Genotypic variation in the response of pepper to salinity

Using 102 pepper (Capsicum annuum) genotypes, a greenhouse experiment has been conducted to study genotypic variation in tolerance to 100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) in nutrient solution. Based on the severity of leaf symptoms caused by the NaCl treatment there was a substantial genotypic variation in salt tolerance. From this screening experiment, six sensitive and six tolerant genotypes were chosen to study dry matter production and root and shoot concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) in a growth chamber experiment in a nutrient solution with and without 150 mM NaCl. The genotypes selected as sensitive were highly damaged and developed severe chlorosis and necrosis under NaCl treatment, while the genotypes selected as tolerant were slightly affected. On average, decreases in shoot dry matter production caused by NaCl were greater in the sensitive than the tolerant genotypes. Application of salt increased shoot Na concentration at greater amount in the sensitive than the tolerant genotypes. Of the tolerant genotypes, the genotype Cac (Capsicum annuum var. cerasiforme) and 1245 F1 had around 2.45% Na in shoot while the sensitive genotypes Kandil and Pazarcik contained, on average, 5.4% Na. All sensitive and tolerant genotypes exhibited more or less similar shoot concentrations of K and Ca. There was very significant and positive correlation between severity of leaf symptoms and shoot Na concentration, but no correlation could be found in the case of K or Ca concentrations with the severity of leaf symptoms. The results indicate existence of substantial genotypic variation in tolerance to NaCl stress in pepper. It seems very likely that exclusion of Na from roots into growth medium plays a critical role in expression of high Na tolerance in pepper.     

Nutrient solution effects on the development and yield of Anthurium andreanum Lind. in tropical soilless conditions

The fertilization of anthurium grown in soilless culture in tropical countries is often empirically based. The methods used generally lead the grower to overestimate plant needs and to apply excessive quantities of nutrients. Mineral elements, and thus money, are wasted and there is a risk of pollution of groundwater and watercourses. In order to improve our knowledge of plant requirements, we measured, over 2 1/2 years, the growth and yield of anthurium plants receiving nutrient solutions with different total nitrogen, potassium and calcium concentrations and different NH₄⁺/NO₃⁻ ratios. Mineral analyses of plant parts, of nutrient, leachate and substrate solutions and of the solid substrate were carried out throughout plant development. Plants receiving 4.5 mmol N/l and 1.6 mmol K/l in the nutrient solution had significantly slower growth and lower yield compared to those receiving 8.9 mmol N/l and 3.2 mmol K/l. For these latter N and K concentrations, a N–NH₄⁺/N–NO₃⁻ ratio of 0.37 and a calcium concentration of 1.15 mmol/l gave better plant growth, development and yield than a ratio of 0.24 and a calcium concentration of 2.25 mmol/l. Applying the nutrient solution containing 8.9 mmol N/l and 3.2 mmol K/l with a N–NH₄⁺/N–NO₃⁻ ratio of 0.37 resulted in a shorter vegetative period and more and larger flower production. The calculated mineral balances of the crop showed that more than 60% of the supplied nutrients were lost in the leachate. Suitable nutrient solutions are proposed in order to match plant absorption at different crop growth stages. The volume of nutrient solution supplied can be reduced to limit the amount of leachate, but as water demand is high, there must be at least 30% of leaching to avoid salt accumulation in the substrate. Adjusting the nutrient solution volume and composition to match plant requirements is the first step for flower yield improvement, fertilizer efficiency and reduction of pollution.     

现代化温室无土栽培番茄营养液管理技术调查

对上海现代化温室番茄整个生育期的营养液管理调查表明 ,番茄灌溉营养液的pH范围为 5 .0～ 6 .0 ,回收液pH范围为 6 .0～ 7.0 ;回收液EC值比灌溉液平均高约 1.0ms·cm-1,两者浓度在整个生育期变化不大 ;影响灌溉量的主要因素是温度、光照 ,回收液量占灌溉量的 4 0 %以上 ;营养液配方在不同生长期略有差别 ,营养生长期需氮、钙、镁高 ,生殖生长期需钾多 ,钙镁需求降低     

