The effect of introgressions of wheat D-genome chromosomes into 'Presto' triticale

Hexaploid triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) (2n= 6x= 42, AABBRR) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (2n= 6x= 42, AABBDD) differ in their R and D-genomes. This produces differences in both agronomic and end-use quality characteristics. Our objective was to determine how introgressions of individual chromosomes from the D-genome of wheat affect these characteristics of a winter triticale 'Presto'. We studied the effects of 18 D-genome chromosome substitution lines, 15 sib-lines as controls, and five check cultivars at Lincoln, NE in 1996, using a randomized complete block design with two replications. The experiment was repeated at Lincoln and Mead, NE in 1997 and 1998 with 15 substitution lines that survived the first winter in Lincoln, along with their 12 control sibs and five check cultivars. Few D-genome chromosomes had positive effects. Chromosomes 2D, 4D, and 6D significantly reduced plant height when substituted for 2R, 4B, and 6R, respectively. No grain yield increases were associated with any of the D-genome chromosomes tested, but three substitutions decreased the grain yield. Depending on the allele of the hardness gene present, chromosome 5D increased or decreased kernel hardness when substituted for 5R or 5A, respectively. Introgressions of chromosomes 1D and 6D improved end-use quality characteristics of Presto. These results suggest that apart from beneficial effects of individual loci located on the D-genome chromosomes, no major benefit can be expected from D-genome chromosome substitutions.     

Structural and biophysical properties of whole leaf and root tissue and isolated cell walls of common green bean and tomato seedlings grown in an aquaponics system relative to soil-grown counterparts

Due to increased demand for high-yielding agricultural methodologies – which are both sustainable and economically viable for the local market – research on new, alternative methods has become imperative. In this paper, crops grown within an aquaponics system are compared to soil-grown counterparts to observe the changes that occur in the key structural components and energy-producing components. The growth of the plants was monitored in both systems by consistently testing photosynthetic yield, chlorophyll content, the height of the plant, and the surface area of the leaves. After the growth period was completed, the plants were harvested and tested for changes in the fine structure of the plant. The water in the aquaponics system was monitored through the growing process and remained a stable environment for both the plants and the tilapia. The soil used to grow the traditionally grown counterparts was also tested for the same components as the water in the aquaponics system. The results from these procedures were indicative of increased growth rates, biomass production in stem and roots, incorporation of nitrogen, photosynthetic output, and cell respiration, as well as changes to the fine structure of the plant cell wall. It is the hope of this initial investigation to open up further detailed investigations concerning the effect on crops grown using aquaponic-based agriculture.

     

Thrombotest (PIVKA) Test Results in 25 Dogs with Acquired and Hereditary Caogulopathies

In the veterinary literature, it has been suggested that a prolongation in the thrombotest (PIVKA test) is a sensitive and diagnostic indicator of anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication. We evaluated prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromoplastin time (aPTT), and PIVKA indicator in 25 bleeding dogs: 7 with inherited coagulopathies. All dos with acquired coagulopathies had prolonged PIVKA values when compared to the normal controls. Factor VII deficient dogs had a prolonged PIVKA and PT test result, whereas dogs with intrinsic coagulopathies only had an aPTT prolongation. A three-fold increase of the PIVKA or PT values was highly suggestive of an anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning compared to other acquired coagulopathies. Prolonged PIVKA resuls were not specific for anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication in our group of bleeding dogs.