bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Loci Nature on Estimating Recombination and Mutation Rates in Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Ferreira Rita , Borges Vítor , Nunes Alexandra , Nogueira Paulo Jorge , Borrego Maria José , Gomes João Paulo
Published: July 2012

The knowledge of the frequency and relative weight of mutation and recombination events in evolution is essential for understanding how microorganisms reach fitted phenotypes. Traditionally, these evolutionary parameters have been inferred by using data from multilocus sequence typing (MLST), which is known to have yielded conflicting results. In the near future, these estimations will certainly be performed by computational analyses of full-genome sequences. However, it is not known whether this approach will yield accurate results as bacterial genomes exhibit heterogeneous representation of loci categories, and it is not clear how loci nature impacts such estimations. Therefore, we assessed how mutation and recombination inferences are shaped by loci with different genetic features, using the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis as the study model. We found that loci assigning a high number of alleles and positively selected genes yielded nonconvergent estimates and incongruent phylogenies and thus are more prone to confound algorithms. Unexpectedly, for the model under evaluation, housekeeping genes and noncoding regions shaped estimations in a similar manner, which points to a nonrandom role of the latter in C. trachomatis evolution. Although the present results relate to a specific bacterium, we speculate that microbe-specific genomic architectures (such as coding capacity, polymorphism dispersion, and fraction of positively selected loci) may differentially buffer the effect of the confounding factors when estimating recombination and mutation rates and, thus, influence the accuracy of using full-genome sequences for such purpose. This putative bias associated with in silico inferences should be taken into account when discussing the results obtained by the analyses of full-genome sequences, in which the “one size fits all” approach may not be applicable.
Karyotypic analysis of Triticum monococcum using standard repetitive DNA probes and simple sequence repeats
Authors: Megyeri M. , Farkas A. , Varga M. , Kovács G. , Molnár-Láng M. , Molnár I.
Published: July 2012

Triticum monococcumrepresents an important source of useful genes and alleles that it would be desirable to use in wheat breeding programmes. The well-defined landmarks on the Amchromosomes could accelerate the targeted introgression ofT. monococcumchromatin into the wheat genome.Fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) using the repetitive DNA probes pSc119.2, Afa family and pTa71 showed that the pSc119.2 probe was not suitable for the identification of Amchromosomes. In contrast, the whole set of Amchromosomes (especially chromosomes 1, 4, 5 and 7) could be discriminated based on the hybridization pattern of pTa71 and Afa family.In situhybridization with microsatellite motifs (GAA, CAG, AAC and AGG) proved that SSRs represent additional landmarks for the identification of Amchromosomes. The most promising SSR probes were the GAA and CAG motifs, which clearly discriminated the 6Amchromosome and, when used in combination with the Afa family and pTa71 probes, allowed the whole set of Amchromosomes to be reliably identified.In conclusion, fluorescencein situhybridization using the repetitive DNA probes Afa family and pTa71, combined with SSR probes, makes it possible to identify the Amchromosomes ofT. monococcumand to discriminate them from Auchromosomes in the polyploid wheat background.
Role of Aspergilli and Penicillia in mycotoxin contamination of maize in Hungary
Authors: Tóth B. , Török O. , Kótai É. , Varga M. , Toldiné Tóth É. , Pálfi X. , Háfra E. , Varga J. , Téren J. , Mesterházy Á.
Published: July 2012

Aspergillus and Penicillium species and their mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins and patulin, are frequently encountered on cereal products. The occurrence of these species and their mycotoxins on maize was investigated in Hungary after harvest in two consecutive years. Surface-sterilized cereal seeds were placed on selective media, and the isolated fungal strains were identified using morphological methods. In 2010 and 2011, 81.94% and 14.33%, respectively, of the samples were found to be contaminated with potentially toxigenic isolates. The species identification of selected isolates was carried out using sequence-based methods. Several Aspergillus flavus isolates were identified, which are potential aflatoxin producers. Other mycotoxinproducing species were also isolated, including black Aspergilli, which potentially produce ochratoxins and fumonisins, and A. clavatus, which produces patulin. In 2010 a large number of Penicillium species occurred in the samples, producing a wide range of mycotoxins. The mycotoxin content of the samples was analysed using the ELISA and HPLC techniques. Aflatoxins were not detected in any of the samples, while ochratoxins and fumonisins were successfully identified in some of the maize seeds.
Impact of long-term integrated nutrient management on the availability of calcium, magnesium and sulphur macronutrients and their removal by wheat on a mollisol in North India
Authors: Sime T. , Ram Nand
Published: July 2012

In a long-term experiment on a mollisol in North India, the availability of Ca, Mg and S nutrients was enhanced under integrated nutrient management (INM) conditions, but depleted in the case of continuous rice-wheat-cowpea cropping for 28 years without nutrient input (control), suggesting the need for the regular estimation of these macronutrients in soils under intensive cropping. The soil was still able to supply crop needs for Ca and Mg, but the soil became S-deficient (8.9 mg kg−1) when S-free diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer was applied. Its availability increased 5-fold (45.3 mg kg−1) after the application of S-containing single superphosphate (SSP) fertilizer and improved further when this was combined with farmyard manure (FYM) in an INM system. The wheat response to S was 0.36 and 0.45 t ha−1 for the grain and straw yields, respectively. The highest removal of Ca, Mg and S was observed with INM (21.36, 27.52 and 13.38 kg ha−1, respectively) and the lowest in the unfertilized control.
Different approaches involving testing methods, gene mapping and transformation reveal new insights into cereal frost tolerance
Authors: Vágújfalvi A. , Soltész A. , Bálint A. , Vashegyi I. , Tóth B. , Kocsi G. , Galiba G.
Published: July 2012

