.25 days), 4% sucrose + 0.5% calcium chloride (16.58 days) and 0.5% calcium chloride (16.25 days) were found the most effective vase solutions to prolong the vase life of gerbera cut flower as compared to control (7.67 days). Vase life solution of 4% sucrose + 1% calcium chloride is a potential commercial preservative solution to improve the keeping quality and vase life of cut gerbera. To conclude, calcium treatment along with a carbohydrate in a vase solution improves the vase life of gerbera cut flower.

Impact of simulated hail damage at different growth stages and canopy positions on rainfed and irrigated winter wheat

AbstractProducers and crop insurance providers will benefit from an accurate assessment of yield reduction after hailstorms that considers crop management, weather, growth stage, and impacted part of crop (hail affected canopy position). But, limited information is available. The main objectives of this study were to quantify wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield losses associated with simulated hail damage timing and canopy position. The study was conducted in two locations (Garden City [irrigated], and Manhattan [rainfed]) in Kansas, from 2018 to 2020 and 2016 to 2018, respectively. Treatments were an incomplete factorial combination of stem bending at seven flowering stages, above or below the flag leaf and a nontreated control. Results of the study indicated 11%–22% wheat yield reduction due to simulated hail damage above the flag leaf and 32%–52% due to hail impact below the flag leaf under irrigated conditions. Within the high‐yielding rainfed environment, hail damage caused up to 20% yield reduction compared with the control. In rainfed and low‐yielding environments, the impact of hail damage was mainly dependent on the growth stage of wheat at hail occurrence. Hail damage at Feekes 11.2–11.4 stages decreased yield by 20%–50% from the rainfed control. Hail damage at Feekes 10.0–10.5.4 decreased yield by 50%–70% from the rainfed control. We provide empirical evidence that indicates hail damage on wheat is dependent on the interaction effect of in‐season crop water management, weather, canopy position and crop growth stage, and estimates of yield loss due to hail should consider these factors.

АДАПТИВНІСТЬ ТА АГРОЕКОЛОГІЧНА СТІЙКІСТЬ СКОРОСТИГЛИХ СОРТІВ СОЇ

The growing season of ultra-fast ripening and fast ripening soybean varieties comprises 83-85 days. 17 ultra-fast and fast ripening soybean varieties were included in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine Suitable for Cultivation in 2021. The growing season for the majority of them is 85 days. However, it is shorter for Diona – 83 days and Arnica – 84 days. The height of plants of fast ripening soybean varieties differs greatly – from 58 cm to 110 cm. Arrata is the highest variety – 110 cm, Rohiznianka and Rizdviana are 81 cm each, OAC Avatar and Diona – 80 cm each. The height of the lower beans attachment of fast ripening soybean varieties is 10-16 cm from the soil surface. OAC Brooke has the highest attachment of lower beans – 16 cm. It is followed by Rohiznianka – 15 cm, Kobza and OAC Avatar – 14 cm each. Resistance to lodging is an indicator that determines if a plant can be cut completely without its stem bending over. Aventurine, OAC Lakeview, Hieba and Berkana have the highest level of resistance to lodging and received 9 points each; OAC Avatar, Rohiznianka, Holubka got 8.9 points each. All fast ripening soybean varieties have high resistance to seed shedding – 7-9 points. The most drought-resistant varieties include OAC Lakeview, Hieba, Berkana – they got 9 points each. The most disease-resistant soybean varieties are Aventurine, Kobza, Diona, Arrata, Rohiznianka, Arnica – they received 9 points each. The seed yield of fast ripening soybean varieties is 2-3.25 t/ha. Diona has the highest yield – 3.25 t/ha followed by Arrata – 3 t/ha. The least productive varieties are Rohiznianka – 2 t/ha, OAC Brooke – 2.03 t/ha, Kobza – 2.14 t/ha. Soy varieties with the highest protein content in seeds include Berkana – 43.4%, Raiduha – 42.3%, Holubka and Melody – 42.1% each. The seeds of Arrata have the lowest protein content – 38%. It is followed by Legend and Diona – 38.5% each, and then Kobza – 39.1%. As for the fat content, Hieba is leading – 22%, followed by OAC Lakeview – 21.7% and Holubka – 21.6%. The seeds of Krasunia have the lowest fat content – 19.3% followed by Arnica – 20.5% and Melody – 20 .6%.