Stem Length Research Articles

Impact of planting density and shoot thinning on alstroemeria flowering, soil attributes and cost economics

A field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of various planting densities and levels of shoot thinning on cut flower yield, quality, soil chemical properties and cost economics in the commercially cultivated alstroemeria cultivar 'Capri'. The experiment involved three planting densities (4, 6 and 8 plants/m2) along with three shoot thinning levels (10 %, 20 % and 30 %). It was observed that higher planting density (4 plants/m2) promoted the length of cut stem, early bud formation, and flowering, optimal quality parameters, including maximum stem thickness, cut stem weight, floret quantity/stem, floret size, number of flowering stems/plant (yield) and vase life. Exclusive use of higher vegetative mass removal (30 % shoot thinning) was found to improve quality parameters such as the length of cut stem, number of flowering stems, stem thickness, weight of cut stem, floret quantity/stem, floret size, vase life, and early flowering. Soil samples were collected from each treatment and the consequent lab analysis revealed that the lower planting density and shoot thinning level resulted in maximum soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content. In conclusion, planting density of 4 plants/m2 and 30 % shoot thinning emerged as the optimal combination for enhancing quantitative parameters in commercial alstroemeria cultivation. The study underscores the importance of strategic planting practices and vegetative mass management for maximizing yield and quality in alstroemeria production, along with ensuring higher economic returns.

Effect of two amendments on seedling growth of two cashew varieties

Cashew, Anacardium occidentale L., is considered a promising crop for many regions in Colombia, requiring further research on new varieties and technologies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two organic amendments on two cashew varieties under nursery conditions in Puerto Carreño, Vichada department. A factorial experiment (3 organic amendment treatments x 2 varieties) with 4 replications was conducted. The treatments for the first factor were: chicken manure (30%), bovine manure (30%), and no amendment. The varieties used were Yucao and Mapiria. Emergence, survival, and morphometric variables such as stem length, stem diameter, and number of leaves were evaluated, as well as disease incidence and severity. Results showed that seedling emergence and survival were more influenced by the addition of organic amendments than by varieties. Stem length of cashew seedlings was influenced by the addition of bovine and chicken manure and their interaction with the two varieties until week 7, while stem diameter was influenced until the end of the nursery cycle. Neither variety nor treatment influenced the number of leaves. Anthracnose was primarily influenced by the variety factor, with Mapiria being more susceptible to both disease incidence and severity. Overall, both organic amendments had a significant effect on the development of cashew seedlings in both varieties studied.

Assessing the influence of planting time and fertilization on growth, flowering, yield and soil properties of chrysanthemum

ObjectivesTo identify optimal planting time for maximizing growth and flowering, and assess the impacts of various fertilization techniques on plant growth and soil health in chrysanthemum. MethodsThe investigation was conducted at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India from 2022 to 2023. The study aimed to investigate the impact of various planting times and fertilization schedules on the yield, quality, and soil health characteristics of chrysanthemum. Different planting times from 15 June to 30 August under organic and inorganic fertilization regimes were evaluated. Data related to vegetative growth, flowering, soil chemical and biological properties were recorded. ResultsPlantingon15 June along with inorganic fertilization resulted in improved vegetative characters like plant height (74.37 cm) and plant spread (30.56 cm), flowering characters like cut flower stem length (64.07 cm), stem strength (10.40°), flower diameter (11.80 cm) and duration of flowering (22.50 days) and soil chemical properties like available N, P, K (326.53, 40.36 and 359.48 kg/ha, respectively). However, planting on June 15 combined with organic fertilization led to enhancement in soil microbiological properties, including bacterial count (138.33 cfu/g soil), fungal count (31.75 cfu/g soil), actinomycetes count (62.46 cfu/g soil), microbial biomass (52.62 µg/g soil) as well as vase life (19.70 days). ConclusionIn the present study, it was found that planting time and fertilization significantly impacted chrysanthemum growth, yield and soil properties. The 15 June planting with inorganic fertilization boosted growth, yield and macronutrient content, while organic fertilization on the same date enhanced soil microflora. Flowering was influenced by planting time and organic fertilization showed promise as an alternative to chemical fertilization. Optimizing planting schedules and using organic fertilizers would lead to sustainability and offer economically viable alternatives to conventional crop management.

Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae) as a reservoir of natural enemies to promote pest control and improve development of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in open conditions

ABSTRACT Tithonia diversifolia has the potential for use as a reservoir for entomophages in pest control, as it attracts and preserves natural enemies before migrating to the target crop, where a high incidence of pests occurs. For example, in tomato crop production one of the limiting factors, under field condition, is the incidence of phytophagous insects. We determined the effects of Tithonia diversifolia on species assemblage structure of natural enemies and pest insects (abundance and diversity), plant growth (leaf area, stem length and diameter, number of leaves, flowers and fruits, and fruits weight/per plant), plant defense (leaf thickness and hardness) and fruit colouration on tomato plants in open conditions. Through direct and indirect samplings, a total of 456 insects were collected, comprising 76 natural enemies, 269 pests and 111 belonging other guilds. Length, stem diameter, number of flowers, leaf thickness, and hardness increased, while the number of leaves decreased. T. diversifolia plants increased natural enemies but not pest abundance in tomato plants, demonstrating that this plant can alter the structure of the insect community associated with tomato.

苜蓿切断-气吹茎叶分离方法初步研究

The protein content of alfalfa leaves surpasses that of stems significantly, rendering harvested alfalfa following stems-leaves separation a valuable resource for livestock feed, thus ensuring the provision of high-quality raw materials for production. This study introduces a novel process for stems-leaves separation, alongside the establishment of a suspension velocity experiment rig aimed at investigating and determining the suspension velocity of alfalfa leaves, stems, and plants across various moisture levels. The relationship among various factors including different alfalfa components, the length of lateral branches, stem lengths, Moisture Content (MC), and suspension velocity was empirically derived through experimentation. In this study, the chopping and blowing method was proposed, where the alfalfa was cut into pieces according to a certain length, and then the alfalfa was blown apart by generating airflow through a fan. To comprehensively analyze the impact of airflow velocity and cutting length on the Separation Evaluation Index, a response surface mathematical model was developed. The empirical findings indicate optimal stems and leaves separation of alfalfa when the airflow velocity reaches 4.29556 m/s, paired with a cutting length of 33.7956 mm. Conclusively, this experiment validates the efficacy of the chopping and blowing separation method for alfalfa stems and leaves segregation, thereby offering valuable insights into alfalfa stems and leaves separation practices. The outcomes of this study hold significant reference value for the broader alfalfa agricultural domain.

Enhancing Iris tingitana cv. Wedgewood productivity with chemical, bio-fertilizers and irrigation

This study aimed to investigate the impact of various fertilization methods and doses on the growth, flowering, and chemical composition of Iris tingitana cv. Wedgewood plants. The research aimed to address challenges hindering Iris plant development and bulb production, ultimately striving to cultivate high-quality plants suitable for Egyptian conditions. Conducted over two seasons (2021-2022 and 2022-2023) at the Horticulture Research Institute’s nursery of the Agriculture Research Center in Giza, Egypt, the experiment followed a factorial design with a randomized complete design (RCD) and three replicates. Results revealed that plants treated with 5 g/pot of phosphorein and 2 g/pot of kristalon, with irrigation intervals every 10 days after sowing (DAS), exhibited superior growth parameters. These included increased vegetative growth in terms of height, stem length, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight of cut spikes, diameter of the spike stem, and earliest flowering compared to other treatments across both seasons. Conversely, the application of 2 g/pot of kristalon and nitrobine, combined with irrigation intervals every 10 DAS, ranked second in enhancing plant growth and flowering characteristics in both seasons.

Morphological Traits and Biomass Allocation of Leymus secalinus along Habitat Gradient in a Floodplain Wetland of the Heihe River, China

Plant organ biomass allocation and morphological characteristics are important functional traits. The responses of plant root, stem, and leaf traits to heterogeneous habitats in floodplain wetlands are highly important for understanding the ecological adaptation strategies of riparian plants. However, the patterns of these responses remain unclear. In a floodplain wetland in the middle reaches of the Heihe River, we studied the responses of the root, stem, and leaf morphological traits and biomass allocation of Leymus secalinus to varying habitat conditions. We measured these traits in three sample plots, delineated based on distance from the riverbank: plot I (near the riparian zone, 50–150 m from the riverbank), plot II (middle riparian zone, 200–300 m from the riverbank), and plot III (far riparian zone, 350–450 m from the riverbank). The results showed that in plot I, L. secalinus tended to have slender roots and stems and small leaves, with a biomass allocation strategy that maximized the root–shoot ratio (RSR). In plot II, L. secalinus had thick stems and moderate leaf and root patterns, and the RSR values were between those of plot I and plot III. In plot III, L. secalinus had thin and short stems and large leaves; furthermore, among the root morphological structures, plot III had the shortest Rhizome length (RL) and longest Rhizome diameter (RD), and the RSR was the lowest. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between organ biomass and leaf thickness, stem length, RD, and RL in the three habitats (p < 0.05). By balancing the biomass allocation among organs, wetland plants in floodplains balance changes in root, stem, and leaf morphological characteristics to improve their environmental adaptation.

