Stem Length Research Articles

Optimizing rice-fish co-culture: Investigating the impact of rice spacing density on biochemical profiles and production of genetically modified tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) and Cyprinus carpio.

Rice fish co-culture synergistically boosts food production, resulting in numerous advantages across the environmental, social, and financial domains. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of three different rice spacing densities, rice high density (RHD) 9inch×12inch, rice medium density (RMD) 12inch × 12inch, rice low density (RLD) 15inch×12inchon both rice and fish. Various parameters were assessed to evaluate the performance of the co-culture system, including water quality, growth parameters, muscle quality, soil characteristics, rice stem characteristics, and rice yield parameters. When comparing the species, it was observed that GMT (Genetically Male Tilapia) demonstrated superior weight gain (303.13g vs 296.41g) and specific growth rate (1.16 vs 1.15). Regarding the proximate composition, results showed that RMD had the highest crude protein and fat content compared to RLD and RHD. GMT also exhibited greater crude protein and fat content than Cyprinus carpio, with RMD showing the highest values. Treatment groups significantly influenced the amino acid profile of experimental species, with RMD exhibiting the highest values. GMT showed significantly higher levels of essential, non-essential, half-essential, and umami amino acids compared to Cyprinus carpio. The interaction between RMD and GMT further demonstrated significant differences in various amino acid categories with RMD. A non-significant difference was observed among the treatments regarding soil biochemical characteristics. Regarding the rice stem characters, the height of the plant, panicle length, and stem length of rice were found to be comparable in the RMD and RLD groups however, significantly higher in RHD. Regarding rice yield parameters, no significant differences were observed among the other treatment groups, except for yield per hectare (yield/ha), which was significantly higher in the RHD group compared to RMD and RLD. Additionally, 1000-grain weight and panicle number (ears per hill) were significantly higher in the RLD treatment than in the other treatments. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the RMD treatment consistently yielded superior results compared to RLD and RHD. Furthermore, within the rice-fish co-culture system, GMT proved to be a more competent species compared to Cyprinus carpio. The study provides data to understand the interactions between rice spacing density, fish growth and overall productivity can guide the development of sustainable and profitable rice-fish co-culture systems.

The Effect of Applying Cow Dung Manure on Plant Growth and Yield Honey Gray (Cucurbita moschata L.)

This study aims to examine the effect of cow manure on the growth and yield of pumpkin honey (Cucurbita moschata L.). This research has been carried out in the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Tridinanti University located in Pulau Semambu Village, North Indralaya District, Ogan Ilir Regency, South Sumatra Province. The study has been conducted from April 2023 to July 2023. The method used in this study is an experimental method, using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 5 (five) treatments and 5 (five) repeats. Each unit consists of 20 plants so that the plants studied are 500 plants. The treatment in this study was P0 (without cow dung manure), P1 (10 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 300 g per plant), P2 (20 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 600 g per plant) P3 (30 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 900 g per plant) and P4 (40 tons of cow dung manure per hectare equivalent to 1,200 g per plant). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the application of cow dung manure has a good effect on the growth and yield of honey gourd plants. The application of cow dung manure P2 (20 tons/ha) resulted in the main length of the 1st month as high as 187.62 cm, the length of the main stem of the 2nd month as high as 327.16 cm, the length of the main trunk of the 3rd month as high as 367.36 cm, the number of primary branches 2.33 branches, flowering age 37 hst, the number of female flowers 63.30%, dry weight of plants 53.09 g, the number of fruits per plant 1.18 pieces, Fruit weight per plant 1.12 kg and fruit weight per plot 12.71 kg.

Hydroperiod modulates early growth and biomass partitioning in Rhizophora mangle L.

