Agronomic responses of diverse bread wheat genotypes to phosphorus levels and nitrogen forms in a semiarid environment

Increasing wheat production has become an urgent requirement to cope with rapid population growth and abrupt climate change. The management of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) is one of the most important factors for sustaining and increasing wheat production, particularly in semiarid environments. This 2-year field study, which aimed to investigate the effect of P levels (0, 35, and 70 kg P2O5 ha−1) and N forms (urea, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium nitrate) on the yield attributes of three diverse high-yielding commercial wheat cultivars (‘Shandawel-1’, ‘Sids-14’, and ‘Sakha-95’), was carried out at Om-Elzain Village, Zagazig, Egypt. The results indicated that increasing P levels was accompanied by a substantial increase in all evaluated traits, except spike length, and that high P level (70 kg P2O5 ha−1) was superior. Considerable genetic variation was detected among the evaluated cultivars for all studied traits. Cultivar ‘Sakha-95’, followed by ‘Sids-14’, presented the most vigorous growth and enhancements in most yield components, grain yield, and biological yield. Furthermore, ‘Sakha-95’ recorded the highest agronomic P use efficiency, followed by cultivar ‘Sids-14’. N forms did not significantly affect all of the tested traits except plant height, spike number m−2, and 1000-grain weight, during both seasons. Ammonium-containing fertilizer (ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate) resulted in the highest values for these traits when compared with urea. Accordingly, ‘Sakha-95’ and ‘Sids-14’ are recommended for commercial use under high P levels. N forms had a marginally substantial effect on grain yield and its attributes.

The importance of coconut seedling production in guyana

The demand for coconut water and coconut oil is increasing thus there is interest in expanding coconut cultivation. Coconut is primarily planted on approximately 28,500 acres by more than 1,400 farmers along the Guyana coastline with the Atlantic Ocean and in the Pomeroon Riverain area. Tall types (e.g. Jamaica Tall) are planted for oil while Dwarf types (e.g. Malaysian Dwarf Green, Suriname Brown) are planted primarily for water. At least 50% of the Tall type population is more than 50 years old and needs to be replanted to increase productivity. Farmers traditionally collect seedlings growing from dropped nuts at the base of trees without attention to prolificacy. Since a coconut tree productive life is more than 50 years, the economic impact of this practice can be significant. Via training programs, CARDI is encouraging the structured production of coconut seedlings to increase yields. This project aims to enhance the supply of quality seedlings using local seed nuts. Mother palms that display prolific bearing habits, resistance to pest and diseases plus vigorous growth habit were geotagged and recorded in a database. Seed nuts were purchased from farmers who own these trees and subsequently distributed (in batches of 400) to ten selected (age, gender, location) lead farmers to establish coconut seedling nurseries. Each lead farmer was assisted by 10 second ring farmers in the establishment of their nurseries under CARDI supervision. Results to date show that weed control and irrigation were important nursery activities. Some nurseries needed to be fenced to counter damage by animals (cows, sheep, goats). Average germination of seed nuts was approximately 50%. Available seedlings are being distributed to second ring farmers and lead farmers. CARDI will continue the national survey to identify outstanding mother palms. Measures to increase average germination must also be implemented. Local coconut seedling nurseries should therefore be encouraged as their “success” will alleviate the pressure to import seed nuts thus avoiding the attendant risk of introducing exotic diseases (e.g. lethal yellowing disease) into Guyana. Further, given that a coconut palm will live 50 to 70 years, the importance of carefully selecting premium quality coconut seedlings as a bedrock to develop and grow the industry cannot be over emphasized.

Expectations of a Post-Wwii Depression

The forecast of a Post-WWII depression is contrasted against the vigorous growth that actually happened. Economists called for continued control over the economy to prevent the feared depression. But, in spite of the warning, returning soldiers were rapidly demobilized and the economy decontrolled. While economists dismissed indications toward the end of the war of pent-up demand as unsustainable, pent-up demand played an important role in the smooth transition from a wartime to a peacetime economy. Indicators of pent-up demand included buying plans and the accumulation of liquid assets. This study tracks expectations of a post-war depression of the general public, business and economists during this period. It shows that, in 1947, all three groups expected a recession, if not a depression. Yet, no such thing occurred. In the case of the general public, a time series of expectations is extracted from heterogeneous survey data.

