Paraquat Resistance in Leaf Discs of PSAG12-IPT Modified 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 μmol 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-IPT transformed gerbera leaves had higher antioxidative potential, thus causing the delay of senescence under oxidative stress induced by PQ.     

Antifeedant Activity and Active Ingredients Against Plutella xylostella from Momordica charantia Leaves

With the bioguided fractionation of the ethanol extracts from the leaves of Momordica charantia, we obtained two most active compounds against the feeding of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella larvae. The antifeedant activity of momordicine Ⅰ and momordicine Ⅱ against the second and the third instar larvae of Plutella xylostella were tested using leaf discs of cabbage in the laboratory. The results showed that momordicin Ⅰ and momordicin Ⅱ had significant antifeedant activity on the larvae of P. xylostella, and momordicin Ⅱ was more active than momordicin Ⅰ. The concentrations for 50% antifeedant effects （AFC50） of momordicin Ⅱ against the second and the third instar larvae of P. xylostella were 76.69 and 116.24μg mL^-1, whereas that of momordicin I was 144.08 and 168.42μg mL^-1, respectively. In addition, momordicin Ⅰ and momordicin Ⅱ had significant inhibitive effect on the rate of weight gain and survival of P. xylostella larvae.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Root Function in Nutrient Uptake and Soil Water Effect on NO3- -N and NH4＋-N Migration

Root function in uptake of nutrients and the effect of soil water on the transfer and distribution of NO3^--N in arable soil were studied using summer maize （Zea mays L. var. Shandan 9） as a testing crop. Results showed that root growth and water supply had a significant effect on NO3^--N transfer and made NO3^--N distributed evenly from bulk soil to rhizosphere soil. Under a natural condition with irrigation, the difference of NO3^--N concentration at different distance points from a maize plant was smaller, while obvious difference of NO3^--N concentration was observed under conditions of limited root growth space without irrigation. Whether root growth space was restricted or not, the content of soil NO3^--N decreased gradually from 10 to 0 cm from the plant, being opposite to the root absorbing area in soils. When root-grown space was limited, changes of NO3^--N concentration at different distances from a plant were similar to that of water content in tendency. Results showed that NO3^--N could be transferred as solute to plant root systems with water uptake by plants. However, the transfer and distribution of NH4^--N were not influenced by root growth and soil water supply, being different to NO3^--N.     

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.     

Effects of Chlorine Dioxide Gas on Postharvest Physiology and Storage Quality of Green Bell Pepper （Capsicum frutescens L. var. Longrum）

The effects of treatment of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas on postharvest physiology and preservation quality of green bell peppers were studied. Green bell peppers were collected in bags and treated with 0, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mg L-1 ClO2 gas at 10 ± 0.5℃ for over 40 d, and the changes in postharvest physiology and preservation quality of the peppers were evaluated during the storage. The inhibition of rot of the peppers was observed for all the tested ClO2 gas treatments. The rot rates of the treated samples were 50% lesser than those of the control after day 40 of storage. The highest inhibitory effect was obtained after 50 mg L-1 ClO2 gas treatment, where the peppers did not decay until day 30 and showed only one-fourth of the rot rate of the control at day 40 of storage. The respiratory activity of the peppers was significantly (P ＜ 0.05) inhibited by 20 and 50 mg L-1 ClO2 treatments, whereas no significant effects on respiratory activity were observed with 5 and 10 mg L-1ClO2 treatments (P＞ 0.05). Except for 50 mg L-1 ClO2, malondialdenyde (MDA) contents in the peppers treated with 5,10, or 20 mg L-1 ClO2 were not significantly (P＞0.05) different from those in the control. Degradation of chlorophyll in the peppers was delayed by 5 mg L-1 ClO2, but promoted by 10, 20, or 50 mg L-1 ClO2. The vitamin C content, titratable acidity,and total soluble solids of the peppers treated by all the tested ClO2 gas did not significantly change during the storage.The results suggested that ClO2 gas treatment effectively delayed the postharvest physiological transformation of green peppers, inhibited decay and respiration, maintained some nutritional and sensory quality, and retarded MDA accumulation.     

