应用诊断施肥综合法(DRIS)对槟榔叶片进行营养诊断

应用诊断施肥综合法(DRIS)对低产园和高产园槟榔进行了叶片营养诊断。结果表明,相对于高产园,低产园元素间关系较不平衡。槟榔叶片N、P、K、Ca、Mg以及Fe、Mn、Cu、Zn的适宜含量分别为(20.53±0.67)、(1.90±0.01)、(13.30±0.46)、(7.14±0.57)、(3.68±0.41)g/kg及(109.50±4.16)、(112.50±9.02)、(6.07±0.64)、(31.23±0.15)mg/kg。低产园N、P、K、Ca、Mg、Fe、Mn、Cu、Zn元素DRIS诊断指数分别为-44.58、-1.60、-17.16、0.09、-31.94、52.78、31.03、23.12、-11.74,需求强度较大的元素为N、Mg、K,其次是Zn、P。     

华南龙眼叶片营养诊断指标的建立

比较4种叶片营养诊断方法在龙眼上应用的优缺点,确定适用于龙眼的营养诊断方法并建立诊断指标,为华南龙眼叶片营养诊断和养分管理提供科学依据。2017—2019年在华南主产区分别采集2次末次梢老熟期和果实膨大期龙眼叶片样本,测定大、中、微量元素含量,记录果实产量,建立产量与叶片养分含量关系函数;利用4种叶片营养诊断方法[临界值法（CVA）、充足范围法（SRA）、诊断施肥综合法（M-DRIS）、组分营养诊断法（CND）],分别对2年4个时期叶片营养状况进行诊断。结果表明,龙眼年际产量变异大,不同年份同一生育期及同年不同生育期叶片多数养分含量差异显著,但2年高产群体叶片养分含量较为接近。根据产量与叶片养分含量关系模型,CVA仅获得少数养分的诊断指标,M-DRIS和CND只能定性列出养分需求顺序,而且诊断准确性与诊断时期、养分丰缺程度有关且年际差异很大,SRA可获得所有养分诊断指标,而且2年指标接近。故SRA可用于龙眼叶片营养诊断,并用该法建立末次梢老熟期和果实膨大期龙眼叶片养分诊断指标体系。用该法获得龙眼末次梢老熟期叶片养分适宜水平为N 22.6~24.3 g/kg、P 1.56~ 1.86 g/kg、K 10.2~11.3 g/kg、Ca 5.7~7.1 g/kg、Mg 1.07~1.25 g/kg、S 1.39~1.52 g/kg、Fe 34.2~ 41.3 mg/kg、Mn 30.8~ 51.3 mg/kg、Cu 6.3~7.6 mg/kg、Zn 18.2~21.9 mg/kg、B 17.1~24.0 mg/kg;果实膨大期叶片养分适宜范围为N 20.8~21.7 g/kg、P 1.29~1.44 g/kg、K 8.0~9.5 g/kg、Ca 15.6~19.1 g/kg、Mg 1.29~17.20 g/kg、S 1.56~1.73 g/kg、Fe 52.8~67.5 mg/kg、Mn 43.9~73.9 mg/kg、Cu 5.1~5.9 mg/kg、Zn 32.2~38.3 mg/kg、B 24.3~28.1 mg/kg。     

海南‘红金龙’芒果叶片矿质养分特征与诊断指标

在海南的岛东林场、乐东阳光、陵水福田、陵水六合、乐东千家基地5个具有代表性的芒果种植区,选择长势正常的果树随机进行样品采集,分析第一、二蓬叶中N、P、K、Ca、Mg、S 6种矿质养分含量,对‘红金龙’芒果叶片进行矿质养分的变化规律分析,确定进行叶片养分诊断的适宜采样时间和适宜采样指标,为确定‘红金龙’芒果营养诊断指标提供参考依据。研究红金龙第一、二蓬叶片的N、P、K、Ca、Mg、S 6种矿质营养元素在不同月份的变异系数和平均值。结果表明：12月份第二蓬叶N、P、K、Ca、Mg、S 6种矿质元素变异系数小,且叶片矿质元素含量稳定能代表全年树体营养状况。故‘红金龙’叶片营养诊断在12月采集第二蓬叶作为测定N、P、K、Ca、Mg、S 6种矿质养分较为适宜,营养诊断指标值：氮14.74~18.28 g/kg,磷0.99~1.33 g/kg,钾8.98~12.1 g/kg,钙21.91~30.03 g/kg,镁1.77~1.89 g/kg,硫1.25~1.51 g/kg。     

