Identification of resistance to bacterial canker (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas syringae</Emphasis> pv. <Emphasis Type="Italic">syringae</Emphasis>) disease on apricot genotypes grown in Turkey

Bacterial canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syrinage (Pss) in apricot has widely spread in Turkey, especially in Malatya province, in recent years. The main objective of this study was to determine resistance of apricot cultivars to bacterial canker caused by Pss in apricot cultivars grown in Turkey. During the 2006–2007 growing period, bacterial isolations were taken from diseased apricot trees in Malatya and 53 Pseudomonas syringae isolates were obtained. Forty-two isolates were determined as Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and 11 isolates as pv. morsprunorum. In a pathogenicity test, leaves of cv. Hacihalilo?lu were used and five Pss isolates (K24, K25, K43, K47 and K51) were detected to be the most virulent and were used to test for cultivar resistance to Pss. Leaves of fifteen apricot cultivars (Alyanak, Çatalo?lu, Çölo?lu, Erken A?erik, Hacihalilo?lu, Hasanbey, ?smaila?a, Kabaa?i, Karacabey, Sakit 2, So?anci, ?am, ?ekerpare, Tokalo?lu (Erzincan) and Turfanda Eski Malatya) were tested for resistance to Pss. Green shoots were spray-inoculated with a concentration of 10⁸ cfu ml^?1 Pss mixed culture. Sprayed shoots were covered with moist plastic bags for 3 days and maintained in the growth chamber and monitored for symptom development. Hasanbey, Çölo?lu, So?anci and ?ekerpare apricot cultivars were resistant and ?am, Tokalo?lu (Erzincan) and Erken A?erik apricot cultivars were susceptible to Pss. This is the first report of a resistance source in apricot cultivars grown in Turkey against Pss.     

The effects of dietary protein levels with amino acid supplementation on the growth performance,haematological profile and histology of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) in two different size classes

A 12‐week feeding trial was conducted to estimate the effects of supplemented amino acids (lysine and methionine) with different dietary protein levels on growth, haematology and liver histology in meagre (Argyrosomus regius) at two different sizes: fingerling (15.2 g) and juvenile (44.4 g). Six practical diets were prepared, and three of these practical diets were formulated with 40 (P40), 44 (P44) and 48% (P48) crude protein without supplementation of amino acids. Other three diets having same protein levels were supplemented with lysine and methionine (P40AA, P44AA and P48AA) to bring these amino acids level up to that estimated to be at the least in the 48% protein diet. Final mean weight (FMW) and specific growth rate (SGR) of P48AA in fingerlings were higher than that of 40AA. According to FMW and SGR of juveniles, there was interaction found between dietary protein levels and the supplementation of amino acids. The FMW and SGR of meagre fed P44AA were higher than that of fish fed the other diets, except fish fed the P48. Economic profit index, packed cell volume and haemoglobin for juvenile meagre were significantly improved with the dietary protein level and amino acid supplementation. The liver tissues of the P48 group in both sizes displayed better structure compared with the other groups. In conclusion, dietary crude protein content of practical diets for juvenile meagre could be reduced from 48% to 44% by adding essential amino acids with an enhancement in growth, health and economic profit.     

Identification of drought-induced genes from the leaves of Rangpur lime (Citrus limon (L) Osbeck)

Water stress is one of the limiting factors for citrus production and Citrus species show great variation in their response to drought stress. Although the majority of Citrus rootstocks are sensitive to water stress, Rangpur lime (Citrus limon (L) Osbeck) (RL) shows a high degree of drought tolerance. Therefore, it has been used as a rootstock in drought-prone environments, but mechanisms of drought tolerance are not yet known. In this study, to explore the mechanisms of drought adaptation and tolerance, a subtractive cDNA library was constructed from the leaves of 14-day drought-stressed and non-stressed RL for identification of drought-induced genes. 285 cDNA sequences were obtained from randomly selected clones from the subtracted library containing the drought-induced genes. The expression analyses of 200 cDNAs in 14-day drought treated and untreated RL by macroarray hybridisation revealed that the expression of 56 cDNAs increased two to 11-fold. 30 non-redundant drought-induced genes were identified from these cDNAs and drought induction of eight selected genes was confirmed by a real-time RT-PCR assay suggesting that expressions of these genes were regulated by drought-stress. Genes identified in this study were mostly related with cell rescue and defense pathways involved in drought adaptation and tolerance of RL.     