Release Characteristics of Different N Forms in an Uncoated Slow/Controlled Release Compound Fertilizer

This study examined the release characteristics of different N forms in an uncoated slow/controlled-release compound fertilizer （UCRF） and the N uptake and N-use efficiency by rice plants. Water dissolution, soil leaching, and pot experiments were employed. The dynamics of N release from the UCRF could be quantitatively described by three equations： the first-order kinetics equation [N1=N0 （1-e^-kt）], Elovich equation （N1=a ＋ blnt）, and parabola equation （N1=a ＋ bt^0.5）, with the best fitting by the first-order kinetics equation for different N （r= 0.9569^＊＊-0.9999^＊＊）. The release potentials （No values estimated by the first-order kinetics equation） of different N in the UCRF decreased in the order of total N 〉 DON 〉 urea-N 〉 NH4^＋-N 〉 NO3^-N in water, and total N 〉 NH4^＋-N 〉 DON 〉 urea-N 〉 NO3^--N in soil, respectively, being in accordance with cumulative amounts of N release. The constants of N release rate （k values and b values） for different N forms were in decreasing order of total N 〉 DON 〉 NH4^＋-N 〉 NO3^--N in water, whereas the k values were urea- N 〉DON 〉 NH4^＋-N 〉 total N 〉 NO3^--N, and the b values were total N 〉 NH4^＋-N 〉 DON 〉 NO3^--N 〉 urea-N in soil. Compared with a common compound fertilizer, the N-use efficiency, N-agronomy efficiency, and N-physiological efficiency of the UCRF were increased by 11.4%, 8.32 kg kg^-1, and 5.17 kg kg^-1, respectively. The ratios of different N to total N in the UCRF showed significant correlation with N uptake by rice plants. The findings showed that the first-order kinetics equation [Nt=N0 （l-e^kt）] could be used to describe the release characteristics of different N forms in the fertilizer. The UCRF containing different N forms was more effective in facilitating N uptake by rice compared with the common compound fertilizer containing single urea-N form.     

Ultrasonic Acoustic Emissions from Leaf Xylem of Potted Wheat Subject to a Soil Drought and Rewatering Cycle

Ultrasonic acoustic emissions （AEs） from leaf xylem of both water stressed and well watered potted winter wheat （Triticum aestivum L.） plants during drought and rewatering cycle were investigated with a ‘PCI-2 Based AE System＇ （Physical Acoustics Corp. New Jersey, USA） for estimation of leaf xylem cavitation and embolism. Very few AEs occurred in xylem of wheat leaves in well-watered plant, and also in plant subject to mild and moderate soil water stress conditions over the first 4 d of the drought cycle. Great amounts of AEs have occurred since d 5 of the drought cycle as plant showed obvious leaf curling, indicating significant cavitation in leaf xylem on plant exposed to severe soil water deficit. At this point, relative soil water content （RSWC） and leaf xylem pressure （ψ1） dropped to 24.0-26.5% and -1.92 MPa, respectively, with reductions in leaf stomatal conductance （gs）, leaf transpiration （Tr） and leaf CO2 assimilation rate （A） of as much as 69.8, 60.7 and 46.5%, respectively. The effect of soil water deficit was in the order gs 〉 Tr 〉 A 〉 AE. Waveform physical property parameters such as amplitude, counts, rise time, duration, absolute energy and signal strength were analyzed. These parameters varied within very broad ranges, with frequency distribution of most parameters being well fitted by the exponential function y = yo- A exp （-x/t）. The proportion of stronger AE signals rose as soil dehydrated. While AEs occurrence in water stressed plant remained higher than in well-watered control at the following day after rewatering, waveform signal strength and related physical property parameters dropped immediately to that of control. Difference in AEs occurrence characterization between field-grown and potted wheat leaves was discussed.     

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.     