The Effect of Organic and Amino Acid Biostimulants on Actinidia deliciosa ‘Hayward’ Cultivation: Evaluation of Growth, Metabolism, and Kiwifruit Postharvest Performance

The commercial value of kiwifruit is determined mostly by its nutritional composition and antioxidant content. The enrichment of these traits in an era where climate change affects kiwi growth conditions is worth investigating via the application of biostimulants that enhance plant growth. In this work, we evaluated the effects of three commercial biostimulants on the metabolism and growth characteristics of the Actinidia deliciosa cultivar ‘Hayward’: (I) a humic and fulvic-based biostimulant, (II) a glycine–betaine–proline-based biostimulant, and (III) a vegetal amino acid-based biostimulant. A biostimulant-free treatment was used as a control. In the two-year experiment (2022 and 2023), the growth characteristics of kiwi trees were measured, such as stem length, the number of leaves, leaf area, and fresh and dry biomass at the end of each growing season. The leaves’ total chlorophyll, total phenolics, and proline content were detected during the two seasons in order to obtain more insights into plant metabolism. Κiwifruit qualities and antioxidant traits, such as total soluble solids, titratable acidity, firmness, fresh and dry biomass, DPPH, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), were recorded during the postharvest life for each season. Data analysis illustrated the beneficial impact of some biostimulants on several of the previously mentioned parameters, such as antioxidant kiwifruit traits, especially in the case of glycine–betaine–proline-based acid-based biostimulants.

Visible-light-driven Bi2WO6/biochar composite photocatalyst efficiently degrades 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and 17β-estradiol (E2) under persulfate synergy

Biochar (BC) composite photocatalysts have attracted much attention by virtue of their high efficiency in removing endocrine disruptors (EDCs). However, there has been a lack of systematic research on the mechanism and constitutive relationship of BC on photocatalysts, which has seriously impeded the development process in this field. In this study, Bi2WO6–BC2% composite photocatalysts were prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method and used for degradation of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and 17β-estradiol (E2) in conjunction with persulfate synergy (PS). The removal rate of EE2 and E2 by Bi2WO6–BC2% was as high as 99.41 % (12 min) and 97.84 % (15 min), respectively. Systematic studies have shown that BC enhances the catalytic activity mainly through the following ways, increasing the specific surface area of the photocatalytic system, enriching the types of functional groups, enhancing the separation ability of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, and promoting the concentration of active free radicals. The results of the phytotoxicity experiments showed that compared to the EE2 or E2 pollutant solutions, the stem and root lengths of V. radiata increased by 93.63 % and 389.58 % in EE2 metabolites, and by 117.35 % and 160.38 % in E2 metabolites. Similarly, the stem and root lengths of P. vulgaris increased by 80.08 % and 174.91 % in EE2 metabolites, and by 188.92 % and 345.75 % in E2 metabolites. This work not only fills the gap in the study of the mechanism of action of BC, but also provides a green catalyst with very excellent photocatalytic efficiency and detoxification properties.

Morphological Differentiation, Yield, and Cutting Time of Lolium multiflorum L. under Acid Soil Conditions in Highlands.