Promotion by 5-aminolevulenic acid of pepper seed germination and seedling emergence under low-temperature stress

The effects of incorporating 5-aminolevulenic acid (ALA) into the priming solution on low-temperature germination and emergence percentage performance of red pepper (Capsicum annuum cv. Sena) seeds before and after seed storage were investigated. Seeds were primed in 3% KNO₃ solution for 6 days at 25 °C in darkness containing 0 ppm, 1 ppm, 10 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm or 100 ppm ALA. Following priming, seeds were either immediately subjected to germination and emergence tests at 15 °C or stored at 4 °C or 25 °C for 1 month after which they were subjected to germination and emergence tests at 15 °C. Priming pepper seeds in the presence of ALA improved final germination percentage (FGP) and germination rate (MGT) at 15 °C compared to non-primed seeds. The highest FGP was obtained from seeds primed in the presence of 25 ppm and higher ALA concentrations while the highest MGT was obtained from seeds primed in KNO₃ supplemented with 10 ppm ALA. Emergence percentages were the highest for the seeds primed in the presence of 25 ppm ALA and 50 ppm ALA while non-primed seeds had the lowest emergence percentage. Highest emergence rates (MET) and heaviest seedlings were also obtained from seeds primed in KNO₃ supplemented with 50 ppm ALA. Although all priming treatments improved germination and emergence performance of pepper seeds at 15 °C following 1 month of storage under two different temperatures, inclusion of 25 ppm and 50 ppm ALA into the priming solution resulted in higher germination and emergence percentages and faster germination and emergence compared to seeds primed in KNO₃ only and non-primed seeds. These results indicate that priming seeds in 25 ppm and 50 ppm ALA incorporated into the KNO₃ solution can be used as an effective method to improve low-temperature performance of red pepper seeds and that these seeds can be stored for 1 month at 4 °C or 25 °C and still exhibit improved germination and emergence performance at 15 °C.     

Physico-chemical changes during growth of persimmon fruits in the East Mediterranean climate region

Physico-chemical changes were monitored during growth of pollination variant non-astringent ‘Harbiye’ persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki L.) grown at low or high altitude of the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey for two growing seasons (2001–2002 and 2002–2003). Fruit growth in diameter followed a typical double sigmoid curve, consisting of two rapid growth stages, stage I and stage III, separated by a period of slow growth (stage II) at both altitudes. The durations of stages I, II and III were 105–119, 21–35 and 21–42 days, respectively, at low and high altitude. ‘Harbiye’ persimmons showed significant decreases in soluble tannin concentration and total carotenoid content during stage I. At the end of stage I, ‘Harbiye’ persimmons became non-astringent. Stage II was characterized with slow growth, the beginning of acid degradation and a significant increase in total sugars, especially in the sucrose component. At end of stage II, the fruit began to turn yellow-orange, indicating the occurrence of colour break. The greatest increase in total soluble solids (TSS) content occurred in the final month before harvest during stage III when pronounced changes in skin colour and softening of fruits were observed. The 175 and 168 days after full bloom (DAFB) at low and high altitudes, respectively, are appropriate timing for harvest of the ‘Harbiye’ persimmon fruits in the East Mediterranean region. At these stages, ‘Harbiye’ persimmon fruits reached the best quality for consumers.     

Effect of catechins on fattening performance,meat quality,some antioxidant and blood parameters and fattening costs in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of green tea (Camellia sinensis) catechins in quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

2. Quail were fed with a basal diet, and the treatment groups were fed on the basal diet with 1.25 or 2.50 g/kg catechin supplementation for 30 d.

3. Fattening performance and meat quality of the quail were estimated. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), plasma and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and some serum biochemical parameters were measured.

4. The results showed that catechin supplementation did not affect live weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight, carcass dressing or the nutrient composition of breast and thigh meats. The water holding capacity (WHC) of breast meat was increased in the 2.50 g/kg catechin treatment. Catechin supplementation increased the serum TAS, but decreased plasma MDA and liver MDA concentration as well as serum glucose and total cholesterol levels. Serum triglyceride and total protein levels were not affected by catechin supplementation.

5. In conclusion, catechins have effective antioxidant hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolaemic properties, as well as having the potential to increase meat quality in fattening quail. On the other hand, catechin supplementation did not have any negative effect on the fattening performance, meat nutrient composition and fattening costs in fattening quail.

     

Development of flexible antimicrobial packaging materials against Campylobacter jejuni by incorporation of gallic acid into zein-based films

In this study, antimicrobial films were developed against Campylobacter jejuni by incorporation of gallic acid (GA) into zein-based films. The zein and zein-wax composite films containing GA between 2.5 and 10 mg/cm(2) were effective on different C. jejuni strains in a concentration-dependent manner. Zein and zein-wax composite films showed different release profiles in distilled water but quite similar release profiles at solid agar medium. Depending on incorporated GA concentration, 60-80% of GA released from the films, while the remaining GA was bound or trapped by film matrix. The GA at 2.5 and 5 mg/cm(2) caused a considerable increase in elongation (57-280%) of all zein films and eliminated their classical flexibility problems. The zein-wax composite films were less flexible than zein films, but the films showed similar tensile strengths and Young's modulus. Scanning electron microscopy indicated different morphologies of zein and zein-wax composite films. This study clearly showed the good potential of zein and GA to develop flexible antimicrobial films against C. jejuni.     

Remediation of lead-, arsenic-, and cesium-contaminated soil using consecutive washing enhanced with electro-kinetic field

Purpose

Extensive deposition of Pb, As, and Cs in soils may damage ecosystems and human’s health. Soil washing is the most conventional remediation method, and its efficiency depends on metal solubility in soil. This study aims to optimize operating variables of electro-kinetic field (EKF)-enhanced soil washing procedures.

