Stem Quality Research Articles

Growth, stem quality and nutritional status of Betula pendula and Betula pubescens in pure stands and mixtures

The growth, technical quality and nutritional status of pure and mixed silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) and downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) plantations were studied 21 and 22 years after planting on afforested organic soil arable land and on upland forest soil. In mixtures, 50% of both birch species was planted. Silver birch trees grew better, but had higher mortality than downy birch trees on both sites. Mortality of both species was highest, and the difference in their growth smallest, on organic soil. In pure stands on organic soil, downy birch dominant height, diameter and mean volume were 96%, 92% and 82% of those of silver birch and on mineral soil 87%, 84% and 60%, correspondingly. On mineral soil, silver birch had a higher mean annual increment (MAI) (5.8 m3 ha−1a−1) than downy birch (3.9 m3 ha−1a−1), but on organic soil the MAI of both species was similar (3.3–3.4 m3 ha−1 a−1). Planting birches in mixture did not affect the growth of the trees on organic soil. On mineral soil, the mean diameter and mean volume of silver birch trees were higher in mixed than in pure plantations. The technical stem quality of both tree species was low. On mineral soils, pure silver birch is more productive than mixture, but on peat soil the higher growth of silver birch could contribute to increased productivity and downy birch would ensure sufficient survival for future timber production.

Effect of Different Temperatures on the Quality of Dendrobium Officinale Storage

In this research, Dendrobium officinale was studied at different storage temperatures for water loss, soluble solids, titratable acids, membrane permeability, malonaldehyde (MDA) changes. Results showed that weight loss rate was positively associated with storage temperature, the higher of storage temperature, the weight loss more severe and the quality of dendrobium stem was lower. Dendrobium’s titratable acid content, soluble solids content changed slowly than 10°C, 20°Cwhen it was stored in 0°C temperature but their content were higher than 10°C, 20°C samples . Storage temperature is positively correlated with the change of membrane permeability and malonaldehyde (MDA) as the extension of storage time, high temperature will damage the membrane permeability of Dendrobium and at the same time the production of membrane lipid peroxidation caused.

HEAT TRANSFER AND EXTERNAL QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF 'REGAL SEEDLESS' TABLE GRAPES INSIDE MULTI LAYERED PACKAGING DURING POSTHARVEST COOLING AND STORAGE

Postharvest packaging of table grapes is characterized by multi-layer packaging comprising of the carton box, the inner liner film, the individual bunch carry-bag and the SO2 sheet. This multi-layered packaging is required to allow sufficient airflow to efficiently cool packed grapes in order to preserve quality. Total pressure drop and cooling rates of different table grape packaging systems were measured and the percentage contributions of each package component and the fruit bulk were determined. Also, the effects of different carton liners on the cooling rate and external quality attributes of table grapes were investigated. Fruit quality attributes measured included stem dehydration and browning, SO2 injury and decay. On average the liner films contributed significantly higher to total pressure drop (61.04±15.91 %) than other components of the package combinations. Compared with the cooling of bulk grape bunches, the presence of the bunch carry bag increased the half and seven-eighth cooling time by 61.1 % and 97.3 %, respectively. The addition of plastic liners over the bunch carry bag increased the half and seven-eighth cooling time by 168.9 % and 185.2 %, respectively. Non-perforated liners maintained relative humidity (RH) close to 100 % during cold storage and during a 7-day shelf-life period which resulted in delaying the loss of stem quality but significantly (P  0.05) while increasing the incidence of SO2 injury and berry drop during storage compared with perforated liners. INTRODUCTION In most fresh food refrigeration systems, heat is transferred primarily by forced convection, where cold air is forced through food packages; therefore, the temperature and its homogeneity is largely governed by the patterns of the airflow (Smale et al., 2006; Zou et al., 2006). Table grapes are non-climacteric fruit and therefore should be harvested when reaching optimum maturity (Ginsburg et al., 1978; Hardenburg et al., 1986). However, fruit quality tends to deteriorate rapidly during postharvest handling and storage, thus reducing shelf-life during marketing. Deterioration of table grape quality is mainly characterised by stem (rachis) dehydration and browning, fruit weight loss and colour change, accelerated berry softening, berry shatter and high incidence of berry decay due mainly to Botrytis cineria. Table grapes are packed in multi-layered packaging which includes the carton boxes with multiple inner-packaging materials including carton liner films, SO2 pads, moisture absorption sheets and bunch carry bags (Ngcobo et al., 2011). Resistance to airflow may even be higher during table grape cooling due to the fact that berry bunches are packed inside multi-layered packages. It is therefore important to understand the effects of packaging materials and produce on airflow in order to fully understand cooling patterns and moisture transfer properties for the design of efficient cooling systems. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of multi-layered packaging on airflow and cooling patterns and on external quality attributes of table grapes during cooling and storage. MATERIALS AND METHODS