Livestock production in the basins of the northern macro-region of Peru has as its primary source pastures of Lolium multiflorum L. 'Cajamarquino ecotype' (ryegrass CE) in monoculture, or in association with white clover Ladino variety, for feeding. The objective of this research work was the morphological characterisation, yield evaluation, and cutting time evaluation of two local genotypes (LM-58 and LM-43) of Lolium multiflorum L. in six locations. An ANOVA was performed to compare fixed effects and interaction. It was determined that the LM-58 genotype is intermediate, growing semi-erect, with a dark green colouring and 0.8 cm broadleaf, and can reach an average stem length of 46 cm, up to 1.6 cm. day-1, achieving fourth-leaf growth at 28 days under appropriate management conditions. Despite the differentiated characteristics, according to BLASTn evaluation, the ITS1 sequences showed a greater than 99.9% similar identification to Lolium multiflorum L., characterising it as such. It was determined that the LM-58 genotype outperforms LM-43, achieving a forage yield of 4.49 Mg. ha-1, a seed production of 259.23 kg. ha-1, and an average of 13.48% crude protein (CP). The best biomass yield (49.10 Mg. ha-1.yr-1) is reached at 60 days; however, at 30 days, there is a high level of CP (14.84%) and there are no differences in the annual protein production at the cutting age of 60 and 45 days. With the results of the present study, LM-58 from a selection and crossbreeding of 680 ryegrass EC accessions emerges as an elite genotype adapted to the conditions of the northern high Andean zone of Peru.

Micropropagation of three ginger cultivars and the subsequent growth and rhizome yield assessment and phytochemical composition analysis

Farmers have turned to biotechnology techniques to produce ginger, due to disease issues. Micropropagation is a proven and effective means for mass production of disease-free plants. Our research focused on ginger cultivar specific reactions (from culture initiation to rhizome harvest) to plant growth regulators (PGRs) to determine if plant response to PGRs is cultivar specific. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) cultivars studied were: Chinese White (CW), Hawaii Yellow (HY), and Khing Yai (KY) under benzylaminopurine (BA) versus kinetin (KT) treatments using MS basal medium to micropropagate ginger seedlings and subsequent growth and yield performance and phytochemical composition analysis. In vitro culture data were collected every month for number of buds and shoots (and shoot length) produced per initiating bud and shoot growth. Mature seedlings were subsequently transplanted in a greenhouse with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications, 18 plants per replication (Main Plot = Cultivar, Sub Plot = PGR) for a total of 72 pots/plants. Growth data included number of stems per seedling, stem length, and stem diameter. Rhizome yield data included number of pieces of rhizome per seedling, and rhizome weights (biological, edible, and total rhizome weights respectively). Phytochemical composition analysis of ginger rhizome/PGR treatment included average amount of 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 6-shogoal, 8-shogoal, and 10-shogoal. Data was analyzed using SAS OnDemand for Academics with PROC GLM at α=0.05 level of significance. As ginger tissue culture seedlings progressed in culture, KT was more suitable for multiplication of buds, BA more suitable for proliferation of shoots, and KT matured ginger tissue culture seedlings at a higher rate than BA. CW had the highest rhizome yield and least amount of biological roots in comparison to other cultivars. CW produced the least amount of 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 8-shogoal and 10-shogoal of all three cultivars and with no significant change between two PGR treatments. In comparison, HY produced the highest amount of 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 6-shogoal, and 8-shogoal, followed by KY and CW, when micropropagated with BA. KY produced the highest amount of 10-shogoal when micropropagated with BA and the highest amount of 6-gingerol, 6-shogoal, 8-shogoal, and 10-shogoal when micropropagated with KT.

Morphological characterization, seed production, and oil content of several lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf.) Line

Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemongrass, is a perennial herb widely cultivated for its culinary, medicinal, and aromatic industries. This research investigates the morphological characterization and potential yield of different lemongrass lines. The study involved the collection of diverse lemongrass genotypes from various geographic regions in Indonesia. The research was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications. Morphological character observations encompass both quantitative and qualitative characters of plants. Morphological characteristics such as plant height, leaf length and width, stem diameter, and number of tillers were measured to assess the variations among the genotypes. The results revealed considerable variability in the morphological traits among the lemongrass. Plant height ranged from 102.28 to 158.96 cm, while stem length and diameter varied between 26.11 to 42.61 cm and 8.99 to 19.68 cm, respectively. The number of tillers per plant ranged from 7.59 to 49.41. Moreover, the essential oil content varied from 0.07% to 0.26% (v/w). According to correlation analysis, the stem's diameter and the leaf's width positively correlate with the essential oil content. As a result, we can continue to develop the Sukabumi local line to maximize biomass and essential oil yields.