Freezing tolerance is a quantitative trait, determined by many genes and also influenced by environmental factors. Thus, the development of reliable testing methods is a prerequisite both for the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and for the identification of the genes behind the QTLs. Transformation methods proved to be effective in the direct verification of isolated genes involved in low temperature stress responses. In order to develop freezing tolerance, winter cereals must be adapted through a cold hardening period, which not only influences cold adaptation but also initiates the vernalization process necessary for flowering. Recent and ongoing studies are endeavouring to uncover the relationship between freezing tolerance and vernalization response at the genetic and molecular levels. This review aims to explain cereal freezing tolerance on the basis of recent discoveries in the areas outlined above.
Prevalence of Demodex mites in eyelashes among people of Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Vargas-Arzola Jaime , Reyes-Velasco Leobardo , Segura-Salvador Aristeo , Márquez-Navarro Adrián , Díaz-Chiguer Dylan , Nogueda-Torres Benjamín
Published: July 2012

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Demodex mites in eyelashes of people from different places from Oaxaca. One thousand and ten patients underwent epilation of eight eyelashes from each eye and they were processed to search Demodex which was found in 208 (20%) of the patients and among them male was more affected than female, 119 (57%) and 89 (43%), respectively. There was not found a relationship between clinical manifestations among these patients since 101 (49%) and 107 (51%) of them were symptomatic and asymptomatic, respectively. The range of age that was more affected was 96–105 (100%), followed by 86–95 (75%) and 76–85 (64%) years old. The less affected were individuals of 15–25 years old (11%). Demodex folliculorum was relatively high in the eyelashes of individuals in young and old people in the rural region studied. These people are generally the most vulnerable patients because they live in overcrowded conditions and poor hygiene which facilitates the direct infection. Demodex brevis was found in only one sample.
Characteristics of nosocomial bloodstream infections at a Hungarian cardiac surgery centre
Authors: Trethon András , Prinz Gyula , Varga Andrea , Kocsis István
Published: July 2012

Nosocomial bloodstream infection (BSI) is a common finding in cardiac surgery intensive care units and is associated with excess mortality and hospital costs. Additional data are needed about incidence, characteristics, predictors, associated microorganisms of nosocomial BSI in cardiac surgical patients in order to refine measures to prevent nosocomial infections and to improve recovery outcomes in this patient population. The 3912 cardio-thoracic surgery patients from all age groups were admitted to the study at the Gottsegen György Hungarian Institute of Cardiology between January 1999 and December 2000. In each patient with BSI demographic, epidemiological and clinical variables were recorded along with potential risk factors. Incidence of associated pathogens and their possible sources were evaluated and outcome and mortality risk factors were assessed. There were a total of 134 episodes of BSI. The incidence was 34.25 per 1000 admissions. The leading microorganisms were staphylococci (37.7%). Bacteremic episodes developed secondary to an identifiable source in 27.6% of the cases, or were catheter-related (16.4%). In 56% of the cases the source was not identified. The crude mortality rate was 33.3%. Higher mortality rate was associated with intracardial grafts (p < 0.05), low left ventricular ejection fraction (p < 0.04), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.05), an age above 16 years (p < 0.02), severe sepsis (p < 0.001) and high APACHE II score (p < 0.001). As the identified main sources of BSI were intravascular lines, mortality from BSI could probably be reduced by paying more attention to the prevention, early recognition and prompt management of intravascular device associated infections.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O171:H25 strain isolated from a patient with haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Authors: Lepšanović Zorica , Opačić Dolores , Lazić Srđan , Herpay Mária , Tóth Szilárd , Kostić Mirjana , Kucsera István
Published: July 2012

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains of O157:H7 serotype are a predominant cause of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) worldwide, but strains of non-O157 serotypes can also be associated with serious disease. Some of them are associated with outbreaks of HUS, others with sporadic cases of HUS, and some with diarrhoea but not with outbreaks or HUS. A large number of STEC serotypes isolated from ruminants and foods have never been associated with human disease. In this study we characterize a STEC strain belonging to serotype O171:H25 that is responsible for a case of HUS. This strain has a single Shiga toxin gene encoding Stx2 toxin, and hlyA gene, but is eae-negative.
An outbreak of trichinellosis in Hungary
Authors: Glatz Katalin , Danka József , Tombácz Zsuzsanna , Bányai Tivadar , Szilágyi Andrásné , Kucsera István
Published: July 2012

In a small village of Hungary, a human trichinellosis outbreak (affecting eight people) occurred in January–February, 2009. In the outbreak investigation (i) Trichinella spiralis larvae were detected in meat products derived from the pigs slaughtered in the backyard of one of the patients (a foxhunter) in December 2008, and in a brown rat captured in the same backyard; (ii) sera of 24 pigs held in 11 yards of the village and that of some dogs of the foxhunter were found Trichinella-positive; (iii) sera of five villagers who could not be infected in the particular outbreak were also found reactive in Trichinella-specific laboratory tests. The followings helped the rise of an outbreak: the geographical position and the presence of empty houses favoured the multiplication of rats; there was no extermination of rats in the previous years; there was no meat inspection; raw meat and improperly processed meat products were tasted at the pig-slaughter; villagers gave tastes to each other. People were informed on the symptoms, the way of transmission, and the possibilities of prevention of trichinellosis by experts. With the help of local authorities, all the properties including the grounds with empty houses were involved in the extermination of rodents.
Rare occurrence of mupirocin resistance among clinical Staphylococcus isolates in Jordan
Authors: Aqel Amin , Ibrahim Abdallah , Shehabi Asem
Published: July 2012