In mangrove forests, the hydroperiod is strongly related to tidal dynamics, where the periodic oceanic water movement regulates the level, duration, and frequency of the flooding events. In fringe mangrove forests, Rhizophora mangle propagules deal with variable hydroperiod conditions that sometimes compromise their survival. To disentangle the combined effects of duration and intensity of flooding on physiological and growth variables, we imposed a continuous experiment with three levels of flooding and four flooding durations on seedlings of R. mangle. We collected data at 3 and 6.5 months after exposure to the treatments. Propagule reserves allowed plants to evade the effects of the flood level after a 3-month treatment period. After a 6.5-month exposure, physiology and growth were modulated by the flooding time. Individual plants had higher stem length and lower root and total biomass at prolonged and high flooding levels compared to any other flooding combinations. In both ages, the highest total plant biomass was exhibited in the medium flooding levels and 6 h flooding duration. The plasticity index was higher for morphological and biomass variables than for physiological variables. The high morphological plasticity of R. mangle plants constitutes a competitive advantage to colonize flooded sites in fringed mangrove areas. Our results identify schemes to improve the success of mangrove restoration plans, a critical tool for carbon sequestration and ecosystem service provision.

Investigation of the use of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis and Cladophora glomerata algae in Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom) cultivation to increase growth and yield

This study was conducted with three replicates using three different doses of Cladophora glomerata and Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis algae (C. glomerata dry weight dose 10 g, 25 g, and 50 g; A. platensis dry weight dose 5 g, 12.5 g, and 25 g ) in order to develop and determine the most suitable growing media for Agaricus bisporus species. Between 28.04.2021 and 10.07.2021, research trials were conducted in a private mushroom production enterprise in Korkuteli District of Antalya Province. The composts in which the seed mushroom mycelia of "Amycel Company" were planted and inoculated were obtained from "SMS Ersanlar Compost Company" in this district. During the research, some distinguishing characteristics of mushroom quality such as mushroom yield, average mushroom weight, mushroom cap and stem weights, mushroom cap diameter, and height, mushroom stem diameter and length, total mushroom length, dry weight, ash weight, and pH were analyzed. It was observed that Algae treatments to composts generally gave better results than the control group. Cld 250 and Spr 250 application doses increased the total mushroom yield by 7% and 15%, respectively.

Effect of indole butyric acid on the propagation of Hylocereus undatus "pitahaya" under greenhouse conditions

Hylocereus undatus "pitahaya", is a tropical species of cactus that has been established throughout Latin America. Its fruit is considered a potential nutraceutical food because it provides numerous beneficial antioxidant and probiotic properties for health. Reason for which its cultivation has increased both for the national and international market, one of the main limitations being the rapid propagation and establishment of the cuttings. Given this, it was proposed as a research objective to determine the effect of indole butyric acid on the propagation of Hylocereus undatus "pitahaya", as a promoter of root growth. In the greenhouse, stems of mother plants were used, which were subjected to different doses of IBA (0, 5000, 10000 mg/L). A completely randomized design was used, evaluating the longest root length, number of primary roots, root mass weight, root dry weight, stem weight and stem length. The data were analyzed using the software R version 4.1.2, showing the not existence of significant differences between the treatments. It is concluded that treatment 1, constituted by 0 mg/L of IBA, is the best, since a better response was evidenced in relation to the greater root length, number of primary roots and root mass weight, in the same way. for weight and stem length of H. undatus "pitahaya". Therefore, for its propagation the use of indole butyric acid is not essential.

Evaluation of breeding forms and varieties of hybrid clover of different geographical origin in the conditions of the Central Black Earth Region

The aim of the research was to evaluate wild forms of hybrid clover (Trifolium hybridum L.) of di erent geographical origin in the year of sowing (the rst year of herbage life), in comparison with varieties, under conditions of unstable moisture in the Central Black Earth region. We studied 20 varieties and wild forms - varieties Novator (standard), Pervenets, Fregat, wild forms from the North- West, Central, Volgo- Vyatsky, Central Black Earth regions, Tatarstan, Chuvashia, Canada, etc.). The research was conducted in Belgorod region in two plots of collection nurseries in 2022-2023 on typical chernozem. The highest dry matter yield in the year of sowing (0.411…0.504 kg/m2) on average for two years possessed varieties Novator (standard) and Pervenets, as well as wild forms from Canada VIC 8, Tatarstan - VIC № 753, Moscow - M-2/21 and Belgorod - B-2/20 regions. The form M-2/21 is of particular value. With dry matter yield in the year of sowing in 2022 at the level of the standard (0.416 kg/m2) in 2023 the number provided a yield of 0.672 kg/m2, significantly exceeding the standard by 0.165 kg/m2, or 32.5 %. On average for two years, the samples showed signi cant morphological dissimilarity and variation in length of one stem (43.1…57.6 cm), weight of one stem (1.6…3.5 g), obliquity (26.5…50.1 %). When evaluating the forms of hybrid clover by productivity in the year of sowing, the most reliable evaluation traits include stem length (r=0.514) and stem weight (r=0.599), the degree of anthocyanin colouration of the stem (r=0.501) and leaf area (r=0.521).

