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Morphometry and bromatology of forage cactus under irrigation frequencies in a semi-arid environment
Full text linkThis study evaluated the morphometry and bromatology of the forage cactus cultivar Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw., which was drip-irrigated every 7 and 28 days in a semi-arid environment. The experiment was conducted under field conditions at the National Institute of the Semi-arid Region (INSA), Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, arranged in a 2 x 12 factorial scheme, with two irrigation frequencies (7 and 28 days) and 12 evaluation periods, resulting in 24 treatments distributed across four blocks over 12 months. Regrowth was conducted under a 2 x 5 arrangement, with two irrigation frequencies and five evaluation periods. The morphometric and bromatological characteristics of the forage cactus were evaluated 12 months after planting, and the morphometric characteristics 5 months after regrowth. The data were evaluated using analysis of variance, and the means were compared using Tukey’s test and the t-test at a 5% probability level, in SAS® (2002). The frequency of irrigation of 7 days yielded better morphometric and bromatological responses in the forage cactus. Irrigation at a low frequency and low water volume provides satisfactory forage cactus yields in a semi-arid environment
Improving accelerated aging and electrical conductivity tests to assess popcorn seed vigor
Full text linkLaboratories constantly evaluate seed lot quality under controlled conditions; however, these tests may overestimate actual field values, making vigor tests indispensable. This study fine-tuned the methods for testing electrical conductivity and accelerated aging to determine popcorn seed vigor. Four lots of hybrid AP8203 popcorn seeds underwent testing for the parameters of germination, first germination count, seedling length, emergence, emergence speed index, water content, electrical conductivity (immersion of 50 or 100 seeds in 50, 75, and 100 ml of distilled water for two, four, five, eight, and 24 hours), and accelerated aging (conventional with water, unsaturated NaCl solution, and saturated NaCl solution). The study had a completely randomized design. The accelerated aging test efficiently aged popcorn seeds using a conventional solution for 48 hours and a saturated saline solution for 72 hours. The electrical conductivity test effectively discriminated seed lots into vigor classes when using 50 popcorn seeds in 50 ml of water at 25°C after six hours of imbibition
Remote sensing in the estimation of evapotranspiration of tomato cultivation for industrial processing
Full text linkThis study evaluated the performance of the SAFER and METRIC algorithms to estimate the actual evapotranspiration (ETa) of irrigated tomato crops for industrial processing in the south-central region of Goiás, Brazil. The research was conducted in eight tomato-producing areas using center-pivot irrigation during the 2018 and 2019 harvests. Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS satellite images (temporal resolution of 16 days) helped estimate ETa through the SAFER e METRIC models compared with FAO methods, using the single crop coefficient (Kc) of the FAO-56/Embrapa and the soil water balance (BHS) method based on statistical indices. The analyzed algorithms presented spatiotemporal variations for ETa during the tomato crop cycle for industrial processing. The maximum evapotranspiration estimated by SAFER was 5.20 mm d-1, and by METRIC was 5.00 mm d-1. The algorithms were accurate compared with the standard methods, mainly the FAO using Embrapa’s Kc. The mean squared error was lower than 0.59 mm d-1 for SAFER and lower than 0.73 mm d-1 for METRIC. The ETa estimated by both models in the vegetative and fructification phases was lower than the mean absolute error of 0.24 mm d-1 compared with the standard methods. The SAFER model showed higher agreement with standard practices than the METRIC model, with an index between 0.64 and 0.99. This study demonstrated that algorithms may effectively estimate ETa in tomato crops for industrial processing in the analyzed region
Genetic diversity analysis and simple sequence repeat fingerprint construction of Acer truncatum bunge germplasm from udantara natural reserve, China
Full text linkAcer truncatum Bunge is an ecologically and economically indigenous tree species in China, which is valued for ornamental, medicinal, and ecological contributions. As a major natural population of A. truncatum in China, the Udantara Natural Reserve harbors critical genetic resources for this species. To enhance genetic understanding and support conservation efforts, we analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of 104 A. truncatum germplasm from Udantara using 20 pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. Totally, 137 alleles were amplified, including 58.060 effective alleles. The average number of alleles (Na), effective number of alleles (Ne), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), and Shannon’s information index (I) were 6.850, 2.903, 0.424, 0.591, and 1.182, respectively, and the polymorphism information content (PIC) of the markers ranged between 0.293–0.839, with an average of 0.548, indicating moderate-to-high informativeness. The structure analysis partitioned the germplasm into two distinct genetic groups (28 and 76 individuals, respectively). Additionally, five SSR primers were identified as sufficient for generating unique genetic fingerprints for all 104 germplasm. Based on these findings, we propose a dual conservation strategy that integrates in situ protection of natural habitats within Udantara and ex situ preservation through a nationwide germplasm repository. Further recommendations include expanding the genetic representation by collecting germplasm across China and developing novel variants via hybridization and selective introduction. This study provides foundational genetic insights and actionable strategies to safeguard the biodiversity of A. truncatum, ensuring its ecological resilience and sustainable utilization in China