Evaluation of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization on Vegetative Parameters of Acroclinium (Helipterum roseum)

The present investigation entitled “Effect of N and K fertilization on vegetative growth of Acroclinium (Helipterum roseum)” was carried out at the laboratory of floriculture and experimental farm of Mata Gujri college, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with twelve treatments and three replications. The treatments were T1 i.e., 125 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP, T2 i.e., 175 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP, T3 i.e., 225 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP, T4 i.e., 125 kg/acre urea + 80 kg/acre MOP, T5 i.e., 175 kg/acre urea + 80 kg/acre MOP, T6 i.e., 225 kg/acre urea + 80 kg/acre MOP, T7 i.e., 125 kg/acre urea + 0 kg/acre MOP, T8 i.e., 175 kg/acre urea + 0 kg/acre MOP, T9 i.e., 225 kg/acre urea + 0 kg/acre MOP, T10 i.e., 0 kg/acre urea + 80 kg/acre MOP, T11 i.e., 0 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP and T12 i.e., control. Observations were recorded for vegetative, flowering and seed yield parameters. Among all treatments maximum plant height (44.86 cm and 59.91 cm ), leaf length (5.01 cm and 5.33 cm), plant spread (17.68 cm2 and 32.37 cm2) and diameter of main stem (6.13 mm and 10.77 mm) were found maximum in T3 i.e., 225 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP and maximum number of leaves per stem (37.28 and 54.98) and number of leaves per plant (645.67 and 1055.13) was observed in T9 i.e., 225 kg/acre urea + 0 kg/acre MOP at 45 and 90 days respectively. Best vegetative parameters were recorded in 225 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP and 225 kg/acre urea + 0 kg/acre MOP are best dosage for Acroclinium flower.

What features of stem increase the risk of intraoperative femoral fracture during cementless primary hip arthroplasty?

Cementless fixation has become increasingly popular in hip arthroplasty due to its shorter operation time, easier technique, biologic fixation, and avoidance of bone cement implantation syndrome compared to cemented fixation. However, intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture (IOPFx) is a disconcerting complication during cementless hip arthroplasty. Our purpose was to identify the features of cementless stem that increase the risk of IOPFx during primary hip arthroplasty. We retrospectively reviewed all 4806 hip arthroplasties that was performed in a single institution from May 2003 to December 2020. Age at the index arthroplasty, sex, body mass index, physical status, ambulatory function, side of the operation, operational history, cause of the index arthroplasty, type of arthroplasty, surgical approach, surgeon, implant information, and events during the operation were investigated. The shoulder geometry and length of stem were also reviewed. The event of interest was narrowed down to IOPFx among various records of intraoperative events. We found IOPFx of 2.6% among all the hips operated with cementless stem. In the multivariable analysis, female (OR = 1.52), childhood hip disease (OR = 2.30), stove-pipe femur (OR = 2.43), combined approach (OR = 2.60), and standard length of stem (OR = 1.59) were found to be significant risk factors of IOPFx. In conclusion, a stem with a standard length is significantly associated with risk of IOPFx compared to a shortened stem. These findings highlight the importance of careful consideration in terms of the risk of IOPFx when standard length cementless stem is chosen.

Young dove trees tend to invest more biomass in vegetative and reproductive organs than old trees at the twig level

Research on the functional traits of twigs is of great significance to clarify the plant life-history strategies, especially for endangered plants. However, little attention has been given to the environmental adaptation strategy of different age twigs. The dove tree (Davidia involucrata Baill.), a relict and critically endangered Chinese species, was employed as a model species. Total lamina mass and area, stem mass and length, total bract mass and area, and total petiole mass were measured for 100 current-year terminal twigs (50 per age group) from old and young dove trees in Pingwu County, Sichuan, southwest China. Then, the scaling relationships within the twig were determined using the standardized major axis (SMA) regression method. Our results showed that the significantly positive correlations among traits of D. involucrata twigs, and scaling relationships between these traits are different between the two age groups. At the twig level, isometric scaling relationships exist between stem mass and lamina size (or bract size) and between total lamina mass and total lamina area (or total petiole mass). In contrast, allometric scaling relationships exist between lamina size (total mass and area) and stem length (with a common slope > 1), and between total lamina mass and total petiole mass (with a common slope < 1). For a given stem mass, stem length and bract area, young trees have larger total lamina mass and total bract mass, larger total lamina mass and area, and larger total bract mass than old trees, respectively. The results suggest that young trees tend to have more vegetative and reproductive organ mass per unit of supporting organ mass than old trees to meet their rapid growth needs.

