bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auxin Control in the Formation of Adventitious Roots
Authors: POP Tiberia I. , PAMFIL Doru , BELLINI Catherine
Published: March 2018

Adventitious rooting is a complex process and a key step in the vegetative propagation of economically important woody, horticultural and agricultural species, playing an important role in the successful production of elite clones. The formation of adventitious roots is a quantitative genetic trait regulated by both environmental and endogenous factors. Among phytohormones, auxin plays an essential role in regulating roots development and it has been shown to be intimately involved in the process of adventitious rooting. Great progress has been made in elucidating the auxin-induced genes and auxin signaling pathway, especially in auxin response Aux/IAA and Auxin Response Factor gene families. Although some important aspects of adventitious and lateral rooting signaling have been revealed, the intricate signaling network remains poorly understood. This review summarizes some of the current knowledge on the physiological aspects of adventitious root formation and highlights the recent progress made in the identification of putative molecular players involved in the control of adventitious rooting. Despite much has been discovered regarding the effects and regulation of auxins on plant growth since the Darwin experiments, there is much that remains unknown.
Physico-Chemical Characteristics at Three Development Stages in Pomegranate cv. â€˜Hicaznarâ€™
Authors: OZLEKCI Sadiye G , ERCISLI Sezai , OKTUREN Filiz , SONMEZ Sahriye
Published: March 2018

During the last decade consumption of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has been highly recommended, based on the presence of phytochemicals with health protective effects for humans. Apart from these compounds, pomegranate might apport high levels of minerals, however, they are likely to be affected by cultivar, environment and development stage of fruits. In this study, some physico-chemical characteristics along with minerals (P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) were determined in fruits in three development stage (immature, unripe and full ripe) of pomegranate cv. â€˜Hicaznarâ€™ grown in Antalya, Turkey. The most of physico-chemical characteristics and concentrations of minerals of pomegranate strongly influenced by development stage. Fruit weight was 7.25 g, 140.57 g and 423.16 g in immature, unripe and full ripe stages. 100 aril weight changed from 0.34 g to 33.21 g during development stage. Soluble solid content were 6.16%, 10.38% and 15.84% in immature, unripe and full ripe stages. The contribution to the intake of minerals was in general high, with special emphasis on the contributions of K, Ca and Mn.
Cumulative Effect of Temperature and Solar Radiation on Wheat Yield
Authors: AHMED Mukhtar , HASSAN Fayyaz-ul
Published: March 2018

The impact of temperature and solar radiations were studied as determinant factor for spring wheat grain yield. The data obtained at anthesis and maturity for grain number (GN), grain weight (GW) and grain yield (Y) were examined with mean temperature at anthesis (T1) and maturity (T2), solar radiation at anthesis (SR1) and maturity (SR2) and photothermal quotient (PTQ) at anthesis (PTQ1) and maturity (PTQ2). The data obtained was subjected to Statistica 8 software and scatter plot regression model was developed at 95% confidence interval with crop data and climate variables (T1, T2, SR1, SR2, PTQ1 and PTQ2). Results clearly indicated that yield remained directly proportional to solar radiation and temperature plus solar radiation (PTQ) while inversely to temperature under optimum other environmental resources. Direct relationship between PTQ and yield parameters confirmed that it determined crop yield and its management for variable environmental conditions need to be opted by adopting suitable sowing time as an adaptation strategy under changing climate.
Foliar Application of Potassium Nitrate Affects the Growth and Nitrate Reductase Activity in Sunflower and Safflower Leaves under Salinity
Authors: JABEEN Nusrat , AHMAD Rafiq
Published: March 2018

Effect of foliar application of KNO3 on growth and the activity of nitrate reductase were studied in the leaves of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) plants growing under different levels of salinity. The seeds were sown in pots under non saline condition and saline water irrigation was started at three leaf stage after germination. Different concentration of saline water (i.e. 0.3% and 0.6%, equivalent to an EC of 4.8 and 8.6 dS/m respectively) were made by dissolving sea salt per litre of tap water. Nutrient solution of KNO3 was sprayed at the rate of 250 ppm. The concentration of Na+ and Cl- rapidly increased in the leaves of both the plants under salinity stress. In contrast the nitrate (NO3-) and soluble protein concentration were decreased with the increasing salinity. Salinity reduced leaf area, its fresh and dry weight per plant and also inhibited the activity of Nitrate reductase (NRA) enzyme. The application of KNO3 significantly reduced the increasing tendency of Na+ and Cl- and increased leaf area, its fresh and dry weight per plant, NO3- and soluble protein concentration and NR activity in leaves irrespective to the growth of plant under non saline or saline conditions.
The Effects of Several Postharvest Treatments on Shelf Life Quality of Bunch Tomatoes
Authors: DİLMAÇÜNAL Tuba , KOYUNCU Mehmet Ali , AKTAŞ Hakan , BAYINDIR Derya
Published: March 2018