Effect of Urochloa brizantha density on competition with Myracrodruon urundeuva
Full text linkCultivating Myracrodruon urundeuva seedlings in forest restoration or intercropped areas is significantly challenging due to the competition with weeds, especially forage grasses. This study evaluated the influence of Urochloa brizantha density on the initial growth, physiological response, and macronutrient utilization of M. urundeuva seedlings. The experiment used randomized blocks with six replications. It included different densities of the U. brizantha competitor, where 0 (control), 14, 28, and 42 individuals/m² corresponded to 0, 1, 2, and 3 competitor plants per pot, respectively. U. brizantha competition reduced the photosynthetic rate (> 35%), water use efficiency (> 23%), and shoot dry mass (> 24%) of M. urundeuva compared to the controls. U. brizantha also affected M. urundeuva’s P and K absorption more than other macronutrients. Regardless of competitor density, the coexistence of U. brizantha influences the photosynthesis, water use, and macronutrient absorption, especially P and K, by M. urundeuva, providing lower biomass of the tree species. The U. brizantha competitor, grown at low densities, stimulated root growth, height gain, and the accumulation of N, S, and Mg in the shoot, as well as all macronutrients in M. urundeuva roots
Investigating microarchitectural characteristics of woven bone exposed to ionizing radiation: comparative analysis of two segmentation methods and their impact on trabecular measurements in an animal study
Full text linkThe study aimed to evaluate bone formation in surgical defects exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) and to compare two image segmentation methods: manual and standardized delimitation of the region-of-interest (ROI). Bone defects were created in the tibias of Wistar rats using a 2.3 mm trephine. After seven days, the animals were exposed to IR (30 Gy single dose). Two weeks later, the animals were euthanized, and their tibias were scanned using X-ray microtomography. ROI definition was performed by a single operator using two methods: (a) interactive segmentation, where the woven bone was manually outlined within the bone defect region, and (b) a standardized, predefined rectangular ROI. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), trabecular number (Tb.N), bone surface (BS/BV), and fractal dimension (FD) were assessed for both segmentation methods. Significant differences were observed for BV/TV (p<0.001), Tb.N (p<0.001), and Tb.Sp (p<0.001), but not for Tb.Th (p=0.71), BS/BV (p=0.79), and FD (p=0.35). The manual method was approximately 3.5 times more time-consuming than the predefined ROI method (446.2±49.5 vs 131.2±38.8 s, p<0.001). None of the evaluated parameters showed significant differences when the IR was considered. Within the limitations of this study, the finding indicate that IR does not interfere with the bone repair process when delivered post-surgery. While manual segmentation is more time consuming, it retrieves greater bone volume and reveals differences in trabecular structure, showing more trabeculae number and less trabeculae separation in irradiated bone
Laypersons and dentists\u27 perception of smile esthetics in spacing between maxillary central and lateral incisors teeth: a cross-sectional study
Full text linkA smile is an important component of facial attractiveness. However, perceptions of gaps between adjacent teeth, known as diastema, may vary among different individuals and regions depending on cultural or other factors. This study aimed to evaluate perceptions of midline diastema and lateral diastema among individuals of different ages, genders, education levels, and occupations. A cross-sectional study based on a survey with manipulated pictures was conducted at the Department of Prosthodontics, Islamic International Dental Hospital and College, Islamabad, Pakistan, from 1 March to 31 May 2020. The surveyed population included dentists and laypeople and comprised 198 (44.4%) men and 248 (55.6%) women with a mean age of 30.52±13.46 years. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, USA) for Microsoft Windows. The statistical hypothesis test and chi-square test were used to validate significant differences (p≤0.05). Of the 446 participants who completed the survey, 384 (86.09%) preferred a midline diastema of 0mm, and 320 (71.74%) preferred a lateral diastema of 0mm. Approximately 71.71% of the male and 83.6% of the female participants preferred a maxillary midline diastema of 0mm. A significantly (P≤0.05) greater percentage of dentists (91.12%) than laypeople (70.40%) rated a midline diastema of 0mm as most attractive. The negative perceptions of midline and lateral diastema appear to be related to their location and width. The participants rated a diastema of 0mm more attractive than a diastema of 1.5mm or 2mm
