Induces Resistance Against Fusarium and Pink Rots by Acibenzolar-S-Methyl in Harvested Muskmelon （cv. Yindi）

Acibenzolar-S-methyl （ASM） is a chemical activator of systematic resistance in many plants. The effect of preharvest and postharvest application of ASM was evaluated for its ability to induce resistance in muskmelon fruit. The results indicated that 50 and 100 mg L^-1 ASM or 1 mL L^-1 imazalil at 1 week or 1 day before harvest were effective in reducing the lesion area with 100 mg L^-1 ASM the most effective. No treatment inhibited the infection rate. The postharvest results showed that 50 and 100 mg L^-1 ASM, and 0.1 mL L^-1 imazalil were effective in reducing the lesion area with 100 mg L^-1 ASM the most effective. No treatment inhibited the infection rate. There was a clear time-dependent response of the fruit to postharvest ASM treatment, in which treatments applied 1, 3, and 5 day before inoculation provided the best results. ASM did not demonstrate any fungicide effect in vitro and suppressed lesion area in treated muskmelons, indicating that disease resistance was induced. The protection of ASM was associated with the activation of peroxidase （POD） in treated muskmelons.     

Effects of Peracetic Acid （PAA） Combined with Calcium Treatments on Storage Quality of Loquat Fruit

[Objective] The paper was to evaluate effects of peracetic acid （PAA） combined with calcium treatments on storage quality of Ioquat fruits, so as to pro- vide practical techniques to solve the problems of postharvest rot and quality deteri- oration for Ioquat fruits. [Method] With Ioquat fruits of Qingzhong variety as materi- als, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.8% PAA combined with 0.8% CaCI2 was used to soak Ioquat fruits for 4 min, 0.8% CaCl2 and water treatments were set as two controls; the fruits were dried and packaged by 0.02 mm PE bags, then stored under non-chilling low temperature of （7±1） ℃. The indicators related to storage quality of Ioquat fruits were randomly tested once every 3 d, and their variation situations were analyzed. [Result] Compared with two control treatments and 0.2% PAA, 0.8% PAA combined with calcium treatments, the treatment of 0.4% PAA combined with 0.8% CaCl2 could significantly inhibit rot index, weight loss rate, firmness and cell membrane permeability of Ioquat fruits during storage period, which could also effectively delay the reduction of titratable acid, vitamin C, soluble solid content and juice yield, and maintain respiration intensity of fruits at a low level; the appearance and flavor qual- ity of fruits were good after stored for 25 d. [Conclusion] 0.4% PAA combined with 0.8% CaCl2 treatment is an efficient, safe and economical practice technology in an- ti-corrosion and quality preservation for postharvest Ioquat fruits .     

The chemical treatments combined with antagonistic yeast control anthracnose and maintain the quality of postharvest mango fruit

During the storage and transportation of the mango fruit, the major source of disease is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The objective of this study is to find an appropriate method that not only reduces mango decay but also maintains its postharvest quality. The effects of chemicals, the use of the yeast species Metschnikowia pulcherrima and their combination on storage quality, focusing on the enzyme activity related to disease of Tainong mangos was studied. By immersing the mangoes in M. pulcherrima suspension(1.0×10~8 cfu mL~(–1)), salicylic acid(SA) solution(50 mg L~(–1)) or calcium chloride(CaCl_2) solution(1.0 g L~(–1)), the lesion expansion and decay of the mango fruit caused by C. gloeosporioides could be significantly delayed. These treatments also delayed the changes in quality traits(a~* value, firmness, contents of total soluble solids(TSS) and vitamin C(Vc), while the activities of anti-disease enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase(PPO), phenylalanine ammonia lyase(PAL), chitinase(CHT) and β-1,3-glucanase(GUN) were enhanced as compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, the combination of SA solution, CaCl_2 solution and M. pulcherrima suspension presented an additive effect, increasing the efficacy in controlling the disease and maintaining the storage quality of mango fruits. Taken together, our data suggest that the integration of chemical treatments combined with M. pulcherrima could be an alternative to the use of fungicides in postharvest treatment of the mango fruit, specifically for improving storage quality as well as the control of the anthracnose.     

