The role of ethylene in abscission of sweet orange promoted by exogenous application of the abscission agent 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMNP)

Mature ‘Valencia’ fruit were treated with 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (CMNP), and the ethylene inhibitors aminoethoxy vinyl glycine (AVG) and silver thiosulfate (STS), to assess involvement of ethylene in abscission via CMNP. Fruit detachment force (FDF) and ethylene evolution were measured over time. Accumulation of the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) in peel upon CMNP application was assessed and impact of application of ACC on FDF was estimated when applied 1 cm away from the abscission zone (AZ), to determine its potential as a signaling molecule in promoting fruit loosening. CMNP when applied alone reduced FDF by 50%. AVG and STS inhibited fruit loosening considerably at 500 µM and 10 mM, respectively, when applied with 2 mM CMNP. ACC accumulation in peel was highest 2 days after CMNP application, which preceded the maximum decline in FDF which occurred a day later, indicating that ACC serves as a potential signaling molecule that triggers abscission in the AZ. The results of the study support the hypothesis that abscission via CMNP application is at least partly ethylene dependent. However, the decline in FDF by ACC was less than 50% of control which suggested involvement of another pathway in abscission via CMNP in sweet orange.     

The metabolite products of chlorocholine chloride (CCC) in eggs and meat of laying hens fed 15N-CCC containing diets

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the metabolic products of chlorocholine chloride (CCC) in eggs and meat of laying hens fed a diet containing (15)N-CCC. Ten brown laying hens were randomly divided into two groups of five each. One group was offered (15)N-CCC free diet while the other group received a diet with 100 ppm (15)N-CCC for 11 days. Samples of eggs and meat from the laying hens were collected. Egg yolks and albumen were separated. Meat was collected from the breast and femur. The metabolic products of CCC were measured using ion trap electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ion trap-ESI-MS/MS). Determination of CCC or its metabolites in eggs and meat showed that CCC was metabolised to choline. Corresponding MS/MS spectra were obtained for m/z 104 (choline) or 105 ((15)N-choline), whereas nothing was detected at m/z 122 (CCC) or 123 ((15)N-CCC). The results from this study indicate that CCC will be metabolised in tissues of laying hens.     

Potential of Borago officinalis, Sinapis alba L. and Phacelia boratus for Phytoextraction of Cd and Pb from Soil

Heavy metal phytoextraction is a soil remediation technique, which makes use of plants in removing contamination from soil. The plants must thus be tolerant to heavy metals, adaptable to soil and climate characteristics, and able to take up large amounts of heavy metals. Most of the high biomass productive plants such as, maize, oat and sunflower are plants, which do not grow in cold climates or need intensive care. In this study three “weed” plants, Borago officinalis; Sinapis alba L. and Phacelia boratus were investigated for their ability to tolerate and accumulate high amounts of Cd and Pb. Pot experiments were performed with soil containing Cd and Pb at concentrations of up to 180 mg kg^?1 and 2,400 mg kg^?1 respectively. All three plants showed high levels of tolerance. Borago officinalis; and Sinapis alba L. accumulated 109 mg kg^?1 and 123 mg kg^?1 Cd, respectively at the highest Cd spiked soil concentration. Phacelia boratus reached a Cd concentration of 42 mg kg^?1 at a Cd soil concentration of 100 mg kg^?1. In the case of Pb, B. officinalis and S. alba L. displayed Pb concentrations of 25 mg kg^?1 and 29 mg kg^?1, respectively at the highest Pb spiked soil concentration. Although the Pb uptake in P. boratus reached up to 57 mg kg^?1 at a Pb spiked soil concentration of 1,200 mg kg^?1, it is not suitable for phytoextraction because of its too low biomass.     

Radioactive elements on Mercury's surface from MESSENGER: implications for the planet's formation and evolution

The MESSENGER Gamma-Ray Spectrometer measured the average surface abundances of the radioactive elements potassium (K, 1150 ± 220 parts per million), thorium (Th, 220 ± 60 parts per billion), and uranium (U, 90 ± 20 parts per billion) in Mercury's northern hemisphere. The abundance of the moderately volatile element K, relative to Th and U, is inconsistent with physical models for the formation of Mercury requiring extreme heating of the planet or its precursor materials, and supports formation from volatile-containing material comparable to chondritic meteorites. Abundances of K, Th, and U indicate that internal heat production has declined substantially since Mercury's formation, consistent with widespread volcanism shortly after the end of late heavy bombardment 3.8 billion years ago and limited, isolated volcanic activity since.     

Persistent Frenulum of the Epiglottis in Four Foals

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical signs and management of 4 foals with persistent frenulum of the epiglottis. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: Four newborn foals. METHODS: Foals were admitted with a complaint of oronasal reflux after nursing. Variable systemic signs of aspiration pneumonia were evident. Nasal endoscopy confirmed persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Persistent frenulum of the epiglottis, confirmed by oral endoscopic examination, was transected. RESULTS: After surgery, all foals had the epiglottis positioned normally, dorsal to the soft palate. Clinical signs of oronasal reflux resolved by the second nursing attempt in 3 foals, whereas this was difficult to assess in one foal that was nursed intermittently because of the mares behavior. This foal died 2 days later. The other 3 foals have had normal epiglottic function for 2-4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent frenulum of the epiglottis should be considered in foals with oronasal reflux from birth. With appropriate medical and surgical management the prognosis for resolution should be good.     

Plant water requirement of ‘Hamlin’ sweet orange in cold temperature conditions

Citrus irrigation scheduling is usually based on evapotranspiration (ET) multiplied by a crop coefficient that varies throughout the year. However, ET at 10°C and less has not been investigated. Citrus acclimate to temperatures below 10°C, which affects ET, and therefore may allow irrigation scheduling to be adjusted accordingly. Three separate growth chamber experiments were conducted in complete block design with two temperature treatments and 8-one tree replications with the objective of determining water use of ‘Hamlin’ orange exposed to cold temperatures. The treatments included: full cold-acclimating temperatures, alternating 10 days cold and 3 days warm temperatures, and alternating 10 days warm and 3 days cold temperatures. Although well-watered, trees exposed to temperatures ≤10°C demonstrated lower water use compared to trees held at temperatures that promoted growth. Reduction of water use of cold-treated plants than the controls was 66, 20–57, and 14–28% during full cold-acclimating temperatures, alternating 10 days cold and 3 days warm, and alternating 10 days warm and 3 days cold temperatures, respectively. Reduced water use of cold-treated plants was due to stomatal closure, increased root resistance, and decreased leaf area. Effective irrigation scheduling based on water requirements as they change during cold-acclimating temperatures should save water while providing adequate water for yield and quality.