Use of a cyclic high-pressure sodium lamp to inhibit flowering of chrysanthemum and velvet sage

Photoperiod is commonly controlled in the commercial production of ornamental crops to induce or prevent flowering. Flower induction in short-day (SD) plants can be prevented or delayed when the natural daylength is short by providing low-intensity lighting during the dark period. A stationary high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamp with an oscillating aluminum parabolic reflector (cyclic HPS) has been developed to provide intermittent lighting to greenhouse crops. We determined the efficacy of a cyclic HPS lamp at preventing flowering in SD plants garden chrysanthemum [Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam.] ‘Bianca’, pot chrysanthemum ‘Auburn’, and velvet sage (Salvia leucantha L.) relative to traditional night interruption (NI) lighting strategies. Plants were grown in a glass-glazed greenhouse at a mean daily temperature of 19.5–20.7 °C with natural SD photoperiods. NI lighting was delivered during the middle of the night (2230–0230 h) from a 600 W cyclic HPS lamp mounted at one gable end of the greenhouse or from incandescent (INC) lamps that were illuminated for the entire 4 h (CONT INC) or for 6 min every 30 min for 4 h. Plants under cyclic HPS were grown at lateral distances of 1, 4, 7, 10, or 13 m from under the lamp. Control plants were grown under an uninterrupted 15 h skotoperiod. As the distance from the cyclic HPS lamp increased from 1 to 13 m, the maximum irradiance measured during the NI decreased from 25.4 to 0.3 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and time to visible inflorescence (VI) and the number of nodes at VI decreased. All species had a VI within 54 d, but ≤10% of plants flowered when grown at a lateral distance of 1 or 4 m from the cyclic HPS lamp or under CONT INC. Plants grown without NI had a VI 2 to 15 d earlier and flowered 7 to 24 d earlier than plants grown at 10 or 13 m from the cyclic HPS. All garden chrysanthemums flowered under cyclic INC, whereas velvet sage and pot chrysanthemum had 15% and 35% flowering, respectively. These results indicate that a cyclic HPS lamp can be used effectively to delay flower induction and prevent flowering in these species when NI is delivered at ≥2.4 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹.     

Yield,blossom-end rot incidence,and fruit quality in pepper plants under moderate salinity are affected by K and Ca fertilization

One of the most important factors limiting agricultural expansion and production is the restricted supply of good quality water. The present study examines the effects of K⁺ and Ca²⁺ fertilization on sweet pepper production, blossom-end rot (BER) incidence and fruit quality of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) grown under moderate saline conditions. Pepper plants were grown in a controlled-environment greenhouse under hydroponic conditions with different nutrient solutions obtained by modifying the Hoagland solution. The experiment consisted on four K⁺ treatments (0.2, 2, 7 and 14 mM) +30 mM NaCl, and four Ca²⁺ treatments (0.2, 2, 4 and 8 mM) +30 mM NaCl, having in common a control without salt with 7 mM K⁺/4 mM Ca²⁺. Salinity decreased total fruit yield and marketable fruit yield by 23% and 37%, respectively. The marketable fruit yield reduction by salt treatment was mainly due to the increase in the number of fruit affected by BER. This typical physiopathy of the pepper fruits occurred between 18 and 25 days after anthesis (DAA), when the highest fruit growth rate was reached. Fruit quality parameters were also affected by salt treatment where the fruit pulp thickness and firmness were decreased, and fructose, glucose and myo-inositol fruit concentrations increased with salinity relative to fruits from control treatment. Under saline conditions an increased supply of K⁺ reduced the fruit fresh weight, the percentage of BER and the marketable yield although promoted the vegetative growth. However, increasing Ca²⁺ concentration in the nutrient solution increased the fruit production, and the marketable yield as consequence of decreasing the percentage of fruit affected with BER. Fruit quality parameters also were affected by the K⁺ and Ca²⁺ treatments.     

