Seed production potential evaluation of sugar beet half-sib families in Morocco

In Morocco, sugar-beet seed production represents a new challenge to meet the main breeding programme goals. The identification of a suitable zone for plant vernalization represents a bottleneck for seed production. This study aimed chiefly at evaluating the vernalization aptitude of 18 sugar beet half-sib progenies. Trials were conducted during three selection cycles in a specifically chosen environment. The experimental site of Merchouch is 40 km south-east of Rabat city. Field trials design is according to an open-pollinated experimental block. Yield components and five phenological traits were recorded during the growing cycle and at the plant maturation. The variance analysis showed a significant effect of the selection cycle on the phenological traits and grain yield. The plant cycle duration increased by 10.7 days between the first and the third selection cycles. According to the principal component analysis and the hierarchical clustering, F2, F5, F6, F9, F10, F11, F14 and F15 half-sib progenies are described as long cycle and high grain yield families. Grain yield reached 257.3 g per plant, the duration to maturity 350.6 days and the germination rate 93%. The three selection cycles and the suitability of the site vernalization conditions are potentially effective for seed production progress. Our results are relevant as they established an adequate site for the sugar beet seed production. The half-sib selection is a valuable method for sugar beet germplasm enhancement.

Nitrate/ammonium ratio effect on the growth, yield and foliar anatomy of grafted tomato plants

The vigorous behaviour of a rootstock modifies the growth and yield of a plant variety or hybrid, altering the plant nutritional requirements. The purpose of this work was to study four ratios of NO3–/NH4+ (100/0, 92/8, 85/15 and 80/20%) over the growth, leaf anatomy and yield of grafted and ungrafted tomato plants. We used a fully randomised experimental block design with factorial arrangement of 2 × 4 (grafted and ungrafted plants and four ratios of NO3–/NH4+), on eight treatments in total with four replicates each, using Tukey’s mean comparison test (P ≤ 0.05). The rootstock was ‘Silex’ by Fito Seeds, with the ‘El Arrojado’ graft (variety) by Gene Seeds. The graft produced an increase in growth, dry biomass production, stomatal density, trichome number, epidermal cell density, fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit size and total soluble solids, in comparison with the ungrafted tomato plants. In most of the assessed variables, the grafted tomato plants gave their best response at an 85/15% NO3–/NH4+ ratio; while the ungrafted plants performed better at a 92/8% NO3–/NH4+ ratio. The response of the grafted plants to the different NO3–/NH4+ ratios suggests that grafting induces tolerance to NH4+.

Extracting Phonetic Features From Natural Classes: A Mismatch Negativity Study of Mandarin Chinese Retroflex Consonants

How speech sounds are represented in the brain is not fully understood. The mismatch negativity (MMN) has proven to be a powerful tool in this regard. The MMN event-related potential is elicited by a deviant stimulus embedded within a series of repeating standard stimuli. Listeners construct auditory memory representations of these standards despite acoustic variability. In most designs that test speech sounds, however, this variation is typically intra-category: All standards belong to the same phonetic category. In the current paper, inter-category variation is presented in the standards. These standards vary in manner of articulation but share a common phonetic feature. In the standard retroflex experimental block, Mandarin Chinese speaking participants are presented with a series of “standard” consonants that share the feature [retroflex], interrupted by infrequent non-retroflex deviants. In the non-retroflex standard experimental block, non-retroflex standards are interrupted by infrequent retroflex deviants. The within-block MMN was calculated, as was the identity MMN (iMMN) to account for intrinsic differences in responses to the stimuli. We only observed a within-block MMN to the non-retroflex deviant embedded in the standard retroflex block. This suggests that listeners extract [retroflex] despite significant inter-category variation. In the non-retroflex standard block, because there is little on which to base a coherent auditory memory representation, no within-block MMN was observed. The iMMN to the retroflex was observed in a late time-window at centro-parieto-occipital electrode sites instead of fronto-central electrodes, where the MMN is typically observed, potentially reflecting the increased difficulty posed by the added variation in the standards. In short, participants can construct auditory memory representations despite significant acoustic and inter-category phonological variation so long as a shared phonetic feature binds them together.