Fate of Fluazinam in Pepper and Soil After Application

To discover the fate of fluazinam after its application in pepper field, an efficient residual analytical method for determining fluazinam in pepper and soil was developed. The samples were extracted by acetone, cleaned up by solid-phase extraction （SPE） florisil cartridge, and determined by gas chromatography with electronic capture detector （ECD）. The recoveries ranged from 80 to 94.6%, with repeatability relative standard deviation ≤9.3% at spiking levels of 0.1-1 mg kg^-1. The residue dynamics of fluazinam in pepper and soil were studied in a field plot. The experiment data showed that the halflives of fluazinam in peppers and soils were 2.5-3.7 days and 1.2-4.2 days, respectively. When the pepper was treated by fluazinam 50% suspension concentrate （SC） at 495 g ha^-1 4 times at 7-day intervals, the fluazinam in pepper on the 7th day after the last application was all below 0.06 mg kg^-1, which was below the maximum residue limit （MRL） fixed in Korea （0.3 mg kg^-1）. It is implied that fluazinam in pepper is nonpersistent. The results suggested that fluazinam 50% SC should be used in a pepper field at most for 4 times, and the pre-harvest interval should be 7 days.     

The Storability and Its Regulatory Mechanism of Huanghua Pear(Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai. )Fruit as Influenced by Postharvest Treatments

Different temperatures and PEF packing treatments were carried out on postharvest Huanghua pear fruit to investigate their effects on fruit storability and the regulatory mechanism. LOX activity, O2- content, AOS activity, ACC synthase activity, ACC content, ACC oxidase activity and ethylene production changed with peaks in the ripening fruit at 20℃ and were inhibited by cold storage, incidence of fruit wooiness and fruit decay were lightened as well. Low temperature combined with PEF packing(PEF1 and PEF2)treatmernts could further improve the fruit storability, maintain preferable quality. There was no significant difference between PEF1 and PEF2 both during cold storage at 1℃ and shelf life at 20℃. The recommended storage period of Huanghua fruit was two months at 1℃ and could be extended one month longer with PEF packing treatments.     

Effect of Using Magnetic Brackish Water on Irrigated Bell Pepper Crop （Capsicum annuum L.） Characteristics in Lower Jordan Valley/West Bank

Increasing salinity of the groundwater is one of major challenges faced by agricultural sector in West Bank/Palestine. This study was carried out in the Lower Jordan Valley （LJV） under greenhouse field condition, where an area of 0.12 ha was irrigated with 3.5 dS/m magnetic treated water during the growing season 2012/2013. The results of this pilot project show that there are significant increases in the yield of red and yellow bell pepper of about 20% and 18% on fresh weight basis, respectively. Water use efficiency increased by 15% and an increase in shelf time of 7 d were also recorded. The chlorophyll content raised significantly in the leaves of treated plants compared to the controlled one by 2.5 mg/g. Bell pepper irrigated with magnetic water produces 37% more four champers than that of the controlled one. On the other hand, there were no clear significant effects on the height of the plant, number of fruits, distance between nods, size of fruits, number and thickness of walls and sugar contents. Applying visible/near infrared （VIS/N｜R） spectroscopy test shows that it is possible to distinguish between treated and controlled bell pepper fruits. Multivariate data analysis （MVDA） method was used to test the classification of chemical elements in the fruit and it was found that treated and controlled fruit samples are divided into two groups according to their water treatment. An increase in all nutrient concentrations was found in fruits irrigated with magnetic treated water compared with the controlled one. Further testing is needed especially by involving other variables such as decreasing the volume of irrigated water and fertilizers.     

Study on the Mechanism of Browning of Pomegranate （Punica granatum L. cv. Ganesh） Peel in Different Storage Conditions

Peel browning of pomegranate fruit is the key problem during storage. The mechanism of it during storage in relation to the technology of the browning control was studied in this paper. The effects of storage temperature, gas component and pH value on peel browning of sweet pomegranate fruit in Lintong, Shaanxi Province, China, were investigated. Change in tannin content was measured and the relationship between the activities of ascorbic acid oxidase （AAO）, polypenoloxidase （PPO）, peroxidase （POD）, catalase （CAT） and peel browning was analysed. The results showed tannin was the basic substance of pomegranate peel browning. The activities of the browning index of peel were correlated positively with AAO, PPO and POD, correlated negatively with CAT activity. Application of intermittent warming for 24 h at （15 ± 0.5）℃ every 5 days for pomegranate fruit storage under the conditions of pH 4.0, （5.0± 0.5）℃ and 5.0% CO2 ＋ 8.0% O2 ＋ 87.0% N2 gas component could delay browning, with the browning index being 0.15 after 120 days of storage. Enzymatic tannin denaturation was the main cause that led to peel browning of pomegranate fruit during storage. The browning control of pomegranate fruit peel was effective using intermittent warming storage with suitable pH, temperature and gas component.     

