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Termites (Isoptera) constitute a considerable fraction of the global animal biomass. Conventionally, termite dry biomass estimates (g) range between 1:3 and 1:6 of fresh biomass (g). But estimates are often based on a few species or coarse taxonomic resolution. In this study, we (1) calculated the fresh and dry mass of 15 widely distributed Neotropical termite species (three families) and (2) established the conversion ratio for dry mass, which is indispensable for biomass estimates. Workers and soldiers were sampled in their colonies and quickly weighed in the laboratory to obtain the fresh mass. Then, the individuals were placed in 80% alcohol for 5 days and weighed. Finally, the samples were dried at 60°C for 24 h and weighed again. Our results suggest an average ratio of 1:4.2 (dry‐to‐fresh mass), with a mean (±SE) conversion ratio of 0.24 ± 0.06, for estimating termite biomass at local, regional, and global scales. Moreover, our results demonstrate that values from termites preserved in alcohol could still be used to estimate biomass. Specifically, after insertion in alcohol, the termites lost 16.9%–56% of their water content, with an average of 26.5%. While this represents a source of bias in estimates using samples from biological collections, dry mass was significantly related to fresh mass (Radj2 = 0.99; dry mass = 0.000055 + 0.22 × fresh mass), and to the mass of termites in alcohol (Radj2 = 0.97; dry mass = 0.00014 + 0.26 × mass in alcohol). Applying our results to data from the literature indicates that global termite dry biomass ranges from 89 to 106 Mt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Editorial Office 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.)

【Objective】 Maize is a main staple crop cultivated in central and Northern China but it requires irrigation at certain stages during its growth. In this paper, we present the findings of an experimental study on the effect of irrigation amount on photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation of the crop during its tasseling-silking stage. 【Method】 The field experiment was conducted in the long-term experiment established in 2018 at the experimental base of the academy of agricultural and animal husbandry sciences of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The experiment compared six irrigation amounts: 315 m3/hm2 (W1), 645 m3/hm2 (W2), 945 m3/hm2 (W3), 1 275 m3/hm2 (W4), and 1 605 m3/hm2 (W5); the control was rain-fed (W0). During the experiment, we measured photosynthetic characteristics and dry matter accumulation of the crop in each treatment. The photosynthetic characteristics and its correlation with dry matter accumulation were calculated by fitting the response curve parameters to a non-right-angle hyperbolic model. 【Result】 The leaf SPAD in W3 was lower only than that in W4 in 2019, but in 2020 it increased by 3.96%, 5.12%, 11.10%, 12.64% and 19.90%, respectively, compared with that in W4, W2, W1, W5 and W0. In 2019 and 2020, the average daily net photosynthetic rate was the highest in W3, while in 2019, the dry weights of stems, leaves and ears in W3 were the second highest among all treatments. In 2020, the physiological indexes of the crop in W3 were higher than that in other treatments. There was no significant difference in leaf photosynthesis between W3, W4 and W5. 【Conclusion】 In central and western regions of Inner Mongolia, when the total rainfall during growing season of maize exceeded 365 mm, irrigating 945 m3/hm2 of water can effectively improve photosynthetic efficiency of the maize during its tasseling-silking stage, promote dry matter accumulation and increase grain yield.

Cajander larch (Larix cajandery Mayr.) is the eastern race of Gmelin larch, the main forest-forming species in the Amur Region and the Primorsky Territory. It is widely used in the national economy. It is promising for landscaping. However, as a result of improper felling and forest fires, the area and stocks of larch have been significantly reduced. Its accelerated artificial restoration is necessary. One of the ways to solve this problem is the use of growth stimulants. The aim of the research was to study the stimulating effect of aqueous solutions of growth stimulants Zircon and Epin at various concentrations of solutions on biometric indicators of annual seedlings and mature Cajander larch trees at the age of 15. In the spring of 2009, grown larch seedlings were transplanted into the previously prepared soil of school department of the nursery with the placement of 0.5 × 0.6 m. During the growing season they were fed twice with Zircon and Epin in concentrations of 0.01 and 0.001%. Seedlings that were not subjected to any treatment were taken as a control sample. Seedlings were measured in terms of height, height gain, diameter of the root neck, root length and dry weight. In the spring of 2012, in the vicinity of the Mountain-taiga station named after. V.L. Komarov, an alley was created from a part of Cajander larch seedlings along the road system. 10 years after the transplantation of seedlings, in June 2022, the state of larch cultures was assessed according to the scale given in the rules of sanitary safety [26], and the heights and diameters of the trunk at chest height were measured. The studies showed that root dressing with Epin solution at a concentration of 0.01% has the greatest effect on the growth of seedlings and mature larch trees. Funding. The research was carried out within the state assignment of Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (theme No. 124012200183-8).

Many studies have demonstrated that brassinolide improves the drought tolerance of plants. This study aims to test whether the drought tolerance of chrysanthemums can be improved by brassinolide and to clarify the underlying physiological mechanism. An own-root chrysanthemum and a corresponding grafted-root line (Artemisia annua rootstock) were treated with brassinolide under three water levels in a randomised complete block design with five replications. The results showed that brassinolide increased the relative water content, net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters, Rubisco, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase and monodehydroascorbate reductase activities, ascorbate/dehydroascorbate, glutathione/oxidised glutathione and dry mass, and reduced the H2O2 content in the own-root and grafted-root chrysanthemums, especially under drought stresses. The magnitude of the changes to the parameters was greater in the own-root line than in the corresponding grafted-root line under brassinolide treatment. The above parameters showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the brassinolide chrysanthemums and the corresponding non-brassinolide chrysanthemums under drought stresses. This might be the physiological mechanism of improved drought tolerance by brassinolide in chrysanthemums.