椰糠复合基质槽培番茄营养液浓度的研究

以无限生长型番茄‘丰收’为试材,以椰糠∶珍珠岩=3∶1为基质,设置EC值为1.5、2.0、2.5、3.0、3.5、4.0 mS·cm^-1的6种营养液浓度,研究了在不同EC值营养液处理下植株的株高、茎粗、叶片数的生长变化,根系活力、可溶性糖、有机酸、可溶性蛋白质、维生素C含量、产量、干鲜质量、水分利用效率和根区液养分离子浓度等的变化。结果表明:适当提高营养液浓度可以改善番茄品质,但营养液浓度过高盐分累积严重时会导致产量和品质下降。EC值为2.5、3.0、3.5 mS·cm^-1的营养液较适合椰糠复合基质栽培,其中EC值为4.0 mS·cm^-1可作为短期内高品质栽培使用,番茄长季节高产栽培则可以选择EC值为2.0 mS·cm^-1的营养液。     

Regeneration of Plants from Alginate-encapsulated Shoot Tips of Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.)

Myrtle growing naturally in the Mediterranean Region in Turkey, is among the economically important plant species. The present study emphasized on in vitro conservation of M. communis by encapsulating regenerated shoot tips. In this research we reported synthetic seed production and subsequent conversion of encapsulated shoot tips into plantlets comparing with nonencapsulated shoot tips for myrtle. Two different myrtle genotypes were used for synthetic seed production. Sodium alginate solution at the rate of 3.0% and 100?mM calcium chloride solution were prepared for encapsulation. Encapsulation was accomplished by mixing shoot tips into sodium alginate solution and dropping these in calcium chloride solution for 25–30?min. Encapsulated and nonencapsulated shoot tips were cultured in MS (Murashige and Skoog) media supplemented with different BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 2?mg L^?1). After six weeks, all shoots were transferred to MS media containing 1?mg L^?1 IBA for in vitro rooting. As a result, the highest germination rate was obtained on the BAP-free MS media. The best BAP concentrations were detected as 0.5 and 1?mg L^?1 for micropropagation. Genetic stability of plants coming from encapsulated and nonencapsulated shoot tips was tested by ISSR markers. Based on the results, there were no genetic differences among the samples.

     

负水头供不同营养液对温室樱桃番茄生长和产量的影响

采用负水头灌溉装置,通过调节装置的供水吸力值来持续稳定地控制栽培基质的湿度,供给不同浓度磷酸二氢钾（KH₂PO₄）营养液配方进行樱桃番茄基质栽培试验,研究营养液中不同磷酸二氢钾浓度对樱桃番茄株高、茎粗、产量、水肥利用效率和根系活力的影响。结果表明：在负水头供水控水技术条件下,适当提高营养液中磷酸二氢钾浓度,有利于增加樱桃番茄株高、茎粗,效果显著;同时可以提高果实产量、水分利用效率和N、K利用效率以及根系活力。负水头供给营养液樱桃番茄栽培生产中,2.5 S处理即340 mg•L^-1的KH₂PO₄浓度可作为推荐用量。     

Effects of NH4:NO3:urea ratio on cut roses yield, leaf nutrients content and proton efflux by roots in closed hydroponic system

The effects of the NH₄:NO₃ ratio in replenishment solution on Rosa L. flower yield and the impact of NH₄ substitution by urea on plant performance and on solution EC and pH have not been studied previously in closed (no leaching) hydroponic systems. A greenhouse experiment with six NH₄:NO₃:urea ratios (0:100:0, 12:88:0, 25:75:0, 50:50:0, 100:0:0 and 0:50:50) and two harvest cycles (winter and spring) was carried out to investigate these relationships. In winter, total and >40 cm cut flower yields were maximal in treatment 25:75:0. At lower NH₄ percentages (12.5:87.5:0 and 0:100:0), growth container solution pH varied between 7.8 and 8.5, reducing P, Ca and Mn concentration in leaves and increasing dry matter allocated to them. At higher NH₄ percentages, Ca uptake was inhibited, solution pH reached 3, and %P in leaves increased. Consequently, reducing sugars concentration in leaves increased and sucrose and starch concentrations decreased. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that the optimal NH₄:NO₃ ratio in feed solution is 40:60, with resulting solution pH of 5.9 in the growth container. In spring the maximum yield was obtained in treatment 0:50:50 and it exceeded the winter yield despite a higher solution EC (4.3 dS m⁻¹ vs. 3.5 dS m⁻¹ at harvest). The beneficial effect of urea (0:50:50 vs. 50:50:0) stemmed from the relatively lower NH₄ concentration in solution, that alleviated the NH₄–Ca uptake competition, and higher pH. The slope of the straight line relating [H⁺ efflux rate] to [NH₄⁺ uptake rate] in treatments 25:75:0, 50:50:0 and 100:0:0 was 0.44 mol H⁺/mol NH₄. In all other treatments the proton efflux was negligible.     