Effects of Copper on the Photosynthesis and Oxidative Metabolism of Amaranthus tricolor Seedlings

The objective of the present study was to gain better insight into the physiological mechanisms on the effects of copper (Cu) on photosynthesis and active oxygen metabolism in three-colored amaranth plant (Amaranthus tricolor). Three-colored amaranth seedlings were subjected to different Cu levels in soils during the entire experimental period. The parameters of growth, photosynthesis, mineral elements contents, and active oxygen metabolism were investigated using plant physiological methods. The results showed that 2.0 and 4.0 mmol Cu kg⁻¹ treatments decreased the whole plant biomass to 91 and 73% of the control, respectively. The net photosynthetic rate (P_n) and the stomatal conductance (g_s) were similarly reduced in the third leaves of three-colored amaranth seedlings treated with 2.0 and 4.0 mmol Cu kg-¹ soil, respectively. None of the investigated Cu levels decreased the internal CO₂ concentration (C_i). The effect of Cu on the potential efficiency of photosystem II (F_vIF_m) was negligible, whereas the effect of Cu on the PS II quantum efficiency (Φ_PS II) after plant adaptation in actinic irradiation was more noticeable. On the other hand, decreases in water percentage, contents of photosynthetic pigments and mineral elements including Fe, K, and Mg, and significant increase in the Cu content were observed in the third leaves of Cu-treated plants. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities as well as the proline (Pro) content significantly increased in the third leaves of the three-colored amaranth seedlings treated with 2.0 and 4.0 mmol Cu kg⁻¹ soil, while catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities as well as the contents of carotenoid (Car), glutathione (GSH), and ascorbic acid (AsA) decreased, and accompanied by the increases in the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), superoxide anion (O₂.-), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and electrolyte leakage. As a result of the imbalance of active oxygen metabolism, P_n and Φ_{PS II} decreased, and peroxidization enhanced under levels of 2.0 and 4.0 mmol Cu kg⁻¹ soil. Finally, the growth of three-colored amaranth plant was significantly inhibited.     

Effect of Long-Term Fertilization on Soil Productivity and Nitrate Accumulation in Gansu Oasis

A long-term （1982-2001） field experiment was conducted in a calcareous soil under wheat （Triticum aestivum L.）-wheat （Triticum aestivum L.）-maize （Zea mays L.） rotation system at Zhangye, Gansu Province, China to determine the effects of long-term fertilization on crop yield, nutrients interactions, content and accumulation of nitrate-N in soil profiles. Twenty- four plots in a split-plot factorial with a combination of eight treatments （from nitrogen （N）, phosphorus （P）, potassium （K） and farmyard manure （M） applications） and 3 replications were selected. Main treatments were M and without M, and the sub-treatments were no-fertilizer （CK）, N, NP and NPK. When P and K fertilizers were part of treatments, their ratio to N was 1N：0.22P：0.42K. All M, P and K fertilizers were applied as the basal dressing. The grain yield was harvested each experimental period and straw yield for the period from 1988 to 1997. After crop harvest in 2000, the soil was sampled from the 0-20, 20-60, 60-100, 100-140 and 140-180 cm depths to determine NO3^--N content. Maize yield of CK in 2000 was only 28.2% of that in 1984, and wheat in 2001 was 25.7% of that observed in 1982. Average impact of fertilizers on grain yield decreased in the order of N 〉 M 〉 P 〉 K. Yield response to N and P fertilizers increased with progress of the experiment. The impact of K fertilizer showed no increase in grain yield during the initial 6 years （1982-1987）, moderate increase in the next 5 years （1988-1992）, and considerable increase in the last 9 years （1993-2001）. The straw yield trend was similar to grain yield. Accumulation and distribution of NO3^--N in soil was significantly affected by annual fertilizations. Mineral fertilizers （NP and NPK） led to NO3^- -N accumulation in most subsoil layers, with major impact in the 20-140 cm depth. The combination of mineral fertilizers and farmyard manure （MNP and MNPK） reduced soil NO3^--N accumulation in comparison to mineral fertilizers, It can be argued that long-term fertilization significantly enhanced grain and straw yield in this rotation scheme. The findings of this research suggest that it is important to balance application of mineral fertilizers and farmyard manure in order to protect soil and underground water from potential NO3^--N pollution while sustaining high productivity in the oasis agro-ecosystem.     

