Changes in sward structure, plant morphology and growth of perennial ryegrass–white clover swards over winter

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is at a disadvantage to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.; PRG) due to its limited cold tolerance and low growth rates at colder temperatures, which can affect subsequent spring herbage dry matter (DM) availability. The effect of PRG ploidy on white clover morphology and growth over winter, and its subsequent recovery in spring and the following growing season, is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of white clover inclusion and PRG ploidy on sward structure, plant morphology and growth of PRG–white clover swards over winter. Four swards (diploid PRG only, tetraploid PRG only, diploid PRG–white clover and tetraploid PRG–white clover) were evaluated over a full winter period (November–February) at a farmlet scale. The PRG ploidy had no effect on herbage DM production, white clover content or tissue turnover (P > 0.05) over winter. However, white clover inclusion caused a significant decrease in herbage DM production (P < 0.001; −254 kg DM/ha) and tiller density (P < 0.001; −1,953 tillers/m2) over winter. Stolon mass was not affected by PRG ploidy (P > 0.05); however, stolon length and number of leaves per stolon were affected by PRG ploidy (P < 0.05). Including white clover in PRG swards can alter winter sward dynamics, potentially causing difficulties in subsequent spring management and performance due to the reduced over-winter growth rate when compared with PRG.

Apomixis and genetic background affect distinct traits in Hieracium pilosella L. grown under competition

Background Apomixis, the asexual reproduction through seeds, occurs in over 40 plant families and avoids the hidden cost of sex. Apomictic plants are thought to have an advantage in sparse populations and when colonizing new areas but may have a disadvantage in changing environments because they propagate via fixed genotypes. In this study, we separated the influences of different genetic backgrounds (potentially reflecting local adaptation) from those of the mode of reproduction, i.e., sexual vs. apomictic, on nine fitness-related traits in Hieracium pilosella L. We aimed to test whether apomixis per se may provide a fitness advantage in different competitive environments in a common garden setting. Results To separate the effects of genetic background from those of reproductive mode, we generated five families of apomictic and sexual full siblings by crossing two paternal with four maternal parents. Under competition, apomictic plants showed reproductive assurance (probability of seeding, fertility), while offspring of sexual plants with the same genetic background had a higher germination rate. Sexual plants grew better (biomass) than apomictic plants in the presence of grass as a competitor but apomictic plants spread further vegetatively (maximum stolon length) when their competitors were sexual plants of the same species. Furthermore, genetic background as represented by the five full-sibling families influenced maximum stolon length, the number of seeds, and total fitness. Under competition with grass, genetic background influenced fecundity, the number of seeds, and germination rate. Conclusions Our results suggest that both the mode of reproduction as well as the genetic background affect the success of H. pilosella in competitive environments. Total fitness, the most relevant trait for adaptation, was only affected by the genetic background. However, we also show for the first time that apomixis per se has effects on fitness-related traits that are not confounded by—and thus independent of—the genetic background.

Natural Productivity, Morphometrics and Seasonal Distribution of Caulerva Racemosa

Caulerva racemosa seaweed is a superior commodity with both ecological and socio-economical benefits. It is technologically developed into different products which include antioxidants, antibiotics, medicinal ingredients, cosmetics as well as other organic products and also used conventionally as food ingredients for human’s consumption. Meanwhile, the presence of C. racemosa is observed to decrease as the exploitation rate is one of the factors affecting its stock in the nature. Changes in environmental conditions contribute majorly to its availability in aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, natural factors in the form of seasonal changes that cause fluctuations in water dynamics are the main focus affecting its lifespan. The results showed that C. racemosa growth parameters, which include percentage cover, productivity, together with morphometrics, failed to be significantly affected by seasonal changes. Meanwhile, the highest percentage cover was found during the northern monsoon, which has an average value of 37.99 ± 7.67 (Average±STDEV), while the lowest was during the eastern monsoons with 28.03 ± 9.09 respectively. The best morphometric size was during the northern monsoon with a tallus dimension of 0.25 with an average of 0.201 ± 0.03 and length of 0.825 ± 0.16, a stolon length of 2.09 with an average of 1.95 ± 0.08, 9 stolon grains with an average of 8 ± 0.2. However, the grain diameter, as well as the biomass, was 0.85 gr and 0.054 gr with an average of 0.825 ± 0.22 gr and the grain biomass was with an average of 0.040 ± 0.01 and 0.041 gr with the best average stolon was 0.031 ± 0.01 g in the western season. The results showed that C. racemosa, which grows up in different seasons, having its highest productivity during the northern season and the lowest one was during the eastern season with an average value of 0.439 ± 0.36 kg/m2 as well as 0.326 ± 0.37 Kg/m2, respectively

Apomixis and genetic background affect distinct traits in Hieracium pilosella L. grown under competition