主栽品种龙眼生物学性状及营养累积特点

在华南龙眼主产区挖取16~17 a成熟期中高产石硖、储良、福眼和松风本龙眼（Dimocarpus longan Lour.）各1株,调查树体生物学性状,探讨养分元素在树体的累积和分配。结果显示,4株龙眼地上部树体生物量平均为264.3 kg（鲜重）,果实、叶片和树干分别占地上部生物量的28.4%、12.3%和59.3%。在果实成熟期,叶片、树干、根系和果皮均以Ca含量最高,果肉以K含量最高,果核N含量最高。为生产50 kg果实,龙眼地上部需吸收N 668.6 g、P 102.0 g、K 461.6 g、Ca 1310.4 g、Mg 80.7 g、S 43.3 g、Si 63.8 g、Fe 20.1 g、Mn 5.8 g、Cu 349.9 mg、Zn 1245.9 mg、B 849.5 mg和Mo 8.7 mg。Ca是龙眼最重要的营养元素。收获50 kg龙眼果实,带走养分量为N 167.8 g、P 23.1 g、K 156.4 g、Ca 57.0 g、Mg 12.6 g、S 8.4 g、Si 0.7 g、Fe 0.7 g、Mn 0.4 g、Cu 110.5 mg、Zn 155.6 mg、B 125.3 mg和Mo 1.6 mg。为维持立地土壤养分肥力及龙眼植株正常生长,果实带走养分量应为翌年施肥量的下限。对生产中因营养问题引起的龙眼叶片缺素和果实生长异常现象进行讨论后,建议今后加强龙眼Ca、Mg、Si和B营养的研究。     

不同木薯种质资源主要矿物质元素差异性分析

为了解不同木薯种质资源矿物质元素含量,优选含量丰富的品种,为木薯的综合利用提供数据支撑,本文采用马弗炉法、原子吸收和原子荧光法分别对113份木薯种质资源灰分与矿物质元素含量进行测定,结果表明：矿物质元素Cr、Cu、Se含量均低于1 mg/kg（干重）,Ca、Fe、K、Mg、Mn、Na、Zn含量分别为66.39~1609.81 mg/kg、4.35~ 38.93 mg/kg、1954.56~8762.78 mg/kg、149.04~1143.73 mg/kg、4.48~37.40 mg/kg、36.80~530.40 mg/kg、6.35~24.83 mg/kg。利用概率分级法将113份木薯种质资源灰分及矿物质元素含量分为5级,即极高、高、中、低和极低,并推荐极高品系作为基础亲本材料。在相关性分析中,灰分与Fe、Mg、Na、Zn含量具有较为显著的相关性,Ca含量与K、Mn含量呈极显著正相关,Ca含量与Mg、Na含量呈极显著负相关,Fe含量与Mg、Na、Zn含量成极显著正相关,K含量与Mn含量呈极显著正相关,与Na含量呈极显著负相关,Mg含量与Na、Zn含量呈极显著正相关,Zn含量与Mn、Na含量呈极显著正相关。Zn与各矿物质元素的吸收有较强的相互促进作用,Fe含量与Mg、Na含量有较强的相互促进作用,Ca含量与K、Mn的吸收有较强的促进作用,而Ca、K、Mn与Fe、Mg、Na的吸收可能存在一定的拮抗作用。结合主成分分析、聚类分析对不同木薯种质资源矿物质元素含量进行综合评价,得到特征值大于1的主成分2个,累计方差贡献率达61.707%。聚类分析可将113个木薯种质资源分为3类,根据矿物质元素含量差异可将不同木薯品种分为Na、Mg、Zn、Fe含量较高和Mn、Ca、K、Zn含量较高两大类,主成分综合评价中‘274'‘50'‘571'‘521'‘417'等木薯种质资源得分较高。     