Staphylococcal infections have high occurrence in Jordanian patients. This study was carried out to determine the rates of high- and low-level mupirocin resistance (MupH and MupL) among staphylococci with the molecular characterization. Two hundred and thirty-two non-duplicateStaphylococcusspp. isolated from different clinical specimens were tested for mupirocin susceptibility using disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Resistance genes and clone relatedness was studied using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus primers (Eric-PCR) for the latter. Plasmid curing was performed to determine the genetic location ofMupAgene. Among the 232 strains, 144 (62%) were methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), 33 (14.2%) methicillin-susceptibleStaphylococcus aureus(MSSA) and 55 (23.7%) were of other coagulase-negativeStaphylococcusspp. (CoNS). Of all strains tested, only 6 (2.6%) were mupirocin resistant.MecAgene was detected in both MupL and MupH strains butMupAgene was only detected in MupH. Plasmid curing improved the plasmidic location ofMupAgene. Molecular typing by Eric-PCR method revealed heterogenicity of the genetic make up of our MupL and MupH strains. Staphylococci withMupA-carrying genes are present in Jordanian hospitals, but thank to the limited use of mupirocin, they remain rare.
Approximations in several variables with freud-type and Ap-weights
Authors: Ky Nguyen
Published: July 2012

We present direct (Jackson-type) and converse (Bernstein-Stechkin-type) theorems for polynomial approximations with Freud-type weights and trigonometric approximations with Ap-weights, in the case of several variables.
On the b-chromatic number of some graph products
Authors: Jakovac Marko , Peterin Iztok
Published: July 2012

A b-coloring is a proper vertex coloring of a graph such that each color class contains a vertex that has a neighbor in all other color classes and the b-chromatic number is the largest integer φ(G) for which a graph has a b-coloring with φ(G) colors. We determine some upper and lower bounds for the b-chromatic number of the strong product G ⊠ H, the lexicographic product G[H] and the direct product G × H and give some exact values for products of paths, cycles, stars, and complete bipartite graphs. We also show that the b-chromatic number of Pn ⊠ H, Cn ⊠ H, Pn[H], Cn[H], and Km,n[H] can be determined for an arbitrary graph H, when integers m and n are large enough.
On the structure of graphs with path-width at most two
Authors: Barát János , Hajnal Péter , Lin Yixun , Yang Aifeng
Published: July 2012

Kinnersley and Langston used a computer search to characterize the class of graphs with path-width at most two. The excluded minor list consists of 110 graphs. This set is fairly large, and the list gives little insight to structural properties of the targeted graph class. We take a different route here. We concentrate on the building blocks of the graphs with path-width at most two and how they are glued together. In this way, we get a short and compact characterization of 2-connected and 2-edge-connected graphs with path-width at most two.
Pointwise convergence of Marcinkiewicz-Fejér means of two-dimensional Walsh-Fourier series
Authors: Goginava Ushangi , Weisz Ferenc
Published: July 2012

In this paper we characterize the set of convergence of the Marcinkiewicz-Fejér means of two-dimensional Walsh-Fourier series.
Common Lambsquarters and Hairy Nightshade Control in Potato with Dimethenamid-p Alone and in Tank Mixtures and Comparison of Control by Dimethenamid-p with S-metolachlor and Metolachlor
Authors: Hutchinson Pamela J. S.
Published: July 2012

Dimethenamid-p was labeled for preemergence use in potatoes in 2005. The herbicide provides hairy nightshade control; however, a tank-mix partner targeting common lambsquarters must be used in order to provide satisfactory control of that weed. S-metolachlor and metolachlor, also labeled for use in potato, are in the same chemical family as dimethenamid-p and questions have arisen as to whether or not these herbicides provide the same or different levels of hairy nightshade control. The objectives of this study, therefore, were (1) to compare preemergence control of common lambsquarters and other weeds in potato with dimethenamid-p applied at 0.72, 0.94, or 1.12 kg ai ha−1alone or in two-way tank mixtures to determine appropriate tank-mix partners, and (2) to compare hairy nightshade control by dimethenamid-p with control by S-metolachlor or metolachlor. Two-way tank mixtures of dimethenamid-p with ethalfluralin, EPTC, flumioxazin, metribuzin, pendimethalin, or sulfentrazone generally improved season-long common lambsquarters control compared with dimethenamid-p applied alone at 0.72, 0.94, or 1.12 kg ha−1. When compared with control by dimethenamid-p alone at 0.72 or 0.94 kg ha−1, control by dimethenamid-p at either rate tank-mixed with ethalfluralin or EPTC was not improved as much as control by combinations of dimethenamid-p at those rates with the other tank-mix partners. Hairy nightshade control by three-way tank mixtures of S-metolachlor or metolachlor with various combinations of metribuzin, ethalfluralin, EPTC, or pendimethalin ranged from 60 to 86% and was not as great as the 93 to 98% control by dimethenamid-p at 0.72 kg ha−1combined with the same tank-mix partners. U.S. No. 1 and total tuber yields of comparative two- and three-way tank mixtures were generally increased when weed control was improved.
Cotton, Peanut, and Soybean Response to Sublethal Rates of Dicamba, Glufosinate, and 2,4-D
Authors: Johnson Virginia A. , Fisher Loren R. , Jordan David L. , Edmisten Keith E. , Stewart Alexander M. , York Alan C.
Published: July 2012

