黑豆种质苗期耐荫性评价及其根系对弱光胁迫的响应

玉米-大豆复合种植是西南地区重要的生态种植模式之一,而目前耐荫型专用黑豆种质十分匮乏,黑豆的耐荫机理也尚不清楚,这严重影响了该模式的进一步推广。本研究旨在建立黑豆苗期耐荫性评价数学模型,筛选出能够判断黑豆耐荫性的有效指标,并探讨不同耐荫型黑豆根系对弱光胁迫的响应差异,为耐荫型黑豆种质的选育及耐荫机理的阐释奠定基础。试验以23个黑豆种质为研究材料,采用盆栽试验方法,设置自然光和遮荫2个处理。在黑豆植株V3期测定株高、茎粗、下胚轴长度、叶片干重、茎干重、主茎节数、总根长、根表面积、总根体积等形态指标和光合参数、叶绿素荧光参数等生理指标。采用多元统计方法建立黑豆苗期耐荫性评价模型,并根据评价结果,关联分析不同耐荫型黑豆根系对弱光胁迫的响应差异。通过逐步回归分析建立了黑豆苗期耐荫性评价数学模型;并通过该模型,筛选出蒸腾速率、株高、叶干重、最大荧光强度和初始荧光强度等5个鉴定指标。在荫蔽条件下测定苗期黑豆的上述5个指标可实现对黑豆苗期耐荫性的综合评价。同时,对23份黑豆种质的耐荫性综合评价值D进行了聚类分析,结果表明,黑豆种质可划分为耐荫型、中度耐荫型和荫蔽敏感型3类。不同耐荫型黑豆种质的根系结构对弱光胁迫的响应程度不同,黑豆的总根长、根表面积、总根体积、根干重等根系强度指标均表现为耐荫型中度耐荫型荫蔽敏感型。这表明耐荫潜力大的黑豆根系更发达。     

Proteomic analysis of shade-avoidance response in tomato leaves

The aim of this project was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of shade-avoidance response in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum) plants. Plants were grown in direct sunlight in ambient temperature and in an adjacent environment under shade cloth. Leaves were harvested, and protein expression differences were investigated using two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis and nanoflow high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Striking differences in plant physiology and protein expression were observed. Plants grown in the shade grew very tall but bore almost no fruit and displayed a dramatic reduction in the accumulation of Rubisco and a number of other metabolic enzymes. We have identified, quantified, and classified 59 protein features found to be up- or down-regulated as part of a shade-avoidance response in S. lycopersicum and correlated these with phenotypic data. A large group of proteins related to metabolism and respiration were greatly reduced in accumulation in shade-grown plants, and there was also evidence of significant proteolysis occurring. Four stress-related proteins appear to be constitutively expressed as a result of heat acclimation, while three distinct stress-related proteins appear to accumulate as part of the shade-avoidance response. The identification and functional classification of all 59 differentially accumulating proteins is presented and discussed.     

A comparative study of flavonoid compounds, vitamin C, and antioxidant properties of baby leaf Brassicaceae species

A comparative study of antioxidant compounds, flavonoids and vitamin C, and also antioxidant activity was carried out in four species of Brassicaceae vegetables used for salads: watercress ( Nasturtium officinale R. Br.), mizuna [ Brassica rapa L. subsp. nipposinica (L.H. Bailey) Haneltand], wild rocket [ Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.], and salad rocket [ Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav.]. The characterization of individual phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS-ESI in watercress and mizuna completes the polyphenol study previously reported for wild rocket and salad rocket. The qualitative study of flavonoids in watercress leaves showed a characteristic glycosylation pattern with rhamnose at the 7 position. Isorhamnetin 3,7-di- O-glucoside was identified in mizuna leaves and may be considered a chemotaxonomical marker in some B. rapa subspecies. Brassicaceae species showed differences in the quantitative study of flavonoids, and the highest content was detected in watercress leaves. Watercress and wild rocket leaves had the highest content of vitamin C. The antioxidant activity evaluated by different methods (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays) showed a high correlation level with the content of polyphenols and vitamin C. In conclusion, the Brassicaceae leaves studied, watercress, mizuna, wild rocket, and salad rocket, presented a large variability in the composition and content of antioxidant compounds. These baby leaf species are good dietary sources of antioxidants with an important variability of bioactive compounds.     

