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Abstract: The aim of study was to elucidate the influence of foliar sprays of androsterone in alleviating detrimental effects of chilling stress in maize seedlings. Eleven-days-old maize seedlings were treated with 10−9 mol L−1 androsterone and then transferred to a chamber with temperature of 10/7 °C (day/night) for 3 days. The stress injury was measured in terms of increase in electrolyte leakage, superoxide production and hydrogen peroxide level, and decrease in chlorophyll content. Androsterone application mitigated significantly the chilling-induced stress injury. Under chilling stress, the oxidative damage which was measured as malondialdehyde content was lesser in androsterone-applied seedlings that were associated with greater activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR). Moreover, SOD, POX and APX isozymes exhibited a strong correlation with changes in their activities. Androsterone application enhanced the level of antioxidant compounds like ascorbic acid, glutathione, proline and carotenoid as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes. Similarly, while androsterone treatment increased total antioxidant status, it reduced total oxidant status relative to chilling-stressed seedlings alone. Soluble protein profile was significantly changed by only chilling stress and chilling stress plus androsterone treatment, as well. According to these findings, it is possible to say that androsterone could be used to alleviate the damaging effects of chilling stress by improving antioxidative system in maize seedlings. This is the first study elucidating the effects of androsterone on resistance to chilling stress of plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Transcriptional and metabolic changes were evaluated during senescence induced by preventing pollination in the B73 genotype of maize (Zea mays). Accumulation of free glucose and starch and loss of chlorophyll in leaf was manifested early at 12 d after anthesis (DAA), while global transcriptional and phenotypic changes were evident only at 24 DAA. Internodes exhibited major transcriptomic changes only at 30 DAA. Overlaying expression data onto metabolic pathways revealed involvement of many novel pathways, including those involved in cell wall biosynthesis. To investigate the overlap between induced and natural senescence, transcriptional data from induced senescence in maize was compared with that reported for Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) undergoing natural and sugar-induced senescence. Notable similarities with natural senescence in Arabidopsis included up-regulation of senescence-associated genes (SAGs), ethylene and jasmonic acid biosynthetic genes, APETALA2, ethylene-responsive element binding protein, and no apical meristem transcription factors. However, differences from natural senescence were highlighted by unaltered expression of a subset of the SAGs, and cytokinin, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid biosynthesis genes. Key genes up-regulated during sugar-induced senescence in Arabidopsis, including a cysteine protease (SAG12) and three flavonoid biosynthesis genes (PRODUCTION OF ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENT1 (PAP1), PAP2, and LEUCOANTHOCYANIDIN DIOXYGENASE), were also induced, suggesting similarities in senescence induced by pollination prevention and sugar application. Coexpression analysis revealed networks involving known senescence-related genes and novel candidates; 82 of these were shared between leaf and internode networks, highlighting similarities in induced senescence in these tissues. Insights from this study will be valuable in systems biology of senescence in maize and other grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maize (Zea mays) gene RAGGED SEEDLING2-R (RGD2-R) encodes an ARGONAUTE7-1ike protein required for the biogenesis of trans-acting small interfering RNA, which regulates the accumulation of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3A transcripts in shoots. Although dorsiventral polarity is established in the narrow and cylindrical leaves of rgd2-R mutant plants, swapping of adaxial/abaxial epidermal identity occurs and suggests a model wherein RGD2 is required to coordinate dorsiventral and mediolateral patterning in maize leaves. Laser microdissection-microarray analyses of the rgd2-R mutant shoot apical meristem identified a novel gene, PUNCTATE VASCULAR EXPRESSION1 (PVE1), that is down-regulated in rgd2-R mutant apices. Transcripts of PVE1 provide an early molecular marker for vascular morphogenesis. Reverse genetic analyses suggest that PVE1 functions during vascular development and in mediolateral and dorsiventral patterning of maize leaves. Molecular genetic analyses of PVE1 and of rgd2-R;pvel-M2 double mutants suggest a model wherein PVE1 functions downstream of RGD2 in a pathway that intersects and interacts with the trans-acting small interfering RNA pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C4 photosynthesis has evolved in at least 66 lineages within the angiosperms and involves alterations to the biochemistry, cell biology, and development of leaves. The characteristic "Kranz" anatomy of most C4 leaves was discovered in the 1890s, but the genetic basis of these traits remains poorly defined. Oat x maize addition lines allow the effects of individual maize (Zea mays; C4) chromosomes to be investigated in an oat (Avena sativa; C3) genetic background. Here, we have determined the extent to which maize chromosomes can introduce C4 characteristics into oat and have associated any C4-1ike changes with specific maize chromosomes. While there is no indication of a simultaneous change to C4 biochemistry, leaf anatomy, and ultrastructure in any of the oat x maize addition lines, the C3 oat leaf can be modified at multiple levels. Maize genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase, and the 2'-oxoglutarate/malate transporter are expressed in oat and generate transcripts of the correct size. Three maize chromosomes independently cause increases in vein density, and maize chromosome 3 results in larger bundle sheath cells with increased cell wall lipid deposition in oat leaves. These data provide proof of principle that aspects of C4 biology could be integrated into leaves of C3 crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays) transformation routinely produces stable transgenic lines essential for functional genomics; however, transient expression of target proteins in maize cells is not yet routine. Such techniques are critical for rapid testing of transgene constructs and for experimental studies. Here, we report bombardment methods that depend on leaf developmental stage and result in successful expression with broad applications. Fluorescent marker genes were constructed and bombarded into five developmental regions in a growing maize leaf. Expression efficiency was highest in the basal-most 3 cm above the ligule of an approximately 50-cm growing adult leaf. Straightforward dissection procedures provide access to the receptive leaf regions, increasing efficiency from less than one transformant per cm2 to over 21 transformants per cm2. Successful expression was routine for proteins from full genomic sequences driven by native regulatory regions and from complementary DNA sequences driven by the constitutive maize polyubiquitin promoter and a heterologous terminator. Four tested fusion proteins, maize PROTEIN DISULFIDE ISOMERASE-Yellow Fluorescent Protein, GLOSSY8a-monomeric Red Fluorescent Protein and maize XYLOSYLTRANSFERASE, and maize Rho-of-Plants7-monomeric Teal Fluorescent Protein, localized as predicted in the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, and plasma membrane, respectively. Localization patterns were similar between transient and stable modes of expression, and cotransformation was equally successful. Coexpression was also demonstrated by transiently transforming cells in a stable line expressing a second marker protein, thus increasing the utility of a single stable transformant. Given the ease of dissection procedures, this method replaces heterologous expression assays with a more direct, native, and informative system, and the techniques will be useful for localization, colocalization, and functional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a long-term fertilizer experiment at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, with maize, wheat, and cowpea, various forms of potassium (K) and their contribution toward K uptake were found to be affected by fertilizer use and intensive cropping. The treatments included for the study were a control, 100% nitrogen (N), 100% N–phosphorus (P), 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 100% NPK + farmyard manure (FYM at 15 t ha−1 to maize only), and 150% NPK. The concentration of nonexchangeable K was greatest, followed by exchangeable K and water-soluble K. The study revealed no significant change in water-soluble K concentration in surface soil compared to N, NP, and control, indicating existence of an equilibrium between different K forms. Application of 100% NPK significantly increased water-soluble K concentration in surface soil compared to N, NP, and control treatments after maize, wheat, and cowpea. Application of NPK + FYM and 150% NPK resulted in greater quantities of all the K forms as compared to other treatments. Among the three forms, water-soluble K contributed predominantly to K uptake by maize and wheat; however, nonexchangeable K contributed significantly to K uptake by cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Societe et Environnement is the property of Les Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux 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.)