Development and utilization of dicamba-, glufosinate-, and 2,4-D-resistant crop cultivars will potentially have a significant influence on weed management in the southern United States. However, off-site movement to adjacent nontolerant crops and other plants is a concern in many areas of eastern North Carolina and other portions of the southeastern United States, especially where sensitive crops are grown. Cotton, peanut, and soybean are not resistant to these herbicides, will most likely be grown in proximity, and applicators will need to consider potential adverse effects on nonresistant crops when these herbicides are used. Research was conducted with rates of glufosinate, dicamba, and 2,4-D designed to simulate drift on cotton, peanut, and soybean to determine effects on yield and quality and to test correlations of visual estimates of percent injury with crop yield and a range of growth and quality parameters. Experiments were conducted in North Carolina near Lewiston-Woodville and Rocky Mount during 2009 and 2010. Cotton and peanut (Lewiston-Woodville and Rocky Mount) and soybean (two separate fields [Rocky Mount] during each year were treated with dicamba and the amine formulation of 2,4-D at 1/2, 1/8, 1/32, 1/128, and 1/512 the manufacturer's suggested use rate of 280 g ai ha−1and 540 g ai ha−1, respectively. Glufosinate was applied at rates equivalent to 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32 the manufacturer's suggested use rate of 604 g ai ha−1. A wide range of visible injury was noted at both 1 and 2 wk after treatment (WAT) for all crops. Crop yield was reduced for most crops when herbicides were applied at the highest rate. Although correlations of injury 1 and 2 WAT with yield were significant (P ≤ 0.05), coefficients ranged from −0.25 to −0.50, −0.36 to −0.62, and −0.40 to −0.67 for injury 1 WAT vs. yield for cotton, peanut, and soybean, respectively. These respective crops had ranges of correlations of −0.17 to −0.43, −0.34 to −0.64, and −0.41 to −0.60 for injury 2 WAT. Results from these experiments will be used to emphasize the need for diligence in application of these herbicides in proximity to crops that are susceptible as well as the need to clean sprayers completely before spraying sensitive crops.
Handheld Flame Cultivators as a Management Option for Woody Weeds
Authors: Ghantous Katherine M. , Sandler Hilary A. , Autio Wesley R. , Jeranyama Peter
Published: July 2012

Dewberry is a weed found on cranberry bogs that spreads quickly, causes high yield loss, and has no effective management strategy. Finding options to manage damaging perennial weeds in a perennial crop system, such as cranberry, is key to long-term industry sustainability. This study presents preliminary data on the use of flame cultivation (FC) in cranberry weed management. Utilizing weeds transplanted from commercial cranberry farms to a prepared area at the UMass Cranberry Station, we evaluated three handheld propane-fueled FC instruments: infrared torch, open flame torch, and an infrared torch with a spike. A single, midsummer exposure (zero, low, medium, or high duration) with each FC was tested. The industry standard of using a single wipe application of an herbicide solution (111 g L−1ae glyphosate, isopropylamine salt) was also included in the evaluation. Dewberry shoot, root, and total biomass decreased linearly as exposure increased; the effect of FC tool type was not significant. Data indicated that, regardless of the specific torch utilized, spot treatment with FC reduced dewberry biomass. The results of this exploratory study suggest that FC may offer an alternative technique for managing woody weeds and that further research is warranted.
Management of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium perennessp.multiflorum) in Western Oregon with Preemergence Applications of Pyroxasulfone in Winter Wheat
Authors: Hulting Andrew G. , Dauer Joseph T. , Hinds-Cook Barbara , Curtis Daniel , Koepke-Hill Rebecca M. , Mallory-Smith Carol
Published: July 2012

Management of Italian ryegrass in cereal-based cropping systems continues to be a major production constraint in areas of the United States, including the soft white winter wheat producing regions of the Pacific Northwest. Pyroxasulfone is a soil-applied herbicide with the potential to control broadleaf and grass weed species, including grass weed biotypes resistant to group 1, 2, and 7 herbicides, in several crops for which registration has been completed or is pending, including wheat, corn, sunflower, dry bean, and soybean. Field experiments were conducted from 2006 through 2009 near Corvallis, OR, to evaluate the potential for Italian ryegrass control in winter wheat with applications of pyroxasulfone. Application rates of PRE treatments ranged from 0.05 to 0.15 kg ai ha−1. All treatments were compared to standard Italian ryegrass soil-applied herbicides used in winter wheat, including diuron, flufenacet, and flufenacet + metribuzin. Visual evaluations of Italian ryegrass and ivyleaf speedwell control and winter wheat injury were made at regular intervals following applications. Winter wheat yields were quantified at grain maturity. Ivyleaf speedwell control was variable, and Italian ryegrass control following pyroxasulfone applications ranged from 65 to 100% and was equal to control achieved with flufenacet and flufenacet + metribuzin treatments and greater than that achieved with diuron applications. Winter wheat injury from pyroxasulfone ranged from 0 to 8% and was most associated with the 0.15–kg ha−1application rate. However, this early-season injury did not negatively impact winter wheat yield. Pyroxasulfone applied at the application rates and timings in these studies resulted in high levels of activity on Italian ryegrass and excellent winter wheat safety. Based on the results, pyroxasulfone has the potential to be used as a soil-applied herbicide in winter wheat for Italian ryegrass management and its utility for management of other important grass and broadleaf weeds of cereal-based cropping systems should be evaluated.
Influence of Water Quality and Coapplied Agrochemicals on Efficacy of Glyphosate
Authors: Chahal Gurinderbir S. , Jordan David L. , Burton James D. , Danehower David , York Alan C. , Eure Peter M. , Clewis Bart
Published: July 2012