Understorey microclimate and crop performance in a Grevillea robusta-based agroforestry system in semi-arid Kenya

The influence of dispersed trees on microclimatic conditions, gas exchange and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) in a Grevillea robusta-based agroforestry system in semi-arid Kenya was examined to test the hypothesis that the benefits of shade seen in savannah ecosystems may be outweighed by competition for below-ground resources. Meristem temperature, cumulative thermal time, intercepted radiation, spatial distribution of shade and gas exchange were determined for maize grown as sole crops, in an agroforestry system, or under shade nets providing 25 or 50% reductions in incident radiation to discriminate between effects of shade and below-ground competition. The major benefit of shade was to reduce exposure to the supra-optimal temperatures experienced in many tropical regions, and which are predicted to become increasingly common by climate change models. However, although trees decreased photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) incident on understorey maize by ca. 30%, the yield reduction was much greater than in the 25% shade net treatment in four seasons providing contrasting rainfall. Maize yield was unaffected by 50% artificial shade in the driest season (168 mm) but decreased with increasing shade when rainfall was high (628 mm). Shade reduced meristem temperature and delayed flowering by 5–24 days depending on treatment and seasonal rainfall. Thermal time to flowering in the agroforestry system doubled from 600 to 1200 °C day as rainfall decreased. Photosynthetic and transpiration rates for understorey maize were similar to the 25 and 50% shade treatments when rainfall was high, but were ca. 10% of those for unshaded sole maize in dry seasons. PPFD-saturated photosynthetic rate was initially similar in all treatments but fell sharply in the agroforestry system as the season progressed. Radiation conversion coefficients did not differ between unshaded sole and understorey maize. The results suggest that the ameliorative influence of tree shade was greater in low rainfall seasons, as in savannah systems, but that potential benefits were outweighed by below-ground competition. This may be managed by root-pruning trees.     

Effects of shade regimes and planting geometry on growth,yield and quality of the natural sweetener plant stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) in north-western Himalaya

During 2008 and 2009, field experiments were conducted at the research farm of CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India to assess the effect of shade levels (no shade, 25% shade, 50% shade, 75% shade) and plant geometry levels [30 × 15 cm (north–south, N–S), 45 × 10 cm (N–S), 30 × 15 cm (east–west, E–W) and 45 × 10 cm (E–W)] on the growth, yield and quality of stevia. Plant development was fastest in controls and slowest in stevia plants growing at minimum light (75% shade). These plants showed delayed bud formation and flowering. Significantly, higher dry leaf yield was recorded when the crop was grown under 25% shading than under 50 and 75% shade. Total steviol glycosides content decreased with increasing shade levels. All shade levels resulted in the same leaf-to-stem ratio, which was significantly higher than that obtained under ambient light. Plant geometry significantly affected the number of leaves and leaf dry weight plant^–1. During both years, dry leaf weight was highest in the wider row spacing (45 × 10 cm) than in the narrow row spacing (30 × 15 cm). Stevia spaced at 30 × 15 cm in an E–W direction recorded significantly higher total steviol glycosides at 2 months after transplanting (MAT).     

