Total Stem Length Research Articles

Fiber flax varieties of domestic selection under conditions of the Tomsk region

The results of the study of 20 samples of cultivated flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) of the Federal Scientific Center of Bast Crops in 2021–2023 are presented. The field studies were conducted in the sub-taiga zone of the Tomsk region. Natural and climatic conditions corresponded to the requirements of fiber flax cultivation. As a result of the conducted research, valuable and flexible source material for the creation of varieties with high productivity traits has been identified. The varieties of the Pskov selection – Antey, Voskhod, Nord, Chance, Tver (Torzhok) selection – Polet, Universal, Smolensk selection – Phoenix, Impulse and standard Pamyati Krepkova – stood out in terms of total and technical length of the stems. The total stem length reached 90 cm and above, the technical stem length was more than 80 cm. The leaders in terms of fiber content in the technical part of the stems were varieties of the Tver selection (Torzhok): Tonus, Visit, Pskov varieties – Kvartet, Orion, Peresvet – 40% and higher. The highest value for the characteristic of stem slenderness (the ratio between technical length and stem thickness) was observed in the varieties Voskhod (681.0) and Peresvet (652.6). In terms of linear stem density, the varieties differed insignificantly among themselves, with most varieties having values in the range of 5.0–6.0 mg/cm. The influence of the factor " The year of inclusion in the State Register of BA of the Russian Federation" was also studied. The factor had the greatest influence on the fiber content trait. Varieties with earlier dates of inclusion in the State Register showed low fiber yield. Russian flax varieties are recognized as promising and are included in the breeding process as male and female seed parents during hybridization.

Effects of Black and White Mulch on Mycelial Growth of Tuber Species in Korean Field Environment

Truffles, belonging to the genus Tuber, are ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi that form underground ascocarps and primarily establish symbiosis with oaks and hazels. The cultivation of Tuber spp. involves transplanting inoculated seedlings that have formed ectomycorrhiza with Tuber species, with mulching being effective for truffle cultivation. In this study, we investigated the effects of mulching on the mycelial growth of four Tuber species (T. himalayense, T. koreanum, T. melanosporum, and T. borchii) in the Korean natural environment, highlighting the potential for Korea as a truffle cultivation site. We developed and tested species-specific primers for quantifying the soil mycelial biomass of Tuber spp. by qRT-PCR, determined the superior mulch color for mycelial growth, and identified the Tuber species exhibiting the highest growth rate in the Korean field environment. Our results demonstrated that white mulch significantly enhanced mycelial growth in Tuber species than black mulch, likely owing to its ability to maintain low soil temperatures, control weeds, and improve host plant growth. Among the Tuber species, T. himalayense showed the greatest growth potential in the Korean natural environment. Additionally, a significant and positive correlation was observed between the mycelial biomass of Tuber species and the growth of inoculated seedlings, as measured by the total stem length and the number of leaves, thereby indicating the importance of symbiosis between ECM fungi and host plants. This study provides valuable insights into truffle cultivation in Korea and highlights the potential of using white mulch to promote mycelial growth, thereby contributing essential data for understanding the appropriate environmental conditions for Tuber spp. cultivation in Korea. Further study is needed to assess the long-term impact of mulching and to explore the effectiveness of other mulching materials.

Simulação da colheita de gladíolos com o modelo phenoglad para diferentes períodos de comercialização

ABSTRACT Gladiolus is a species that presents cultivars with flowers of different colors, and these floral stems can be produced using simple and low-cost management practices. Its growth is not widespread in the São Francisco Valley, in Brazil, thus requiring research to guide growers regarding its production and commercialization. The PhenoGlad program was developed to simulate gladiolus production based on temperature data from the previous year. Therefore, the objective of this work was to produce gladioli at different times, assess stem quality, and validate the PhenoGlad model for the region. The experiment was conducted between 2020 and 2021 at the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, using a complete randomized block design, in a 4×3 factorial arrangement. The treatments consisted of four cultivars (Red Beauty, Jester, T704, and White Friendship) and three harvest peaks (H1: Feast of the Petrolina Patron Saint's Day, August 15, 2020; H2: All Souls' Day, November 2, 2020; and H3: International Women's Day, March 8, 2021). The parameters evaluated were total stem length, rachis length, stem diameter, and postharvest longevity at the R2-R5 stage. The interaction between cultivars and harvest peaks was significant for total stem length and stem diameter. All cultivars grown for H1 performed well and showed a low simulated error compared to field observations, validating the PhenoGlad model. Growing gladiolus in the region is feasible, as the stems meet quality standards and have a suitable shelf life for commercialization.

