bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block for retroperitoneoscopic renal surgery: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Li Xue , Lin Zengmao
Published: June 2019

Background

Ultrasound-guided lateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block can provide definite analgesia to the anterior abdominal wall. However, whether it is useful in renal surgery involving access through the lateral abdominal wall remains unknown. Therefore, the study was aimed at evaluating the analgesic efficacy of lateral TAP block for retroperitoneoscopic partial or radical nephrectomy.

Method

In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, eligible patients were randomized into the intervention (T) and control (C) groups. After anesthesia induction, ultrasound-guided lateral TAP block was performed preoperatively with 30 mL of 0.4% ropivacaine and an equivalent amount of normal saline in groups T and C, respectively. The primary outcomes were opioid consumption during surgery and in the first 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were postsurgical pain intensity at immediately awakening from anesthesia, and 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 h after surgery, and recovery quality variables including the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), sleep quality, time to first ambulation, drainage in the first 24 h after surgery, and length of hospital stay.

Results

104 patients were enrolled and randomized: 53 and 51 in groups T and C, respectively. The median intraoperative sufentanil and remifentanil and postoperative sufentanil consumption per kilogram in the first 24 h after surgery was 0.33, 9.02, and 0.57 μg in Group T, respectively; the corresponding values in Group C were 0.30, 9.58, and 0.48 μg, all of which were not significant (p = 0.528, 0.903, and 0.244). Postsurgical pain intensity at all time points was comparable between the groups (all p > 0.05). Intergroup differences in recovery quality variables were not significant (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that preoperative lateral TAP could not decrease intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption and pain intensity in the first 24 h after surgery, nor could it promote postoperative recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic renal surgery through retroperitoneal access.
A Qualitative Transcriptional Signature for the Histological Reclassification of Lung Squamous Cell carcinomas and Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Li Xin , Shi Gengen , Chu Qingsong , Jiang Wenbin , Liu Yixin , Zhang Sainan , Li Ying , He Fei , Li Xiaoxue , Qi Lishuang , Guo Zheng
Published: June 2019

Background

Targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer is histology dependent. However, histological classification by routine pathological assessment with hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunostaining for poorly differentiated tumors, particularly those from small biopsies, is still challenging. Additionally, the effectiveness of immunomarkers is limited by technical inconsistencies of immunostaining and lack of standardization for staining interpretation.

Results

Using gene expression profiles of pathologically-determined lung squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas, denoted as pSCC and pADC respectively, we developed a qualitative transcriptional signature, based on the within-sample relative gene expression orderings (REOs) of gene pairs, to distinguish ADC from SCC. The signature consists of two genes, KRT5 and AGR2, which has the stable REO pattern of KRT5>AGR2 in pSCC and KRT5
Supplemental Calcium Application Influences Potato Tuber Number and Size
Authors: Ozgen Senay , Palta Jiwan P.
Published: June 2019

Tuberization in potato is known to be under complex biochemical control involving hormones. A number of studies have provided evidence for a critical role of GA in tuberization. There is also evidence that GA in plants can be modulated by a Ca/calmodulin pathway. The purpose of the present study was to determine the influence of supplemental Ca fertilization on tuber size and tuber number. Plantlets of Solanum tuberosum `Russet Burbank' raised in tissue culture were planted in 20-L pots filled with sandy loam field soil with the pH of 6.9 and exchangeable soil Ca level of 350 ppm. All treatments received the same total amount of N (equivalent to the rate of 280 kg·ha-1). Four treatments were evaluated: nonsplit N (from ammonium nitrate), split N (from ammonium nitrate), split N+Ca (from calcium nitrate), split N+Ca (50% N from urea, 50% N from ammonium nitrate and Ca from calcium chloride). The total Ca was applied at the rate equivalent to 168 kg·ha-1 on a split schedule (equally split at four, six, eight and ten weeks after planting). Four months after planting tubers were harvested and evaluated. As expected tuber tissue Ca was increased by Ca application from 144 to 245 μg·g-1. In general, the two Ca treatments had significantly lower tuber number per plant as compared to the nonsplit and split N treatments. A plot of mean tuber Ca and tuber number for individual plants showed a significant negative relationship. Both Ca treatments produced tubers with higher mean tuber weight compared to nonsplit N. This increase in tuber size with Ca application was not apparent when compared with split N treatment. These results show that Ca application to soil can decrease tuber number suggesting that soil Ca may influence tuberization in potato.
Daily Light Integral Affects Flowering and Quality of Greenhouse-grown Achillea, Gaura, and Lavandula
Authors: Fausey Beth A. , Heins Royal D. , Cameron Arthur C.
Published: June 2019

