Serum Progesterone Concentrations and Blood Neutrophil Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Cows Following Normal and Abnormal Parturition

Serum progesterone concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of blood neutrophils were determined in 3 groups of cows (n = 5 each) on days 1 and 2 and then at 3-day intervals up to 32 days post-partum. Group I cows had a normal delivery, Group II cows had dexamethasone-induced parturition and Group III cows were subjected to a caesarian section. All cows in Group III and 2 cows in Group II retained their fetal membranes. Mean serum progesterone concentrations declined the second day after calving (to < 0.67 ng/ml) and remained at low levels (< 0.54 ng/ml) throughout the observation period, except for the values in Group III, which were elevated on day 16 (0.94 ng/ml), declined again on day 26 (0.46 ng/ml) and peaked (1.05 ng/ml) on day 32 portpartum. Significant (P < 0.01) differences were found between serum progesterone concentrations on day 1 and on each of the other sampling days in Groups I and III. Day X parturition group interaction was significant (P < 0.05) for the progesterone concentrations. No significant differences were found between the overall means of ALP activity of blood neutrophils in the 3 parturition groups nor between days of the experiment. No significant correlation was found between serum progesterone concentrations and ALP activity values of blood PMN during the first 32 days post-partum. Inhalt: Serum Progesteron Konzentrat und Aktivität der alkalischen Phosphatase in neutrophilen Blutzellen bei Küken mit normalem und abnormalen Geburtsverlauf Serum-Progesteronkonzentrationen und alkalische Phosphatase- (ALP) Aktivität von neutrophilen Granulozysten, nach der Abkalbung am Tag 1 und 2 und dann im Abstand von 3 Tagen bis zum 32. Tag p.p. bei Kühen untersucht, die in drei Untersuchungsgruppen (n = 5) eingeteilt waren. Gruppe I kalbte normal ab, in Gruppe II wurde die Geburt durch Dexamethason eingeleitet, und Kälber der Gruppe III wurden via Kaiserschnitt gewonnen. Alle Tiere der Gruppe III und 2 Kühe der Gruppe II wiesen Nachgeburtsverhaltungen auf Der mittlere Serum-Progesterongehalt sank am 2. Tag p.p. auf < 0,67 ng/ml ab und blieb auf niederigem Niveau (< 0,54 ng/ml) während der gesamten Untersuchungs-periode. Lediglich in Gruppe III, mit erhöhten Werten (0,94 ng/ml) an Tag 16 p.p., sanken die Werte wieder an Tag 26 p.p. (0,46 ng/ml) und erreichten einen Maximalwert an Tag 32 p.p. mit 1,05 ng/ml. Signifikante (P 0,01) Unterschiede in der Serum-Progesteronkonrentration wurden zwischen Tag 1 p.p. und allen anderen Untersuchungstagen in den Gruppen I und III gefunden. Interaktionen zwischen den Gruppen für Tag X waren signifikant (P 0,05). Keine signifikanten Unterschiede wurden für den Gesamtmittelwert der ALP-Aktivität in den neutrophilen Granulorysten zwischen den Gruppen und im Vergleich der Untersuchungstage gefunden. Es wurden auch keine signifikanten Korrelationen zwischen den Serum-Progesteronkonzentrationen und der ALP-Aktivität der PMN während der ersten 32 Tage p.p. nachgewiesen.     

Versatile physiological functions of the Nudix hydrolase family in berry development and stress response in grapevine

Nudix hydrolases are widely distributed across all classes of organisms and provide the potential capacity to hydrolyze a wide range of organic pyrophosphates. Although Nudix hydrolases are involved in plant detoxification processes in response to abiotic and biotic stresses, the biological functions of Nudix hydrolases remain largely unclear in grapevine.In the present study, a total of 25 putative grapevine Nudix hydrolases(VvNUDXs) were identified by bioinformatics analysis and classified int...     

Effect of Water Quality Parameters on the Migration of Vinyl Chloride Monomer from Unplasticized PVC Pipes

The migration of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) from unplasticizedpolyvinyl chloride (uPVC) pipes was investigated using locallymanufactured pipes. Specimens of 33 cm long were used throughoutthe research. The investigation was carried out under differentconditions of water temperature, pH and total dissolved solidsconcentration and at different durations of exposure. The VCMconcentration in the water was evaluated using the gaschromotography (GC)/head-space technique. A VCM concentration ofmore than 2.5 ppb was detected after 30 days of exposure at45 °C. The initial VCM concentration in the uPVC pipewas predicted using equations derived from Fick's first law ofdiffusion. Water tenperature did not affect the migration ofVCM, unless it was raised to high values (i.e. 45 °C).Total dissolved solids (TDS) and pH of water were found toaffect the release of VCM from uPVC pipes. Diffusion rate of VCMwas predicted as a function of pH or TDS values.     