Overexpression of PvWOX3a in switchgrass promotes stem development and increases plant height

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is an important perennial, noninvasive, tall ornamental grass that adds color and texture to gardens and landscapes. Moreover, switchgrass has been considered a forage and bioenergy crop because of its vigorous growth, low-input requirements, and broad geography. Here, we identified PvWOX3a from switchgrass, which encodes a WUSCHEL-related homeobox transcription factor. Transgenic overexpression of PvWOX3a in switchgrass increased stem length, internode diameter, and leaf blade length and width, all of which contributed to a 95% average increase in dry weight biomass compared with control plants. Yeast one-hybrid and transient dual-luciferase assays showed that PvWOX3a can repress the expression of gibberellin 2-oxidase and cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase through apparently direct interaction with their promoter sequences. These results suggested that overexpression of PvWOX3a could increase gibberellin and cytokinin levels in transgenic switchgrass plants, which promotes cell division, elongation, and vascular bundle development. We also overexpressed PvWOX3a in a transgenic miR156-overexpressing switchgrass line that characteristically exhibited more tillers, thinner internodes, and narrower leaf blades. Double transgenic switchgrass plants displayed significant increases in internode length and diameter, leaf blade width, and plant height but retained a tiller number comparable to that of plants expressing miR156 alone. Ultimately, the double transgenic switchgrass plants produced 174% more dry-weight biomass and 162% more solubilized sugars on average than control plants. These findings indicated that PvWOX3a is a viable potential genetic target for engineering improved shoot architecture and biomass yield of horticulture, fodder, and biofuel crops.

Chemical Composition of Gmelina arborea: A Review

Gmelina arborea is a fast-growing tree, which grows on different localities and prefers moist fertile valleys with 750–4500 mm rainfall. It does not thrive on ill-drained soils and remains stunted on dry, sandy or poor soils; drought also reduces it to a shrubby form. The tree attains moderate to large heights of up to 30 m, with a girth of 1.2 to 4 m. It has a chlorophyll layer just under the outer bark, which is pale yellow on the outside and white inside.Gmelina arborea wood is pale yellow to cream-coloured or pinkish-buff when fresh, turning yellowish brown on exposure and is soft to moderately hard, light to moderately heavy, lustrous when fresh, usually straight to irregular or rarely wavy grained and medium course textured. Flowering takes place during February to April when the tree is more or less leafless whereas fruiting starts from May onwards up to June. The fruit is up to 2.5 cm long, smooth, dark green, turning yellow when ripe and has a fruity smell. The fruit is edible and has a bitter-sweet taste.4 This tree is commonly planted as a garden and an avenue tree; growing in villages along agricultural land and on village community lands and wastelands. It is light demander, tolerant of excessive drought, but moderately frost hardy. It has good capacity to recover from frost injury. Gamhar trees coppices very well with vigorous growth. Saplings and young plants need protection from deer and cattle. Gmelina arborea grows naturally throughout India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and in southern provinces of China