An assessor-specific Bayesian multi-threshold mixed model for analyzing ordered categorical traits in tree breeding

Many traits of biological interest in tree breeding are assessed using more than two ordered discrete categories. These scores have a more or less arbitrary and subjective assignment by the assessors, which could lead to a strong departure from the Gaussian distribution. Different assessors may also use different regions of the available scale. This study describes the use of the multi-threshold mixed model proposed by Varona et al. (J Anim Sci 87:1210–1217, 2009), which allows different thresholds for different assessors on an underlying Gaussian distribution. This method was applied to a six-point score for stem quality in an open-pollinated progeny trial of Prosopis alba Griseb. Four mixed models were used: (1) a linear mixed model with observed score (LMM); (2) a linear mixed model with transformed “normal scores” (LMM_NS); (3) a threshold mixed model (TMM); and (4) an assessor-specific multi-threshold mixed model (MTMM). Dispersion parameters were estimated using Bayesian techniques via the Gibbs sampling with a data augmentation step. The proposed MTMM produced higher posterior mean heritabilities (0.096) than the commonly used LMM (0.077). Posterior mean heritabilities from LMM_NS (0.094) and TMM (0.097) were comparable to those obtained using MTMM; however, MTMM yielded slightly more precise estimates than TMM. Although correlations of the estimated breeding values were high between different models (from 0.88 to 0.99), the heterogeneity in the estimated posterior means of the thresholds between the three assessors caused notable changes in the top 10 families between TMM and MTMM. The proposed model is helpful in fitting subjective ordered categorical traits assessed by different assessors in tree breeding.

A broadly applicable miRNA-based tool for stem cell characterisation and quality control

A broadly applicable miRNA-based tool for stem cell characterisation and quality control

Comparison of Postoperative Bleeding and Complications between Cemented and Non-cemented Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty in Treatment of Unstable Pertrochanteric Fracture

Purpose: In cases of patients who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BPHA) for treatment of a pertrochanteric fracture, we compared and analyzed the amount of blood loss and complications between a group using the cemented stem and a group using the cementless stem. Materials and Methods: A total of 104 patients who underwent BPHA for treatment of a pertrochanteric fracture in our hospital for three years and 10 months (From January 2008 to October 2011) were included in this study. Among the 104 patients, 64 patients with a cemented stem were categorized into group 1, and the other 40 patients with an uncemented stem were categorized into group 2. Before surgery, the type of stem was determined by the bone quality of the proximal femur, which had been evaluated with a simple X-ray. Then, after surgery, the amount of blood loss and complications were compared between the two groups. Results: Expected blood loss during the operation was 389.8 cc in group 1, and 395.3 cc in group 2(P=0.88). Postoperatively, average drained blood loss was 219.6 cc in group 1, and 338.1 cc in group 2. Cemented stem was associated with significantly less blood loss (P=0.004). The average operation time in group 1 and in group 2 was 96 minutes and 72 minutes. There was no significant difference in operating time (P=0.85). In addition, there was no difference in INR (International Normalized Ratio) and BMI (Body Mass Index) (P=0.28 and 0.08) regarding total amount of postoperatively drained blood loss. There was no occurrence of hypotensive shock or fatal pulmonary embolism in either group. Three cases of periprosthetic fracture occurred in group 2. Conclusion: Fewer occurrences of postoperative blood loss and fewer complications were observed in the cemented stem group than in the cementless stem group. Preoperative evaluation of bone quality and use of the cement stem for patients with poor bone quality may be a good treatment method that can help to reduce complications.