Time will tell: Taxonomic and functional diversity of monilophyte ferns in native forests and abandoned silviculture systems

AbstractDifferent forest systems can influence the function, traits, diversity, and distribution of ferns. By comparing ferns based on their functional traits, we can explore how species loss affects functional diversity, and consequently alter the forest ecosystem. We investigated the impact of abandoned silviculture on fern diversity (taxonomic and functional) and abundance. Our hypothesis suggests a positive effect of nutrients and soil humidity in native forests, while canopy openness in silviculture has a negative effect on monilophyte diversity. This study was conducted in three sites of native forest and three sites of Pinus silviculture. Each site was subdivided into three areas, with three plots per area, resulting in 54 plots (3 sites × 3 areas × 3 plots × 2 forest types). Each plot covered an area of 100 m2 (10 m × 10 m; 5400 m2 in total). In each plot, we estimated abundance, functional attributes (richness, evenness, divergence, and dispersion) based on leaf thickness, leaf width, petiole length, stem length, leaf division, sori shape, indusium presence, and taxonomic diversity. Results indicate that native forest exhibit higher taxonomic and functional diversity (richness—Fric) compared to abandoned Pinus plantations, which may be attributed to high habitat diversity and species specialization in specific microhabitats. In silviculture, diversity homogenization leads to an increase in the redundancy of functional attributes (evenness—Feve), resulting in the filtering out of similar organisms. Abiotic factors such as light and canopy openness negatively influence plant establishment and growth, leading to a decrease in leaf division and indusium presence/absence (by CWMs), supporting niche complementarity theory in natural forest and mass ratio theory in silviculture. Our findings highlight the enduring negative impact of silviculture, even after 20 years, on both the taxonomic and functional diversity of monilophytes, underscoring the crucial role of native forests in preserving fern diversity.

Germination and Seedling Development Performances of Some Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Cultivars Under Salinity Stress

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of different salt concentrations on the germination and seedling development parameters of some grain and forage soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) cultivars. The study was conducted under controlled conditions in the Field Crops Laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture in Siirt University. The subject of the research consists of different salt concentrations (S0= 0, S1= 50, S2= 100, S3= 150, and S4= 200 mM NaCl) applied to four different soybean cultivars (Adasoy, Nazlıcan, Yeşilsoy, and Anp-2018). The laboratory experiment was set up in Petri dishes according to the randomized complete parcels design with 4 replications. In the study, germination parameters such as germination percentage (%), mean germination time (days), germination index, germination uniformity coefficient, and germination energy, and some seedling parameters such as radicle and stem length (cm), seedling fresh and dry weight (mg) and seedling vigor index were examined. Significant differences have been found among the examined cultivars in terms of all the parameters considered in the evaluations. Adasoy cultivar came to the fore in germination parameters and Adasoy, Anp-2018, and Yeşilsoy cultivars came to the fore in seedling development characteristics. In the study, the effect of salt concentrations on germination and seedling development parameters (except seedling dry weight) was statistically significant (p

Justicia americana exhibits stem density–aboveground biomass relationships and variability in elemental composition and isotopic signature across tissue types and land use gradients

