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Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The efficiency of the assignment of germplasm lines into heterotic groups is a prerequisite for obtaining useful heterotic patterns among germplasm lines. Therefore, this study was conducted to group lines into heterotic group besides assess the effects of both general and specific abilities. Fifteen white maize parental lines were crossed with two testers, i.e. parental line SK-12 and Single cross 120 at Agricultural Research Station in Sakha, Egypt during 2021 summer season. The resultant 30 crosses were evaluated along with four commercial hybrids in three locations during 2022. The parental inbred lines Sk5001/42, Sk5003/48, Sk5003/53, Sk5004/55 and Sk5004/56 recorded positive GCA effect on grain yield while Sk5001/41, Sk5002/46 and Sk5004/56 exhibited desirable GCA effects for earliness. Five single crosses viz. (Sk5003/53 × Sk12), (Sk5001/42 × Sk12), (Sk5004/55 × Sk12), (Sk5003/48 × Sk12) and (Sk5004/56 × Sk12) and two three way crosses (Sk5001/42 × SC.120) and (Sk5003/53 × SC.120) did not differ significantly against their respective check hybrids (SC 10 and TWC 321) though they outyield their respective checks. These hybrids could be subjected to further multi-location evaluation to assess the yield stability for commercial exploitation. Two groups of parental lines were created based on Heterotic Group Specific and General Combining Ability (HSGCA) method for grain yield trait. These groups might be employed in a breeding program to pick the best parents to make crosses in other combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of heterosis has provided the most important genetic tools for crop yield improvement. Identification of specific parental combinations capable of producing the highest level of heterotic effects in F1 has immense value for commercial exploitation of heterosis. The objective of this study was to assess the combining ability variances and superiority in twenty one combinations developed by crossing seven maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines in half diallel fashion design. The resulting 21 hybrids, along with two check hybrids, were evaluated in Randomised Complete Block Design, in three locations during 2022 season in Egypt. The results showed that both additive and non-additive gene actions were important in controlling all the measured traits. The General Combining Ability (GCA) variance was found to be greater than Specific Combining Ability (SCA) variance, indicating predominance of additive and additive by additive gene effects in the inheritance for all studied traits. Cross P2xP3 significantly out yielded the best check (SC. 168) for the grain yield trait. The parental inbred lines, P1, P2 and P3, possessed significant desirable (GCA) effects for the grain yield trait. The cross combinations (P1xP5),(P2xP7), (P3xP7),(P4xP5),(P4xP6) and (P6xP7) showed significant positive sca effects for grain yield. Cross P2xP3 (10.32**) obtained superiority (%) relative to the check hybrid SC.168 for grain yield. On the other hand, five crosses viz. (P1xP3), (P1xP5), (P2xP3), (P2xP5) and (P3xP5) expressed positive superiority (%) over the check hybrid SC.3444 for same trait. Thus, these crosses could be recommended to be released as commercial hybrids by Maize Research Programme after further evaluation and testing in multi-locations in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarf adhesive joints (SAJs) in carbon fiber composites were fabricated with 5° taper angle and bondline thickness of 0.17 mm. The joints are modified with SiC‐nanoparticles and characterized through tensile and fatigue loading at room temperature (RT) and 50°C. The analysis of the hysteresis loop in terms of loss and storage moduli, potential and dissipated energies, and damping factor is a quite new topic and one of the important goals of this study. At RT, the fatigue limit of the SAJs was improved by 55% when the bondline thickness decreased from 0.25 to 0.17 mm and further enhanced by 22% with SiC incorporation. For the first time, the evolution of the potential energy versus fatigue cycles of the SAJs can be modeled for early predicting joint life and hence helps in preventing their sudden failure. At 50°C, the fatigue strength of the SiC‐SAJ is approximately equal to the unmodified joint at RT. Highlights: Incorporation of SiC‐nanoparticles in the adhesive layer improves the fatigue lifetime.Potential energy is a powerful tool for monitoring the damage in the adhesive joints.Bondline thickness is a determining factor for the mechanical properties of the joint.Storage modulus and potential energy can be modeled for early prediction of joint life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the implementation of the Centrally Procured School Food Program (CPSFP)—a free, universal, volunteer-led snack program for elementary school children. To assess participants' perceptions and experiences with the CPSFP, interviews were conducted in school-level participants (n = 33) using a semi-structured interview guide. Fifteen on-site visits also were conducted