Diatomaceous earth foliar spraying along with adjuvants in pistachio orchards associated with the common pistachio psylla,Agonoscena pistaciae

The common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae, is a serious global pest menacing pistachio orchards. Considering the dangers of using excessive chemical pesticides, it seems that using natural insecticides such as diatomaceous earth is a suitable way to lower the residual amount of highly hazardous pesticides. In this study, the effects of diatomaceous earth with different additives, including dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, polyurethane glue as a wood adhesive, and potassium silicate, were investigated in several concentrations over two years in orchard conditions. Although all treatments showed significant effects, the most effective treatments were (diatomaceous earth+dipotassium hydrogen phosphate) and (diatomaceous earth+polyurethane glue). Therefore, the use of diatomaceous earth combined with the additive materials mentioned can potentially be a safe method for the integrated management of the common pistachio psylla.     

阿月浑子与黄连木的杂种果实发育及幼胚培养研究

 以阿月浑子与黄连木的杂种果实和杂种幼胚为试材,对果实生长发育规律及幼胚培养进行了研究,探讨了胚龄、培养基类型和6-BA浓度等对杂种胚培苗再生的影响。结果表明：（1）杂种果实的纵、横径生长呈“S”型曲线变化,果实鲜质量生长呈双“S”型曲线变化。（2）杂种胚的发育始于授粉后80 d,80 ~ 100 d是杂种胚败育的关键时期。（3）授粉后80 d的杂种幼胚难以成苗,授粉后100和120 d的杂种幼胚成苗率分别为37.04%和83.33%。（4）适宜杂种胚培苗增殖的培养基为：DKW + 2.0 mg · L^-1 6-BA + 0.05 g · L^-1 IBA + 0.3 g · L^-1 LH + 1.5 g · L^-1 PVP,增殖系数为3.47,苗高为3.32 cm。（5）适宜杂种胚培苗生根的培养基为：1/2WPM + 2.0 mg · L^-1 IBA + 0.05 mg · L^-1 NAA,生根率为80%。     

Genetic diversity of Syrian pistachio (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pistacia vera</Emphasis> L.) varieties evaluated by AFLP markers

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is a strategic nut tree species in the Middle East which holds comparative advantage over other fruit trees in view of its hardiness, income generation opportunities and benefits for the ecosystem. Yet pistachio cultivation depends on a very narrow genetic base, in spite of the existence of many varieties still marginally exploited. Syria is an important center of diversity for pistachio. A country wide ecogeographic survey in this country was carried out to determine the extent of pistachio genetic diversity and its use. As a whole, 114 accessions were collected from 37 farms to assess diversity at morphological and molecular level. Molecular evaluation was carried out using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) technique and performed using seven primer pair combinations. Results from the studies allowed the identification of 25 pistachio female varieties in Syria, some of which unique and described for the first time. Three groups of pistachio diversity were identified by cluster analysis which provides useful information about the distribution of genetic diversity in Syria for enhanced use and sustainable conservation.     

Investigation on pistachio distribution in the mountain regions of northeast Iran by ALOS

Iran supports five different vegetation zones. One of those is the Irano-Touranian zone that is located in the northeast of Iran. This vegetation zone includes arid and semi-arid lands, and its area is about 3.5 million hm². It supports growth of pistachio (Pistacia vera), a deciduous-broadleaved species, which is one of the ecologically and economically most important native species. In this study, we analyzed three images acquired by ALOS satellite, including 10m resolution multispectral band (AVNIR-2), 2.5 m resolution “Backward” PRISM image, and 2.5 m resolution “Nadir” PRISM image, based on a provided rational polynomial coefficient (RPC). Using the “Backward” and “Nadir” images, a 2.5 m resolution digital elevation model (DEM) was produced. Four methods with AVNIR-2 and PRISM data were used to produce pan-sharpening images and conduct an object-based feature extraction process. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to determine the maximum distribution of pistachio in related elevation. The accuracy of the DEM was tested on 28 ground control points in the pair image as tie points, with the value of parallax error of 0.9027 m. The created elevation map indicated that pistachio trees grow up at 650m above sea level (a.s.l.). The result from NDVI in the related elevation showed the maximum density of pistachio at 800m a.s.l. In addition, the result of feature extraction in the forest showed the area of each target element calculated. The results of this research will improve decision-making and lead to sustainable management in general.     

