Search

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] producers in Louisiana began shifting to an early soybean production system (ESPS) in the early 2000s by planting earlier maturing varieties in April and May. Although this shift in planting practices has been supported by research elsewhere beginning in the mid-1990s, there is minimum data focusing on the ESPS across Louisiana. The overall objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of planting date, maturity group (MG), and their combination across a comprehensive set of yield environments in the state of Louisiana to determine the combination of optimum planting date and MG for soybean production. We gathered field data from the 2013 to 2020 seasons originated from three Louisiana State University AgCenter research stations and four seed companies. A total of 428, 926, and 331 observations were analyzed from the Northeast, Central, and Southwest Louisiana regions, respectively. When including all data from across Louisiana, the optimum planting date was April 30. Breaking by regions, the average optimum planting date for the Northeast Louisiana region was April 9. The Central and Southwest results were divided by MG section, and the approximate optimum planting dates were April 15 and May 15, respectively. These results support the ESPS for the Northeast and Central Louisiana regions, but not for the Southwest Louisiana region. Optimizing planting recommendation is a critical component for supporting the development of varieties suitable for the southern production systems of the United States [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As in other soybean‐producing regions in the United States, planting date and maturity group (MG) are two of the most important factors, along with variety selection and timely harvest, that can set the stage to optimize soybean yield potential in Louisiana. Limited data are available on the effect of these factors along with harvest timing on soybean seed quality. Field studies evaluated the influence of planting date, MG, and harvest timing on soybean yield and seed quality at the Louisiana State University AgCenter Northeast, Macon Ridge, and Dean Lee Research Stations in 2018–2020. Soybean yield was optimized when MG 4 and 5 soybean varieties were planted between mid‐April and mid‐May. Earlier and later planting dates did not result in maximum yield. Planting date effects on seed quality, however, were negligible. Greatest soybean quality was obtained when planting relative maturities (RM) 5.4–6.0 soybean; however, as indicated in the planting date study, yield was not maximized. Planting RM 3.0–4.4 soybean varieties in Louisiana resulted in lower seed quality. Soybean varieties within RM 4.5–5.3 resulted in acceptable seed quality and maximum yield in Louisiana, assuming plants are harvested at the optimum harvest timing (when seed reaches 13% moisture) and not delayed 14–28 days. Core Ideas: Soybean yield in Louisiana was maximized using maturity groups 4 and 5.Soybean yield in Louisiana was maximized with planting between mid‐April and mid‐May.Soybean varieties within relative maturities 4.5–5.3 resulted in acceptable seed quality and maximum yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional value of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] for animals is influenced by soluble carbohydrates, such as sucrose and stachyose. Although sucrose is nutritionally desirable, stachyose is an antinutrient causing diarrhea and flatulence in non-ruminant animals. We conducted a genome-wide association study of 220 soybean accessions using 21,317 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the SoySNP50K iSelect Beadchip data to identify significant SNPs associated with sucrose and stachyose content. Seven significant SNPs were identified for sucrose content across chromosomes (Chrs.) 2, 8, 12, 17, and 20, while thirteen significant SNPs were identified for stachyose content across Chrs. 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, and 15. Among those significant SNPs, three sucrose-related SNPs on Chrs. 8 and 17 were novel, while twelve stachyose-related SNPs on Chrs. 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, and 15 were novel. Based on Phytozome, STRING, and GO annotation, 17 and 24 candidate genes for sucrose and stachyose content, respectively, were highly associated with the carbohydrate metabolic pathway. Among these, the publicly available RNA-seq Atlas database highlighted four candidate genes associated with sucrose (Glyma.08g361200 and Glyma.17g258100) and stachyose (Glyma.05g025300 and Glyma.13g077900) content, which had higher gene expression levels in developing seed and multiple parts of the soybean plant. The results of this study will extend knowledge of the molecular mechanism and genetic basis underlying sucrose and stachyose content in soybean seed. Furthermore, the novel candidate genes and SNPs can be valuable genetic resources that soybean breeders may utilize to modify carbohydrate profiles for animal and human usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the findings of a study investigating rates and types of comorbid mental disorder evident in adolescents and young adults with autism. A sample of 84 young people (M = 19.5 years, SD = 4.6) with "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) autistic disorder participated in the study. Comorbid mental disorder was assessed through a semistructured comprehensive clinical interview with all participants and caregivers and supplemented by quantitative questionnaires. The results revealed that 42% of the young people with autism in the sample had an additional comorbid mental disorder, a rate 2 to 4 times that found among typically developing young people. All diagnoses were made according to DSM-IV-TR and "International Classification of Diseases," 10th Edition criteria (ICD-10; World Health Organization, 1992). A range of mood (17%), anxiety (12%), adjustment (8%), and disruptive behavior (12%) disorders were diagnosed. (Contains 3 tables.)