AGE DYNAMICS OF THE LIVE WEIGHT OF YOUNG YAKS OF THE ALTAI POPULATION

Проведено изучение интенсивности роста молодняка яков алтайской популяции, характеризующегося энергичным ростом. Динамика роста молодняка яков изучена путем определения их живой массы в разные возрастные периоды: при рождении, в возрасте 7, 12, 18 мес. По результатам взвешиваний определен абсолютный прирост, абсолютный среднесуточный прирост живой массы, относительная скорость роста. В период от рождения до 7-месячного возраста, который совпал с летним периодом пастбищного сезона, живая масса бычков увеличилась на 131,4 кг, а телок — на 120,2 кг. Интенсивность роста составила соответственно 625,7 и 572,4 г, что свидетельствует о достаточно хорошей молочности маток. В зимний период (возраст молодняка — от 7 до 12 мес) интенсивность роста резко снизилась: живая масса бычков и телочек составила всего 161,3 и 143,7 кг, со среднесуточными приростами — 94 и 58 г соответственно. С началом вегетации пастбищных растений приросты молодняка по сравнению с зимним периодом резко увеличились. В возрасте от 12 до 18 мес они были равны: 476 г — у бычков и 439 г — у телочек. Общий прирост живой массы бычков за этот период составил 86 кг, у телочек — 79 кг. Полученные данные свидетельствуют о достаточно хорошем развитии молодняка яков алтайской популяции. The growth rate of young yaks of the Altai population, characterized by vigorous growth, was investigated. The growth dynamics of young yaks was studied by determining their live weight at different age periods – at birth and at the age of 7, 12, 18 months. According to the weighing results, the absolute gain, the absolute average daily gain in live weight, and the relative growth rate were determined. In the period from birth to 7 months of age, which coincided with the summer months of the pasture season, the live weight of bull calves increased by 131.4, and heifers — by 120.2 kg, i.e., the growth rate was 625.7 and 572.4 g, respectively, which characterizes a fairly good milk yield of cows. In the winter period (age from 7 to 12 months), the growth rate decreased sharply: the live weight of calves and calves was only 161.3 kg and 143.7 kg, with average daily gains of 94 and 58g, respectively. Subsequently, with the beginning of the growing season of pasture plants, the weight gain of young animals in comparison with the winter period increased sharply. At the age of 12 to 18 months they were equal: 476 g-for steers and 439 g-for heifers. The total increase in live weight of calves during this period was 86 kg, of heifers — 79 kg. The data obtained indicate a fairly good development of young yaks of the Altai population.

The importance of coconut seedling production in Guyana

The demand for coconut water and coconut oil is increasing thus there is interest in expanding coconut cultivation. Coconut is primarily planted on approximately 28,500 acres by more than 1,400 farmers along the Guyana coastline with the Atlantic Ocean and in the Pomeroon Riverain area. Tall types (e.g. Jamaica Tall) are planted for oil while Dwarf types (e.g. Malaysian Dwarf Green, Suriname Brown) are planted primarily for water. At least 50% of the Tall type population is more than 50 years old and needs to be replanted to increase productivity. Farmers traditionally collect seedlings growing from dropped nuts at the base of trees without attention to prolificacy. Since a coconut tree productive life is more than 50 years, the economic impact of this practice can be significant. Via training programs, CARDI is encouraging the structured production of coconut seedlings to increase yields. This project aims to enhance the supply of quality seedlings using local seed nuts. Mother palms that display prolific bearing habits, resistance to pest and diseases plus vigorous growth habit were geotagged and recorded in a database. Seed nuts were purchased from farmers who own these trees and subsequently distributed (in batches of 400) to ten selected (age, gender, location) lead farmers to establish coconut seedling nurseries. Each lead farmer was assisted by 10 second ring farmers in the establishment of their nurseries under CARDI supervision. Results to date show that weed control and irrigation were important nursery activities. Some nurseries needed to be fenced to counter damage by animals (cows, sheep, goats). Average germination of seed nuts was approximately 50%. Available seedlings are being distributed to second ring farmers and lead farmers. CARDI will continue the national survey to identify outstanding mother palms. Measures to increase average germination must also be implemented. Local coconut seedling nurseries should therefore be encouraged as their “success” will alleviate the pressure to import seed nuts thus avoiding the attendant risk of introducing exotic diseases (e.g. lethal yellowing disease) into Guyana. Further, given that a coconut palm will live 50 to 70 years, the importance of carefully selecting premium quality coconut seedlings as a bedrock to develop and grow the industry cannot be over emphasized.

Parthenium hysterophorus, an emergent weedy plant species expands its geographical ranges in Pakistan