Early evaluation of micropropagated black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) clones in Hungary

In Hungary, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is one of the most important exotic species, forming entire stands. Its importance is increasing in many other countries. As a result of a new selection program eight black locust clones have been improved for establishing clone trials and a seed orchard. In this study juvenile growth and stem quality of micropropagated clones of black locust were evaluated on a marginal site in central Hungary. At ten years old, the clones ‘MB17D3/4’ and ‘PV201E2/4’ appeared to be especially promising for high quality wood production under arid hydrological conditions. A tissue culture method can be considered a suitable tool of propagating superior individual trees and offers new prospects for the rapid cloning of selected genotypes.

IntercroppingCedrela odoratawith Shrubby Crop Species to Reduce Infestation withHypsipyla grandellaand Improve the Quality of Timber

Cultivation ofCedrela odorata, a valuable tropical hardwood species, is restricted by the mahogany shoot borer (Hypsipyla grandella), whose attacks reduce stem quality in forest plantations. This study investigated whether infestation rates would be reduced and growth performance improved by the intercropping ofC. odoratatree seedlings with different crop rotations. The height increment achieved byC. odorataduring the first two years was significantly stimulated by the intercropping of maize (Zea mays), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), and cassava (Manihot esculenta). Attacks ofH. grandellawere also considerably reduced in these treatments, compared to the control plots, while intercropping with beans and rice produced no improvement. The effect was particularly distinct when lateral competition between trees and crops was high. Accordingly stem quality was higher in the treatments featuring tall crops. Trees intercropped withC. cajanperformed best in terms of height (276 cm ±93), survival (100% ±0), and quality (81% ±13.5 of trees with satisfying stem quality) after two years. We concluded that intercropping of tree seedlings which are susceptible toH. grandellawith shrubby multipurpose species can improve both tree growth and timber quality and hence increase the attractiveness of such species for reforestation.

Effects of Chlormequat-Uniconazole 30% Micro-Emulsion on Stem Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Rice

倒伏是限制寒地水稻高产潜力充分发挥的因素之一。试验以垦稻12为材料，于水稻拔节初期叶面喷施30％矮·烯微乳剂，研究其对水稻茎秆形态建成、物质积累及产量构成因素的调控作用。结果表明，30％矮．烯微乳剂1．2Lhm^-2处理，能够显著缩短茎秆基部第1、第2节间的长度，增加基部节间粗度；显著缩小茎秆细胞宽度，增强细胞排列紧实度；改善茎秆的抗折性，茎秆弯曲折断强度和径向压缩强度比对照分别提高152．4％和82．5％；显著提高水稻齐穗期茎秆基部节间的碳氮比和灌浆后期茎秆中纤维素、半纤维素和木质素含量，显著降低处于固定伸长期的第2节间GA3含量；改善水稻产量构成因素，提高了产量。综上所述，30％矮·烯微乳剂有利于提高水稻茎秆的抗倒伏能力，增加水稻产量。

A new approach to assessing tree stem quality characteristics using terrestrial laser scans

This paper presents an approach to assess and measure bark characteristics as indicators of wood quality using terrestrial laser scan data. In addition to the detection and measurement by use of the intensity information of the scan data a new approach was established. Bark surface models are calculated for each tree. They offer the representation of the bark as a height model. The reference is the tree stem approximated by a chain of cylinders. Minimal deviations of the bark surface can be detected and visualized and the geometrical properties of bark scars and branched knots can be assessed. Results of the measurement of 18 scars are presented using the two approaches: (1) a method using intensity data or (2) using bark surface models. The selection of the adequate approach depends on the stem characteristics. In a next step, methods for automatic measurement of bark scars will be developed.

