Seasonal variation of the effect of extremely diluted agitated gibberellic acid (10-30) on wheat stalk growth - a multi researcher study

Control experiments were performed at different seasons of the year as a follow-up to pilot experiments [1] where a homeopathic high dilution of gibberellic acid had influenced growth in a wheat bio assay (7 days). Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum, Capo variety) were observed under the influence of extremely diluted gibberellic acid (10-30) prepared by stepwise dilution and agitation according to a protocol derived from homeopathy (“G30x”). Analogously prepared water was used for control (“W30x”). Following up on 5 pilot experiments (4 in autumn 2007, 1 in spring 2008), 10 experiments were performed (5 in autumn 2008 or 2009 and 5 in winter 2009 or 2010) with a total of 9 experiments in autumn season (5 researchers, about 9,000 grains), and 6 in winter/spring (4 researchers, about 6,000 grains). Germination rates after 7 days were slightly higher for the autumn experiments (96.1%) than for the winter/spring experiments (94.8%) (p > 0,05), with a non significant trend of more seedlings having germinated in the verum group in the autumn experiments (p > 0,05). All of the 9 autumn experiments (i.e. pilot as well as repetition experiments) showed less stalk growth in the verum group (statistically significant with p < 0.01 in 4, with p < 0.05 in 3 cases, trend in 2 cases). Mean stalk lengths (mm) were 46.97 + 20.50 for the verum group and 50.66 + 19.77 for control (mean + S.D.) at grain level (N = 4,440 per group) and + 3.87 and + 3.38 (+ S.D.) respectively at dish level (217 cohorts of 20 or 25 grains per treatment group). In other words, verum stalk length (92.72%) was 7.28% smaller than control stalk length (100%). The effect size (D means : S.D.), calculated on the basis of dishes, was high (d = 1.02). In contrast, no reliable effect was found in experiments performed in winter/spring (less stalk growth in the verum group in one case, no difference in 2 cases, and more growth in 3 cases). Overall verum stalk length (103.64%) was slightly greater than control stalk length (100%). The effect size, however, was small (d = 0.45). The new data are in line with the 2007 findings, i.e. confirm that gibberellic acid 30x does influence stalk growth.

Seasonal variation of the effect of extremely diluted agitated gibberellic acid (10-30) on wheat seedling development

Objective: Performing a study on a wheat growth bio assay with a homeopathic dilution of gibberellic acid at different seasons of the year. Methods: Grains of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum, Capo variety) were observed under the influence of extremely diluted gibberellic acid (10-30, 30x). Analogously prepared water was used for control. 15 experiments were performed, 9 in autumn season (5 researchers, 4,440 grains per group), and 6 in winter / spring (4 researchers, with 3,140 grains per group). Results: All 9 autumn experiments showed less stalk growth in the verum group (p > 0.01 in 4 cases, p > 0.05 in 3, trend in 2 cases). Mean stalk lengths (mm) were 46.97 + 20.50 for verum and 50.66 + 19.77 for control at grain level (N = 4,440 per group) and + 3.87 and + 3.38 respectively at dish level (217 cohorts of 20 or 25 grains per treatment group). Verum stalk length (92.72%) was 7.28% smaller than control stalk length (100%). In contrast, no reliable effect was found in experiments performed in winter / spring (less stalk growth in 1 case, no difference in 1, more growth in 3 cases). Overall verum stalk length (103.64%) was 3.64% slightly greater than control stalk length (100%). Data were found to be homogeneous within the control groups as well as within the verum groups. Conclusion: Results suggest that especially in the experiments performed in autumn, there was an influence of gibberellic acid 30x on wheat seedling development. The effect size is small when calculation is done on the basis of grains (d = 0.18) but high when done on the basis of dishes (d = 1.02). In contrast, no reliable effect was found in experiments performed in winter / spring. Further experiments should thus be performed in the autumn season.

Mechanistic principles of an ultra-long bovine CDR reveal strategies for antibody design

Antibodies bind antigens via flexible loops called complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). These are usually 6-20 residues long. However, some bovine antibodies have ultra-long CDRs comprising more than 50 residues organized in a stalk and a disulfide-rich knob. The design features of this structural unit and its influence on antibody stability remained enigmatic. Here, we show that the stalk length is critical for the folding and stability of antibodies with an ultra-long CDR and that the disulfide bonds in the knob do not contribute to stability; they are important for organizing the antigen-binding knob structure. The bovine ultra-long CDR can be integrated into human antibody scaffolds. Furthermore, mini-domains from de novo design can be reformatted as ultra-long CDRs to create unique antibody-based proteins neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 and the Alpha variant of concern with high efficiency. Our findings reveal basic design principles of antibody structure and open new avenues for protein engineering.