Experiments were conducted in 2008, 2009, and 2010 to determine the influence of water source as carrier and other agrochemicals on glyphosate efficacy and physicochemical compatibility. Glyphosate efficacy was not affected by most water sources, when compared with deionized water, although response was not consistent across all weed species, including cereal rye, common lambsquarters, common ragweed, goosegrass, Italian ryegrass, large crabgrass, Palmer amaranth, tall morningglory, and wheat. Control by glyphosate was not negatively affected when coapplied with cloransulam-methyl, dicamba, flumioxazin, pyrithiobac-sodium, thifensulfuron-methyl plus tribenuron-methyl, trifloxysulfuron-sodium, and 2,4-D but was affected by acifluorfen and glufosinate. Calcium, manganese, and zinc solutions consistently reduced weed control by glyphosate, whereas boron seldom affected efficacy. Compared with deionized water, Italian ryegrass control was affected by water sources when applied at seedling and jointing stages more so than at tillering and heading growth stages. Calcium, manganese, and zinc reduced control regardless of growth stage. Precipitates were not produced when glyphosate was applied with the water sources or fertilizer solutions. However, transient precipitates developed when glyphosate was coapplied with cloransulam-methyl, flumioxazin, thifensulfuron-methyl plus tribenuron-methyl, and trifloxysulfuron-sodium but not when coapplied with acifluorfen, dicamba, glufosinate, pyrithiobac-sodium, and 2,4-D. Solution pH ranged from 4.11 to 5.60 after glyphosate was added, regardless of solution pH before glyphosate addition.
Effects of Seeding Date and Weed Control on Switchgrass Establishment
Authors: Curran William S. , Ryan Matthew R. , Myers Matthew W. , Adler Paul R.
Published: July 2012

We tested the effects of seeding date and weed control during switchgrass establishment in a field experiment that was conducted in central Pennsylvania in 2007 and repeated in 2008. Switchgrass was no-till seeded in early May, late May, and mid-June, and three postemergence weed management treatments were evaluated, including Mow (only a single mowing), Broadleaf (2,4-D + dicamba), and Broad Spectrum (2,4-D + dicamba + atrazine + quinclorac). Switchgrass density increased at later seeding dates, except in 2008, when the middle seeding date had the lowest density. In both years, weed biomass in late summer was lowest in the last seeding date of the Broad Spectrum treatment. In contrast, switchgrass biomass in late summer was greatest in the first seeding date of the Broad Spectrum treatment in both years. In the year after establishment (production year), plots were split to test the effects of supplemental weed control, composed of metsulfuron + 2,4-D applied in May, on total aboveground yield. Supplemental control in the production year increased total aboveground yield in the Mow treatment only, indicating that effective weed control during the establishment year might reduce the need for weed control in the following year. Although maximum aboveground yield was achieved when switchgrass was seeded in May and herbicides were used, results from our experiment suggest that seeding switchgrass at a relatively high seeding rate in June in our study region and mowing annual weeds to reduce competition and prevent seed production could be an effective strategy if minimizing herbicide use is a priority.
Control of Summer Annual Grasses during Seeded Zoysiagrass Establishment with Various Timings and Rates of Fluazifop, Triclopyr, and Fluazifop plus Triclopyr
Authors: Lewis Dustin F. , McElroy Scott , Breeden Greg K.
Published: July 2012

Summer annual grasses such as goosegrass and smooth crabgrass can hinder seeded zoysiagrass establishment. The herbicide fluazifop controls various grassy weed species but can injure mature and seedling zoysiagrass. Research has indicated that fluazifop applications can be safened on mature zoysiagrass cultivars with the addition of triclopyr. Based on these observations, research was conducted to evaluate weed control and tolerance of seeded ‘Zenith’ zoysiagrass to fluazifop (0.11 or 0.21 kg ai ha−1), triclopyr (1.12 kg ae ha−1), or fluazifop plus triclopyr (0.11 or 0.21 kg ha−1plus 1.12 kg ha−1) applied at seeding, 14, or 28 d after emergence (DAE). All herbicide treatments applied at seeding did not hinder zoysiagrass germination but did not reduce goosegrass populations. Fluazifop alone (0.11 and 0.21 kg ha−1) applied at 14 and 28 DAE injured zoysiagrass seedlings but was reduced with the addition of triclopyr. At the end of the growing season, the greatest zoysiagrass cover was achieved by applications of fluazifop alone (0.11 kg ha−1) applied at 14 DAE or fluazifop (0.11 or 0.21 kg ha−1) plus triclopyr applied at 14 or 28 DAE. Fluazifop (0.11 or 0.21 kg ha−1) applied alone or tank-mixed with triclopyr controlled goosegrass > 70% when applied 14 and 28 DAE. Based on these data, applications of fluazifop tank-mixed with triclopyr can successfully control goosegrass without injuring Zenith zoysiagrass seedlings.
Integrated Management of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) along the Platte River in Nebraska
Authors: Rapp Ryan E. , Datta Avishek , Irmak Suat , Arkebauer Timothy J. , Knezevic Stevan Z.
Published: July 2012

