TTC Test Research Articles

Three-Dimensional-Printed Modular Titanium Alloy Plates for Osteosynthesis of the Jawbone.

The titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) is frequently used in implantology due to its biocompatibility. The use of 3D printing enables the mechanical modification of implant structures and the adaptation of their shape to the specific needs of individual patients. The titanium alloy plates were designed using the 3D CAD method and printed using a 3D SLM printer. Qualitative tests were performed on the material surface using a microcomputed tomography scanner. The cytotoxicity of the modular titanium plates was investigated using the MTT assay on the L929 cell line and in direct contact with Balb/3T3 cells. Cell adhesion to the material surface was evaluated with hFOB1.19 human osteoblasts. Microbial biofilm formation was investigated on strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans using the TTC test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface analysis showed the hydrophobic nature of the implant. The study showed that the titanium plates had no cytotoxic properties. In addition, the material surface showed favorable properties for osteoblast adhesion. Among the microorganisms tested, the strains of S. mutans and S. epidermidis showed the highest adhesion capacity to the plate surface, while the fungus C. albicans showed the lowest adhesion capacity. The manufactured modular plates have properties that are advantageous for the implantation and reduction in selected forms of microbial biofilm. Three-dimensional-printed modular titanium plates were investigated in this study and revealed the potential clinical application of this type of materials, regarding lack of cytotoxicity, high adhesion properties for osteoblasts and reduction in biofilm formation. The 3D CAD method allows us to personalise the shape of implants for individual patients.

Long-Term Conservation for the Safeguard of Abies nebrodensis: An Endemic and Endangered Species of Sicily.

The combined approaches between ex situ and in situ conservation are of great importance for threatened species in urgent need of protection. This study aims to develop concrete actions to preserve the relic of 30 adult trees of the Sicilian fir (Abies nebrodensis) from extinction using long-term germplasm conservation in liquid nitrogen (LN, -196 °C). Pollen grains were collected, and their moisture content (MC) was measured. Then, viability (2,3,5-tryphenyl tetrazolium chloride, TTC), in vitro germinability, and enzymatic antioxidant activity (ascorbate peroxidase, APX; catalase, CAT) were evaluated before and after cryopreservation. Seeds collected from mature cones underwent X-ray analysis, and only full seeds were used to excise the zygotic embryos (ZEs) for cryopreservation. The MC percentage of ZEs was determined, and then they were plunged in LN with (+PVS2) or without (-PVS2) Plant Vitrification Solution 2; untreated ZEs were used as a control. Viability (TTC test) and in vitro germination were assessed for all ZEs (+PVS2, -PVS2, and control). Embryogenic callus (EC) lines obtained from mature ZEs were cryopreserved applying the 'encapsulation-dehydration' technique. This study has allowed, after optimizing cryopreservation protocols for pollen, ZEs, and EC of A. nebrodensis, to establish the first cryobank of this endangered species in Polizzi Generosa (Palermo, Italy), inside the 'Madonie Regional Park'. The strategy developed for Sicilian fir conservation will pave the way for similar initiatives for other critically endangered conifer species.

Tetrazolium viability test method for micro-seeds of the endangered plant Deinanthe caerulea

Deinanthe caerulea is a rare perennial herb endemic to China that has high medicinal and ornamental value. Seeds of D. caerulea are tiny with a thousand seed weight of only 200 mg. Thus, classical germination tests are difficult to apply in this species and a rapid and accurate method for determining seed viability becomes an important prerequisite for species conservation, introduction and domestication. When using the tetrazolium (TTC) topographical staining method, removing the seed coat for TTC penetration is not practical. Therefore, in this experiment, we tried a hypochlorite seed treatment before the TTC test for discolouring and improving permeability of the seed coat. For three different seed samples, we found that treatment with 1% sodium chlorite solution for 30 minutes was the best pre-treatment, followed by staining with a 0.5% TTC solution for five hours. Staining patterns of embryos can then be observed under a microscope without any further preparation of the seeds. Only completely stained embryos were classified as viable. Simultaneously, germination tests were performed at different temperature and light regimes. The best regime was alternating 25/15°C and constant light at 3000 lx. Average germination percentage of the three samples was 79.75%, whereas viability was 86.77%. The results showed that a hypochlorite treatment before TTC staining is a versatile method for improving practicability of viability testing in Deinanthe caerulea.

Does ash dieback affect the reproductive ecology of Fraxinus excelsior L.?

