The yield and feed capacity of alfalfa varieties in the conditions of the West Kazakhstan region

The purpose of the research is to conduct the comparative assessment of variable alfalfa varieties and to identify the most productive and adapted varieties to the conditions of the region with a view to their further zoning. The results of research on the study of alfalfa varieties – Karabalykskaya 18, Rambler, Ural’skaya sinyaya, Semirechenskaya mestnaya, Krasnovodopadskaya 8 are presented in this article. Data of the seed germination and plant preservation by years of life, yield and forage capacity of crops are given. Methods: field and calculation (to determine the feed capacity). Results. In the 2011 crops, according to the field germination, the variety of Karabalykskaya 18 (45.8 %) and Semirechenskaya mestnaya (42.8 %) were distinguished. According to 4-year data, the highest percentage of preservation in the variety of Karabalykskaya 18 (14.2 %) and Ural’skaya sinyaya (13.9 %). And the smallest number of preserved plants was noted in the alfalfa variety of Krasnovodopadskaya 8, it is amounted to 10.4 %. The crops produced more mass shoots in next year, due to somewhat high rates of spring precipitation and air temperature. And in terms of the percentage of preservation, the 2012 crops surpassed the previous ones. Thus, in the variety of Karabalykskaya 18 and Rambler, this indicator was equal to 15.1 % and 13.7 %, and in the zoned variety Ural’skaya sinyaya, 15.7 % of the herbage was preserved. The data of green mass yield determination and hay shows that three of the four varieties evaluated were exceed to the standard variety from 1.6 to 8.5 per 1 ha for the collection of green mass and from 0.2 to 2.4 c/ha for the hay harvest. In terms of feed capacity, the highest indicators are in the Karabalykskaya variety 18, and the lowest – in Krasnovodopadskaya 8. So, at the 5th year of life (sowing 2011), 48 cattles can be fed on 10 ha of crops of the first variety for a month, and the second – 41. On the grass stands of the zoned Ural’skaya sinyaya variety, the content of 43 cattles are permissible.

Fine Mapping of qd1, a Dominant Gene that Regulates Stem Elongation in Bread Wheat

Stem elongation is a critical phase for yield determination and, as a major trait, is targeted for manipulation for improvement in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In a previous study, we characterized a mutant showing rapid stem elongation but with no effect on plant height at maturity. The present study aimed to finely map the underlying mutated gene, qd1, in this mutant. By analyzing an F2 segregating population consisting of 606 individuals, we found that the qd1 gene behaved in a dominant manner. Moreover, by using the bulked segregant RNA sequencing (BSR-seq)-based linkage analysis method, we initially mapped the qd1 gene to a 13.55 Mb region on chromosome 4B (from 15.41 to 28.96 Mb). This result was further confirmed in F2 and BC3F2 segregating populations. Furthermore, by using transcriptome sequencing data, we developed 14 Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers and then mapped the qd1 gene to a smaller and more precise 5.08 Mb interval from 26.80 to 31.88 Mb. To develop additional markers to finely map the qd1 gene, a total of 4,481 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the 5.08 Mb interval were screened, and 25 KASP markers were developed based on 10x-depth genome resequencing data from both wild-type (WT) and mutant plants. The qd1 gene was finally mapped to a 1.33 Mb interval from 28.86 to 30.19 Mb on chromosome 4B. Four candidate genes were identified in this region. Among them, the expression pattern of only TraesCS4B02G042300 in the stems was concurrent with the stem development of the mutant and WT. The qd1 gene could be used in conjunction with molecular markers to manipulate stem development in the future.

Full Moment Tensor Solutions of U.S. Underground Nuclear Tests for Event Screening and Yield Estimation

ABSTRACT Moment tensor (MT) solutions are proving increasingly valuable in explosion monitoring, especially now that they are more routinely calculated for the unconstrained, full (six component) MT. In this study, we have calculated MTs for U.S. underground nuclear tests conducted at the Nevada National Security Site using seismic recordings primarily from the Livermore Nevada Network. We are able to determine them for 130 nuclear explosions from 1970 to 1996 for a range of yields and under a variety of material conditions, which we have supplemented with 10 additional chemical explosions at the test site. The result is an extensive database of MTs that can be used to assess the performance of important monitoring tasks such as event identification and yield determination. We test the explosion event screening on the fundamental lune of the MT eigensphere and find MT screening to be a robust discriminant between earthquakes and explosions. We then explore the estimation of moment-derived yield, in which we find that material properties are the largest contributor to differences in the estimated moment-to-yield ratio. Further research conducted on this dataset can be used to develop, test, and improve various explosion monitoring methodologies.

Transcriptome profiling provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of maize kernel and silk development

Background Maize kernel filling, which is closely related to the process of double fertilization and is sensitive to a variety of environmental conditions, is an important component of maize yield determination. Silk is an important tissue of maize ears that can discriminate pollen and conduct pollination. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms of kernel development and silk senescence will provide important information for improving the pollination rate to obtain high maize yields. Results In this study, transcript profiles were determined in an elite maize inbred line (KA105) to investigate the molecular mechanisms functioning in self-pollinated and unpollinated maize kernels and silks. A total of 5285 and 3225 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) were identified between self-pollinated and unpollinated maize in a kernel group and a silk group, respectively. We found that a large number of genes involved in key steps in the biosynthesis of endosperm storage compounds were upregulated after pollination in kernels, and that abnormal development and senescence appeared in unpollinated kernels (KUP). We also identified several genes with functions in the maintenance of silk structure that were highly expressed in silk. Further investigation suggested that the expression of autophagy-related genes and senescence-related genes is prevalent in maize kernels and silks. In addition, pollination significantly altered the expression levels of senescence-related and autophagy-related genes in maize kernels and silks. Notably, we identified some specific genes and transcription factors (TFs) that are highly expressed in single tissues. Conclusions Our results provide novel insights into the potential regulatory mechanisms of self-pollinated and unpollinated maize kernels and silks.