黄淮海区主推玉米品种子粒主要矿物质元素含量分析

对黄淮海区36个主推玉米品种子粒各微量和常量矿物质元素含量进行分析。结果表明,玉米子粒Zn、Fe、Mn和Cu浓度变化范围分别为16.2~24.0、17.7~32.9、3.3~7.4和1.1~2.4 mg/kg,其平均浓度分别为20.1、23.0、4.5和1.6 mg/kg,变异系数分别为10.3%、23.0%、23.9%和22.1%。Ca和Mg浓度范围分别为37.8~93.5和1 002.1~1 357.4 mg/kg,平均浓度分别为68.3和1 163.2 mg/kg,变异系数为25.3%和7.9%。N,K和P浓度范围分别为8.9~14.0、3.2~4.8和2.2~3.0 g/kg,平均浓度分别为11.5,3.9和2.6 g/kg,变异系数分别为12.4%,10.7%和8.3%。子粒中60.2%~85.9%的P以植酸磷形态存在,与Zn和Fe均无相关性;Zn和Fe同时与Mn、Mg和K呈显著正相关,表明玉米子粒中Zn、Fe、Mn、Mg和K浓度提高的同时不会提高植酸P浓度,有利于提高子粒Zn和Fe的生物有效性。     

不同产地平贝母营养元素、有效成分及其相关性研究

为平贝母药材的质量评价提供参考和平贝母道地药材的规范化栽培提供理论指导,对东北三省9个不同产地的平贝母营养元素的含量和有效成分进行研究。结果显示平贝母中的N、P、K、B、Ca、Fe、Mg、Mn、Zn含量平均值分别为27420mg/kg、4440mg/kg、18500mg/kg、6.0mg/kg、1310mg/kg、610mg/kg、1160mg/kg、30mg/kg、160mg/kg,Cu、cd、Pb、Hg重金属含量不超标。9个不同产地之间的平贝母总生物碱含量差异达到了极显著水平;K、Hg和含量差异达到了显著水平,B、Ca、Fe、Mg、Mn、Zn、N、P、Cu、Cd、Pb和总皂苷含量的差异不显著。所有平贝母鳞茎营养元素和总生物碱含量无相关性,只有K元素和总皂苷含量呈显著正相关,可以模拟线性回归方程。     

‘砂糖橘’养分累积分布特性研究

为明确矿质养分在‘砂糖橘’（Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Shiyue Ju）树体的分布规律,以7年生中高产‘砂糖橘’树为试材,采用挖取全株、分解取样的方法,研究了‘砂糖橘’养分累积及其分布特性。结果表明：为生产50 kg果实,‘砂糖橘’树体需要累积N 0.393 kg、P 0.040 kg、K 0.366 kg、Ca 0.161 kg、Mg 0.043 kg、S 0.083 kg、Fe 7 865 mg、Mn 1 837 mg、Cu 175 mg、Zn 1 356 mg、B 1 161 mg、Mo 2.6 mg。在成熟期每收获50 kg果实,其果实带走的养分量为N 0.208 kg、P 0.025 kg、K 0.237 kg、Ca 0.033 kg、Mg 0.017 kg、S 0.035 kg、Fe 702 mg、Mn 151 mg、Cu 87 mg、Zn 228 mg、B 573 mg、Mo 0.9 mg,养分比例N ∶ P ∶ K ∶ Ca ∶ Mg ∶ S为1 ∶ 0.12 ∶ 1.14 ∶ 0.16 ∶ 0.08 ∶ 0.17。同时,阐明了‘砂糖橘’不同部位养分含量和不同养分在‘砂糖橘’不同部位的分配模式。     