BackgroundApomixis, the asexual reproduction through seeds, occurs in over 40 plant families and avoids the hidden cost of sex. Apomictic plants are thought to have an advantage in sparse populations and when colonizing new areas but may have a disadvantage in changing environments because they propagate via fixed genotypes. As a consequence of clonal reproduction, it is very difficult to disentangle the effects of apomictic reproduction from those of genetic background when studying ecological and evolutionary aspects of apomixis.In this study, we separated the influences of different genetic backgrounds (potentially reflecting local adaptation) from those of the mode of reproduction, i.e., sexual vs. apomictic, on nine fitness-related traits in Hieracium pilosella L.. We aimed to test whether apomixis per se may provide a fitness advantage in different competition environments in a common garden setting.ResultsTo separate the effects of genetic background from those of reproductive mode, we generated five families of apomictic and sexual full-siblings by crossing two paternal with four maternal parents. Under competition, apomictic plants showed reproductive assurance (probability of seeding, fertility), while offspring of sexual plants with the same genetic background had a higher germination rate. Sexual plants grew better (biomass) than apomictic plants in the presence of grass as a competitor but apomictic plants spread further vegetatively (maximum stolon length) when their competitors were sexual plants of the same species. Furthermore, genetic background as represented by the five full-sibling families influenced maximum stolon length, the number of seeds, and total fitness. Under competition with grass, genetic background influenced fecundity, the number of seeds, and the germination rate.ConclusionsOur results suggest that both the mode of reproduction as well as the genetic background affect the success of H. pilosella in competitive environments. Total fitness, the most relevant trait for adaptation, was only affected by the genetic background. However, we also show for the first time that apomixis per se has effects on fitness-related traits that are not confounded by - and thus independent of - the genetic background.

Pertumbuhan Widelia (Wedelia trilobata (L) Hitchc) pada Tingkat Naungan Berbeda di Jalur Hijau Kota Yogyakarta

Widelia plant (Wedelia trilobata (L) Hitchc) is a spreading herb from the Asterase family that potentially can be used as a ground cover in the roadside greenery because this plant has a faster growing rate and has aesthetic values in both leaves and flowers. The aim of this study was to observe the microclimate of the roadside greenery and the vegetative growth of widelia at three levels of the tree canopy shades in the collector and local roads of Yogyakarta City. The experiment was carried out using an inter-site design (oversite) consisting of two factors, namely road factors (collector roads and local roads) and levels of shade canopy (full > 50%, moderate 20–50% and no shade 0%). The results of the analysis of variance did not show any significant differences on the microclimate and widelia growth parameters on the collector or local roads. The wind speed, noise, and number of vehicles on the collector road showed the higher number compared to those on the local road. The results of analysis of variance in the three levels of tree canopy shade also showed significant differences in microclimate and widelia growth parameters. The lowest light intensity, air temperature, humidity, soil temperature, soil moisture, stolon length, number of leaves, number of shoots, number of segments, and dry weight plants were found in full shade level (> 50%). All observation variables did not show any significant interaction effect between the two types of roads and the three levels of tree shades. Keywords: canopy shade, microclimate, roadside greenery, widelia (Wedelia trilobata (L) Hitchc), Yogyakarta

Utilization of the light density to reduce the development of Lyngbya sp. and their growth on Caulerpa lentillifera J. Agardh in a recirculating aquature system

The release of pollutants is endangering ecosystems, biodiversity and seafood. Therefore, it is of the requirement to create innovative methods in seafood production. Caulerpa lentillifera J. Agardh is a well-known seaweed for its properties and edible. We cultured C. lentillifera in a recirculating aquaculture system under laboratory conditions. However, after 7 days the culture was invaded by epiphyte algae Lyngbya sp. This experiment was designed to remove those algae by using light density as a treatment. Two irradiances were tested including 20 μmol photons m-2.s-1 (low light density) and 40 μmol photons m-2.s-1 (initial light density). Every week we measured the stolon length, thallus weight, and calculated the specific growth rate. Results showed that after 30 days C. lentillifera under low light density regained their healthy green color and Lyngbya sp. was no longer present. Meanwhile, in the initial light density (40 μmol photons m-2.s-1) Lyngbya sp. covered almost all thalli of C. lentillifera, and half of them were dead. The measured results of specific growth rate (%d-1) and weight (g) of C. lentillifera in low light density conditions were better than those of C. lentillifera in the initial condition. The light density, therefore, might be used as a treatment to remove Lyngbya sp. from Caulerpa lentillifera in aquaculture.

