Recent Achievements in the Bio-control of Orobanche Infesting Important Crops in the Mediterranean Basin

Orobanche spp. （broomrapes） are holoparasitic plants distributed predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere parasitizing the roots of a range of plant species mainly in wild ecosystems. Orobanche species cause severe yield reduction of many important crops. There are only very few herbicides which are able to selectively control broomrapes and different approaches have been put forward to develop natural product based pesticides to control Orobanche. Several phytopathogenic fungi were evaluated for their use as potential mycoherbicide and for ability to produce toxic metabolites which could be applied as herbicides. Using the alternative approach ＂suicidal germination＂, interesting results were obtained by testing two microbial metabolites （fusicoccins and ophiobolin A） especially with Orobanche species whose germination is not induced by the synthetic strigolactone GR24. From pea root exudates, peagol and peagoldione, close related to strigolactones, and three polyphenols, named peapolyphenols A-C, together with already well known polyphenol and a chalcone, were isolated. They showed a selective stimulation of Orobanche seed germination with the last two and peapolyphenol A showing a specific stimulatory activity on O. foetida. This review describes the most recent results achieved on Orobanche bio-control, mainly focusing on those regarding O. ramosa, O. crenata and O. foetida.     

Lipase and Phospholipase in the Hydrolysis of Lipids in Wastewater from Swine Slaughterhouse and Subsequent Biological Treatment Study

Wastewaters from slaughterhouses are characterized by a high concentration of oils and greases that can cause problems in conventional treatments. The degradation of difficult pollutants in more easily degradable products can be mediated by enzymes. Enzymatic hydrolysis facilitates the biodegradation because it makes the organic material is made available as compounds of lower molecular weight, the lipids being made available in the form of free fatty acids. The application of enzymes as processing aids in wastewater treatment has some advantages, such as the specificity that allows control of the products, which leads to increased income generation for the non-toxic byproducts and moderate conditions of operation. The objective of this work was optimizing the conditions for lipids enzymatic hydrolysis present in swine slaughterhouse wastewaters using lipolytic enzymes and subsequent biological treatment study. Temperature, pH and enzyme concentration were the variables tested. The enzymes showed good activity and could therefore be used for the hydrolysis process proposed here. The optimized conditions to maximize the release of fatty acids were： temperature of 36 ℃, pH 8.5 and enzyme concentration of 1.1%, yielding fatty acids in the order of 31.50μmol/mL for lipase and 31.13 μmol/mL for phospholipase. All variables influenced the release of fatty acids. The maximum yield of biogas was 89.65 mL in the reactor added the sludge, raw wastewater and phospholipase in the conditions optimized the hydrolysis step, obtaining a chemical oxygen demand （COD） reduction of 90.01% in relation to the value of the COD of the raw wastewater.     

Probabilistic Model of the Brown Rat Control

We represent assessment of the rats control operator＇s actions, starting from the placement of rat control means （chemical, mechanical and others） in the object territory until the full its elimination and followed by assessment of the probability of rat population recovery. The probability of success is evaluated when using a combination of rat control means. We took into account changes in rat population occurring in different calendar periods of the year. The proposed calculation method can be used in training programs, as well as for the local forecast of releasing objects from rats and rats＇ re-settling.     

Effect of Agricultural Use of the Mixture Phosphogypsum/Natural Phosphate on the Dynamics of Phosphor in Soil and the Plant

The industrial production of the phosphoric acid is important and makes itself in a big number of countries. The by-product descended of this industry, residuary gypsum called phosphogypsum, poses a major environmental problem. The aim of this work is to identify and to value the potentialities of valorization of the by-product phosphogypsum produce in Morocco, for a use in the domain of agriculture. They can contain 1% to 6% of free acids. The idea is to use this acid to partially solubilize natural phosphate and to make the final product richer in phosphorus （about I0% of total P205 half soluble） and therefore more attractive on the agronomic and economic plan. For mixtures phosphogypsum/natural phosphate, a study of clarification is necessary, by varying the proportions of products, the humidities, mixing techniques, the ripening time to achieve a final interesting product. The dynamics of the phosphor in soil has been measured by the Olsen method and the one in the plant has been measured after drying in the steamroom to a temperature of 70 ~C to 75 ~C during 72 hours. A trial hold is incinerated. The ashes are taken by acid hydrochloric extract and the phosphor is measured out with the help of an UV spectrometer to 430 nm. The pH has been followed with the help of a pH-meter. The phosphor presents a remarkable dynamics in mixture with the phosphogypsum.     