西施柚果发育过程中金属营养元素生理研究

研究西施柚果实发育过程K、Ca、Mg、Zn、Cu、Mn、Fe共7种金属营养元素的含量与分布、吸收规律及其与活性氧代谢的相关性.结果表明:(1)4～6月、6～8月和8～10月分别是果皮迅速生长期、果肉迅速生长期和果实转色成熟期.(2)果皮和果肉中K、Mg、Zn、Cu、Mn、Fe的含量均随果实的发育总体呈递减规律(果皮中Ca的含量相反),但7种元素的吸收总量则不断增加.K含量位居7种元素之首.K、Zn、Fe以果肉居多,Ca、Mg、Mn主要分布在果皮,Cu在果皮果肉中的含量相当.(3)7种元素的累积主要集中在6～8月果肉迅速增长期,K、Ca和Fe在10月果实成熟期也有较大的吸收.K的吸收率与单果重增长率呈极显著正相关,Ca和Fe与单果重、Mg和Cu与果肉直径呈显著正相关.(4)7种元素中K与其它元素的相关性显著率较高,Ca和Cu以负相关为主.(5)Mn和K与活性氧代谢指标相关性较显著,其次是Zn、Fe和Mg,Ca和Cu均不显著.     

琯溪蜜柚品质综合评价及优质高产的营养诊断

通过对302个代表性蜜柚果园的品质成分和叶片营养状况进行系统分析,探讨琯溪蜜柚果实品质评价中的主要影响因子以及对不同区域和土壤类型果园的果实品质进行综合评价,确定高产优质果树叶片养分元素适宜含量,并采用诊断施肥综合法（DRIS）对蜜柚果园进行了营养诊断研究。结果表明：经因子分析,提取出3个特征根>1的公因子,累积贡献率为69.7%,第1公因子中起主要作用的指标是固酸比、可溶性固形物和总糖,方差贡献率为36.8%;第2公因子中起主要作用的指标是粒化率和开裂瓣数,方差贡献率为20.3%;第3公因子中起主要作用的指标是单果重和可滴定酸,方差贡献率为12.7%;东半县的果实品质综合评价得分要优于西半县,山地红壤的果实品质综合得分要优于水稻土;琯溪蜜柚优质高产生产的叶片元素含量的适宜范围分别为：N 2.15%~2.80%,P 0.12%~0.17%,K 1.25%~1.85%,Ca 2.10%~4.25%,Mg 0.25%~0.55%,S 0.25%~0.40%,Mn 20~145 mg/kg,Zn 25~50 mg/kg,B 35~135 mg/kg;通过DRIS营养诊断表明,东半县山地红壤果园最缺乏的元素是B、Mg和Ca,东半县水稻土果园最缺乏的元素是Mg、N和P,西半县山地红壤果园最缺乏的元素是Zn、Ca和Mg,西半县水稻土果园最缺乏的元素是Zn、K和S。因此,为满足人们对果实品质的更高要求,亟需根据新的营养诊断标准和区域的差异性调整施肥策略,实现琯溪蜜柚果实产量和品质的协同提高,促进琯溪蜜柚产业的可持续发展。     

Pharmacokinetics of Marine-Derived Drugs

Marine organisms represent an excellent source of innovative compounds that have the potential for the development of new drugs. The pharmacokinetics of marine drugs has attracted increasing interest in recent decades due to its effective and potential contribution to the selection of rational dosage recommendations and the optimal use of the therapeutic arsenal. In general, pharmacokinetics studies how drugs change after administration via the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). This review provides a summary of the pharmacokinetics studies of marine-derived active compounds, with a particular focus on their ADME. The pharmacokinetics of compounds derived from algae, crustaceans, sea cucumber, fungus, sea urchins, sponges, mollusks, tunicate, and bryozoan is discussed, and the pharmacokinetics data in human experiments are analyzed. In-depth characterization using pharmacokinetics is useful for obtaining information for understanding the molecular basis of pharmacological activity, for correct doses and treatment schemes selection, and for more effective drug application. Thus, an increase in pharmacokinetic research on marine-derived compounds is expected in the near future.     

La pourriture fongique des tubercules de pomme de terre en atmosphère contrôlée

Résumé Fusarium culmorum et, dans une moindre mesure,F. avenaceum, F. sambucinum, Colletotrichum coccodes etCylindrocarpon sp. ont été isolés de tubercules entreposés en atmosphère contr?lée (AC) et atteints de pourriture grave. Des expériences d'inoculation de tubercules avec 10 espèces ou variétés fongiques et conservation en AC à 8 et 10°C ont montré que: 1) les champignons non pathogènes en atmosphère normale (ex.:Cylindrocarpon sp.) le devenaient en AC, 2) ceux qui étaient faiblement pathogènes en atmosphère normale étaient nettement plus virulents en AC (ex.:F. culmorum), 3) les espèces ou variétés virulentes en conditions d'air normales (Fusarium sulphureum etPhoma exigua var.foveata) ne provoquaient pas de pourriture plus grave en AC et leur activité pouvait même être légérement freinée.