SELENIUM FERTILIZATION INFLUENCES BIOMASS,ELEMENTAL ACCUMULATIONS,AND PHYTOCHEMICAL CONCENTRATIONS IN WATERCRESS

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) produces carotenoids and sulfur-containing glucosinolates (GSs) beneficial to human health. Selenium (Se) imparts dietary health properties and substitutes for S in plant biochemical pathways. Experimental objectives were to determine the influence of Se fertilization on 1) biomass, 2) elemental accumulations, 3) carotenoids, and 4) glucosinolates in watercress leaf and shoot tissues. Watercress was greenhouse grown in solution culture with Se treatments of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg Se L^?1, delivered as sodium selenate (Na₂SeO₄). Fresh and dry biomass were unaffected while shoot tissue Se (P = 0.057) and S (P = 0.003) increased linearly in response to increasing Se treatments. Linear decreases were measured for β-carotene (P = 0.017) and lutein (P = 0.018) in response to increasing Se. Total levels of GS increased, then decreased quadratically (P = 0.003). Results indicate that Se supplementation can increase Se tissue concentrations and GS in watercress; however, carotenoids were negatively affected.     

沟栽葡萄防寒布覆土卧式刷辊清除装置设计与试验

针对中国西北地区沟栽葡萄春季防寒布上方大量覆土影响防寒布回收的问题,该研究设计了一种水平卧式刷辊清土装置,用于清除防寒布上方埋土。首先,通过理论分析确定了清土总成结构和工作参数取值范围。进一步,基于EDEM-RecurDyn耦合仿真建立柔性清土总成-土壤作用模型,模拟清土作业过程。以清土率和清土总成的转动扭矩为试验指标,设计Plackett-Burman和Box-Behnken仿真试验,以清土率最大和扭矩最小为优化目标,获得最优参数组合为：机具前进速度0.3 m/s、转速550 r/min、安装角30°、叶片偏角0°,清土率和扭矩预测值分别为86.72%、73.36 N·m。最后,采用最优参数组合进行田间试验,结果表明,清土率和扭矩分别为84.12%和78.62 N·m,与仿真优化结果的相对误差分别为3.0%和7.2%。研究结果可为防寒布辅助埋土防寒模式下清土机械研究提供技术参考。     

Adsorption of Dioxin by Bag Filter + Powdered Activated Carbon

A novel bag filter + powdered activated carbon technique is here proposed to address the low utilization rate of powdered activated carbon and the low dioxin removal rate associated with the conventional activated carbon injection + bag filter technique, better known as the fly ash + activated carbon + bag technique. In this method, dibenzofuran serves as a dioxin simulant. The effect of the adsorption temperature and dibenzofuran inlet concentration on the adsorption performance of activated carbon was studied using a filter cloth adsorption device with an inner diameter of 25 mm, and the adsorption performances of fly ash, activated carbon, and fly ash +5% activated carbon were compared. The results showed that activated carbon exhibited a higher adsorption efficiency and remained highly efficient longer than fly ash +5% activated carbon. When the dibenzofuran inlet concentration was 0.0956 g/m³ (about one million times the concentration of dioxin in the flue gas of incinerated waste), the duration of the high-efficiency (>90%) adsorption of the powdered activated carbon (thickness 1.2 mm) on the filter cloth was over 7 h. These results prove that the replacement of fly ash + activated carbon + filter bag with powdered activated carbon + bag filter can significantly improve the removal efficiency of the dioxin in waste incineration flue gas and the utilization rate of activated carbon.     

Nitrate accumulation,productivity and photosynthesis of Brassica alboglabra grown under low light with supplemental LED lighting in the tropical greenhouse