Abstract: Modelling of cross-pollination risks using physical-based model of pollen dispersal requires estimations of pollen viability rate as well as settling velocity distribution of viable pollen grains at emission. These two biophysical characteristics are mainly determined by pollen water content. Three years of experiments were carried out to measure biophysical characteristics of pollen at different times of emission within the day. In a first part, we proposed a simple model to predict pollen water content at emission as a function of air vapour pressure deficit. We found that by setting a constant duration of pollen dehydration in the anthers the model predicts accurately pollen water content variations at emission. In a second part, we related pollen water content and settling velocity distribution of viable and non-viable pollen grains. We used with success settling velocity distribution as a proxy to estimate fraction of spheroid pollen, water content distribution of spheroid pollen and pollen viability rate. In addition, we validated with success the estimations of viability rate. In a third part, based on above models, we estimated the effects of air humidity on cross-pollination risks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With 2 figures and 3 tables Abstract In our present study, using molecular marker technology, we aimed to identify the genetic factors controlling the length of coleorhiza during seed germination based on a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from Xinzi517 × B73. The genetic linkage map was constructed with 255 simple sequence repeat markers, which covered 2399 cM of maize genome with an average mapping distance of 9.4 cM. We detected a total of 10 putative quantitative trait loci (QTLs) using composite interval mapping, among which six QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 7 and 9 (10°C, 28 day), whereas four QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1, 2, 3 and 9 (25°C, 7 day). The percentage of phenotypic variance ( R2) explained by QTL ranged from 5.18 to 16.67 (10°C, 28 day) and 6.73-11.46 (25°C, 7 day), respectively. These results provided the foundation for detecting additional QTL and discovering more favourable alleles for high vigour seed of maize in future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Effects of varying preseed magnetic treatments on growth, chlorophyll pigments, photosynthesis, water relation attributes, fluorescence and levels of osmoprotectants in maize plants were tested under normal and drought stress conditions. Seeds of two maize cultivars were treated with different (T0 [0 mT], T1 [100 mT for 5 min], T2 [100 mT for 10 min], T3 [150 mT for 5 min] and T4 [150 mT for 10 min]) electromagnetic treatments. Drought stress considerably suppressed growth, chlorophyll a and b pigments, leaf water potential, photosynthetic rate ( A), stomatal conductance ( gs) and substomatal CO2 concentration ( Ci), while it increased leaf glycinebetaine and proline accumulation in both maize cultivars. However, pretreated seeds with different magnetic treatments significantly alleviated the drought-induced adverse effects on growth by improving chlorophyll a, A, E, gs, Ci and photochemical quenching and nonphotochemical quenching, while it had no significant effect on other attributes. However, different magnetic treatments negatively affected the gs and Ci particularly in cv. Agaiti-2002 under drought stress conditions. Of all magnetic treatments, 100 and 150 mT for 10 min were most effective in alleviating the drought-induced adverse effects. Overall, preseed electromagnetic treatments could be used to minimize the drought-induced adverse effects on different crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to compare two methods of estimating the optimum plot size (Xo) to assess 12 characters of corn hybrids single, triple and double and verify the variability of the Xo among characters and hybrids. It was measured morphological (height plant and cob) and productive (ear weight, number of rows per ear, length and diameter of ear, weight and diameter of cob, weight of hundred grains, number of grain per ear and length and grain yield) characters, in basic experimental units of a meter, in 48 uniformity assays. The Xo was determined using the methods of the maximum curvature modified and the maximum curvature of the model coefficient of variation for each character. The optimum plot size obtained by maximum curvature modified method is concordant, but higher than obtained by maximum curvature of the model coefficient of variation. The optimum plot size of productive characters is greater the morphological. The optimum plot size among the hybrids is 5.04 basic experimental units for the simple hybrid (4.03m2), 5.24 for the triple hybrid (4.19m2) and 5.53 for the double hybrid (4.42m2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the use in human feeding, animal, and high productive potential, corn is considered to be one of the most important cultivated and commercialized cereals in the world. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of different potassium doses and nitrogen in the activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase in the corn culture in a greenhouse environment. Five dosages of nitrogen (0; 50; 100; 150 and 200kg ha-1) and five potassium dosages (0; 40; 80; 120 and 160kg ha-1) were used. The activity of the nitrate reductase was esteemed, in vivo after the plants reached four leaves totally unfolded. The method that was used is based on the principle of the amount of nitrite liberated by fragments of alive tissue in a buffer in the presence of a permanent agent and substrate, reflects the potential in situ activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase. The activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase suffered significant influence of the f nitrogen and potassium dosage interaction, where the interaction N=100kg ha-1 and K=40kg ha-1 provided the best medium of the experiment. From this dosage on, the increase of nitrogen and potassium supplement caused a reduction of the enzymatic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

orption ability for heavy metals varies among plant species. This study is to evaluate the absorption characteristics of different plant species and planting patterns for heavy metals. Five plant species (tomato, maize, greengrocery, cabbage, and Japan clover herb) were cultivated in monoculture and in intercropping in soil contaminated with heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Fe), to determine the absorption status. Tomato absorbs greater amounts of heavy metals (especially Cd). Furthermore, accumulation of heavy metals increased when tomato was intercropped with other plant species. Maize accumulates greater amounts of Cr, Cu, and Fe. The heavy metal concentrations were reduced when maize was intercropped. Cd and Pb accumulated more in roots of Japan Clover Herb, and the levels of all five heavy metals decreased when intercropped. Tomato intercropping is a feasible method for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil, and maize intercropping is feasible for obtaining safe harvest which can be eaten securely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water extract of steam-exploded corn stalk (SECS) was detoxified and used as feed for acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation using Clostridium beijerinckii. Utilization of water extract improved the total ABE yield (g ABE/g dry SECS). Separated fermentation showed higher fermentability (0.078 g ABE/g dry SECS) over typical fermentation (0.058 g ABE/g dry SECS). Furthermore, the final ABE yields (g ABE/g utilized sugar) from water extract neutralized by Ca(OH), NaOH, and NaSO were 0.16, 0.1 and 0.07, respectively, suggesting that Ca(OH) had the best detoxification effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The primary objective of this study was to better understand how root morphological alteration stimulates N uptake in maize plants after root growth restriction, by investigating the changes in length and number of lateral roots, 15NO3 − influx, the expression level of the low-affinity Nitrate transporter ZmNrt1.1, and proteomic composition of primary roots. Maize seedlings were hydroponically cultured with three different types of root systems: an intact root system, embryonic roots only, or primary roots only. In spite of sufficient N supply, root growth restriction stimulated compensatory growth of remaining roots, as indicated by the increased lateral root number and root density. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in 15NO3 − influx between control and primary root plants; neither in ZmNrt1.1 expression levels in primary roots of different treatments. Our data suggested that increased N uptake by maize seedlings experiencing root growth restriction is attributed to root morphological adaptation, rather than explained by the variation in N uptake activity. Eight proteins were differentially accumulated in embryonic and primary root plants compared to control plants. These differentially accumulated proteins were closely related to signal transduction and increased root growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, we hypothesized that an appropriate combination of a geomagnetic field (as a static field) and an alternative magnetic field may result in the promotion of maize seedling growth by an alleviation of an excess production of reactive oxygen species. First, we determined the applicable range of frequencies by theoretical calculations, and a combined magnetic field was designed. The seeds were germinated in the magnetic field for 4 days, and the seedlings were allowed to grow in a nutrient solution for another 4 days. The magnetic field-treated maize seeds produced seedlings with a faster growth rate than the control seeds. The activity of superoxide dismutase in the magnetic field-treated seedlings was lower, while the total antioxidant capacity of these seedlings was higher than that of the control group. The maintenance of membrane integrity and a decrease of iron content in the magnetic field-treated seedlings suggest that a combination of both static and alternative magnetic fields promotes the growth of the plants by lowering iron absorption, a reduction in the Fenton chemistry, and lowering the risk of oxidative burst. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Grain texture is an important trait in corn (Zea mays L.) grain quality, influencing grain shipping and processing characteristics, susceptibility to insects, and flour cooking properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate anatomical and physiological factors affecting corn grain texture for three corn types differing in endosperm texture (Dent corn with floury-textured endosperm, and popcorn and sweet corn with vitreous-textured endosperm). The endosperm cell number and size, diameter of starch granules and the distribution of starch granules and protein bodies during grain development were determined. The levels ofprotein, starch and soluble sugar, and the arrangement of starch granule in mature grains were evaluated. There were significant genotypic differ- ences (P < 0.05), but no significant year effects (P> 0.05) on any of those parameters. At mature stage, a genotype x year interaction was detected only for protein content. The percentage of vitreous endosperm ranged from 39 to 100% in 2004 and from 41 to 100% in 2005. Grain texture was positively associated with the levels ofprotein (r = 0.684, P ⩽ 0.134) and soluble sugar (r = 0.992, P ⩽ 0.0001), and negatively associated with starch level (r = -0.627, P⩽0.182), endosperm cell number (r = -0.814, P ⩽ 0.049), endosperm cell length (r = -0.971, P⩽0.001) and width (r = -0.967, P ⩽ 0.002), starch granule diameter (r = -0.868, P ⩽ 0.025). Our results indicated that the vitreous texture ofcorn grains was associated with the presence of sugar-starch compound, protein bodies and proteinaceous matrix, and well-organized starch granules in the endosperm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new alginate–maize stem ground tissue matrix was developed as a Saccharomyces cerevisiae carrier for ethanol fermentation from sugar beet molasses. There were several fermentation procedures in the present study: using free cells and alginate-entrapped cells with and without maize stem ground tissue supplementation (F; F+C; AB; AB+C), and using a new combined alginate–maize stem ground tissue carrier (ABC). It was found that addition of maize stem ground tissue meal (C), with honeycomb configuration, provided high surface areas for cell attachment and biofilm growth, and also increased alginate matrix porosity, enabling better mass transfer characteristic, better physical strength and stability of beads. The highest values of process parameters were obtained in the case of new carrier (ABC): the ethanol concentration of 60.36g/l, percentage of the theoretical ethanol yield of 96.56%, ethanol yield of 0.493g/g and the volumetric ethanol productivity of 2.51g/lh. The medium supplementation with maize stem ground tissue significantly decreased acetaldehyde and acetic acid content, did not affect fusel alcohol and ethylacetate content of the distillate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental 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.)

Phytoalexins constitute a broad category of pathogen- and insect-inducible biochemicals that locally protect plant tissues. Because of their agronomic significance, maize and rice have been extensively investigated for their terpenoid-based defenses, which include insect-inducible monoterpene and sesquiterpene volatiles. Rice also produces a complex array of pathogen-inducible diterpenoid phytoalexins. Despite the demonstration of fungal-induced ent-kaur-15-ene production in maize over 30 y ago, the identity of functionally analogous maize diterpenoid phytoalexins has remained elusive. In response to stem attack by the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and fungi, we observed the induced accumulation of six ent-kaurane-related diterpenoids, collectively termed kauralexins. Isolation and identification of the predominant Rhizopus microsporus-induced metabolites revealed ent-kaur-19-al-17-oic acid and the unique analog ent-kaur-15-en-19-al-17-oic acid, assigned as kauralexins A3 and B3, respectively. Encoding an ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase, fungal-induced An2 transcript accumulation precedes highly localized kauralexin production, which can eventually exceed 100 μg∙g-1 fresh weight. Pharmacological applications of jasmonic acid and ethylene also synergize the induced accumulation of kauralexins. Occurring at elevated levels in the scutella of all inbred lines examined, kauralexins appear ubiquitous in maize. At concentrations as low as 10 μg∙mL-1, kauralexin B3 significantly inhibited the growth of the opportunistic necrotroph R. microsporus and the causal agent of anthracnose stalk rot, Colletotrichum graminicola. Kauralexins also exhibited significant O. nubilalis antifeedant activity. Our work establishes the presence of diterpenoid defenses in maize and enables a more detailed analysis of their biosynthetic pathways, regulation, and crop defense function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize and potato starch samples were investigated by three scanning electron microscopy techniques (secondary electron imaging, Everhart Thornley secondary electron detection, backscattered electron imaging) at different magnifications. The starch granules were visualized and their shapes, surface morphology and size were revealed. From the SEM images the size distribution of the granules was inferred and compared for the different samples. These investigations will contribute to the characterization of native starches as raw materials for the production of biodegradable plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors, such as ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation, have the ability to affect pathways such as nitrogen metabolism. As fixed nitrogen is the keystone mineral nutrient that controls grain crop yield, any alteration in this cycle can be detrimental to plant productivity. Nitrate reductase enzyme activity is responsible for the reduction of nitrate to nitrite, and nitrate is the major form of nitrogen assimilated in plants. In maize (Zea mays L.) production, nitrate assimilation kinetics are important for both high- and low-input agricultural systems. Nitrate reductase protein activity is controlled by phosphatases and kinases. Nitrate reductase activity is responsive to environmental signals such as light-dark cycles and UV-B radiation, although the regulatory controls are not yet fully understood. We have determined the location of maize genetic factors that control nitrate reductase activity and the extent of contribution of each of these factors, both locally in the leaf tissue and via long-distance signaling loci that affect root nitrate reductase activity upon leaf UV irradiation. In the IBM94 recombinant inbred mapping population, the loci controlling regulation of nitrate reductase activity under UV-B map to different positions than the loci controlling nitrate reductase activity in unexposed plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Non-uniformity of water distribution under irrigation system creates both deficit and surplus irrigation areas. Water salinity can be hazard on crop production; however, there is little information on the interaction of irrigation and salinity conditions on corn (Zea Mays) growth and production. This study evaluated the effect of salinity and irrigation levels on growth and yield of corn grown in the arid area of Egypt. A field experiment was conducted using corn grown in northern Egypt at Quesina, Menofia in 2009 summer season to evaluate amount of water applied, salinity