Current Status and Possibilities for the Development of the Cattle Breeding in the Primorsko-Goranska County,Croatia

At the beginning of 2007 the milk producers from the Primorsko-Goranska County, Croatia were surveyed through the questionnaire in order to determine the current status and to highlight the obstacles and the possibilities of development and improvement of the modern cattle breeding in the observed county. The questionnaire spanned 2001-2006 period and all together 260 families were surveyed. The survey aimed to get as much as possible useful information＇s that would indicate the problems concerning the cattle breeding in this area, and based on these results to give certain guidelines for the improvement of current status. Older age of milk producers, significant number of family farms with small number of cattle and difficult implementation of selective measures due to the small number of cows that were included in milk recording were determined as the main obstacles for cattle breeding development in the surveyed county. It is emphasized that development of cattle breeding in this area should be based upon the increased number of family farms with larger herds. To achieve this it is necessary to retain existing cattle fund, and then gradually increase the number of cattle in the mentioned county through the import of breeding heifers of dairy and combined breeds from neighboring European countries with highly developed cattle breeding. Besides that, it is also necessary to create conditions for the production of organic （ecological） products, which represents the future of agriculture, livestock production, bearing in mind that demanding European market has recognized the value of organic agricultural products that were produced through environment friendly production, which Primorsko-Goranska County, due to its significant natural resources, could easily assure.     

Investigation of Spring Waters to Assess the Geo-ecological State of Landscape and Soil

The purpose of the investigation was to assess the opportunity to use spring waters as indicator for the load state of rural landscape ecosystems. In the periods from 2000-2003 and 2011-2012, the physical and chemical water quality of 55 freshwater springs in the German federal state of the Saarland was investigated in monthly intervals. The catchment areas of the springs represented the prevailing geological formations in the Saarland as well as the main land use types such as forest, grassland and arable land. The results show a clear correlation between the nitrate content and the share of arable land in the closer catchment area of the springs. The problem of acidification and related processes occurs mainly at the sites with acid parent rock material and accordingly substrates deficient in lime. Very low pH-values between 4 and 5 are observed and the aluminum concentration levels are consistently increased. Especially at sites with low calcium content in the geological substrate, a progressive destruction of the clay minerals can be assumed. In the extremely acidic spring waters, which showed the highest aluminum contamination during the measurement 10 years ago, the aluminum-values decreased slightly. This indicates that the clay minerals in these locations are already completely destroyed. Thus, it can be concluded that the investigation of spring waters provides information on the geo-ecological conditions in catchment areas. By means of the multi-temporal approach, changes of land use or other influences by human activities can be detected.     

Impact of Simulated Grazing on the Recovery,Production and Modular Dynamic of the White Wormwood Artemisia herba-alba Asso.

One of the species candidates to rehabilitate arid rangelands of Morocco is Artemisia herba-alba Asso. （white Wormwood）. Unfortunately, overgrazing is by far the most important factor causing the reduction of cover and disappearance of this plant. In order to assess the effect of season and grazing on the recovery ofA. herba-alba Asso., plants of similar size were collected from Gourrama region and transplanted in the Experimental Station of Errachidia. These plants were submitted to different clipping heights （Cl = 8 cm, C2 = 15 cm, C3 = 25 cm） during two growing periods： autumn （stage of seed filling） and spring （before the starting of flowering）. Mean results show highly significant （P 〈 0.01） differences between the three treatments during the two periods. The increase of the plant volume clipped influences the performances of production and regrowth, the study has shown that the cutting level C 1 affect negatively the Artemisia performances, in fact 60% of plants cut at this height have died after the second clipping against 25% for C2 and 4.2% for C3. The parameters of growth and modular dynamic of branches are also affected by the cutting height C 1. The phytomass produced after the first cutting results in highly significant differences （P 〈 0.0 l） between the three cutting heights. Finally, the study demonstrated that for better regrowth, the taller height C3 is the most convenient for white Wormwood during the two periods, but the cutting height C2 can also be adopted for the autumn period.     