Stem to prevent periprosthetic fracture after notching in total knee arthroplasty.

Improper osteotomy during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can lead to anterior femoral notching, which increases the risk of periprosthetic fractures due to stress concentration. One potential solution is the addition of an intramedullary stem to the femoral component. However, the optimal stem length remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the optimal stem length using finite element models. Finite element models of femurs were developed with unstemmed prostheses and prostheses with stem lengths of 50, 75, and 100 mm. Under squat loading conditions, the von Mises stress at the notch and stress distribution on four transversal sections of the femur were analyzed. Additionally, micromotion of the prosthesis-bone interface was evaluated to assess initial stability. The unstemmed prosthesis exhibited a von Mises stress of 191.8 MPa at the notch, which decreased to 43.1, 8.8, and 23.5 MPa for stem lengths of 50, 75, and 100 mm, respectively. The stress reduction on four selected femoral transversal sections compared with the unstemmed prosthesis was 40.0%, 84.4%, and 67.1% for stem lengths of 50, 75, and 100 mm, respectively. Micromotion analysis showed a maximum of 118.8 μm for the unstemmed prosthesis, which decreased significantly with the application of stems, particularly at the anterior flange. Intramedullary stems effectively reduced stress concentration at the femoral notch. The 50-mm stem length provided the optimal combination of reduced notch stress, minimized stress-shielding effect, and decreased micromotion at the anterior flange.

Variability of morphological and phenological traits in &lt;i&gt;Vigna unguiculata&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Walp. accessions contrasting by growth type in different ecological and geographical conditions

Background. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is a thermophilic crop that occupies the third place in the world in terms of cultivation area among leguminous crops. Vegetable cowpea cultivars are successfully cultivated in the open ground in Russia, in its southern regions and the south of the Far East. The creation of new cultivars adapted to cultivation in different regions and suitable for widespread industrial production, is extremely relevant. Materials and methods. The variability of 20 morphological and 3 phenological traits of six cowpea accessions with different growth habit types and architectonics was assessed in various ecological and geographical conditions at VIR experiment stations (in Astrakhan Province, Primorye Territory and Krasnodar Territory) in 2019-2022. The variability and interrelationships of the traits were estimated using basic and multivariate statistical methods. Results. The analysis revealed a significant influence of the factor complex (genotype/accession, research location) on the variability of traits. Phenological traits, the length of internodes and leaflets, depended most strongly on the research location. The range of variation in the number of nodes, branches, peduncles and beans per plant, stem thickness and bean size were determined by the genotype to a larger extent. The range of stem length variability was significantly influenced by the research location and the genotype, though the genotype had a stronger influence. The genotypes responded differently to changes in growing conditions. For the most of the studied accessions, an increase in the main stem length was noted in the monsoon climate conditions of the Primorye Territory, for some of them the type of growth habit changed from determinate to indeterminate. In our research, the plant length was positively correlated with the amount of precipitation and with the average relative air humidity. Excessive humidity and precipitation had minimal effect only on cv. ʻLyanchiheʼ, whose plants retained dwarfness and compact architectonics. Factor analysis (principal factors analysis) revealed 4 factors responsible for the main part of the variance of the analyzed traits. The characteristics of the leaf were combined in the first factor, those of architectonics and time of plant development in the second, features of the seedling and the juvenile stage in the third, and those of the bean in the fourth factor. These complexes of traits (factors) determined the variability of cowpea in our research. Conclusion. The performed analysis of morphological and phenological traits revealed a significant increase of stem length and changes in plant architectonics under conditions of high relative humidity and a large amount of precipitation. In some cases, even the type of growth habit was changed. The further research on the studied characters variability involving more accessions and the determination of molecular mechanisms that control stability of the growth habit type and length of the stem will allow us to proceed to a more efficient and rapid creation of new cultivars suitable for mechanized cultivation. This is extremely important for the development of new areas by cultivating species, the demand in which as a source of food and feed is increasing in the Russian Federation.

Reference genome sequence and population genomic analysis of peas provide insights into the genetic basis of Mendelian and other agronomic traits.