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Summary The extensive rotting of tubers which occurred during storage trials in controlled atmospheres has led to a mycological and pathological study of the rots. The most frequently isolated species wasFusarium culmorum althoughF. avenaceum, F. Sambucinum, Coletotrichum coccodes and aCylindrocarpon sp. were also present. Tubers of cvs Bintje and Ulla were inoculated with 19 isolates of 10 fungal species or varieties associated with rotting of stored tubers (Table 1). The tubers were incubated at 8 or 10°C in normal or controlled (2% O₂:1% CO₂, 2% O₂:6% CO₂, 2% O₂:12% CO₂, 6% O₂:6% CO₂) atmospheres and the extent of rotting was determined a month later (Tables 2 and 3 and Fig. 2). Species which were weakly virulent in a normal atmosphere (variousFusarium spp. andPhoma exigua var.exigua) were clearly more aggressive in the controlled atmosphere and this was especially evident in the case ofF. culmorum. Species ot pathogenic in a normal atmosphere under experimental conditions (Colletotrichum coccodes, Cylindrocarpon sp.,Phoma eupyrena) caused rotting in the controlled atmosphere. The two species which were virulent in a normal atmosphere (F. sulphureum andP. exigua var.foveata) were also virulent in the controlled atmosphere and in some cases the extent of rotting was even less. As a general rule, rotting caused by weakly virulent fungi was greater in both cultivars in the controlled than in a normal atmosphere.

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Zusammenfassung Eine starke F?ulnis von in Kontrotrollierter Atmosph?re gelagerten Kartoffelknollen veranlasste eine mykologische und pathologische Untersuchung. Der am h?ufigsten isolierte Pilz warFusarium culmorum. F. avenaceum, F. sambucinum, Colletotrichum coccodes undCylindrocarpon sp. wurden ebenfalls bestimmt. Neunzehn St?mme von 10 Pilzsorten oder-Arten welche bei Lagerf?ulnis vorkommen (Tab. 1) wurden auf Knollen der Sorten Bintje und Ulla inokuliert. Die Lagerung wurde bei 8 oder 10°C under Normalbedingungen oder kontrollierter Atmosph?re durchgeführt (2% O₂:1% CO₂, 2% O₂:6% CO₂, 2% O₂:12% CO₂, 6% O₂:6% CO₂). Der F?ulnisgrad (Abb. 1) wurde nach einem Monat bonitiert. Die Ergebnisse sind in den Tabellen 2 und 3 dargestellt und in der Abb. 2 illustriert. Unter in Normalbedingungen nur schwach virulente Arten (verschiedeneFusarien undPhoma exigua var. exigua) waren deutlich aktiver in kontrollierter Atmosph?re. Dies was besonders der Fall fürF. culmorum. Pilze, die im Versuch unter Normalbedingungen nicht pathogen waren (Colletotrichum coccodes, Cylindrocarpon sp., Phoma eupyrena), haben unter kontrollierter Atmosph?re Sch?den verursacht. Hingegen werden die beiden unter Normalbedingungen sehr pathogenen Arten (F. sulphureum undP., exigua var.foveata), durch kontrollierte Atmosph?re wenig beeinflusst. Es wurde sogar in einigen F?llen eine gewisse Verringerung des F?ulnisbefalls beobachtet. Ganz allgemein haben die getesteten kontrollierten Bedingungen die Entwicklung der Pilzf?ulnis an beiden Kartoffelsorten gef?rdert, speziell durch Pilzarten, welche unter Normal-bedingungen wenig Sch?den verursachen.