Dryopteris wulingshanensis (Dryopteridaceae), a new species from Hunan, China

Dryopteris wulingshanensis, a new species growing on limestone in the Wulingshan Mountains, Hunan, China, is described and illustrated. This species is most similar to D. jishouensis and D. gymnophylla on general morphological traits, such as the form of scales, rhizome and sori, but differs by the number of vascular bundles at the base of the petiole, length to width ratio of lamina, stalk length of basal pinnae, division of the lamina, apex form of the pinnule and habitat. Moreover, molecular phylogenetic analysis using the chloroplast rbcL gene suggested that D. wulingshanensis, as the sister group of D. jishouensis, is a monophyletic clade. According to its restricted geographic range, small populations and few individuals, D. wulingshanensis should be considered endangered, according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Pomological Traits of Quince Types Found in the Territory of Nakhchivan

The article examines the areas of spread of quince types found in the territory of the Nakhchivan, their names and synonyms and which sortotype they belong to. For the first time, 11 types of quinces were found in the territory of Nakhchivan, and agro-biological traits were studied by conducting phenological observations on them. The development of annual shoots and fruits of each type was monitored separately, promising types were selected, and grafted material was taken from them, grafted in the area where they are spread and in the field of practice of our Institute. The pomological traits of each of the newly discovered types were studied separately. Here, the weight, color of fruits, stalk length, color and taste of the pulp, the location of the germ cell and the number of seeds in each cell were studied. The tasting prices of the fruits of each of the found types were determined separately. According to the tasting price, Badamli Factory 1, Andamich-2, Sabir village 2 and Milakh-1 types were preferred. Also, the productivity of these types was compared with standard varieties. Here the weight of the fruits of each type and the harvest of each tree were clearly given.

Effect of spectral manipulation and seasonal variations on cut foliage production and quality of Philodendron (Philodendron ‘Xanadu’)

Influence of spectral manipulation of light using coloured nets and seasonal variation on cut foliage yield and quality of Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ was evaluated under red, green, white and black coloured shade nets permitting light intensities ranging from 240.50 to 370μ mol m-2 s-1 (75% shade net), for two consecutive years from 2014-16, at ICARIIHR, Bengaluru. The plants grown under white shade net (75% shade) resulted in higher foliage production plant-1month-1 (14.53) and were on par with those grown under green shade net. The quality of the cut foliage in plants grown under white shade net with respect to stalk length (24.91 cm) and width of the lamina (5.19 cm) was on par with those under green and black shade nets. Coloured shade nets did not influence the vase life of the cut foliage. Developmental stages of the foliage under the different coloured nets have indicated that leaves attained the harvestable maturity stage at 29.92 days post-emergence under white shade. Cultivation of Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ under white shade resulted in maximum cut foliage yield and quality.

Allelopathy of vegetable residues on the sowing properties of soft winter wheat grain

Aim. To study the allelopathy of vegetable residues on sowing properties of soft wheat grain. Methods. Laboratory, mathematical and statistical, physical. Results. The highest germination energy was obtained in the variant with water, corn and wheat stalks – 100%, percentage germination was 95%. Under conditions of germination in rye, rape and oat stalks, percentage germination was 15–30 % points lower compared to the control. Germination of soft wheat grain in the stalks of other crops provided percentage germination of 15–50 %. Obviously, soybeans, sunflowers, mustard, peas, barley, flax, safflower, buckwheat and sorghum show high allelopathy during the germination of soft wheat grain. The highest seedling vigor was obtained during germination in water and in corn stalks – 50 %. This figure in wheat and rye stalks was 33 and 28 %, respectively, or 17–22 points lower than the control. During the germination of soft wheat grain in the stalks of other crops, the seedling vigor was the lowest – 8–22 %. The average germination rate varied inversely proportional to seedling vigor. On average, wheat grain in corn stalks germinated for 29 minutes which was at the control level. During germination in wheat and rye stalks, it grew for up to 43–58 minutes. During germination in the stalks of other crops, the average speed increased to 72–288 minutes. Different germination substrates changed the parameters of soft wheat stalks. This indicator was at the level of control over grain germination in rye and corn stalks – 9.2–9.3 cm with fluctuations from 8.1 to 10.3–10.4 cm, and the variation coefficient was small (V = 12.0–12.5 %). The stalk length was significantly shorter during germination in wheat stalks, but the variation coefficient was insignificant (V = 5.2 %). During germination in the stalks of other crops, the stalk length decreased from 7.3 to 0.6 cm. Coclusions. Germination of wheat grain in corn and wheat stalks did not affect the deterioration of germination. The lowest allelopathy was shown by grain germination in rye stalks. The highest allelopathy was shown by germination in soybean and sunflower stalks. Crops, according to the influence on the length of soft wheat stalk, are arranged in the following order: sunflower, buckwheat, sorghum, safflower, soybean, mustard, flax, oats, rape, barley, peas, wheat. Grain germination in corn and rye stalks did not affect the length of soft wheat stalks

Performance of Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L) Varieties under Protected Condition