Atmospheric CO2 levels have been increasing, and likewise, increasing drought events have been following increasing temperatures. There is very little literature on the effects of climate change factors on early-successional deciduous species used for ecological restoration. Thus, morphological and allometric variation in four coppiced early-successional deciduous species was examined in response to a 2 × 2 factorial of ambient CO2 (aCO2, 400 ppm) and elevated CO2 (eCO2, 800 ppm), as well as well-watered and drought treatments with 15%–20% and 5%–10% volumetric moisture content, respectively, grown in sandy soil with low soil nitrogen (N) under greenhouse conditions. The four species examined were as follows: green alder (Alnus viridis subsp. crispa (Ait.) Turrill), speckled alder (A. incana subsp. rugosa (Du Roi) R.T. Clausen), gray birch (Betula populifolia (Marshall)), and white birch (B. papyrifera (Marshall)), and all are from the same phylogenetic family, Betulaceae. Genus differences in morphological and growth traits were large, especially in response to the environmental treatments used. Alders upregulated all growth traits under eCO2 because of the strong coppicing sink effect and the additional foliar N provided by the actinorhizal ability of the genus, whereas birches remained the same or slightly decreased under eCO2. As a result, alders have a significantly greater foliar N than birches, with 2.8 and 1.0%, respectively. All species reduced growth under drought, and green alder had the greatest stem dry mass growth, followed by speckled alder and then the birches. Under drought, eCO2 not only mitigated the alder drought dry mass but, in fact, doubled the stem dm, whereas eCO2 only just mitigated the birches drought response. When corrected for size using stem height, alders allocated more to stem and leaf and less to root dry mass than birches. Atmospheric CO2 and soil moisture treatments changed organ biomass allocation. The tallest stem height was the best predictor of total (above and below) dry mass. With increasing atmospheric CO2, particularly on low nutrient sites, the results show alders are capable of sequestering far more carbon than birches. In addition, with more atmospheric CO2, alders can mitigate against drought conditions better compared to birches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body mass underpins many ecological processes at the level of individuals, populations, and communities. Often estimated in arthropods from linear morphological traits such as body length or head width, these relationships can vary even between closely related taxa. Length–mass relationships of mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae are poorly known despite the importance of this family to disease and aquatic ecology. To fill this gap, we measured ontogenetic changes in linear traits (body length, head width, and thorax width) and dry and wet masses and estimated length- and width–mass relationships in larvae of 3 culicid species inhabiting different niches: the tropical Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), the temperate Culex pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758), and the snowmelt Ochlerotatus punctor (Kirby, 1837). We compared our results with published length–mass allometries of other aquatic dipteran larvae. We showed that thorax width and body length, but not head width, reliably predicted body mass for our 3 species. The length–mass allometry slopes in aquatic dipterans varied considerably between and within families but were independent of phylogeny, specimen handling, preservation techniques, and data fitting methods. Slope estimates became less precise with decreasing sample size and size range. To obtain reliable estimates of the allometric slopes, we have thus recommended using data on all larval stages for intraspecific allometries and a wide range of species for interspecific allometries. We also cautioned against the indiscriminate use of length–mass allometries obtained for other taxa or collected at lower taxonomic resolutions, e.g. when using length–mass relationships to estimate biomass production at a given site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of kaolinite has been shown to be a viable strategy for protecting crops against excessive solar radiation and high temperatures. In coffee, this could occur during the nursery stage when the seedlings grow directly in full sun. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of kaolinite particles when applied to coffee seedlings in full sun during the nursery stage and those of seedlings with no kaolinite applied grown directly in full sun and in shade. Two Coffea arabica L. variety Cenicafé 1 nurseries were established, and the following treatments were stablished: 1) K30: full sun with kaolinite at 30 g/L; 2) K60: full sun with kaolinite at 60 g/L; 3) SUN: full sun without kaolinite; and 4) SHADE: under a sunscreen with 60 % shade without kaolinite. The studied variables were dry mass, dry mass distribution, leaf characteristics, leaf physiological parameters, albedo, leaf temperature, and seedling mortality. Except for mortality, the variables were analyzed using a simple factorial design in generalized complete blocks and randomly using the Welch-James statistical test with bootstrapping. Mortality was assessed using a logistic binary response model with a X2 test. The results showed that in comparison to the SHADE treatment, the SUN and K60 treatments resulted in more dry mass; in turn, the K60 treatment resulted in better RDM/TLA. In comparison to the SHADE treatment, both the K30 and K60 treatments resulted in greater increases in net photosynthesis rates, and in comparison, to the SUN treatment, these treatments also resulted in a greater increase in stomatal conductance, although only when the leaf abaxial temperature was greater than 30 °C. This result may have occurred based on the greater light reflection and the lower leaf temperatures obtained with kaolinite, in the K60 treatment. However, the seedlings that grew in full sun with and without kaolinite died three times more often than the seedlings in the shade. The previous suggests that it is not convenient to establish nurseries in full sun, with or without kaolinite, despite the physiological advantages and tolerance to high temperatures at the plant level.