     

Marine Pharmacology in 2016–2017: Marine Compounds with Antibacterial,Antidiabetic, Antifungal,Anti-Inflammatory,Antiprotozoal, Antituberculosis and Antiviral Activities; Affecting the Immune and Nervous Systems,and Other Miscellaneous Mechanisms of Action

The review of the 2016–2017 marine pharmacology literature was prepared in a manner similar as the 10 prior reviews of this series. Preclinical marine pharmacology research during 2016–2017 assessed 313 marine compounds with novel pharmacology reported by a growing number of investigators from 54 countries. The peer-reviewed literature reported antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antituberculosis, and antiviral activities for 123 marine natural products, 111 marine compounds with antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities as well as affecting the immune and nervous system, while in contrast 79 marine compounds displayed miscellaneous mechanisms of action which upon further investigation may contribute to several pharmacological classes. Therefore, in 2016–2017, the preclinical marine natural product pharmacology pipeline generated both novel pharmacology as well as potentially new lead compounds for the growing clinical marine pharmaceutical pipeline, and thus sustained with its contributions the global research for novel and effective therapeutic strategies for multiple disease categories.     

Effects of Micronutrient Deficiencies on Human Health: Its Status in South Asia

SUMMARY

Vitamin A, iodine, and iron deficiencies affect large numbers of people worldwide. A deficiency of one or more of these micronutrients adversely affects the physical and mental abilities of humans. South Asia contains a high percentage of these individuals, not just because of its large population, but also the prevalence of deficiency is higher there than in many other parts of the world. The reasons for the high rates of deficiency in South Asia are many, but they include inadequate availability of micronutrient-rich foods, sub-optimal dietary habits, and high rates of infection. Across the region, national plans vary from (a) increasing availability of appropriate foods, (b) introducing new dietary behaviors, (c) improving health status, and (d) directly addressing deficiency through intervention programs. The extent to which each of the countries is making progress toward the goals of these plans can help in understanding the priorities for future efforts to address micronutrient malnutrition. This article discusses the adverse effects of micronutrient deficiencies in humans with special reference to South Asia.     

Management of Soil Micronutrient Deficiencies in the Rice-Wheat Cropping System

Summary

Within the last three decades, the rice-wheat cropping system has triggered, and with time, aggravated soil micronutrient deficiencies in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). This has largely been due to the shift from an earlier rice and wheat monoculture with low yielding, long duration indigenous varieties, to an intensive rice-wheat rotation cropping system with short duration modern high yielding varieties on the same piece of land. The problems related to micronutrient deficiency in the IGP are more due to the size of its available pools in the soil rather than its total contents and are greatly influenced by crop management, or rather its mismanagement. Deficiency of zinc is widespread in the IGP, but with the extensive use of zinc sulfate, zinc deficiency has reduced in some areas of the region. Meanwhile, the deficiency of Fe, Mn and B has increased in the IGP. Deficiency of Cu and Mo is location specific and can limit rice and wheat yields. The adoption and spread of the rice-wheat system in permeable coarse textured soils, particularly in the western IGP, not only caused iron deficiency in rice but also resulted in the emergence of manganese deficiency in wheat. In highly calcareous and acidic soils, boron is the next limiting micronutrient in crop production after zinc. Bumper rice and wheat harvests in the past decade, the declining use of organic manures in the region and except for the widespread use of zinc sulfate, a general lack of awareness amongst farmers on micronutrient deficiency problems has contributed to micronutrients limiting rice and wheat yields in the IGP. Approaches to alleviating micronutrient deficiencies include matching the crop removals of the micronutrients with its replenishments through their respective external carriers, supplementation through organic sources and mobilization/utilization through cultivation of micronutrient efficient crop cultivars. Identification of efficient micronutrient carriers and finding the optimum rate, mode and time of its application is important in ameliorating the micronutrient deficiencies. This article reviews the extent of micronutrient deficiency and discusses various management options available to reduce micronutrient deficiency induced crop yield reduction for rice and wheat in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.     

