Simulating the Production of Rice Genotypes by Flood Management and End-Season Water Stress Conditions Using AquaCrop Model

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to assess the ability of AquaCrop model in predicting of grain and biological yield of rice genotypes in water management. A two-year field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of the Iranian Rice Research Institute in Rasht, Iran from 2016 to 2017. The experiment was established in a split-plot design with two irrigation management (continuous submergence and end season water stress) as the main plot, fourth rice genotypes as the sub-plot and three replications. The goodness-of-fit between observed and simulated grain yield and final biomass was assessed by means of the coefficient of determination (R ²), the absolute and normalized root mean square errors (RMSE). The RMSE_n of predicting grain yield at calibration and evaluation stages was in the range of 6–12% and 6–8% for biological yield. The results indicated that AquaCrop model is suitable to predict grain yield and biological yield of rice genotypes in northern Iran. AquaCrop model can be used to determine optimization strategies to improve the water consumption of rice genotypes.     

Nutrients management strategies to improve yield and quality of sugar beet in semi-arid regions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the yield and quality of sugar beet genotypes (Beta vulgaris L.). Therefore, a field trial was carried out in Peshawar, Pakistan, during the winters in 2012–2013. The field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with split plots, having three replications. Fertilizer treatments (control, composted manure Higo Organic Plus at 5 t ha^?1, Maxicrop Sea Gold seaweed extract at 5 L ha^?1, farm yard manure at 10 t ha^?1, inorganic nitrogen–phosphorus (NP) at 90:60 kg ha^?1, NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1 and NP at 150:120 kg ha^?1) were allotted to main plots, while genotypes (Sandrina, Serenada and Kawe Terma) were allotted to the sub-plots. Plots treated with the application of NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1 produced the highest beet yield (76.4 t ha^?1) and sugar yield (11.1 t ha^?1), and had the second highest polarizable sugar content (14.52%) and more economic return (Rs. 553,000 per hectare) as compared to control plots. Sugar beet genotype Serenada had significantly higher beet yield (55.5 t ha^?1) and sugar yield (7.9 t ha^?1) and a higher economic return (Rs. 380,000 per hectare) than the other genotypes. Sugar beet genotype Serenada supplied with NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1is recommended for the general cultivation in the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar valley.     

Effects of ambient gaseous pollutants on photosynthesis,growth, yield and grain quality of selected crops grown at different sites varying in pollution levels

In recent decades, ambient gaseous pollution has increased due to anthropogenic activities worldwide. The studies to evaluate the adverse effects of ambient pollutants on commonly grown food crops are still limited, especially in Asian countries like Pakistan. The present study was conducted to measure the ambient pollutants in different sites of Faisalabad and their impact on growth and yield of wheat, mung bean and peas. Plants were grown in pots and placed at three sites named as control (Wire house of Government College University, Faisalabad), low pollution (LP) (Farm Area of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute) and high pollution (HP) (GT Chowk, Faisalabad) sites. Results showed that ambient ozone (O₃) concentration was highest at HP site followed by LP site and was below AOT40 in control site. Ambient pollutants caused foliar injury in crops and decreased plant height, leaf area, biomass and grain yield. Pollutants caused a reduction in photosynthetic pigments, stomatal conductance and net photosynthetic rate and grain protein contents in all three crops. In conclusion, the ambient O₃ level was highest at HP site, this current O₃ level and other pollutants decreased the growth and yield of important food crops.     

Boron-Calcium Synergically Alleviates Aluminum Toxicity in Wheat Plants (Triticum aestivum L.)

