Evaluation of Assouline–Or Adjusted Model to Express Soil Drainage Curve

Eurasian Soil Science - The objectives of this research are prediction of soil drainage curve using Assouline and Or (2014) adjusted soil drainage model and comparison of the predicted results with...     

Amplified fragment length polymorphism as a tool for molecular characterization of almond germplasm: genetic diversity among cultivated genotypes and related wild species of almond,and its relationships with agronomic traits

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis is a rapid and efficient method for producing DNA fingerprints and molecular characterization. Our objectives were to: estimate genetic similarities (GS), marker indices, and polymorphic information contents (PICs) for AFLP markers in almond cultivars; assess the genetic diversity of almond cultivars and wild species, using GS estimated from AFLP fingerprints and molecular characterization; and facilitate the use of markers in inter-specific introgression and cultivar improvement. The genetic diversity of 45 almond cultivars from Iran, Europe, and America, were studied assaying 19 primer combinations. In addition, several agronomic traits were evaluated, including flowering and maturity times, self-incompatibility, and kernel and fruit properties. Out of the 813 polymerase chain reaction fragments that were scored, 781 (96.23%) were polymorphic. GS ranged from 0.5 to 0.96, marker indices ranged from 51.37 to 78.79, and PICs ranged from 0.56 to 0.86. Results allowed the unique molecular identification of all assayed genotypes. However, the correlation between genetic similarity clustering as based on AFLP and clustering for agronomic traits was low. Cluster analysis based on AFLP data clearly differentiated the genotypes and wild species according to their origin and pedigree, whereas, cluster analysis based on agronomic data differentiated according the pomological characterization. Our results showed the great genetic diversity of the almond cultivars and their interest for almond breeding.     

Competition between inoculated and indigenous Rhizobium/Bradyrhizobium spp. strains for nodulation of grain and fodder legumes in Pakistan

Summary The competitive ability of inoculated and indigenous Rhizobium/Bradyrhizobium spp. to nodulate and fix N₂ in grain legumes (Glycine max, Vigna unguiculata, Phaseolus vulgaris) and fodder legumes (Vicia sativa, Medicago sativa, and Trifolium subterraneum) was studied in pots with two local soils collected from two different fields on the basis of cropping history. The native population was estimated by a most-probable-number plant infectivity test in growth pouches and culture tubes. The indigenous rhizobial/bradyrhizobial population ranged from 3 to 2×10⁴ and 0 to 4.4×10³ cells g^-1 in the two soils (the first with, the second without a history of legume cropping). Inoculated G. max, P. vulgaris, and T. subterraneum plants had significantly more nodules with a greater nodule mass than uninoculated plants, but N₂ fixation was increased only in G. max and P. vulgaris. A significant response to inoculation was observed in the grain legume P. vulgaris in the soil not previously used to grow legumes, even in the presence of higher indigenous population (>10³ cells g^-1 soil of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv phaseoli). No difference in yield was observed with the fodder legumes in response to inoculation, even with the indigenous Rhizobium sp. as low as <14 cells g^-1 soil and although the number and weight of nodules were significantly increased by the inoculation in T. subterraneum. Overall recovery of the inoculated strains was 38–100%, as determined by a fluorescent antibody technique. In general, the inoculation increased N₂ fixation only in 3 out of 12 legume species-soil combinations in the presence of an indigenous population of rhizobial/bradyrhizobial strains.     

Comparative analysis of organelle DNAs in acid citrus grown in Japan using PCR-RFLP method

PCR-RFLP analyses of three regions for each of chloroplast DNA (cpDNA; rbcL-ORF106, trnD-trnT, trnH-trnK) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA; nad7/exon2-exon3, nad7/exon3-exon4, 18S-5S) were performed in 26 cultivars of acid citrus grown in Japan to identify polymorphisms and classify them. The polymorphisms were compared with those of three true Citrus species, i.e., mandarin, pummelo and citron. Ichang papeda (C. ichangensis) was also included in this study to find its relationship with Yuzu. Inter-species cpDNA variation was recognized and the acid citrus were divided into three groups, namely; I (‘Yuzukichi’ and ‘Kinkoyu’), II [sour oranges (‘Kaiseito’, ‘Daidai’ and ‘China daidai’), ‘Nansho daidai’, ‘Kiku daidai’, C. sudachi (‘Mushi yukaku’, ‘Yushi yukaku’ and ‘Yushi mukaku’), C. sphaerocarpa (‘Kabosu’ and ‘Aka kabosu’), C. kizu (‘Taninaka kizu’, ‘Kinosu’ and ‘Kizu’), ‘Zanbo’, ‘Mochiyu’, ‘Jabara’ and ‘Naoshichi’], and III [Yuzu (‘Tetraploid’, ‘Tochikei yuzu’ and ‘Yamanekei yuzu’), ‘Matsuda sudachi’, ‘Zuishoyu’, ‘Hanayu’ and ‘Yuko’]. CpDNA restriction patterns of the three true Citrus species differed from each other as well as from those of ichang papeda. CpDNA restriction patterns of group I of the acid citrus were identical to those of mandarins. Group II showed the same as pummelos. CpDNA restriction patterns of group III were differed from those of the three true Citrus species in the three regions. This group was differed from ichang papeda after digestion of trnH-trnK PCR products with TaqI, HinfI and AluI, while they showed identical restriction patterns in two regions, rbcL-ORF106 and trnD-trnT. Citrons and ichang papeda were placed in groups IV and V, respectively. Based on mtDNA restriction patterns, the acid citrus were divided into three groups; i, ii and iii. In groups i and ii accessions of groups I and II of cpDNA were placed with mandarins and pummelos, respectively. In group iii accessions of group III of cpDNA were placed with ichang papeda. Citrons were placed in a distinct group, iv.     