hazard and their interactions. Three salinity levels and five irrigation treatments were arranged in a randomized split-plot design with salinity treatments as main plots and irrigation rates within salinity treatments. Salinity treatments were to apply fresh water (0.89dSm−1), saline water (4.73dSm−1), or mixing fresh plus saline water (2.81dSm−1). Irrigation treatments were a ratio of crop evapotranspiration (ET) as: 0.6ET, 0.8ET, 1.0ET, 1.2ET, and 1.4ET. In well-watered conditions (1.0ET), seasonal water usable by corn was 453, 423, and 380mm for 0.89EC, 2.81EC and 4.73EC over the 122-day growing season, respectively. Soil salt accumulation was significantly increased by either irrigation salinity increase or amount decrease. But, soil infiltration was significantly decreased by either salinity level or its interaction with irrigation amount. Leaf temperature, transpiration rate, and stomata resistance were significantly affected by both irrigation and salinity levels with interaction. Leaf area index, harvest index, and yield were the greatest when fresh and adequate irrigation was applied. Grain yield was significantly affected in a linear relationship (r 2 ≥0.95) by either irrigation or salinity conditions with no interaction. An optimal irrigation scheduling was statistically developed based on crop response for a given salinity level to extrapolate data from the small experiment (uniform condition) to big field (non-uniformity condition) under the experiment constraints. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In previous research, iron-deficiency symptoms in peanut (Arachis hypgaea) were alleviated during anthesis by intercropping with maize. This benefit was associated with increased phytosiderophore secretion by maize and increased Fe(III)-chelate reductase activity by peanut. In the present study, we isolated the full-length cDNA of AhIRT1 (iron-regulated transporter 1) from peanut and characterized how iron deficiency and intercropping affected its iron-transporting ability. Functional complementation with AhIRT1 restored normal growth of the yeast mutant fet3fet4 (defective in both high- and low-affinity iron-uptake systems) under iron-deficiency conditions. Based on transient expression analysis, AhIRT1 was determined to be a membrane protein, which was consistent with a function in iron uptake. In peanut, transcript levels of AhIRT1 increased in both root and shoot under iron-deficiency conditions. In a pot experiment, AhIRT1 transcript levels in intercropped peanut were 10 times greater during anthesis than pre-anthesis, and transcript levels during anthesis were 40% greater in intercropped than in monocropped peanut. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Corn starch was chemically modified by cross-linking with STMP/STPP (99:1. w/w) and the physicochemical and physiological properties (in vitro and in vivo) of the cross-linked corn starch were investigated as a function of the degree of cross-linking. Cross-linking decreased the solubility, swelling factor, and paste clarity of corn starch. While the swelling factor was highly correlated with the degree of cross-linking (R 2 =0.878), the X-ray diffraction patterns did not show any significant alteration in the crystallinity of corn starch. It was shown by SEM measurement that a black zone was observed on the surface of crossed-linked starch granules, which did not occur with native starch. When mice were fed the diets containing the corn starch with low (CLCS-5) and high (CLCS-12) degree of cross-linking (51.3 and 99.1%, respectively), significant effects on the final body weight, weight gain as well as perirenal weight of the mice (p <0.05) were observed. Also, significant decreases in total lipid, triglyceride, and total cholesterol concentrations in serum were detected in CLCS-5 and CLCS-12 groups (p <0.05). While total lipid level in the liver decreased with increasing degree of cross-linking, the triglyceride level was not affected by the supplementation with both of CLCS-5 and CLCS-12 corn starch samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Alternate partial root-zone irrigation (APRI) is a water-saving irrigation method but also can regulate crop physiological responses. This study investigated how water-use efficiency (WUE) and other physiological responses were regulated at different growth stages when maize plants were applied with APRI and how these responses were recovered to control levels when full irrigation was resumed. A pot experiment was carried out at two fertilization levels and with three irrigation methods at the jointing stage (29–38 days after sowing) or during the jointing and tasselling stages (29–77 days after sowing). The irrigation methods included the conventional irrigation (CI), APRI and fixed PRI (FPRI, watering was fixed to one side). Compared to the CI, APRI at the jointing stage for 10 days or during the jointing and tasselling stages for 49 days reduced water consumption by 10.6–12.9 and 31.7–32.4%, respectively, but did not reduce total dry mass accumulation significantly, thus increased canopy WUE by 10.4–13.6 and 41.2–41.8%, respectively. FPRI reduced the total dry mass significantly even though it also improved canopy WUE. APRI had slight effect on the leaf relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll (Chl), carotenoid (CAR), proline (Pro) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities from jointing to tasselling stages but recovery to the levels of CI was rapid after receiving full watering. In comparison, FPRI treatment significantly reduced leaf RWC, Chl and CAR contents and SOD and POD activities and increased the Pro and MAD contents. After receiving full watering, the above-mentioned physiological indexes in FPRI could not recover fully to the levels of CI. High fertilization treatment only increased leaf Chl content significantly and contributed little to the total dry mass accumulation. Our result suggests that APRI can make plants use water and nutrients more efficiently with better drought tolerance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Some experiments involving important crop plants, corn and wheat, were carried out to characterize the agronomic and environmental application of Burkholderia cepacia strain FX2 able to degrade toluene and containing plasmids with the gene encoding for catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase (C23O), a key enzyme in the degradation pathway of monocyclic aromatic compounds. The inoculation of corn and wheat with FX2 led to the promotion of plant growth and reduction in evapotranspiration of toluene into the air. Endophytic bacteria able to grow on toluene as the only source of carbon and containing a C23O gene were found in the plants inoculated with FX2 but not in their non-inoculated controls. Compared to control plants, a greater number of toluene-degrading, phosphate-solubilizing and siderophore-producing endophytes were found in inoculated plants. Furthermore, a direct correlation occurred between plant biomass responses and the magnitude of C23O-containing endophytes. Phylogenetic tree comparison, plasmid analysis and filter mating assays showed that the C23O gene was transferred horizontally from FX2 to the natural endophytic bacteria of corn and wheat. Horizontal gene transfer among endophytic bacteria might contribute to pollutant degradation, growth promotion and potential for disease suppression in corn and wheat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The quantification of the water balance terms within soil-crop-climate systems is required to derive proper management for plant growth and irrigation. A large number of available models use the well known Richards’ equation for the simulation of water redistribution at field scale. Despite their common basis of the representation of water flow in the unsaturated zone, apparently similar hydrological models give different answers if applied in the same pedological, climatic and agronomic scenarios. The objective of the present study was evaluating and comparing the performance of three well known models (SWAP, MACRO and CropSyst) based on the solution of the Richards’ equation: in a structured fine soil (Calciustepts located in Cerese, Mantova, Italy) and in a structured fine loamy over sandy soil (Hapludalf located in Caviaga, Lodi, Italy), both cropped with maize. The models were compared on the basis of their reliability to predict soil water content, measured by TDR, at 10 depths over 2 years. We compared the three models on the basis of difference-based indexes (CRM and RMSE) and correlation statistics (r and EF): at three depths (0–0.15, −0.4 and −1.0m), in terms of soil water content profile following a drainage process on bare soil and on soil water content over the whole soil profiles. Although water retention and hydraulic conductivity curves were properly measured in laboratory on undisturbed soil samples, all three models required calibration and validation to obtain good quality simulations. The performances of the three models were quite similar: the average of all (models, sites and depths) root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.032cm3 cm−3 (±0.007). Generally, SWAP had the best performance especially in simulating surface