Effect of 6-BA and 2, 4-D on Soybean Transformation

Regeneration from cotyledonary nodes and embryonic tips of soybean "Peking" was studied. The disinfectant ways of the mercuric chloride and chlorine gas were used and the concentrations of 6-BA and 2, 4-D were studied in the culture medium. The results showed that the sterilization effect of chlorine gas was better than that of mercuric chloride. The best concentration of 6-BA was 1.0 mg · L-1 and the best concentration of 2, 4-D was 2.0 mg · L-1 in the germinating medium. The number of buds of each explant was 3.56 and 2.98, respectively. The best concentrations of 6-BA and 2, 4-D were 3.0 mg·L-1 and 3.5 mg·L-1 in regeneration of embryonic tips. The best inducing time was 16-20 h and the mean shoots per explant was 2.69 and 2.78, respectively.     

Reduction in Activity/Gene Expression of Anthocyanin Degradation Enzymes in Lychee Pericarp is Responsible for the Color Protection of the Fruit by Heat and Acid Treatment

Heat and acid treatments were reported to be a promising substitute for SO₂ fumigation in color protection of postharvest lychee （Litchi chinensis Sonn.） fruits, but the mechanism was not clear. In the present study, hot water （70°C） dipping followed by immersion in 2% HCl （heat-acid） substantially protected the red color of the fruit during storage at 25°C and inhibited anthocyanin degradation while hot water dipping alone （heat） led to rapidly browning and about 90% loss in anthocyanin content. The pH values in the pericarp of the heat-acid treated fruit dropped to 3.2, while the values maintained around 5.0 in the heat-treated and control fruit. No significantly different pH values were detected among the arils of heat-acid, heat treated and control fruit. Heat-acid treatment dramatically reduced the activities of anthocyanin degradation enzyme （ADE）, peroxidase （POD） and polyphenol oxidase in the pericarp. A marked reduction in LcPOD gene expression was also detected in heat-acid treated fruit, in contrast, induction was found in heat treated fruit. The pericarp of heat-acid treated fruit exhibited significantly lower respiration rate but faster water loss than that of the untreated or heat treated fruit. Taken together, heat treatment triggered quick browning and anthocyanin loss in lychee fruit, while heat-acid treatment protected the fruit color by a great reduction in the activities/gene expression of anthocyanin degradation enzymes and acidification of lychee perica.     

Co-Treatment of EFF and 1-MCP for Enhancing the Shelf-Life and Aroma Volatile Compounds of Oriental Sweet Melons （Cucumis melo var. makuwa Makino）

Compared to other melon types, oriental sweet melon （Cucumis melo var. makuwa Makino） is quite a different species with a shorter shelf-life due to its typical climacteric behavior and thin pericarp. The purpose of this experiment is to explore the effects of co- treatment of enhanced freshness formulation （EFF） and 1-methylcyclopropene （1-MCP） on physiological changes and the content of aroma volatile compounds introduced by them of two oriental sweet melon cultivars （Yumeiren and Tianbao） during storage. The melons were stored in incubators with temperature of 15~C and a relative humidity of 85% for 24 d during which fruit quality and related physiological index were measured. Compared to the control, both treatments delayed fruit weight loss rate and kept the fruit firmness, water content and soluble solids content. Ascorbate peroxidase （APX） and phenylalanine ammonia lyase （PAL） activities showed fluctuations in treated melons, while lipoxygenase （LOX） activity （P〈0.01） and malondialdehyde （MDA） content （P〈0.05） decreased compared to control. During the early stage of storage, alcohols and aldehydes were the main volatile compounds, and esters gradually increased during storage. Of all the esters, acetic esters were the main components, followed by oxalic acid esters and other esters. The total content of aroma volatile compounds, esters, alcohols and aldehydes of co-treated melons were all higher than those of 1-MCP treated and control melons. In addition, the aroma volatile peak of co-treated melons occurred later than that of 1-MCP treated and control melons. In summary, co-treatment of EFF and 1-MCP was more beneficial than 1-MCP treatment to delay ripening and senescence, maintain fruit quality, enhance shelf-life and improve levels of aroma volatile compounds.     

