Source of mycorrhizal inoculum influences growth of Faidherbia albida seedlings

Poor land use management and practice inhibit the growth and establishment of tree seedlings in dryland areas.We assessed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AM)status of Faidherbia albida(Del.)A.Chev.trees grown on different land uses.We quantified the growth and nutrient uptake of F.albida seedlings inoculated with AM from different sources.These efforts were based on soil and fine root samples from the rhizosphere soils of F.albida trees.AM root colonization was determined using the gridline intersect method.Spores were extracted by the wet sieving and decanting method and identified to genus level.The seedling experiment had a completely randomized onefactorial design with four treatments and five replications.Faidherbida albida seedlings were grown in a greenhouse.All in situ F.albida trees were colonized by AM fungi.AM root colonization of F.albida trees was significantly higher(P<0.0086)in area exclosures than on lands used for grazing or cultivation.Spore abundance was significantly higher(P<0.0014)in area exclosures followed by cultivated land and grazing land.Glomus was the dominant genus in all land-uses.AM-inoculated F.albida seedlings grew better(P<0.05)than non-inoculated controls.Seedlings inoculated with AM from area exclosure had significantly(P<0.05)higher growth and nutrient uptake than those inoculated with AM from grazing and cultivated land.This emphasizes the importance of the native soil AM potential for better establishment of seedlings to achieve optimum plant growth improvement and assist in rehabilitation of degraded arid lands.     

A physiological and biochemical approach to selecting the ideal diet for Ostrea edulis (L.) broodstock conditioning (part A)

To select the best microalgae for Ostrea edulis conditioning, four single species diets were fed to batches of broodstock, which were then compared using physiological and biochemical approaches. Ingestion and absorption were first studied, showing that Chaetoceros gracilis and Skeletonema marinoï were efficiently ingested (4.9–5.3 mg g^?1 h^?1) and absorbed (1.9–2.5 mg g^?1 h^?1) while Tetraselmis suecica led to the lowest physiological responses (0.36 and 0.12 mg g^?1 h^?1 respectively). When O. edulis were fed any microalgae except T‐ISO with only 79 mg g^?1, gonads accumulated carbohydrates from 116 to 141 mg g^?1 and the extent of accumulation depended on the species supplied in the order T. suecica<C. gracilis<S. marinoï. When oysters were fed either of the diatoms (C. gracilis or S. marinoï), an efficient transfer of 20:5(n‐3) to all tissues, including the gonads, was recorded while no enrichment in 22:6(n‐3) occurred in all tissues (polar fraction) when oysters were fed T‐ISO. In contrast (22:5(n‐6)), a characteristic fatty acid of T‐ISO accumulated in all tissues, confirming its allocation despite particularly low ingestion (1.66 mg g^?1 h^?1) and absorption (0.32 mg g^?1 h^?1). When oysters were fed C. gracilis or S. marinoï an efficient transfer of cholesterol and campesterol from diatoms to the gonads was observed, while no sterol accumulation occurred in the gonad when fed T. suecica. Because of low ingestion, absorption and poor biochemical compounds' transfer, T. suecica is not recommended for O. edulis conditioning. T‐ISO also exhibited low physiological performances but due to a specific 22:6(n‐3) enrichment in the gonad neutral fraction (16.1%), its potential role in reproduction should be considered. Chaetoceros gracilis is highly recommended for O. edulis broodstock while a source of DHA other than that provided by T‐ISO should be found due to its poor absorption. Because a mixed diet has been shown to be more efficient for O. edulis broodstock conditioning, complementary trials dealing with the effects of other species rich in 22:6(n‐3) such as Rhodomonas salina or Pavlova lutheri should be performed.     

Current status and future strategy in breeding grasspea (Lathyrus sativus)

Efforts in grasspea (Lathyrus sativus) improvement have increased since the development of lines that are very low in the neurotoxin Beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha-beta-diamino propionic acid (ODAP); also referred to as Beta-N oxalyl-amino-L-alanine (BOAA). Many programs now address several related aspects of improvement simultaneously. These include reduced ODAP concentrations, insect and disease resistance, nitrogen fixation, agronomic practices, fodder and forage production, and components for increased yielding ability. The coordinated, multidisciplinary approach now being applied to the genetic improvement of grasspea should allow the potential of this largely neglected grain legume to be fully realized.     