infiltration and drying processes, followed by CropSyst and then MACRO. The better performance of SWAP respect the other two models seemed rely on the hydraulic properties parameterization (van Genuchten-Mualem vs. Campbell equation), and to the different techniques used for the numerical solutions of Richards’ equation close to the bottom and upper boundaries. Moreover, despite its rather good performance, CropSyst, due to its internal numerical constraints in the parameterization of the retention and conductivity functions, needed a very strong calibration then loosing part of its “physical basis” towards an increasing of its empiricism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Population growth, urban expansion and economic development are increasing competition for water use between agriculture and other users. In addition, the high rate of soil degradation and declining soil moisture in the Sub-Saharan African Region have called for several crop production management and irrigation options to improve soil fertility, reduce water use by crops and produce ‘more crops per drop of water’. Notwithstanding this, considerable variations exist in the literature on water-use efficiency, WUEcwu (economic yield per water used) for maize (Zea mays L.) across climates and soil management practices. Different views have been expressed on the effect of different rates of nitrogen (N) application on transpiration efficiency, TE (biomass produced per unit of water transpired). The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of different rates of N-enriched municipal waste co-compost and its derivatives on TE, WUEcwu and yield of maize (Z. mays L.) in comparison to inorganic fertiliser. The greenhouse pot experiment was conducted in Accra, Ghana on a sandy loam soil (Ferric Lixisol) using a split plot design. The main plot treatments were soil (S), dewatered faecal sludge (DFS), municipal solid waste compost (C), co-compost from municipal solid waste and dewatered faecal sludge (Co), compost enriched with (NH4)2SO4 (EC), co-compost enriched with (NH4)2SO4 (ECO), (NH4)2SO4 and NPK15–15–15+(NH4)2SO4. The sub-plot treatments were different rates of application of nitrogen fertiliser applied at the rate of 91, 150 and 210kg Nha−1 respectively. Maize cv. Abelehii was grown in a poly bag filled with 15kg soil. Eight plants per treatment were selected randomly and used for the collection of data on growth parameters forth-nightly. At physiological maturity two plants per treatment were also selected randomly from each treatment plot for yield data. The results showed that TE of maize (Z. mays) varied for the different treatments and these are 6.9Pa in soil (S) alone to 8.6Pa in ECO. Increase in N application rate increased TE at the vegetative phase for fast nutrient releasing fertilisers (DFS, ECO, EC, NPK+(NH4)2SO4, (NH4)2SO4) and at the reproductive phase for slow nutrient releasing fertilisers (C and CO). Water-use efficiency increased significantly as rate of N application increased. Treatment ECO improved crop WUEcwu and was 11% and 4 times higher than that for NPK+(NH4)2SO4 or soil alone; and 18–36% higher than those for DFS and CO. Treatment ECO used less amount of water to produce dry matter yield (DMY) and grain yield (GY) that was 5.2% and 12.6%, respectively, higher than NPK+(NH4)2SO4. Similarly, the DMY and GY for ECO was 8.9–18.5% and 23.4–34.7%, respectively, higher than DFS and CO. High nutrient (N and K) uptake, TE, and low leaf senescence accounts for 83% of the variations in DMY whereas WUEcwu accounts for 99% of the variations in GY. Thus, the study concluded that different sources of fertiliser increased TE and WUEcwu of maize differently as N application rate increases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With the exception of cellulose and callose, the cell wall polysaccharides are synthesized in Golgi membranes, packaged into vesicles, and exported to the plasma membrane where they are integrated into the microfibrillar structure. Consistent with this paradigm, several published reports have shown that the maize (Zea mays) mixed-linkage (1 → 3),(1 → 4)-β-D-glucan, a polysaccharide that among angiosperms is unique to the grasses and related Poales species, is synthesized ill vitro with isolated maize coleoptile Golgi membranes and the nucleotide-sugar substrate, UDP-glucose. However, a recent study reported the inability to detect the β-glucan immunocytochemically at the Golgi, resulting in a hypothesis that the mixed-linkage β-glucan oligomers may be initiated at the Golgi but are polymerized at the plasma membrane surface. Here, we demonstrate that (1 → 3),(1 → 4)-β-D-glucans are detected immunocytochemically at the Golgi of the developing maize coleoptiles. Further, when maize seedlings at the third-leaf stage were pulse labeled with [14C]O2 and Golgi membranes were isolated from elongating cells at the base of the developing leaves, (1 → 3),(1 → 4)-β-D-glucans of an average molecular mass of 250 kD and higher were detected in isolated Golgi membranes. When the pulse was followed by a chase period, the labeled polysaccharides of the Golgi membrane diminished with subsequent transfer to the cell wall. (1 → 3),(1 → 4)-β-D-Glucans of at least 250 kD were isolated from cell walls, but much larger aggregates were also detected, indicating a potential for intermolecular interactions with glucuronoarabinoxylans or intermolecular grafting in muro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparison between laser diffraction method (LDM) and the sieve-hydrometer method (SHM) was carried out for 228 soil samples representing a different texture classification sampled in a Sicilian basin. The analysis demonstrated that the sand content measured by SHM can be assumed equal to that determined by LDM technique, while the clay fraction measured by LDM was lower than that measured by the SHM. A set of equations to transform LDM results to SHM results was proposed. The influence of the LDM measurements of clay on the estimated percentage of silt + very fine sand particles (particle diameter ranging from 0.002 mm to 0.1 mm), which is useful for estimating soil erodibility, was also studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The phosphorus uptake (PU) in above-ground parts of plant, root characteristics and root exudations as well as the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with these characteristics were determined for a F2:3 population derived from the cross of two contrasting maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes, 082 and Ye107. A total of 241 F2:3 families were evaluated in replicated trials under deficient phosphorus conditions in 2007 at two sites (Kaixian County and Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China). The results show pleiotropy and close linkage among QTLs. Four common regions in different environments were in bnlg100- bnlg1268b (bins 1.02) for QTL of H+, bnlg1268a-umc1290a (bins 1.09) for QTL of AP (acid phosphatase activity), dupssr15- P1M7/a (bins 6.06) for QTLs of PU (phosphorus uptake) and RW (root weight), and P1M3/d-P1M3/g (bins9.04) for QTLs of PU and AP. These QTLs are non-environment or minor QTLs × environment. By epistatic analysis, three main QTLs and eighteen QTLs × QTLs interactions were detected for the seven measured characteristics. These QTLs may affect trait expression by epistatic interaction with the other loci, and make a substantial contribution to phosphorus utilization efficiency, which should be considered when breeding maize varieties with high P efficiency. Two regions were detected in dupssr15- P1M7/a (bins 6.06) for QTL of RW and P1M3/d- P1M3/g (bins 9.04) for QTL of PU and AP. They were detected in two different environments and by two methods of QTL analysis, which were useful for marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maize (Zea mays) Miniaturel (Mn1) locus encodes the cell wall invertase INCW2, which is localized predominantly in the basal endosperm transfer layer of developing kernels and catalyzes the conversion of sucrose into glucose and fructose. Mutations in Mn1 result in pleiotropic changes, including a reduction in kernel mass and a recently reported decrease in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels throughout kernel development. Here, we show that Mn1-1 basal kernel regions (pedicels and basal endosperm transfer layer) accumulate higher levels of sucrose and lower levels of glucose and fructose between 8 and 28 d after pollination when compared with the wild type, whereas upper regions of Mn1 accumulate similar or increased concentrations of sugars. To determine the cause of the reduction in IAA accumulation, we investigated transcript levels of several potential IAA biosynthetic enzymes. We demonstrate that reduced IAA levels most closely correspond to reduced transcript levels of ZmYUCCA (ZmYUC), a newly identified homolog of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) gene YUCCA. We further demonstrate that ZmYUC catalyzes the N-hydroxylation of tryptamine and that sugar levels regulate transcript levels of ZmYUC, both in in vitro-cultured kernels and in a promoter-reporter fusion in Arabidopsis. These results indicate that developing seeds may modulate growth by