Forest tree species reproduction is a key factor in maintaining the genetic diversity of future generations and the stability of forest ecosystems. The ongoing ash dieback disease could affect the reproductive ecology of Fraxinus excelsior L. and have a major impact on the quantity and quality of pollen and seeds. In this study, we investigated pollen production and viability of pollen and seeds of ash trees with different health status from 2018 to 2022. Inflorescences were collected from 105 trees (pollen production), pollen from 125 trees (pollen viability), and seeds from 53 trees (seed quality) in two seed orchards and in one floodplain forest in southern Germany. Not all parameters were examined at every site every year. The average pollen production per tree was estimated at 471.2 ± 647.9 billion pollen grains. In addition, we found that a high number of inflorescences did not equate to high pollen production per inflorescence. Pollen production of healthy and diseased trees did not differ significantly, although only 47% of severely diseased male trees (vs. 72% for healthy trees) produced flowers. With regards to pollen viability, the TTC test showed an average viability of 73% ± 17%. Overall, there was a slight tendency for diseased trees to have less viable pollen. However, a significant difference could only be calculated for trees in the floodplain forest. The percentage of germinable seeds in 2018 was 38% in the floodplain forest and 57% in one of the seed orchards. The percentage of viable seeds (TTC test) ranged from 17 to 22% in the orchards in 2020. Non-viable seeds were usually heavily infested by insects. In general, seed quality was not significantly different between healthy and diseased trees. Our results indicate that ash dieback affects flower formation and pollen viability but not pollen production or seed quality. Nevertheless, the fact that hardly any flowering was observed, especially for trees that were seriously affected, suggests a negative effect of ash dieback on reproductive performance. Thus, severely diseased trees will transfer their genes to a smaller extent to the next generation.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of ternary molybdenum heteropoly salts

Among the many inorganic bacterial inhibitors available today, polyoxometalates (POM), green antimicrobial agents with extremely high antimicrobial efficiency, have received attention. Attributed to the advantages of POM with various types, variable structures, good magnetic properties, electrical conductivity and redox activity, the modification of a POM was chosen in this work. Four new polyoxometalates with Keggin structures, K7Mn(H2O)NiMo11O39·8H2O, K7Mn(H2O)ZnMo11O39·14H2O, K7Cu(H2O)NiMo11O39·8H2O and K7Cu(H2O)ZnMo11O39·14H2O, were synthesized by the liquid-phase method using Mo as the coordination atom, Mn and Cu as the heteroatoms and Ni and Zn as the substitution atoms. The structures of the four polyoxometalates were characterized by elemental analysis (AAS), infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also analyzed the inhibition performance on four bacteria, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Herein, we examine the bacterial inhibitory effect and the inhibition rate of the POM against bacteria by four different methods of bacterial inhibition, filter paper sheet method, Oxford cup method, MIC value determination and TTC test.

Action of Different Exposures of Chilled Atmospheric Treatments on the Mortality of Granary Weevil and Embryo Viability of the Treated Wheat

The granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.), is considered a serious pest in stored grain worldwide. As residual-based protection possibilities become scarcer, the development of eco-friendly control technologies that can be implemented in practice is becoming urgent. In this spirit, our objective was to assess the effectiveness of different levels of atmospheric cooling against S. granarius under laboratory conditions. We also analysed the effects of cooling on progeny generation and the viability of treated wheat. Thus, we investigated the consequences of atmospheric exposures to temperatures of −5, −10, −15, −20, and −25 °C for 60, 75, and 90 min on these factors, and also explored the effects of nearby ranges using extrapolation. The viability of the treated wheat embryo was analysed using a TTC test. Our results showed that the highest efficacy was observed at an atmospheric cooling temperature of −25 °C (with a parallel recorded temperature of −10.5 °C in the stored grains zone), with a 90 min exposure at suboptimal relative humidity (40%). At 60% relative humidity, the mortality averages were more dispersed, and the expected efficiencies above 95% occurred at longer exposures. The post-suppressive effect of cooling can be confirmed in all three exposures. The different cooling temperatures of the tested exposure times did not produce any appreciable changes in the viability of treated wheat embryos. In conclusion, our results show that the use of atmospheric cooling can be an effective solution for stored product protection.