Research aimed at the accumulation and effective use of nitrogen, its symbiotic fixation from the air by white lupine plants, by selecting the best cereal components, optimizing their ratio and methods of placement when growing in compatible crops under different fertilization systems in the Forest Steppe is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to establish the best cereal components, their ratio and methods of placement with white lupine when sowing in joint crops under different fertilizer systems to produce grass fodder in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The following methods were used: field, laboratory, mathematical-statistical, calculation-comparative. It was established that the highest productivity on the background without fertilizers (4.21-4.86 t∙ha–1 of dry matter) was provided by single-species crops of maize and white lupine, as well as their combined crops, which were formed by continuous row and strip methods, which by 2.60-3.17 t∙ha–1 of dry matter or 1.8-2.6 times more compared to crops of oats and its mixture with white lupine and by 1.13-1.58 t·ha-1 or 1.4-1.5 times more compared to crops of Sudanese sorghum and its mixture with white lupine. Through the accumulation and use of symbiotic nitrogen fixation, the productivity of lupine-oat mixtures increased from 1.90 to 2.70-3.21 t∙ha–1 of dry mass or 1.4-1.7 times, and that of lupine-sorghum – from 3.17 to 3.43-3.47 or 1.1 times. The most effective ratio of each cereal component to legume in binary intercropping was 25:75% of the sowing rate in single-species agrocenoses when dry biomass productivity was the greatest. Compared to the variant without fertilizers, the most significant (by 1.3-2.0 times) increase in the productivity of all fodder agrocenoses under study was ensured by the application of N45Р30K50, while the application of P30K50 or humigran organic fertilizer at a dose of 250 kg·ha–1 – only by 1.2-1.3 times. The research results can be used in the development of scientific and methodological recommendations and the education about the formation of highly productive agrophytocenoses for conveyor production of high-quality grass fodder for animal feeding

The study was executed to assess individual and interactive effects of elevated ultraviolet-B (eUV-B) radiation and chromium (Cr) on a medicinal plant Adhatoda vasica Nees. The experiment was conducted under field conditions involving control, Cr, eUV-B, and Cr+eUV-B treatments. The results showed that Cr content was the highest in roots as compared to other parts under Cr+eUV-B. Significant reductions in photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, and stomatal conductance were observed under all treatments with maximum under Cr+eUV-B. Chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters showed variable responses under Cr and Cr+eUV-B. Chl content showed reductions under all treatments whereas Chl a/b ratio and carotenoids showed increment under eUV-B and reductions under Cr and Cr+eUV-B. The ultrastructure of leaves showed changes in chloroplasts under treatments. Vasicine (medicinally important secondary metabolite) increased under treatments. Our study revealed that A. vasica showed variable responses towards individual and interactive stress of Cr and eUV-B.

During certain periods of the year, some Brazilian regions impose water restrictions, initiating the growth cycle of the soybean crop. Thus, this work was conducted aiming to evaluate the morphophysiology and development of soybean cultivars under irrigation intervals. The experiment was conduct in January 2021, in a rural property, located in the municipality of Lavínia, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The design was completely randomized, in a 2×5 factorial scheme, with two soybean cultivars, M7110IPro (Monsoy®) and Desafio RR8473RSF (Brasmax®), interacting with the irrigation intervals (i.e., 24 h (Control); 48 h; 72 h, 96 h and 120 h) totalizing 10 treatments. We used four repetitions per treatment, which totalizes 40 plots or pots. Our results revealed that intervals longer than 48 h already negatively influence in morphophysiology of the soybean crop. Intervals of 96 h caused greater negative interferences on plant height (PH); number of leaflets (NL); number of pods (NP); dry mass of aerial part (DMAP) and root (DMR) in the soybean crop when grown in pots. Water stress did not influence the stomatal density of soybean grown in pots. Water stress harms soybean physiological parameters. No soybean cultivar showed tolerance to water stress.

Forest species have their growth and metabolism affected, when they are exposed to conditions of water stress and one of the factors that contribute to water scarcity is climate change that increases over time. The objective of this work was to evaluate changes in gas exchange, carbon metabolism and biomass of Clusia grandiflora subjected to water deficit and evaluation periods. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, with five replications, each as specified: two water conditions (control and water deficit) and five evaluation periods (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days). The variables related to gas exchange, carbon metabolism and biomass were evaluated. The design of the experiment was completely randomized. The relative water content did not differ between the control plants and those submitted to water deficit. While stem diameter, adventitious root length, adventitious root diameter and stem dry mass decreased, when plants were exposed to water deficit. The number of leaves, stem height, leaf area and fallen leaves reduced from day 14, in plants submitted to water deficit. There was a reduction in the hydraulic conductivity and in the water potential of the xylem in the leaf from day 7 on in plants under water deficit. Among the biochemical variables, starch and sucrose concentrations increased in plants under water stress from day 14 onwards. Water deficit negatively affected gas exchange, carbon metabolism and Clusia grandiflora biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The relevance of the results of these studies lies in the fact that until recently, changes in the mineral composition of different types of meadow agrophytocenoses under the influence of symbiotic alfalfa and mineral nitrogen in the content of macro- and microelements, heavy metals, and nitrates in feed biomass have not yet been sufficiently investigated, which hinders the development and implementation of feed production findings in agricultural production. The purpose of the study is to establish changes in the accumulation of various meadow agrophytocenoses in dry feed biomass on various agricultural zones of mineral elements during cultivation on dark grey soils of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe. During this study, field and laboratory methods were used, and an analytical method was used to determine the mineral composition of dry feed biomass. The results of studies on the accumulation of alfalfa, alfalfa-cereals, and cereal stands in in dry feed mass on various backgrounds of fertilisation and liming of raw ash, macro- and microelements, heavy metals, and nitrate nitrogen are presented. It is shown that under the action of symbiotic nitrogen in alfalfa and alfalfa cereal stands, compared with cereals in the dry mass of feed, raw ash accumulates more macroelements, trace elements, and heavy metals by 0.6-0.8%, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus increases by 0.11-0.26, and potassium to the sum of calcium and magnesium decreases by 0.11-0.26. Under the action of mineral nitrogen in the case of the introduction of N90 in the cereal stand, the content of nitrates increases from 0.02 to 0.04%, zinc – from 9.1-9.2 to 12.4-12.6 or by 3.2-3.5 mg/kg, copper – from 3.4-3.7 to 5.3-5.5 mg/kg, as well as manganese, lead, nickel, cadmium in the dry mass of the feed of the cereal stand. It is proved that the content of macro- and microelements in the dry mass of feed corresponds to zootechnical standards for feeding cattle, and nitrates and heavy metals do not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations. The results of these studies can be used in the development of recommendations on technologies for growing perennial cereals for feed purposes and in the educational process