Study on Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of Pepper with Barnase and Cre Gene

This study was designed to control plant fertility by cell lethal gene Barnase expressing at specific developmental stage and in specific tissue of male organ under the control of Cre/lox system, for heterosis breeding of chili pepper （Capsicum annuum L.）. Chili pepper inbred lines （A, D, E, and I） were transformed with Cre gene and Barnase gene situated between loxp, separately, by means of Agrobacterium co-culture. In this study, we had established a high transformation system by extensive study of affecting factors including genotype, selection of marker, and lethal dose. Cotyledon with petiole from 9-11-day-old seeding was pre-cultured on media MR[MB（MS mineral＋vitamine B5）＋BA（6-Benzyladenine） 5.0 mg·L^-1 ＋IAA（indoleacetic acid） 1.0 mg·L^-1＋GA3（gibberellic acid） 1.0mg·L^-1＋sucrose 3%＋agar 6.5g·L^-1] for 2d. The explants were infected by Agrobacterium tumefaciens when their OD600（optical density at 600 nm）reached 0.6-0.9. After co-cultured for 4-5 d on media MC [MB＋BA5.0 mg·L^-1＋IAA 1.0 mg·L^-1 ＋GA3 1.0 mg·L^-1＋sucrose 3% ＋agar 6.5 g·L^-1＋AS （acetosyringone） 200μmol·L^-1, these cotyledons with petiole were cultured on selective differentiation medium in the media MT[MB medium supplemented with BA [5.0 mg·L^-1＋ IAA 1.0 mg·L^-1＋ GA3 1.0 mg·L^-1＋ AgNO3 5.0 mg·L^-1＋ CW （coconut water） 5% ＋ Km （kanamycin） 65 mg·L^-1＋ Cb （carbenicillin） 500 mg·L^-1＋ 3% sucrose ＋ agar 6.5 g·L^-1].The Kmr （kanamycin resistant） bud rosettes were elongated on selective elongation medium and rooted on rooting medium. PCR and Southern blotting analysis of Kmr plantlet indicated that the foreign genes had been integrated into the genome of pepper. The transgenic plants with Cre gene developed well, blossomed out, and set fruit normally. The transgenic plants with Barnase gene grew well with normal appearance of flower, but they showed different fertility from complete sterility, partial sterility to complete fertility, and similar results were obtained from in vitro pollen germination experiments.     

Effect of Bensulfuron-Methyl on Growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa

To study the growth effects of differing concentrations of bensulfuron-methyl on Chlorella pyrenoidosa and to evaluate the ecological risk, the effects of bensulfuron-methyl on the growth and the content change of chlorophyll and protein in Chlorella pyrenoidosa were studied through 96 h acute toxicity tests. Bensulfuron-methyl accelerated the growth of algae at lower concentrations （〈 1 mg L^-1） with content increase of chlorophyll or protein, and it inhibited the growth of algae at higher concentrations （〉 5 mg L^-1）. The content of chlorophyll or protein in algae cells reduced with the increasing concentration of bensulfuron-methyl, exhibiting the good concentration-effect relationship. The 96 h-EC50 of bensulfuronmethyl upon the algae was 15.7 mg L^-1 Bensulfuron-methyl has inhibiting effect on the growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa and is low in toxicity.     