Gene action controlling yield and yield‐related traits among tef (Eragrostis tef [Zucc.] Trotter) populations under drought‐stressed and nonstressed conditions

This study was aimed to determine gene action for grain yield and yield‐related traits of newly developed tef populations under drought‐stressed and nonstressed conditions to improve drought tolerance. Ten crosses, along with the parents, were evaluated in the F₂ generation under drought‐stressed conditions at Hastebo and Adigdad sites in 2015 and Dura site in 2016 and under nonstressed conditions at Dura site in 2016. Additive gene action predominantly controlled the inheritance of the grain yield and majority of the yield‐related traits under drought‐stressed and nonstressed conditions. Under both test conditions, the genotypes DZ‐Cr‐387 and 9415 were the best general combiners for increased grain yield and morphological traits. Conversely, genotype 222076 was the best general combiner for reduced maturity period only. The selected parents are novel genetic materials for tef breeding programmes to improve grain yield and morphological traits with reduced days to maturity for drought tolerance breeding. The family of the cross DZ‐Cr‐387 × 222076 was selected for high grain yield and early maturity in both the drought‐stressed and nonstressed environments.     

Water and sediment dynamics of penoxsulam and molinate in paddy fields: field and lysimeter studies

BACKGROUND: In Chile, rice is cultivated under water‐seeded and continuously flooded conditions. Because herbicide dynamics in paddy fields and non‐flooded fields is different, 3 year experiments were performed to study the dissipation of molinate and penoxsulam in water and sediment. RESULTS: In field experiments, both herbicides dissipated by 45–55% from the initial applied amounts during the first 6 h after application in all crop seasons; in lysimeter experiments, dissipation amounts were approximately 10% for penoxsulam and 16% for molinate. Penoxsulam field water DT₅₀ values varied from 1.28 to 1.96 days during the three study seasons, and DT₉₀ values from 4.07 to 6.22 days. Molinate field water DT₅₀ values varied from 0.89 to 1.73 days, and DT₉₀ values from 2.82 to 5.48 days. Sediment residues were determined 2 days after herbicide application into the paddy water, and maximum concentrations were found 4–8 days after application. In sediment, DT₅₀ values varied from 20.20 to 27.66 days for penoxsulam and from 15.02 to 29.83 days for molinate. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that penoxsulam and molinate losses under paddy conditions are dissipated rapidly from the water and then dissipate slowly from the sediment. Penoxsulam and molinate field water dissipation was facilitated by paddy water motion created by the wind. Sediment adsorption and degradation are considered to have a secondary effect on the dissipation of both herbicides in paddy fields. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

The quality of baby spinach as affected by developmental stage as well as postharvest storage conditions

Baby spinach is rich in phytochemicals that provide great benefits to consumers’ health. The study aim was to investigate the effect of the growth harvest stage, postharvest storage duration and temperature on quality of baby spinach leaves. A 3?×?5?×?3 factorial experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with four replicates per treatment. The treatments were arranged as follows namely: stage I [28 days after sowing (DAS)], stage II (35 DAS)and stage III (42 DAS), and leaves were kept up to 12 d at three different temperatures – 4, 10 and 20°C. The study demonstrated that the overall appearance and odour were both well maintained in the leaves of baby spinach harvested at stage II. The baby spinach harvested 28 DAS led to higher content of iron [1.13?mg?g^?1 dry weight (DW)], magnesium (14.4?mg?g^?1 DW), and zinc (0.17?mg?g^?1 DW). The highest level of total antioxidant activity (0.43?mg?g^?1 DW) and flavonoids (12?mg?g^?1 DW) after 12 d of storage was observed in baby spinach leaves at stage I when stored at 4°C. Therefore, baby spinach leaves harvested 28 DAS and store at 4°C for 6 d improved shelf life and nutraceutical quality. Thus, early harvest of fresh produced baby spinach harvested in order to attain high phytochemical and mineral content when stored at low temperature (4°C) without exceeding 6 days is recommended.     