Parthenium hysterophorus [commonly known as Carrot grass; native to American tropics; family Asteraceae] is a flowering, short-lived perennial or an annual invasive-weedy plant. In the recent few years, the plant is spread (in epidemic proportions) vigorously, at least, in the two provinces (KP and Punjab) and the twin capital cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi). The weed came in the lame light soon after the monsoon rains and floods of September 2012 and August 2013 that hit larger areas of KP and Punjab provinces of Pakistan. The massive boom in the weed was witnessed in areas under floods of the river Kabul and the Indus Ocean. It is speculated that after initial entry into the flood zones, the seeds then germinated and dispersed into the near and farther areas in the country, including hilly areas. The plant is categorized as a poisonous weed, and a source of skin allergies and itching. It may be a cause of increased reports of asthma, cough, fever, and allergies related to eyes in these areas [1, 2]. Due to its vigorous growth and allelopathic effects, the plant soon dominated over all other weeds and crop plants. Furthermore, it has a tremendous potential to withstand abiotic and biotic stresses. Its vigorous growth has resulted in the loss of local floral biodiversity [3]. Specifically in Islamabad, it has dominated completely the wild cannabis (weeds). However, this year, the cannabis weed seems to overcome gradually the parthenium dominance. The coming years may witness the revival of other plant species suppressed by parthenium. Although the plant seems to be resistant/tolerant to biotic stresses, very few plants were identified with leaf rolling, vein yellowing, stunting and bunchy-top like diseases, indicative of begomovirus infection. PCR amplification and sequencing confirmed a symptomatic parthenium plant positive for the viral infection (unpublished observation; Figure 2). Previously, only a single report is available of parthenium being infected with geminiviruses [4]. Currently, no weedicide is available to eradicate the weedy plant. The only available alternative is to drag the plants out of soil along with their roots before they bear seeds. The presence of the plant everywhere on barren lands, streets, along the drains, hilly terraces, orchards, in lawn grass, and in crop fields makes complete eradication almost impossible (Figure 1a-c). Increased ailment linked with parthenium like – toxicity in the livestock and insect pollinators, skin allergies in humans and reduced agricultural productivity necessitates that the government and non-government stakeholders should take stringent measures to save human health, livestock and agricultural production.

Impact of integrated nutrient management on production potential of mungbean

Mungbean is one of the important grain legume crops in Pakistan due to its vigorous growth even in adverse environment. Mungbean is part of daily cuisine in the country but its production is low mostly due to imbalance fertilization. The study was carried out to find best combination of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) for maximum production under less fertile soils during 2017-2018. In this study, three combinations of NPK (i.e., 30:30:0, 30:60:0 and 30:60:30 kg ha-1 ) were compared with control (without fertilization). Maximum pods per plant (22.43), pod length (9.51 cm), seeds per pod (8.97), 1000 seed weight (44.07 g), seed yield (1163 kg ha-1 ), biological yield (5231 kg ha-1 ) and harvest index (24.63 %) were obtained from 30:60:30 kg NPK ha-1 during 2017 and similar trends were found during 2018. Maximum leaf area duration (212.64, 215.09 days), crop growth rate (3.99, 4.02 g m-2 d -1 ), net assimilation rate (2.46, 2.54 g m-2 d -1 ) and fraction of intercepted radiation (0.89, 0.88 MJ m-2 ) were obtained from mungbean plant under 30:60:30 kg ha-1 NPK application during 2017 and 2018, respectively. These results are suggesting that integrated application of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash is very imperative to attain higher production of mungbean under semi-arid environments. It is concluded from the findings that farmers can harvest maximum final outputs of mungbean by the application of 30:60:30 kg ha-1 NPK, respectively.

Selection and Evaluation of a Thornless and HLB-Tolerant Bud-Sport of Pummelo Citrus With an Emphasis on Molecular Mechanisms

The selection of elite bud-sports is an important breeding approach in horticulture. We discovered and evaluated a thornless pummelo bud-sport (TL) that grew more vigorously and was more tolerant to Huanglongbing (HLB) than the thorny wild type (W). To reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms, we carried out whole-genome sequencing of W, and transcriptome comparisons of W, TL, and partially recovered thorny “mutants” (T). The results showed W, TL, and T varied in gene expression, allelic expression, and alternative splicing. Most genes/pathways with significantly altered expression in TL compared to W remained similarly altered in T. Pathway and gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the expression of multiple pathways, including photosynthesis and cell wall biosynthesis, was altered among the three genotypes. Remarkably, two polar auxin transporter genes, PIN7 and LAX3, were expressed at a significantly lower level in TL than in both W and T, implying alternation of polar auxin transport in TL may be responsible for the vigorous growth and thornless phenotype. Furthermore, 131 and 68 plant defense-related genes were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in TL and T compared with W. These genes may be involved in enhanced salicylic acid (SA) dependent defense and repression of defense inducing callose deposition and programmed cell death. Overall, these results indicated that the phenotype changes of the TL bud-sport were associated with tremendous transcriptome alterations, providing new clues and targets for breeding and gene editing for citrus improvement.