A Low Ratio of Red to Far-red Radiation (R:FR) Throughout the Photoperiod but Not at End-of-day Promotes Shade Avoidance for Petunia ×hybrida Seedlings

Electric lighting is often necessary to achieve a target daily light integral (DLI) for the production of high-quality young annual bedding plants (plugs). Early in production, plugs have a low leaf area index that limits light interception and likely results in wasted radiation supplied by electric sources. Previous research has shown that the addition of far-red radiation (700–780 nm) to the radiation spectrum in sole-source lighting experiments or the use of end-of-day far-red (EOD-FR) radiation treatments can promote an increase in leaf expansion and leaf area for many species. However, leaf expansion in response to far-red radiation may depend on other factors such as the ratio of red (600–699 nm) to far-red radiation (R:FR) and air temperature. Thus, the objectives of this work were to examine the effects of far-red radiation applied throughout the photoperiod and as an end-of-day radiation treatment on the morphology of petunia ‘Dreams Midnight’ seedlings grown under different temperature conditions. Specifically, petunia seed was sown in 128-cell trays and moved to one of two growth chambers set at 16 or 21 °C when cotyledons unfolded. Seedlings received an equal total photon flux density (400–780 nm) of 164 µmol·m−2·s−1 for a 17.25-hour photoperiod, and either a high (∼10.7) or low R:FR (0.5). Low R:FR-treated seedlings were grown at a constant temperature of either 16 or 21 °C and placed under blackout conditions at the end of the photoperiod. High R:FR-grown seedlings received either a 1-hour end-of-day white (EOD-W) or EOD-FR treatment at the end of the photoperiod, and were grown at a constant 16 or 21 °C; one EOD-FR treatment was also shifted from the 21 °C chamber to the 16 °C at the end of the photoperiod for both the EOD-FR treatment and subsequent dark period. Seedlings were harvested at 21 and 28 days after treatment initiation. For petunia seedlings grown at 21 °C, EOD-FR treatments had minimal effect on morphology or dry mass as all measured parameters, including total and average leaf area and stem length, were similar to EOD-W treatments. In contrast, low R:FR-treated seedlings showed responses characteristic of plants grown under shade, including significant stem elongation, an increase in total and average leaf area, and a reduction in leaf mass per unit area. As expected, production at 16 °C slowed the growth of petunia seedlings resulting in much smaller plants compared with the 21 °C grown plants, but shade responses such as elongated leaves and stems under a low R:FR were apparent. The EOD-FR–treated seedlings that received the diurnal temperature shift also showed reduced leaf area and dry mass compared with their constant 21 °C counterparts. Shade responses were observable at both 16 and 21 °C for low R:FR-grown plants, but the quantifiable impact of temperature on far-red responses could not be fully determined in the present study. Further research is warranted investigating crop responses to far-red radiation as well as potential interacting environmental factors as the promotion of morphological responses, such as leaf expansion, early in production may prove a useful strategy.

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.

Comparison of effect of CdS QD and ZnS QD and their corresponding salts on growth, chlorophyll content and antioxidative capacity of tomato

When applied in the same concentration to tomato plants, cadmium sulfate (CdSO4) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) were transported from soil to roots and from roots to shoots more readily than their nano counterparts: cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QD) and zinc sulfide quantum dots (ZnS QD). Compared to the CdS QD, he higher rate of transport of CdSO4 resulted in a greater negative effect on growth, chlorophyll content, antioxidant properties, lipid peroxidation and activation of antioxidant defence systems. Although ZnSO4 was transported more rapidly than ZnS QD, the overall effect of Zn addition was positive (increase in total plant mass, stem length, antioxidant content and decrease in lipid peroxidation). However, these effects were more pronounced in the case of ZnS QD, suggesting that the mechanisms underpinning the activity of ZnS QD and ZnSO4 were different. Thus, the risk of phytotoxicity and food chain transfer of the two elements depended on their form (salt or nanoform), and consequently their effects on plants’ growth and physiology were different.