Abstract The objective of this work was to establish and validate the dry matter distribution and yield prediction models based on physiological developmental timing, to compare the differences between the dry mass distribution index model and the dry mass distribution coefficient model, for the simulation of ear dry mass and to improve the accuracy of maize growth models for predicting yield. The experiments were conducted in three tropical sites (Longchuan, Mangshi, and Ruili) in the tropical region of Yunnan Province, China. The NRMS of ear dry mass and yield were generally less than 10. The dry mass distribution index method (NRMS = 5.44% and RMSE = 807.22 kg ha-1 for ear dry mass; and NRMS = 7.32% and RMSE = 707.67 kg ha-1 for grain yield) is better than the dry mass distribution coefficient method (NRMS = 7.52% and RMSE = 1115.31 kg ha-1 for ear dry mass; NRMS = 8.6% and RMSE = 830.76 kgha-1 for grain yield) to simulate maize ear dry mass and grain yield. The distribution index model improves the accuracy of the model, which is valuable for future maize production and management in Yunnan.

The application of kaolinite has been shown to be a viable strategy for protecting crops against excessive solar radiation and high temperatures. In coffee, this could occur during the nursery stage when the seedlings grow directly in full sun. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of kaolinite particles when applied to coffee seedlings in full sun during the nursery stage and those of seedlings with no kaolinite applied grown directly in full sun and in shade. Two Coffea arabica L. variety Cenicafé 1 nurseries were established, and the following treatments were stablished: 1) K30: full sun with kaolinite at 30 g/L; 2) K60: full sun with kaolinite at 60 g/L; 3) SUN: full sun without kaolinite; and 4) SHADE: under a sunscreen with 60 % shade without kaolinite. The studied variables were dry mass, dry mass distribution, leaf characteristics, leaf physiological parameters, albedo, leaf temperature, and seedling mortality. Except for mortality, the variables were analyzed using a simple factorial design in generalized complete blocks and randomly using the Welch-James statistical test with bootstrapping. Mortality was assessed using a logistic binary response model with a X2 test. The results showed that in comparison to the SHADE treatment, the SUN and K60 treatments resulted in more dry mass; in turn, the K60 treatment resulted in better RDM/TLA. In comparison to the SHADE treatment, both the K30 and K60 treatments resulted in greater increases in net photosynthesis rates, and in comparison, to the SUN treatment, these treatments also resulted in a greater increase in stomatal conductance, although only when the leaf abaxial temperature was greater than 30 °C. This result may have occurred based on the greater light reflection and the lower leaf temperatures obtained with kaolinite, in the K60 treatment. However, the seedlings that grew in full sun with and without kaolinite died three times more often than the seedlings in the shade. The previous suggests that it is not convenient to establish nurseries in full sun, with or without kaolinite, despite the physiological advantages and tolerance to high temperatures at the plant level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigación Agraria is the property of Investigacion Agraria 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 potential of cattail (Typha latifolia) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) biomass to remove Pb and Cd ions from metal solutions was determined. The removal efficiency of Pb and Cd decreased with the increase in the initial concentration of metal aqueous solution but increased with the increased biomass doses. The biosorption was unaffected by the increase in pH from 5.0 to 6.5. Metal removal efficiency increased with increased contact time and then reached equilibrium in about 45 min. Higher qmax (the Langmuir model) and KF (the Freundlich constant) suggest that both cattail and water hyacinth biomass have a greater affinity for Pb(II) than Cd(II). The better fitness of the adsorption kinetics in the pseudo-second-order model than in the pseudo-first-order model indicates that biomass has an inclination toward chemisorption. The present study showed that cattail and water hyacinth biomass are promising biosorbents that provide a green, practical, and cheap solution to household water filtering systems in rural communities.