at each school to observe implementation practices. Quantitative data were obtained through a general information form where participants provided school characteristics and weekly logbooks where they described program operations and food quality. Most participants expressed positive perceptions of the CPSFP, identifying it as a valuable program for their students. Successful program implementation was associated with an appreciation for the CPSFP and the participation of the school community. Challenges to program implementation included concerns with the volume and types of food provided, issues with classroom food delivery and distribution and communication challenges. Suggestions for improvement included building capacities and enhancing student engagement in the program. Participants provided an in-depth assessment of the implementation of the CPSFP. The lessons learned and suggestions provided may help not only enhance the reach, feasibility and fidelity of the CPSFP, but inform the best practices for similar programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the potential ways of increasing rice production to cater for ever increasing population of Malaysia is to extend the production area of lowland rice through its production as upland rice. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the effects of seed priming in alleviating water deficit stress in lowland rice produced as upland rice. The treatments used were 100mM calcium chloride dihydrate for duration of 48hours and temperature of 25oC, 40% w/v polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 for a duration of 48hours and temperature of 25oC, 100ppm kinetin for a duration of 24hours and temperature of 4oC, 200ppm methyl jasmonate for a duration of 24hours and temperature of 4oC, stressed control (unprimed seeds) and the unstressed control (unprimed seeds with adequate irrigation). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on classical growth parameters, germination pattern, gas exchange characteristics, yield and yield components. It was found that priming MR219 rice with PEG could enable the variety to be produced as upland rice with little yield reduction because PEG priming was the best in individual seed mass, final yield, harvest index and water use efficiency. It is, therefore, concluded that 48hours of priming with 40%w/v polyethylene glycol at 25oC be used for MR219 rice seeds whenever MR219 rice variety is to be cultivated as upland rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study sought to evaluate the response of three groundnut genotypes (Binachinabadam-3, Dacca-1 and Zhingabadam) to various salt concentrations (D0 - Control, D1 - 2.5 dS/m, D2 - 5.0 dS/m, D3 - 7.5 dS/m, D4 - 10.0 dS/m, D5 - 12.5 dS/m) through observation of morphological and physiological characters. Based on relative performance of yield contributing characters and nutrient contents of leaves and stem, Binachinabadam-3 emerged to be a tolerant variety and based on root shoot characters, Dacca-1 appeared as tolerant while Zhingabadam always performed as sensitive variety. Salinity treatments had most adverse effects at flowering stage and followed the trend of sensitivity as flowering stage > vegetative stage> pre sowing stage > pod filling stage. All varieties were found to be tolerant up to salinity level of 7.5 dS/m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low yield of rice has made reaching self-sufficiency level in Malaysia elusive. So, Malaysia has become a target of rice exporting countries within and outside Asia. To solve this problem, a pre-sowing seed treatment was used as a physiological intervention to alleviate the impeding problems of achieving better growth and yield of Malaysian rice variety MR219. A glass house experiment, which involved the use of solutions of osmotic salts and plant hormones, was used for this investigation. Data on germination percentages, height, number of tillers and productive tillers, tiller efficiency and yield were taken. In both osmopriming and hormonal priming treatments, the highest number of tillers and productive tillers were from pre-germination. The tallest plants from osmopriming were from 150mM treatment, while 50 ppm GA3 had the tallest in hormonal priming. The highest tiller efficiency for osmopriming was from 150mM and and 200mM sodium chloride, while in hormonal priming it was 200 ppm salicylic acid. For yield per panicle in osmopriming, it was 50mM and 100mM magnesium chloride that had the highest, while in hormonal priming it was 200 ppm methyl jasmonate. Finally, the highest grain yield per hill was produced by 200 ppm methyl jasmonate in hormonal priming, while 50Mm magnesium chloride had the highest yield in osmotic priming. So, it is concluded that the use of 200 ppm methyl jasmonate and 50Mm magnesium chloride could be used as potential hormonal priming and osmopriming, respectively, for yield improvement of MR219 rice in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Internet-supported learning environment (ISLE) is necessary for students in higher institutions in order to be able to learn efficiently in a class. The study investigated