Features of the expression of breeding traits in Linum usitatissimum L. somaclones

Aim. Determining the level of expression, variability and features of inheritance of the main breeding traits of flax somaclones (Linum usitatissimum L.) in connection with the possibility of their use as initial selection material was the aim of our research. Methods. Hypocotyl and epicotyl segments for the induction of callusogenesis and somatic embryogenesis were cultured in vitro on the nutrient medium of Murashige and Skoog with the addition of 1.00 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.05 mg/l 1-naphthylacetic acid, 30 g/l sucrose, a photoperiod of 16 h, illumination 2500 lux, relative air humidity 60–80 %, air temperature 22–24°C. Somaclones were adapted in vivo, and their generations were studied in the field. Results. Somaclones of the Hlinum variety were tested in the field according to the main selection traits and were not significantly inferior to the control variant; however, among them it is possible to single out some valuable individual plants for further breeding. Conclusions. Peculiarities of correlations between traits indicate the possibility of creating breeding material with a high level of fibrousness and seed productivity at the same time, high fiber mass and its content, allow selection for fibrousness by indirect traits – total and/or technical stem length, stem mass. A promising direction is the use of somaclones as sources of a high level of manifestation of the trait of the number of capsules on a plant (up to 17 pcs.).

Treatment of Potted Zebra Plant and Inch Plant with Antigibberellin Plant Growth Regulators Slows Stem Elongation in an Interior Green Wall

In commercial interior green walls, plant trimming and replacement necessitated by stem elongation under low interior light levels is labor intensive and costly. Antigibberellin plant growth regulators (PGRs) may slow stem elongation and thus reduce maintenance costs in this environment. In Expt. 1, two PGRs were applied as foliar spray or drench to three spiderwort selections [two of zebra plant (Tradescantia zebrina) and one of inch plant (Tradescantia fluminensis)] immediately before installation in a green wall, each at three rates: ancymidol (ANC) foliar spray at 25, 100, and 200 mg·L−1; paclobutrazol (PBZ) foliar spray at 20, 80, and 160 mg·L−1; and PBZ drench at 1, 4, and 8 mg·L−1, along with an untreated control. In Expt. 2, 80 mg·L−1 PBZ foliar spray, 1 mg·L−1 PBZ applied via subirrigation four times, and the combination of these two treatments, was evaluated on ‘Burgundy’ zebra plant. In both experiments, plants were placed in a vertical modular tray interior green wall. Change in total stem and specific internode length were measured every 14 days after installation for 3 months to calculate growth per month. Antigibberellin application slowed internode elongation of spiderwort selections during the first month after installation. Antigibberellins were more effective in zebra plant at reducing overall stem growth rate and less so on inch plant. Across the three spiderwort selections, 25 mg·L−1 foliar spray of ANC resulted in no difference in growth rate when compared with the control, although 100 to 200 mg·L−1 foliar spray was effective. Based on the results of both experiments, moderate and high rates of PBZ, applied both as a foliar spray and drench, resulted in similar reduction in stem elongation. PBZ applied as 20 to 80 mg·L−1 foliar spray, 4 mg·L−1 drench before installation in the wall, or a combination of an 80 mg·L−1 PBZ pre-installation foliar spray and recurring 1 mg·L−1 via subirrigation (four times) were effective at growth suppression of spiderworts for at least 3 months. Even rates of PBZ of 160 mg·L−1 foliar spray or 8 mg·L−1 drench did not show phytotoxicity in treated plants and could be considered for use. We recommend a pre-installation application of 80 mg·L−1 foliar spray or 4 mg·L−1 drench for controlling stem growth across spiderwort selections. Application of antigibberellin PGRs to plants before installation in green walls slows stem growth and can contribute to reduced maintenance costs.