Bunch tomatoes (Lycopersicon lycopersicum L.) â€˜Banditaâ€™ cv. were hand-harvested at red ripe stage. The plants were grown on hanging carrying system with high wire support training in coco peat media in a plastic greenhouse located in Antalya (Turkey). Harvested fruits were divided to four groups for these treatments: (1) control-not treated; (2) tomato wax (Tomato wax is a wax formulated from 99% food grade mineral oil and 1% water); (3)Nutrient solution (1% potassium nitrate + 0.5% zinc sulfate + 1% calcium chloride + 0.1% boron + 0.2% copper sulfate + 0.5% ascorbic acid + 0.1% salicylic acid) and (4) Herbal oil (Herbal oil is a natural product obtained from hazelnut fruit membrane contains a high level of antioxidant). Bunches, placed in carton boxes, stored at 20Â°C temperature and 90Â±5% relative humidity for 16 days. Weight loss of bunches, firmness, respiration rate, ethylene production, colour, soluble solid content, pH, titratable acidity and sensory attributes (external appearance and taste-aroma of fruits and wilting and drying of calyxes) of tomatoes were evaluated during storage. Tomato wax treatment was limited the weight loss and preserved firmness better than the others. Tomato wax, nutrient solution and herbal oil treatments were limited the respiration rate. Ethylene production of nutrient solution treated fruits showed the highest value followed by herbal oil, tomato wax and control group. The highest colour change was found in control group. The lowest soluble solid content and the highest level of acidity were found in fruits treated with tomato wax. Control , herbal oil and nutrient solution treatments were lost marketable quality after 8 days of storage. TW treatment gave the best result and provided to store bunch tomatoes at good quality for 12 days.
Volatile Compounds Determined by HS/GC-MS Technique in Peel and Pulp of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Cultivars Grown in Mediterranean Region of Turkey
Authors: GOZLEKCI Sadiye , KAFKAS Ebru , ERCISLI Sezai
Published: March 2018

Aromatic profile of peels and pulps of four commercial fig cultivars (â€˜Bursa Siyahiâ€™, â€˜Karabakunyaâ€™, â€˜Sari Lopâ€™ and â€˜Sultan Selimâ€™) from Turkey were determined first time by using Headspace Gas Chromatogropy-Mass Spectrophotometer (HS/GC-MS) technigue. In general, aldehydes and therpenes were the major volatile group responsible aroma for peels and pulps in fig fruits. Total aldehydes were higher in pulps than peel in all cultivars. However total therpenes were higher in peel rather than in pulp. Among therpenes, Î²-caryophyllene were the major volatile compounds found in both peel and pulp. Phenol, 2,6-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl were the second important group responsible for fig aroma presented in both peel and pulp. Among aldehydes, 2-hexanal were found in high proportion only in pulp in all cultivars. The other groups responsible fig aroma were 2-furancaboxaldehyde, 5 (hydroxymethyl), benzyaldethyde, furfural and Germacrene D. Î±-curcumene, Î²-bisabolene and Î²-sesquiphellandrene were determined only in cv. â€˜Bursa Siyahiâ€™ peel and pulp and discriminated this cultivar from the others.
Path Analysis of Yield and Quality Traits in Alfalfa
Authors: MONIRIFAR Hassan
Published: March 2018

An investigation was carried out using 13 alfalfa accessions during 2009 to 2010 and was located on the experimental field of East Azarbaijan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center (AZARAN), Iran. The objective of this research was to evaluate positive effect and reliability of yield and quality traits as selection criteria in alfalfa breeding. Significant differences were observed for most of the yield and quality components. Variability coefficients were high for yield components, while quality traits showed relatively low variation. Plant height (PH), number of stems (NS), number of nodes (NN) and leaf size (LS) was positively correlated with plant yield. Crude protein (CP) content was correlated directly with acid detergent fiber (ADF) and natural detergent fiber (NDF) while correlation with crude fiber (CF) was inverse. The direct effect of the number of stems on yield had the highest value (0.698, P
Several Fruit Characteristics of Rosa sp. Genotypes from the Northeastern Region of Romania
Authors: ROSU Craita Maria , MANZU Ciprian , OLTEANU Zenovia , OPRICA Lacramioara , OPREA Adrian , CIORNEA Elena , ZAMFIRACHE Maria Magdalena
Published: March 2018

There is great evidence regarding the beneficial influence of rose hips on human and animal health. In this respect, fruits of native populations of Rosa spp. collected from the northeastern part of Romania (400-1060 m altitude) were assayed for nutritional and some morphological properties, in order to select the best genotypes. The results show a great quantitative variability of analyzed genotypes, regarding dimensions and biochemical indicators as follow: ascorbic acid: 866.91 mg/100 g fw (R. rubiginosa), 615.98 mg/100 g fw (R. caesia); carotenes: 34.95 mg/100 g fw (R. subcanina), 24.64 mg/100 g fw (R. nitidula); protein content: 0.47 g/100 g fw (R. micrantha), 0.25 g/100 g fw (R. caesia); total sugars: 17.63 g/100 g fw (R. andegavensis), 11.55 g/100 g fw (R. caryophyllacea). The fruits length, width and dry weight were: 25 mm (R. canina), 12 mm (R. micrantha), 16.5 mm (R. corymbifera), 8 mm (R. micrantha) and 25% dry weight (R. rubiginosa), 38% dry weight (R. nitidula), respectively. The present study demonstrates the existence of a rich rose germplasm source in north-east area, with good biotechnological fruit quality, which recommends them as functional foods according to their chemical contents (R. rubiginosa, R. vosagiaca, R. subcanina, R. canina and R. caryophyllacea) and also as sources for natural colorants in food technology.
The Heterosis and Combining Ability of Diallel Crosses of Rapeseed Inbred Lines
Authors: SİNCİK Mehmet , GOKSOY Abdurrahim Tanju , TURAN Metin Z.
Published: March 2018

