Characteristics of the organic matter in a slightly and in a severely crusted soil

Chemical and spectroscopic characteristics were determined on the organic matter in two Luvisolic soils from northwestern Alberta, Canada. One of these (the Debolt soil) is known to crust only slightly while the other (the Demmitt soil) exhibits severe crusting after heavy rainfalls. The Debolt top soil is richer in total C, total N, carbohydrates and proteinaceous materials than the Demmitt top soil. Humic acid extracted from the Debolt soil is more aliphatic, and contains fewer CO₂H groups than does humic acid extracted from the Demmitt soil. The quality of the organic matter appears to play a role in soil crusting.     

Abstracts of nippon Dozyohiryogaku Zasshi

Aluminum toxicity and boron deficiency are the major factors that limit plant growth and development in acid soils and in B-deficient soils. Root growth inhibition is an early symptom of AI toxicity and B deficiency. Effects of AI and B supply and their interaction on the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings were investigated using hydroponics. Fifteen wheat cultivars commonly grown in Bangladesh were used and found to differ considerably in their tolerance to AI toxicity and B deficiency. The relative root length of all the wheat cultivars at 50 µM AI (pH 4.5) ranged from 27 to 71% relative to the control (0 µM AI). Among the cultivars, Inia66 and Kalyansona were found to be the most Al-tolerant and sensitive cultivars, respectively, based on the data of relative root length, malate exudation and AI content of roots. Malate was detected in all the cultivars in the presence of 100 µM AI (pH 4.3). Inia66 exuded a 6-fold larger amount of malate and the AI content of roots was 4 times lower than that in Kalyansona. The vigorous seedling growth was observed at 40 µM B among the series of B treatments. Considerable cultivar differences in response to 40 µM B were observed among the 15 cultivars. Kalyansona was considered to be the most sensitive and Kheri the most tolerant to B deficiency. The interaction effects of B ( 40 and 200 µM) and AI (50 µM) on seedling growth were also examined in Inia66 and Kalyansona. Root growth was inhibited in the presence of Al but B supply especially at 200 µM B in the Kalyansona cultivar caused a slight improvement.     

Optimizing fertilizers doses and their effects on photosynthesis and biomass yield of Hibiscus cannabinus cultivated on BRIS soil

In tropical climate, huge amount of fertilizer need to be used for the cultivation of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) in Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales (BRIS) soil, however this approach is not cost effective and environmental friendly. Therefore, the optimizing of fertilizer rate for BRIS soils and selection of suitable soil amendments are crucial to get a higher yield. In this study, the effects of different combinations of urea, chicken manure and biochar on soil properties, growth performance and physiological characteristics of kenaf cultivated on the BRIS soil were investigated. Eight treatments were conducted namely: control (T1), biochar (T2), chicken manure (T3), urea (T4), chicken manure + urea (T5), biochar + chicken manure (T6), urea + biochar (T7) and biochar + chicken manure + urea (T8). The biomass and physiological characteristics of kenaf were recorded every month, while the soil was analyzed following a standard laboratory procedure. The application of organic and inorganic fertilizer (urea) significantly increased the nutrient content of the soil compared to the T1, whereas T3 showed the highest pH, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable bases (Na, Mg, Ca). However, the mixing of biochar with organic and inorganic fertilizers showed the highest plant height, diameter of stem and number of leaves as well as dry biomass compared to other treatments. Furthermore, the application of nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased the photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductivity. The results suggest that the mixing of biochar with organic and inorganic fertilizers represents an effective approach for the cultivation of kenaf in tropical climate.     

Sodium alginate supplementation modulates gut microbiota,health parameters,growth performance and growth‐related gene expression in Malaysian Mahseer Tor tambroides

This study investigated the effects of sodium alginate supplementation on gut microbiota composition, health parameters, growth performances and growth‐related gene expression of Malaysian mahseer. Five test diets were formulated by supplementing 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.8% sodium alginate. Triplicate groups of juvenile Tor tambroides (2.19 ± 0.05 g) were stocked in 15 aquaria (20 individuals per aquarium) and fed at 3.0% body weight per day for 60 days. PCoA and UPGMA analysis showed that gut bacterial community were more convergence in higher sodium alginate‐supplemented diets. The percentage of Porphyromonadaceae, Bacteroides, Plesiomonas and Shewanella were substantially higher and Aeromonas, Entomoplasmatales and Prevotellaceae were drastically lower in higher sodium alginate (0.2%–0.8%) diets. Sodium alginate supplementation (≥0.2%) significantly improved the haematocrit value and respiratory burst activity of T. tambroides. Growth performances and feed utilization were significantly higher in 0.2%–0.4% sodium alginate‐supplemented diets. The increased growth rate of T. tambroides was governed by both hyperplastic and hypertrophic muscle growth. Real‐time PCR data demonstrated that most of the growth‐related genes were significantly upregulated in 0.2%–0.4% sodium alginate‐supplemented diet. Finally, it can be concluded that sodium alginate should be supplemented at 2 g/kg in practical fish feed formulation.     