Sensitivities of Phytophthora infestans to Metalaxyl, Cymoxanil, and Dimethomorph

The isolates of Phytophthora infestans on tomato in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, were determined for the sensitivities to metalaxyl, cymoxanil and dimethomorph to give the basic information for integrating disease management. Sensitivities were tested by measuring the radial growth on agar medium amended with fungicide, compared with the floating-leaf-disk method. 239 isolates were collected from eight tomato growing areas during 2000-2006. The testing results indicated that the frequencies of sensitive, intermediate, and resistant isolates to metalaxyl were 42.26, 35.98, and 23.53%, respectively. Variations in sensitivities amongst isolates from different areas or different years were very high for metalaxyl. All isolates from Tianlin and Wuxuan were sensitive to metalaxyl, but the metalaxyl-resistant isolates predominated in Tianyang, with the frequency of 51.35%. The EC50 values of certain isolates from Tianyang were higher than 500 μg·mL^-1 and their resistance levels were over 100 000 folds. Cymoxanil has been used for nearly 10 years in Guangxi, and dimethomorph has been used for 5-6 years. However, there was no decrease in sensitivity of P. infestans populations and the sensitivities of the pathogen were nearly normally distributed. Hence, their mean ECs0 value [cymoxanil （0.1647 ±0.0255） μg·mL^-1, dimethomorph （0.0970 ± 0.0052） μg·mL^-1 could be used as the baseline sensitivities for monitoring the field resistance development. The comparison with the floating-leaf-disk method indicates that both the techniques provided equivalent results. These studies suggested that metalaxyl can be continuously applied in Tianlin, Wuxuan, and Nanning due to the resistant isolates that have not been found, while for those areas with resistant isolate, the use of metalaxyl should be reduced or alternated, and cymoxanil or dimethomorph was recommended for controlling late blight disease of tomato.     

Emission and Fixation of CO2 from Soil System as Influenced by Long-Term Application of Organic Manure in Paddy Soils

The observations of 25-yr long-term experiment in Zhejiang paddy soils showed that the soil organic matter could increase continuously with applying organic manure, and the increase in rate enhanced along with the application rates of organic manure. By mathematical modeling, the soil organic matter increased by 22 kg when 1 t of fresh FYM was applied. The CO2 emission resulting from the mineralization of soil organic matter increased with the increase in the application rate of the organic manure as well as the increase in the root residues. It is expected that the CO2 emission will be at 10.04-21.61 t ha^-1 yr^-1 when 16.5-49.5 t ha ^-1 yr^-1 of fresh FYM is applied. The soil organic carbon from mineralization and release of applied organic carbon （fresh FYM and root residues） will affect the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. So, the higher the application rate of organic manure, the more is the fixed organic carbon. The CO2 fixation will be at 1.885-3.463 t ha^-1 yr^-1 when 16.5-49.5 t ha^-1 yr^-1 of fresh FYM is applied. Thus, the CO2 fixation will increase by 46.7 kg by applying 1 t fresh FYM. To apply organic manure continuously in rice fields may reduce the contribution to the increase of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere.     

Analysis of laser light propagation in kiwifruit using backscattering imaging and Monte Carlo simulation

The propagation of laser light in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) tissue was measured by backscattering imaging and modelled with the Monte Carlo (MC) method. The parameters of the vision system (8 bit/channel camera, 27.42 μm/pixel resolution) and the laser module (785 nm, 45 mW, Ø1 mm) were utilized in simulation. The required number of the photons was optimized with time-resolved MC model. The injected photon pulse travelled further than the beam radius and the calculated intensity fell below the noise level of the camera within 1 ns time. This short pulse contains 2.49 × 10⁸ photons and its application reduced computation load compared to the amount emitted within the integration time of 0.5–8.3 ms. The statistical effects of the optical properties of the tissue, scattering coefficient (μ_s) absorption coefficient (μ_a) and anisotropy factor (g), on photon flux was evaluated within ±20% range relative to expected mean values of μ_a = 0.9 cm⁻¹ and μ_s = 40 cm⁻¹. The anisotropy factor was taken into account using the Heyney–Greenstein phase function and was adjusted to g = 0.8 ± 20%. Because individual significance of each optical property was also analysed, scattering (μ_s) and transport corrected reduced scattering coefficients (μ^′_s=[1−g]μ_s) must be distinguished. The multi-factor ANOVA test pointed out the highest importance (p < 0.001) of the anisotropy factor amongst scattering and absorption coefficients.In the kiwi backscattering images, rotation of the intensity profiles was observed as a result of changing anisotropy. The measured and calculated profiles were compared to estimate the anisotropy factor of kiwifruits. Significant difference (p < 0.01) was found between anisotropy of premium quality and overripe pieces with respect to the fruit texture properties.     