Application of Neutron Activation Analysis Technique for the Analysis of Soil Samples from Farmlands of Yebrage Hawariat,East Gojjam,Ethiopia

Farmers may not be conscious for their farmland＇s nutrients, soil organic matter, water and air because they simply concerned only for their labor availability and soil fertility losses. The composition and proportion of these components greatly influence soil physical properties, including texture, structure and porosity, the fraction of pore space in a soil. The soil of this farmland must be able to supply adequate amount of plant nutrients, in forms which can be absorbed by the crop, within its lifespan. Deficiencies or imbalances in the supply of any of essential elements can compromise growth, affecting root development, cell division, crop quality, crop yield and resistance to disease and drought. This study was conducted to fill this knowledge gap in order to develop economically vital and environmentally accepted nutrient management strategies for the use of soils in agricultural lands. The objective of this study is to assess the elemental contents and concentration of soil samples collected from farmlands of ＂Yebrage＂ using neutron activation analysis （NAA） techniques regardless of oxidation state, chemical form or physical locations. NAA is used to determine the elemental composition and concentrations present in a soil. The macro/micronutrient and organic matter deficiencies have been verified in agricultural soils through increased use of soil testing and plant analysis. The challenge for agriculture over the coming decades will meet the world＇s increasing demands for food in a sustainable way. Current issues and future challenges point out that as long as agriculture remains a soil based industry, major decreases in productivity likely to be attained ensuring that plants do not have adequate and balanced supply of nutrients.     

Water Quality of Aroeira River for Use in Irrigation of Vegetable Crops in the Northern Region of the State of Espirito Santo,Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of the water of the Aroeira River in the city of Silo Mateus, northern region of Espirito Santo State, Brazil, from April 2012 to March 2013, for use in irrigation of vegetable crops. Five points were selected along the river for analysis of pH, chloride （mg/L C1-）, total hardness （mg/L CaCO3）, dissolved oxygen （mg/L O2）, ammoniacal nitrogen （mg/L N-NH3）, total iron （mg/L Fe）, phosphate/orthophosphate （mg/L PO43-）, turbidity （NTU）, acidity （mg/L CO2）, temperature （℃）, electrical conductivity （dS/m）, as well as microbiological and parasitological analyses. Only point l, located upstream of the points of domestic sewage discharges, is the closest to be considered suitable for use in irrigation of vegetable crop, demonstrating the possible risks to the health of populations who use water with sewage discharges in urban communities for irrigation of vegetable crops.     

Evaluation of the Pathogenicity and Immune Response of Nervous Necrosis Virus Isolated in Vietnam

Eight strains of nervous necrosis virus （NNV） isolated in Vietnam were used to detect the pathogenicity and immune response in sea bass （SB）. All strains induced cytopathic effect in SB cell line, complete destruction of monolayer of cells appeared after seven days post infection （dpi）. Virus titer was different for each strain, TCIDso ranged from 102.7 to 1069, and LDs0 from 1015 to 1075. Five NNV strains named QN 02, QN 05, QN 07, ND 11 and KH 05 had higher virulence than the other three, the first causing 100% mortality in experimental fish 3-5 dpi. NNV KH 05 had the highest antigenic similarity, and it was inactivated completely by 0.2% formalin, 0.002 mol/L binary ethylenimine （BEI） and 0.1% beta-propiolactone. The neutralization antibody titer obtained in fish of groups immunized by BEI 0.002 M and beta-propiolactone 0.1% inactivated virus was four to eight times higher than that of the group treated with the formalin inactivated virus. The antibody titer in fish immunized with beta-propiolactone inactivated virus was more persistent. The efficacy of vaccines developed from beta-propiolactone inactivated virus and aluminium hydroxide （AH） or aluminum phosphate （AP） was observed by intramuscularly immunizing Epinephelusfuscoguttatus size 1.5 cm. Neutralizing antibodies appeared in vaccinated fish on 10th day post-immunization （dpi） at a dilution of 1：16; 1：32 and highest levels were reached on 30-45 dpi, at dilutions of 1：256 and 1：512, after treatment with AH and AP vaccine, respectively. The relative percent of survival （RPS） of vaccine at 30 dpi was highest with challenge doses 0.2-1 × 10^6.8 TCIDs0, the RPS varied from 80%-83.3% in both groups of AH and AP immunization. This result provides the basis for developing a vaccine against NNA disease.     