Riverine macrophytes are increasingly understood to influence both the physical and chemical dynamics of rivers by creating biogeochemical hotspots and stabilizing benthic sediments. They contribute carbon and nutrients to both aquatic and adjacent terrestrial ecosystems through senescence and herbivory. Here, we report the relationships between Justicia americana biomass, stem length, and stem density, and % carbon (%C), % nitrogen (%N), C:N, δ15N, and δ13C relationships between tissues types (roots, stems, and leaves). Additionally, we report the effects of land use on the plant's tissue. We found that (1) J. americana stem density and dry biomass were positively correlated ( P < 0.001); (2) δ13C and %N were significantly different in leaf and root tissue; (3) δ13C and δ15N were both positively correlated across tissue types; (4) Leaf C:N was less than ½ of root and stem tissue; (5) %C in leaf tissue was positively correlated ( P < 0.05) with forest cover and negatively correlated with urbanization and watershed area; and (6) provide evidence that J. americana utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway. Overall, this study provides novel insight into the ecology of J. americana by elucidating the nutritional quality of different plant tissues and stoichiometric changes in the plant in response to land use.

Nematicidal Effect of Eupatorium odoratum Linn. Aqueous Extract on Burrowing Nematodes (Radopholus similis) and its Application to Control Toppling Disease on Cavendish Banana (Musa acuminata)

Abstract Radopholus similis (Cobb 1893) (Rhabditida, Pratylenchidae) is a common and destructive pest that causes significant yield losses in Cavendish bananas. The repeated use of synthetic pesticides to control this nematode has raised concerns about toxicity to users and the environment. An alternative approach to managing this harmful species involves the use of nontoxic plant-derived extracts that enhance protection against various biological constraints. In this study, aqueous extract from the leaves and stems of Eupatorium odoratum Linn. (EAEO) was used to control R. similis in banana roots under in vitro and on-plant conditions. Through direct contact and penetration experiments on roots, as well as on-plant trials, concentrations of 12500, 6250, 3120, 1560, and 780 mg DW·L−1 EAEO were used to evaluate nematode mortality rates, infection levels in root segments (in vitro experiment), root infection, root necrosis index, shoot and root fresh weight, and growth parameters such as stem length, diameter, leaf number, and leaf surface area (on-plant experiment). The results showed that the nematode mortality rate due to EAEO ranged from 35.3% to 90.1%, which is statistically significant compared to the mortality rate in the control treatment (16%). Significant nematode inhibition was observed in banana roots infected with R. similis and exposed to EAEO for 48 h. There were no statistically significant differences in root infection, root necrosis, and plant fresh weight between plants treated with fenamiphos and EAEO. Maximum effectiveness was observed at the 12500 mg DW·L−1 EAEO concentration. These findings provide valuable insights into the nematicidal metabolites of EAEO against R. similis. Thus, the potential of EAEO as a biocontrol agent against R. similis has been demonstrated. For future research, investigations will be extended to elucidate the mechanisms of action of the essential compounds in EAEO against nematodes, determine the optimal EAEO dosage for nematode control without harm to banana plants and the environment, assess the long-term effects of EAEO on banana plants and the environment, explore the ecological impact of EAEO use in agricultural ecosystems, study the effectiveness of EAEO on various plant species, and consider the development of commercial products or formulations based on EAEO.

The effect of some Levels of Shading and Fertilization in the Growth and Production of Commercial Cut Flowers of Two Cultivars of Shrubby Roses

An experiment was carried out in one of the plastic houses of the Department of Horticulture and Date Palms in Baghdad Governorate during the year 2021 of the autumn season. The effect of some levels of shading and fertilization on the growth and production of commercial cut flowers of two cultivars of shrubby roses on some characteristics of vegetative and flowering growth. The results showed a significant superiority among the cultivars, as cultivar V1 was superior to cultivar V2 in average plant height and flower diameter, while cultivar V2 had a significant superiority over cultivar V1 in average number of leaves, number of petals and flower stem length. While the characteristics of vegetative growth represented by the rate of plant height, the number of leaves, and the characteristics of floral growth represented by the flower diameter, the number of petals, and the length of the flowering stem were significantly superior when using shading levels 50% (S2) and the levels of fertilization consisting of mycorrhiza, licorice extract and chelated iron (F3) in all growth characteristics.