the importance of applying ISLE among Malaysian university. Analysis: There were 120 questionnaires were managed to complete and return the questionnaires. All the data that were obtained from the respondents had been analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17.0. This is one of the most compatible software that can be used to key in and analyze the data gathered. Method: In this, motivation level in learning techniques was used. This method uses four ISLE motivation factors which included technology, effort, persistence and task choice. Findings: The finding showed that all the four ISLE motivation factors have a significant value on student motivation level in accepting technology in their learning. ISLE helps students to learn the courses more efficiently. Result: ISLE has benefited students in their learning especially in increasing their motivation level. Compared to classroom learning environments, ISLE are relatively less structured, student focused, and process oriented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice blast disease, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is the most important and most devastating rice disease globally. For genetic analysis of resistance to rice blast, the present study used a BC2F1 population developed through marker-assisted backcrossing from a cross between blast susceptible MR263 and blast resistant Pongsu Seribu 1 (PS1). We selected out of 450 markers, 65 polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers, including the Pi gene-based markers, and identified 16 markers associated with blast resistance that showed heterozygous bands in the BC2F1 population. Of the 16 polymorphic markers, only eight (RM5961, RM263, RM163, RM224, RM262, RM168, RM229 and RM169) showed a good fit to the expected segregation genotypic ratio (1:1) for the single dominance gene model (df = 1.0, P < 0.05), according to chi-square (χ2) analysis. An analysis of phenotypic data of the BC2F1 population also showed a good fit to the expected phenotypic ratio (1:1; R:S) for resistant and susceptible plants. The resistance to blast pathotype P7.2 in PS1 is most likely controlled by a single dominant gene that is linked to the eight markers we identified. These markers could be used in marker-assisted selection programmes to develop a durable blast resistant rice variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occurrence of chalkiness in rice is attributed to genetic and environmental factors, especially high temperature (HT). The HT induces heat stress, which in turn compromises many grain qualities, especially transparency. Chalkiness in rice is commonly studied together with other quality traits such as amylose content, gel consistency, and protein storage. In addition to the fundamental QTLs, some other QTLs have been identified which accelerate chalkiness occurrence under HT condition. In this review, some of the relatively stable chalkiness, amylose content, and gel consistency related QTLs have been presented well. Genetically, HT effect on chalkiness is explained by the location of certain chalkiness gene in the vicinity of high-temperature-responsive genes. With regard to stable QTL distribution and availability of potential material resources, there is still feasibility to find out novel stable QTLs related to chalkiness under HT condition. A better understanding of those achievements is essential to develop new rice varieties with a reduced chalky grain percentage. Therefore, we propose the pyramiding of relatively stable and nonallelic QTLs controlling low chalkiness endosperm into adaptable rice varieties as pragmatic approach to mitigate HT effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice blast is the most destructive disease to rice production globally. The objective of this review is to know the fundamentals of rice blast disease and to know the different methods for controlling blast disease. Rice blast disease has been recognised in more than 85 rice-producing countries worldwide. Currently, more than 100 R genes for blast resistance have been identified in rice. These resistance genes can be introgressed into a susceptible variety through marker-assisted backcrossing. Infested residues and seeds are the primary inoculum sources to spread the disease. Considering the importance of this disease, various management approaches have been practiced to control blast disease. The use of resistant varieties is an important measure to manage the disease. This review will provide use fulfacts about the pathogen and its epidemiology, assessment of resistance genes and effective control measure of rice blast disease through breeding and management. This update information will be helpful and guide to the research students and rice breeders to develop durable blast resistant rice varieties. So farmers will able to manage the blast disease in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A better water management is essential to obtain higher yield and increase irrigation use efficiency (IUE). We investigated the optimum fertigation requirement of chilli based on different crop evapotranspiration (ETc 100, 125, 