Nitrogen fertigation of greenhouse-grown cucumber

Summary This greenhouse study investigated the response of trickle-irrigated cucumber (Cucumis sativa cv. ‘Petita’) to three N levels applied with every irrigation via the irrigation stream. The plants were grown in pots filled with 12 kg of soil. Water containing 5.8, 11.8, or 17.8 mmol N/l, and uniformly supplied with 2.0 and 3.9 mmol/l of P and K, respectively, was applied two to three times daily. In all treatments of 0.3 leaching fraction was allowed. The resulting total N applications were 15.7, 31., and 47.2 g N/plant. The total amount of water applied was 1851/plant. Total N and NO₃-N, in lajinae and petioles, increased with increasing N level whereas P and K in generated decreased. Although different NO₃/NH₄ ratios in the treatments may have influeced the response to N, it could be concluded that the highest yield was obtained with 11.8 mmol N/1 due to increased number of fruit. In the root volume of this treatment the NO₃-N concentration in the soil solution was aroun 7 mmol/1 for most of the growing season. The dry matter concentration of fruits was not affected by the N levels. It was concluded that 11.8 mmol N/1 applied with every irrigation via the irrigation stream is adequate to cover the needs of greenhous-grown cucumber for higher yield (9.42 kg/plant over a harvesting period of 93 days).     

Passive irrigation and functional morphology of crustacean burrows in a tropical mangrove swamp

Flushing measurements and a resin cast of a burrow inhabited by Sesarma messa and Alpheus cf macklay were taken from a Rhizophoraspp. forest. The burrow had 9 openings and occupied a swamp surface area of 0.64 m². Passive irrigation of the burrow was investigated by recording change in conductivity of burrow water in a chamber 45 cm below the swamp surface during tidal inundation of the swamp. The chamber was completely flushed within approximately one hour, i.e. by a single tidal event. Burrow morphology was determined by means of resin casting. The investigated burrow was of discrete structure, with an overall depth of 1.2 m and a total volume of 68 l, i.e. ca. 9% of the volume of swamp soil. The below ground surface area of chambers and tunnels was 3.8 m². The mean and maximum chamber/tunnel diameter was 7 cm and 11 cm respectively. The soil in the close vicinity of the burrow was extensively penetrated by roots, and any two parts of the burrow were located no further than 20 cm away from each other. By reducing diffusion distances within the soil and by being well flushed, the burrows provide an efficient mechanism for removal of excess salt accumulated in the soil around mangrove roots due to exclusion.     

Transneuronal degeneration in the Rolando substance of the primate spinal cord evoked by axotomy-induced transganglionic degenerative atrophy of central primary sensory terminals

Summary Transection of the sciatic nerve in Rhesus monkeys and the consequent transganglionic degenerative atrophy (TDA) of central terminals of primary afferents result in transneuronal degeneration of substantia gelatinosa (SG) cells. Severe degeneration is characterized by an increased electron density of the nucleus and by conspicuous shrinkage of the cytoplasm, mitochondrial swelling, dilation of cisterns of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, accumulation of free ribosomes and an electron-dense material in the cytoplasm. In the mild form, dilation of cisternal elements of the endoplasmic reticulum, swollen mitochondria and accumulation of free ribosomes takes place. About 10% of SG cells in segment L₅ undergo the severe form whereas the rest shows signs of the mild form. Cytoplasmic alterations that occur during transneuronal degeneration seem to start at the level of subsurface cisterns. Dendrites and axons of transneuronally degenerating SG cells also show a conspicuous electron density. By analyzing the synaptic relationships of such darkened dendrites, connections in the upper dorsal horn can be deciphered. Modular units of the primary nociceptive analyzer that evaluate noxious and innocuous inputs on the basis of thin versus thick (AC/A) afferent activity and subjecting them to descending control appear to be recruited from structurally dispersed elements of synaptic glomeruli. These are arranged alongside dendritic processes of large antenna cells which relay impulses to projection cells of the spinothalamic tract.     