The effects of B and Ca treatments on root growth, nutrient localization and cell wall properties in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) plants with and without Al stress were investigated. Seedlings were grown hydroponically in a complete nutrient solution for 7 d and then treated with B (0, 40 μM), Ca (0, 2,500 μM), and Al (0, 100 μM) in a 500 μM CaCl₂ solution for 8 d. The cell wall materials (CWM) were extracted with a phenol: acetic acid: water (2:1:1 w/v/v) solution and used for subsequent pectin extraction with trans -1,2-diami-nocyclohexane- N,N,N,N -tetraacetic acid (CDTA) and Na₂CO₃ solutions. Boron, Ca, and B + Ca treatments enhanced root growth by 19.5, 15.2, and 27.2%, respectively, compared to the control (pH 4.5). Calcium and B+Ca treatments enhanced root growth with Al stress by 43 and 54%, respectively, while B did not exert any effect. The amounts of CWM and pectin per unit of root fresh weight increased by Al treatment, whereas the Ca and B+Ca treatments slightly reduced the contents of these components. Seventy-four percent of total B, 69% of total Ca, and 85% of total Al were located in the cell wall in the B, Ca, and Al treatments, respectively and 32% of total B, 33% of total Ca, and 33% of total Al were located in the CDTA-soluble and Na₂CO₃-soluble pectin fractions. A more conspicuous localization of B was observed in the presence of Al. Aluminum treatment markedly decreased the Ca content in the cell wall as well as pectin fractions, mainly in the case of the CDTA-soluble pectin fraction. Boron + Ca treatment decreased the Al content in the cell wall and pectin fractions compared to the Ca treatment alone in the presence of Al. It is concluded that the B+Ca treatment enhanced root growth and, B and Ca uptake, and helped to maintain a normal B and Ca metabolism in the cell walls even in the presence of Al.     

Genetic tracking of the brown bear in northern Pakistan and implications for conservation

Asian bears face major threats due to the impact of human activities as well as a critical lack of knowledge about their status, distribution and needs for survival. Once abundant in northern Pakistan, the Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) has been exterminated in most of its former distribution range. It presently occurs sparsely, in small populations, the Deosai National Park supporting the largest isolate. This decline might imply a reduction in genetic diversity, compromising the survival of the population. Using a combination of fecal DNA analysis and field data, our study aimed at assessing the size and genetic status of the Deosai population and give guidelines for its conservation and management. Using fecal genetic analysis, we estimated the population to be 40-50 bears, which compares well with the field census of 38 bears. The northern Pakistani brown bear population may have undergone an approximate 200-300-fold decrease during the last thousand years, probably due to glaciations and the influence of growing human population. However, in spite of the presence of a bottleneck genetic signature, the Deosai population has a moderate level of genetic diversity and is not at immediate risk of inbreeding depression. Gene flow might exist with adjacent populations. We recommend careful monitoring of this population in the future both with field observations and genetic analyses, including sampling of adjacent populations to assess incoming gene flow. The connectivity with adjacent populations in Pakistan and India will be of prime importance for the long-term survival of Deosai bears.     

基于作物生长监测诊断仪的玉米LAI监测模型研究

为探索作物生长监测诊断仪（CGMD-402型）在作物长势监测应用中的精准性与适用性,连续2年在不同氮肥水平下进行不同玉米品种的实验。使用作物生长监测诊断仪采集冠层归一化差值植被指数（Normalized differential vegetation index,NDVI）、比值植被指数（Ratio vegetation index,RVI）,并同步以ASD FR-2500型野外高光谱辐射测量仪获取冠层光谱反射率,构建NDVI、RVI高光谱植被指数;通过对比两种仪器获取的植被指数特征及其定量关系,评价CGMD-402型作物生长监测诊断仪监测精度;基于CGMD-402型作物生长监测诊断仪获取的NDVI、RVI,建立叶面积指数（Leaf area index,LAI）监测模型,并对模型监测精度进行验证。结果表明：玉米冠层NDVI、RVI随施氮量增加而增加,增加幅度分别为8.20%~36.59%、4.40%~25.16%;CGMD-402型作物生长监测诊断仪与ASD FR-2500型野外高光谱辐射测量仪获取的NDVI、RVI相关系数分别为0.991、0.985,决定系数分别为0.983、0.969,说明CGMD-402型作物生长监测诊断仪具有较高的监测精度,可替代ASD FR-2500型野外高光谱辐射测量仪获取NDVI、RVI指数;利用CGMD-402型作物生长监测诊断仪获取NDVI、RVI,建立LAI监测模型的决定系数分别为0.911、0.898;以独立数据对模型精度进行验证,模型预测值与田间实测值间决定系数分别为0.963、0.954,相对误差分别为6.65%、9.37%,表明二者具有高度一致性。研究表明,利用作物生长监测诊断仪能有效监测玉米不同品种LAI动态变化,可以替代AccuPARLP-80型植物冠层分析仪获取玉米LAI数据。     

Toxic Effect of Certain Metals Mixture on Some Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Freshwater Algae