150 and 200) and two different crop coefficients [single crop coefficient (single-Kc) and dual crop coefficient (dual-Kc)] in the tropical climate. According to the experimental results, chilli water requirement (ETc) using single-Kc and dual-Kc were 214 mm and 324 mm, respectively during the growing period. The results showed that total leaf area and dry weights of plant were significantly affected by different levels of fertigation and crop coefficients. Higher total leaf area was obtained from the higher level of fertigation and dual-Kc. Dry weights of plant (leaf, stem and root) decreased in lower levels of fertigation with single-Kc. However, no significant difference was observed by levels of fertigation and crop coefficient for root to shoot ratio. Significant differences for the interaction between different levels of fertigation and crop coefficients were found for photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E) and relative chlorophyll content. Except maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), no significant difference was observed by interaction between different levels of fertigation and crop coefficients. The fresh fruit yield and IUE values in this study showed that there were significant differences for the interaction between different levels of fertigation and crop coefficients. The combination treatment 200ETc with dual-Kc enhanced Pn, gs and produced significantly higher fresh fruit yield. Thus, the findings of this study revealed that chilli grown in soilless culture could be fertigated with 200ETc using dual-Kc approach in tropical region for better plant growth, physiological activities and yield. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal drought stresses as a result of changes in global climate and local weather conditions are among the major factors adversely affecting growth and productivity of Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora pierre ex froehner) in many areas producing the crop. It is believed that there exists a wide range of genetic variability among Robusta coffee clones for traits associated with drought tolerance. Therefore, in an attempt to determine differences among Robusta coffee clones for some growth, physiological and biochemical parameters and identify drought-tolerant materials, 12 months old seedlings of six clones (IC-2, IC-3, IC-4, IC-6, IC-8 and R-4) were subjected to two treatments: well-watered control and drought-stressed (soil drying) by withholding irrigation for three weeks in a rain shelter at University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. The rate of stress development, expressed as extent of wilting and damage to leaves, was considerably higher for clones IC-8, IC-4, R-4 and IC-2 than for IC-3 and IC-6 during the stress period. Leaf water potential (LWP), stomatal conductance (gs) and rate of net photosynthesis (PN) progressively decreased but leaf proline (LP) concentration substantially increased with time of exposure of the plants to soil drying. There was a considerable difference between coffee clones for the rate of change in these parameters. All the clones except IC-6 and IC-8 showed a negative carbon balance with the most negative value for R-4 at the end of the stress period. Six days after rewatering, LWP, gs and PN increased rapidly while LP concentration decreased and reached a level equivalent to those of well-watered plants, especially for clones IC-3 and IC-6. Among the drought-stressed plants, IC-6 and IC-3 had still significantly higher shoot growth, total dry matter yield and root to shoot ratio than did IC-2, IC-4, IC-8 and R-4. In general, clones IC-6 and IC-3 exhibited quite a better performance in almost all the parameters considered in this study and seemed to be less sensitive to drought stress. Hence, drought tolerance attributes in these clones could be linked to a more effective osmotic adjustment due to more rapid accumulation of LP and probably some morphological parameters, such as increased root-to-shoot ratio. However, further analyses at molecular level, detail biochemical studies and observations under diverse field conditions are required to come up with more conclusive recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to assess the responses of salinity on the growth, nutrient accumulation and yield of rice genotypes. Five Malaysian genotypes (MR33, MR52, MR211, MR232 and MR219), two salt sensitive (BRRI dhan 29 and IR20) and one salt tolerant genotypes (Pokkali) were evaluated in four levels of salinity. Two factors complete randomized design (CRD) was used with four replications. Dry weight of root, shoot and yield significantly decreased with the increase of salinity levels, while MR232 and MR211 were less affected. Na+ ions accumulations increased in the root and shoot with the increase of salinity, while the lowest accumulation was in MR211. Na+/ K+ratio sharply increased in the root with increasing the salinity. Whereas, Ca++/Na+ and Mg++/Ca++ ratio showed decreasing trend with increasing salinity level. The maximum amount of nitrogen and phosphorous accumulation was observed in the shoot of MR211, while Na+ in BRRI