Effects of Various Degrees of Antennal Ablation on Mating and Oviposition Preferences of the Diamondback Moth,Plutella xylostella L.

Using scanning electron microscopy, we investigated the distribution of the trichoid, basiconic, and coeloconic sensilla on the antennae of the diamondback moth （DBM;Plutella xylostella）. The trichoid sensilla were the most abundant sensory organ, and the male moth antennae host signiifcantly more trichoid sensilla than female moth antennae. Conversely, basiconic and coeloconic sensilla were found more frequently on female than on male antennae. We performed experiments with various degrees of antennal ablation and demonstrated that DBM antennae played a key role in the control of mating and oviposition. We found that neither oviposition preference nor mating behaviors changed signiifcantly when less than 1/4 of both antennae were removed. However, there was a signiifcant behavioral change when the antennae were ablated by more than half. As the length of the antenna was shortened, the successful mating rate decreased and mating peak was delayed. An otherwise consistent host preference for oviposition was eliminated when both antennae were completely removed. Furthermore, we found that the number of trichoid sensilla was positively correlated with mating rate and oviposition preference. However, the numbers of basiconic and coeloconic sensilla were not correlated with mating rate and mating peak, but highly correlated with oviposition preference. Taken together, our results indicate that antennal sensory information plays a critical role in the mating and oviposition behaviors of this economically important pest.     

Aerobic Spore-Forming Bacteria in the Ultra High Temperature Milk Produced in the North West of Algeria

The occurrence of the spore-forming bacteria in different segments of production lines of Ultra High Temperature （UHT） milk of a commercial plant and its transfer to the final product was studied. The samples were collected from different segments of production lines from reception to packaging sections, over a period of 75 days at a rate of one sampling a week, from plants in North West of Algeria. The total colony count of aerobic spore-forming bacteria was done using Plate Count Agar （PCA） method. The results showed that there was more than 1 ×10^3 CFU/mL at the level of 50%, 25%, 37.5%, 62.5% and 37.5% of the analyzed samples of milk powder, pasteurized milk, UHT milk （before storage）, UHT milk stored at 55℃ for 7 days and UHT milk stored at 30℃ for 14 days, respectively. The mean total colony count of aerobic spore-forming bacteria was considerably lower in the UHT milk than in the other samples, while the higher proportion of aerobic spore-forming bacteria was noticed to be 32.58% and 30.90% in the UHT milk stored at 55℃ and 30℃, respectively. The results obtained by the classic biochemical identification （Bacillus API 20E）, interpreted by software of calculation for microbial identification reflected the presence of especially Bacillus sphaericus. The other species found were： Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus stearothermophilus. The study reveals that the proportion of aerobic spore-forming bacteria in the final product depends on temperature and storage periods.     

Effects of Nitrogen on the Competitiveness of Echinochloa colona and Amaranthus viridis with Direct-seeded Rice

Information on weed competitiveness responses to added nitrogen （N） is required to assist with the development of appropriate fertilizer management strategies where weed competition is anticipated. A greenhouse study was conducted to examine the effects of four N rates on the competitive ability ofEchinochloa colona and Amaranthus viridis grown together with direct-seeded rice. Rice and each weed species were grown in a replacement series design at added N rates of 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha1. Replacement series diagrams for relative yield showed that competitive ability ofE. colona increased with added soil N. Values of weed aggressivity index for E. colona also significantly increased with the addition of N in the soil. In the absence of added N, A. viridis was more competitive than rice but this relationship slightly changed as N was added. However, values of weed aggressivity index of were statistically similar at all N rates. The results suggest that the competitiveness ofE. colona increased with added soil N, and A. viridis unchanged by soil N levels. Both weed species were different in their response to higher N levels. Information gained in this study could be used to demonstrate the importance of effective weed and fertilizer management.     