altering auxin biosynthesis in response to sugar concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L) originated from Mexico but has been introduced and domesticated in various parts of the world. Maize is an important cereal crop having subsistent, commercial and industrial uses. The aim of this study was to characterize genetic diversity in some African maize landraces using microsatellite DNA markers. Maize landraces were collected from some parts of Edo State, Nigeria, while others were sourced from IITA (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture), Ibadan, Nigeria and Premier Seed Company, Nigeria. Fourteen populations of 15 plants each were characterized, the application of 7 microsatellite markers sufficiently provided information on genetic diversity of all 14 populations investigated. The study revealed a total number of 21 alleles across all loci, with a mean number of 3 alleles per locus. Polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.26 (umc1161) to 0.71 (umc1196), with a mean of 0.52, indicating that markers used were polymorphic. The dendrogram displayed two main clusters; cluster 1 had most populations from Nigeria grouped together with populations from Malawi and Togo, while populations from Guinea, Chad, Tzm-ese, Tzm-enee and Tzm-1340 from Kano, Nigeria grouped together in cluster 2. Population Tzm-1413 from Somalia in East Africa was a complete outlier, as revealed by the dendrogram. Results suggest that the populations studied were not greatly diverse but can be used to establish a field trial, where germplasm will be scored based on adaptation, tolerance and resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, which will furthermore validate the genetic variability revealed by the microsatellite markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study was designed to study the process of stress adaptation in roots and shoot of Zea mays seedlings grown under hydroponic conditions during exposure to lead (Pb) (0–200μM) for 1–7d. The alterations in growth and in the level of various biochemical parameters were accessed vis-à-vis Pb accumulation. The accumulation of Pb increased in a concentration-duration-dependent manner, however its translocation from root to shoot was low. At the same time, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased with increasing Pb concentration. However, growth parameters, such as dry weight and root length did not show a significant decline to any of the Pb concentrations. In addition, the level of photosynthetic pigments decreased only upon exposure to high Pb concentrations. These results suggested an alleviation of the stress that was presumably being achieved by antioxidants viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as ascorbic acid (AsA), which increased linearly with increasing Pb levels and exposure time. However, the level of non-protein thiols (NP-SH) in roots, in general, showed a decline beyond 4d that could be attributed to their consumption for the purpose of Pb detoxification. In conclusion, Zea mays can be used as an indicator species for Pb, and the various antioxidants might play a key role in the detoxification of Pb induced toxic effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon dioxide fluxes are being measured in three maize-based agroecosystems in eastern Nebraska in an effort to better understand the potential for these systems to sequester carbon in the soil. Landscape-level fluxes of carbon, water and energy were measured using tower eddy covariance systems. In order to better understand the landscape-level results, measurements at smaller scales, using techniques promoted by John Norman, were made and scaled up to the landscape-level. Single leaf gas exchange properties (CO2 assimilation rate and stomatal conductance) and optical properties, direct and diffuse radiation incident on the canopy, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) reflected and transmitted by the canopy were measured at regular intervals throughout the growing season. In addition, soil surface CO2 fluxes were measured using chamber techniques. From leaf measurements, the responses of net CO2 assimilation rate to relevant biophysical controlling factors were quantified. Single leaf gas exchange data were scaled up to the canopy level using a simple radiative model that considers direct beam and diffuse PAR penetration into the canopy. Canopy level photosynthesis was estimated, coupled with the soil surface CO2 fluxes, and compared to measured net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) values from the eddy covariance approach. Estimated values of canopy level absorbed PAR was also compared to measured values. The agreement between estimated and observed values increases our confidence in the measured carbon pools and fluxes in these agroecosystems and enhances our understanding of biophysical controls on carbon sequestration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The plant availability and phytotoxicity of soil bound residues (BR) of herbicide ZJ0273, a novel acetolactate synthase (ALS) potential inhibitor, to rice (Oryza sativa L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) was investigated in three different soils including a Fluvio-marine yellow loamy soil (S 1), a Red clayey soil (S 2), and a Coastal saline soil (S 3), using 14C-labeling tracer and bioassay techniques. When soils were amended with BR at 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8nmolg−1, dose-dependent and significant inhibition was observed for rice seedlings within 14d after treatment, but no significant inhibition occurred to corn seedlings in the same treatment. Radioactive analysis of soil extracts following sequential extractions showed that the 14C labeled residues of ZJ0273 were released from the amended soil BR upon planting. For example, when amended with 1.8nmolg−1, about 68.3%, 57.0%, and 61.1%, respectively, of the added BR were released in S 1, S 2, and S 3 planted with rice seedlings, whereas 38.9%, 32.7% and 32.6% became available for uptake in the corresponding soils planted with corn seedlings. The released compounds were identified as ZJ0273 and its degradation products M1 and M2, with M2 as the primary component. Bioassay on rice showed that concentration for 50% inhibition (IC50) of ZJ0273, M1, and M2 were 33.16, 1.93 and 0.49μM, respectively. Therefore, BR formed after application of ZJ0273 may become available for plant uptake during rice cultivation and lead to phytotoxic effects, and the phytotoxicity is mainly caused by the release of the biologically active metabolite M2. This knowledge is valuable for designing crop rotation practices so that crop injury and yield losses due to carry-over herbicide phytotoxicity may be avoided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The miniature1 (mn1) seed phenotype in maize (Zea mays) is due to a loss-of-function mutation at the Mn1 locus that encodes a cell wall invertase (INCW2) that localizes exclusively to the basal endosperm transfer cells (BETCs) of developing seeds. A common feature of all transfer cells is the labyrinth-like wall-in-growth (WIG) that increases the plasma membrane area, thereby enhancing transport capacity in these cells. To better understand WIG formation and roles of INCW2 in the BETC development, we examined wild-type and mn1 mutant developing kernels by cryofixation and electron microscbpy. In Mni seeds, WIGs developed uniformly in the BETC layer during 7 to 17 d after pollination, and the secretory/endocytic organelles proliferated in the BETCs. Mitochondria accumulated in the vicinity of WIGs, suggesting a functional link between them. In the mn1 BETCs, WIGs were stunted and their endoplasmic reticulum was swollen; Golgi density in the mutant BETCs was 51% of the Mn1 Golgi density. However, the polarized distribution of mitochondria was not affected. INCW2-specific immunogold particles were detected in WIGs, the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi stacks, and the trans-Golgi network in the Mn1 BETCs, while immunogold particles were extremely rare in the mutant BETCs. Levels of WIG development in the empty pericarp4 mutant was heterogeneous among BETCs, and INCW2 immunogold particles were approximately four times more abundant in the larger WIGs than in the stunted WIGs. These results indicate that polarized secretion is activated during WIG formation and that INCW2 is required for normal development of WIGs to which INCW2 is localized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of exogenous silicon (Si) on key growth parameters and mineral nutrients were investigated in maize grown at high zinc (Zn). Four treatments with three replicates were investigated consisting of a control (basal nutrients with 0.05 mM Zn with or without 1.0 mM Si added), 0.5 mM Zn, and 0.5 mM Zn plus 1.0 mM Si. Plants growing with high Zn alone had a lower chlorophyll (Chl.) content, leaf relative water content (RWC) and produced less biomass than the control plants. Proline content and membrane permeability was higher in zinc-treated plants than in untreated controls. Compared with the plants treated with high Zn alone, added Si significantly increased plant growth, chlorophyll content, and RWC and significantly reduced