The growth and development of Achillea ×millefolium L. `Red Velvet', Gaura lindheimeri Engelm. & Gray `Siskiyou Pink' and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. `Hidcote Blue' were evaluated under average daily light integrals (DLIs) of 5 to 20 mol·m-2·d-1. Plants were grown in a 22 ± 2 °C glass greenhouse with a 16-h photoperiod under four light environments: 50% shading of ambient light plus PPF of 100 μmol·m-2·s-1 (L1); ambient light plus PPF of 20 μmol·m-2·s-1 (L2); ambient light plus PPF of 100 μmol·m-2·s-1 (L3); and ambient light plus PPF of 150 μmol·m-2·s-1 (L4). Between 5 to 20 mol·m-2·d-1, DLI did not limit flowering and had little effect on timing in these studies. Hence, the minimum DLI required for flowering of Achillea, Gaura and Lavandula must be <5 mol·m-2·d-1, the lowest light level tested. However, all species exhibited prostrate growth with weakened stems when grown at a DLI of about 10 mol·m-2·d-1. Visual quality and shoot dry mass of Achillea, Gaura and Lavandula linearly increased as DLI increased from 5 to 20 mol·m-2·d-1 and there was no evidence that these responses to light were beginning to decline. While 10 mol·m-2·d-1 has been suggested as an adequate DLI, these results suggest that 15 to 20 mol·m-2·d-1 should be considered a minimum for production of these herbaceous perennials when grown at about 22 °C.
Role of Gibberellin A4 and Gibberellin Biosynthesis Inhibitors on Flowering and Stem Elongation in Petunia under Modified Light Environments
Authors: Cerny-Koenig T.A. , Faust J.E. , Rajapakse N.C.
Published: June 2019

In our previous experiments, greenhouse films that selectively remove far-red (FR) light from the growing environment reduced the stem elongation but delayed anthesis of long day plants. In the present research we investigated if the application of gibberellin A4 and gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis inhibitors could overcome the delay in anthesis of petunia (Petunia ×hybrida Vilm.-Andr.), a quantitative long-day plant, under a FR light deficient environment. The GA biosynthesis inhibitors prohexadione-Ca and exo-C-16,17-dihydro GA5 (GA5) were used because of their ability to prevent catabolism of active GAs. Anthesis and stem elongation were investigated under control, red (R; 600 to 700 nm) and FR (700 to 800 nm) light-absorbing (AR and AFR) films. The R:FR ratios of control, AR, and AFR films were 1.03, 0.71, and 1.51, respectively. Air temperatures among treatment chambers were not different. AR film did not affect anthesis or stem elongation, but AFR film reduced stem elongation and delayed anthesis by 12 days. Exogenous application of GA5 had no effect on stem elongation, shoot dry weight or days to anthesis at any concentration (0 to 100 mg·L-1) tested under control, AR, or AFR films. Anthesis was delayed with increasing concentration (0 to 200 mg·L-1) of prohexadione-Ca under all treatments. Prohexadione-Ca at 200 mg·L-1 delayed anthesis by 11 and 7 days under the control and AFR film, respectively, suggesting an interaction between light quality and prohexadione-Ca treatment. Exogenous GA4 accelerated anthesis under both films but the promotion was greater under the AFR films. However, GA4 treatment increased stem elongation and the increase in stem elongation was greater under the AFR film. Addition of GA5 to GA4 had no added effect on flowering and failed to reduce stem elongation. Therefore, GA or GA inhibitors are not suitable for flower promotion under AFR films.
Using Microsatellite Analysis to Verify Breeding Records: A study of `Honeycrisp' and Other Cold-hardy Apple Cultivars
Authors: Cabe Paul R. , Baumgarten Andrew , Onan Kyle , Luby James J. , Bedford David S.
Published: June 2019

We used microsatellite loci to investigate the parentage of the apple cultivar `Honeycrisp', a patented University of Minnesota introduction. In an attempt to find the correct parents, we also examined other apple varieties associated with the University of Minnesota apple breeding program. Based on written records from the 1960s, the presumed parents of `Honeycrisp' were `Honeygold' and `Macoun'. We were able to exclude both of these as parents, but found that `Keepsake' was consistent as one of the parents. A second potential parent could not be discovered. `Haralson', another commercially important cultivar from the University of Minnesota, is likely from a cross between `Malinda' and `Wealthy'.
Evaluation of U.S. Plant Introductions of Watermelon for Resistance to Powdery Mildew
Authors: Thomas Claude E. , Levi Amnon , Caniglia Ellis
Published: June 2019

Two hundred sixty-six Citrullus lanatus (Thumb.) Matsum. & Nakai accessions (Plant Introductions and named cultivars) were tested against a race 2 Sphaerotheca fuliginea (Schlechtend.: Fr.) Pollacci isolate to evaluate for resistance to powdery mildew disease. Growth room-grown seedlings were artificially inoculated with conidia from watermelon host leaves at 2-day intervals from the appearance of the first true leaf until test results data were taken, when the second true leaf was fully expanded. Plants were evaluated on a 1 to 9 scale of increasing disease severity. Disease indices (DIs) were calculated as weighted averages for each entry. All genotypes with resistant plants (powdery mildew rating 1 to 3) were reevaluated in a replicated test of 3 replications of 10 plants each. Disease indices were again calculated. Twenty-two plant introductions (PIs) and one named variety displayed intermediate resistance to powdery mildew in the replicated test with DIs ranging from 5.0 to 6.0.
Harvest Date Effects on Maturity, Quality, and Storage Disorders of `Honeycrisp' Apples
Authors: Watkins Christopher B. , Erkan Mustafa , Nock Jacqueline F. , Iungerman Kevin A. , Beaudry Randolph M. , Moran Renae E.
Published: June 2019