Volatile and phenolic composition of monovarietal red wines of Valpolicella appellations

The volatile and phenolic compositions of nine monovarietal wines from the following grape varieties allowed in the Valpolicella appellation were investigated: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara, Oseleta, Raboso, Croatina, Sangiovese and Cabernet-Sauvignon. Different clones were also investigated for Corvina and Corvinone, the two main varieties of the appellation. All grapes were harvested from a single experimental block and vinified following a standard protocol. Wines from different clones of Corvina were characterised by higher monoterpenols content, including linalool, α-terpineol and geraniol, as well as by a peculiar pattern of C6-alcohols. Relatively high levels of monoterpene alcohols were also found in Corvinone wines, while Oseleta showed the highest concentration of terpinen-4-ol and cis- and trans- isomers of linalool oxide. The evaluation of the wine aroma profile by means of different aromatic series indicated higher values for the “floral”, “fruity” and “ripe fruit” series for Corvina and Corvinone wines. Major differences in phenolic composition were found between the different varieties of wine. The total phenolics and total tannins values for Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara wines indicated relatively low phenolic content in comparison with Croatina, Oseleta, Cabernet-Sauvignon. There were also major differences in the content of individual phenolic compounds, in particular anthocyanins, between the monovarietal wines.

EVALUATION OF NEW HERBICIDE MOLECULES IN DIRECT SEEDED RICE

An experiment was conducted at Field Experimental Block, Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Keonjhar, during Kharif season of two consecutive years of 2015 and 2016 under RKVY project to evaluate new herbicide molecules in direct seeded rice. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with eight treatments combinations and three replications. The eight treatment combinations studied were as follows: T1: Oxadiargyl (Topstar 80% WP) @ 87.5 g/ha as PE (2 DAS) fb Bispyribac sodium (Fujisuper 10% SC) @200 ml/ha as POE at 25 DAS, T2: Pyrazosulphuron Ethyl (Saathi-10%WP)-@ 200g/h as PE-2DAS fb Bispyribac sodium (Fujisuper 10% SC) @200 ml/ha as POE at 25 DAS, T3: Pendimethalin (Pendiherb 30% EC) @ 3000ml/ha as PE fb Bispyribac sodium (Fujisuper 10% SC) @200 ml/ha as POE at 25 DAS, T4:Pretilachlor(Rifit-50% EC) @ 1000ml/ha -2DAS as PE fb Bispyribac sodium (Fujisuper 10% SC) @200 ml/ha as POE at 25 DAS, T5: Pretilachlor(Rifit-50% EC) @ 1000ml/ha as PE 2DAS fb Metsulphuron Ethyl+Chlorimuron Methyl (Almix-20%) @ 40g/ha POE 45 DAS , T6: Penoxulam (Granite-12.7% EC)@ 92.3 ml/ha as POE 15 DAS, T7: Hand weeding twice at 25 and 50 DAS, T8 : Un-weeded Control. . Results revealed that application of Penoxsulam @ 20 ml/ha at 15 DAS as PoE (T6) produced grain yield of 38.1 q/ha and weed control efficiency (WCE) of 89.1% at par with hand weeding at 25 & 50 DAS (T7) with grain yield of 41.8 q/ha and WCE of 92.3%, but found superior in respect of net return (Rs.23430/ha) and B:C ratio (2.0)

Effect of Climate Change on Productivity and Profitability of Chickpea Cultivars under Various Dates of Sowing in Rice Fallows

A field experiment was carried out during rabi season of three consecutive years of 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Field Experimental Block, RRTTS, Keonjhar, Odisha to study the effect of heat and thermal unit use of chickpea cultivars under various dates of sowing. The experiment was laid out in a Split plot Design with twelve treatments combinations, four dates of sowing (1st November, 15th November, 30th November and 15th December) kept in main plots, and three varieties of chickpea (JAKI - 9218, JG-14, JG-16) in sub plots with three replications. The results of the experiments revealed that chickpea sown on 15th November registered the maximum mean grain yield of 1040 kg/ha, fetched maximum mean net return of Rs. 26895/- per ha with B:C of 1.89. Growing chickpea variety JAKI 9218 fetched maximum mean net return of Rs. 27850/- per ha with B:C of 1.67. The maximum GDD to reach maturity (2316.3 days) and heliothermal unit was recorded on 1st November while minimum GDD of 1860.5 days was observed on 15th December. Among cultivars, JAKI 9218 had higher thermal unit requirement. Photothermal unit from date of emergence to maturity stage accounted higher with 1st November sowing, while lowest PTU were observed with the crop sown on 15th December during both all the years. Variety JAKI 9218 accounted non-significantly higher PTU than JG14 and JG 16 at all the phenological stages of the crop during all the years.