The nonnative biotype of common reed has invaded wetlands in many states including Nebraska, especially along the Platte River from Wyoming to the eastern edge of Nebraska. Therefore, three studies (disking followed by herbicide, mowing followed by herbicide, and herbicide followed by mechanical treatment) were conducted for 3 yr (2008 to 2010) at three locations in Nebraska. The objective was to evaluate common reed control along the Platte River using an integrated management approach based on herbicides (glyphosate or imazapyr), mowing, and disking, either applied alone or in combination. The level of weed control was determined by visual rating, percent flowering, and stem density. On the basis of visual rating, disking and mowing used alone provided common reed control for only a few months. However, the control was significantly prolonged (e.g., at least three seasons) when disking and mowing were combined with herbicide applications. Disking followed by herbicide and mowing followed by herbicide significantly reduced flowering and plant densities (P = 0.0001) compared to the untreated check. These results suggest that a combination of weed control methods has potential to control common reed.
Volunteer Glyphosate-Resistant Corn Interference and Control in Glyphosate-Resistant Sugarbeet
Authors: Kniss Andrew R. , Sbatella Gustavo M. , Wilson Robert G.
Published: July 2012

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) sugarbeet is commonly grown in rotation with GR corn, but there is limited information relating to volunteer GR corn interference or control in GR sugarbeet. Field studies were conducted near Lingle, WY and Scottsbluff, NE in 2009 and 2010 to quantify sugarbeet yield loss in response to volunteer corn density and duration of interference, and determine appropriate control practices for use in GR sugarbeet. Hybrid corn resulted in a similar competitive effect on sugarbeet sucrose yield as clumps of F2volunteer corn. Clumps of volunteer corn were controlled 81% compared with 73% for individual plants. Linear regression indicated sucrose yield loss of 19% for each corn plant m−2up to 1.7 plants m−2at three of four experimental sites. Pearson correlation coefficients between percentage sucrose yield loss and proportion of sunlight reaching the top of the sugarbeet canopy ranged from −0.42 to −0.92. The duration of corn interference required to cause a 5% sucrose yield loss (YL5) ranged from 3.5 to 5.9 wk after sugarbeet emergence (WAE) for hand-weeding or herbicide removal, respectively, due to the length of time herbicide-treated volunteer corn continued to shade sugarbeet plants. Differences between herbicide and hand-removal methods were attributed to the time lag between when the treatments were applied and when the corn ceased to block light from the sugarbeet canopy. Sethoxydim generally provided less volunteer corn control compared with either quizalofop or clethodim, and control increased with the addition of an oil adjuvant. If a grower were to implement a volunteer corn control practice 3.5 WAE, economic sugarbeet yield loss would be avoided. In eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska, the sugarbeet crop will typically have between four to eight true leaves at 3.5 WAE, and therefore this would be an optimal time to control volunteer corn. If volunteer corn is being hand weeded, theYL5estimate will also increase, and thus the window of time to control volunteer corn would be wider.
Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) Tolerance to Pronamide Applications for Annual Bluegrass Control
Authors: McCullough Patrick E. , Yu Jialin , de Barreda Diego Gomez
Published: July 2012

Annual bluegrass is a troublesome weed in turf management and there are currently limited POST herbicides labeled for use in seashore paspalum. Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate seashore paspalum tolerance to pronamide and other herbicides for annual bluegrass control. In field experiments, turf injury never exceeded 7% from pronamide applied at dormancy, 50% green-up, or complete green-up of seashore paspalum in spring. Annual bluegrass control from pronamide was initially similar across timings and averaged 67, 90, and 98% control from 0.84, 1.68, and 3.36 kg ai ha−1, respectively, after 6 wk. In greenhouse experiments, the aforementioned pronamide rates caused less than 10% injury on seashore paspalum. Seashore paspalum injury in the greenhouse was excessive (> 20%) from atrazine, bispyribac-sodium, and trifloxysulfuron and moderate (7 to 20%) from foramsulfuron, rimsulfuron, and ethofumesate. Seashore paspalum seedhead count reductions by 4 wk after treatment (WAT) were good to excellent (87 to 98%) from atrazine, bispyribac-sodium, rimsulfuron, and trifloxysulfuron and poor (≤ 0%) from ethofumesate, foramsulfuron, and pronamide. By 4 WAT, seashore paspalum clippings were reduced 0 to 39% from pronamide, whereas atrazine, bispyribac-sodium, and trifloxysulfuron reduced clippings by 54 to 69% from the untreated and ethofumesate, foramsulfuron, and rimsulfuron reduced clippings by 27 to 39%.
Effect of Wheat Herbicide Carryover on Double-Crop Cotton and Soybean
Authors: Grey Timothy L. , Braxton L. Bo , Richburg John S.
Published: July 2012