World’s genetic resources of the VIR flax collection in the creation of Tomsk selection varieties

The results of the study of 30 flax samples of different ecological and geographical origin from the collection of the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) are presented. The varieties of the Russian selection 14, Chinese 6, Ukrainian 5, French 4, Belarusian 1 have been investigated. The influence of genotypes and weather conditions on the manifestation of economic traits by multivariate analysis of variance has been established. Field studies were conducted in the sub taiga zone of the Tomsk region in 2015-2017. Natural and climatic conditions met the requirements for the cultivation of fiber flax. By total and technical stem length the best varieties of the Chinese selection Heiya 4 (K-8485), Sxy 7 (K-8689), the Russian hybrid Tomsk 16 * Success (K-8544), the French variety Drakkar (K-8493), the Ukrainian Glazur (K-8695), 66-72 and 60-66 cm respectively, were significantly higher than the standard Tomsk 16. According to the fiber content in the technical part of the stems (38-40%) the following varieties were the leaders: the Russian selection P-3989 (K-8672), A-236 (K-8692), M-249 (K-8693), the French selection Alizee (K-8494), Agatha (K-8492), Melina (K-8495), and the Ukrainian selection Vruchy (K-8694), were significantly above the Tomsk 16 standard. By the fiber mass (91-104 mg) the French varieties Drakkar (K-8493) and Alizee (K-8494), the Ukrainian varieties Vruchii (K-8694) and Glazur (K8695), the Russian varieties A-236 (K-8692) and M-249 (K-8693) reliably exceeded the Tomsk 16 standard by 6-44 mg. The flax varieties of the Russian selection P-3989 (K-8672), Dobrynya (K8504), A-236 (K-8692), the Chinese Heiya 4 (K-8485), Heiya 13 (K-8486), Tyy 13 (K-8687), the French Agatha (K-8492), Drakkar (K-8493), Alizee (K-8494), Melina (K-8495), and the Ukrainian Gladiator (K-8505) and Vruchiy (K-8694) were recognized as promising and were included in the breeding process as male seed parents. The resulting hybrid material has been on trial in the selection nursery from 2017 and the second year of breeding from 2021.

Effective Training Methods for Cucumber Production in Newly Developed Nutrient Film Technique Hydroponic System

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., cv. “Nina Z”) plants grafted onto squash (Cucurbita maxima, cv. “Yu Yu Ikki”) were grown in a greenhouse using the newly developed nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system “Kappa land” (Mitsubishi aqua solutions Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan ), from February to June 2022. The growth and development of cucumbers were examined under two different training methods: Lowering training (LT) and Pinching training (PT). Data collected were related to water and nutrient consumption, plant growth and development parameters, and the workload of the main activities. The results showed that plants grown under the LT recorded significantly higher total stem length (10.9 m) and number of nodes (133). In addition, from 21 April to 19 May, the leaf area index was significantly higher in the LT treatment. The highest total yield (15.4 kg m−2) and marketable yield per unit area (13.8 kg m−2) were recorded in the LT treatment. Regarding fruit growth, the fruits took 14 and 19 days to reach the standard harvest weight in the PT and LT treatments, respectively. In addition, the fruits were more straight in the PT treatment. The water use efficiency was not significantly different between the two treatments. However, the nutrient use efficiency was significantly higher in the PT treatment because plants produced more vegetative organs in the LT treatment instead of fruits. The work for removing old leaves and harvesting fruits was simplified in the LT treatment. The LT method can be effective for the automation of old leaf removal and fruit picking by the robot in the future.

The Potential of Bacilli-Derived Biosurfactants as an Additive for Biocontrol against Alternaria alternata Plant Pathogenic Fungi.

Fungal diseases caused by Alternaria alternata constitute a significant threat to the production and quality of a wide range of crops, including beans, fruits, vegetables, and grains. Traditional methods for controlling these diseases involve synthetic chemical pesticides, which can negatively impact the environment and human health. Biosurfactants are natural, biodegradable secondary metabolites of microorganisms that have also been shown to possibly have antifungal activity against plant pathogenic fungi, including A. alternata being sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides. In this study, we investigated the potential of biosurfactants of three bacilli (Bacillus licheniformis DSM13, Bacillus subtilis DSM10, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus DSM2313) as a biocontrol agent against A. alternata on beans as a model organism. For this fermentation, we describe using an in-line biomass sensor monitoring both permittivity and conductivity, which are expected to correlate with cell concentration and products, respectively. After the fermentation of biosurfactants, we first characterised the properties of the biosurfactant, including their product yield, surface tension decrement capability, and emulsification index. Then, we evaluated the antifungal properties of the crude biosurfactant extracts against A. alternata, both in vitro and in vivo, by analysing various plant growth and health parameters. Our results showed that bacterial biosurfactants effectively inhibited the growth and reproduction of A. alternata in vitro and in vivo. B. licheniformis manufactured the highest amount of biosurfactant (1.37 g/L) and demonstrated the fastest growth rate, while G. stearothermophilus produced the least amount (1.28 g/L). The correlation study showed a strong positive relationship between viable cell density VCD and OD600, as well as a similarly good positive relationship between conductivity and pH. The poisoned food approach in vitro demonstrated that all three strains suppressed mycelial development by 70-80% when applied with the highest tested dosage of 30%. Regarding in vivo investigations, B. subtilis post-infection treatment decreased the disease severity to 30%, whereas B. licheniformis and G. stearothermophilus post-infection treatment reduced disease severity by 25% and 5%, respectively. The study also revealed that the plant's total height, root length, and stem length were unaffected by the treatment or the infection.