The heterosis and combining ability of four rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) genotypes were estimated using diallel crosses. An experiment was conducted at Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey, during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 growing seasons using 4x4 full diallel crosses. All of the 12 F1 hybrids and their parents were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The data obtained from the experiment were subjected to an analysis of variance. The analysis of variance indicated significant differences among parents and their hybrids in the F1 generation for all the characters studied except for 1000-seed weight, which was non-significant. Positive better-parent heterosis for seed yield per plant were found in all 12 hybrids tested. An analysis of the components of combining ability showed that general combining ability (GCA) and reciprocal combining ability (RCA) were highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) for plant height and number of pods per main raceme, whereas specific combining ability (SCA) was highly significant for all traits but 1000-seed weight. The parent genotypes PR1, PR3 and PR4 with the hybrids PR1 x PR3 and PR1 x PR4 showed higher GCA and SCA effects, respectively, and therefore could be used to develop high-yielding lines.
Soluble Carbohydrates as Osmolytes in Several Halophytes from a Mediterranean Salt Marsh
Authors: GIL Ricardo , LULL Cristina , BOSCAIU Monica , BAUTISTA Inmaculada , LIDÓN Antonio , VICENTE Oscar
Published: March 2018

Compartmentalization of toxic ions in the vacuole and accumulation of osmolytes in the cytoplasm is a common response of halophytes to high soil salinity. Soluble carbohydrates, such as sugars and polyols, are some of the compatible solutes used for osmotic adjustment and osmoprotection. Major carbohydrates were identified and quantified by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography, combined with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD), in five halophytic species from a Mediterranean salt marsh (Juncus acutus, Juncus maritimus, Plantago crassifolia, Inula crithmoides and Sarcocornia fruticosa). Sucrose, followed by glucose and fructose were the more representative sugars detected in J. acutus and J. maritimus, and sorbitol the only soluble carbohydrate present at significant levels in P. crassifolia. In the other two taxa analyzed, no clearly predominant carbohydrates were observed: polyols (myo-inositol and glycerol) seemed to be the most representative in I. crithmoides, albeit at relatively low concentrations, and sugars (sucrose and glucose) in S. fruticosa. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to correlate soil properties and meteorological conditions increasing soil salinity, with seasonal changes in carbohydrate contents, to establish their possible function as osmolytes and their contribution to salt tolerance in the investigated species. The obtained results confirmed sorbitol as the major functional osmolyte in P. crassifolia-as it has been described previously for other species of the genus-and suggested the participation of sucrose and, to a lesser extent, glucose and fructose in osmoregulatory mechanisms in J. acutus and J. maritimus.
Determination of Size and Shape in the â€˜Moroâ€™ Blood Orange and â€˜Valenciaâ€™ Sweet Orange Cultivar and its Mutants Using Image Processing
Authors: SAYINCI Bahadir , ERCISLI Sezai , OZTURK Ismail , ERYILMAZ Zeynep , DEMIR Bunyamin
Published: March 2018

Fruit size and shape are important physical characteristics in designing relevant equipment, sorting, sizing and packaging systems. Therefore, the properties of size and shape of the sweet orange cultivar, â€˜Valenciaâ€™, and its three mutants, â€˜A70â€™, â€˜A77â€™, and â€˜A88â€™ were determined by image processing. The blood orange cultivar, â€˜Moroâ€™, was also included in this analysis. The volume of each cultivar and mutant was measured by the liquid displacement method. Linear equations with high R2 values were developed in order to estimate the surface area and geometric mean diameter, which were dependent upon the mass and volume of the orange samples. The results of this study showed that the â€˜A70â€™ mutant differed from the other mutants and the â€˜Valenciaâ€™ cultivar in regard to most physical properties. The â€˜A70â€™ and â€˜A88â€™ mutants and the â€˜Valenciaâ€™ cultivar had the highest sphericity values, which varied from 96.41% to 97.18%. The lowest shape factor was found in the â€˜Valenciaâ€™ cultivar, with a mean of 0.73. The elongation of the â€˜A88â€™ mutant and â€˜Valenciaâ€™ (1.07 each) was smaller than that of the other cultivars. The highest coefficient of variance was observed within the â€˜Valenciaâ€™ and â€˜Moroâ€™ cultivars in most physical properties, suggesting that the â€˜Valenciaâ€™ mutants produce more homogeneous fruits than the â€˜Valenciaâ€™ cultivar itself.
Efficient Axillary Shoot Proliferation and in Vitro Rooting of Apple cv. 'Topaz'
Authors: KERESA Snjezana , MIHOVILOVIC BOSNJAK Anita , BARIC Marijana , HABUS JERCIC Ivanka , SARCEVIC Hrvoje , BISKO Ante
Published: March 2018

'Topaz' is a modern Czech apple cultivar well accepted by consumers and scab-resistant, providing reasons for the significant spreadof cv. 'Topaz' in European orchards, especially in the organic fruit production industry. Growing the apple trees on their own rootsprovides some advantages in comparison with grafted trees. Micropropagation is the method of choice for plantlet production for thispurpose as well as for the establishment of healthy mother stock trees as a source of scions. The efficiency of axillary shoot proliferationwas examined on four media differing in plant growth regulators and their concentrations, and from three explant types: intact ordecapitated and defoliated microshoots placed vertically and one-nodal segments placed horizontally. All media consisted of Quoirin and Lepoivre (QL) macroelements and Murashige and Skoog (MS) microelements. Furthermore, rooting efficiency on six different media/treatments was analyzed. Media with 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) or BA (0.5 mg/L) + 1.5 mg/L kinetin (Kin) produced similarnumber of microshoots per inoculated one (2.5 and 2.4, respectively). Medium with 1 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ) produced significantlyhigher number of shoots (3.6) but they were fasciated. Three different explant types also produced similar numbers of microshoots.High rooting efficiency (68.7%), a high number of roots per shoot (6.6) and the best quality of shoots were obtained in rooting mediumcontaining 2 mg/L of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). An efficient method of shoot proliferation was established, and, since rooting was themost critical step, an efficient procedure for rooting apple cv. 'Topaz' was established.
The Infection Processes of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Basal Stem Tissue of a Susceptible Genotype of Helianthus annuus L.
Authors: DAVAR Robab , DARVISHZADEH Reza , MAJD Ahmad , KHARABIAN MASOULEH Ardashir , GHOSTA Yobert
Published: March 2018

Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., is a major oil seed crop widely cultivated throughout the globe. White mold, caused by necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is a common and widespread pathogen of sunflower. The infection process of S. sclerotiorum was studied in the stem base of infected host tissues by light microscopy and Hemi-thin sectioning techniques. Host-pathogen interactions were examined at the plant surface and cellular level of a susceptible genotype (C146), 12, 24 and 48 h of post inoculation. The results showed that the appressoria were formed and the hyphal strands branched upon contact of pathogen with the host surface. Moreover a direct penetration of fungal hyphae was observed through the cuticle within 12h of inoculation. Microscopic observation of inoculated tissues after 24 hours revealed that fungal hyphae have developed both inter- and intra-cellular layer. Moreover, the fungal hyphae growth was incremental among and inside the host cells. The host cells were completely colonized by fungal mycelium 48 hour after inoculation, leading to a tissue collapse. The hyphae invaded the dead host tissues and emerged from the host tissue after extensive colonization. The present study has detailed the infection processes and pathogen development both at plant surface and inside the host tissues. The results of this study will be useful for engineering of disease-resistant genotypes and development of markers for screening pathogen resistance individuals.
Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Iranian Pomegranate Cultivars Using Fruit Morphological Characteristics and AFLP Markers
Authors: NEMATI Zahra , TEHRANIFAR Ali , FARSI Mohammad , MIRSHAMSI KAKHKI Amin , NEMATI Hossein , KHAYAT Mehdi
Published: March 2018

The present research evaluated the diversity of a number of Iranian pomegranate cultivars using fruit morphological characteristics and AFLP markers. Thirty-one pomegranate cultivars were collected from Yazd Pomegranate Collection in Iran to study their diversity. Seven AFLP primer combinations were used to amplify a total of 112 polymorphic fragments (47.26%). By use of AFLPs, a low genetic diversity level was detected among cultivars. The relationship between fruit characteristics was analyzed using the principal component analysis (PCA). The cluster analysis based on both fruit characteristics and AFLP data indicated that cultivars were not grouped according to their geographic origins. Moreover, the correlation between the diversity matrix based on fruit characteristics and Diceâ€™s genetic similarity coefficient was insignificant (r=0.06). The results obtained from this study can improve the conservation and management of pomegranate germplasm resources and could be helpful in optimizing breeding programs.
Seed and Saponin Production of Organic Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) for different Tillage and Fertilization
Authors: BILALIS Dimitrios , KAKABOUKI Ioanna , KARKANIS Anestis , Travlos Ilias , TRIANTAFYLLIDIS Vassilis , HELA Dimitra
Published: March 2018

Field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of tillage systems and fertilization on growth, yield and quality of quinoa crop (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with four replicates, two main plots [conventional tillage (CT) and minimum tillage (MT)] and three sub-plots (fertilization treatments: control, cow manure and compost). The soil porosity (45.5-49.75%) and total nitrogen (0.144-0.173%) were higher in soils subjected to MT system than under CT. In soil porosity, an interaction between fertilization and tillage system was found. The highest leaf area index (4.47-5.03), dry weight (8650-9290 kg ha-1) and root density (1.03-1.21 cm cm-3) were also found in MT. Moreover, there were significant differences between the organic fertilization treatments concerning the LAI, dry weight and root density. The highest seed yield (2485-2643 kg ha-1) and saponin content (0.42-0.45%) were found in cow manure and compost treatments. Also, the highest saponin yield (7.70-12.05 kg ha-1) was found in the MT system. Saponin yield had positive and significant correlation with total N (r=0.866). In quinoa measurements, an interaction between fertilization and tillage system was not found. The present results indicated that MT and organic fertilization increase saponin yield of quinoa.
Response of Antioxidant Substances and Enzymes Activities as a Defense Mechanism Against Root-Knot Nematode Infection
Authors: EL-BELTAGI Hossam Saad , FARAHAT Ahmed A , ALSAYED Alsayed A. , MAHFOUD Nomer M.
Published: March 2018

The organic amendments, composts (1, 2, 3), neem and poultry as well as inorganic fertilizers (NPK compound and commercial, AthreeÂ®) and the nematicide nemacur 10 G applied singly were effective in reducing M. incognita number of galls, nematode reproductionand fecundity. The effectiveness seemed to be material origin dependent. Neem, compost 1, 3 (5 g/pot) gave the best results. Yet, achievedresults were less than those of nemacur 10% G. The antioxidant substances content and enzymes activities due to nematode infectionand application of organic and inorganic fertilizers pointed to significant increase of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide as aresult of nematode infection and nemacur treatment. While all organic and inorganic fertilizers reduced such materials with significantdifferences among treatments. Likewise, nematode infection resulted in slight but significant increase in glutathione and ascorbic acidin tomato shoots and roots. All treatments increased antioxidant substances comparing to healthy and infected plants. Glutathione-Stransferaseactivity highly increased in infected roots but the lowest activities were achieved by organic fertilizers. Nematode infectionand nemacur treatment increased slightly phenylalaine ammonia lyase activity but enormous increase was observed in shoots and rootsof treated plants with organic fertilizers followed by NPK treatments.
Using Huehnâ€™s Nonparametric Stability Statistics to Investigate Genotype Ã— Environment Interaction
Authors: KARIMIZADEH Rahmatollah , MOHAMMADI Mohtasham , SABAGHNIA Naser , SHEFAZADEH Mohammad Kazem
Published: March 2018