Irrigation but not N fertilization enhances seedhead density in plains rough fescue ( F estuca hallii)

Plains rough fescue ( F estuca hallii) is an important forage grass species in western Canada. Seed for use in pastures and ecological restoration is in high demand but supply is limited because F. hallii is an erratic seed producer. Seed producers require an understanding of the factors that influence flowering and seed set in this species. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the flowering and growth of F. hallii in a native rough fescue prairie in Alberta, Canada. Irrigation had a strong positive effect on seedhead density, whereas fertilization had limited effects on growth and reproduction of F. hallii. These results demonstrate that under field conditions, available moisture is likely to be a key factor driving flowering and seed production in F. hallii.     

In vitro reproduction in the annual pasture legumes subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and French serradella (Ornithopus sativus Brot.)

Pasture legumes are important components of both mixed farming rotations and permanent pastures in temperate climates. Breeding of two widely sown pasture legumes, subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and French serradella (Ornithopus sativus Brot.), is constrained by the long generation cycle, typically enabling only one generation per year. We hypothesized manipulation of culture medium and conditions would enable the development of a laboratory‐based protocol for in vitro reproduction in subterranean clover and French serradella. In vitro flowering and viable seed set was induced from both species. For subterranean clover, the most effective treatment was culturing on modified MS medium with 1 μm kinetin and 0·1 m sucrose under a 100 μmol m^?2 s^?1 light intensity and continuous photoperiod. For French serradella, culture on a hormone‐free B5 medium with 5 mm NH₄Cl and 0·1 m sucrose under a 100 μmol m^?2 s^?1 light intensity and 20 h photoperiod was optimum. It is expected this technique will have application in accelerating generation turnover within breeding programs, for the study of factors influencing flowering in pasture legumes, and for the propagation of valuable yet enfeebled plants such as embryo‐rescued hybrids.     

Marine Drugs Regulating Apoptosis Induced by Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)

Marine biomass diversity is a tremendous source of potential anticancer compounds. Several natural marine products have been described to restore tumor cell sensitivity to TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced cell death. TRAIL is involved during tumor immune surveillance. Its selectivity for cancer cells has attracted much attention in oncology. This review aims at discussing the main mechanisms by which TRAIL signaling is regulated and presenting how marine bioactive compounds have been found, so far, to overcome TRAIL resistance in tumor cells.     

Estimation of lucerne yield stability for enabling effective cultivar selection under rainfed conditions

Evaluation of crop and forage yield stability is of increasing relevance in the context of current and recent environmental changes but, in contrast to other field crops, there are no published systematic analyses among forage crops in Europe. A study of stability performance was conducted with 13 Czech cultivars of lucerne at four locations over a 2‐year period with the following aims: (a) to evaluate yield stability of varieties across different environments and (b) to calculate measurable benefits of variety selection in relation to the specific environment. The cultivar Vlasta was identified as the highest yielding cultivar (annual yield 16.0 t DM/ha), whereas the lowest yielding cv. Magda, Tereza and Oslava averaged around 14.9 t DM/ha. Effect of genotype × environment interaction (G × E) was two times higher than for genotype alone. Additive main effects and the multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model showed that the highest yielding cultivars may not be stable across environments. This study demonstrated further that significant yield improvement could be detected, even among a relatively homogenous group of domestic cultivars, and this was driven mainly by site productivity: the improvement was +10% in low‐yielding sites, compared with +3% in high‐yielding sites. Results highlight that advanced agronomy should also consider stability parameters such as AMMI stability value or superiority measures for forage crops in response to the challenges associated with climate change.     

Biochemical and morphological characterization of potato clones differing in their resistance to late blight

Summary Morphological and biochemical parameters that could be involved in resistance to late blight were studied in non-infected and in infected potato hybrids resulting from a cross betweenSolanum phureja, resistant toPhytophthora infestans, and a susceptibleSolanum tuberosum. Some morphological differences between resistant and susceptible hybrids, indicating a positive correlation between stem diameter and phloem thickness in the stem and resistance toP. infestans, were observed. The lignin content in the leaves of the resistant hybrid rose upon infection byP. infestans. In the leaves of the susceptible hybrid, a diminution of the lignin content could be observed upon infection byP. infestans. In the same context, peroxidasic activity raised upon infection byP. infestans in both resistant and susceptible hybrids. Further characterization of the hybrid clones based on the polymorphism of peroxidases was attempted using isoelectric focusing.