Grain Yield and Qualitative of Rapeseed Genotypes Change in Response to Exogenous Application of Salicylic Acid and Planting Density

Gesunde Pflanzen - A factorial split-plot experiment (2015–17) was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Karaj, Iran, to investigate...     

Genetic diversity in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) germplasm using fruit variation implemented by tomato analyzer software based on high throughput phenotyping

The decrease of genetic variation in crops like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) due to domestication, breeding, and population bottle necks for fresh market consumptions has increased the need for this cash crop’s conservation and characterizations. To study the genetic variation of this valuable genetic resource in the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran, a collection of 589 tomato accessions from different regions was characterized using semi-automatic and high-throughput techniques. Based on the fruit shape, the studied accessions were classified into ten groups and significant differences for all the fruit characteristics studied indicated an abundant diversity within the germplasm collected from different regions. Studied tomato germplasm was grouped into nine main clusters based on hierarchical cluster analysis. More than 83% of data variation was explained by seven components in which the first two components explained for 50% of the variation where fruit shape index and proximal/distal fruit end shape showed a high contribution in the variation of the first component. This unique genetically divergent germplasm could be utilized to select tomato breeding lines of interest. Also, accessions belonged to the heterotic clusters could be selected for hybridization and conservation purpose as well as enrichment of pre-breeding programs of the tomato germplasm.

     

Validating MARK2 Gene Polymorphism as a Predictor of Response to Lithium Treatment in Bipolar Patients

Background:Lithium is a therapeutic option for the treatment of the acute phase of the bipolar disorder and long-term management of this disorder. However, it is estimated that 10 to 60% of patients do not properly response to this medication.Methods:To investigate the role of MARK2 gene in response to lithium, we genotyped the MARK2 rs10792421 polymorphism in Iranian bipolar patients using ARMS-PCR.Results:Results of this study showed a significant association of this polymorphism with response to lithium. The A allele was more frequent in the responder than the non-responder group and also in the semi- responder group compared to the non-responder group in the codominant model of analysis. AA and AG genotypes were more frequent in both the responder and semi-responder groups compared to the non-responder group in dominant model of analysis.Conclusion:Based on the findings of the current study, the rs10792421 variant of MARK2 gene could be considered as a potential biomarker for predicting the treatment outcome of bipolar disorder type 1 in Iranian population. Key Words: Biomarkers, Bipolar, Lithium, Genotyping     

Replacing rotifers with a microparticle diet from first feeding in yellowfin seabream,Acanthopagrus latus (Houttuyn), larvae

The possibility to replace or reduce rotifer use with a microparticle diet (MPD) from first feeding in yellowfin seabream larvae was investigated. The experiment consisted of five treatments, a rotifer (100%) control treatment (100R), three experimental treatments, which received a fixed ration of MPD supplemented with 75%, 50% and 25% of the amount rotifer fed in the control treatment (treatments 75R‐MPD, 50R‐MPD and 25R‐MPD respectively), and finally a treatment with the fixed MPD ration only (treatment 0R‐MPD). The results indicated that feeding regimes 100R, 75R‐MPD and 50R‐MPD did not differ significantly in the total length, final survival and stress test resistance. The highest dry weight was achieved in treatments 100R and 75R‐MPD at the end of the experiment compared with treatments 50R‐MPD, 25R‐MPD and 0R‐MPD. The 0R‐MPD treatment showed the lowest growth and survival. Yellowfin seabream larvae were able to ingest inert food directly from the moment of first feeding.     

Temporal and spatial availability of Atlantic Thread Herring,Opisthonema oglinum,in relation to oceanographic drivers and fishery landings on the Florida Panhandle

Since 1995, landings of Atlantic Thread Herring (Opisthonema oglinum) on the Florida Panhandle averaged 124 mt each spring (April–June) but declined to nearly zero in 1996–97 and 2006. To elucidate causes of recurring periods of low landings, we used generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) to examine the relationship between Atlantic Thread Herring catch in a trawl survey on the west‐central coast of Florida and four environmental variables. Chlorophyll‐a was significant in the models, indicating a direct relationship between local abundance of baitfish and their planktonic food. Temperature and depth were also significant whereas salinity was not. During 2003 and 2012, synoptic satellite‐derived temperature and chlorophyll‐a maps were used with the GAMMs to predict monthly spatial availability on the Florida Panhandle fishing grounds (long. 85–88^o W and depth 12–25 m). The predicted monthly availability was significantly correlated with commercial catch rates (Pearson's r = 0.26, P = 0.004, d.f. = 118). We used multiple linear regression (MLR) with lags to describe the effect of river discharge and wind (as a transport mechanism) on surface chlorophyll‐a over the Panhandle fishing grounds. Discharge from local rivers was significant in all MLRs, and the Mississippi was only significant as an interaction with wind. We conclude that Atlantic Thread Herring are distributed over the Panhandle fishing grounds based on food availability that is driven by river discharge and eastward transport of Mississippi River plumes. This analysis improves our understating of baitfish dynamics, an important ecosystem component in the Gulf of Mexico.     