MODERNIZATION OF THE MINING SYSTEM OF SMALL DEPOSITS OF RICH COPPER PYRITE ORES

The purpose work. Substantiation and selection of a safe and effective option of mining technology of the experimental block in the pilot industrial mining of the Skalistoe deposit. Method of research. Analysis and synthesis of project solutions, experience in mining inclined low-thickness ore bodies, economic and mathematical modeling and optimization of the parameters of options mining systems in the conditions of the experimental block. Results of research. As a result of research it was established: - the sublevel caving mining system with the parameters adopted in the project does not guarantee the completeness of the extraction of reserves and the effectiveness of mining operations. Project indicators of extraction by sublevel caving technology with frontal ore drawing are overestimated and difficult to achieve in these geological and technical conditions (combination of low thickness and angle of ore body); project scheme for the delivery and transportation of rock mass seems impractical due to the significant volume of heading workings and increased transportation costs; - eight technically rational options of various mining systems were constructed, most relevant to the geological and technical conditions of the deposit. Five variants of the sublevel chamber system and pillar caving, a project variant of sublevel caving technology with frontal ore drawing and two options flat-back cut-and-fill system were considered; - for mining the Skalistoe deposit, according to the results of economic and mathematical modeling, optimal by the criterion of profit per 1 ton of balance reserves of ore is a option of the technology of chamber extraction with dual chambers, frontal drawing of ore by remote-controlled load-haul-dump machine and subsequent pillars caving, as having the greatest profit; - the calculations justified stable spans of dual chambers (25.3 m) and the width of panel pillars (3 m). With an allowable span of 25.3 m, the roof of the dual chambers will be stable with a safety factor of 1.41, and a panel pillar with a width of 3 m has a sufficient margin of safety (more than 1.6) in the whole range of ore body thickness variation; - the proposed scheme of delivery and transportation of rock mass, which allows to reduce the volume of tunnel works by 26% and the average length of transportation by 10-15% compared with the project. Findings. Developed in the process of modernization the technology sublevel chamber system with double-chamber, compared with the project technology, it is possible to significantly increase the efficiency of mining of the low thickness deposit of rich ores Skalistoe by reducing the specific volume of preparatory-rifled work by 34%, the cost of mined ore by 12%, losses and ore dilution – by 2 and 2.9 times, respectively.

Subitizing, unlike estimation, does not process sets in parallel

Enumeration of very small quantities is a common task that we perform everyday. Much research has highlighted that in these conditions humans display fast, near errorless performance, a phenomenon dubbed subitizing. It has been suggested that this regime has a pivotal role in numerosity perception. Here we asked if this system can process multiple sets of items in parallel. At odds with what happens for moderate numerosities, we found a strong impairment caused already by the introduction of a second group of items marked by a different color. Adding shape as a cue provided no benefit. The only case in which subitizing was possible was when the target and distractor group were held constant through the experimental block. These results show the surprising fact that whilst being rapid and errorless, subitizing does not have the capability to disentangle multiple groups of items and deals only with coarse stimulus statistics.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Fruit Yield and Quality of Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) cv. July Elberta

The present studies were carried out in Experimental Block, Department of Fruit Science, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) during the year 2015-16. Nine years old trees of uniform size and vigour planted at 4.0 x 2.0 m spacing were selected for the studies. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 11 treatments. The maximum increased in fruit set (87.70%) and yield (20.16 kg/tree) were observed significantly higher under 75% RDF + vermicompost 15 kg/tree. Maximum fruit length (64.06 mm), breadth (61.89 mm), fruit weight (129.51 g), total soluble solids (13.33 ºB) and total sugars (7.51%) were recorded under 75% RDF + vermicompost 15 kg/tree, however, highest fruit firmness (6.56 kg/cm2) and lowest titratable acidity (0.50%) were found with 4 applications of jeevamrut.

Growth and yield of potato genotypes in the Brazilian Midwest

ABSTRACT The knowledge of the plant growth pattern under specific climatic conditions (growth curve) is the basis for exploiting the maximum yield potential of potato genotypes. This study aimed to establish the growth curve, as well as to evaluate the agronomic characteristics, yield and specific gravity of tubers of three potato cultivars and one elite clone, thus providing basic information on the productive characteristics of these genotypes in the Brazilian Midwest. A randomized experimental block design, with three replications, was used. The dry mass accumulated by the tubers varied from 6.28 (Agata) to 9.75 t ha-1 [F183-08-01 (F183)]; the total mass of tubers from 35.33 (BRSIPR Bel) to 58.60 t ha-1 (F183); the mass of marketable tubers from 23.46 (Asterix) to 48.24 t ha-1 (F183); and the leaf area index from 2.86 (Agata) to 10.60 (F183). F183 showed a good adaptation to the cultivation conditions of the Federal District, being strongly recommended for this region.