Effects of Limiting Amino Acids on Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Community In vitro

Three goats fitted with cannula were used to provide rumen liquor to investigate the effects of limiting amino acids on rumen fermentation and microbial community in vitro. The removal method was used in the current experiments. Treatments are total essential amino acid （TEAA）, His-removal, Lys-removal, Met-removal, and branch chain amino acid （BCAA）- removal. Results indicated that, pH-value ranged between 5.9 and 6.8, with the highest mean value for the group with BCAA-removal （6.54） in the culture. Concentration of NH3-N ranged between 10.99 to 30.51 mg 100 mL^-1, with the group of TEAA recording the highest average NH3-N concentration （17.85 mg 100 mL^-1）. Yields of microbial protein and limiting degree on microbial growth varied with treatments （P 〈 0.01）, and the lowest accrued in treatment with BCAA-removal （0.1389, 0.1772, and 0.3161 mg mL^-1 for bacteria, protozoa, and mixed microbes, respectively）, compared to the group with TEAA, microbial production of mixed microbes decreased by 44.52%. As for micro-flora, protozoa to bacteria ratio was the lowest for the group with Lys-removal （89.12%）, while the highest for the group with BCAA-removal （127.60%） （P 〈 0.01）. Furthermore, PCR-SSCP analysis revealed that, microbial profile subjected to substrates within bacteria and protozoa groups. It was therefore concluded that, dietary amino acid influenced both rumen fermentation and microbial characteristics.     

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.     

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.     

Effect of Hypoglycemia on Performances, Metabolites, and Hormones in Periparturient Dairy Cows

In this research work, 24 multiparous holstein cows were used to evaluate the effect of hypoglycemia on periparturient metabolism and lactation performance. The cows were arranged into two groups of hypoglycemia （L） and normal plasma glucose （N） based on plasma glucose level. The same diets were fed ad libitum from 28 days before expected calving date to 28 days after calving. The parameters relative to energy balance, such as dry matter intake （DMI）, body weight （BW）, milk yield （MY）, and concentrations of plasma glucose, nonesterified fatty acids （NEFA）, β-hydroxybutyric acid （BHBA）, insulin （INS）, glucagons （GLN）, leptin （LP）, neuropeptide Y （NPY） in plasma were measured at regular intervals. Incidence of hypoglycemia was higher prepartum than that of postpartum （88% vs. 50%）, and the recurrence of hypoglycemia was reversed （31% vs. 100%）. Hypoglycemia did not affect feed intake before and after calving. With the increase of postpartum feed intake, incidence of hypoglycemia decreased rapidly, even disappeared at 28 days of postpartum. Hypoglycemia had no impact on prepartum BW, but BW in L group was lower than that of cows in N group at 1 day and 14 days of postpartum （P〈0.05）. Milk yield was not affected by hypoglycemia. Cows in L group had higher plasma NEFA concentration than cows in N group. It reached a peak （1442 μmol L^-1 vs. 1052 μmol L^-1） at day 1 of postpartum （P〈0.05）. Plasma BHBA concentration of cows in L group was higher than that in N group, which reached a peak （2.01 mmol L^-1 vs. 1.34 mmol L^-1） at 14 days of postpartum （P〈0.05）. Plasma concentration of INS and GLN was unaffected by treatment, but postpartum plasma GLN concentration obviously increased, especially in L group. Plasma concentration of LP and NPY before calving was unaffected by treatment, but postpartum LP level in L group was slightly lower than that in N group, and NPY level in L group was significantly higher than that in N group （P〈0.05）. Overall, periparturient dairy cows are easy to develop hypoglycemia, which stimulates lipid metabolism. Adaptive changes of some metabolites and hormones, such as NEFA, BHBA, INS, GLN, LP, NPY are of benefit to increase feed intake and recovery of NEB in periparturient period, but there still are some issues on interaction of those endocrine factors in the energy balance of periparturient cows to be understood further.