Pollen storage, viability and effect of growth hormones on in vitro pollen germination in two medicinal plants (Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp. and Clerodendrum infortunatum L.) of the tropical moist forest of North-east India

Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp. and Clerodendrum infortunatum L. are well known for their medicinal uses in treating various human ailments traditionally. Pollen biology study was done in both plant species to decipher pollen viability, in vitro pollen germination, and pollen storage in varied temperature conditions. Pollen viability tests was done by 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC test) for which pollen grains were collected at the anthesis stage that ascertained high viability, ranged between 71.97%±4.30 % in C. colebrookianum and 81.63%±3.23 in C. infortunatum. In vitro pollen germination was conducted under different hormones (IBA, IAA, GA3, and Kinetin) with concentrations of 100 mg L-1, 200 mg L-1 and 300 mg L-1. Highest germination percentage of 52.10±5.30% and 61.91±1.76% in GA3 (200 mg L-1) was the most suitable growth hormone concentration for inducing in vitro pollen germination in both Clerodendrum species. Statistically, the response of all the concentrations of treatments, sucrose, and hormones, with their time on in vitro pollen germination of C. colebrookianum and C. infortunatum was found significantly different (p<0.05). In contrast, non-significant differences were recorded for in vitro pollen germination between the medicinal plant species. Pollen storage under temperature gradient conditions exhibited a similar trend in the viability for both C. colebrookianum, and C. infortunatum, i.e., the pollen remained viable up to 28 days at -20°C and 6°C, respectively. This study will be helpful in future breeding, hybridization, and conservation efforts for both the Clerodendrum species.

Label-free detection of maize kernels aging based on Raman hyperspcectral imaging techinique

The feasibility of Raman hperspectral imaging technique was explored to detect maize kernels aging during storage to eliminate its negative effects on maize sowing and storage. Both TTC test and germination test were employed to evaluate the viability of maize kernels and the anlysis based on pixel-level and object-level were conducted. Different variable selection algorithms were used for screening of key features related with viability and three modeling methods were performed to classify maize kernels viability. In addition, Whale Optimization Algorithm(WOA) optimization algorithm was brought in to improve the accuracy of viability classification. The results showed that object-level method was more suitable for the classification of maize kernels viability. The fusion SVM model optimized by WOA coupled with CARS and VCPA-IRIV algorithm achieved the satifactory performance. In general, Raman hperspectral imaging techinique could be used as a poweful alternative for the nondestructive detection of maize kernels aging.

Pollen Viability of Fraxinus excelsior in Storage Experiments and Investigations on the Potential Effect of Long-Range Transport

Fragmented ash populations due to ash dieback may lead to a limited gene flow and pollination success. Therefore, the viability of ash pollen plays a major role for the survival of the species. The extent to which the long-distance transport of pollen affects pollen viability was investigated with experiments in a climate chamber using ash pollen samples from a seed orchard in Emmendingen, Germany. Furthermore, experiments with a volumetric pollen trap were conducted. A suitable storage temperature for ash pollen was determined by using four viability tests; TTC test, pollen germination, Alexander’s stain and Acetocarmine. An optimization of the germination medium was performed. We found a strong influence of prevailing temperatures on pollen viability, which decreased faster under warmer conditions. At moderate temperatures, viable pollen could still be observed after 28 days. Thus, a possible successful pollination can also be associated to long-range transported pollen. Storage experiments showed that pollen viability could be maintained longer at temperatures of −20 °C and −80 °C than at 4 °C. In particular, the TTC test has proven to be suitable for determining viability. Therefore, properly stored pollen can be used for breeding programs to support the survival of Fraxinus excelsior.

Seed viability testing for research and conservation of epiphytic and terrestrial orchids

BackgroundSeed viability testing is essential in plant conservation and research. Seed viability testing determines the success of ex-situ conservation efforts, such as seed banking but commonly testing protocols of orchids lack consistency and accuracy, therefore, there is a need to select an appropriate and reliable viability test, especially when conducting comparative studies. Here, we evaluated the suitability of three seed viability tests, Evans blue test (EB), Fluorescein diacetate test (FDA) and Tetrazolium test (TTC), with and without sterilization, on seeds of 20 orchid species, which included five epiphytes and fifteen terrestrials, using both fresh seeds and seeds stored at − 18 ºC for 6 to 8 years.ResultsWe found that sterilization and lifeform of seeds affected seed viability across all tests but the storage time was not an influential factor. Sterilization negatively affected seed viability under EB and FDA test conditions but increased the detection of viable seeds in the TTC test in both epiphytic and terrestrial species. The EB test, when administered without sterilization provided the highest viability results. Being non-enzymatic unlike TTC and FDA tests, as expected, the EB test was the most reliable with similar results between sterilized and not sterilized seeds for most epiphytic and terrestrial species as well as when compared between groups.ConclusionsThe lifeform of the species and seed sterilization prior to testing are important influential factors in orchid seed viability testing. Since EB test was found to be reliable we recommend the EB test for seed viability assessment in orchids rather than the less reliable but commonly used TTC test, or the FDA test, which require more expensive and sophisticated instrumentation. Since storage time was not an influential factor in orchid seed viability testing, the recommendations of this study can be used for both fresh as well as long-term stored orchid seeds. This is helpful for research and especially for conservation measures such as seed banking. However, due to the species specificity of the bio-physiology of orchids, we call for comprehensive viability test assessment in the hyper diverse orchid family to be extended to a greater number of species to facilitate efficient conservation and research.