Modeling individual leaf area of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) using leaf length and width

Leaf area estimation is an important biometrical observation one has to do for comparing plant growth in field and pot experiments. In this study, a leaf area estimation model was developed for ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), using linear measurements of leaf length (L) and maximum width (W). Leaves from five ginger varieties (Varada, Rejatha, Mahima, Maran and Himachal) were used to develop the model in 2006–2007. The actual leaf area (LA) was measured with a leaf area meter (LI-3100, LI-COR, Lincoln, NE, USA) and taken as reference LA. The linear measurements were used to build linear (LA = a + b × L × W) and power models (LA = α × (L × W)^β) for each variety, as the modeling among variety were not different from each other, data for all five varieties have been pooled and compared with earlier models by graphical procedures and statistical criteria such as Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Chi-square (χ²). The selected model was validated during 2007–2008. The validation data set was used to produce a validation model for each variety by re-estimating the model parameters to develop the estimation model and the models were compared for consistency. The predicted LA (PLA) was compared with observed LA (OLA) by graphical procedures and lack of agreement was evaluated by calculating the relative bias, estimated by the mean of differences (d) and the standard deviation (SD) of the differences. Normality test was carried out by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r_s) and residuals were normally distributed. Finally, the proposed model for leaf area estimation of ginger is LA = −0.0146 + 0.6621 × L × W, R² = 0.997. This model can be reliably used for estimating leaf area of ginger non-destructively. The same equation can be extrapolated to all varieties and land races of ginger as it is vegetatively propagated crop with narrow genetic variability.     

Ameliorative effects of biological treatments on growth of squash plants under salt stress

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of selected biologicals on direct seeded and transplanted squash plant growth and mineral content under salinity stress. The study was conducted in pot experiments using a mixture of sandy loam soil:vermiculite (1:1, v:v) under controlled greenhouse conditions. Biologicals tested included AgBlend, SoilBuilder, Yield Shield, PlantShield, Inoculaid and Equity. Salinity treatments were established by adding 0, 50 and 100 mM of NaCl to a base complete nutrient solution (Hydro-Sol + Ca(NO₃)₂). Pots were irrigated with NaCl solutions and biological treatments were included in the water. Yield Shield was applied as a seed treatment. Salinity negatively affected growth of squash; however, biological treatments significantly increased fresh weight compared to non-treated plants that were challenged with salt stress. Furthermore, biological treatments tested increased the uptake of potassium compared to the non-treated control in both direct seeded and transplanted squash. Sodium concentration was not affected by biologicals in directed seeded squash except for SoilBuilder, Yield Shield and Equity at 100 mM, while AgBlend, SoilBuilder, Inoculaid and Equity decreased sodium uptake in transplants under salt stress. The most effective biologicals increased the K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, which was positively correlated with plant growth. Alteration of mineral uptake may be one mechanism for the alleviation of salt stress. Based on the results of the experiment reported herein, the use of biological treatments may provide a means of facilitating plant growth under salt stress.     

Methyl jasmonate plays a role in fruit ripening of ‘Pajaro’ strawberry through stimulation of ethylene biosynthesis