Abstract

Vegetables are a large source of nitrate (NO₃^?) in our diet. As NO₂^? is toxic to humans, it is undesirable to consume vegetables with high NO₃^? content. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementing of red- and blue-LED lighting to B. alboglabra grown in the tropical greenhouse in terms of moderating NO₃^? accumulation, improving photosynthesis, and enhancing productivity. All plants were grown hydroponically in full nutrients under prevailing greenhouse conditions for 20?days (full sunlight). Thereafter, plants were subjected to three different light treatments for 12?days: full sunlight, shade, and shade supplemented with LEDs. The average midday photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) during the light treatment periods were 220?μmol m^?2 s^?1 (full sunlight), 55?μmol m^?2 s^?1 (shade), and 220?μmol m^?2 s^?1 (shade supplemented with LEDs). Shoot nitrate (NO₃^?) concentration increased significantly in plants grown in the shade. However, shoot NO₃^? concentration was reduced when plants were supplemented with red- and blue-LED lighting. Photosynthetic CO₂ assimilation, stomatal conductance, and productivity also improved in these plants. Our results suggest that supplemental red- and blue-LED lighting in a tropical greenhouse during periods of cloudy and hazy weather could improve productivity and nutrient quality of Chinese broccoli.     

Permeability of peach leaf cuticles to boron

Isolated leaf cuticles and intact plants of one‐year‐old potted ‘Red Haven’ trees grown in the greenhouse were used to study the permeability of leaf cuticles to boron (B). The isolated leaf cuticles were prepared enzymatically. Flux was determined using a transport cell. Permeability coefficient (P) was calculated and used as the parameter of cuticle permeability to B. For intact plant studies, enriched‐¹⁰B boric acid solution was evenly spread onto the abaxial or the adaxial side of a leaf. The trees were sacrificed three days after the treatment and selected plant parts were analyzed with ICP‐AES and ICP‐MS spectrometers. The ¹⁰B content was used as the parameter of B permeability in vivo. The permeability coefficient of peach leaf adaxial cuticle was in the order of 10^‐7 cm/sec. There were no difference in the permeability coefficients among B concentration and surtactant treatments. The pH had variable effect on B absorption through the cuticle of the adaxial side of the leaf. For the in vivo study of B uptake by peach leaves, the abaxial side was more efficient than the adaxial side, with the total ¹⁰B taken up four times greater in the abaxial side than the adaxial side. The absorption percentages of the total ¹⁰B applied in the abaxial and adaxial sides were 0.31% and 0.08%, respectively. Scratches on the treated leaves made the total ¹⁰B uptake and translocation higher than the control treatment.     

Einfluß von Ca2+ und pH auf das Fettsäuremuster von Phospholipiden der Rapswurzel (Brassica napus L.)

Effect of Ca²⁺ and pH upon the fatty acid composition of phospholipids from roots of rape plants (Brassica napus L.) The influence of Ca²⁺ and pH upon the dry matter of the shoot and the root of rape plants (Brassica napus L.) as well as upon the accumulation of nutrients in the shoot and the fatty acid composition of phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PÄ) and phosphatidyl choline (PC) from rape plant roots was tested by means of a water culture experiment. The experiment was designed with two concentrations of Ca-nutrition (3 mM and 0,03 mM CaCl₂ · 6 H₂O) and with three levels of pH (3,5; 5; 8) on the basis of four replications. The amounts and percentages of macro nutrients in the shoot indicated a specific effect on ion uptake by the treatments. K and Mg absorbed as cations were accumulated most intensively in the shoot at pH 5 whereas P absorbed as an anion was accumulated independent of pH at the same Ca-concentration. The fatty acid composition of PÄ and PC was distinctly dependent on the treatments. With regard to linolenic acid it appeared that Ca-nutrition may soften the harmful effect of a high H⁺-concentration. The results were discussed in relation to membrane functions.     

Habitat specificity, seed germination and experimental translocation of the endangered herb Brachycome muelleri (Asteraceae)