Nitric Oxide as a Remedy against Oxidative Damages in Apple Seeds Undergoing Accelerated Ageing.

Seed ageing is associated with a high concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) seeds belong to the orthodox type. Due to a deep dormancy, they may be stored in dry condition at 5 °C for a long time, without viability loss. In the laboratory, artificial ageing of apple seeds is performed by imbibition in wet sand at warm temperature (33 °C). The aim of the work was to study nitric oxide (NO) as a seed vigour preservation agent. Embryos isolated from apple seeds subjected to accelerated ageing for 7, 14, 21 or 40 days were fumigated with NO. Embryo quality was estimated by TTC and MDA tests. ROS level was confirmed by NBT staining. We analysed the alteration in transcript levels of CAT, SOD and POX. NO fumigation of embryos of seeds aged for 21 days stimulated germination and increased ROS level which correlated to the elevated expression of RBOH. The increased total antioxidant capacity after NO fumigation was accompanied by the increased transcript levels of genes encoding enzymatic antioxidants, that could protect against ROS overaccumulation. Moreover, post-aged NO application diminished the nitro-oxidative modification of RNA, proving NO action as a remedy in oxidative remodelling after seeds ageing.

Pollen characteristics of some grape cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.)

Pollen morphology is an important parameter. In this study, the pollen morphology of selected in 10 grape cultivars were examined by SEM (scanning electron microscopy). The pollen surface features were observed, such as length, width, and P/E ratio of pollen. The pollen differed in some microstructural characteristic. Pollen width exhibited significant according to the varieties (10.12-22.44 µm). Smilarly, the statistical difference occurred among the ten Vitis genotypes in terms of mean pollen length (16.26-29.91 µm). P/E ratio determined to the varieties (1.08-2.55 µm) and, grape varieties have the longest pollen, in general. The without furrows are surrounded in exine were determined in cultivars of “Alicante Boushet”, “Cardinal”, “Syrah”. Areolat pollen was determined in among other cultivars. Depending on the cultivars there was a statistical difference from the point of pore diameter. Pollen viability was determined between 11.75 % and 84.25 % in TTC tests. The present research is a contribution to amore detailed analysis of grapevine cultivars.

Isolation, characterization and optimization of bacterial isolate SARR1 for biodegradation of pretreated low density polyethylene

Accumulation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has caused a threat to the environment because of its stable and inert nature as it cannot be degraded easily by microorganisms. Its lightweight, low cost, strength, durability, and its various other applications, have led to the wide usage of the polymer, which is exerting a negative effect on both marine and land biota. The development of an eco-friendly or a promising strategy is needed to reduce LDPE waste from both land and water. In the present study, observations have been made to isolate highly efficient LDPE degrading bacteria. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to predict the best optimization of media for the degradation of LDPE by isolate SARR1. The isolate SARR1 was selected through primary screening by weight loss method and secondary screening using CO2 evolution test, TTC and MATH Test. The isolate SARR1 showed 6.30 ± 0.25 g/L CO2 evolution. The microbial adhesion hydrophobicity (MATH) was observed during log phase (100 to 56.89 ± 0.97 %) and stationary phase (100 to 82.92 ± 1.24 %). An isolate SARR1 converted the TTC into red coloured insoluble triphenyl formazan (TPF) after incubation of 7 days. The isolated bacteria SARR1 showed 38.3 ± 1.27 % biodegradation efficiency in the pretreated LDPE strips at 37 °C and pH 7.0 under optimized conditions within 30 days of incubation. This bioremediation and biodegradation approach is eco-friendly and safe for the environment. The results of treatment with isolate SARR1 had a potential hope to degrade LDPE at higher rate than natural degradation.