Nitrogen Dioxide-Induced Responses in Brassica campestris Seedlings： The Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Modulation of Antioxidative Level and Induced Resistance

This article investigates the responses of Brassica campestris seedlings to an acute level of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exposure in a plant growth chamber, and examines whether pretreating plants with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) will alleviate NO₂-caused injury. Twenty-eight-day-old B. campestris plants sprayed with 10 mmol L⁻¹ H₂O₂ aqueous solution (corresponding to approximate 1.0 mg H₂O₂ per single plant) were exposed to different concentrations of NO₂ (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 μL L⁻¹, respectively) for 24 h under controlled environment. To measure the plant biomass, the plants were fumigated with the same NO₂ concentrations as mentioned above for 7 h per day (8.00-15.00) for 7 days. As a control, charcoal filtered air alone was applied. Data were collected on plant biomass, total chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, nitrate and nitrate reductase (NR), antioxidative enzymes, ascorbate (ASA), and malondialdehyde (MDA), immediately after exposure. The results showed that exposure to a moderate dose of NO₂ (e.g., 0.25 μL L⁻¹) had a favorable effect on plants, and the dry weight of the above-ground part increased, whereas the exposure to high NO₂ concentrations (e.g., 0.5 μL L⁻¹ or higher) caused a reduction in the plant biomass and the total chlorophyll, when compared with the control. In addition, at 0.5 μL L⁻¹ or higher NO₂ concentrations, prominent increases in the MDA level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and NR activities were observed. Exposure to 1 μL L⁻¹ and higher NO₂ resulted in necroses appearing on older leaves, and an increase in catalase (CAT) activity, decrease in ASA content, increased accumulation of NO₃, and reduction in photosynthesis, when compared with the controls. No changes were detected in stomatal conductance under NO₂ fumigation. The pretreatment with 10 mmol L⁻¹ H₂O₂ alleviated significantly NO₂-caused biomass decrease and photosynthetic inhibition when compared with H₂O₂-untreated plants. Under NO₂ fumigation, further induction in SOD and CAT activities occurred in H₂O₂ treated plants when compared with H₂O₂-untreated plants. The effect of NO₂ on the ASA and MDA contents was also absent in H₂O₂-treated plants. However, the H₂O₂ treatment did not alter the nitrate content and NR activity in plants under NO₂ fumigation. The H₂O₂ treatment caused a lower rate of stomatal conductance. Taken together, these data suggest that fumigation with an acute level of NO₂ causes oxidative damage to B. campestris seedlings. The H₂O₂ pretreatment markedly protects plants against NO₂ stress and this may be associated with inducible antioxidative level. NO₂ fumigation contributes, at least in part, to the enhanced levels of nitrate in B. campestris leaves.     

Induction and Genetic Identification of Embryogenic Calli from Hybrids of Shatian Pummelo

Shatian pummelo （Citrus grandis L. Osbeck cv. Shatian） is an elite variety in China, and the regeneration of the embryogenic callus is difficult. Diploid Shatian pummelo was used as the female and crossed with the allotetraploid somatic hybrid NS （Nova Tangelo ＋ Succari Sweet orange）, [ （ C reticulata Blanco x C. paradisi Macf.） cv. Nova ＋ C sinensis L. Osbeck cv. Succari]. About 90 days after pollination, the embryos obtained from crosses were cultured on the solid media of MT ＋ ME （malt extraction, 500 mg L^-1） and MT ＋ GA3 （1 mg L^-1）. The embryogenic callus was initiated from the embryoids and plantlets＇ hypocotyls and could be subcultured. Flow cytometry and SSR analysis verified that the callus was from the triploid hybrids. The callus had embryogenesis capacity and produced a large number of embryoids on MT ＋Lactose （50 g L^-1） medium after being subcultured for two years. It is comparatively easier to obtain the callus from the hybrid embryo than from Shatian pummelo itself. The callus is valuable for the conservation and utilization of Shatian pummelo.     

Somatic Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration from Two Recalcitrant Genotypes of Gossypium hirsutum L.

An improved protocol has been developed for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of recalcitrant cotton cultivars. High callus frequencies and embryogenic tissue were developed in MSB medium supplemented with gradient concentrations of KT and 2,4-D, their concentration decreasing from 0.1 to 0.01 mg L⁻¹. Somatic embryos were successfully incubated in 1/2 macronutrient MSB suspension supplemented with 0.5 g L⁻¹ glutamine and 0.5 g L⁻¹ asparagine. Decrease in macronutrient concentration of MSB significantly alleviated browning and was beneficial to suspension cells. Transformation of somatic embryos into plants was induced in MSB medium supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.5 g L⁻¹ glutamine, 0.5 g L⁻¹ asparagine, and 6.0 g L⁻¹ agar. The effect of sucrose as carbohydrate was better than that of glucose for plant germination. Using this protocol, regenerated plantlets from the CCRI521 and Zhongzhi86-6 reached to as much as 19.6 and 18.5% somatic embryos, respectively.     