The role of methyl jasmonate (MJ) in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv Pajaro) fruit ripening was investigated by monitoring its endogenous concentrations in fruit at various stages of development and the effects of exogenously applied MJ at these stages on ethylene biosynthesis. The concentration of endogenous trans-MJ was significantly higher in the white fruit (31.7–162.2 ng g⁻¹) and decreased sharply in half and fully ripe fruit. Higher concentrations of endogenous trans-MJ at the white stage of strawberry fruit development followed by a decline during fruit ripening indicate that MJ may play an important role in modulating fruit ripening. Significantly increased ethylene production was measured in the fruit when MJ was applied at white, half ripe and at fully ripe stage. The application of MJ (50 μM) resulted in significantly highest ethylene production and increased activities of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase and ACC oxidase as compared to all other treatments. The effect of exogenously applied MJ on ethylene production, ACC synthase and ACC oxidase activities was dependent on concentration of MJ applied and on fruit developmental stage. In conclusion, MJ in strawberry modulates fruit ripening, as its concentration is higher in white fruit and is declined with the progression of ripening and exogenous application of MJ increases ethylene production, activities of ACC oxidase and ACC synthase depending upon the concentration of MJ applied and fruit developmental stage.     

Establishment of in vitro tissue cultures from Echinacea angustifolia D.C. adult plants for the production of phytochemical compounds

The establishment of in vitro cultures of Echinacea angustifolia D.C. was obtained directly from sections of flower stalks of adult plants. The shoot formation was obtained from this plant material placed on a modified MS basal medium named CH supplemented with 0.5 mg L⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine (BA). The in vitro propagation procedure of E. angustifolia consisted of three distinct phases: an initial regeneration phase from stalk sections (IP shoots on basal medium with 0.25 mg L⁻¹ BA), an elongation phase on active charcoal and an axillary proliferation of the shoots (AP shoots on basal medium with 0.5 mg L⁻¹ BA).Regenerating calli were established from leaves of in vitro shoots cultured on CH medium supplemented with 3 mg L⁻¹ BA and 0.5 mg L⁻¹ indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Developed shoots from the callus cultures were subcultured on the CH medium with 0.5 mg L⁻¹ BA (leaf regenerated shoots: LR shoots). The secondary metabolite content of the in vitro plant material was compared with that of the greenhouse growing plants. The quali-quantitative LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis on the extracts from axillary proliferation shoots (AP shoots) showed significant production of caffeic acid derivatives while leaf callus and LR shoots, accumulated mainly alkamides. These results showed that the proper choice of the procedures for in vitro multiplication allowed us to obtain plant biomass able to produce the active compounds typical of E. angustifolia plants.     

秋冬茬浅液流水培芹菜高效栽培技术

为解决由于长期种植,温室内病虫害严重的问题,探索了密云区芹菜无土栽培技术,主要包括栽培架、设备系统等配的配置及管理,合适的种植模式、高产优质品种的选择,以及良好的水肥管理、优化的病虫害防治等措施的应用,实现了营养液利用率95%以上,节肥率达到30%,产量提高15%以上,产品价格也比普通栽培高,品质好,同比增收10%以上,且符合密云区农业绿色、高效发展的要求。     

连栋温室黄瓜生产环境模型中温度特性的分析

为提高塑料连栋温室的环境认识水平及管理技术,以研究塑料连栋温室黄瓜生物学特性为基础,运用能量平衡原理,研究塑料连栋温室黄瓜生产环境数学模型中的变量的变化规律及其取值域。研究表明：在塑料连栋温室黄瓜栽培生产环境的诸多因素中,空气温度为决定性的主因素;且在以天为单位的最小生长周期内,将温度分为4个阶段较为合理,即第一阶段促进光合作用期（18～55℃）;第二阶段促进光合作用期和光合产物运输共生期（15～25℃）;第三阶段促进光合产物运输和抑制呼吸消耗共生期（15～18℃）;第四阶段抑制呼吸消耗和相对休眠期（9～15℃）。     