Materials and methods

Soil samples from a Mississippi River Delta rice field were homogeneously spiked with Pb, As, and Cs, and contaminated soil was aged for 3 months. The remediation involved a first stage electro-kinetic process, followed by a soil washing procedure. Soil pH changes under EKF were studied. Effects of citric acid and reversed EKF were investigated for alleviating possible alkaline precipitation. In the washing procedure, soil washing time and cycles with different extractants were examined. The overall EKF-enhanced soil washing efficiencies were discussed as well.

Results and discussion

The implement of EKF offered an acidic soil environment around the anode areas for solubilizing metal(loid)s. Combined with EKF, citric acid was more conductive to desorb metal(loid)s. In addition, the reversed EKF effectively alleviated metal(loid) precipitation caused by alkalization in the first stage cathode areas. The EKF significantly enhanced metal(loid) extractions in the anode area of soils using Na₂EDTA, CaCl₂, and citric acid at pH of 2. The most preferable removal of Pb (80–98 %), As (48–63 %), and Cs (10–13 %) was achieved with three extractants. CaCl₂ and citric acid were proved to be suitable alternatives to Na₂EDTA for Pb extraction. A washing process of 2 h extraction with double washing cycles was optimized.

Conclusions

Soil washing time and cycles were major factors governing the metal(loid) removal from soil. Washing process of 2 h extraction with double cycles was optimized for further extraction based on higher washing efficiency. The EKF effectively improved washing efficiency while some electrical parameters need further studies for cost performance consideration.

     

Hydraulic Structures in Water Aeration Processes

The primary purpose of water aeration is to increase the oxygen saturation of the water. This can be achieved by using hydraulic structures because of substantial air bubble entrainment at these structures. This paper reviewed the literature on hydraulic structures used in water aeration processes. The hydraulic structures were divided into two groups as the high-head flow systems and the free-surface flow systems. The high-head flow systems were circular and venturi nozzles, pipe with venturi tube, and high-head conduit, and the free-surface flow systems were weir, stepped cascade, and free-surface conduit. Air/water flow ratio and aeration efficiency in circular nozzles with air holes and venturi nozzles were significantly high. Pipes with venturi tubes showed high aeration efficiency although they had low air/water flow ratio. In high-head and free-surface conduits, almost full oxygen transfer, up to the saturation value, occurred. Forty-five degrees triangular sharp-crested weir had significantly better air/water flow ratio and aeration efficiency than other sharp-crested weir shapes. Stepped cascades, in particular nappe flow regime, were very efficient means of aeration.     

Antifungal and herbicidal properties of essential oils and n-hexane extracts of Achillea gypsicola Hub-Mor. and Achillea biebersteinii Afan. (Asteraceae)

The chemical composition of essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Achillea gypsicola Hub-Mor., Achillea biebersteinii Afan. and n-hexane extracts obtained from the flowers of A. gypsicola and A. biebersteinii Afan. was analyzed by GC and GC–MS. Camphor (40.17–23.56%, respectively), 1,8-cineole (22.01–38.09%, respectively), piperitone (11.29–0.37%, respectively), borneol (9.50–5.88%, respectively) and α-terpineol (1.56–5.15%, respectively) were found to be the main constituents in A. gypsicola and A. biebersteinii essential oils. Furthermore, hexane extracts of A. gypsicola and A. biebersteinii consist of mainly camphor (37.78–27.88%, respectively), 1,8-cineole (13.43–24.78%, respectively), piperitone (15.57%-tr, respectively), n-eicosane (1.61–9.68%, respectively), n-heneicosane (2.56–9.55%, respectively), n-tricosane (3.46–10.04%, respectively), linoleic acid (6.19–3.17%, respectively) and borneol (5.66–5.58%, respectively). Although the oils and extracts were characterized relatively by high content of oxygenated monoterpenes, hexane extracts of the plant samples relatively rich in n-alkanes, fatty acids and fatty acid esters as compared with the oil. The oils and hexane extracts were also tested against 12 phytopathogenic fungi and the oils found to be more toxic as compared with hexane extracts of the plant samples. A. gypsicola oil only did not inhibit the growth of Fusarium graminearum. The extracts also strongly increased the growth of Fusarium equiseti and F. graminearum. Therefore, the antifungal activity of the oils can be attributed to their relatively high content of oxygenated monoterpenes. The results of herbicidal assays of the essential oils and hexane extracts of the plant samples against five important weeds in cultivated areas, Amaranthus retroflexus L., Chenopodium album L., Cirsium arvense L. (Scop.), Lactuca serriola L. and Rumex crispus L. showed that, in particular, the oils had inhibitory effects on the seed germination and seedling growth of A. retroflexus, C. arvense and L. serriola. The hexane extracts also showed lower herbicidal effect against the weeds in comparison to that of the oils. The findings of the present study suggest that the essential oils have a potential to be used as herbicide as well as fungicide.