Development of an Efficient ‘One-Step Freezing’ Cryopreservation Protocol for a Georgian Provenance of Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Zygotic Embryos

Experiments were performed to determine the influence of various dehydration and vitrification treatment times on the ‘one-step freezing’ cryopreservation of embryonic axes (EAs), composed of zygotic embryos and cotyledon residuals, from mature seeds of a Georgian provenance of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.). Dehydration was carried out in laminar flow hood from 1 to 5 h, and vitrification experiments were carried out by immersion of EAs in PVS2 vitrification solution up to 120 min, both followed by direct immersion in liquid nitrogen. Both systems resulted in inducing specimen tolerance to ultra-rapid freezing, although to a different extent. Full germination of cryo-stored EAs after 5 h of dehydration (reducing moisture content from initial 66% to 21%) has been increased from 0% to 66.7%. A pre-treatment of EAs in PVS2 vitrification solution for 30 min produced fully developed plantlets at a rate of 55.6% in post-cryopreservation. Plantlet regrowth from cryopreservation was faster in EAs that underwent the dehydration/‘one-step freezing’ procedure. All the plantlet from cryopreserved EAs could be easily acclimatized, producing healthy potted plants. Finally, the TTC test showed to be useful for a fast evaluation of specimen survival after thawing and, as a consequence, to speed up the development of optimized cryo-protocols.
 
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 In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 4, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue.
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Genotoxicity of nanoscale zerovalent iron particles in tobacco BY-2 cells

Nanoremediation by direct injection of nZVI into contaminated water or soil has engendered their liberation into the environment facilitating interaction with plant systems. Available reports display a scarcity of information on the genotoxicity of nZVI in plants. In this study, the cyto-genotoxic potential of nZVI was evaluated in tobacco BY-2 cells treated for 24 h. A wide range of concentrations from 5 to 500 µg/mL of nZVI were tested for cytotoxicity and for other assays a maximum concentration of 20 µg/mL was used. Cytotoxicity assessed by TTC and Evans Blue tests showed maximum cell death in cells treated with the lowest concentration of nZVI (5 µg/mL). Comet assay confirmed high DNA damage at low concentrations, which corroborated with high accumulation of nZVI as observed by Prussian blue staining. Qualitative and quantitative estimation of ROS confirmed the accumulation of superoxide anions, hydroxyl, peroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide upon treatment with low concentrations of nZVI. Taken together, this study confirmed ROS mediated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of nZVI and unravels further prospects in the safety evaluation of nZVI as well as the toxicity testing of other nanomaterials of ecotoxicological relevance.

Neuroprotective effect of magnesium-L-sulfonate on focal cerebral ischemia in rats and its mechamism

Objective To investigate the effects of magnesium sulfate and magnesium L-sulfonate on the neurobehavioral response and the expression of induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in neurons after acute cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods One hundred and twelve male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were double-blinded randomly divided into sham-operated group, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group, MgSO4 treatment group, L-MgT treatment group. Each group was further divided into 6 h, 12 h and 24 h subgroups according to the different detection time points.Rat MCAO models were produced following the Longa's method.And the Longa score, limb-placing test, rotarod test, and sticky tape test were performed to evaluate the neurological damage, autonomous movement and coordinate perception in the 24 h subgroup. At the end of the experiment, 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) was used to evaluate the area of cerebral infarction at 24 h reperfusion. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to determine the alterations in iNOS expression in neurons 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after reperfusion. Results In behavioral evaluation: Longa score: Normal performance was observed in sham-operated group. Compared with the MCAO group, the scores of MgSO4 treatment group(1.71±0.18) and L-MgT treatment group(1.14±0.14) were decreased(t=0.548, 3.873, all P<0.05), and the score of L-MgT treatment group was lower than that of the MgSO4 group(t=2.828, P<0.05). Limb symmetry score: There was no statistically significant difference between MgSO4 group and MCAO group, but there was a statistically significant difference between L-MgT group and MCAO group (t=7.071, P<0.05). The roding experiment: The time of MgSO4 group and the L-MgT group were significantly different from that of the MCAO group (t=9.588, 20.776, P<0.05), and the time of the L-MgT group was significantly higher than that of the MgSO4 group (t=4.983, P<0.05). The right limb strip removal experiment: The time of MgSO4 group and L-MgT group were statistically different from that of MCAO group (t=6.135, 5.825, P<0.05), and the time of L-MgT group was increased compared with that of MgSO4 group(t=4.507, P<0.05). TTC test: No infarction was formed in the sham group.Compared with MCAO group ((36.82±1.35)%), the cerebral infarction volume of MgSO4 group ((17.39±1.72)%) and L-MgT group ((10.81±1.35)%) significantly decreased, with statistically significant differences (t=8.874, 11.105, P<0.05). Compared with MgSO4 group, cerebral infarction volume in L-MgT group was significantly reduced, with statistical significance (t=2.593, P<0.05). HE staining: There was no statistically significant difference in cell morphology between MgSO4 group and MCAO group at each time point, but the cell morphology of L-MgT group was intact compared with that of MCAO group.INOS staining at 24 h: There was no statistically significant difference in the positive cell density between the MgSO4 group and the MCAO group, but the L-MgT group (cortex: (196.7±8.1); striatum: (153.3±3.8)) positive cell density was lower than that of the MCAO group (cortex: (375.0±6.7), striatum: (358.3±4.5)), and the difference was statistically significant (t=11.113, 36.231, P<0.05). Conclusion L-MgT may have a significantly protective effect on MCAO rats, and its mechanism may be related to the level of iNOS in neurons. Key words: Cerebral ischemia; Magnesium sulfate; Magnesium L-threonate; Neurological function; Inducible nitric oxide synthase; SD rats