`Honeycrisp' is a new apple [Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. var. domestica (Borkh.) Mansf.] cultivar that has been planted extensively in North America, but the storage disorders soggy breakdown and soft scald have resulted in major fruit losses. The effects of harvest date and storage temperature on fruit quality and susceptibility of fruit to these disorders have been investigated in Michigan, New York, and Maine. Internal ethylene concentrations were variable over a wide range of harvest dates, and a rapid increase in autocatalytic ethylene production was not always apparent. The starch pattern index, soluble solids content, titratable acidity and firmness also appear to have limited use as harvest indices. Development of soggy breakdown and soft scald is associated with later harvest dates and storage of fruit at temperatures of 0 to 0.5 °C compared with higher storage temperatures. It is recommended that `Honeycrisp' be stored at 3 °C, although storage disorders still can occur at this temperature if fruit are harvested late. In addition, greasiness development may be worse at higher storage temperatures.
Artificial Shading and Temperature Influence on Anthocyanin Compositions in Sweetpotato Leaves
Authors: Islam Md. Shahidul , Jalaluddin M. , Garner James O. , Yoshimoto M. , Yamakawa O.
Published: June 2019

Sweetpotato leaves contain biologically active anthocyanins that have significant medicinal value for certain human diseases and may also be used as natural food colorants. Foliar anthocyanins and their relative abundance were investigated in leaves of sweetpotato cultivars `Shimon-1', `Kyushu-119', and `Elegant Summer' grown under artificial shading and different temperature conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography profiles of the cultivars tested showed similar peaks but with peak areas differing with cultivar, temperature and shading. The relative quantity of individual anthocyanin was YGM (Yamagawamurashaki)-1a> YGM-4b> YGM-1b> YGM-5a> YGM-0d> YGM-0a> YGM-2> YGM-0c> YGM-3> YGM-6> YGM-5b> YGM-0b> YGM-0f> YGM-0e> YGM-0g. Seven were peonidin and eight cyanidin derivatives. The highest anthocyanin contents were found in plants grown at a moderate temperature (20 °C) with lower levels at 25 and 30 °C. The leaves of plants grown in full sun accumulated significantly more total as well as the major individual anthocyanins than plants grown in 40% and 80% shade. The results indicate that growing sweetpotatoes at moderate temperatures and without shading facilitates the accumulation of anthocyanins in the leaves. The anthocyanin composition of the leaves is discussed relative to their physiological function in human health.
A Two-step Procedure for Adventitious Shoot Regeneration from in vitro-derived Lingonberry Leaves: Shoot Induction with TDZ and Shoot Elongation Using Zeatin
Authors: Debnath Samir C.
Published: June 2019

The effects of TDZ (0, 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 μm) and explant orientation on adventitious shoot regeneration of `Erntedank' lingonberry were studied. Moderate concentration (1 to 5 μm) of TDZ supported bud and shoot regeneration, but strongly inhibited shoot elongation. TDZ initiated cultures were transferred to medium containing 1-2 μm zeatin and produced usable shoots after one additional subculture. Adventitious bud and shoot regeneration was greatly influenced by explant orientation. Elongated shoots were rooted on a 2 peat: 1 perlite (v/v) medium, and the plantlets were acclimatized and eventually established in the greenhouse with 80% to 90% survival rate.
Soilless Root Substrate pH Measurement Technique for Titration
Authors: Rippy Janet F. M. , Nelson Paul V.
Published: June 2019

Measurement of substrate pH entails procurement of the substrate solution and measurement of the solution pH. Acid-base reactions are completed at the time of testing. Determination of substrate pH during development of a titration curve is more complex because it involves initially the reaction of a base with the substrate. Five factors that can influence the resulting pH values were investigated in this study and include amount of water added to substrate, method to procure substrate solution for pH determination, chemical form of base used, time allowed for acid-base reaction and the addition of CaSO4. Substrate in this study consisted of 3 sphagnum peatmoss: 1 perlite (by volume) amended with wetting agent. Dolomitic limestone (6 g·L-1 substrate) was added to substrate for the water amount and solution procurement method experiments. Except for the water amount experiment, deionized water was added by weight to achieve 95% container capacity. Dishes were incubated at 20 °C for specified times. To identify the minimal level of water necessary to ensure complete contact between base and substrate for neutralization, additions equivalent to 95%, 100%, 120%, and 150% container capacity were tested. The 95% level proved adequate. The saturated media extraction and pour-through bulk solution displacement methods for pH determination resulted in higher pH measurements in the incubated substrate than the squeeze bulk solution displacement method. This indicated that the former two methods diluted the soil solution. The squeeze method was deemed most effective. NaOH resulted in higher pH endpoints than Ca(OH)2. This was apparently due to a higher affinity of Ca2+ for peatmoss exchange sites. Since Ca2+ is the predominant cation associated with liming materials for soilless substrates, Ca(OH)2 is more appropriate for titration. From the tested incubation times of 0, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, and 96 hours, the duration of 24 hours was found to be adequate to allow complete reaction of base with substrate acidity. The best procedure for determining pH in a substrate titration situation included a water level of 95% container capacity, Ca(OH)2 base, an incubation time of 24 hours and the squeeze solution displacement method. The additional CaSO4 was not necessary. Chemical names used: calcium sulfate (CaSO4), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2], calcium ion (Ca2+).
Nitrogen Rate and Application Timing Affect `Beauregard' Sweetpotato Yield and Quality
Authors: Phillips S.B. , Warren J.G. , Mullins G.L.
Published: June 2019

