Dielectric properties of hardwood species at microwave frequencies

Dielectric measurements at 9.8GHz and 2.45GHz were made for the three hardwoods Euramerican hybrid poplar, alder, and oriental beech. The method used was based on Von Hippels transmission line method. The measurements were carried out at room temperature of 20°–24°C. The dielectric properties of the wood species were determined for the three principal structural directions at six different moisture conditions, covering the range of 0% to 28% moisture content. Results indicated that the behavior of all wood species studied is quantitatively similar. In general, the dielectric properties increase within the range studied with rising moisture content. The grain direction of the wood also plays a significant role.     

A Field Survey of Promising Mulberry (M<Emphasis Type="Italic">orus spp</Emphasis>.) Genotypes from Turkey

In this study the mulberry population in the Mediterranean and Eastern Anatolia Turkey was examined with regard to fruit properties. The research material consisted of uncultivated mulberry (Morus spp.) trees. Thirty five mulberry genotypes for table, 6 genotypes for fruit juice, 11 genotypes for syrup (pekmez) and 9 genotypes for drying, were selected, 32 of which belonged to Morus alba, 12 to Morus rubra and 8 genotypes to Morus nigra. Continued and more detailed selection studies with this population of genotypes are necessary to provide material that is suitable for future breeding efforts. It may also be possible to select some of this native material that has sufficient commercial value to justify its release to growers.     

Freeze Injure and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity of Grapevine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis Vinifera</Emphasis>) Under Bio-Boron Fertilizer Applications

This study was conducted to determine the effects of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPR) and boron (Bio-B) on the plant freeze injury, antioxidant enzyme activity and fruit yield of grapevine cultivar. The experimental plot was a completely randomized design with 5 replicates. As a trial model Bio-B and control were used as fertilizer agent. Bio-B fertilizer has been applied in different ways as soil?+?foliar, soil and foliar application methods to grapevine plants. Data through 2 years trials results showed that the use of Bio-B significantly decreased freeze injury and increased antioxidant enzyme activity of grapevine leaf. The highest damage rate at control group occurred with ?20?^°C and 94.89% ratio. In the same temperature degree at grape plant, the damage ratio of the Bio-B application from soil decreased by 21.55%; the application from leaf by 25.53% and with the application from soil?+?leaf by 26.24%. In addition to this, compared with control, in the CAT, POD and SOD enzyme activities increases occurred with the ratios as 28.57%, 22.05% and 39.25%, respectively. Generally, as results of this study under field conditions, Bio-B fertilizer application decreased freeze injure and increased antioxidant enzyme activity of the grapevine plant.     

High dietary lipids elevate carbon loss without sparing protein in adequate protein-fed juvenile turbot (Psetta maxima)

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of dietary lipid levels on growth and nutrient utilization, and carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) balances in juvenile turbot (Psetta maxima) in brackish water. Four isonitrogenous diets (50 % protein) differing in dietary lipid levels from 10 to 19 by 3 % increments (named 10L, 13L, 16L and 19L, respectively) were fed to four replicate groups of fish with an initial weight of 54.4 ± 0.2 g for 9 weeks. Significantly better growth and feed conversion ratio were observed in fish fed 13L than those fed 16L and 19L. The whole body, fillet, viscera and liver dry matter and lipid levels were increased as dietary lipid was increased. Liver protein levels were lower in 16L and 19L than 10L. There was an ascending pattern in the whole-body C levels and C/N ratios with the increase in dietary lipids. No significant effect of dietary lipids on either protein efficiency ratio or N and P retentions was detected. Dietary lipids led to an increase in C losses to the environment. Overall, high dietary lipids when introduced at an adequate protein level did reduce growth and feed utilization without a protein-sparing effect and resulted in higher C losses in juvenile turbot reared, and a dietary lipid level of about 13 % seemed to be optimum.