Response of young hydroponically grown tomato plants to phenolic acids

Phenolic acids—excreted both as root exudates and by microorganisms—are of interest in cultivation systems of different horticultural crops since they have been claimed to accumulate in closed hydroponic growing systems. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the phytotoxic effects when hydroponically grown tomato plants are exposed to phenolic acids in the root environment. The tomato plants were grown in static aerated culture and exposed to benzoic, caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic, salicylic and vanillic acid at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 400 μM in the fresh nutrient solution. The highest concentration of all tested compounds significantly reduced fresh and dry weights. Salicylic and ferulic acid affected plants already at 150 and 200 μM while effects were less pronounced for p-hydroxybenzoic and chlorogenic acid. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis did not result in any significant difference between any of the tested acids or concentrations. No clear dose-related pattern was obtained with respect to number of leaves and plant length. Visual assessment showed that the most deleterious effects appeared on the roots, which were discoloured and/or had slimy coatings when exposed to the phenolic acids. The uptake of several mineral nutrients was influenced at the highest concentration of all studied compounds. Significantly more bacteria were enumerated in the nutrient solution treated with phenolic acids compared to the controls. Most of the phenolic acids were degraded after 2 days during the start of the trial and within 1 day at the end of the trial. Concentrations phytotoxic to small tomato plants were 1000-fold higher than the natural concentrations measured before. Instead of potentially harmful, the relevance of certain phenolic acids as antimicrobial substances should be considered.     

盐胁迫对番茄生长和果实品质的影响

为探索适宜高品质番茄栽培的盐胁迫浓度,试验通过调节番茄结果期营养液的电导率(EC值分别设为2.5、3.5、4.5、5.5 mS/cm),比较了不同盐胁迫处理对番茄长势、果实品质和产量的影响。结果表明:营养液EC值在3.5～5.5 mS/cm范围内,番茄果实的可溶性固形物、可溶性糖、VC和番茄红素含量均呈上升趋势,可滴定酸依次下降,且在4.5～5.5 mS/cm范围内,667 m~2产量均比对照增加;因此,通过NaCl进行盐胁迫有利于改善番茄口感和营养品质,适宜EC值范围为4.5～5.5 mS/cm。     

二十个名贵菊花品种耐盐性的筛选

采用无土栽培的方法,对20个名贵菊花品种进行了耐盐性筛选试验。结果表明:在浓度为0.6mol/L NaCl胁迫下,以植株所受的盐害指数为依据,可以对名贵菊花的耐盐性进行快速、有效筛选;根据聚类结果将20份材料的耐盐性分为极强、强、中等、弱、极弱5个级别,其中"黄松针"耐盐极强;"紫云"、"千秀银针"等5份材料耐盐性强,"炼丹炉"等9份材料耐盐性中等,"秋水芙蓉"等3份材料耐盐性弱,"彩霞"等2份材料耐盐性极弱。     

基质栽培盐分积累成因的研究进展

基质栽培作为一种高产高效的栽培方式,也存在根际盐分积累导致作物生理障碍、产量和品质下降等问题。本文从
栽培环境、营养液、养分离子特性及基质种类等方面综合分析了导致基质栽培根区盐分积累的原因,并对今后的研究重点进
行展望。     

Analysis of the effect of EC and potential transpiration on vegetative growth of tomato

This paper analyses the response of vegetative growth of greenhouse tomato to both root-zone salinity and shoot-environment (potential transpiration), with the purpose of explaining the observed lack of effect on dry matter yield. A reference salinity (EC) of 2 dS m⁻¹ was compared in three experiments with, respectively, 6.5, 8 and 9.5 dS m⁻¹. Another experiment investigated specific effects of sodium chloride, by comparing two high-EC treatments (both 9 dS m⁻¹), one with a high concentration of nutrients and one with addition of sodium chloride to a normal nutrient solution. The shoot-environment was either a “normal” climate regime or the same regime but with depressed potential transpiration, mainly by adaptation of the humidity set point. There was no detectable effect of the potential transpiration treatment, neither of the sodium chloride. Salinity effects on vegetative growth only showed up at EC exceeding 6.5 dS m⁻¹. The most evident EC effect was a reduction of leaf expansion; individual leaf area was reduced by 8% per dS m⁻¹ exceeding 6.5. This was partly compensated by a slight increase (2% per unit EC) in the number of leaves, which explains why cumulative plant leaf area decreased by about 7% per unit EC in excess of 6.5 dS m⁻¹. Therefore, leaf area index (LAI) at the highest EC was reduced by some 20% compared to the LAI at an EC of 2 dS m⁻¹. It is estimated that this would cause a reduction of less than 8% in light interception, and thus in dry matter produced. Indeed, differences observed in dry weight between the EC treatments were never significant.