The Effect of Yucca schidigera Extract on Ruminal Fermentation and Parameters Traits in Sheep

In a completely randomized block design experiment, 16 ruminally cannulated sheep (40 ± 2.1 kg)fed a 50% concentrate 50% forage diet (DM basis) were given intraruminal doses of powdered Yucca schidigera extract (YSE). Doses of 0 (control), 100, 200, or 300 mg kg-1 diet were given at 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. On 15, 16, and 17 d of the experimental period, ruminal contents were sampled 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after dosing, and blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment (18th and 19th d). Acidity was not affected (P＞0.05) by the addition of YSE. Compared with the control, ruminal propionate concentration was increased by 29.4 and 29.8% (P＞0.05) and the acetic acid concentration was decreased by 15.1 and 19.8% (P＞0.05) at 4 and 6 h after YSE (300 mg kg-1) dosing, respectively. Ruminal ammonia concentration in the first 2 h after feeding was higher (P＜0.05) in the sheep that did not receive YSE (increased by 17.57 mg 100 mL-1) than in those that received 200 mg kg-1 (increased by 6.77 mg 100 mL-1) or 300 mg kg-1 (increased by 6.50 mg 100 mL-1) YSE. Protozoan populations in the rumen were lower (P ＜ 0.05) in the animals that received 300 mg kg-1 of YSE compared with the control. All serum parameters of the four groups were in the normal range and were similar among the treatment groups (P＞0.05), after being fed for 19 d with different doses of YSE. The effect of YSE on ruminal ammonia concentration likely resulted from a decreased concentration of protozoan populations and, presumably, from ammonia binding by YSE.     

The Effects of the Chemical Components of Soil Salinity on Electrical Conductivity in the Region of the Delta Oasis of Weigan and Kuqa Rivers, China

In order to assess the effects of chemical properties of soil salinity on electrical conductivity of 1：5 soil/water extract （EC1：5）, the study focused on revealing the main chemical factors contributing to EC of soil extracts and their relative importance. The relationship between EC1：5 and the chemical properties of soil salinity in the delta oasis of Weigan and Kuqa rivers, China, were studied using path coefficient analysis, a path analysis method. We studied each key element affecting EC1：5 either directly or indirectly. The results obtained show that the salt content, total dissolved solids （TDS）, and the sum of the sodium ion concentration and the kalium ion concentration are the most influential factors on 1：5 soil/ water extract （EC1：5） in the 0-10 cm and the 30-50 cm soil layer. The results show that the sequence of direct path coefficients in the 0-10 cm and the 30-50 cm soil layers on soil conductivity is TDS→Na^＋ ＋ K^＋→Salt content→Ca^2＋→Cl-→the sodium dianion ratio （SDR）→pH→ SO4^2-→HCO3^-→Mg^2＋→the soluble sodium percentage （SSP） sodium absorption ratio （SAR） and TDS→Salt content→Na^＋ ＋ K^＋→Ca^2＋→SDR→Mg^2＋→HCO3^-→SSP→pH→SO4^2-→SAR→Cl^-. The salt content, chlorine ion, and SAR are the main factors affecting 1：5 soil/water extract （EC1：5） in the 10-30 centimeter soil layer. The order of direct path coefficients result is as follows： Salt content→Cl^-→SAR→SSP→TDS→Ca^2＋→Mg^2＋= SO4^2-→HCO3^-→pH→SDR→Na^- ＋ K^＋. Moreover, the effects of HCO3^-, pH were very weak. Though the direct path coefficients between EC1：5 and SAR, SO4^2- and Ca^2＋ were not high, influence of other chemical factors caused the coefficients to increase, making the summation of their direct and indirect path coefficients relatively high. The models of the different soil layers were structured separately. Evidences showed that multiple regression relations between EC1：5 and most of the primary factors had sound reliability and very good accuracy. The research results can serve as a reference to the scientific management amelioration and utilization of saline in the Delta Oasis of Weigan and Kuqa rivers.     