Introduction: Allelopathic properties of cane straw are reported, however, information on the effect on some weed species is incomplete Objective: To evaluate the allelopathic effect of sugarcane straw (Saccharum spp. Hybrid) on germination and initial growth of weed (Achyranthes aspera var. Indica L.) under controlled conditions. Methodology: An experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design with six treatments including a control, and five ratios of straw 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, with four repetitions. The doses used corresponded to the proportion of dry straw biomass / m2 in a cane field. Weed seeds were placed at a depth of 1.0 cm, and germination, dry mass, stem length and radicle length were evaluated. Results: It was evidenced that germination was influenced at 10 days by the different treatments, as well as the dry mass, the length of the stem and the length of the radicle at 7 and 10 days after starting the experiment. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that the sugarcane straw exerts a negative allelopathic effect on the germination and initial growth of Achyranthes aspera, being the 75% dose the one with the best results.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze whether the use of green manures in association with rock phosphate rates can guarantee corn yields to family farmers. An experiment was conducted with six types of green manures: Mucuna cinereum, Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Cajanus cajan, Pennisetum glaucum and a weedy fallow control treatment; and three rates of phosphorus (0, 50 and 100 kg P2O5 ha-1) in a complete randomized block design. The management with Crotalaria juncea achieved the highest dry mass yield (39.3 Mg ha-1) and in year 2 (2016), with the water deficit during the corn cultivation, led to an increase of the root/shoot mass ratio, as well as presented the lowest water deficit sensitivity index (Ky), indicating that it can be an alternative for managing climate change. The highest corn yield (7510 kg ha-1) was obtained in the management with the Crotalaria ochroleuca, which defines it as a technically and economically viable alternative for family farming, with corn yield exceeding the average yield of the State of Mato Grosso and production cost lower than the average production cost of corn in the State of Mato Grosso.

Amaranthus viridis is a functional food due to its antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the responses of photosynthesis, growth, and antioxidant properties in A. viridis to nitrogen (N) applications. A. viridis plants were cultivated under low N (LN), medium N (MN), and high N (HN), and harvested at the reproductive phase. The dry mass and plant height of A. viridis plants increased with elevated N, and the dry mass of HN was saturated. Net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and water-use efficiency in the leaves at HN were strengthened. Meanwhile, under HN, chlorophylls (Chl), their precursors, and degradation intermediates in the leaves were highly accumulated, and the minor route of Chl degradation pathway was induced dramatically. However, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging, ferrous iron-chelating, and reducing power in the extracts were reduced under HN. Conclusively, an appropriate N application balanced the yield and antioxidant properties of A. viridis.

Floral longevity (FL) is an important floral functional trait which is critical for flowering plants. FL shows great diversity among angiosperms; however, there is limited information on the mechanisms that influence differences in floral longevity, especially the relationship between petal anatomical traits and floral longevity. We aimed to examine (1) the relationships between petal anatomical traits and FL in tree peony cultivars and (2) the petal anatomical characteristics of longer FL cultivars. Eleven traits of six tree peony cultivars with different FL were investigated, including six water conservation traits (petal thickness, cuticle thickness, number of cell layers, mesophyll thickness, adaxial epidermis thickness and abaxial epidermis thickness), three water supply traits (vein density, number of xlylem vessels and xylem vessel diameter), petal fresh mass and petal dry mass across cultivars. There are significant differences in traits related to water conservation and water supply ability of tree peonies with different FL. Tree peony cultivars with long FL were characterized by the thicker Mesophyll, cuticles, adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the petals. There was a positive correlation between FL and vessel number and vessel diameter. These results suggest that the ability to retain water in flowers is associated with floral longevity. Petal traits related to water conservation and supply, including vein densities, mesophyll thickness, and epidermis thickness, are beneficial for prolonging the flower longevity in tree peonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar application with calcium (Ca) fertilizers improves quality and flesh firmness of kiwifruit and affects the mineral composition of leaves and fruits. The impact of preharvest foliar sprays, using a commercial fertilizer with organic Ca content in combination with an integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilizers and biostimulants was assessed for the quality properties and nutritional status of the kiwi cv. 'Hayward' over a 2-year period. Fruit flesh firmness increased under all organic Ca applications. In addition, all treatments resulted in elevated dry mass content, which is a common quality index. In leaves, the concentrations of N, P, K and B were higher compared to control. In fruits, the concentrations of N, B, K and Ca increased, in contrast to Mg, which was reduced. The content of Mn, Zn, Fe and Cu was not affected either in leaves or fruits. Application of organic Ca-fertilizers led to increased flesh firmness, total soluble solids, total acidity, and dry mass percentage. Foliar application with the addition of the biostimulant THEOFAST resulted in the elongation of stigmas area in kiwi cv. 'Hayward' fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Northwest A & F University - Natural Science Edition is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Northwest A&F University (Natural Science Edition) 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.)

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used in many applications, and in the clinical field, it is one of the main components of the latest Covid vaccines. Its wide use is justified by a relatively safe profile and few known side effects. However, little is known about the biophysical effects of PEG on cells such as, cell stiffness, dry mass, and total mass. Herein, exploiting a digital holographic microscope, an inertial picobalance, and a nanoindenter, these properties are characterized in rat embryonic fibroblast exposed to different molecular weights of PEG. Immediately after the first minutes of PEG exposure to the cells, a reduction in cell dry mass can be observed as well as a rapid fluctuation in total cell weight. Cell stiffness decreases significantly after 48 h, while no important morphological changes are observed. Here, it is revealed how dry mass and total mass are rapidly and finely regulated, highlighting how the maintenance of cell density is of primary importance in cellular activities.

Foliar application with calcium (Ca) fertilizers improves quality and flesh firmness of kiwifruit and affects the mineral composition of leaves and fruits. The impact of preharvest foliar sprays, using a commercial fertilizer with organic Ca content in combination with an integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilizers and biostimulants was assessed for the quality properties and nutritional status of the kiwi cv. ‘Hayward’ over a 2-year period. Fruit flesh firmness increased under all organic Ca applications. In addition, all treatments resulted in elevated dry mass content, which is a common quality index. In leaves, the concentrations of N, P, K and B were higher compared to control. In fruits, the concentrations of N, B, K and Ca increased, in contrast to Mg, which was reduced. The content of Mn, Zn, Fe and Cu was not affected either in leaves or fruits. Application of organic Ca-fertilizers led to increased flesh firmness, total soluble solids, total acidity, and dry mass percentage. Foliar application with the addition of the biostimulant THEOFAST resulted in the elongation of stigmas area in kiwi cv. ‘Hayward’ fruits.