Brachycome muelleri Sonder (Corunna daisy) is an endangered annual herb, endemic to the upper Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. It is restricted to a single population occupying an area of approximately 3 ha on steep, south-facing cliff-foot slopes of the Baxter Hills. Its unique habitat, within an otherwise generally arid region, optimises soil moisture retention through the provision of concentrated water catchment, shade, and low evaporation rates during the growing season. Weeds had the potential to significantly disrupt recruitment, growth and reproductive output, but grazing did not constitute a direct threat to the population. Fresh seeds were innately dormant, requiring a period of after-ripening before they would germinate. Dormancy was artificially broken by gibberellic acid (GA₃) treatment. Germination was optimal at 20 °C, and it was proposed that temperature plays an important role in regulating germination in situ. B. muelleri seeds did not respond to smoked water treatment, and GA₃ (1000 mg l⁻¹) was recommended as a routine seed treatment to stimulate germination. Trial translocations using seed as founder propagules resulted in low establishment, growth and flowering rates. Established seedlings provided several advantages over seed as founder propagules, including higher success rates, more vigorous growth, and improved seed yields in the first season. Successful regeneration, proliferation and expansion of a new translocated population was observed and recorded over four consecutive years. We suggest that conservation management of this species should include the establishment of several new populations by translocation to suitable, isolated, weed-free sites.     

Influence of Quercus ilex trees on herbaceous production and nutrient concentrations in southern PortugalElena Cubera1, 2

In an open woodland in Portugal, the nature of interactions between Quercus ilex trees and herbaceous plants was assessed during 2 years by studying how manipulation of incident solar radiation, water and nutrient supply affect the herbaceous biomass and N, K, P, Ca, Mg, and Mn concentrations. Measurements were carried out in three environments consisting of (1) open grassland, (2) beneath the tree canopy, and (3) under artificial shade. Each of these environments was subjected to two regimes of fertilization and two water levels in a factorial design. The fertilizer treatment consisted of application of no fertilizer or a combination of 200 kg calcium ammonium nitrate ha^–1 (26% N) and 350 kg superphosphate ha^–1 (8% P), while the water‐supply treatment consisted of either no irrigation or irrigation fortnightly from February 1 to April 30. Grasses showed significantly lower nutrient concentrations than forbs. However, nutrient concentrations of the whole herbaceous community were within the recommended ranges for cattle nutrition. A negative effect of shade on herbaceous biomass production was observed. The effect of watering on herbaceous biomass was less prominent than the effect of fertilization, irrespective of the environment, suggesting that Q. ilex does not compete for soil‐water resources with herbaceous biomass in this ecosystem. Fertilization increased total biomass by 106%, 49%, and 97% in the open grassland, beneath the tree canopy, and under artificial shade, respectively. During the first and second year, fertilization increased herbaceous P concentrations by 24% and 83%, respectively, if compared with concentrations obtained at the unfertilized plots. Higher K and Mg concentrations were observed in herbaceous plants beneath the tree canopy than in the open areas, indicating a positive effect of trees on pasture quality. The positive and negative effects of trees on understory forage are discussed.     

Analysis of Market Information Sources for Agricultural Transformation Among Cassava Farmers in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State,Nigeria

This study investigated sources of market information among cassava farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was employed; data were collected through an interview schedule and described and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and chi-square. Results showed that the majority of the cassava farmers were male and married, had no formal education, and sourced market information from middlemen. There was a significant relationship between respondents’ personal characteristics, such as tribe and primary occupation (χ² = 34.360, χ² = 43.203), and market information sources. Market information should be disseminated using local languages preferred by cassava farmers and be reliable, timely, and relevant.     

Hypericum perforatum L. Seed Germination: Interpopulation Variationand Effect of Light, Temperature, Presowing Treatments and Seed Desiccation