The toxic effect of multi metals mixture which exist simultaneously in aquatic ecosystem on natural phytoplankton assemblages (green algae, blue-green algae and diatoms) was studied. For this purpose a laboratory scale unit was designed to evaluate the effect of continuous flow metals mixture in forms if triple and penta metals in Nile water algae. Clear changes in algal biomass in terms of chlorophyll a (chl a) took place when subjected to metals combination. The rise or decline in chl a was in relation with other algal pigments (chl b, chl c, carotenoides and phenophytin), protein and carbohydrate content of algal cells. Substantial changes in phytoplankton community structure was detected and the most tolerant group was blue-green algae followed by green algae while diatoms was the most sensitive group. The most dominant species in all cases were blue-green alga Oscillatoria mougeotii and green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda. In addition clear changes in morphological shape was observed for tolerant species belonging to the three algal groups. Nile water algae has ability to remove and accumulate metals in the following order therefore Zn > Cd > Ni > Cu > Cr. In addition, phytoplankton has ability to recovered from the stress of metals when eliminated from the media and the recovered biomass was nearly equivalent to that before exposing to metals stress. The overall effect of metals mixture depending on the type and number of metals, the algal community structure and ratio between different morphological forms of algae (unicellular, colonial and filamentous).     

天津地区鱼塘中的HCHs残留

在天津郊区选择2处代表性鱼塘,采集了水、悬浮物、沉积物、鲫鱼和鲢鱼样品,测定了各种样品中的六六六含量,发现六六六在各相中均有较高残留。水相、悬浮物和沉积物中六六六平均浓度分别为19.2ng·L-1,1160.5ng·g-1和8.4ng·g-1。两鱼塘相差2～10倍。鱼塘各相六六六含量与周边土壤状况密切相关。各相六六六含量高的鱼塘位于农业土壤遭受严重污染的地区。污染严重的鱼塘中鱼体六六六富集量也大大高于相对浓度较低的鱼塘。采自两鱼塘的鱼的肌肉中平均六六六含量分别为71.4ng·g-1和19.7ng·g-1。以水相浓度为基准的生物富集系数分别为2.06×103和5.36×103。肝胰脏、肠、鳃、卵巢等器官都富集了更高浓度的六六六。     

拟松材线虫对黑松苗的致病性

测定来源于中国、日本、韩国、加拿大、挪威和法国的20个拟松材线虫种群对2年生黑松苗的致病力。根据其致病力大小分为3类：第1类致病力很强，致死率大于85％，RHS(相关寄主适生性)系数大于100，包括法国的1个种群和中国的3个种群；第Ⅱ类有较强的致病潜能，在环境适宜的情况下可能造成严重危害，这一类数量最多，包括中国的11个种群和加拿大的1个种群；第Ⅲ类几乎没有致病力，其致死率和RHS系数都是0，包括韩国的2个种群及日本和挪威各1个种群。试验证明法国BmFr种群致死速度最快，致病力最强。黑松苗在感染拟松材线虫后，用自然界水分胁迫和PEG胁迫处理，结果表明，干旱胁迫能明显加快黑松苗死亡速度，且大大提高死亡率。提示在高温干旱的年份拟松材线虫可造成松树的大面积死亡。     

甘蔗根癌农杆菌介导转化海藻糖合酶基因获得抗渗透胁迫能力增强植株

 由双拷贝CaMV35S启动子驱动担子菌灰树花 (Grifolafrondosa)的海藻糖合酶基因 (TSase)构建植物表达载体 pBBBT ,通过三亲交配法将 pBBBT导入根癌农杆菌EHA10 5菌株 ,经根癌农杆菌介导转化甘蔗 (Saccha rumhybrid)栽培品种 ,以增强甘蔗的抗旱能力。结果表明 ,甘蔗胚性愈伤组织对EHA10 5菌株敏感 ,甘蔗外植体开始大量形成胚性愈伤组织时是感染的适宜时期 ,用膦丝菌素 (PPT)筛选 ,抗性植株发生频率平均为 4 .5 %。经PCR及dot Southern检测证明 ,TSase已经整合到甘蔗基因组中。部分转化植株根叶畸形、株型异常、生长缓慢。移栽到含PEG80 0 0 17.4 % (w/v)的MS培养基后 ,观察到转基因植株抗渗透胁迫能力增强