Paraquat Resistance in Leaf Discs of PAAG12-IPTModified Gerbera Is Related to the Activities of Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Dehydroascorbate Reductase

In this paper, using in vitro leaf disc culture system, the changes of contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids, soluble protein, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance （TBARS）, and activities of antioxidant enzymes were investigated during the incubation of leaf discs of PSAG12-IPT modified gerbera in 0, 25, 50 μmol L^-1 paraquat （PQ） under continuous light intensity of 130 0tool m-2 s-1, compared with the control plant （wild type）. The results showed that PQ treatment significantly decreased the contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and soluble protein, therefore, promoted leaf senescence. However, the decreases in the leaf discs of modified gerbera were considerably smaller. The activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, catalase （CAT）, and dehydroascorbate reductase （DHAR） were significantly increased by PQ treatment and with the increasing of PQ concentration, particularly in the modified plants. The activities of ascorbate peroxidase （APX） and guaiacol peroxidase （GPX） could not be detected in the leaf discs of PQ treatments, which suggested that they were labile to the oxidative stress induced by PQ. As a product of lipid peroxidation, TBARS significantly increased in content with the increase of PQ concentration, while its concentration in the modified plants was significantly lower than that of control plants. Therefore, it could be concluded that the chimeric gene PSAG12-IPTtransfonnexi gerbera leaves had higher antioxidative potential, thus causing the delay of senescence under oxidative stress induced by PQ.     

Study on Active Oxygen Quantum Yield, Insecticidal Activities and Stability of Diphenylthiophene

Active oxygen quantum yield, insecticidal activities and stability of diphenylthiophene were studied for the first time. The results showed that maximum diphenylthiophene absorbency variety was 0.438 after irradiation for 280 min and that of α-terthienyl (α-T) was 0.480 after irradiation for 200 min with UV. LC50 values ofdiphenylthiophene and α-T against 3rd instar larvae of Aedes albopictus were 9.18 × 10-3 and 9.69 × 10-4 μg mL-1 when treated for 24 h, respectively. LC50 values of the two chemicals against the 3rd instar larvae of Plutella xylostella were 267.87 and 222.22 μg mL-1 when treated for 24 h, respectively. The half lives of diphenylthiophene and α-T in methanol were 113.62 and 10.65 h. Difference between quantum yield of diphenylthiophene and α-T was not significant and they all possessed high toxicity to Aedes albopictus and Plutella xylostella, but diphenylthiophene was more stable than α-T. It could be concluded that diphenylthiophene has overcome the deficiency of photoactivated insecticides which degraded quickly in the environment and could not be applied on the field. Diphenylthiophene could kill the insects and accelerate the degradation rate of triazophos. The benefits of diphenylthiophene can be further exploited and applied on the field.     

二氧化氯对青椒采后生理和贮藏品质的影响

【目的】研究二氧化氯(ClO2)对青椒的保鲜作用，为青椒的贮藏提供新方法。【方法】用二氧化氯气体(0、5、10、20、50 mg·L-1)处理青椒，研究二氧化氯对青椒采后生理和贮藏品质的影响。【结果】5、10、20、50 mg·L-1的ClO2处理对青椒的腐烂有明显的抑制作用，40 d时其腐烂率均小于对照的50%；其中50 mg L-1的处理对腐烂的抑制效果最明显，贮藏到30 d时才有腐烂发生，40 d只有对照的1/4。20、50 mg L-1ClO2可显著抑制青椒的呼吸(P<0.05)，5、10 mg·L-1对呼吸的抑制作用不显著(P>0.05)。除50 mg·L-1外，5、10、20 mg L-1ClO2处理使MDA含量低于对照，但无显著差异(P>0.05)。5 mg·L-1的处理可以减缓青椒叶绿素的降解，10、20、50 mg·L-1的处理使青椒叶绿素含量低于对照，但无显著影响(P>0.05)。ClO2可保持青椒的营养成分，对青椒VC、可滴定酸和可溶性固形物含量有一定的保留作用；对青椒的风味无影响。【结论】二氧化氯可以有效延缓青椒的采后生理变化，保持青椒的品质。