Genotype Ã— environment interaction (GEI) is of special interest in breeding programs to identify adaptation targets and test locations as well as to determine the most favorable genotypes. There are several nonparametric procedures used to interpret the GEI in multi-environmental trials. The purposes of this investigation were (i) to compare the effect of correction on Huehnâ€™s nonparametric stability statistics and (ii) to use nonparametric statistics for a GEI study on lentil. Nine improved lentil genotypes and one local cultivar were grown in 5 sites during two consecutive years. Results of the nonparametric analysis demonstrated both additive and crossover GEIs. According to uncorrected nonparametric statistics, genotypes G8 and G9 were the most stable and based on corrected nonparametric statistics of Huehn, genotypes G1, G2 and G10 were the most stable. In this investigation, mean of ranks (MR) and coefficient of variation of ranks (CV) with (6)iSwere associated with high mean yield (within the dynamic concept of stability), but the other nonparametric statistics were not positively correlated with mean yield and were identified within a static concept of stability. Results also indicated that corrected nonparametric statistics were not suitable for simultaneous selection of mean yield and stability. Such an outcome could be used to delineate predictive, more rigorous recommendation strategies as well as to help define stability concepts to identify recommendations for lentil and other crops.
Salinity Tolerance of the Hygrophilous Plant Species in the Wetlands of the South of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: GOMEZ MERCADO Francisco , DEL MORAL TORRES Fernando , GIMENEZ LUQUE Esther , DE HARO LOZANO Sergio
Published: March 2018

The aim of this work is to evaluate (or to study or to gain information about) with the salinity tolerance of the hygrophilous plantspecies recorded along the River Guadiamar (SW of the Iberian Peninsula) and in four sublittoral wetlands of the bay of AlmerÃ­a (SEof the Iberian Peninsula). The first of these wetlands is an Atlantic-type open wetland. The other four wetlands in AlmerÃ­a are closedlagoon-like wetlands. The data of each species are given and grouped in categories defined by tolerance range. The results obtained forthe species found in the two sites are then compared. The salinity conditions of the soils of these two types of wetlands are also comparedto discover any possible cause for differentiation. Finally, the different units of measurement of salinity available and some conversionmodels for them will be discussed. As a result of the present data and analysis, the study proposes a model to estimate total dissolved saltsfrom electrical conductivity.
Nitrogen and Crude Proteins in Beetroot (Beta vulgaris var. conditiva) under Different Fertilization Treatments
Authors: PETEK Marko , HERAK CUSTIC Mirjana , TOTH Nina , SLUNJSKI Sanja , COGA Lepomir , PAVLOVIC Ivan , KARAZIJA Tomislav , LAZAREVIC Boris , CVETKOVIc Sasa
Published: March 2018

The research aim was to determine the influence of different organic and mineral fertilization treatments and post-harvest treatments on the content of nitrogen and crude proteins in the edible part of beetroot (Beta vulgaris var. conditiva). A field trial (2003-2005) was set up in a hilly part of Croatia according to the Latin square method with four types of fertilization (control, 50 t ha-1 stable manure, 500 and 1000 kg ha-1 NPK 5-20-30), while treatments involved harvested fresh beetroot and stored fresh beetroot. The highest dry weight (DW) content was determined in climatologically favourable 2004 (average 14.8% DW) and in the treatment with 1000 kg ha-1 NPK 5-20-30 (15.6% DW) in harvested beetroot. In 2004 and 2005, the highest levels of nitrogen and crude proteins in harvested beetroot were determined in the treatment with 1000 kg ha-1 NPK 5-20-30 (2.41 and 2.43 g N kg-1 in fresh weight and 15.07 and 15.21 g crude proteins kg-1 in fresh weight, respectively). Regardless of fertilization treatment or studied year, nitrogen and crude protein contents were higher in stored than in harvested beetroot, by 12% on average. The lowest crude protein content was determined in treatment with stable manure what confirmed that protein content decreased by organic fertilization. It can be concluded that beetroot lost some water during the storage period, which increased its content of nitrogen and crude proteins in fresh weight and thus increased the nutritional quality of beetroot as a functional food.
Effect of Growing Medium and Harvest Term on Yield and Several Quality Traits of Two Cultivars of â€˜â€˜Cherryâ€™â€™ Tomatoes
Authors: MAZUR Katarzyna Z. , GAJEWSKI Marek , METERA Agata M. , WTULICH Jolanta A. , MARCINKOWSKA Monika M.
Published: March 2018