Comparison of EDTA and ammonium Bicarbonate-DTPA for the extraction of phosphorus in calcareous soils from Kerman,Iran

Developing a fast and reliable soil testing method is critical for improving soil testing efficiency and ensuring reliable fertilizer recommendation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate sodium ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (Na₂-EDTA) as a replacement for ammonium bicarbonate-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (AB-DTPA) to extract phosphorus (P) to determinate the relationships between extractable P and its uptake by crop in calcareous soils. Na₂-EDTA and AB-DTPA was compared by the amounts of extracted P by analyzing soil samples collected from agricultural production areas. There were significant correlations between Na₂-EDTA and AB-DTPA for soil test P based on soils collected from the agricultural field. Soil test P by both extractants was significantly correlated with plant P concentration. Na₂-EDTA was identified as an alternate improved extraction method instead of AB-DTPA in calcareous soils based on this study. However, more work will be needed to identify the correlation of the two extractants and crop responses under a field condition.     

Nutrient availability and saffron corms growth affected by composted pistachio residues and commercial poultry manure in a calcareous soil

ABSTRACT

Utilizing the proper techniques of plant residue composting can play a significant role in reducing the adverse environmental impacts of chemical fertilizers. Herein the effects of commercial poultry manure (CPM) and composted pistachio residues (CPR) on nutrient availability and saffron daughter corms behavior in a calcareous soil were evaluated as a greenhouse experiment based on completely randomized design arranged in factorial with three replicates. In this study, CPM rates (0, 3, 6, and 9 t ha^?1) and CPR levels (0, 20, 40, and 60 t ha^?1) were assigned as the first and the second experimental factors, respectively. From the results, CPM or CPR application caused a significant increase in small (≤5 g), mid (5.1–10 g) and large-sized (10.1–15 g) daughter corms number. The highest N (P) concentration in small, mid and large-sized daughter corms was recorded when 9 t ha^?1 CPM was applied along with 60 t ha^?1 CPR. Soil organic carbon content increased with increasing CPM or CPR levels. The same trend was also observed for soil available N, P, K, and electrical conductivity. By contrast, CPM or CPR levels caused a significant reduction in soil pH. According to the results, pistachio compost can be considered as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers to improve soil fertility in saffron farms.     

Interaction Between Salinity Stress and Verticillium Wilt Disease in Three Pistachio Rootstocks in a Calcareous Soil

ABSTRACT

The interaction between soil salinity and infection caused by Verticillium dahliae was studied in pistachio (Pistacia vera) in a greenhouse experiment. Treatments consisted of 0, 1400, 2800, and 4200 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg^{? 1} soil and three rootstocks (Sarakhs, Badami, and Qazvini cultivars). They were gradually exposed to salinity stress before and/or after root inoculation with a water suspension of 10⁷ conidia/mL of a pistachio isolate of V. dahliae. Salt stress significantly increased rootstock shoot and root colonization by V. dahliae. All rootstocks were susceptible to V. dahliae, but symptoms of the disease appeared earlier in Sarakhs, a salt sensitive cultivar. Moreover, salinity and V. dahliae interaction increased the concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K) and chloride (Cl), but decreased the K/Na ratio in all rootstocks. Shoot and root tissues of inoculated Sarakhs and Qazvini (a salt tolerant) contained the highest and the lowest concentrations of Na, K,and Cl, respectively. In salinity treatments, shoot and root dry weight of all rootstocks decreased as compared with controls. Sarakhs showed smaller shoot and root dry weight than Qazvini and Badami. Also, increasing the NaCl level increased accumulation of Na, K, and Cl in shoot and root of the rootstocks. Sarakhs showed higher concentrations of ions in the shoot and root. Based on shoot and root dry weights and ion accumulation, Sarakhs and Qazvini were susceptible and tolerant to salinity, respectively.     