Genetic and phenotypic aspects of early reproductive performance in Raeini Cashmere goats

This study used pedigree information and data collected from 1979 to 2012 at the Raeini Cashmere goat breeding station, located in Baft City in Kerman Province in southeastern Iran. Genetic and phenotypic parameters for early reproductive traits of breeding does, including total numbers of kids born at first kidding (LSB1), total numbers of kids weaned at first kidding (LSW1), total birth weight of all kids born at first kidding (LWB1), total weaning weight of all kids weaned at first kidding (LWW1), and age at first kidding (AFK), were estimated using a Bayesian approach via Gibbs sampling. Posterior means for heritability estimates of LSB1, LSW1, LWB1, LWW1, and AFK were statistically significant, with values of 0.12, 0.23, 0.17, 0.15, and 0.46, respectively. Low-to-moderate additive genetic variation was present for the studied reproductive traits. Estimated genetic correlations among LSB1, LSW1, LWB1, and LWW1 were statistically significant and ranged from 0.12 between LWB1 and LWW1 to 0.72 between LSB1 and LSW1. Corresponding phenotypic correlation estimates were also statistically significant and ranged from 0.04 between LWB1 and LWW1 to 0.55 between LSB1 and LSW1. Posterior means of genetic and phenotypic correlations between AFK and other studied traits were statistically significant only for LSB1 and LWB1. For LSB1, LSW1, LWB1, and LWW1, we conclude that genetic and phenotypic improvement in any of these traits in Raeini Cashmere does would favorably influence all of the other traits. However, does that first kidded at younger ages have smaller litters at birth and lower litter birth weights at their first parity.

     

Serum biochemistry and hematology values and hemoglobin electrophoresis in Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus)

BACKGROUND: Serum biochemical and hematologic parameters are important in the management of game species in Iran, such as Persian squirrels. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish baseline serum chemistry and hematology values in Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) and describe blood cell morphology and the electrophoretic pattern of hemoglobin. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 30 Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) maintained in captivity in the Tehran Zoo. Blood was placed into EDTA and serum clot tubes and analyzed using standard manual hematology and biochemical techniques. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was done on cellulose acetate paper strips. RESULTS: Minimum, maximum, and median values were obtained for 11 hematologic and 12 serum chemistry parameters. Hypersegmented neutrophils were observed frequently. We did not find basophils or band neutrophils. Hemoglobin electophoresis resulted in a band slightly anodal to that of human hemoglobin A. CONCLUSION: Biochemical and hematologic values in Persian squirrels were comparable to those of related species, and may be used as a standard profile for healthy Persian squirrels kept in captivity.     

Marker-assisted selection of low erucic acid quantity in short duration Brassica rapa

Low erucic acid (LEA) rapeseed, which has accumulated mutant fatty acid elongase genes at the BnFAE1.1 and BnFAE1.2 loci of the A- and C-genome, respectively, is an important oilseed crop. Short growing turnip rape (B. rapa) is also important as a catch crop in the continuous cropping of rice in Asia but there is no LEA B. rapa cultivar for cultivation in South Asia. In order to develop LEA turnip rape cultivars, high erucic acid turnip rape cultivars were interspecifically crossed as recurrent parents to a canola quality rapeseed. In the meantime, we monitored incorporation of the mutant bnfae1.1 (e1) gene into A-genome of turnip rape, using a dCAPS primer pair, which can amplify PCR fragment only for the mutant e1 gene from A-genome. The early backcross progenies showed poor seed set, but which was improved in advanced progenies. Finally, homozygous e1e1 genotypes were established in the selfed progenies of BC₂–BC₃, and their LEA content was confirmed by gas-chromatography analysis. Our results and promising lines will contribute to LEA-trait selection in turnip rape and rapeseed breeding.     

Improvement of Tissue Survival of Skin Flaps by 5α-Reductase Inhibitors: Possible Involvement of Nitric Oxide and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

Background:

Skin flap grafting is a popular approach for reconstruction of critical skin and underlying soft tissue injuries. In a previous study, we demonstrated the beneficial effects of two 5α-reductase inhibitors, azelaic acid and finasteride, on tissue survival in a rat model of skin flap grafting. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in graft survival mediated by these agents.

Methods:

A number of 42 male rats were randomly allocated into six groups: 1, normal saline topical application; 2, azelaic acid (100 mg/flap); 3, finasteride (1 mg/flap); 4, injection of L-N^G-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (i.p., 20 mg/kg); 5, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + azelaic acid (100 mg/flap, topical); 6, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + finasteride (1 mg/flap, topical). Tissue survival, level of nitric oxide, and iNOS expression in groups were measured.

Results:

Our data revealed that azelaic acid and finasteride significantly increased the expression of iNOS protein and nitric oxide (NO) levels in graft tissue (P < 0.05). These increases in iNOS expression and NO level were associated with higher survival of the graft tissue.

Conclusion:

It appears that alterations of the NO metabolism are implicated in the azelaic acid- and finasteride-mediated survival of the skin flaps.Key Words: Finasteride, Azelaic acid, Surgical flaps, Nitric oxide, Nitric oxide synthase Type II