Influence of Regeneration Method on the Yield and Stem Quality of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) Stands: a Case Study

Abstract - Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is one of the most important forest tree species in Hungary, covering approximately 23% of the forested land and providing 25% of the annual timber output of the country. One third of these black locust stands are high forests (planted with seedlings) and the remainder coppices. According to the forestry regulations black locust stands can be regenerated both by root suckers and with seedlings in Hungary. This study investigates the influence of different regeneration methods on wood production, stem quality and health. Properly managed regeneration from root suckers produced a higher yield than regeneration from seedlings at a harvest age of 35-37 years. The results show that regeneration of black locust stands from root suckers can be recommended on good and medium quality sites without a decrease in yield or stem quality.

Spacing affects stem form, early growth and branching in young whitewood (Endospermum medullosum) plantations in Vanuatu

SUMMARY This paper investigates the early growth response, branching and stem quality of Endospermum medullosum (whitewood) at different spacings. Whitewood plantings were established at stockings of 400–833 trees per hectare and early growth, tree stem quality and branching were quantified up to age 3 years. Growth, number of live branches and branch size were negatively correlated with stocking. The stocking of trees of acceptable quality had high spatial variation. Initial spacing in whitewood plantations can be used to manipulate branch size, crown rise and stem size; all of which are important for development of pruning and thinning regimes to produce high quality logs. If unimproved whitewood stock is used, to ensure that there are 300 stems per hectare of acceptable quality to produce sawlogs, more than 600 trees per hectare should be established at planting.

Effects of seed transfers on yield and stem defects of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth)

We studied the effect of seed transfers on survival, yield and stem defects of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) of North European origin in five parallel provenance trials in Finland. The trials were located at Loppi (60°39′N) in southern Finland, at Kannonkoski (62°58′N), Ilomantsi (62°58′N) and Toholampi (63°47′N) in central Finland and at Rovaniemi (66°21′N) in northern Finland. Four trials were growing on moist upland forest sites and one on agricultural land. The material consisted of altogether 38 stand seed origins from Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Great Britain and Russia ranging between latitudes 53° and 67°N. Survival, height, diameter at breast height, stem volume/ha and number of stem defects per tree were assessed when the trees were 19years old. Seed transfer distance was calculated either as latitudinal or temperature sum difference between the seed origin and the trial location. According to coefficients of determination (R2), the latitude-based transfer models gave a slightly better fit with the data than the models based on temperature sum differences. Significant differences were found among the origins regarding all studied traits in all trials. In all traits, the pattern of variation in relation to the transfer distance was curvilinear, and the effect of transfer distance was significant. A long transfer from both directions led to a reduction in all measured traits. The optimal transfer distance and direction varied depending on the trait and covariate used in the models. According to the latitudinal model, local or slightly more northern origins had highest survival and lowest number of stem defects. Height growth and yield was at highest with the local or slightly more southern origins. A northward transfer of ca. 2° of latitude increased yield, while a southward transfer or a longer northward transfer, decreased the yield. According to the temperature sum model, origins within the limits of approximately ±200 d.d. compared to the trial location produced the highest yield. Origins with similar or slightly lower temperature sums compared to the trial locations had highest survival and best stem quality. The current seed transfer guidelines for silver birch in Finland, which recommend transfer distances of 150km or 150 d.d. at maximum in southward or northward direction, seem still valid. Because of the low gain in expected yield by even moderate northward transfers and the uncertainties in the success of more southern origins in varying future climate, we recommend no changes in seed transfer guidelines.

Influência do cálcio e do silício, via fertirrigação, na qualidade de hastes florais de gérbera

<p>Com o objetivo de estudar o efeito do cálcio (Ca) e do silício (Si), via fertirrigação, na qualidade de flores cortadas de</p><p>gérbera, foi conduzido um experimento em casa de vegetação, no delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, sendo os tratamentos constituídos por três níveis de Ca (7,5; 10,0 e 12,5 mmol.L-1) e quatro níveis de Si (0; 2,95; 4,43 e 5,89 mmol.L-1), aplicados via solução nutritiva, avaliados em três épocas, com três repetições. O cultivo da gérbera foi feito em vasos plásticos de 5L, preenchidos com fibra de coco. A partir do início das aplicações, na fase reprodutiva, foram avaliados a qualidade das hastes florais no ponto de colheita, pelo comprimento e diâmetro da haste, diâmetro do capítulo e intensidade da coloração das pétalas (L, C, a, b e hº), além da longevidade e perda de massa no período pós-colheita. A qualidade das hastes florais sofreu influência da aplicação de Ca e Si para o parâmetro a, cromaticidade e comprimento da haste, aos 90 e 150 dias após o transplante (DAT). O Si aplicado semanalmente via solução nutritiva durante o cultivo da gérbera aumentou a vida pós-colheita de flores coletadas aos 210 DAT.</p>