Activation of Tomato Growth Under Photoconversion Coatings with Nanoluminophor Sr0.76Ba0.20Yb0.02Er0.02F2.04

The effect of coatings containing upconversion luminescent nanoparticles on the cultivation of Solanum lycopersicum has been studied. Sr0.76Ba0.20Yb0.02Er0.02F2.04 particles capable of converting infrared radiation into visible light (λem = 660 nm, 545 nm, and 525 nm) were used as the phosphor. It was shown that the cultivation of tomatoes under photoconversion coatings accelerated the adaptation of plants to ultraviolet radiation. A more efficient distribution of the energy of absorbed light between the processes of photosynthesis and thermal dissipation under upconversion coatings was revealed. As a result, plants grown under photoconversion coatings increased the number and total leaf area, stem length, and leaf chlorophyll content.

An Inherent Coordination between the Leaf Size and the Hydraulic Architecture of Angiosperm Trees

Leaf veins are the continuation of twigs, and the hydraulic system of a leaf is part of, and the continuation of, the hydraulic architecture of a tree. Previous studies have demonstrated that the vessel diameter of the widest part at the tree base is tightly related to the total stem length of a tree. Here, we demonstrate that: the vessel diameter of the narrowest part at the distal end of the tree (the terminal twigs) is closely correlated to the leaf size for an angiosperm tree. Consequently, the basic feature of the hydraulic system of an angiosperm tree may be predicted by two simple parameters: the stem length (or tree height) and the leaf size, with the tree height predicting the size of the widest vessel at the tree base and the leaf size predicting the size of the narrowest vessel at the terminal trig. Namely, there is an inherent coordination between the leaf size and the hydraulic architecture of the angiosperm tree. As leaves are replacing themselves every year, their responses to climate are direct and immediate, while the woody part of a tree is there for years and more, and thus can only respond passively to climate change. This may cause a mismatch between the woody part and leaf part of the hydraulic system, and thus endanger the hydraulic coordination between leaves and the woody part.

Irrigation and soil mulching can improve the quality of flower stems of gladiolus

AbstractGladiolus is one of the most important bulbous flowers produced worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of irrigation and soil mulching on soil water conservation and its effect on gladiolus floral stem quality. Two field experiments were conducted with gladiolus at the Federal University of Santa Maria, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, during 2019 and 2020. The experimental design was a completely randomized three‐factor design, with two cultivars (Red Beauty and T704 in experiment 1 ‐ E1 and Red Beauty and Jester in experiment 2 ‐ E2), two cultivation systems (soil mulched with straw and bare soil) and two water regimes (irrigated and non‐irrigated) as treatments. When gladiolus plants reached the R2 stage (harvest point), total stem length, spike length, stem diameter and final number of florets were evaluated. Variables were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% of error probability. Irrigation improved the quality of floral stems, with greater stem and spike length, greater diameter and number of florets per spike, thus resulting in stems with greater decorative value. The soil covered with straw did not influence the quality parameters of the floral stem of the gladiolus, the only observed difference between cultivars being the variable length of the spike.