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of growing medium in greenhouse cultivation on the yield and fruits qualityÂ of â€œcherryâ€ tomato two cultivars. Cultivars â€˜Dasher F1â€™ and â€˜Pareso F1â€™ were chosen for the experiment. The growing mediums comparedÂ were: standard mineral wool slabs and coconut fibre slabs, chosen as an environmentally friendly alternative to mineral wool. TomatoÂ seeds were sown in December; seedlings were planted to the experimental greenhouse in January. The fruits were harvested at 5thÂ stage ofÂ maturity, according to USDA classification (i.e. â€˜light-redâ€™), and subjected to analyses. Harvest terms for quality evaluation of the fruitsÂ were June and September. There were determined for the fruits: total and marketable yield, and quality parameters: pH of the fruit juice,Â titratable acidity, total sugars, soluble solids, total phenolic acids, lycopene, Î±-carotene and Î²-carotene contents. The results showed thatÂ the fruits harvested in September showed a higher dry matter and carotenoid content that the fruits harvested in June. However, theÂ fruits harvested in June were characterized by a higher total sugars content, higher pH of the juice and higher soluble solids content. TheÂ plants grown in both mediums had fruits of similar quality, but the plants grown in coconut fibre showed noticeably higher total yield.Â Therefore, it can be concluded that the coconut fibre can be used as the environmentally friendly medium for greenhouse cultivation ofÂ â€˜cherryâ€™ tomatoes, the alternative to mineral wool.
Effect of Pretreatments on Seed Germination of Prunus mahaleb L.
Authors: PIPINIS Elias , MILIOS Elias , MAVROKORDOPOULOU Olga , GKANATSIOU Christina , ASLANIDOU Maria , SMIRIS Pavlos
Published: March 2018

Sexual propagation of Prunus mahaleb is difficult due to seed dormancy. To overcome dormancy and maximize germination, various pretreatments have been applied, including stratification (warm and cold), gibberellic acid (GA3), sulfuric acid scarification (AS), and endocarp removal. The results show that warm stratification (WS) prior to cold stratification (CS) does not improve seed germination and a long period of WS (3 months) is disastrous for germination. CS alone (up to 4 months) has been found to hasten and increase seed germination. Pretreatment of the seeds with exogenous GA3, during the CS period, has been observed to result in significantly higher seed germination. AS of seeds for 45 minutes prior to GA3 (1000 ppm for 24 hours) plus CS (up to 1 month) pretreatment has been considered to reduce the mechanical resistance of endocarp and improve germination. However, extended time of AS (180 minutes) prior to GA3 plus CS pretreatment has been found to harm the seeds. The removal of endocarp has been noted to significantly improve germination. Seeds without endocarp, which were pretreated with GA3 (1000 or 2000 ppm for 24 hours) and then cold stratified for 1 month, have been noted to exhibit the highest germination percentages.
Cultivar Selection and Pest Control Techniques on Organic White Cabbage Yield
Authors: STOLERU Vasile V. , MUNTEANU Neculai C. , STOLERU Carmen Maria V. , ROTARU Liliana G.
Published: March 2018

In Romania, as in many other countries, white cabbage is one of the most important vegetable crop species. The experiment was performed in the NE of the country during 2008-2009 in order to measure the impact of cultivar choice and pest control techniques on organic white cabbage [Brassica oleracea (L.) var. capitata f. alba (D.C.)]. This experiment included early, summer and autumn crops. The early crop compared four cultivars, the summer crop two cultivars, and the autumn crop three cultivars. The effect of various common organic pest control techniques was also measured. These techniques included: treatments with extract from neem (Azadirachta indica), potassium soap, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki toxins, application of a parasitic wasp (Trichogramma evanescens) and covering the crop with an agrotextile. Data were collected regarding the effect of cultivar selection and pest control technique on common local cabbage pests: cabbage flea beetle (Phyllotreta atra), cabbage fly (Delia brassicae), cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) and cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae). The highest yields for each respective growing season were obtained using the following combinations: Flavius agrotextile (early crop), Copenhagen Market agrotextile + 4 lha-1 azadirachtin + 12104 wasps/ha (summer crop) and Buzau 4 lha-1 azadirachtin (autumn crop).
Effect of Different Cellulase and Pectinase Enzyme Treatments on Protoplast Isolation and Viability in Lilium ledebeourii Bioss.
Authors: CHAMANI Esmaeil , TAHAMI Seyyed Karim , ZARE Nasser , Asghari-ZAKARIA Rasool , MOHEBODINI Mehdi , JOYCE Daryl
Published: March 2018

For overcoming interspecific incompatibility, protoplast combination method is a proper procedure for making a new plant withdesired traits. For this purpose, protoplast preparation is a first and important step. Hence, experiments were conducted to evaluatevarious combinations of cellulose, pectinase and their treatment times on protoplast production and protoplast viability in Liliumledebeourii Bioss. The results of experiment revealed that the protoplast yield was significantly affected by different treatment levels.Cellulase at 4% gave the highest numbers of protoplasts at 3.71Ã—105 protoplast/g FW. Pectinase at 1% gave the highest numbers ofprotoplast. For treatment times, the highest yield of protoplast was with leaf explants treated for 24 h. Analysis of variance indicated thatconcentration, time and three-way interaction of cellulase, pectinase and time were significant at p<0.01. Cellulase at 4% and pectinase at0.2% for 24 h gave the highest viability. Interactions of cellulase Ã— pectinase, cellulase Ã— time, pectinase Ã— time and cellulase Ã— pectinaseÃ— treatment time were significant at Pâ‰¤0.05 for protoplast number. The highest and lowest protoplast numbers were produced in mediacontaining 4% cellulase and 1% pectinase for 24 h (6.65Ã—105 protoplast/g FW) and 1% cellulase and 0.2% pectinase for 12 h, respectively.Itâ€™s concluded that, the best treatment for isolation of Lilium protoplast was 4% cellulase and 1% pectinase for 24 h.
The Impact of Foliar Application of Calcium Fertilizers on the Quality of Highbush Blueberry Fruits Belonging to the â€˜Dukeâ€™ Cultivar
Authors: OCHMIAN Ireneusz Dariusz
Published: March 2018