This article details findings from a systematic review and evaluation of frameworks and taxonomies for understanding thinking, with particular reference to learning in post-16 contexts. It describes the means used to identify and evaluate 35 frameworks and identifies three that appear to be particularly useful in the context of lifelong learning. In the light of this analysis, a schematic integrated model of thinking is outlined and discussed.

Harvest aid application can expedite soybean (Glycine max) harvest and increase efficiency through both weed and crop desiccation and has become a common practice in Louisiana soybean production systems. Field studies in 2019–2020 evaluated the influence of harvest aid application (none, paraquat at 0.28 kg/ha, sodium chlorate at 6.72 kg/ha, or saflufenacil at 0.0498 kg/ha) on seed quality affected by delayed harvest (-20, 30, or 44 days after optimum harvest timing, i.e., 13% seed moisture). Environment was investigated in both field (natural rainfall events) and environmentally controlled growth chambers (79 or 90˚F with 30% or 100% relative humidity and exposed for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 144 h) for potential impacts of prolonged rainfall conditions on soybean seed quality at harvest. Seed quality was based on a rating scale of 1 to 10 where 1 means seed in good condition and 10 means seed in poor condition based on USDA reference images. Harvest aid application had no effect on soybean seed quality affected by delayed harvest and saturated (100% relative humidity) envi)ronment. Delaying harvest beyond approximately 20 days in the field past optimum harvest timing can result in reduced seed quality regardless of whether harvest aid application occurred (0.52–2 vs 4.18–5.91 rating). In addition, seedpod exposure to high relative humidity conditions (100%) for as little as 96 h after optimum harvest timing can result in severe seed quality issues (3.96 or greater rating) regardless of whether harvest aid was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parallel versions of a new multiple-choice word-recognition test were administered to 1019 and 590 Year-1 pupils respectively. The test format was based on a published test of Word Recognition and Phonic Skills and was intended to provide reliable diagnostic information. It was found that internally consistent measures of three types of word recognition error could be derived (relating to consonants, vowels and phoneme omission), but that scales for letter order errors were unreliable. Information about the length of words which an individual can usually recognise, the proportion of high frequency to low frequency words recognised and the relative ease of recognising regular and irregular words were also considered as having possible implications for teaching. Of these measures, only word length was found to be a strong independent predictor of word recognition. Implications of these findings for the future development of norm-referenced tests that at the same time provide objective feedback about individual strengths and weaknesses are discussed.

Examined factors associated with successful use of information and communications technology (ICT) in elementary school. Linking it with teachers' constructs of good teaching and learning, the study demonstrated clear links between patterns of thinking and positive use of ICT. These patterns of thinking impacted on student outcomes in literacy and numeracy. (Contains references.) (SM)

A major British research project found significant gains in elementary students' literacy and numeracy achievement in 14 of 16 classrooms where teachers worked on developing their own computer skills and instructional uses of computers. Factors contributing to successful professional development are identified, as well as necessary sources of professional and technical support. (SV)

Applies onset-rime theory in a randomized controlled trial to the authentic reading task of reading aloud to an adult. Finds that the rime-prompt method has potential for helping children recognize one- and two-syllable words. Notes that it is suitable for use by parents, teachers, and other helpers. (SG)