Effect of Up-Converting Luminescent Nanoparticles with Increased Quantum Yield Incorporated into the Fluoropolymer Matrix on Solanum lycopersicum Growth

The influence of light conversion induced by glasses coated with up-converting luminescent nanoparticles on Solanum lycopersicum cultivation was studied. Nanoparticles of Sr0.46Ba0.50Yb0.02Er0.02F2.04 solid solution were used as the up-converting luminophore. These nanoparticles were able to transform IR radiation into visible light (λem = 660 nm with minor peaks at 545 nm and 525 nm). By applying the “variable” chlorophyll fluorescence (ΔF), it was shown that the cultivation of tomatoes under the photoconversion glasses stimulated changes in the rate of plant adaptation to ultraviolet radiation. The restoration time of values of effective quantum yield of photosystem II photochemical reactions and photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (reflecting disappearance of imbalance between photosynthetic electron transport and the utilization of NADPH) was reduced from three weeks to three days in the case of control and photoconversion films, respectively. As a result, plants grown under photoconversion glass had an increased leaf number (12.5%), total leaf area (33%), stem length (35%) and chlorophyll content in the leaves (two-fold). It is assumed that an increase in the proportion of red light in the growing spectrum has a positive effect on photosynthetic activity and plant growth.

The influence of exogenous growth regulators on the cannabinoid content and the main selection traits of hemp (Cannabis sativa L. ssp. Sativa)

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a species sensitive to the influence of exogenous growth regulators, both in the treatment of vegetative plant tissues and in vitro culture. 1-naphthylacetic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, kinetin, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), gibberellic acid (GA3), ascorbic acid and nicotinic acid of exogenous origin in the studied concentrations and doses caused a change in the content of cannabinoids in plants of the variety USO 31. Ascorbic acid, auxins and GA3 significantly reduced the content of cannabinoids, whereas nicotinic acid and cytokinins increased it. Under the influence of nicotinic acid and BAP, a higher content of cannabinoid compounds was stably manifested during each of the three years of processing and it is inherited by at least one generation of descendants. An additional method to increase the level of non-psychotropic cannabinoids may be the treatment of vegetative plant tissues with cytokinin BAP (the concentration of 40 mg/l, the consumption rate of 30 ml/m2, the phase of growth and development BBCH 51), which, in contrast to high concentrations of nicotinic acid, significantly increased the content of cannabidiol, and, to a lesser extent, tetrahydrocannabinol. The selection traits of the hemp - stem total length, mass and fiber content, seed productivity and sex determination significantly increased under treatment. A wide range of possibilities for phytohormones of exogenous origin in regulating cannabinoid accumulation, morphogenesis of hemp plants and their productivity was confirmed. Different hemp genotypes may have different responses to plant growth regulators and concentrations, which should be established in each case.

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF SEWAGE SLUDGE ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL-PHENOLOGICAL FEATURES OF AMARANTH (AMARANTHUS CRUENTUS)

Due to the fact that amaranth belongs to type C4 plants, the process of photosynthesis of amaranth differs from other plants. It absorbs carbon dioxide more actively than C3 plants and effectively enriches the air with oxygen. In this regard, decorative amaranth varieties should be used as a natural filter in urban environments with a high carbon dioxide content. In addition, decorative amaranth varieties have a unique leaf and flower shape. The color of amaranth can be yellow, red, green, crimson, three colors; the shape of the leaves is oval, curly; inflorescences are also distinguished by their varied beauty. Soil fertility, temperature and humidity are great importance for the normal development for any plant. In the absence of one of the above factors, the quality of life of the plant will decrease. Lack of nutrients in the soil, unfavorable weather, l ack of moisture leads to inhibition of photosynthesis in plants, a decrease in biomass, and decrease disease resistance. During our research, the sludge of municipal wastewater was used as fertilizer. Slud ge accumulates on landfills as waste, giving off an unpleasant odor and negatively affecting the environment. However, this hazardous waste can be recycled and obtained organic fertilizers for urban landscaping or soil reclamation of disturbed lands. The results of the study showed that 10 t / ha of sewage sludge is the most positive impact on the growth of amaranth, the increase in total biomass, stem length and flower were noted . At this length of the stem of the plant increased by 77%, the length of the inflorescence - in 2.2 times, the mass of inflorescences - in 1.8 times, the biomass of the plant before flowering - in 2.1 times compared to the control.