Selection and characterization of wheat genotypes for saline soils prone to water‐logging

Wheat (Tritcum aestivum L.) genotypes were screened and characterized for performance under salt stress and/or water‐logging. In a solution‐culture study, ten wheat genotypes were tested under control, 200 mM–NaCl salt stress and 4‐week water‐logging (nonaerated solution stagnated with 0.1% agar), alone or in combination. Shoot and root growth of the wheat genotypes was reduced by salinity and salinity × water‐logging, which was associated with increased leaf Na⁺ and Cl^– concentrations as well as decreased leaf K⁺ concentration and K⁺ : Na⁺ ratio. The genotypes differed significantly for their growth and leaf ionic composition. The genotypes Aqaab and MH‐97 were selected as salinity×water‐logging‐resistant and sensitive wheat genotypes, respectively, on the basis of their shoot fresh weights in the salinity × water‐logging treatment relative to control. In a soil experiment, the effect of water‐logging was tested for these two genotypes under nonsaline (EC = 2.6 dS m^–1) and saline (EC = 15 dS m^–1) soil conditions. The water‐logging was imposed for a period of 21 d at various growth stages, i.e., tillering, stem elongation, booting, and grain filling alone or in combinations. The maximum reduction in grain yield was observed after water‐logging at stem‐elongation + grain‐filling stages followed by water‐logging at grain‐filling stage, booting stage, and stem‐elongation stage, respectively. Salinity intensified the effect of water‐logging at all the growth stages. It is concluded that the existing genetic variation in wheat for salinity × water‐logging resistance can be successfully explored using relative shoot fresh weight as a selection criterion in nonaerated 0.1% agar–containing nutrient solution and that irrigation in the field should be scheduled to avoid temporary water‐logging at the sensitive stages of wheat growth.     

The uptake,distribution, and accumulation of 15N-labelled ammonium and nitrate nitrogen top-dressed at different growth stages of rice

A pot experiment with soil culture was carried out to trace ¹⁵N-labelled nitrogen top-dressed at different growth stages of rice. The study involves the use of a modified vacuum system for determining total nitrogen by gu volumetric measurement, and the N₂ gas sampled in the discharge tube was analysed for nitrogen-15 by the optical spectrographic technique.

The plants took up more nitrogen from (¹⁵NH₄)₂SO₄ than from Na¹⁵NO₃, irrespective of the stage of dressing, and the uptake of both forms was much higher when the planta were top-dressed at the young panicle formation stage as compared with the later dressings. At full maturity the plants had the highest accumulation of labelled nitrogen from both ammonium and nitrate sources when they are top-dressed at the young panicle formation stage. More than 80% ot the labelled nitrogen taken up by the plants waa distributed in the brown rice and this trend was more remarkable when top-dressing was carried out at the milk stage. The distribution patterns of ammonium and nitrate nitrogen were similar in brown rice but differed in leaves and stem.

Nitrogen transported from other parts to the panicle was utilized for the formation ot the husk until the booting stage, and then for brown rice development. With the completeness of husk formation, at the milk stage, nitrogen transported to the grain might have been utilized for brown rice development more rapidly. In the brown rice, nitrogen from ammonium was translocated maximally to the inner part of the endosperm from dressing at the booting stage, and to the embryo from that at the milk stage, whereas that from nitrate was translocated maximally to the embryo from the dressings at both stages.     

Effects of Zeolite on Soil Nutrients and Growth of Barley Following Irrigation with Saline Water

ABSTRACT

Soil salinity is a major abiotic factor limiting crop production but an amendment with synthetic zeolite may mitigate effects of salinity stress on plants. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of zeolite on soil properties and growth of barley irrigated with diluted seawater. Barley was raised on a sand dune soil treated with calcium type zeolite at the rate of 1 and 5% and irrigated every alternate day with seawater diluted to electrical conductivity (EC) levels of 3 and 16 dS m^?1. Irrigation with 16 dS m^?1 saline water significantly suppressed plant height by 25%, leaf area by 44% and dry weight by 60%. However, a substantial increase in plant biomass of salt stressed barley was observed in zeolite-amended treatments. The application of zeolite also enhanced water and salt holding capacity of soil. Post-harvest soil analysis showed high concentrations of calcium (Ca^{2 +}), magnesium (Mg^{2 +}), sodium (Na⁺), and potassium (K⁺) due to saline water especially in the upper soil layer but concentrations were lower in soils treated with zeolite. Zeolite application at 5% increased Ca^{2 +} concentration in salt stressed plants; concentrations of trace elements were also increased by 19% for iron (Fe^{2 +}) and 10% for manganese (Mn^{2 +}). The overall results indicated that soil amendment with zeolite could effectively ameliorate salinity stress and improve nutrient balance in a sandy soil.     