Harvest Impacts on Alfalfa Stem Neutral Detergent Fiber Concentration and Digestibility and Cell Wall Concentration and Composition

ABSTRACTAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stem fiber concentration and digestibility, lignin, and polysaccharide composition impact energy availability for livestock and biofuel conversion. We evaluated stem neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration, 16‐ and 96‐h in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD), total cell wall (CW) concentration, and proportions of Klason lignin (KL), cellulose (CEL), pectin (PEC), and hemicellulose (HC) in the cell wall for eight germplasms at two plant densities at two locations harvested at early bud (four cuts) and late flower (three cuts) for 2 yr. Growth environment influences at each harvest had the greatest impact on stem quality traits while plant density had no effect. Stem NDF, CW, and CEL were greater at late flower while 16‐ and 96‐h IVNDFD and PEC were greater at early bud. Stem KL and HC were variable but comparable at the two maturity stages. Correlations indicated that as NDF or CW increased, CEL increased, KL remained relatively constant, and 16‐ and 96‐h IVNDFD and PEC decreased. The large variability in response for stem quality traits suggested that to modify stem fiber and cell wall composition, alfalfa will need to be screened over several harvests to identify plants with consistent differences in stem quality.

Ganancia genética esperada en Acacia mangium en Los Chiles, zona norte de Costa Rica.

Ganancia genética esperada en Acacia mangium en Los Chiles, zona norte de Costa Rica. Con el objetivo de seleccionar los materiales de mayor crecimiento y calidad de fuste en Acacia mangium, se evaluó un ensayo de progenie de Acacia mangium Willd. conformado por veinticinco familias.El ensayo fue establecido en Los Chiles, zona norte de CostaRica, en 2006 con evaluaciones en el 2007 y en 2010. Se utilizó material genético seleccionado por la Cooperativa de Conservación y Mejoramiento Genético Forestal “GENFORES”,en Costa Rica y Colombia. Cada familia estuvo representada por 48 progenies, plantadas en cuatro parejas distribuidas enforma aleatoria dentro de cada uno de los seis bloques delensayo. Se evaluó el diámetro a la altura de pecho “DAP”,incremento en DAP, adaptabilidad al sitio, número de trozas comerciales, bifurcación, altura de bifurcación, calidad de las primeras cuatro trozas. Se determinó el volumen de maderacomercial por árbol y hectárea. Los datos fueron analizadospor medio del software SELEGEN de EMBRAPA para obtenerlos parámetros genéticos. Todos los caracteres registraron valores de heredabilidad media familiar superiores a 0,68.Si se seleccionaran los dos mejores individuos dentro de las mejores doce familias, se obtendría una ganancia genética del40,8% en volumen comercial/ha a los cuatro años de edad.Esta ganancia corresponde a un volumen comercial de 91,65m3/ha, a una tasa de 22,9 m3/ha/año. Las dos procedencias derivadas de Colombia son significativamente superiores a los demás materiales evaluados. El análisis de correlación genética entre caracteres muestra que la tasa de crecimiento diamétrico se expresa desde temprana edad en esta especie, lo que podría ser utilizado a futuro en una selección a menor edad.