Peas are essential for human nutrition and played a crucial role in the discovery of Mendelian laws of inheritance. In this study, we assembled the genome of the elite vegetable pea cultivar 'Zhewan No. 1' at the chromosome level and analyzed resequencing data from 314 accessions, creating a comprehensive map of genetic variation in peas. We identified 235 candidate loci associated with 57 important agronomic traits through genome-wide association studies. Notably, we pinpointed the causal gene haplotypes responsible for four Mendelian traits: stem length (Le/le), flower color (A/a), cotyledon color (I/i) and seed shape (R/r). Additionally, we discovered the genes controlling pod form (Mendelian P/p) and hilum color. Our study also involved constructing a gene expression atlas across 22 tissues, highlighting key gene modules related to pod and seed development. These findings provide valuable pea genomic information and will facilitate the future genome-informed improvement of pea crops.

A comprehensive morphometric analysis of superior and inferior mesenteric arteries using cadaveric dissection and MDCT angiography

BackgroundSuperior mesenteric artery (SMA) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) are vital vascular structures supplying the majority of the intestinal tract. Despite their clinical significance, comprehensive morphometric studies combining traditional cadaveric dissection with modern imaging techniques are scarce in literature. This study aimed to provide a detailed morphometric analysis of the SMA and IMA using both cadaveric dissection and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography. MethodsThe study utilized a dual approach, combining cadaveric dissection (30 formalin-fixed cadavers) and MDCT angiography (images from 50 patients). Measurements including stem lengths, diameters at origin, and distances from the aortic bifurcation were taken, along with assessment of vertebral levels of origin and branching patterns. Data from both components were analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsKey findings for SMA include: Mean stem length: 3.19 ± 0.72 cm (cadaveric) vs. 2.53 ± 0.53 cm (MDCT); Mean diameter at origin: 0.93 ± 0.22 cm (cadaveric) vs. 0.57 ± 0.10 cm (MDCT); Most common vertebral level of origin: Upper border of L1 (78 % of cases); Branching pattern variations observed in 23.3 % of cadaveric specimens, which included the origin of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery from the first jejunal artery, a common trunk for right colic and ileocolic arteries, and absence of middle colic artery. For IMA: Mean stem length: 3.61 ± 1.29 cm (cadaveric) vs. 3.41 ± 0.69 cm (MDCT); Mean diameter at origin: 0.50 ± 0.11 cm (cadaveric) vs. 0.26 ± 0.05 cm (MDCT); Most common vertebral level of origin: Upper border of L3 (40 % of cases). No variations observed in branching pattern. ConclusionsThe detailed measurements, frequency of variations, and comparison between traditional and modern assessment techniques offer a nuanced understanding of mesenteric vascular anatomy. This study bridges the gap between classical anatomical knowledge and contemporary imaging capabilities, potentially improving surgical planning, interventional procedures, and radiological interpretation.

Biostimulant effect of green soil microalgae Chlorella vulgaris suspensions on germination and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum var. Achtar) and soil fertility

Microalgae-derived biostimulants are increasingly used as viable tools to improve growth, yield of crops, and reduce agricultural environmental footprint. However, microalgae isolated from aquatic environments are the main strains used in the production of biostimulants. This study aims to evaluate the biostimulant effect of a terrestrial Chlorella vulgaris strain isolated from arid soil on germination and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum, var. Achtar). Different concentrations 0.2 %, 0.5 %, 25 % and 50 % (v/v) of four C. vulgaris treatments (aqueous extract, filtered culture, crude culture and sonified culture) were investigated by measuring several biometric parameters to assess wheat germination and growth performance. All C. vulgaris treatments significantly enhanced wheat germination and growth with concentration dependent effect. The crude culture and filtrate at 25 % were the most effective compared to untreated plants. They significantly improved wheat germination index by 16.86 %, germination rate coefficient by 7.87 %, germination energy by 20.40 % as well as growth parameters such as root length (62.82 % and 52.84 %), stem length (71.36 % and 59.19 %), and root (662.5 % and 391.67 %) and stem dry biomass (675 % and 370.83 %), respectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that crude culture and filtrate at the lowest doses of 0.5 and 25 % were closely correlated to enhanced wheat root and shoot length and dry weight. The plant nutrients, mineral elements, chlorophyll a, total proteins and carbohydrates contents were positively correlated with enhanced shoot length and dry weight. The soil physicochemical properties were significantly increased under all C. vulgaris treatments at higher dose (50 %) whereas plants N and P contents enhancement was correlated to the soil nutrients increase. Thus, the results highlighted the potential of soil microalgae as an eco-friendly biostimulant for promoting sustainable agriculture.