ROOT ZONE TEMPERATURE INFLUENCES ZINC REQUIREMENT OF MAIZE CULTIVARS ON A CALCAREOUS LOAM SOIL

The zinc (Zn) requirement of a maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid (‘FHY-396’) and an indigenous variety (‘EV-7004’) was measured at low (22.4 ± 5°C) and high (28.8 ± 5°C) root-zone temperatures (RZT). Four Zn rates (0, 3, 9 and 27 mg kg^?1 soil) were applied to a calcareous loam soil in pots for the glasshouse study. Shoot and root dry matter yields were significantly more at the higher RZT. Regardless the RZT, maximum relative shoot dry matter yield in hybrid and variety was produced, respectively, at 9 and 3 mg Zn kg^?1 soil. Zinc concentration in roots and shoots of both the cultivars increased with Zn rates and it was significantly more at the higher RZT. Cultivars differed in critical Zn concentration (C_ZnC) required for maximum shoot dry matter yield. The C_ZnC ranged from 25 to 39 μg Zn g^?1 plant tissue for optimum growth of both the cultivars at low and high RZT.     

Evaluating the role of seed priming in improving drought tolerance of pigmented and non‐pigmented rice

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of seed priming on drought tolerance of pigmented and non‐pigmented rice. Seeds of pigmented (cv. Heug Jinju Byeo) and non‐pigmented (cv. Anjoong) rice were soaked in water (hydropriming) or solution of CaCl₂ (osmopriming). Seeds were sown in soil‐filled pots retained at 70 (well‐watered) and 35% (drought) water‐holding capacity. Drought stress caused erratic and poor stand establishment and decreased the growth of both rice types. More decrease in plant height and leaf area under drought stress was noted in pigmented rice, whereas decrease in root length and seedling dry weight, under drought, was more obvious in non‐pigmented rice. Pigmented rice maintained more tissue water and photosynthesis and had more polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity than non‐pigmented rice. Seed priming was effective in improving stand establishment, growth, polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity; however, extent of improvement was more in pigmented rice under drought. In conclusion, drought caused erratic germination and suppressed plant growth in both rice types. However, pigmented rice had better drought tolerance owing to uniform emergence, and better physiological and morphological plasticity. Seed priming was quite helpful in improving the performance of both rice types under drought and well‐watered conditions.     

国外农业航空静电喷雾技术研究进展与借鉴

农业航空静电喷雾技术作为中国发展精准农业航空应用技术的内容之一,对农药的有效利用和减少环境污染有积极意义。农业航空静电喷雾技术在国外发展较早也相对成熟,美国已有应用于有人机的商业化产品,并在美国、巴西等国各类粮食作物、经济作物和杂草防治作业中开展了大规模田间应用。该研究首先从基础研究、田间应用和优化工作等方面梳理了国外农业航空静电喷雾技术的研究进展,分析了农业航空静电喷雾技术在增加雾滴沉积、减少飘移和具备低施药液量等方面的优势。在此基础上结合中国植保无人机快速发展的实际对研究和应用适合中国国情的农业航空静电喷雾技术进行思考,提出了农业航空静电喷雾技术的研究路线,最后从采用接触式等非感应式充电方式、开发农业航空静电喷雾的测量技术,以及思考荷质比作为衡量指标的意义等方面探讨了可进行深入研究的方向。中国农业航空静电喷雾技术研究特别在植保无人机静电喷雾技术方面的研究与应用有很大的发展空间,可参考国外经验,围绕航空静电喷雾技术的基础性研究、田间试验、成果转化、示范推广和服务指导全方面制定发展规划,把单一强调对雾滴带电的实现转向对技术系统的整体研究。     

中亚热带丘陵区茶园和林地土壤春季N2O排放及其影响因素

中亚热带地区春季降雨频繁,茶园施肥量大,该季节茶园土壤氧化亚氮(N_2O)排放量较高,研究春季茶园土壤N_2O排放及其影响因子有一定意义。以中亚热带丘陵区土壤为对象,采用静态箱-气相色谱法,研究了两种植茶年限茶园和林地土壤春季N_2O排放特征及其影响因子。结果表明:茶园N_2O排放量明显高于林地,50年茶园N_2O排放量明显高于20年茶园,林地N_2O的排放量最少;50年茶园、20年茶园和林地土壤春季N_2O累积排放量分别为2.07、1.39、0.22 kg·hm-2。两种植茶年限茶园土壤N_2O排放通量均与土壤NO_3~--N含量呈显著正相关(P0.05),林地土壤N_2O排放通量则与土壤NH_4~+-N含量呈极显著正相关关系(P0.01);茶园和林地土壤N_2O排放通量均与5 d累积降雨量之间存在显著的相关性。多元逐步回归分析显示,茶园土壤N_2O排放通量受土壤温度和NO_3~--N含量影响,共同解释其48%~49%的变化;林地土壤N_2O排放通量受土壤温度和NH_4~+-N含量影响,共同解释其55%的变化。这项研究显示施肥对春季茶园N_2O排放的促进作用与降雨有关。