Effects of Inflorescence Stem Structure and Cell Wall Components on the Mechanical Strength of Inflorescence Stem in Herbaceous Peony

Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is a traditional famous flower, but its poor inflorescence stem quality seriously constrains the development of the cut flower. Mechanical strength is an important characteristic of stems, which not only affects plant lodging, but also plays an important role in stem bend or break. In this paper, the mechanical strength, morphological indices and microstructure of P. lactiflora development inflorescence stems were measured and observed. The results showed that the mechanical strength of inflorescence stems gradually increased, and that the diameter of inflorescence stem was a direct indicator in estimating mechanical strength. Simultaneously, with the development of inflorescence stem, the number of vascular bundles increased, the vascular bundle was arranged more densely, the sclerenchyma cell wall thickened, and the proportion of vascular bundle and pith also increased. On this basis, cellulose and lignin contents were determined, PlCesA3, PlCesA6 and PlCCoAOMT were isolated and their expression patterns were examined including PlPAL. The results showed that cellulose was not strictly correlated with the mechanical strength of inflorescence stem, and lignin had a significant impact on it. In addition, PlCesA3 and PlCesA6 were not key members in cellulose synthesis of P. lactiflora and their functions were also different, but PlPAL and PlCCoAOMT regulated the lignin synthesis of P. lactiflora. These data indicated that PlPAL and PlCCoAOMT could be applied to improve the mechanical strength of P. lactiflora inflorescence stem in genetic engineering.

New method for the devitalization of imported horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)

Despite being rated as one of the world's worst weeds, Equisetum hyemale was until recently imported into New Zealand for use by the floristry industry, subject to devitalization. It was subsequently found that imported stems were not being successfully devitalized and importation was banned. This study, in two trials, used different dilutions of six herbicides, including Roundup, the one listed in the MAF Biosecurity NZ standard, to investigate if it were possible to render stems non-propagable without destroying their commercial use. This research found that a Sharpshooter (oryzalin) formulation at 1× and 1:2 dilutions of the field application strength was the only herbicide that completely devitalized the stem material with minimal impact on stem quality. Roundup at the concentration required by MAF Biosecurity NZ destroyed the stems, while 1:5 and 1:10 dilutions reduced the ability of the stems to be propagated, but still caused stem damage. AGPRO activated amitrole, Duplosan, Agritone and Kamba were not successful as devitalization agents.

Uticaj primene različitih preparata ishrane na visinski prirast sadnica oraha (Juglans regia L.)

Providing of quality planting material which takes root well after planting, resistant to diseases, pests, stress (drought, extreme temperature, etc.) and grows well in cultures is one of the strategic and preferential tasks of modern forestry. Walnut is a fruit tree important as a founder of various varieties and hybrids, and as a rootstock for high-yielding varieties. It is also of great importance because of high nutritional value of fruit and high quality of stem. For that reason this species has to be introduced into the existing ecosystem and used for afforestation of different habitats. The paper presents results of research on the effect of the controlled decomposing fertilizer Osmocote Exact®, mineral NPK fertilizer Florin 2 and microbiological preparation Bactofil® B 10 on height increment of walnut seedlings. Data analysis was performed by relevant procedures using statistical software packages (SPSS Statistics 17.0). Comparative analysis of height increment of seedlings treated with these preparations and height increment of untreated seedlings, as well as a simple way of application of these preparations by adding them to the substrate, will show the justification of direct application of these types of fertilizers and microbiological preparation in mass production of high quality planting material.

The potential to improve growth rate and quality traits of stem straightness and branching habit when breeding Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr

Tree breeders continue to use visual assessments of stem shape and branching habit as part of their selection criteria because these are key features used by timber merchants in assessing stand value. However, it is not known how effective these assessments are in introducing real improvements in stem and branching traits to breeding and production populations of Sitka spruce. This study determined the genetic characteristics of several traits associated with stem straightness and branching, and examined whether these traits are suitable as future selection criteria. Trees were sampled from 33 families selected from a 20-year-old half-sibling progeny trial growing in northern Scotland and a control of directly imported material from Queen Charlotte Islands, Canada. Stem straightness and branching habit were ‘scored’ for quality in addition to direct measurements made on growth and branching characteristics. Results indicate that heritability values for most external stem and branching properties evaluated visually are sufficiently strong to enable effective selection in tree improvement programmes. Estimated genetic correlations suggest that substantial improvements in branch and stem quality could be achieved without a reduction in growth rate. Visual scoring systems appear to successfully target families of good growth and small branch size relative to the control population.