Germplasm conservation of medicinal plants is of increasing interest and, when possible, seed banking is the most efficient system for ex situ conservation of these plant genetic resources. Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort, Guttiferae) is a medicinal plant with evidence of efficacy as an anti-depressant. The aim of this work was to increase knowledge of its seed germination behaviour by studying 68 wild populations. Seed germination tests were carried out at 25/15 °C under a photoperiod of 16-h light/8-h darkness. Final germination percentages were highly variable depending on the accession, ranging from 6 to 98%. Similarly, germination rate (as expressed by T ₅₀ values) varied significantly from 6.1 to 23.0 days. The effect of seed desiccation with silica gel on subsequent germination was also studied. The effect of two other incubation temperatures (15 and 25 °C) and light (photoperiod or darkness) on seed germination was studied in several accessions. Temperature had no significant effect on final germination percentages. However, light significantly increased the germination of most but not all accessions assayed. Seeds from four accessions with low germination percentages were subjected to different presowing treatments that could increase germination: dry heat, hot water and gibberellic acid. Germination was promoted significantly by gibberellic acid in two of the four accessions assayed, but the thermal treatments did not enhance significantly the germination percentages. This study reveals that conclusions based on one population of Hypericum perforatum cannot characterize the germination behaviour for the entire species.     

Effect of Excessive Calcium Applications on Growth and Postharvest Performance of Bedding-plant Impatiens

ABSTRACT

Application of excessive amounts of calcium (Ca) during the production cycle improves the quality and postharvest life of several florist crops. Most bedding plants are fertigated with Ca at 100 to 200 mg L^{? 1}throughout the production cycle, but we do not know the effects of higher Ca concentrations. The objective was to evaluate the effect of application of excessive Ca (≥ 280 mg L^?1) supplied during the production cycle on the growth, development, and subsequent postharvest performance of bedding-plant impatiens (Impatiens wallerana Hook. f. ‘Super Elfin White’) under simulated retail conditions. Calcium was applied at 120, 200, 280, 360, and 440 mg L^?1 during each fertigation during the growing cycle. The total nitrogen (N) concentration was 150 mg L^?1, and the nitrate (NO₃ ^?)-N to ammonium (NH₄ ⁺)-N ratio was 1:1. Application of excessive Ca began 30 d after sowing (22 d after germination) and continued until 60 d after sowing. From day 60 to day 65 only deionized water, as a leach, was applied. From day 65 to day 90, plants were held under shade cloth and irrigated with tap water. Excessive Ca applied during the production cycle decreased shoot dry weight, shoot fresh weight, leaf number, and shoot tissue K concentration at the end of the production cycle. Excessive Ca applied during the production cycle also decreased shoot dry weight, leaf number, and shoot tissue potassium (K) concentration at the end of the postharvest period. Plant height, plant diameter, number of open flowers, and number of unopened flower buds at the end of the production cycle and at the end of the postharvest period were not affected by the amount of Ca applied during the production cycle. It was concluded that excessive Ca applied to bedding-plant impatiens during the production cycle did not benefit plant performance during either the production cycle or the postharvest period.     

Effect of Foliar and Substrate Fertilization on Lady Palm Seedling Growth and Development

Lady palm, [Rhapis excelsa (Thunberg) Henry ex. Rehder] is one of the most cultivated ornamental palms in the world, for use as a vase plant or in shaded landscapes. Because limited information exists on lady palm response to fertilizers, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different types of fertilization and substrates on lady palm seedling growth and development. Three year old lady palms were planted in 8-L pots, filled with a mix of soil, manure, and sand 1:1:1 (v:v:v), placed under a 50% shade, and irrigated with microspray. Treatments were substrate fertilization with 500 g P₂O₅ and 100 g K₂O per m³; fertilization with 1.8 kg of P₂O₅ (simple superphosphate) per m³; 50 g of nitrogen (N), P₂O₅, and K₂O of a granulated fertilizer (10:10:10) per m³, control (without fertilization), and a foliar fertilization in addition to these treatments using the commercial product Biofert® (8:9:9). Treatments were replicated four times in a randomized block design. Each treatment plot consisted of four plants. Data were collected at 140, 170, 200, 230, 260, and 290 days after transplanting (DAT) for plant heights, stem diameter at substrate level, number of leaves, shoots, and canopy, roots fresh and dry matter samples were harvest at 290 days. Foliar fertilization resulted in significantly greater plant height in a 140, 120, 200, and 230 DAT and plant diameter on the 140, 260, and 290 DAT. There was interaction among factors for number of leaves with fertilization based on P₂O₅ and K₂O when leaf fertilizer was added that resulted in a greater number of leaves.     