Piriformospora Indica-Colonization in Tomato Seedlings Enhances Water Stress Tolerance by Inducing Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Proline Accumulation

Cultivation of tomato under diverse climatic zones is often challenged by various biotic and abiotic stresses which ultimately results in poor productivity and yield. Among the abiotic stresses, water stress is the most common one limiting the crop productivity. Synergistic relationship of endophytic microorganisms Piriformospora indica is capable of colonizing the roots tomato and establishing symbiotic relationships. Study was conducted to understand the influence of P. indica on tomato (var Vellayani Vijai) seedlings, (under in vitro and in vivo conditions), under water stress simulated by the application of mannitol (0, 1, 2, 3 and 5%). A positive influence was observed on shoot and root length, fresh and dries weight as well as number of rootlets in P. indica-colonized seedlings under stressed in vitro condition compared to those under control. Similarly, under in vivo condition P. indica colonized seedlings were having better performance with respect to stem and root length, and fresh and dry weight. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase and super oxide dismutase and proline accumulation were enhanced in P. indica-colonized plants compared to the non-colonized plants. However, catalase activity was found less influenced by the fungal colonization in the roots of tomato.

Chitooligosaccharide modified pesticide-loaded polyurethane microcapsules to mitigate drought stress in wheat

To cope with global climate change and ensure food security, the development of functional pesticide carriers suitable for application on plants under drought stress is an important research direction. Herein, polyurethane microcapsules loading prothioconazole (PUMC@PRO) were synthesized using interfacial polymerization. Subsequently, chitooligosaccharide (COS) and glutaraldehyde (GA) were incorporated to prepare microcapsules with cross-linked network containing Schiff bases (PUMC-COS@PRO). Results demonstrated that the fitting degree of the release curve of PUMC-COS@PRO to the zero-order release kinetic model can reach up to 0.99. Due to the synergistic effect of the microcapsule shell and cross-linked network structure containing Schiff base (C=N), the half-life of PUMC-COS@PRO is 6.6 h in UV, which is approximately 28 times that of commercial microemulsion. After the introduction of COS with biologically activity, the EC50 can decrease significantly to as low as 1.612 μg/mL. In the growth promotion test, the PUMC-COS@PRO suspension exhibited the most growth promotion rate of 16.74 % on wheat stem length. Under simulated drought stress conditions, the growth promotion rates of the PUMC-COS@PRO suspension for wheat coleoptiles and radicles can achieve 22.46 % and 59.77 %, respectively. Therefore, this study provided a promising functionalized pesticide carrier for crops under drought stress in agricultural production.

Response of Rose Growth and Flowering to NPK and Potassium Silicates Application and Spraying with Magnesium

This study was conducted in a lath house, Dept. Of Hort. and Landscape, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Univ. Baghdad, Al-Jadriya during 2022 growing season to investigate influence of mineral fertilizers NPK, potassium silicate and spraying with magnesium (Disper Mg) on some vegetative growth characteristics and flowering of one year’s old of Wiener Charme rose cultivar. Factors of study experiment included addition of two levels of mineral fertilizers NPK (without addition (C0) and 5 g.transplant-1 (C100), while potassium silicate was added with three levels; without added (S0), adding at 200 mg.L-1 (S200) and adding at 300 mg.L-1 (S300), As for magnesium fertilizer treatments, they were sprayed in three levels (0, 7.5, and 15 g.L-1), which are denoted by symbols M0, M7.5, and M15, respectively. Treatments were replicated three times (four plants in experimental unit) at factorial experiment in a RCBD and thus number of plants used was 216 plants. The experimental results showed that chemical fertilizers at 5 g.L-1(C100) significantly increased in plant height of 16.24 cm, leaf nitrogen content of 1.287 %, leaf phosphor content of 0.349 %, flowers number of 17.64 flower.plant-1 and floral stem length of 20.33 cm. Results also showed that potassium silicate application, showed significant superiority in increased in plant height of 18.66 cm, leaf nitrogen content of 1.286 %, leaf phosphor content of 0.374 %, flowers number of 17.25 flower.plant-1 and floral stem length of 20.04 cm. Magnesium spray especially spraying at 15 g.L-1 excelled in increasing of plant height of 16.07 cm, leaf nitrogen content of 1.289 %, leaf phosphor content of 0.367 %, flowers number of 17.08 flower.plant-1 and floral stem length of 20.62 cm. Twice and triple interactions between study factors significantly affected in all studied traits.