Previous work suggests that `Beauregard' sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] has a much lower N requirement than other common cultivars. Over the past 10 years, `Beauregard' has become the premier sweetpotato cultivar grown in Virginia; however, N fertilizer recommendations have not been reassessed to consider the potentially lower N requirement of `Beauregard'. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of N rate and application timing on root yield, quality, and N use efficiency for `Beauregard' sweetpotato production in Virginia. A field study was conducted each year from 2000 to 2002 at the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Painter, Va. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at rates of 28, 56, and 84 kg·ha-1 either before transplanting, 2 to 3 weeks after transplanting (WAT), or 4 to 5 WAT. A check treatment that received no N fertilizer was also included. Optimum N rates varied annually; under normal precipitation, root yield was greatest at the 28-kg·ha-1 rate, while 56 kg·ha-1 was required for maximum yield in wet conditions. Of note is that this range of rates is considerably lower than the current N recommendation for Virginia sweetpotato production (56 to 84 kg·ha-1). Delaying N application until 2 to 3 WAT further increased marketable root yield compared with applying N before transplanting or 4 to 5 WAT. Crude protein and N uptake increased with increasing N rate up to 84 kg·ha-1; however, N use efficiency was highest (67%) when 28 kg·ha-1 was applied 2 to 3 WAT.
Physiological Response of `TifEagle' Bermudagrass to Paclobutrazol
Authors: McCullough Patrick E. , Liu Haibo , McCarty Lambert B. , Whitwell Ted
Published: June 2019

Research was conducted in two studies at the Clemson University Greenhouse Complex, Clemson, S.C., with the objective of evaluating `TifEagle' bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis) response to paclobutrazol. TifEagle bermudagrass plugs were placed in 40 cm polyvinylchloride containers, with 20.3-cm-diameters and built to U.S. Golf Association specifications with 85 sand: 15 peatmoss (by volume) rootzone mix. Paclobutrazol was applied to separate containers at 0, 0.14, 0.28, and 0.42 kg·ha-1 (a.i.) per 6 weeks. Minor phytotoxicity occurred with 0.14 kg·ha-1 applications, but turf quality was unaffected. Severe bermudagrass phytotoxicity occurred from paclobutrazol at 0.28 and 0.42 kg·ha-1. Total clipping yield from 12 sampling dates was reduced 65%, 84%, and 92% from 0.14, 0.28, and 0.42 kg·ha-1, respectively. Root mass after 12 weeks was reduced 28%, 45%, and 61% for turf treated 0.14, 0.28, and 0.42 kg·ha-1, respectively. Paclobutrazol reduced root length 13%, 19%, and 19% by 0.14, 0.28, and 0.42 kg·ha-1, respectively. Turf discoloration and negative rooting responses advocate caution when using paclobutrazol on `TifEagle' bermudagrass. Chemical names used: (+/-)-(R*,R*)-ß-[(4-chlorophenyl) methyl]-alpha-(1, 1-dimethyl)-1H-1,2,4,-triazole-1-ethanol (paclobutrazol).
Influence of Low Temperature before Flowering on the Occurrence of Unreduced Pollen in Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.)
Authors: Yamada A. , Tao R. , Sugiura A.
Published: June 2019

The efficacy of ploidy breeding using unreduced pollen in japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is not high because of the low frequency of unreduced pollen in most cultivars. This study was conducted in 2002 and 2003 to determine if the exposure to a low temperature before flowering could enhance the unreduced pollen formation in five cultivars of japanese persimmon including two cultivars that barely produce unreduced pollen under the field condition. The results showed that low-temperature treatment (4 °C for 48 hours) increased the occurrence of unreduced pollen at 15 to 17 and 17 to 18 days after the end of the low-temperature treatment in 2002 and 2003, respectively, in all five cultivars tested. Naturally occurring temperatures below 5 °C in the field also appeared to enhance the unreduced pollen formation in the cultivars that naturally produce unreduced pollen in the field.
Assessment of Narrow-band Canopy Spectral Reflectance and Turfgrass Performance under Drought Stress
Authors: Jiang Yiwei , Carrow Robert N.
Published: June 2019

Canopy reflectance has the potential to determine turfgrass shoot status under drought stress conditions. The objective of this study was to describe the relationship of turf quality and leaf firing versus narrow-band canopy spectral reflectance within 400 to 1100 nm for different turfgrass species and cultivars under drought stress. Sods of four bermudagrasses (Cynodon dactylon L. × C. transvaalensis), three seashore paspalums (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz), zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica), and st. augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), and three seeded tall fescues (Festuca arundinacea) were used. Turf quality decreased 12% to 27% and leaf firing increased 12% to 55% in 12 grasses in response to drought stress imposed over three dry-down cycles. The peak correlations occurred at 673 to 693 nm and 667 to 687 nm for turf quality and leaf firing in bermudagrasses, respectively. All three tall fescues had the strongest correlation at 671 nm for both turf quality and leaf firing. The highest correlations in the near-infrared at 750, 775, or 870 nm were found in three seashore paspalums, while at 687 to 693 nm in Zoysiagrass and st. augustinegrass. Although all grasses exhibited some correlations between canopy reflectance and turf quality or leaf firing, significant correlation coefficients (r) were only observed in five grasses. Multiple linear regression models based on selected wavelengths for turf quality and leaf firing were observed for 7 (turf quality) and 9 (leaf firing) grasses. Wavelengths in the photosynthetic region at 658 to 700 nm or/and near-infrared from 700 to 800 nm predominated in models of most grasses. Turf quality and leaf firing could be well predicted in tall fescue by using models, evidenced by a coefficient of determination (R2) above 0.50. The results indicated that correlations of canopy reflectance versus turf quality and leaf firing varied with turfgrass species and cultivars, and the photosynthetic regions specifically from 664 to 687 nm were relatively important in determining turf quality and leaf firing in selected bermudagrass, tall fescue, zoysiagrass and st. augustinegrass under drought stress.
Allelopathic Effects of Pinus halepensis Needles on Turfgrasses and Biosensor Plants
Authors: Nektarios Panayiotis A. , Economou Garyfalia , Avgoulas Christos
Published: June 2019