Effect of vegetation on the convection of ponded water in a paddy field

Abstract

To investigate the effect of vegetation on the convection of ponded water in a paddy field, the temperature profile of ponded water and the amount and spectral energy distribution of solar radiation were measured using lysimeters located in plots with and without dense paddy rice vegetation. In the vegetated plot, the water-surface temperature was higher than that of the soil surface in the daytime, and the temperature difference reached a maximum of 1.7°C at approximately 12:00 hours, indicating no convection of ponded water. However, when the amount of solar radiation in the unvegetated plot was experimentally reduced to vegetated-plot levels using shade cloth, the temperature difference between the water and soil surfaces was approximately 0°C in the daytime, indicating that convection had occurred. In the shaded unvegetated plot, the amount of visible radiation 10 cm above the water surface was greater than that of near-infrared radiation. However, in the vegetated plot, the amount of visible radiation was lower than that of near-infrared radiation. Visible radiation passes through ponded water and increases the soil-surface temperature. In contrast, near-infrared radiation is absorbed at the water surface and increases the water-surface temperature. The reduction of visible radiation by vegetation affects the temperature profile in ponded water. Thus, vegetation altered the spectral energy distribution of solar radiation, reducing the convection of ponded water during the day.     

Behavior of glucosinolates in pickling cruciferous vegetables

Crucifer species, which include widely consumed vegetables, contain glucosinolates as secondary metabolites. Cruciferous vegetables are consumed in Japan in salt-preserved or pickled form as well as cooked and raw fresh vegetables. In this study, changes in contents of glucosinolates during the pickling process were investigated. 4-Methylthio-3-butenyl glucosinolate, a major glucosinolate in the root of Japanese radish, daikon (Raphanus sativus L.), was detected in pickled products with a short maturation period but not in those with a long maturation period. As a model pickling experiment, fresh watercress (Nasturtium officinale) and blanched watercress were soaked in 3% NaCl solution for 7 days. The results showed that the ratio of indole glucosinolates to total glucosinolates increased during the pickling process, whereas total glucosinolates decreased. Myrosinase digestion of glucosinolates in nozawana (Brassica rapa L.) indicated that indole glucosinolates, especially 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, were relatively resistant to the enzyme. The effect of pickling on glucosinolate content and the possible mechanism are discussed in view of degradation by myrosinase and synthetic reaction in response to salt stress or compression during the pickling process.     

Soil sample bag effects on pre‐sidedress soil nitrate test concentrations

Abstract

Most soil testing laboratories require soil samples collected for the pre‐sidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) to be dried before shipment. Shipment of field‐moist samples would make it easier to use the test. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of bag type on changes in soil nitrate in samples collected for the PSNT. Soil samples were collected from the surface foot of soil when corn (Zea mays L.) plants were 15‐ to 30‐cm tall. Four fields with a history of manure applications were sampled. The bulk sample was subsampled in the field and the subsamples were kept cool during transport to the laboratory and were immediately air dried after arrival at the laboratory. Field‐moist subsamples from each bulk sample were placed into either cloth bags or plastic‐lined paper bags after arrival at the laboratory. Four replications of the subsamples were incubated at 30°C for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days. After removal from the incubator, the subsamples were immediately spread to air dry. The soils incubated in the plastic‐lined paper bags did not significantly increase in nitrate after one day of incubation. There was a significant increase, however, in nitrate each day after the second, third and fourth day of incubation. The soils incubated in the cloth bags did not significantly increase in nitrate until the fourth day of incubation. The average increase in nitrate‐N concentration in the cloth bags between day 3 and day 4 was 1.5 mg kg L^‐1soil. The results suggest that cloth bags could be used to ship field‐moist soil samples for the PSNT without significant changes in soil nitrate concentrations.