Evaluation of plant characteristics of early harvesting hybrid chili lines

Chili pepper is a popular horticultural commodity grown across the tropics, including Indonesia. The availability of chili varieties, particularly hybrids, may extend options for growers as well as consumers, depending on their personal preferences and needs. In 2022, research was conducted in the Lembang highlands agroecosystem, West Java, Indonesia, with the aim to evaluate plant characteristics including plant morphology and production of F1 chili lines. Five genotypes were employed in a complete randomized block design with four replications, including two F1 lines (1 x 5 and 5 x3) and three commercial F1 hybrid varieties (Carla Agrihorti, Hot Beauty, and Inata Agrihorti). The 1 x 5 line had a short plant posture, characterized by the short stem length, internodes, and plant height. This line also had the earliest flowering (44.25 dap) as well as harvesting (96 dap). This 1 x 5 line‘s advantage was complimented by a high yield of 16.7 tons Ha-1. The F1 1 x 5 line is expected to be efficient in the use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides due to its short plants and early harvest but high yield, allowing it to contribute to sustainable agriculture and have a beneficial impact on the environment.

Evaluating the relationship between stem and leaf biomass as well as stem length and leaf surface area of amaranth cultivars in improving food plant

Amaranth is now cultivated almost all over the World for multiple purposes, such as a vegetable, seed food, feed for animals, medicine, and for industry uses. They are highly nutritious, with vitamins and minerals. Leaf area and leaf dry biomass are key parameters linked to plant growth and production. The relationship between leaf biomass and leaf surface area, as well as stem biomass and stem length, is important to our understanding of plant scaling relationships because of their relationship to plant survival. This paper aimed to evaluate the relationship between and within the leaf and stem parameters of nine different amaranth cultivars. The fresh leaves and stems were weighed in their fresh masses; the surface area for leaves was calculated by drawing a full leaf in square quadrats and then counting the square quadrats occupied by a leaf and the stem length was measured using a ruler. Our results indicated that there was a clear relationship between leaf fresh mass and leaf dry mass but a negative correlation between stem fresh mass and stem dry mass due to different internal contents such as water and substances. A low significance was obtained between leaf biomass and leaf surface area, stem biomass and stem length, and leaf biomass and stems biomass as well as leaf surface area and stem length. Our results revealed that this variability of values causes the disproportional ratio of fresh mass to dry mass due to the differentiation quantity of water and solutes within the leaves and stems.

Possibilities of using organic wastes as a growing medium in soilless culture for cut flower rose

The possibilities of using organic wastes, such as hazelnut shells (HS), walnut shells (WS), hazelnut skins (HzS), and spent mushroom compost (SMC), as growth medium in cut flower rose cultivation in soilless substrate culture were investigated. The parameters, such as the date of cutting the flower (day), flower stem length (cm), flower stem diameter (mm), flower length (cm), flower diameter (cm), flower color, color of the top and bottom of the leaf, and yield (piece), were examined. In addition, samples taken from the growth medium at the beginning and ending stages of the experiment were analyzed. The first flowers were cut from the HzS +P medium 38 days after planting. The highest yield value (20.6 flower/plant) was obtained from SMC medium. The longest flowers (63.89 ± 0.947 cm) and the thickest stem flowers (5.86 ± 0.136 mm) were cut from the control medium. It was determined that the media also affected the flower and leaf colors. According to the results obtained, SMC and HzS+perlite mediums can be recommended as an alternative to cocopeat in the production of cut roses in soilless substrate culture.

Functional Characterization of the Almstn2 Gene and Its Association with Growth Traits in the Yellowfin Seabream Acanthopagrus latus (Hottuyn, 1782).