Diversity of Pod Shape in Pisum

The seed-containing pod is the defining structure of plants in the legume family, yet pods exhibit a wide range of morphological variation. Within a species pod characters are likely to be correlated with reproductive strategy, and within cultivated forms will correspond to aspects of yield determination and/or end use. Here variation in pod size, described as pod length: pod width ratio, has been analyzed in pea germplasm represented by 597 accessions. This pod size variation is discussed with respect to population structure and to known classical pod morphology mutants. Variability of the pod length: width ratio can be explained by allelic variation at two genetic loci that may correspond to organ-specific negative regulators of growth.

Influence of Digester Temperature on Methane Yield of Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW)

This study evaluates the anaerobic digestion (AD) of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and digested sewage sludge (DSS) at lowered temperatures. AD batch tests for CH4 yield determination were carried out with DSS as inoculum between 23 and 40 °C. All results were related to organic dry matter and calculated for standard conditions (1013 hPa, 0 °C). The AD experiments at 40 °C and at 35 °C delivered specific CH4 yields of 325 ± 6 mL/g and 268 ± 27 mL/g for OFMSW alone. At lower temperatures, specific CH4 yields of 364 ± 25 mL/g (25 °C) and 172 ± 21 mL/g (23 °C) were reached. AD at 25 °C could be beneficial regarding energy input (heating costs) and energy output (CH4 yield). Plant operators could increase AD efficiencies by avoiding heating costs. The co-digestion of OFMSW together with DSS could lead to further synergies such as better exploitation of the energy potentials of DSS, but the digestate utilization could become problematic due to hygienic requirements. Efficiency potentials through lowered operating temperatures are limited. In further research, lowered process temperatures could be applied in the AD of energy crops due to large numbers of existing plants.

Participatory Evaluation and Yield Determination of Climate-smart Brachiaria Grasses for Improving Livestock Production among the Farmers in Embu and Meru Counties

Aims: To introduce brachiaria grasses in Meru and Embu Counties to increase the range of fodder/forage varieties available to smallholders through the use of climate-smart brachiaria grasses for increased income. The project also aimed at identifying the best brachiaria varieties suitable for the target Agro-Ecological ones through evaluation by the farmers and yield assessment. Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Embu and Meru Counties during the short rains of 2015. Methodology: Three varieties of brachiaria were introduced in the short rains of 2015 in KALRO Embu, Geeto Igoji in Meru, and Embu County. These were Brachiaria decumbense -Cultivar Basilisk, Brachiaria brizantha- Cultivar BRS Piata and Brachiaria brizantha- Cultivar Toledo. Plots of 5x5m were planted and replicated three times using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to increase the range of fodder/forage varieties available to smallholder and assess the yield and acceptability of the different brachiaria grasses varieties. The three varieties were planted in the mega demonstration sites. The grass performance was analyzed through pairwise ranking and the grass with the best attributes was selected. Yield data was also collected. Results: After ranking, the results indicated that the rate of growth and the amount of biomass as the most important attributes followed by the animals' response after feeding and the rate of rejuvenation after harvesting respectively. Using the attributes, the group members concluded that Brachiaria decumbense- Cultivar basilisk was the best followed by brachiaria brizantha- Cultivar piata and finally brachiaria brizantha- Cultivar Toledo. Conclusion: In conclusion, based on the attributes, the best brachiaria varieties for use in Embu and Meru Countries are Brachiaria decumbense –Cultivar Basilisk and Brachiaria brizantha- Cultivar Toledo. Based on yield, Brachiaria brizantha- Cultivar Toledo is the best in Embu County while Brachiaria brizantha- Cultivar Basilisk is the best in Meru County.

Primary source and selection of corn (maize)

In desert conditions, corn is one of the most promising crops due to its resistance to salinity, drought, heat, adverse environmental conditions, high productivity and versatility. Conducting field experiments, sowing, phonological observations, biometric measurements, plant care, yield determination new varieties of agricultural crops were performed. Samples were also evaluated on the length of the paniculo. In particular, it was 44.7 cm in the control K–521, followed by 40.8 cm in K-431, 49.9 cm in K-581 and 55.4 cm in K-538, whereas in the technical variants, it was 55.4 cm in K-538, 50 cm at K-368, and even it was 65 cm in K-494. Of the 57 samples studied, only 8, № 9, 15, 17, 26, 27, 31, 42, 46 samples were found suitable for future selection work. Valuable aspects of these samples were that flowering period was 75-108 days, milk-ripening period was 87-108 days, and full ripening period was 118-130 days. These indicators were 76 days of germination, 79 days of flowering, 91 days of milk ripening and 127 days of full ripening in the “Orange-160” maize. It was found that the repining period of “Orange” maize was 9 days earlier than the control varieties, 9, 15 and 17.