Millet is largely explored for a diversity of applications. The use of millet high-quality seeds is essential to increase grain yield. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield variability of millet plants from higher and lower-quality seeds in the expression of dry matter yield parameters. The study was conducted in the experimental and didactic area of IFRS - campus Ibirubá, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with a completely randomized design. The treatments were plants from seeds of higher (HQS) and lower (LQS) quality and two season crops (2015/16 and 2017/18) in eight replications. The emergence speed was applied to identify plants from seeds of different qualities. The phyllochron, leaf number, height, stem diameter, number of nodes, and dry mass yield were the agronomic components evaluated for this study. Meteorological information was used to calculate phyllochron, water deficit, and average temperature. The collected data were submitted for analysis of variance and the Tukey test at a 5% probability of error. The HQS expressed lower phyllochron and most significant agronomic components. Furthermore, the 2015/16 crop had the lowest water deficit and obtained the best results.

In thi article, the medium-fiber cotton variety “Ravnaq-1” was processed at different 60 cm (control), 70 cm, and 76 cm row spacings in a cultivator adopted (in Uzbekistan) and a milling cultivator with a 76 cm row spacing, along with the theoretical seedling thickness. The analysis results of the scientific research on dry mass accumulation of cotton leaving 90-100 thousand bushels/ha and 120-130 thousand bushels/ha are presented. In the conducted research, the dry mass of one cotton bush in 2020 was 118.1-97.6 grams, in 2021 it was 131. It was 2-107.5 grams. That is, when the number of saplings is large, the dry mass of one plant decreases, when analyzed per hectare, it was found that higher dry mass was accumulated in all variants when the theoretical thickness of seedlings was 90-100 thousand bush/ha, when it was 120-130 thousand bush/ha. The highest rate of dry mass accumulation per bush in different row spacings was observed in both years of the study in the case of milling cultivator with a row spacing of 76 cm and theoretical seedling thickness of 90-100 thousand bush/ha, proportionally 138.9-151 It was .5 grams. It was found that this indicator accumulated more dry mass by 20.8-41.3 grams in the first year of the study than the control variants, and by 20.3-44 grams in the second year.

The study was executed to assess individual and interactive effects of elevated ultraviolet-B (eUV-B) radiation and chromium (Cr) on a medicinal plant Adhatoda vasica Nees. The experiment was conducted under field conditions involving control, Cr, eUV-B, and Cr+eUV-B treatments. The results showed that Cr content was the highest in roots as compared to other parts under Cr+eUV-B. Significant reductions in photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, and stomatal conductance were observed under all treatments with maximum under Cr+eUV-B. Chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters showed variable responses under Cr and Cr+eUV-B. Chl content showed reductions under all treatments whereas Chl a/b ratio and carotenoids showed increment under eUV-B and reductions under Cr and Cr+eUV-B. The ultrastructure of leaves showed changes in chloroplasts under treatments. Vasicine (medicinally important secondary metabolite) increased under treatments. Our study revealed that A. vasica showed variable responses towards individual and interactive stress of Cr and eUV-B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millet is largely explored for a diversity of applications. The use of millet high-quality seeds is essential to increase grain yield. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield variability of millet plants from higher and lower-quality seeds in the expression of dry matter yield parameters. The study was conducted in the experimental and didactic area of IFRS - campus Ibirubá, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with a completely randomized design. The treatments were plants from seeds of higher (HQS) and lower (LQS) quality and two season crops (2015/16 and 2017/18) in eight replications. The emergence speed was applied to identify plants from seeds of different qualities. The phyllochron, leaf number, height, stem diameter, number of nodes, and dry mass yield were the agronomic components evaluated for this study. Meteorological information was used to calculate phyllochron, water deficit, and average temperature. The collected data were submitted for analysis of variance and the Tukey test at a 5% probability of error. The HQS expressed lower phyllochron and most significant agronomic components. Furthermore, the 2015/16 crop had the lowest water deficit and obtained the best results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas 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.)