Myostatin (mstn), also known as GDF8, is a growth and differentiation factor of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily and plays a key inhibitory effect in the regulation of skeletal muscle development and growth in vertebrates. In the present study, to comprehend the role of the mstn2 gene of the yellowfin seabream Acanthopagrus latus (Almstn2b), the genomic sequence of Almstn2b is 2359 bp, which encodes 360 amino acids and is composed of three exons and two introns, was obtained. Two typical regions, a TGF-β propeptide and TGF-β domain, constitute Almstn2b. The topology indicated that Almstn2 was grouped together with other Perciformes, such as the gilthead seabream Sparus aurata. Moreover, Almstn2b was mainly expressed in the brain, fins, and spleen. Furthermore, five SNPs, one in the exons and four in the introns, were identified in the Almstn2b gene. The allele and genotype frequencies of SNP-Almstn2b +1885 A/G were significantly related to the total weight, interorbital distance, stem length, tail length, caudal length, caudal height, body length, and total length (p < 0.05). The allele and genotype frequencies of SNP-Almstn2b +1888 A/G were significantly related to the weight, interorbital distance, long head behind the eyes, body height, tail length, caudal length, and body length. Additionally, the relationship between the SNP-Almstn2b +1915 A/G locus and weight and long head behind the eyes was significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the other two SNPs were not significantly associated with any traits. Thus, the SNPs identified in this study could be utilized as candidate SNPs for breeding and marker-assisted selection in A. latus.

The effects of length and width of the stem on proximal humerus stress shielding in uncemented primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

To preserve humeral bone during RTSA, stems have been made shorter and cement avoided whenever possible. However, with the increased use of uncemented RTSA, a phenomenon comparable to the stress shielding of the hip has been described for the proximal humerus. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of stem length and width on proximal humeral bone resorption after primary uncemented RTSA. The prospective shoulder arthroplasty database of our institution was reviewed for all primary uncemented RTSAs from 2017 to 2020 in osteoarthritis and cuff tear arthropathy cases with > 2-year follow-up. We compared the clinical and the radiographic 2-year outcome of the short and standard length stems of the same prosthesis design. This allowed us to assess the effects of stem length and width with regard to stress shielding. Furthermore, we defined a cut-off value for the filling ratios to prevent stress shielding. Fifty patients were included in the analysis, nineteen were in the short stem group (SHORT) and thirty-one in the standard stem group (STANDARD). After 2years, SHORT showed a relative Constant Score of 91.8% and STANDARD of 98.3% (p = 0.256). Stress shielding was found in 4 patients (21%) in SHORT and in 16 patients (52%) in STANDARD (p = 0.03); it occurred more frequently in patients with higher humeral filling ratios (p < 0.05). The calculated cut-off to prevent stress shielding was 0.7 (± 0.03) for the metaphyseal and distal filling ratio. While short and standard stems for RTSA have good results after 2years, we found a significant negative effect of higher length and width of the stem with regard to stress shielding. Even though the clinical effects of stress shielding have to be assessed, short stems should be chosen with a filling ratio at the metaphyseal and distal position below 0.7. III.

Symptomology, prevalence, and impact of Hop latent viroid on greenhouse-grown cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) plants in Canada

The incidence of Hop latent viroid (HLVd) affecting cannabis plants in licenced production facilities in Canada during 2020–2023 was determined by RT-PCR analyses of 15 947 samples from nine provinces. Positive detection ranged from 5.3% to 92% of samples submitted, depending on province and year of sampling. The average country-wide HLVd infection incidence was 25.6%. Symptoms on affected plants varied with plant growth stage, and ranged from asymptomatic to mild leaf curl and mottling on stock (mother) plants and on vegetative plants, to extreme stunting and reduced inflorescence development on flowering plants. All symptomatic and some asymptomatic plants contained a 256 nucleotide RNA fragment with 100% sequence homology to HLVd from GenBank. The viroid was detected in various tissues of stock, vegetative, and flowering plants, including the uppermost leaves, at middle and lower positions in the canopy, and in the roots. The incidence of infection varied with the cannabis genotype. Flowering plants displayed yellowing or darkening of inflorescence leaves surrounding the pistillate flowers. Reductions of 12–42% in inflorescence stem lengths, fresh weights, and plant heights were observed in infected plants compared to noninfected plants, depending on the genotype. Levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and terpenes in diseased inflorescences were also significantly lower. The development of glandular trichomes which produce and store cannabinoids and terpenes was greatly reduced by HLVd infection. The affected trichomes had shorter stalk lengths and smaller glandular head sizes, and appeared shrivelled upon drying of the inflorescences. Hop latent viroid poses a significant economic threat to the cannabis industry.