the membrane permeability and proline content. As expected, added high Zn increased leaf and root Zn, but reduced leaf phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe). Added Si reduced Zn concentration and increased Fe in leaves of maize. It can be concluded that improvement in the key growth parameters tested and mineral nutrition status in maize plants grown at high Zn induced by Si addition may protect membrane permeability under high zinc, thus mitigating Zn toxicity and improving the growth of maize plants. The results of the present experiment support the conclusion that Si may be involved in physiological and nutritional changes in plants grown at high Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fumonisins constitute a group of carcinogenic metabolites produced mainly by Fusarium verticillioides, the most common fungi associated with maize grain. The limits fixed for fumonisins in maize for food and feed by the European Union (EU) could represent a serious problem for maize areas in the south of Europe where F. verticillioides encounters extremely favourable meteorological and environmental conditions for its life cycle. Prevention strategies through pre-harvest agronomic management can achieve the quality and safety standards required by EU regulations. On the basis of results from agronomic field trials conducted in the North of Italy, the first version of an agronomic decision tool has been created to help farmers, collectors and processors manage fumonisin contamination in order to respect the EU fumonisin limits and the constraints required by a given market outlet. The tool is based on the concept of agronomic exposure to fumonisin risk (AEFR), which is a qualitative evaluation of the impact that a crop management system can have on fumonisin contamination. The validation has shown the validity of the decision tool, which was able to correctly classify the crop management systems of real farms according to their agronomic exposure to fumonisin risk: increasing levels of fumonisin contamination corresponded to increasing AEFR levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Transglutaminases (TGases, EC 2.3.2.13) are intra- and extra-cellular enzymes that catalyze post-translational modification of proteins by establishing ɛ-(γ-glutamyl) links and covalent conjugation of polyamines. In chloroplast it is well established that TGases specifically polyaminylate the light-harvesting antenna of Photosystem (PS) II (LHCII, CP29, CP26, CP24) and therefore a role in photosynthesis has been hypothesised (Della Mea et al. and refs therein). However, the role of TGases in chloroplast is not yet fully understood. Here we report the effect of the over-expression of maize (Zea mays) chloroplast TGase in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum var. Petit Havana) chloroplasts. The transglutaminase activity in over-expressers was increased 4 times in comparison to the wild-type tobacco plants, which in turn increased the thylakoid associated polyamines about 90%. Functional comparison between Wt tobacco and tgz over-expressers is shown in terms of fast fluorescence induction kinetics, non-photochemical quenching of the singlet excited state of chlorophyll a and antenna heterogeneity of PSII. Both in vivo probing and electron microscopy studies verified thylakoid remodeling. PSII antenna heterogeneity in vivo changes in the over-expressers to a great extent, with an increase of the centers located in grana-appressed regions (PSIIα) at the expense of centers located mainly in stroma thylakoids (PSIIβ). A major increase in the granum size (i.e. increase of the number of stacked layers) with a concomitant decrease of stroma thylakoids is reported for the TGase over-expressers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Photoinhibition is caused by an imbalance between the rates of the damage and repair cycle of photosystem II D1 protein in thylakoid membranes. The PSII repair processes include (i) disassembly of damaged PSII–LHCII supercomplexes and PSII core dimers into monomers, (ii) migration of the PSII monomers to the stroma regions of thylakoid membranes, (iii) dephosphorylation of the CP43, D1 and D2 subunits, (iv) degradation of damaged D1 protein, and (v) co-translational insertion of the newly synthesized D1 polypeptide and reassembly of functional PSII complex. Here, we studied the D1 turnover cycle in maize mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts using a protein synthesis inhibitor, lincomycin. In both types of maize chloroplasts, PSII was found as the PSII–LHCII supercomplex, dimer and monomer. The PSII core and the LHCII proteins were phosphorylated in both types of chloroplasts in a light-dependent manner. The rate constants for photoinhibition measured for lincomycin-treated leaves were comparable to those reported for C3 plants, suggesting that the kinetics of the PSII photodamage is similar in C3 and C4 species. During the photoinhibitory treatment the D1 protein was dephosphorylated in both types of chloroplasts but it was rapidly degraded only in the bundle sheath chloroplasts. In mesophyll chloroplasts, PSII monomers accumulated and little degradation of D1 protein was observed. We postulate that the low content of the Deg1 enzyme observed in mesophyll chloroplasts isolated from moderate light grown maize may retard the D1 repair processes in this type of plastids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Utilisation of nitrogen (N) has been closely related to increases in crop productivity. However, not all crops respond similarly and the objective of this study is to identify physiological processes that determine responses to N supply for maize and sunflower. Grain yield in maize (range: 210–1255gm−2) was greater and more responsive to N supply than in sunflower (106–555gm−2 in carbohydrate equivalents) over a wide range of total N uptake (3–>20gNm−2). In maize, differences in grain yield among levels of N supply were associated more with variation in biomass than in harvest index. In sunflower, differences in grain yield (in carbohydrate equivalents) among levels of N supply were related similarly to variation in both biomass and harvest index. The decrease in biomass production with decreasing N supply was associated with decreases in both radiation interception and radiation use efficiency (RUE). Decreased interception was due to effects of N supply on reducing canopy leaf area, whereas the reduced RUE was associated with decreased SLN. Total biomass production in maize was more responsive to N supply than in sunflower. The major determinants of the differences in response of biomass accumulation to N supply found between maize and sunflower are: (i) sunflower tends to maintain SLN with increase in partitioning of N to leaves under N limitation whereas maize tends to maintain leaf area with increase in partitioning of biomass to leaves and (ii) the ability of maize to maintain N uptake following cessation of leaf production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of genotypes with improved performance for nitrogen (N) capture and use would be of great benefit through reducing production costs and pollution risks in maize cropping. The identification of morpho-physiological traits responsible for a better behavior in a target N environment is useful for cultivar selection, and become crucial for maize breeding improvement. This study analyzed, in a set of Argentinean commercial hybrids of maize, the grain yield (GY) variability in response to soil N availability at several locations representative of the main maize production region of Argentina during 2003–2004 growing season. The objectives of this work were to: (i) detect environmental groups for GY responses, (ii) identify morpho-physiological traits that were associated to winner genotypes in each detected environmental group, and (iii) assess genetic correlations between those traits. To generate more variation in soil N availability two N-fertilizer rates were applied in each experimental site (0 and 250kgNha−1, except for Balcarce where only 250kgNha−1 was tested). Morpho-physiological traits included in the analysis were related to N and radiation capture, use and partitioning, plant architecture, and leaf senescence. Grain yield components were also included. As expected, environment (E) effect explained the higher portion of GY variation (i.e., 82%), but genotype (G) and G×E interaction (GE) also significantly contributed (i.e., 9% each). Three environmental groups for GY were identified according to N availability. Morpho-physiological traits related to resource capture, use, and partitioning during the post-silking period are proposed as desirables for broad adaptation. In turn, a high N partitioning to grains after silking was associated with good hybrid behavior under high N availability and warm climate. On the other hand, a better grain yield performance when N became more limited appeared strongly related to an efficient canopy to sustain resource capture up to maturity. More studies are required in a wide range of environments to confirm identified traits and underlying physiological mechanisms. Nevertheless, our findings highlight the existence of differences in ideal plant-type for environments