Various Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhance Dry Weights,P and Zn Uptake of Four Pistacia Species

Pistacia is a common wild plant in the Southeast Anatolia part of Turkey. The experiment was planned to screen and select the most suitable arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) for enhancing Pistacia species seedling growth by improving phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) uptake. This study was carried out under greenhouse condition at the Department of Soil Science, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey. Two genotypes from each of P. vera (cvs ‘Siirt’ and ‘Kirmizi’), P. eurycarpa, P. atlantica, and P. terebinthus species were tested with ten different mycorrhizal species. Plants were grown in a growth medium with a mixture of sand, soil and compost with 6:3:1 ratio, respectively. Seedling plants were harvested after eight months and transplanted to pots. There were significant differences between Pistacia species in growth, nutrient uptake and the percentage of mycorrhizal infection. Also mycorrhizal species were different in terms of enhancing plant growth and nutrient uptake. The results were that Siirt, Genotype 08, 11, 13, and 14 gave a high response to the mycorrhizal inoculation and Glomus clarium gave the best improvements in growth and nutrition, resulting in greater plant biomass and Zn and P uptake. Following this, G. etunicatum, G. intraradices, G. caledonium, and G. mosseae species were effective species. In general, G. mosseae and G. fasciculatum mycorrhizae enhanced plant growth; G. clarium was the most efficient species in terms of P and Zn uptake.

It has been concluded that these mycorrhizae species significantly enhance the Pistacia plant growth and nutrient uptake. Also using AM fungi in the pistachio nursery should be taken into consideration for better seedling production. Further work needs to be done to determine how much inoculum is needed for sufficient inoculation and how the mycorrhizal seedlings can be adapted under field conditions especially under drought and high calcareous marginal soil conditions.     

Characterization of mutations in the membrane-anchored subunits AaSDHC and AaSDHD of succinate dehydrogenase from Alternaria alternata isolates conferring field resistance to the fungicide boscalid

The molecular basis of resistance to the fungicide boscalid in 25 Alternaria alternata field mutants exhibiting resistance to boscalid and previously tested negative for AaSDHB mutations conferring boscalid resistance was investigated by cloning and sequencing the A. alternata SDHC ( AaSDHC ) and SDHD ( AaSDHD ) genes from a boscalid-sensitive isolate. The SDHB and SDHC/SDHD genes encode the iron sulphur and two membrane-anchored subunits of succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (SQR) that constitute the boscalid fungicide molecular targets. The deduced amino acid sequences exhibited low similarities with SDHC and SDHD peptides from other organisms, but residues essential to form the ubiquinone binding site or important in SQR assembly were particularly conserved. Sequence comparisons of the AaSDHC and AaSDHD genes between resistant mutants and wild-type isolates revealed that two highly conserved histidine residues implicated in the heme b ligation and located at codon 134 in AaSDHC (22 mutants) and codon 133 in AaSDHD (two mutants) were replaced by arginine residues (H134R and H133R). In another mutant, a substitution of an aspartate by a glutamic acid occurred at amino acid position 123 (D123E) in AaSDHD. Additional tests revealed that mycelial growth of boscalid-resistant isolates was reduced when isolates were subjected to oxidative stress. The identified mutations were confirmed using PCR-RFLP assays. This is apparently the first report of mutations located in the heme b ligands of the cytochrome II gene associated with carboxamide resistance.     

阿月浑子不同基质的容器育苗试验

以苗圃土、泥炭土、蛭石、河沙、有机肥作为容器育苗培育基质材料,进行阿月浑子育苗试验,结果表明:泥炭和有机质混配再加0.5;的核心基质材料(N、P、K无机肥)为最佳的培育基质.经过5个月的培育,阿月浑子出苗率、出苗速率、保苗率、高、地径、＜5 cm的侧根数分别为98、4.1、100、19.8 cm、0.49 cm、45 cm,与对照相比分别增加44.1;、136.8;、127.8;、58.9;、63.3;和309.1;.基质容重为0.5 g/cm3,比对照降低0.42;.从理化性状分析,泥炭和有机质组成的基质土质疏松,透气性好,有利于苗的生长、发育,可使幼苗提前出圃.