The Extraction,Isolation and Identification of Exudates from the Roots of Flaveria bidentis

Large amounts ofFlaveria bidentis＇s root culturing solution were obtained by using DFT （deep flow technique） equipment and these solution which was vacuum concentrated （10, 20 mg mL-~） can have a certain inhibition on Triticum aestivum, Cucumis sativus, Raphanus sativus, Amaranthus retroflexus, Setaria viridis, Chenopodium album, Echinochloa crusgalli and Chloris virgata. This outcome suggested some active compounds in the root exudates ofFIaveria bidentis can inhibit the germination, seedling elongation and root length. The dichloromethane extract of root exudates was identificated by GC-MS, and 29 kinds of compounds, including esters, hydrocarbons, ketones, thiazole, amines, etc. were obtained and the phthalate n-octyl ester, phthalate 2-ethylhexyl ester were proved to be allelochemicals. The culturing solution of root exudates was separated through the resin column and silica gel column and a component inhibiting seedling height, root length and fresh weight of wheat was got. There were 6 kinds of organic compounds in this component including dioctyl phthalate, 1,2-phthalate, mono（2-ethylhexyl） ester by GC-MS.     

Carbon Paste Electrodes for the Analysis of Some Agricultural Pollutants and Trace Metals

The present work is concerned with the voltammetric application of unmodified tricresyl phosphate carbon paste electrode （TCP-CPE） and in situ bismuth-film modified tricresyl phosphate-based carbon paste electrode （BiF-TCP-CPE）. The TCP-CPE was examined with the main objective of using it for the differential pulse voltammetric analysis of some neonicotinoid insecticides in aqueous Britton-Robinson buffer solution pH 7.0 as supporting electrolyte. After comparing the performance of the TCP-CPE with that of silicone oil carbon paste electrode, quantitative analysis of imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin was performed in model solutions and real samples （river water and commercial insecticide formulations）. The in situ prepared BiF-TCP-CPE was tested for a simultaneous detection of selected heavy metal ions （Cd^2＋ and Pb^2＋） at a μg/dm^3 concentration level, using square wave anodic stripping voltammetric technique. The influence of different electrochemical pretreatments of the working electrode on the bismuth deposition and analyte signals were investigated. Film formation was studied at untreated, pre-cathodized and pre-anodized TCP-CPEs in the acetic buffer solution pH 4.6, containing 1 μg/cm^3 Bi （III）.     

Relationships Between the Distribution of Relative Canopy Light Intensity and the Peach Yield and Quality

The aim of the present experiment was to study the relationship between the distribution of relative light intensity in canopy and yield and quality of Wanmi peach. The optimum relative canopy light intensity was judged to be 36.3% for high quality peaches, when canopy volumes of Wanmi peach trees with a relative light intensity 〈 30% accounted for 7.7 and 47.9% of the total canopy volume in June and September, respectively. The canopy volume with a relative light intensity 〉 80% was 27.7 and 3.1% of the total canopy volume in June and September, respectively. Peach canopies were divided into 0.5 m × 0.5 m × 0.5 m cubes, with the relative light intensity being measured at different positions of the canopy during the growing season. Yield and fruit quality were also measured at these positions at harvest. The results showed that the relative light intensity decreased gradually from outside to inside and from top to bottom of the tree canopy. Fruit were mainly distributed in the upper and middle portions of the canopy, 1.5-3.0 m above ground. Regression results showed that single fruit weight and soluble solid content were positively related to relative light intensity.     