Use of Avermectins for the Control of Meloidogyne incognita on tomatoes

The efficacy of avermectins B₁ and B₂ for control of Meloidogyne incognita on tomato was studied in pots and field plots for two seasons. Avermectins were applied as granules and liquid in furrows or by low pressure drip irrigation systems, at rates ranging from 0.093 to 0.34 kg a.i./ha, as single or multiple applications. Levels of control comparable to those obtained by oxamyl and aldicarb at 3.36 kg a.i./ha were achieved by the avermectin with only 1/10 the volume of chemicals applied to the environment. Avermectin protection of the roots remained constant throughout the first 5 weeks giving slightly longer protection than oxamyl or aldicarb.     

Early Permian facies and paleogeography of the Southeastern Russian craton

Summary During the Early Permian deep-water basins existed in the southeastern part of the Russian craton. North and west of the Cis-Ural foredeep and the Precaspian depression (micro-ocean) carbonate platforms were formed on a shallow-marine shelf during the Asselian, Sakmarian and Early Artinskian. Reefs developed on the margin of these platforms along the slopes of the Cis-Ural foredeep and the Precaspian depression. The reefs shifted platform ward in the eastern areas, due to the tectonic subsidence of the platform margin and at the same time, prograded basinward in the south. Movements of continental blocks from the south during the Late Artinskian and Kungurian caused the separation of the Early Permian basin of the Russian craton from the Palaeo-Tethys, followed by evaporite sedimentation in the restricted basins. The existence of source rocks (bituminous deep-water sediments), thick reservoir rocks (limestones and dolostones), evaporitic seals and structural as well as stratigraphic traps are responsible for large productive gas and oil fields (e.g., Orenburg field), some of which are distinctly associated with reef carbonates.     

Irrigation planning to transform subsistence agriculture: Lessons From El Salvador

Experience with irrigation schemes designed to improve the productivity of subsistence farmers in Latin America seems to parallel the results of the green revolution in Southeast Asia. Although in some cases the impact on the productivity has been significant, in far too many cases the pervasive pattern of inequity has been reinforced. This case study of the Irrigation District of Zapotitan in El Salvador analyses some of the reasons for the unexpected results, with particular reference to the planning process. It essentially illustrates that the transformation of subsistence agriculture through irrigation demands new institutions designed not only to service agricultural production but also to ensure the accrual of benefits on the targeted group.     

Carbon isotope discrimination at vegetative stage as an indicator of yield and water use efficiency of spring wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum)

A field experiment was conducted to investigate if carbon isotope (¹³C) discrimination () measured at the vegetative stage of spring wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) is related with the yield and water use efficiency (WUE) at ripening. A line source sprinkler irrigation system exposed the wheat genotypes to different watering regimes, from rainfed to full irrigation and thereby increased the range in yield and WUE attainable in the four genotypes studied. The results indicated that values measured at the late stem elongation stage 60 days after planting (DAP), showed strong positive correlation with total dry matter yield (r=0.732^***), and a highly significant negative correlation with WUE (r=–0.755^***) measured at ripening 105 DAP. The data suggest that the imprints of measured at vegetative growth stage persists throughout the entire growth period, until maturity. Subject to confirmation from additional studies in other crops and locations, early measurements of may prove a useful tool for rapid and early screening of cultivars, for high yield and high WUE.     

Subsurface cisterns in paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus of the rat

Summary Structures identified as subsurface cisterns (SSC's) were found in neurons of the paraventricular nuclei of the rat hypothalamus. They appeared as cytoplasmic organelles consisting most often of stacks of parallel cisterns apposed to the neuronal plasmalemma. These SSC's were located in the interneurons of the parvocellular system, but not in neurosecretory cells and glial cells. SSC's were seen at zones of cytoplasm apposed to neuronal or glial cell processes, showing in some instances specific relationships with synaptic areas.The morphological features of these SSC's are described, and their possible functional significance is briefly discussed.     

春玉米根系生育特征与冠层关系的研究

以农田实际观测资料为依据,分析了春玉米根系生育特征及其与冠层生长的关系,并提出了定量描述方程;较详细地阐述了水分条件对根系生长的影响,指出利用根系伸展深度确定灌溉计划湿润深度和进行根冠调控,以指导农田优化灌溉的可行性。