Fresh, senesced, and decaying pine needles from Pinus halepensis were evaluated for their allelopathic potential on Festuca arundinacea, Cynodon dactylon and the biosensor plants Avena sativa and Lemna minor through in vivo and in vitro studies. The in vivo study was performed in growth chambers, using 6, 12, and 18 g of pine needle tissue mixed with screened perlite as a substrate. The effects of the different pine needle types were evaluated by determining the total root length, total root surface, root dry weight, total shoot length, total shoot surface, and shoot dry weight. The in vitro study was performed in Petri dishes where seeds from each species were subjected to an increasing concentration of pine needle extract. The extracts were obtained from pine needle ground tissue that was diluted with water and either shacked at room temperature or placed in water bath at 40 °C for 24 h. The evaluation of the allelopathic potential was performed with the determination of radicle length. The allelopathic potential of the pine needle tissues was confirmed with bioassays using oat (A. sativa) and duckweed (L. minor). The results strongly suggested the allelopathic potential of the pine needle tissue, being more pronounced in the fresh, moderate in the senesced, and low in the decaying pine needles. The allelopathic substances were species-specific, and the inhibition resistance of the species tested followed the order F. arundinacea > C. dactylon > A. sativa. The inhibition of the L. minor suggested that the water soluble phytotoxic compounds were inhibitors of Photosystem II.
Investigation of Disease Resistance and Cold Tolerance of Solanum lycopersicoides for Tomato Improvement
Authors: Zhao Lingxia , Qiu Chengxiang , Li Jingfu , Chai Yourong , Kai Guoyin , Li Zhugang , Sun Xiaofen , Tang K.X.
Published: June 2019

Solanum lycopersicoides is a valuable genetic resource for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) genetic improvement. However, there are few reports on its agronomic traits such as disease resistance and cold tolerance. In this paper, the resistance to cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and leaf mold (Cladosporium fulvum Cooke) and cold tolerance of five lines of S. lycopersicoides were studied through investigation of disease inoculation and electrolyte leakage analysis. The results showed that S. lycopersicoides was highly resistant or immune to CMV and leaf mold and more tolerant to low temperature than L. esculentum. This study is helpful for the genetic improvement of tomato by using S. lycopersicoides as breeding materials.
An Improved Technique for High Resolution Mitotic Chromosome Studies in Solanum
Authors: Chen Qin , Li Hai Y.
Published: June 2019

An improved method is described for the isolation of potato metaphase chromosomes for karyotypic and cytogenetic studies. Root tips from diploid Mexican species, Solanum pinnatisectum (2n = 2x = 24) and tetraploid cultivated S. tuberosum (2n = 4x = 48) were given four different pretreatments. The synthetic pyrethroid, Ambush, was the most stable and effective pretreatment reagent, providing the highest percentage of mitotic chromosomes at metaphase and the best spread of countable chromosomes for cytogenetic studies. Compared with an Ambush pretreatment at concentrations of 100-400 ppm, 1 to 10 ppm Ambush produced more easily distinguished chromosomes, which can be useful for comprehensive observation and karyotype analysis in both 2x and 4x potato species. This improved technique for examining mitotic chromosomes will be helpful in describing karyotypes, characterization of new hybrids, and identifying chromosome structural changes that are important in breeding schemes.
A Spontaneous Mutation at a Seedcoat Pattern Locus in the Dark Red Kidney Bean `Red Hawk,' which Changes Seed from Self-colored to the Partially Colored Virgarcus Pattern
Authors: Ernest E.G. , Kelly J.D. , Bassett M.J.
Published: June 2019

`Redcoat' soldier bean cultivar originated from off-type, virgarcus patterned seeds found in a foundation seed lot of `Red Hawk' dark red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). These off-type seeds were hypothesized to be the result of a single gene mutation. A mutation at either of two loci involved in bean seedcoat pattern expression, T or Z, could convert self-colored seedcoats to a virgarcus pattern. The results of test-crosses of `Redcoat' and `Red Hawk' to lines with known alleles at the seedcoat pattern loci indicate that the dominant T allele of `Red Hawk' mutated to recessive t in `Redcoat'. The mutant t gene prevents expression of red veins in wing petals due to v rkd, and enables expression of the z gene (and possibly other genes) carried cryptically by `Red Hawk'. On the basis of preliminary data, we speculate that the two types of virgarcus patterns observed (classic in `Redcoat' and standard in the tester) may be controlled by different Bip alleles as they interact with t z.
Relationship between Flowering and Heat Units to Analyze Crop Efficiency of Olive Cultivars Located in Southern Italy
Authors: Orlandi Fabio , Romano Bruno , Fornaciari Marco
Published: June 2019