Olive leaves have a significant importance in phytopharmacology, first of all due to their efficiency in medicine. Extraction of leaves is of special importance, this involves preparing the leaves for extraction, choosing the extraction method as well as properly combination of factors that affect the extraction process. Olive leaves may be extracted in two different methods, through percolation or maceration. Percolation extraction does not require specific conditions for extraction but the extraction coefficient is lower, therefore, maceration extraction has more advantages, the extraction coefficient is higher, less amount of obtained extraction but with more dried mass which makes further technologic process more fluid. The extraction process through maceration also requires optimization of essential factors that affect the extraction process, such as: degree of grinding of raw material, the degree of spinning the mixture, maceration temperature, the degree of concentration of the solvent, solvent ratio to raw material which is extracted, as well as the maceration time. Optimization of these factors makes the process profitable in the economy, and high extraction of the main components in the raw material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the evaluation of the physical and biochemical quality indicators of the fruit of thirteen apple cultivars of Ukrainian breeding, it was found that the fruits of ‘Teremok’, ‘Skifs’ke Zoloto’, ‘Amulet’, ‘Perlyna Kyieva’, ‘Harant’, ‘Edera’, ‘Radohost’, ‘Todes’ and ‘Askol’da’ are characterized by high stability of market traits based on the maximum diameter of the equatorial dimension, which varies depending on the cultivar, from 70 mm to 78 mm. The firmness of the fruit flesh of the evaluated cultivars in the harvest maturity was over 7.0 kg·cm−2 but in ‘Solomiya’ and ‘Dmiana’ this indicator was 11.1 kg·cm−2. The fruits of ‘Harant’ and ‘Todes’ were distinguished by a high dry matter content (over 18%). The highest content of soluble solids (14.5%) was accumulated in the fruits of ‘Dmiana’, and the maximum amount of sugars (11.6%) in the fruit of the ‘Ornament’. The fruits of ‘Teremok’, ‘Skifs’ke Zoloto’, ‘Amulet’, ‘Edera’, ‘Perlyna Kyieva’, ‘Kateryna’ and ‘Dmiana’ were characterized by excellent taste quality based on the values of the sugar-acid index (20–25). In the fruits of ‘Kateryna’, ‘Dmiana’ and ‘Solomiya’, a stable pectin content (over 1%) was found. The fruits of ‘Harant’ accumulated a high content of ascorbic acid (11.5 mg·100 g−1 of fresh weight), while ‘Kateryna’, ‘Radohost’, ‘Solomiya’ and ‘Askol’da’ contained over 240 mg·100 g−1 of fresh weight of polyphenols. According to the complex of the quality indices, the fruits of ‘Teremok’, ‘Skifs’ke Zoloto’, ‘Perlyna Kyieva’, ‘Askol’da’ and ‘Dmiana’ were distinguished by high commercial value and excellent consumption properties. The fruits of ‘Kateryna’, ‘Ornament’, ‘Dmiana’ and ‘Solomiya’ were characterized by stable carbohydrate content, while ‘Harant’ and ‘Askol’da’ by a stable high content of ascorbic acid and polyphenols, respectively.

Osmotic stress enhances fruit quality, including the dry matter content, in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). This study aimed at providing further insight into the precision control of fruit yield and quality on the long-term moderate osmotic stress conditions in tomato fruit production. We compared the growth pattern between fruits of two cultivars, typical Japanese and Dutch cultivars, under two different nutrient concentrations (2.3 and 5.0 dS·m−1) to understand the effect of electrical conductivity (EC) on dry mass and water content of fruits. The experiment was performed with a rockwool bag culture system in a controlled greenhouse. Increasing EC resulted in an approximately 20% decrease in fruit yield and a 0.5–1% increase in fruit dry matter content in both cultivars. This yield reduction was not caused by the fruit number, but by an approximately 25% decrease in individual fresh fruit weight. Non-linear models were used to describe the changes in dry matter content, water content, and dry weight of tomato fruit as a function of cumulative temperature. The decay rate of dry matter content in the fruit decreased with high EC treatments in the Japanese cultivar. The points at which the rates of changes in water and dry weight increased the in fruit were around 585 and 480 °C-days after anthesis, respectively, under the low EC condition. Rates of water increase in the fruit were changed by high EC treatment, while the shifts were opposite with respect to the cultivars. Dry weight increase in the fruit was not affected by EC treatment. Collectively, our findings clarify the effect of EC on the fruit growth characteristics of Japanese and Dutch tomato cultivars, and provide new insights into the yield of high-Brix tomato cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze whether the use of green manures in association with rock phosphate rates can guarantee corn yields to family farmers. An experiment was conducted with six types of green manures: Mucuna cinereum, Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Cajanus cajan, Pennisetum glaucum and a weedy fallow control treatment; and three rates of phosphorus (0, 50 and 100 kg P2O5 ha-1) in a complete randomized block design. The management with Crotalaria juncea achieved the highest dry mass yield (39.3 Mg ha-1) and in year 2 (2016), with the water deficit during the corn cultivation, led to an increase of the root/shoot mass ratio, as well as presented the lowest water deficit sensitivity index (Ky), indicating that it can be an alternative for managing climate change. The highest corn yield (7510 kg ha-1) was obtained in the management with the Crotalaria ochroleuca, which defines it as a technically and economically viable alternative for family farming, with corn yield exceeding the average yield of the State of Mato Grosso and production cost lower than the average production cost of corn in the State of Mato Grosso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction-- Allelopathic properties of cane straw are reported, however, information on the effect on some weed species is incomplete. Objective-- To evaluate the allelopathic effect of sugarcane straw (Saccharum spp. Hybrid) on germination and initial growth of weed (Achyranthes aspera var. Indica L.) under controlled conditions. Methodology-- An experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design with six treatments, including a control and five ratios of straw, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, with four repetitions. The doses used corresponded to the proportion of dry straw biomass/m2 in a cane field. Weed seeds were placed at a depth of 1.0 cm, and germination, dry mass, stem length and radicle length were evaluated. Results-- It was evidenced that germination was influenced at 10 days by the different treatments, as well as the dry mass, the length of the stem and the length of the radicle at 7 and 10 days after starting the experiment. Conclusions-- The results of the study indicate that the sugarcane straw exerts a negative allelopathic effect on the germination and initial growth of Achyranthes aspera, being the 75% dose the one with the best results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranthus viridis is a functional food due to its antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the responses of photosynthesis, growth, and antioxidant properties in A. viridis to nitrogen (N) applications. A. viridis plants were cultivated under low N (LN), medium N (MN), and high N (HN), and harvested at the reproductive phase. The dry mass and plant height of A. viridis plants increased with elevated N, and the dry mass of HN was saturated. Net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and water-use efficiency in the leaves at HN were strengthened. Meanwhile, under HN, chlorophylls (Chl), their precursors, and degradation intermediates in the leaves were highly accumulated, and the minor route of Chl degradation pathway was induced dramatically. However, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging, ferrous iron-chelating, and reducing power in the extracts were reduced under HN. Conclusively, an appropriate N application balanced the yield and antioxidant properties of A. viridis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Forestry Society of Croatia / Sumarski List Hrvatskoga Sumarskoga Drustva is the property of Forestry Society of Croatia 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.)