In the southeastern United States many farmers double-crop winter wheat with soybean or cotton. However, there is little information about residual injury of herbicides used in wheat to these rotational crops. Experiments were conducted from 2007 to 2008 and 2008 to 2009 in soft red winter wheat to evaluate response of rotational crops of soybean and cotton after application of various acetolactate synthase herbicides in wheat. Pyroxsulam, mesosulfuron, sulfosulfuron, propoxycarbazone, or chlorsulfuron plus metsulfuron at multiple rates were applied to wheat approximately 110 to 120 d before planting rotational crops. Soils were Tift loamy sand at Ty Ty, GA and Faceville sandy loam at Plains, GA. After wheat harvest, soybean (‘Pioneer 97M50’) and cotton (‘DP 0949 B2RF’) were strip-tillage planted and evaluated for injury, stand density, height over time, and yields. For both locations, wheat was tolerant to all herbicide treatments with little to no visible injury 7 to 90 d after application. Pyroxsulam injury was less than sulfosulfuron or mesosulfuron. At recommended use rates, wheat injury was transient with no effect on yield. Double-crop soybean for both locations had no differences in stand establishment for any herbicide treatments. There was significant carryover injury to soybean and cotton for sulfosulfuron applied to wheat for the Faceville sandy loam. There was no effect of herbicide treatment on cotton stand. There was little to no difference in residual activity on rotational crops between pyroxsulam and other wheat herbicides when labeled rates were applied. This is significant as pyroxsulam is used to control Italian ryegrass and wild radish in this region.
Efficacy of Various Corn Herbicides Applied Preplant Incorporated and Preemergence
Authors: Johnson William G. , Chahal Gurinderbir S. , Regehr David L.
Published: July 2012

Field studies were conducted in central Missouri and central Kansas to evaluate the crop tolerance and efficacy of various combinations of atrazine, flufenacet + isoxaflutole, flumetsulam + clopyralid, isoxaflutole, andS-metolachlor applied PPI or PRE in conventional-till corn. Application technique did not influence crop injury in Kansas. In Missouri, greater crop injury was observed with treatments containing isoxaflutole when applied PPI vs. PRE. Application technique influenced giant foxtail, ivyleaf morningglory, large crabgrass, Palmer amaranth, and common waterhemp control. In dry years, control of these weeds was usually either same or greater with PPI than it was with PRE treatments. In years with average to above average precipitation, isoxaflutole provided greater control as a PRE application than as a PPI application. Palmer amaranth and common waterhemp control was usually greater with atrazine, isoxaflutole, andS-metolachlor applied PRE than it was applied PPI. Differences in control of all weeds between PPI and PRE applications were less obvious with two or three herbicides compared with treatments with a single herbicide. In general, the corn yield was greater with most of the treatments having two, three, or four herbicides than it was with treatments having a single herbicide, which was due to better weed control with the tank-mixtreatments.
Population‐specific responses to light influence herbivory in the understory shrub Lindera benzoin
Authors: Mooney E. H. , Niesenbaum R. A.
Published: July 2012

Plants display photosynthetic plasticity in response to variation in light environment, and the extent of this plasticity often varies with genotype, i.e., genotype × environment interaction. Herbivory may also covary with light environment as a result of light‐induced changes in photosynthetic traits. For example, greater levels of photoprotective phenolic compounds in high‐light environments may reduce host quality to herbivores. We investigated intraspecific variation in photosynthetic responses to light and its consequences for herbivory in the understory shrub, Lindera benzoin (Lauraceae). We transplanted five plants from eight populations (N = 240) into three replicate sun and shade common gardens. Two years after transplantation, we tested for population × light environment interactions in six photosynthesis‐related responses: specific leaf area, water content, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence (F0), maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), and total phenolics. We assessed seasonal herbivory and consumption by a specialist lepidopteran herbivore (Epimecis hortaria). This allowed us to test for (1) population‐specific patterns of photosynthetic acclimation and photoinhibition, (2) population‐specific production of phenolics in response to photoinhibition, and (3) population‐specific photosynthetic responses that contribute to population × light environment interactions in herbivory. Population × light environment interactions were insignificant in leaf variables but statistically significant for herbivory measured as consumption by E. hortaria. We found similar trends for population × light environment interactions in seasonal herbivory. Total phenolics and minimum chlorophyll fluorescence (F0) were significant covariates with herbivory, but their effects depended on light environment and population of origin. High‐light environments eliminated differences among populations in how these leaf variables affected herbivory, while population‐specific relationships were apparent in the shade. Analysis of total phenolics revealed that they were likely induced by photoinhibition, but that this response varied among the populations we assessed. However, phenolics increased herbivory in L. benzoin, which would limit the fitness value of this protective response to light‐induced photoinhibition. Our results suggest that herbivores could affect evolution of photosynthetic plasticity in L. benzoin.
Metal complexes of N'-(2-hydroxy-5-phenyldiazenyl) benzylideneisonicotinohydrazide: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and antimicrobial activity
Authors: El-Tabl Abdou , Shakdofa Mohamad , Shakdofa Adel
Published: July 2012