Breeding of industrial hemp with a high content of cannabigerol by the case of ‘Vik 2020’ cultivar

To create an industrial hemp variety of the Central European ecological and geographical type with a high cannabigerol content and universal application. Methods. Breeding (self-pollination, creation of artificial populations, selection), field, biochemical (thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography of cannabinoid compounds), instrumental and technological assessment of fibre quality, and statistical methods. Results. Variety ‘Vik 2020’ was obtained as a result of creation of artificial populations. The plants are characterized by higher content of cannabigerol (1.034 ± 0.0323%), and almost zero of other secondary metabolites, such as cannabidivarin, cannabidiol, cannabichromene and psychotropic tetrahydrocannabinol (0.003 ± 0.0011; 0.018 ± 0.0080; 0.012 ± 0.0027, and 0.005 ± 0.0012%, respectively). The t rait of cannabigerol content is quite stable within the population and is not correlated with the trait of tetrahydrocannabinol content (r = -0.23). TLC showed that cannabigerol accumulated mainly in the form of cannabigerolic acid and to a lesser extent as a neutral compound, which is consistent with the theory that this substance is a precursor for the synthesis of other cannabinoids. According to the results of the competitive variety test, when growing to obtain fibre and seeds, the variety features short height, specifically significantly lower total (206.4 cm) and technical stem length (135.6 cm) compared to the standard variety, significantly higher inflorescence length (70.8 cm), which determine the formation of the significant yield of biomass suitable for pharmaceutical use and high seed yield (0.98 t/ha). The yield of total fibre was the same as in the standard variety (29.0%), but its quality and technological value for primary processing were higher. The variety had a homogeneous sex structure, resistance to bioltic and abiotic environmental factors. Plants reached biological maturity in 116 days (BBCH 89). This cultivar is recommended for obtaining seeds, quality fiber and potentially cannabigerol (on condition of changes in legislation). Conclusions. The efficiency of using self-pollinating lines in breeding with their subsequent combining into a synthetic population and improving selection was proved by the case of a new variety of industrial hemp ‘Vik 2020’, characterized by an increased content of cannabigerol and the absence of psychotropic properties

The Effects of Some Seed Priming Treatments on Germination and Seedling Development in Wheat

Drought stress has negative effects on plant metabolism and growth. Seed priming is one of the ways used to strengthen crop plants at the seed stage against drought stress. In this study, the physiological effects of seed priming (1, 12, 24, and 48 hours) and foliar treatments of H2O2 (50  M) and GR24 (20  M) on 21 day old wheat seedlings (drought sensitive Triticum aestivum cv. 95 and drought tolerant cv. Tosunbey) were studied. The plant samples were used to determine the total chlorophyll content, total protein amount, root and stem length, seedling weight, and specific leaf area. Our results showed that only GR24 increased growth in the Tosunbey variety with seed priming. On the other hand, foliar GR24 was effective in both varieties against the detrimental effect of PEG induced osmotic stress, while foliar H2O2 treatment was effective only in the Tosunbey variety. Generally, it has been determined that the GR24 application supports the growth in both varieties, while the H2O2 treatment increases the growth only in drought tolerant wheat variety. Keywords: Wheat, Drought stress, Seed priming, GR24, H2O2, germination, growth. DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/7-05-01

Honeysuckle leaf blight reduces the growth of infected Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, Caprifoliaceae) seedlings in a greenhouse experiment1

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is an important invasive plant species in the Ohio River Valley. Previous work has shown extensive dieback of honeysuckle in the region, coupled with the appearance of the native fungal pathogen, honeysuckle leaf blight (Insolibasidium deformans). Our goal was to find if the blight causes growth decline or mortality in Amur honeysuckle. Seedlings were grown under greenhouse conditions in 2017. Treated seedlings were sprayed with a spore solution prepared from blighted leaves that were collected from the field. They were placed into a growth chamber with conditions set for optimum spore growth and then returned to the greenhouse after leaf blight began to develop. Growth (height, total stem length, leaf area, and leaf number) and dark-adapted chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) were measured periodically over the growing season. A repeated-measures analysis of aboveground growth indicated that larger, faster-growing plants were more likely to be infected, but their growth rates were subsequently reduced much more than uninfected treated plants and controls. There were positive correlations between Fv/Fm and RGR (relative growth rate). Blighted leaves had lower values of Fv/Fm than uninfected leaves. No infected plants died, but this experiment supports our hypothesis that leaf blight causes a significant growth decline in Amur honeysuckle. Future work will determine if the patterns seen under greenhouse conditions hold in the field.