dhan29, K+ in Pokkali. The highest accumulation of Na+ and K+ observed in the root of MR219. The maximum Ca++ and Mg++ were found in MR33 and MR211, respectively. Considering all, genotypes MR211 andMR232 were found to be relatively tolerant to salt than the other genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperature tolerance is an important component of adaptation to arid and semiarid cropping environment in chili pepper. Two experiments were carried out to study the genetic variability among chili pepper for heat tolerance and morphophysiological traits and to estimate heritability and genetic advance expected from selection. There was a highly significant variation among the genotypes in response to high temperature (CMT), photosynthesis rate, plant height, disease incidence, fruit length, fruit weight, number of fruits, and yield per plant. At 5% selection intensity, high genetic advance as percent of the mean (>20%) was observed for CMT, photosynthesis rate, fruit length, fruit weight, number of fruits, and yield per plant. Similarly, high heritability (>60%) was also observed indicating the substantial effect of additive gene more than the environmental effect. Yield per plant showed strong to moderately positive correlations (r = 0.23-0.56) at phenotypic level while at genotypic level correlation coefficient ranged from 0.16 to 0.72 for CMT, plant height, fruit length, and number of fruits. Cluster analysis revealed eight groups and Group VIII recorded the highest CMT and yield. Group IV recorded 13 genotypes while Groups II, VII, and VIII recorded one each.The results showed that the availability of genetic variance could be useful for exploitation through selection for further breeding purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most valuable traits in high-quality rice is aroma or fragrance, which is important for consumer preference and global trade. Aromatic rice is unique and recognized as a badge of honor and an asset in many countries. Among more than 100 volatile components, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) is believed to be the main aromatic compound in rice. The principal gene contributing to 2AP isbadh2, which was mapped on chromosome 8 by map-based cloning. A deletion in this gene truncates and makes non-functional the BADH2 protein. Thus, the mutantbadh2transcript leads to 2AP accumulation in aromatic rice. The discovery of the gene has led to the clarification of the biochemistry, molecular genetics and evolution of fragrant rice. The breeding of fragrant rice is now faster because of marker assisted selection (MAS), which is based on recognized genes. For a more extensive elucidation of all effective and fundamental factors contributing to rice fragrance, it is essential to further explore target quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and their inheritance and locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of biofertilizer and urea on growth parameters, yield and yield attributes of two mungbean varieties was investigated. Application of biofertilizer and urea was more effective in promoting plant growth and yield attributes than sole application of biofertilizer or urea. Among the fertilizer combinations, biofertilizer with recommended TSP, MP, gypsum and one-third urea exhibited superiority in plant height, number of branches plant-1, leaf area plant-1, number of nodules plant-1, chlorophyll content in leaves, total dry mass plant-1, absolute growth rate, number of pods plant-1, harvest index and seed yield as compared to other fertilizer treatments. Therefore, biofertilizer with 13 kg urea ha-1 may be recommended for increasing seed yield of mungbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of high yielding and stable varieties of lentil is a key researchable issue in Bangladesh. In this endeavour, 110 lentil accessions were evaluated during 2006-07 and 2007-08 cropping seasons at Ishurdi and Magura, two representative lentil growing areas in Bangladesh. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among genotypes, environments and genotype- environments, thus indicating substantial variability among genotypes for days to first flowering, days to maturity, number of pods per plant and seed yield per plot. Among four environments, Ishurdi 2006-07 was the most favorable and Magura 2006-07 was the least yielding. Biplot analysis provided information on wide and specific adaptation. Accessions ILL7656, ILL2532, N1M-134, 40-50134-5, ILL8605-2 and ILL2581 exhibited higher mean seed yield and performed stability across environments. Accession ILL5150 was the best performer for Ishurdi region and accession ILL4605 was the best performer for Magura region. Considering yield potential, early maturity and wider/specific adaptability, four accessions namely ILL5150, ILL2532, ILL7656 and ILL4605 were identified as the best performer and BLx98006-3 was the earliest. These precious accessions may serve as key donors as parents for use in breeding programmes to develop high yielding varieties or may be used directly as varieties for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The banded leaf monkey (Presbytis femoralis femoralis) is critically endangered in Singapore and affected by widespread deforestation in southern Peninsular Malaysia. The Singapore population has recovered from a low of 15-20 to more than 40 individuals, but prior to our study it was unclear how severely the past bottleneck had depleted the genetic diversity of the population. Here, we provide the fi rst analysis of the genetic variability based on seven samples (ca. 20% of population) collected over two years of fi eldwork. We fi nd only two haplotypes that differ only in one variable site for the hypervariable region I (HV-I) of the mitochondrial d-loop. Compared to available population-level data for other colobines (proboscis monkey, Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, Sichuan snub-nosed monkey, Angolan black and white colobus), the banded leaf monkey population in Singapore has the lowest number and the most similar haplotypes. This low genetic variability is the next challenge for the conservation of the population. Protected habitats in prospering urban environment may become important sanctuaries for endangered species, but reintroductions may have to be considered in order to restore genetic variability that was lost during past bottlenecks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from the month of March to May 2011 to investigate the effect of cultivars and seed rates on morpho-physiological characters, yield components and yield of summer mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. The experiment comprised three types of varieties viz., BINAmung-6 (bold seeded), BINAmung-7 (small seeded) and BINAmung-8 (medium seeded) and three seed rates viz., 30, 40 and 50 kg ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a two factor randomized complete block design with three replications. Number of branches plant-1, leaf area plant-1, total dry mass plant-1, relative growth rate, pod number plant-1, seed and biological yield plant-1 and harvest index decreased with increasing seed rate while reverse trend was observed in plant height and leaf area index. Results revealed that optimum seed rate of a mungbean variety depended on seed size. The variety having smaller size seeds require lower seed rate and vice versa. On an average over the varieties, the seed rate 40 kg ha-1 resulted in the highest seed yield in mungbean. The optimum seed rate for maximizing seed yield of bold seeded variety, BINAmung-6 was 50 kg ha-1. Similarly, the optimum seed rate for small seeded variety, BINAmung-7 and medium seeded variety, BINAmung-8 was 30 and 40 kg ha-1, respectively. The dry matter partitioning to economic yield was also higher at above optimum seed rates of the varieties. Among the varieties, BINAmung-8 produced the highest seed yield both per plant and per hectare due to its favourable dry matter partitioning to economic yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The banded leaf monkey (Presbytis femoralis femoralis) is the largest extant non-human primate in Singapore and its population is known to be critically endangered and restricted to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Prior to this study it was uncertain whether the species is reproducing in Singapore and there were confl icting reports about infant colouration, casting doubts on whether the subspecies in Singapore is different from that in Johor, Malaysia. Here we present the first report on reproduction, infant pelage colouration and development of the banded leaf monkeys in Singapore based on 22 months of observational data. We report at least six births from 2008 to 2010, and present evidence that there is at least one birth season in June/July for three consecutive years. Moreover several infants have survived beyond seven months, implying low infant mortality. The infants are born white, with a black line from head, along the spine, to tail that is intersected by a black line passing along the shoulders to the outer surfaces of both forearms thus forming a distinctive cruciform (cross-like) black pattern on the dorsum. This natal pelage pattern is consistent with that of the banded leaf monkey infants in Johor, suggesting no differentiation between the two populations based on infant colouration. These data are preliminary and more long-term research is needed to understand the reproductive behaviour of this native and elusive primate in Singapore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water stress occurring during the early phase of the reproductive growth stage may influence plant reproduction success. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the responses of pollen and seed yield components to water stress during anthesis in cultivated rice (Oryza saliva L.) varieties and weedy rice strains. Studies were conducted in 2007 using three cultivated rice varieties; MR 84, MR 219 and MR 232. In 2008 three weedy rice strains were obtained from Seberang Perak, Kuala Pilah and Tanjung Karang areas. Studies were conducted in the field where plants were grown in polybags and submerged in polyethylene tanks. Prior to anthesis, plants were subjected to water stress by taking the plants out of the polyethylene tanks for five days. Flag leaf relative water content (RWC) and relative injury (RI) were measured daily during the stressed period. Pollen production and pollen viability were measured upon re-watering. Seed yield components measured were grain number per panicle, 100-grain weight, percentage filled grain and percentage spikelet sterility at harvest. Water stress caused a 13 - 34% decline in the number of pollen grains per anther in cultivated varieties but increased pollen production in weedy strains. Percentage pollen viability declined by 40 - 45% in MR 219 and MR 232, but increased by 15% in MR 84 when plants were water-stressed. Percent pollen viability in weedy strains never exceeded 52% and significantly declined with water stress. For cultivated varieties, water stress increased total number of grain per panicle by 31%. In weedy strains, only Seberang Perak increased in the number of grain per panicle due to water stress. Spikelet sterility was relatively higher in cultivated varieties (16-50%) compared with weedy strains (10 - 23%). The 100-grain weight was not affected by water stress in both cultivated varieties and weedy strains. This study indicated that weedy rice strains would gain a competitive advantage by producing more filled grains when water deficit occurs during anthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of thermoplastic/bagasse fiber ratio, as well as electron beam irradiation on the physicomechanical properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites has been investigated. The concentration of bagasse fibers ranges from 20 to 80 wt%. The results indicate that there is deterioration in the properties as fiber concentration increased; however, it becomes significant only beyond 50% (w/w) bagasse fibers in both LDPE and HDPE composites. Also, the data show that this decrease in the properties is more pronounced in HDPE rather than LDPE composites. It can be noticed that enhancing adhesion between fibers and thermoplastics can be achieved by irradiation of the thermoplastic phase prior to mixing at 10 up to 60 kGy; a maximum improvement in the properties is observed at 40 and 10 kGy for LDPE and HDPE, respectively. From the data it can be seen that the increase in the flexural properties is higher than 100%, while it does not exceed 65% for impact toughness. On the other hand, the reduction in water absorption is not more than 5.5%. Also, examining SEM micrographs reveals that there is some sort of adhesion between fibers and thermoplastics phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article which examined the use of emulsion polymer for the preparation of bagasse fiber polymer-cement composites. It mentioned the irradiation of the pressed samples at various irradiation doses using electron beam (EB) accelerator. It found that the average value of hardness of irradiated composites were higher than those of unirradiated and control composites.

A pilot scale membrane plant was constructed and monitored in Shah Alam, Malaysia for municipal wastewater reclamation for industrial application purposes. The aim of this study was to verify its suitability under the local conditions and environmental constraints for secondary wastewater reclamation. Immersed-type crossflow microfiltration (IMF) was selected as the pretreatment step before reverse osmosis filtration. Secondary wastewater after chlorine contact tank was selected as feed water. The results indicated that the membrane system is capable of producing a filtrate meeting the requirements of both WHO drinking water standards and Malaysian Effluent Standard A. With the application of an automatic backwash process, IMF performed well in hydraulic performance with low fouling rate being achieved. The investigations showed also that chemical cleaning is still needed because of some irreversible fouling by microorganisms always remains. RO treatment with IMF pretreatment process was significantly applicable for wastewater reuse purposes and promised good hydraulic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of blending of sugar cane bagasse with thermoplastics scrape as well as incorporation of some coupling agents has been conducted using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In addition, the effect of electron beam preirradiation of low density polyethylene on the properties of the bagasse-LDPE composite was also studied. Simulation of TGA data reveals that the presence of bagasse fiber accelerates the volatilization of either polypropylene or polyvinylchloride. On the other hand, polyethylene and polystyrene were stable against the heat evolved during the pyrolysis of bagasse fibers. Also, it was found that incorporation of a mixture of pentaerithrol tetraacrylate (PETA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as coupling agents improve the thermal stability of low density polyethylene whereas the role of irradiation was insignificant. Moreover, pronounced enhancement in the thermal stability was detected in polypropylene followed by polystyrene and polyvinylchloride on using PETA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]