The relationship between heat units trends and reproductive development in olive (Olea europaea, L.) was studied over a 3-year period (1999-2001) in 15 areas in the southern Italian regions of Campania, Calabria, Puglia, and Sicily. Heat units were calculated using GDH and GDD formulas and the flowering phases in the olive groves were studied using volumetric pollen traps that aspirate fixed quantities of air. With this method, the olive pollen release and flowering trends were determined. The main objective of the study was to correlate the spring heat unit amounts and the phases of maximum pollen emission with the date of flowering. Moreover, the ranges of GDH and GDD in the different study areas were calculated to identify maps of olive pollen release.
Bed Mulch Treatment Affects Strawberry Fruit Bronzing and Yield Performance
Authors: Larson Kirk D. , Koike Steven T. , Zalom Frank G.
Published: June 2019

Strawberry plants (`Commander') were grown with different polyethylene bed mulches in the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 production seasons to determine the effect of mulch on plant growth, yield performance and incidence of Type III strawberry fruit bronzing (T3B), a fruit disorder of unknown origin. In 1999-2000, T3B incidence ranged from 1.8% to 3.7% of total yield, and use of clear, full-bed (CFB) mulch resulted in significantly less T3B incidence than either clear center-strip mulch (CS), or yellow-on-black full-bed mulch. Plant canopy vegetative growth and shoot to root dry mass ratios were greatest for CFB compared to other mulch treatments, but there was no effect of mulch treatment on yield or fruit size. Winter temperatures in 2000-2001 were colder than in 1999-2000, with reduced vegetative growth and increased T3B incidence in spring for all mulch treatments. Use of CFB mulch resulted in greater vegetative growth, greater yield, increased fruit size and reduced T3B incidence compared to CS or green full-bed mulch, but there was no difference among mulch treatments for number of T3B fruit per plot for any single fruit harvest interval. In 2000-2001, the onset of severe T3B symptoms on 7 May was preceded by a brief period of ambient temperatures >31 °C. For all treatments, peak T3B incidence occurred from late May to mid-June, a period characterized by high ambient temperatures and high irradiance conditions. Results indicate that temperature and radiation are significant factors in the development of T3B, and that increased plant vegetative growth in winter results in greater yields and a lower percentage of T3B-affected fruit, particularly in years with cold winters. Managing strawberry plantations to optimize plant growth and development in winter appears to be an effective strategy for reducing the severity of this disorder.
Early Blight Forecasting Systems: Evaluation, Modification, and Validation for Use in Fresh-market Tomato Production in Northern New Jersey
Authors: Cowgill W.P. , Maletta M.H. , Manning T. , Tietjen W.H. , Johnston S.A. , Nitzsche P.J.
Published: June 2019

Research trials, conducted from 1991 to 1998, evaluated early blight forecasting systems for use in fresh-market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) production in northern New Jersey. Initial trials focused on determining which of three forecast systems—NJ-FAST, CU-FAST, TOM-CAST—would optimize fungicide use. The TOM-CAST system generated fungicide application schedules that reduced foliar disease rating compared to the untreated check and, in 1 year, controlled diseases as well as a weekly schedule with 3 rather than 14 applications. TOM-CAST was easier to use than NJ-FAST or CU-FAST because it required fewer weather data inputs and simpler forecast calculations. Subsequent trials evaluated and defined thresholds for using TOM-CAST in northern New Jersey and evaluated the efficacy of several fungicides with TOM-CAST. Of the six TOM-CAST modifications evaluated, TOM-CAST beginning fungicide applications at 25 cumulative dew severity values (dew SV) and reapplying fungicide at 15 or 25 cumulative dew SV reduced disease rating as much as a weekly schedule in 1995 and 1996 and with fewer applications. After 5 years of trials, decision thresholds for using TOM-CAST in northern New Jersey were chosen and this new version of the forecast system designated NJ-TOM-CAST. It was verified in 1997 and 1998 and shown to generate fungicide application schedules that reduced foliar disease rating compared to the untreated check in both years and as much as the weekly schedule in one year. From 1995 through 1998, the conservative TOM-CAST schedules, TOM-CAST 25-15 or NJ-TOM-CAST, required on average 6 fungicide applications per year compared to weekly schedules that required on average 15 applications per year. In 1996, marketable yield was increased with TOM-CAST scheduled treatment compared to the untreated check and was the same as or greater than yield with weekly treatment. In the other 3 years, fungicide applications, whether applied on a calendar-based or TOM-CAST-based schedule, did not increase marketable yields compared to the untreated check. Fungicides shown to be effective when used with NJ-TOM-CAST schedules included both low cost and new chemistry materials. Copper fungicides, some of which are allowed in organic crop production, did not consistently control fungal diseases when applied on the NJ-TOM-CAST schedule. Applying fungicides on the NJ-TOM-CAST schedule instead of calendar-based schedules did not increase bacterial disease severity. Powdery mildew damage was more severe with NJ-TOM-CAST-scheduled applications than weekly applications in 1 year, affirming the importance of disease monitoring in the field when using NJ-TOM-CAST. By 2000, through a cooperative effort of Rutgers Cooperative Extension and SkyBit, Inc. (Boalsburg, Pa.), a commercial weather service, NJ-TOM-CAST was available to northern New Jersey tomato growers by subscription.
Changes in the Physical, Optical, and Thermal Properties of Polyethylene Mulches during Double Cropping
Authors: Ngouajio Mathieu , Ernest Jeremy
Published: June 2019