Improvement of Forage Production Sustainability in the Leningrad Region under Climate Change

The increase of probability and depth of weather anomalies, which is important characteristic of climate change process, leads to higher risk of loss of perennial grasses forage yield, rise of price volatility on forage grain market. Increase of sustainability of dairy production supposes development of adapted to new weather conditions technologies of forage production, which are characterized by different investment and current costs. It generates a need of economic evaluation and comparative analysis of technologies taking into account climate change forecast and need of sustainable forage production guarantee. Purpose of the research project is the development of approaches to assessing adaptive technologies in forage production, increasing of dairy farming sustainability to changes in the external environment, including climate change. We assessed changes in forage production technologies in the Leningrad region of Russia, analyzed the implications of these changes for production and financial performance of dairy farming, proposed and tested methods for determination of the optimum harvesting time of perennial grasses. Special attention is paid to the long-term effects of changing the structure of cows＇ diet--shortening the productive use of animals, which reduces the efficiency of dairy herd use and limits the possibility of expanded reproduction. The primary method of the study is the analysis of milk production statistics in the Leningrad region and the Russian Federation. As a result of the study, the necessity to improve the production and investment planning quality, as well as the use of forecasts during planning of dairy production, is grounded.     

Allelopathic Potentials of Some Crop Residues on the Germination and Growth of Bidens pilosa. L.

The allelopathic potentials of the aqueous extracts of rice husk and sorghum stem were examined on the germination and growth ofBidens pilosa. L. The extracts inhibited the germination ofB. pilosa seeds and the growth lengths of its radicle and plumule. In both extracts, the severity of the inhibition increased with the increase in the concentrations of the extracts, indicating that the effects of the extracts were concentration dependent. The results obtained also showed that the degree of retardation appeared to be more pronounced in the rice husks extract-treated seeds than those of sorghum extract-treated seeds. However there were no significant differences （at 5% level） in the comparison of the degree of inhibitions of radicle and plumule growths at the varying extract concentrations as well as those of the control in both extracts treated seeds.     

Effect of Partial Root-Zone Irrigating Deuterium Oxide on the Properties of Water Transportation and Distribution in Young Apple Trees

Partial root-zone irrigation （PRI） has been proved to be an optimal water-saving irrigation technology, however, few studies were done on water transportation and distribution under PRI. The present study was performed to investigate the water transportation and distribution among the wet and dry root-zones and the shoot using deuterium water （D2O） in 1/4 root-zone PRI experiment. It also aimed to determine and analyze the D2O relative abundance within different types of roots and shoots. The results indicated that water could be transported from roots in wet root-zone to roots in dry root-zone and shoots within 2 h after irrigation. Water transportation in roots of wet-zone was carried out by absorbing root, 1-2 mm root, 2-5 mm root, and〉5 mm root progressively, while through a reverse process in three dry root-zones. In shoots, water was transported to trunk, central trunk, annual branches, shoot and leaf progressively. Thus in the young apple trees subjected to PRI, water was distributed ifrst in the roots, including the roots in the wet and dry root-zones, to satisfy the water need of roots itself, and then transported to the shoot within hours of irrigation.     

Effect of Distances from Different Trees Species on the Properties of Mollic Horizon

The study area is located in Duhok province-Kurdistan region-Northern Iraq and including two locations the first location is situated in Galbook village and the vegetation cover is trees of （Quercus aegilops L.）, the second location is situated in Koradeer village that covered with threes of Prunus dulcis （Mill.） Webb.. Disturbed surface soil samples at depth 0-30 cm were collected at four different distances （1, 5, 10 and 15 m） from the tree with randomized selection three trees in each study location. Soil organic matter decreases with increasing distances from tree in both locations under two different trees species, which is attributed to the effect of tree crown. Ordinarily, organic matter content in both locations correspond to the requirements of Mollisols. Statistical analysis of data showed significant differences in organic matter content between locations. Cation exchange capacity is high under tree crown and decreasing with distances from tree in both locations, as a result of decreasing organic matter and increasing calcium carbonate with distances. Commonly soil pH is slightly increased with increasing distances from tree because of increasing calcium carbonate with distances and decreasing organic matter content. Calcium was not uniform with distances and Mg decreasing with distances in both locations. The values of fine clay/coarse clay and fine clay/total clay of soil samples confirm development of the soils under study. Porosity percentage under tree crown is high and decreasing with distances. Soil bulk density was increased with distances in both locations, as a result of decreasing organic matter content with distances. This study aims to explain the effect of tree distances and species on the mollic horizon properties.