A new series of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II) ,
VO(II), UO2(II) , Fe(III) and Ru(III) complexes of N'-(2-hydroxy-5-
phenyldiazenyl)benzylideneisonicotinohydrazide(H2L) have been synthesized
and characterized by elemental,1H-NMR, IR, UV-Vis., ESR, magnetic,
thermogravimetric analyses(TG) and conductivity measurements. The spectral
data show that, the ligand behaves as a neutral bidentate, (2), (4), (5),
(6) and (14), monobasic bidentate, (3), (7), (8), (9) and (10), monobasic
tridentate (11) and (16) or dibasic tridentate (12), (13) and (15) bonded to
metal ions via the carbonyl oxygen atom in ketonic or enolic form,
azomethine nitrogen atom and/or deprotonated phenolic hydroxyl oxygen. The
ESR spectrum of solid vanadyl(II), complex (2) shows axially anisotropic
spectrum with eight lines in the low field region and g?>g||,
A||>>A?relationship, which is characteristics of distorted octahedral
structure with dxy ground state. However, copper(II) complexes (4), (5) and
(6) and manganese(II) complex (10) show an isotropic type while the
copper(II) complexes (3) and (7)show an axial symmetry type with g||>g?>ge
indicating a covalent bond character. The antibacterial and antifungal
activities of the ligand and its metal complexes show mild activity compared
with standard drugs (Tetracycline for bacteria and amphotricene B for
fungi).
L-proline catalyzed efficient and clean synthesis of polysubstituted benzenes in the ionic liquid [bmim]PF6
Authors: Jain Shubha , Keshwal Balwant , Rajguru Deepika
Published: July 2012

A clean and efficient synthesis of polysubstituted benzenes has been
developed via sequential vinylogous Michael addition and nucleophilic
cyclization reactions of arylethylidenemalonodinitriles with
arylidenemalo-nodinitriles in ionic liquid [bmim]PF6 catalyzed by L-proline.
Effect of temperature on rate of the spin-forbidden transition in uracil and thymine
Authors: Etinski Mihajlo
Published: July 2012

The intersystem crossing rates of uracil and thymine molecules in interaction
with the heat bath were studied by means of the ab initio methods. The rates
were calculated employing the time-dependent approach based on the
correlation function. The normal modes of the singlet and triplet electronic
states were related by the Duschinsky transformation. The correlation
function was calculated using the Condon approximation for the spin-orbit
matrix element and harmonic approximation for the nuclear motion. The excess
vibrational energy in the initial singlet excited electronic state decreases
the rate of the triplet formation in uracil and thymine. This decrease is
more pronounced for uracil. Also, it was found that the change of the
adiabatic energy gap can significantly modify the rate of the triplet
formation.
Genetic Variability and Character Association in Some Native Orchid Species (Dendrobium spp.)
Authors: Moniruzzaman M. , Zaman M. A. , Hossain M. Earshad , Bhuiyan M. M. H. , Rahman M. Z.
Published: July 2012

An experiment was carried out using 20 native Dendrobium orchids in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications at the Orchidarium of Landscape, Ornamental and Floriculture Division, HRC, BARI, Gazipur during the period January 2007 to June 2007 to estimate genetic variability, genetic parameters and correlation coefficient among different flower components. Highly significant variations were observed among the genotypes for all the characters. High broad sense heritability with high genetic advance was observed in spike length (94.00% and 98.29), rachis length (95.34% and 93.85), flower durability (94.00% and 89.00) and floret number (70.50% and 65.47) indicating additive gene action, suggesting the possibility of improvement of these traits through selection.  Other characters exhibited moderate broad sense heritability with low genetic advance. The number of florets per spike recorded a highly significant association with flower durability, rachis length and spike length. Durability of flower had significant positive correlation with rachis length, flower size and spike length at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Highly significant positive correlation was also found between rachis length and spike length. However, the correlation study revealed that selection of parents should be done based on characters such as floret number, rachis length and flower durability which would be useful in a breeding program. The path analysis revealed that rachis length, durability of flower and number of flowers per spike had contributed maximum direct effects on flower yield, indicating the importance of these three characters as selection criteria for native Dendrobium orchid. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11058 The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 1-9
Effect of Organic Manures on Growth, Rhizome Yield and Quality Attributes of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
Authors: Kamal M. Z. U. , Yousuf M. N.
Published: July 2012

The investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of different organic manures on turmeric with reference to vegetative growth, biomass production, rhizome yield and its attributes of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Turmeric showed better response to the application of organic manures. Plant with neem cake application had the taller plant (79.30 cm), maximum number of tillers per plant (5.40), leaf number (5.40), leaf area (44.09) leaf area index (0.429), fresh weight of halum ( 190.05g), fresh weight of root (49.13 g), fresh weight of rhizome per plant (256.21 g) and dry weight of halum (15.21g), dry weight of root (7.32 g), dry weight of rhizome per plant (40.35 g), total dry matter yield (6.85 t ha-1) than those received other types of manures. Moreover, yield attributes such as number of mother rhizomes per plant-1 (1.75), more number of primary rhizomes per plant-1 (5.19), secondary rhizomes per plant-1 (18.03) and tertiary rhizomes per plant (7.69) were also highly accelerated by neem cake application. Similarly, the same treatment expressed the best in terms of size of mother rhizome (7.69 cm), primary rhizome (21.86 cm) and secondary rhizomes (7.05 cm).All these parameters in cumulative contributed to  produce the highest estimated fresh rhizomes yield & cured rhizomes yield (29.48 t ha-1, 5.59 t ha-1 respectively). The highest curing percentage (20.28) was observed in T3 treatment having mustard cake@ 2.0 t/ha. Thus, organic manure like neem cake was best fitted natural fertilizer for turmeric cultivation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11060The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 16-22