Antioxidant activity and soluble sugars of African ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus) in response to irrigation regimen and nitrogen levels

African ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus), as a medicinal plant, is known for its medicinal properties, containing various antioxidant compounds and carbohydrates. Rhizome yield is improved by water regimens and fertilizers applied at plant phenological stages. However, the rhizomatous herb, which is traditionally used for the treatment of asthma, inflammation and malaria has limited information on water and nitrogen requirements for its production. This study assessed the effect of irrigation regimens (30%, 50% and 70% allowable depletion level (ADL) and nitrogen (N) levels (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200?kg?ha^?1) on antioxidant activity and carbohydrates on plant leaf, root and rhizome. The interaction treatment effect of severely stressed (70% ADL) with the N application of 100?kg?ha^?1 had significant effect on leaf phenolic concentration (87.02?±?2.51?mg?g^?1 gallic acid equivalent). Interaction effect of moderately stressed (50% ADL) and severely stressed (70% ADL) treatment with N application rate of 0?kg?ha^?1 had significant effect on plant flavonoids and phenolics in all plant parts. In plant carbohydrates, root had high sucrose content (47.68?±?9.0?mg?g^?1 dry weight) with the application of low N (0?kg?ha^?1) grown under severely stressed treatment. In conclusion, this implies that different S. aethiopicus parts can produce substantial amount of antioxidants and carbohydrates, as exhibited under low N and reduced water supply applied during the phenological cycle.     

长期秸秆还田对白浆土物理性质及水稻产量的影响

【目的】明确长期秸秆还田对白浆土土壤物理性质及水稻产量的影响。【方法】开展秸秆还田长期定位试验。试验设置4个处理,分别为对照(CK),单施秸秆(S),秸秆+化肥(SNPK),单施化肥(NPK)。在2005年后连年处理,并于试验处理前和2010年、2015年试验处理期间调查土壤容重、硬度、孔隙、三相组成以及水稻产量。【结果】白浆土长期秸秆还田有利于水稻产量提高,10年产量平均,秸秆还田配施肥料处理水稻产量比对照和秸秆单独还田处理增产275.70%和133.23%,比单施化肥处理增产14.17%。秸秆还田处理水稻产量在还田第5—10年平均产量比第1—5年有增加趋势;长期秸秆还田可以改善土壤物理性质,降低土壤容重、硬度,还田10年后,秸秆还田配施化肥处理土壤容重低于化肥单施、秸秆单施及对照处理,SNPK处理0—20、20—30 cm土层土壤容重与对照相比分别降低6.34%和10.00%,与还田5年后同类处理相比仍呈下降趋势;秸秆还田配施化肥处理土壤硬度10年后在10、20、30 cm土层与处理前相比分别降低为26.87%、5.68%和4.62%,在20—30 cm土层与对照相比差异显著,还田10年与5年后相比有下降趋势,其他处理变化不明显;还田5年后,秸秆还田配施化肥处理在0—20、20—30、30—40 cm土层土壤固相比例与对照相比分别下降8.82%、8.36%和3.65%,还田10年后分别下降10.87%、10.61%和4.67%,10年后要比5年后下降幅度大,秸秆还田配施化肥比秸秆单施和化肥单施处理下降幅度大;长期秸秆还田可以增加土壤有效孔隙的数量,在处理间和年限间差异极显著,还田10年后,在0—20、20—30、30—40 cm土层秸秆还田配施化肥土壤有效孔隙比对照增加28.86%、63.85%和23.40%,在20—30 cm和30—40 cm土层比化肥单施增加12.55%和62.96%,在0—20、20—30、30—40cm土层比秸秆单施增加19.68%、56.52%和24.46%;与还田5年后相比,土壤有效孔隙度均呈现增加的趋势。【结论】长期秸秆还田可以改善白浆土不良物理性状,降低白浆层的容重、硬度,增加土壤总孔隙度和有效孔隙的比例,提高水稻产量。秸秆还田年限越长改善土壤不良物理性质效果越明显。单独进行秸秆还田改善土壤效果不明显,秸秆还田配施肥料处理效果明显;在不同处理上,秸秆还田配施化肥处理既有改土效果,又可提高水稻产量,而单施化肥和单独秸秆还田均达不到此类效果。