In temperate regions, the vegetable growing season is short and plastic mulches are usually left in the field for an entire year when used for double cropping. This work was conducted to study the effect of weathering on the physical, optical, and thermal properties of plastic mulches during double cropping. The design was a randomized complete block with four replications. The mulches were black, grey, infrared transmitting brown (IRT-brown), IRT-green, white, and white-on-black (co-extruded white/black). Tomato was grown the first year and cucumber the following year. The grey mulch degraded substantially during double cropping (only 40% of bed was covered the second year) and showed an increase in light transmission and a decrease in heat accumulation (degree-days). The black, whiteon-black, white, IRT-brown, and IRT green mulches showed less degradation with 93%, 91%, 85%, 75%, and 61% soil cover, respectively. However, their soil warming ability was significantly reduced. These mulches could be used for double cropping to suppress weeds and to reduce inputs associated with plastic purchase, laying, and disposal. However, they may not provide adequate soil warming early in the season for the second crop.
Effects of Corn Row Width and Defoliation Timing and Intensity on Canopy Light Interception
Authors: Battaglia Martín , Lee Chad , Thomason Wade , Van Mullekom Jennifer
Published: June 2019

Yield losses due to defoliation may be reduced in corn (Zea mays L.) grown at narrow compared to wider row widths. However, the physiological mechanisms behind this response are unclear. A 2‐yr experiment was conducted with two hybrids, row widths (38 and 76 cm), and a combination of defoliation timings–intensities: undefoliated control, V7–100%, V14–50%, V14–100%, R2–50%, and R2–100%. Intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR, MJ m−2) was measured after defoliation at V8, VT, R2, and R5. Post‐defoliation reductions in IPAR were always associated with yield losses after V14–100% and R2–100% defoliations. Conversely, V7–100%, V14–50%, and R2–50% defoliations were not always associated with yield penalties, as a result of a leaf area recovery that allowed plants to reach 72 to 85% IPAR around VT/R1. Changes in grain yields were independent from changes in IPAR‐V8 following V7–100% defoliations, and IPAR at or after VT following V14–100% and R2–100% defoliations. We found no interactions between rows and IPAR‐VT, IPAR‐R2 or IPAR‐R5 for V7–100%, V14–50%, and R2–50% defoliations, implying that the change in grain yield per unit change in IPAR was the same for both rows at each IPAR stage. No evidence of two (IPAR‐VT × IPAR‐R2) and three‐way interactions (IPAR‐VT × IPAR‐R2 × IPAR‐R5) among IPAR stages was found. A simple model explaining >35% of the yield variability in defoliated corn stands, independently of row width, using IPAR between VT and R5 as predictors was fitted. Greater yields associated with narrow rows in corn‐defoliated stands may be related to better resource allocation but was not related to greater intercepted radiation in our study.
A Review of Angular Leaf Spot Resistance in Common Bean
Authors: Nay Michelle M. , Souza Thiago L. P. O. , Raatz Bodo , Mukankusi Clare M. , Gonçalves‐Vidigal Maria C. , Abreu Angela F. B. , Melo Leonardo C. , Pastor‐Corrales Marcial A.
Published: June 2019

Angular leaf spot (ALS), caused by Pseudocercospora griseola, is one of the most devastating diseases of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in tropical and subtropical production areas. Breeding for ALS resistance is difficult due to the extensive virulence diversity of P. griseola and the recurrent appearance of new virulent races. Five major loci, Phg‐1 to Phg‐5, conferring ALS resistance have been named, and markers tightly linked to these loci have been reported. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have also been described, but the validation of some QTLs is still pending. The Phg‐1, Phg‐4, and Phg‐5 loci are from common bean cultivars of the Andean gene pool, whereas Phg‐2 and Phg‐3 are from beans of the Mesoamerican gene pool. The reference genome of common bean and high‐throughput sequencing technologies are enabling the development of molecular markers closely linked to the Phg loci, more accurate mapping of the resistance loci, and the comparison of their genomic positions. The objective of this report is to provide a comprehensive review of ALS resistance in common bean. Furthermore, we are reporting three case studies of ALS resistance breeding in Latin America and Africa. This review will serve as a reference for future resistance mapping studies and as a guide for the selection of resistance loci in breeding programs aiming to develop common bean cultivars with durable ALS resistance.
Morpho-physiological traits associated with heat stress tolerance in tropical maize (Zea mays L.) at reproductive stage
Authors: Noor Jewel Jameeta , Vinayan M.T. , Umar Shahid , Devi Pooja , Iqbal Muhammad , Zaidi K. Seetharam, P.H.
Published: June 2019