Effect of PEG-6000 Treatments and Growth Media on Emergence and Seedling Development of Kiwifruit Seeds

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different PEG-6000 (Polyethylene Glycol-6000) treatment doses and growth media on emergence and seedling development of the seeds of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit cultivar. Effects of 3 different growth media (Peat + perlite, peat + perlite + soil, soil + river sand + peat) and 4 different PEG-6000 doses (0 g L−1, 200 g L−1, 300 g L−1, 400 g L−1) were investigated. Seed were sown after a viability test (TTC Test). Seed viability ratios were varied between 88–100%. Higher emergence ratios were observed in 300 g L−1 PEG-6000 treatment (61%) than the other treatments. With regard to growth media, the best emergence (90.5%) were observed in peat + perlite growth media. Seedling development were recommended based on current findings that 300 g L−1 PEG-6000 dose and peat + perlite (height 15.11 mm, hypocotyl diameter 1.78 mm) or 0 g L−1 PEG-6000 dose and soil + river sand + peat growth media (height 16.20 mm, hypocotyl diameter 1.78 mm) should be used for the best emergence ratios and seedling development of kiwifruit seeds.

Developmental Evidence of Male and Female Gametophytes of Jatropha curcas L.: Pollen Capability and Stigma Receptivity

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.), a promising alternative resource for biodiesel production, produces restrictively a seed yield and has a low level of genetic variation, causing a barrier to improve the oil performance. Therefore, better understanding of reproductive biology is crucially important for breeding programs to achieve commercial viability in the future. The developmental features related to floral bud diameter and floral morphology of male and female gametophytes, by means of light and scanning electron microscopes, and their capability were investigated. It was found that bud diameter could be used as criteria for identification of pollen and embryo sac stages. Pollen capability and stigma receptivity showed an inverse S-shape with time after flowering. The highest pollen viability assessed by FCR (93.20 - 98.60 %), TTC (78.80 - 87.00 %), and germination test (43.40 %) were obtained at 0 - 8, 0 - 12, and 0 HAF, respectively. Moderately linear correlations were exhibited between viability and germination test (R2 = 0.57 - 0.62). Stigma receptivity was the highest (97.22 - 100 %) on the first three days.

Evaluation of seasonal activity of various bacteria in a constructed wetland using AT4 and TTC tests

Evaluation of seasonal activity of various bacteria in a constructed wetland using AT4 and TTC tests

The effect of zirconium oxide nanoparticles on dehydrogenase and hydrolytic activity of activated sludge microorganisms

The pervasive use of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) in a wide range of fields raises concerns about their potential environmental impacts. The impact of NPs on the activity of enzymes in sewage sludge was examined using model engineered zirconium oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZrO2). Dehydrogenase activity was evaluated with the TTC test and hydrolytic activity with FDA test. In this study an inhibitory or a stimulating effect of NPs on the activity of the enzymes was observed. The levels of inhibition/stimulation of the nano-ZrO2 varied in relation to duration of contact NPs with activated sludge and particle size (nano, bulk).