New seriated Amathia species in Japan, with a redescription of A. acervata Lamouroux, 1824 (Bryozoa: Ctenostomata)

The status of seriated Amathia species (Bryozoa: Ctenostomata) in Japan is reviewed. Several historical specimens and materials recently collected from several localities along the Japanese coast are examined in this study. Amathia acervata Lamouroux, 1824, collected from Japan by Wilhelm Gottlieb Tilesius in 1804, was examined and is redescribed from a reconstituted fragment of the sole type specimen. Material previously reported from Wakayama Prefecture is very similar to Amathia acervata, but differs in having fewer autozooid pairs per cluster, which spiral in different directions; the species is described as a new species Amathia brevisilva n. sp. Measurements of colony characters vary according to the effects of fixation, but stolon length, the ratio of autozooid clusters on stolons, spirality and pigmentation are useful characters for the identification of Japanese seriated Amathia. In addition, two new species are described, Amathia reptopinnata n. sp. and Amathia fimbria n. sp. Amathia reptopinnata n. sp. is characterized by its robust form, dark colour, dichotomous branching, long stolons, long autozooidal clusters and pinnately arranged prostrate zooids. Amathia fimbria n. sp. was found only in the Showa Emperor collection, and is characterized by its compact colony form, remarkably short internode length and trichotomous branching.

Variations in Stolon Length and Tuber Roots Among Six Potato Cultivars

This study is tested whether the stolon length and tuber roots show variations and could affect potato yield among the potato cultivars over two cropping seasons. Six potato cultivars from a group of improved and local cultivars were examined. The results of the experiments done during both seasons revealed that the stolon length and tuber roots showed variations within and among cultivars. Also a relationship between the length of the stolon and yield of tubers was found. The strongest correlations involved from the stolon length and the tuber roots with the increase in tuber yield under the improved cultivars, then the local cultivar with the decrease in yield. These correlations were positive: the higher the value of the parameter, the greater the observed increase in yield with improved cultivars. This showed a relationship between stolon length and tuber roots with the increase of yield; this relationship was stronger for roots in improved cultivars than in the local cultivar. Therefore, this study indicates that improved potato cultivars with deep root systems might improve tuber yields in eastern highlands of Ethiopia.

RESPONS PERTUMBUHAN RUMPUT Brachiaria humidicola cv Tully DENGAN PEMBERIAN PUPUK ORGANIK BOKASHI KOTORAN AYAM PETELUR

GROWTH RESPONSE OF Brachiaria humidicola cv Tully grass WITH ORGANIC FERTILIZER BOKASHI LAYING CHICKEN. This study aims to determine the growth response i.e stolon length, number of nodes, number of phytomers, and number of tillers of Brachiaria humidicola cv Tully with bokashi organic laying hens fertilizer. The completely randomized design was applied using four treatments and five replications for each treatment. The treatments were assigned level of bokashi. The levels of bokashi that B0 = 0 tons/ha (control), B1 = 2 tons/ha (1.8 kg/plot), B2 = 4 tons/ha (3.6 kg/plot) and B3 = 6 tons/ha (5.4 kg/plot). The variables measured consisted of stolon length, number of nodes, number of phyitomers, number of tillers. The Results of analysis of variance showed that treatment very significantly different (P <0.01) on stolon length, number of phyitomers, number of tillers and significantly different (P <0.05) on the number of nodes. Test of Honest Significance Difference (HSD) showed that B1 (1.8 kg / plot), B2 (3.6 kg / plot), and B3 (5.4 kg / plot) have higher length of stolone, number of phyitomers and number of tillers than B0. B3 and B2 had higher numbers of nodes than B0. It was concluded that the level 1.8 kg/plot organic fertilizer bokashi chicken laying equivalent to 2 tons/ha gave highest B. humidicola cv Tully growth response. Keywords: growth, B. humidicola cv Tully, bokashi laying Chicken

Pengaruh komposisi media tanam terhadap pertumbuhan rumput gajah mini variegata (Axonopus compressus)

Effect of the composition of planting media on the growth of pearl grass variagated (Axonopus Compresuss). Pearl grass variagated (Axonopus compresuss), is a kind of ornamental grass used as landscape grass or carpet grass. Planting pearl grass variegated at this time, just plowing land, only ultisol. These conditions cause the growth of slow grass, easy soil erosion, then it takes quite a long time to cover the land. Because Ultisol is poor for nutrients and has a solid soil structure, it requires a mixture of organic composition to add nutrients and improve soil structure to loose. Therefore Organic materials used such as sawdust and cow dung manure. The objective of the research is knowing the composition of planting media consists of, Ultisol (PMK), sawdust (SG) and cow‘s manure (KS) on planting of pearl grass variegated. Planting is done on the map with size 0.5 m x 0.5 m. This research used Completely Randomized Design () with 6 treatments, 5 replicates, each replication consist 25 plant and sampling 20%. Treatment for compositions such as m0 (PMK 100%), m1 (PMK 75%: SG 25%), m2 (PMK 75%: PS 25%), m3 (PMK 50%: SG50%), m4 (PMK 50%: PS 50%), m5 (PMK 50%, PS 25%, SG 25%). The research was done for approximately 3 months from mid August to November 2017 in experimental garden Faculty of Agriculture UNTAN. The Research shows that the composition of planting media have significant effect on observation variables, such as number of tillers, stolon length, cover area, root length and dry weight. The result of this research shows, the treatmen of m4(PMK 50% : PS 50%) has higher value among of other treatment.