Heat stress resilience has emerged as an important trait in maize hybrids targeted for post–monsoon spring cultivation in large parts of South Asia and many other parts of the tropics. Selection based on grain yield alone under heat stress is often misleading, and therefore an approach involving stress-adaptive secondary traits along with grain yield could help in the development of improved, stable heat stress tolerant cultivars. We attempted to identify reliable and effective secondary traits associated with heat stress tolerance in tropical maize and sources of heat stress tolerant germplasm. A panel of 99 elite maize inbred lines representing the wider genetic diversity of tropical maize and a set of 58 elite hybrids were phenotyped under natural heat stress and optimal temperature for grain yield and 15 secondary traits including 10 morpho-physiological traits and 5 yield attributes. Evaluation under natural heat stress was done during the spring season by adjusting the planting date so that the complete reproductive stage (from tassel emergence to late grain filling) was exposed to heat stress. The optimal temperature trial was planted during the monsoon season with no exposure to heat stress at any crop stage. Heat stress significantly affected most of the observed traits. Among the traits studied two yield attributing traits, i.e.- ears per plant (EPP) and kernel per row (KPR), and three morpho-physiological traits, i.e.- chlorophyll content (CC), leaf firing (LF) and tassel blast (TB) were found to be the key secondary traits associated with grain yield under heat stress. In addition, low anthesis-silking internal (ASI) is an important trait that needs to be added in the index selection for heat stress tolerance. The study identified nine promising heat stress tolerant maize inbred lines with desirable secondary traits and grain yield under severe heat stress, which could be used as source germplasm in heat stress tolerance maize breeding program.
Health quality and reduction of pathogenic transmission in tomato seeds using plant extracts
Authors: Silva Mônica Shirley Brasil dos Santos e , Rodrigues Antônia Alice Costa , Silva Erlen Keila Candido e , Oliveira Anna Christina Sanazário de , Oliveira Leonardo de Jesus Machado Gois de , Costa Natalia de Jesus Ferreira , Silva Maria Rosangela Malheiros , Lemos Raimunda Nonata Santos de
Published: June 2019

The objective of the present study was to assess the seed health quality, quantification of seed-seedling pathogen transmission and the effect of plant extracts in reducing plant pathogens in the seeds of the tomato varieties San Marzano and Ipa 6. For the seed health, the samples were disinfested, plated and assessed after seven days, according to the Brazilian Seed Analysis Rule. For the transmission rate, 12 trays were prepared with 100 seeds each and assessed at 7, 14 and 21 d.a.s. (days after seeding) using 100 seedlings. The plant (main root, stalk and leaves) tissues were plated in PDA culture medium and assessed after seven days of incubation. Aqueous extracts were prepared from cinnamon, basil, neem and eucalyptus with 0.5% concentration and the seeds were immersed in each solution for 10 minutes. Then, they plated and assessed after seven days. The health test showed that biggest incidences of Aspergillus fumigatus (26 %) and Aspergillus flavus (26 %) were occurred in the seeds of the varieties Ipa 6 and San Marzano, respectively. The fungi A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, R. stolonifer and Curvularia sp. were detected in quantification of transmission in the seeds of the two tomato varieties. The treatment with basil extract resulted in the least fungus incidence in the transmission quantification of ‘San Marzano’ tomato seeds, while on Ipa 6 seeds the eucalyptus treatment performed better. The interference of treatments was not observed in tomato seed germination. However, there was decrease in incident of pathogens in seeds treated with the plant extracts and different effects was observed based on type and species of the pathogen.
The performance evaluation of the state-owned enterprise’s stocks in Indonesia
Authors: Parlagutan Pulungan Dolly , Wahyudi Sugeng , Suharnomo Suharnomo , Muharam Harjum
Published: June 2019

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) play a strategic role in the Indonesian economy. In Indonesia, SOEs have contributed around 16.41% for the Indonesian state budget. Many Indonesian state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have listed their stocks on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. However, the study on the performance of SOEs’ stocks is still relatively limited and tends to use indicators such as Sharpe Index, Treynor Ratio or Jensen Index. In addition to using indicators such as Sharpe Index, Treynor Ratio or Jensen Index, this study examines the performance of SOEs’ stocks using Adjusted Sharpe Index, Adjusted Jensen Index and Sortino Ratio that can measure the downside risk of those stocks. The objective of this study is to analyze the performance of the SOEs’ stocks in Indonesia. The sample in this research were 19 SOEs’ stocks listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period from January 2013 until April 2019. The result of this research indicated that INAF (PT Indo Farma) stocks had the best performance when measured by using all measurement methods. The performing stocks came from the construction sector and the pharmaceutical sector. Therefore, investors are suggested to give more attention to SOEs from the pharmaceutical sector and the construction sector.
Drinking water quality and risk for human health in Pelengana commune, Segou, Mali
Authors: Toure Amadou , Wenbiao Duan , Keita Zakaria , Dembele Abdramane , Abdalla Elzaki Elsamoal Elzak
Published: June 2019

Water is an indispensable commodity for the survival of all living beings and for their well-being. The objective of this work is to evaluate the level of pollution of different drinking water sources consumed and its link with health in Pelengana commune, Mali. Samples of water were taken from various sources, namely, hand pumps, boreholes, dug wells, and shallow wells for physical, chemical, heavy metals, and bacteriological analyses, using American Public Health Association (APHA) Standard Techniques. Results revealed that the nitrate-nitrogen (NO3−N) values of the water samples from the different water sources had concentrations exceeding the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (US-EPA) regulation of 10 mg/L, as well as World Health Organization Guideline for Drinking Water Quality (WHO GDWQ) (11 mg/L). The same applies to heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, and Fe, in which, concentrations exceed their allowable limits in certain locations. Moreover, apart from water samples from some different boreholes, total coliform, and Escherichia coli have been detected in all selected water sources, which indicates fecal contamination. In all, there is a pressing need to stop the consumption of drinking water from contaminated sources and to effect appropriate treatment.