The studies were conducted in the period of 2010-2011, in the Laboratory of Orcharding at the West Pomeranian University ofÂ Technology in Szczecin, and related to the bushes of the highbush blueberry of the Duke cultivar. The authors examined the impactÂ of foliar calcium fertlizers (Calcinit, Calcium chloride, Fruton Calcium Calcium, FolanxÂ®Ca29 Lebosol Calcium Forte Calcium Forte)Â on the fruit size and firmness, their chemical composition, content of macronutrients in the foliage and fruits, and their colour. It wasÂ found that the applied fertlizers have varied impact on the examined attributes. The bushes sprayed with the Lebosol Calcium Forte andÂ Calcinit preparations had big fruits with a high content of K and Mg, and dark foliage. The application of the Lebosol Calcium ForteÂ fertilizer increased the content of polyphenols and vitamin C in the fruits. The smallest amounts of such compounds were determined inÂ the fruits sprayed with the Calcinit fertilizer. The highest firmness and resistance to mechanical damage were achieved in the case of theÂ fruits collected from the bushes sprayed with the foliar fertlizers containing calcium chloride, such as Fruton Calcium and Folanx Ca29.Â It was determined that the application of the calcium preparations resulted in the increase of the calcium content in the fruits and foliage.Â The highest amounts of this element were determined in the case of the plants sprayed with the Folanx Ca29 and Lebosol Calcium ForteÂ preparations.
The Impact of Î³-Irradiation, Essential Oils and Iodine on Biochemical Components and Metabolism of Potato Tubers During Storage
Authors: AFIFY Abd El-Moneim M.R. , EL-BELTAGI Hossam Saad , ALY Amina A. , EL-ANSARY Abeer E.
Published: March 2018

Several methods have been suggested as effective for inhibition of sprouting of potato tubers during storage. Three methods; Î³-irradiation, volatile oils and iodine vapor were used for the inhibition of potato tuber cv. â€˜Diamondâ€™. Gamma irradiation, essential oils (caraway, clove, carvone, eugenol) and Iodine vapor were used to achieve the purpose. The results proved that Î³-irradiation and essential oils maintain potato as well as inhibit sprouting for 9 weeks while iodine vapor maintain potato for six weeks. Alpha amylase activity showed an increase after six weeks and then reduced to lower value compared to control. During the metabolic pathway the concentration of lactate was decreased and reached to the level of control when potato tuber treated even with essential oils, radiation as well as with iodine vapor. The levels of NADP and NADPH+H were decreased during potato storage proving that synthesis of this metabolite were very low. The level of glycoalkaloids was fluctuated during storage depending on the treatments.
The Mineral Source for Human Nutrition of Nuts in Different Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Cultivars
Authors: COSMULESCU Sina , BOTU Mihai , TRANDAFIR Ion
Published: March 2018

Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) have a significant place among the types of dried nuts in terms of nutrition and health owing to their special composition of fats, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers and phenolic antioxidants. Different hazelnut cultivars grown in Romania (‘Cozia’, ‘Romavel’, ‘Valcea 22’, ‘Roverd’ and ‘Red Lambert’) were evaluated for their mineral composition. Microelements were determined by using ICP-MS and a Flame AAS. The average microelements concentrations in the cultivars have varied in the following ranges (mg 100 g-1): K, 591.75 - 639.13; P, 300.67 - 455.06; Mg, 205.02 - 335.54; Ca, 72.07 - 130.92; Mn, 8.77 - 19.07; Fe, 5.3 - 8.77; Cu, 1.62 - 3.07; Zn, 1.82 - 2.84; Cr, 0.12 - 0.84; Na, 0.36 - 0.97; Al, 0.23 - 0.35; Sr, 0.88 - 1.6; Rb,1.34 - 3.03. According to the daily microelement requirements, the quantity of 100 g hazelnut provided approximately 13% for K, 55% for P, 70% for Mg, 10% for Ca, 94% for Fe, 22 for Zn and 5.6% for Cr of the RDA. These results indicated that hazelnuts are a rich source of a number of important micro-elements and hazelnut can be an important source of microelements for human nutrition and health.
Alleviation of Cadmium Toxicity in Pisum sativum L. Seedlings by Calcium Chloride
Authors: EL-BELTAGI Hossam S. , MOHAMED Heba I.
Published: March 2018

The present investigation was carried out to study the role of calcium chloride in enhancing tolerance and reducing cadmium toxicity in pea seedlings. Some treatment with 1 and 5 mM CaCl2 mitigated cadmium stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities: catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), as well as by elevating contents of ascorbic acid (ASA), tocopherol and carotenoids. On the other hand, total carbohydrate and total soluble proteins decreased with increasing cadmium concentrations in comparison with control plants. However, total phenol, total free amino acids, proline and lipid peroxidation increased with increasing concentrations of cadmium acetate. Electrophoretic studies of protein revealed that cadmium treatments alone or in combination with calcium chloride were associated with the disappearance of some bands or appearance of new bands in pea seedlings. Electrophoretic studies of Î±-esterase, Î²-esterase and acid phosphatase isozymes showed wide variations in their intensities and densities.
Influence of Fertilization System on the Quality of Cucumbers
Authors: CÎMPEANU Gheorghe , NEATA Gabriela , TEODORESCU Razvan , CÎMPEANU Carmen , FOLEA Ionel
Published: March 2018