The present investigation was undertaken to elevate different carnation varieties for the performance of Growth, yield and post-harvest quality under protected condition. The experiment was conducted in Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, The Nilgiris, India . The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with Eleven varieties of Carnation viz., Big one, Turbo, Solex, Hunza, Easy Golem, Express Golem, Red King, Golem, Gioele, Big mama and Happy Golem. observation were recorded for plant height (cm), days to first flower, flowering duration, length of flower stem (cm), diameter of flower (cm), Number of flowers per plant and Calyx splitting (High : 60% and above, Medium: 30 – 50%, Low : less than 30%), Strength of flower stem, vase life solutions viz., AOA (25ppm), AOA (50ppm), CoCl2 (10ppm) ,CoCl2 (20ppm) and plain water for 30 minutes. The cultivar Happy Golem recorded maximum plant height of 100.50cm and the minimum plant height of 77.0 cm was noticed in Golem. Maximum number of shoots per plant was recorded in the cultivar Gioele (7.98 ) followed by Hunza (7.50) and minimum number of shoots per plant was observed in the entry Golem (5.30).Maximum number of leaves (195.20) and Leaf length (13.55 cm) was recorded in the entry Gioele. The Days to first flower ranged between 130.01 to 139.20 days from planting. The cultivar Turbo (130.01) recorded early to initiate the flower bud followed by Golem (130.10) .The cultivar Red king recorded maximum flowering duration of 13.50 days followed by big mama (13.20 days)) and minimum flowering duration was observed in Happy Golem (10.47 days).The Cultivar Gioele recorded the highest stalk length of 93.00 cm and the lowest stalk length of 68.50cm was observed by Golem. With respect to yield parameters maximum number of flowers per plant was recorded in Gioele (7.50 nos) followed by Red king (7.17 nos) and Hunza (6.97 nos) and Minimum number of flowers per plant was recorded in Golem (5.11 nos). Maximum number of A and B grade flower stems are produced in the Variety Gioele. Among the cultivar for prolonging the vase life of Carnation, treatment comprising of AOA @50ppm recorded maximum vaselife of 19 days by cultivar, minimum flower diameter (5.3cm) and maximum total water absorbed (45.0 ml) and found to be the best to increase the shelf life of carnation.

Genetic Characterization of Mutations Related to Conidiophore Stalk Length Development in Aspergillus niger Laboratory Strain N402

Aspergillus niger is an important filamentous fungus in industrial biotechnology for the production of citric acid and enzymes. In the late 1980s, the A. niger N400/NRRL3 strain was selected for both fundamental and applied studies in relation to several processes including gluconic acid and protein production. To facilitate handling of A. niger, the N400 wild-type strain was UV mutagenized in two consecutive rounds to generate N401 and N402. N402 was used as a reference laboratory strain and exhibits the phenotypes with reduced conidiophore stalk length and reduced radial growth. The conidiophore stalk length and radial growth of A. niger strain N400 were determined and compared to N401 and N402. The length of N400 conidiophore stalks (2.52 ± 0.40 mm) was reduced in N401 and N402 to 0.66 ± 0.14 mm and 0.34 ± 0.06 mm, respectively. Whereas N400 reached a colony diameter of 6.7 ± 0.2 cm after 7 days, N401 and N402 displayed reduced radial growth phenotype (4.3 ± 0.1 and 4.1 ± 0.1, respectively). To identify the mutations (dubbed cspA and cspB) responsible for the phenotypes of N401 and N402, the genomes were sequenced and compared to the N400 genome sequence. A parasexual cross was performed between N400 and N402 derivatives to isolate segregants which allowed cosegregation analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions and deletions among the segregants. The shorter conidiophore stalk and reduced radial growth in N401 (cspA) was found to be caused by a 9-kb deletion on chromosome III and was further narrowed down to a truncation of NRRL3_03857 which encodes a kinesin-like protein homologous to the A. nidulans UncA protein. The mutation responsible for the further shortening of conidiophore stalks in N402 (cspB) was found to be caused by a missense mutation on chromosome V in a hitherto unstudied C2H2 transcription factor encoded by the gene NRRL3_06646. The importance of these two genes in relation to conidiophore stalk length and radial growth was confirmed by single and double gene deletion studies. The mutations in the laboratory strain N402 should be taken into consideration when studying phenotypes in the N402 background.

Agronomic Characteristics Enhancement on Genotypes of Chrysanthemum Polyploidy with Different Planting Media

Since variations in chrysanthemums are still limited, Indonesia still imports. An effort to expand the variation can be done through polyploidy techniques using colchicine. Pasopati varieties of the chrysanthemum were propagated in vitro and treated with colchicine and planted in different media compositions to observe performance and obtain superior genotype. Experiment with a factorial pattern that consist of two factors: the composition of the planting medium ( m1 = top soil, m2 = cocopeat, m3 = husk charcoal, m4 = top soil + cocopeat m5 = top soil + husk charcoal, m6 = cocopeat + chaff charcoal) and polyploidy chrysanthemum genotypes (g1 = KAR0, g2 = KAR1, g3 = KAR2, g4 = KAR3, and g5 = KAR4) with two replications was designed. The results showed there were variations in plant height, stem diameter, number of nodes, number of floret, and stalk length on polyploidy Chrysanthemum genotypes due to different planting media. The m4 = top soil + cocopeat can increase plant height, stem diameter, number of nodes, stalk length and number of floret KAR4 genotype.