Cultivation conditions are determining factors that affect the quality of cut flowers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the vegetative growth, flowering and vase life of commercial gladiolus cultivars under different shading conditions in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Two cultivars of gladiolus (Jester and Rose Friendship) were grown under two conditions: full sun and 70% shade. Biometrics were evaluated 60 days after planting and the growth rate of the crop was evaluated at 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 days for the variables: number of tillers, stem diameter, number of leaves and plant height. After 45 days, the fresh weight, dry weight and total relative water content of the area and root parts of the plants were evaluated. After the harvest, the stems were kept at a temperature of 22±3 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 60%. Visual assessment, pH of the solution, variation in the volume of water and loss of fresh mass were measured every two days. Cultivation with 70% shading resulted in greater accumulation of biomass in the aerial part of gladiolus plants, greater neck diameter and height. The Rose Friendship cultivar underwent a greater translocation of dry matter to the aerial part of the plants, resulting in greater height. On the other hand, the gladiolus stems from cultivation under full sun conditions resulted in longer vase life, 10 days under conservation conditions at 22±3 °C and RH 60%.

Floral longevity (FL) is an important floral functional trait which is critical for flowering plants. FL shows great diversity among angiosperms; however, there is limited information on the mechanisms that influence differences in floral longevity, especially the relationship between petal anatomical traits and floral longevity. We aimed to examine (1) the relationships between petal anatomical traits and FL in tree peony cultivars and (2) the petal anatomical characteristics of longer FL cultivars. Eleven traits of six tree peony cultivars with different FL were investigated, including six water conservation traits (petal thickness, cuticle thickness, number of cell layers, mesophyll thickness, adaxial epidermis thickness and abaxial epidermis thickness), three water supply traits (vein density, number of xlylem vessels and xylem vessel diameter), petal fresh mass and petal dry mass across cultivars. There are significant differences in traits related to water conservation and water supply ability of tree peonies with different FL. Tree peony cultivars with long FL were characterized by the thicker Mesophyll, cuticles, adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the petals. There was a positive correlation between FL and vessel number and vessel diameter. These results suggest that the ability to retain water in flowers is associated with floral longevity. Petal traits related to water conservation and supply, including vein densities, mesophyll thickness, and epidermis thickness, are beneficial for prolonging the flower longevity in tree peonies.

Quantitative characterization of blood cells is very important for medical diagnosis and life science research. This study presents a novel label-free and high-throughput approach for analyzing flowing blood cells in a microfluidic channel by combining deep learning with partially coherent illumination-based diffraction phase microscopy (PCI-DPM). Diluted blood was injected into a microchannel and imaged with PCI-DPM, yielding high-contrast phase images for the blood cells. A modified YOLOv5-s neural network was used to perform automatic identification and analysis of blood cells in the phase image of PCI-DPM, revealing the diameter, dry mass, volumetric density, and speed of blood cells precisely. The proposed approach allows quick and accurate assessment of blood samples, providing valuable insights for patients in different pathological states, such as hematological disorders and infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of South China Agricultural University is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui 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 growth responses of clove seedling to light and soil water regimes were studied by a field experiment with shading and irrigation treatments to clarify their growth traits at the early stage of plantation establishment. Eighteen-month-old clove seedlings were subjected to twelve treatments, that is, 3 shading treatments (0%, 60% and 80% shading) × 4 watering treatments (1.0, 0.75, 0.5 and 0.25 l/m2 /day), for ca. 6 months. Increment ratio of seedling height (IH), number of newly created buds (NB) during the experimental period and dry mass per plant at the end of the experiment (leaves: LM, stem and branch: SM, root: RM and total plant: TM) were compared among the treatment. The growth of clove seedlings (height < 150 cm) was generally more susceptible to water stress than to low light availability. The growth retardation by water shortage was observed in all the examined parameters except for SM. The effect of the shading treatment appeared to be limited; however, LM and NB showed significantly lower values under the heavy shade (80% shading). We concluded that dense planting of clove seedling with other competitive crops should be avoided to ensure the fast growth of clove seedlings at the establishment stage.

Cell mass and composition change with cell cycle progression. Our previous work characterized buoyant mass dynamics in mitosis (Miettinen et al., 2019), but how dry mass and cell composition change in mitosis has remained unclear. To better understand mitotic cell growth and compositional changes, we develop a single-cell approach for monitoring dry mass and the density of that dry mass every ~75 s with 1.3% and 0.3% measurement precision, respectively. We find that suspension grown mammalian cells lose dry mass and increase dry mass density following mitotic entry. These changes display large, non-genetic cell-to-cell variability, and the changes are reversed at metaphase-anaphase transition, after which dry mass continues accumulating. The change in dry mass density causes buoyant and dry mass to differ specifically in early mitosis, thus reconciling existing literature on mitotic cell growth. Mechanistically, cells in early mitosis increase lysosomal exocytosis, and inhibition of lysosomal exocytosis decreases the dry mass loss and dry mass density increase in mitosis. Overall, our work provides a new approach for monitoring single-cell dry mass and dry mass density, and reveals that mitosis is coupled to extensive exocytosis-mediated secretion of cellular contents.