Different types of cucumbers culture, respectively organic system and the system of chemical and organic fertilization can influence vegetable quality. The present study was carried out in a solarium on a farm, in six experimental variants, three replications. Three variants for fertilization systems with two cucumbers cultivars were used. The biological material used in the experiments consisted of the cultivars ‘Triumf’ F1 and ‘Mirabelle’ F1. Fertilization systems used were organic with manure, classic with chemical fertilizers and soluble complex fertilizers with fertigation. In the present research agrochemical and biochemical characteristics were analysed and also weight of fruits and yield on plants and kg/m2 were measured. Agrochemical characteristics were: contents of nitrates, phosphorus and potassium from cucumbers and the biochemical characteristics measured were: acidity, soluble carbohydrates, vitamin C and dry matter. The results showed that the fertilization with soluble complex fertilizers in addition with fertigation assured the entire necessary for the growth and fructification of cucumbers. The presence of chemical fertilizers do not influence in a negative way the nitrates, phosphorus and potassium content and the quality of consumption of cucumbers was assured. Regarding the cultivars the best yield and quality results were obtained to ‘Mirabelle’ F1.
Rapid Quantitative Analysis of Ethanol and Prediction of Methanol Content in Traditional Fruit Brandies from Romania, using FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: COLDEA Teodora Emilia , SOCACIU Carmen , FETEA Florinela , RANGA FloricuÅ£a , POP Raluca Maria , FLOREA Mira
Published: March 2018

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics were applied for the quality control of 26 fruit brandies made by traditional technology in Romania. Firstly, for the identification and quantitative evaluation of methanol and ethanol in such samples, 4 mixtures of methanol and ethanol standard solutions and a spiked sample were fingerprinted in the 1200 - 950 cm-1 FTIR spectral range, identifying specific wavelength of 1020 and 1112 for methanol, 1047 and 1087 for ethanol. Then, the FTIR spectra of all brandy samples in the range 3500 - 750 cm-1 was registered and the methanol and ethanol concentrations were determined according to the previous calibration. By PCA (Principal component analysis) of FTIR areas (1170 -1000 cm-1), the variability and discrimination between samples was possible, discriminating between the biological and geographical origin of brandy samples. Based on peak areas and intensities, it was predicted the concentration of methanol in all samples, using Partial least squares regression (PLS). The correlation between FTIR and the reference method (GC-FID) was well correlated and significant (p<0.05). It was demostrated that FTIR technique offer a good prediction and statistical correlation with GC-FID technique for methanol quantification.
Energy Inputs, Output and Productivity in Organic and Conventional Maize and Tomato Production, under Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: BILALIS Dimitrios , KAMARIARI Panoraia-Eirini , KARKANIS Anestis , EFTHIMIADOU Aspasia , ZORPAS Antonis , KAKABOUKI Ioanna
Published: March 2018

Maize (Zea mays L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are two important crops in Mediterranean countries. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the differences and similarities in energy flow between conventional and organic tomato and maize crops. Our results indicated that the total energy input in the conventional system was higher than in organic system and for individual crops was 25.90 and 29.34% higher for tomato and maize, respectively, than the organic system. Of the inputs for the different operations, fertilizers consumed the bulk of the energy for all crops. In maize crop, human labour had little impact on total energy use both in organic and conventional system. In addition, seed inputs in maize production had corresponded to 11.44% of the total energy requirement. Concerning the pesticides inputs, there were significant differences between organic and conventional systems. In both crops, the pesticides energy input was higher in conventional production compared to organic system. Moreover, irrigation inputs were 13-23% of the total energy use in the organic system and 12-20% in the conventional system. In both crops, the energy output and energy productivity were also higher in conventional production compared to organic system. Our study shows that the adoption of organic cultural system could reduce energy inputs.
Influence of Bulk and Nanoparticles Titanium Foliar Application on some Agronomic Traits, Seed Gluten and Starch Contents of Wheat Subjected to Water Deficit Stress
Authors: JABERZADEH Amir , MOAVENI Payam , TOHIDI MOGHADAM Hamid Reza , ZAHEDI Hossein
Published: March 2018

Titanium (Ti) is a very interesting chemical element, especially physiologically. Although Ti is not toxic for animals and humans, its effects on plants show remarkable concentration dependence. Whereas for plants, it shows beneficial effects on various physiological parameters at low doses. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of bulk and nanoparticles titanium foliar. Application on some agronomic traits, seed gluten and starch contents of wheat under water deficit stress conditions during 2010-2011 growing seasons. The experimental design was randomized in complete blocks arranged in split-split plots with four replications. The factors included normal irrigation, water deficit stress (irrigation withholding at two growing stages of stem elongation and flowering), two growing stages for water deficit stress induction and titanium applications, five titanium concentrations, sources including control of titanium oxide (bulk), and three concentrations of 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.03% of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Plant height, ear weight, ear number, seed number, 1000-seed weight, final yield, biomass, harvest index, gluten, and starch contents were assayed. The results showed that water deficit stress caused significant decrease in plant growth, yield and yield components. In addition, among the different titanium treatments, titanium dioxide nanoparticles at 0.02% increased almost all agronomic traits including gluten and starch content. Thus, the application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles under conditions of water deficit stress is recommended.