differing in N availability to be considered in maize breeding programs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A slaughter experiment was conducted to determine the effect of corn particle size on mucosal morphology and digesta pH in the gastrointestinal tract of goats. Twelve Guanzhong wether goats aged 9 months (23.5±0.3 kg) were randomly fed diets containing 55% corn silage and 28% finely cracked, coarsely cracked or whole corn. After a 35 d feeding period, goats were slaughtered to obtain digesta samples for pH determination, and gastrointestinal mucosa for morphological analyses. Corn particle size did not affect (P >0.05) digesta pH in the rumen, the abomasum and the small intestine. In the ventral ruminal sac, corn particle size did not affect (P >0.05) papillae density, height, width, and muscle depth, and finely cracked corn increased (P <0.05) the papillae surface area compared with coarsely cracked and whole corn. In the dorsal ruminal sac, whole corn tended to decrease (P <0.10) papillae height and width, and decreased (P <0.05) papillae surface area compared with finely and coarsely cracked corn. There was no effect (P >0.05) of corn particle size on the morphology of the abomasum and total small intestine. These data suggest that finely cracked corn significantly enhanced the absorption surface area of the rumen papillae, and did not affect mucosal morphology and digesta pH of the abomasum and the small intestine in growing goats fed diets containing 35% of starch. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Slow-release nitrogen (N) fertilizers are used to increase N-use efficiency and extend N availability over a plant-growing season. One formula of this fertilizer commonly used in turf and horticultural crops is methylene-urea-triazone. After this compound is applied in the soil, it is subject to bacterial degradation and becomes available for uptake by plants. The objective of this work is to elucidate the application of methylene-urea-triazone in the soil microbial population as well as effects on soil quality. Zea mays was planted in a silty loam soil. Urea and methylene-urea-triazone were incorporated into the soil. Two weeks and 6 weeks after inoculation, soil samples were collected and used to inoculate agar plates and for DNA extraction. Bacterial colony morphology was examined. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was performed with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the rRNA gene cluster. The Shannon Wiener index was determined for colony morphology and DGGE bands. There was a difference between urea and the slow-release fertilizer on both plant responses and bacterial diversity. Although for the first 2 weeks DGGE did not show any difference in bacterial diversity, after 6 weeks, differences in the composition of the bacterial community were observed. There were concomitant effects on plant growth and microorganism population and diversity, probably reflecting changes in the richness and in the eveness of the bacterial population in the rhizosphere caused by the fertilizers. Therefore, both soil microorganisms and plant growth respond to environmental changes over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) (Glomus constrictum Trappe) on the growth and some physio-biochemical indexes of Zea mays L. seedlings under different levels of diesel stress were investigated in a pot study. Generally, the symbiotic relationship between corn and AMF can be well established under diesel stress. This was reflected by the better physio-biochemical index of the plants inoculated with G. constrictum whose colonization rates were between 47.30% and 91.50%. Compared with the non-inoculated ones, the heights and basal diameters of the inoculated seedlings increased by 0.08–47.20% and 6.74–35.71% respectively. The relative contents of chlorophyll and soluble proteins increased by 1.88–38.79% and 3.87–77.27% respectively, while the contents of malondialdehyde and free proline decreased by 2.74–52.74% and 24.69–32.86%. Three antioxidant enzymes reacted differently under the diesel stress. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased at low diesel concentration, but decreased at high concentration. In contrast, peroxidase (POD) had a decreased activity at low diesel concentration, but an increased activity at high concentration. On the whole, the activity of three antioxidant enzymes in the plants inoculated with AMF were higher than those without AMF inoculation. Our results support the view that antioxidant enzymes have great influence on the biomass of plants, and AMF can improve the capability of scavenging the reactive oxygen and alleviate Z. mays seedlings from diesel stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The apoplastic ionic milieu contains essential determinants for cell expansion and plant growth. Since pH is a multifunctional basic component of this extracellular space, the knowledge of its behaviour during stress situations is of major importance. In detached leaves of maize (Zea mays L. cvs. Pioneer 3906 and SR 03) the effect of salinity on apoplastic pH was measured to investigate its adaptive role to salt stress applying two different methods: an optical approach using pH-sensitive fluorescent dyes (fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC), fluorescein tetramethylrhodamine-dextran (FTMR) and Oregon Green® 488), and an electrophysiological technique, pH-sensitive microelectrodes. Both approaches yielded similar results. In the presence of 100mM NaCl, which was added to the growth medium, apoplastic pH of the salt-sensitive maize genotype Pioneer 3906 leaves increased in maximum by 0.4 units (pH microelectrodes) and by 0.3 units (fluorescent dyes); the salt-resistant SR 03 hardly responded. The same treatment reduced leaf growth by 60% in Pioneer 3906, but only by 40% in SR 03. Since according to acid growth considerations apoplastic pH is an important factor in elongation growth, we suggest that this pH increase is a main cause for reduced leaf growth under salt stress conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Traditionally, high amylose starch (HAS) from maize ( Zea mays L.) has been mainly used as an ingredient in gum candies and as an adhesive for corrugated cardboard. Two recent advances have increased interest in the use of HAS. The first one has been the development of starch-based biodegradable thermo plastics. Second, high amylose maize is a source of resistant starch (RS), a type of starch that resists digestion. As a food additive, consumers can benefit from added RS since it will lower the glycemic index and the risk of colon cancer in accordance with recent research in food science. Normal maize has about 25% amylose starch. A maize inbred line, GEMS-0067 (Reg. no GP-550, PI 643420) possesses high amylose modifier gene(s) that, together with the recessive amylose extender ( ae) gene, raises the starch amylose percentage to at least 70%. The objective of this study was to determine the gene effects, non-allelic interactions and heritability of high amylose content in maize using Bogyo’s triploid model. Nine populations were derived from a cross between H99ae, a maize inbred line with 55% amylose starch, and GEMS-0067. Data were collected from two locations in Missouri (MO) and South Dakota (SD) over 2 years (2005 and 2006). Incomplete dominance explained some of the inheritance of HAS. Maternal effects were also detected. The triploid models for MO and SD were separately established based on the corresponding data in 2005 and 2006. The additive and type 1 dominance effects in MO, and the additive, type 1 dominance, type 2 dominance, and additive × additive in SD were significantly different from zero meaning that those effects played an important role in amylose synthesis. Both broad-sense and narrow-sense heritabilities were high indicating that high amylose content could be effectively selected for in a segregating population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in tolerance to Mn excess and amelioration by Si were evaluated in two maize varieties. Dry weight, callose accumulation, chloroplast ultrastructure, and photosynthesis parameters were used as stress indicators. Variety Kneja 605 was much more Mn-sensitive than variety Kneja 434. In Kneja 605 excess Mn caused severe chloroplast damage and enhanced carotenoid production, symptoms similar to those triggered by photoinhibiton. In Mn-tolerant Kneja 434, in contrast, a Mn-induced decrease of the carotenoid concentrations, and only slight alterations in the chloroplasts were observed. These effects were similar to light Fe-deficiency symptoms. The threshold tissue concentration for Mn-induced callose accumulation was much lower in Kneja 605 than in Kneja 434. Therefore tolerance to excess Mn in Kneja 434 was not due to more efficient exclusion but to more efficient detoxification and compartmentation of Mn. The constitutively thicker epidermal layers in Kneja 434 and the observation that Si-induced amelioration of Mn toxicity in Kneja 605 substantially increased the thickness of the epidermal layers suggest that Mn storage in non-photosynthetic tissue could be a Mn tolerance mechanism in maize. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]