Glycated Hemoglobin is an Indicator of Blood Glucose Status in Horses: Preliminary Study

Glycated hemoglobin (HbG) concentration is a retrospective measure of mean blood glucose level and is not affected by recent stresses, food ingestion, or exercise. Although HbG has been determined in various wild and domestic animals such as kestrels, mankhor, mouflon, aoudad, deer, goat, sheep, dog, camel, ostrich, and horse, there is no information about diagnostic values of HbG as an indicator of blood glucose status in horses. The purposes of this study were to determine normal value of HbG in Iranian crossbred horses and to investigate its relation to fasting plasma glucose. Blood samples were collected from jugular veins of 193 clinically healthy adult crossbred horses (102 males and 91 females). After separation and washing of red blood cells, hemolysate was prepared and subjected to weak cation exchange chromatography for determination of HbG. Glucose was measured in fasting plasma samples. HbG percent (HbG%) in the studied horses was 3.21 ± 0.56 in males and 3.34 ± 0.72 in females. Fasting plasma glucoses were 81.3 ± 7.6 and 84.2 ± 14.5 mg/dL in males and females, respectively. HbG% and plasma glucose were highly correlated (r = 0.81, P < .01). We concluded that HbG% can be considered as a good indicator of blood glucose status in the horse. Two horses with abnormally higher HbG% were found in this study showing persistent high fasting plasma glucose. We concluded that HbG determination could be a more reliable indicator of basal blood glucose concentrations in horses.     

Preparation of lignopolyols from wheat straw soda lignin

Wheat straw soda lignin was modified and characterized by several qualitative and quantitative methods such as (31)P NMR spectroscopy to evaluate its potential as a substitute for polyols in view of polyurethane applications. Chemical modification of the lignin was achieved with propylene oxide to form lignopolyol derivatives. This was performed by a two-step reaction of lignin with maleic anhydride followed by propylene oxide and by direct oxyalkylation under acidic and alkaline conditions. The physical and chemical properties of lignopolyols from each method and the subsequent chain-extended hydroxyl groups were evaluated. Direct oxyalkylation of lignin under alkaline conditions was found to be more efficient than acidic conditions and more effective than the two-step process for preparing lignopolyol with higher aliphatic hydroxyl contents.     

Differential Zinc Efficiency of Barley Genotypes Grown in Soil and Chelator-Buffered Nutrient Solution

Genotypic variation to zinc (Zn) deficiency in barley indicates that selection for Zn efficiency is possible. Sahara (Zn-efficient) and Clipper (Zn-inefficient) were evaluated at different Zn nutrition in soil and chelator-buffered nutrient. Zinc deficiency symptoms appeared first in Clipper and later in Sahara. At 0.8 mg Zn/kg soil, shoot and root Zn concentration and content were higher in Sahara than Clipper. The root:shoot dry matter ratio of genotypes increased as Zn application decreased. The 4th and 5th leaf elongation were depressed greater in Clipper than Sahara by Zn deficiency. The genotypes responses to Zn in solution and soil were consistent in all parameters except root growth. In contrast to soil, root drymatter was greater in Clipper than Sahara in solution under Zn deficiency. Shoot Zn concentration and content can be used in assessment of barley genotypes, and may be useful criteria in screening large genotypes aimed at developing molecular markers for Zn efficiency.     

Municipal Solid Waste Compost Improves Crop Productivity in Saline-Sodic Soil: A Multivariate Analysis of Soil Chemical Properties and Yield Response

A pot experiment was conducted in sandy clay loam saline-sodic soil to assess the effects of farm yard manure (FYM), municipal solid waste (MSW) composts and gypsum application on nitrate leaching, soil chemical properties and crop productivity under rice-wheat cropping system. It also aims at establishing the correlation between soil phsico-chemical properties and yield response using principle component analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. The MSW was decomposed aerobically, an-aerobically and co-composted. Maximum nitrate leaching was observed during rice (75.9 mg L^?1) and wheat (37.2 mg L^?1) with an-aerobically decomposed MSW as compared with control treatment. Results revealed a decrease in soil pH (?6.95% and ?8.77%), electrical conductivity (EC) (?48.13% and ?51.04%), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) (?40.30% and ?48.96%), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) (?40.27% and ?45.98%) with an-aerobically decomposed MSW compost during rice and wheat, respectively. In this treatment, organic matter (OM) (93.55% and 121.51%) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) (19.31% and 31.79%) were the highest as compared with control treatment during rice and wheat, respectively. Rice and wheat growth were significantly (p≤ 0.05) increased by an-aerobically decomposed MSW followed by co-compost, aerobically decomposed MSW, FYM, gypsum and control. Furthermore, Pearson correlation coefficients predicted significant positive correlation of yield with soil OM, and CEC while inverse relationship was observed with EC, pH, CaCO₃, and nitrogen use efficiency. Soil amelioration with organic and gypsum amendments was further confirmed with principal component analysis. This study has proved an-aerobically decomposed MSW as an effective solution for MSW disposal, thereby improving soil chemical properties and crop productivity from sandy clay loam saline-sodic soil.