Glutathione functions on physiological characters to increase copper-induced corn production

Glutathione (GSH) abundantly presents in plant and affects plants growth and development. To justify if GSH affects copper (Cu)-induced corn production, photosynthesis (Pn) rate, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), chlorophyll (Chl) content and Chl fluorescence, relative water content (RWC) and yields were evaluated. Different Cu concentrations (0, 0.2, 1.5 and 3.0 ppm of Zn) with or without 100 µm of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) were arranged as completely randomize design with 5 replications. Results showed that both NAC and Cu affected plant height and leaf numbers. Copper reduced Pn rate, and PAR and increased RWC but no effect was observed on Chl content and Chl fluorescence in leaves. On the other hand, NAC application increased Pn, PAR, Chl parameters regardless of Cu treatment. In the presence of 1.5 ppm of Cu, corn plants showed improve yield and cob length irrespective to NAC treatment. Taken together, this study suggests that NAC might improve some physiological functions in plants to enhance Cu-induced corn production.     

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.     

Performance Behavior of Chitosan Based Water Dispersible Polyurethanes: Physicochemical Properties

The research work was carried out to synthesize a series of novel chitosan based water dispersible polyurethanes (CS-WDPUs). The three step synthesis involves the formation of end capped PU-prepolymer was formed through the reaction between polyethylene glycol (PEG) (Mn=600 g/mole, dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) followed by the preparation of neutralized NCO terminated PU-prepolymer, which lead to the chain extension by using the chitosan. The dispersion of the obtained product was carried out by adding proper proportion of water. The synthesized CS-WDPUs were applied onto the different qualities of plain weave poly-cotton printed and dyed textile swatches by employing pad-dry-cure procedures. The textile assets of the treated and untreated textile swatches were assessed, as color fastness, pilling resistance, tear and tensile strength. The results showed that the chitosan incorporation into PU backbone has significant effect on the assets of treated textiles. These synthesized CS-WDPUs are eco-friendly bio-based finishes with potential applications for polyester/cotton textiles.     

Prostanoids-induced dispersion in the melanophores of a carp Labeo rohita (Ham.)

Effects of three prostaglandins (i.e., prostanoids) and one of its precursors, arachidonic acid, were examined on the melanophores of the fish Labeo rohita (Ham.). PGE₁, PGE₂, PGF_2α and arachidonic acid elicit a concentration-related dispersion in the fish melanophores. In vitro analysis of melanophores was performed through incubation of the isolated fish scales in different agonists and antagonists solutions. Dispersal effect of prostanoids may be mediated directly through the typical receptors or indirectly through release of neurotransmitter substance(s) from the melanophore nerve endings. Denervation of fish melanophores rendered them insensitive to prostanoid (PGF_2α). Propranolol and verapamil completely inhibited the dispersal effects of PGF_2α; theophylline and indomethacine blocked the effects of higher concentrations of PGF_2α. During dispersing influence of PGF_2α, a free flux of Ca²⁺ ions was required and the indirectly released substance(s) from melanophore nerve endings would be the catecholamines of adrenergic and purinergic in nature.     

Recent advances in the high-density rotifer culture in Japan

The success of rapidly growing aquaculture industry depends on the steady supply of fish seeds. Appropriate food for initial larval stages is critical for mass scale fish seed production. Live food found better over artificial food for fish larvae culture. Rotifers have been found to be the best live food for feeding fish larvae in early life stage. Attempts have been made to develop viable techniques for the production of rotifer through batch, continuous, and semi-continuous culture methods. In order to feed increased number of fish larvae, rotifer need to be cultured under high-density method. Various efforts have been made for increasing culture density of rotifer. In Japan, stable high-density culture of rotifer has been developed in commercial scale at a rate of 20,000–30,000 ind. ml^?1. Later on, ultra-high-density rotifer culture (160,000 ind. ml^?1) was found successful, which can fulfill the increased demand for rotifer as fish larval food. Furthermore, a scope of alternative use of rotifer can be explored. The development of the high-density rotifer culture method in Japan has been reviewed. The considerations of the associated nutritional requirements, microbial aspects, and prospects of high-density culture have been discussed.