Morphological characterization and genetic diversity based on the melon root system
Full text linkStudies on plant root system architecture may yield valuable data for genetic improvement programs for developing cultivars that acquire water and nutrients more efficiently. This study used morphological descriptors to characterize the root system and evaluate genetic diversity among 30 melon accessions. A completely randomized experiment was conducted with 30 treatments and 5 replications. The plot consisted of one seedling. After seed germination, five seedlings were fixed in a dried growth medium for 12 days. Then, they were scanned and measured for primary root length and primary root neck diameter. Root hairs were visually evaluated. Finally, basal root angles were measured. The accessions diverged genetically regarding the root system morphological characteristics. The primary root neck diameter contributed the most to the dissimilarity between the accessions (43.06%). The A-50 accession stood out for the highest mean for morphological characteristics. It may represent a reference in genetic improvement programs to develop cultivars that acquire water and nutrients more efficiently
Pyroxasulfone e pyroxasulfone mais flumioxazin: eficiência de controle de plantas daninhas e seletividade para a cultura do alho
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and selectivity of pyroxasulfone and pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin at garlic cv. Ito pre-emergence. The experiment was conducted in two commercial areas in Curitibanos/SC during 2021 and 2022, using a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments consisted of the pre-emergence application of: pyroxasulfone at rates of 75, 100, and 125 g ha-1; pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin at rates of 60 + 40, 90 + 60, and 120 + 80 g ha-1; oxyfluorfen + flumioxazin (180 + 25 g ha-1); pendimethalin + flumioxazin (1820 or 1600 + 25 g ha-1); and pendimethalin alone (1820 or 1600 g ha-1). In addition, we included an untreated and a weed-free control. This study evaluated weed density, dry mass, phytotoxicity, and bulb yields. In 2021, no weeds were reported in the cultivation area, thus only herbicide selectivity for garlic was evaluated, with all the treatments being selective without reducing the yield of garlic. In 2022, ryegrass and wild radish were predominant weeds in the crop, but the treatments caused a greater reduction in the number of ryegrass plants compared to wild radish. The plots with a higher number of wild radish plants showed a greater accumulation of dry mass due to their rapid development and large size. The most effective herbicides against these species were pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin at doses 60 + 40 and 120 + 80 g ha-1, and oxyfluorfen + flumioxazin, while also giving a high total and commercial yield. Therefore, pyroxasulfone and pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin are selective treatments at garlic cv. Ito pre-emergence.O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência e seletividade do piroxassulfone e piroxassulfone + flumioxazin na pré-emergência do alho cv. Ito. O experimento foi conduzido em duas áreas comerciais em Curitibanos/SC, nos anos de 2021 e 2022, utilizando um delineamento em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram na aplicação em pré-emergência de: pyroxasulfone nas doses de 75, 100 e 125 g ha-1, pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin nas doses de 60 + 40; 90 + 60 e 120 + 80 g ha-1, oxyfluorfen + flumioxazin (180 + 25 g ha-1), pendimetalina + flumioxazin (1820 ou 1600 + 25 g ha-1), e pendimetalin (1820 ou 1600 g ha-1). Além do controle e do teste livre de ervas daninhas. A densidade de ervas daninhas, a massa seca, a fitotoxicidade e os rendimentos dos bulbos foram avaliados. Em 2021, nenhuma planta daninha foi relatada na área de cultivo, portanto, apenas a seletividade do herbicida para o alho foi avaliada, com todos os tratamentos sendo seletivos sem reduções na produtividade do alho. Em 2022, o azevém e o rabanete-bravo foram predominantes na cultura, onde os tratamentos demonstraram maior redução no número de plantas de azevém. As parcelas com maior número de plantas de rabanete-bravo mostraram maior acúmulo de massa seca devido ao seu rápido desenvolvimento e grande tamanho. Os herbicidas mais eficazes contra essas espécies foram pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin nas doses de 60 + 40 e 120 + 80 g ha-1, e oxyfluorfen + flumioxazin, e também se destacaram em termos de rendimento total e comercial. Pyroxasulfone e pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin são seletivas na pré-emergência para alho cv. Ito
Influence of planting region and soil chemical properties on medicinal compound contents in Cistanche tubulosa
Full text linkCistanche tubulosa is a valuable herbal remedy in China. In this study, we aimed to identify and analyze how bioactive compounds are affected by planting region and soil properties. Plant and soil samples in desert and alkaline-saline environments were collected, and measurements were obtained for (i) dry weight and medicinal compounds of plant samples and (ii) soil salinity and pH of soil samples. The effect of soil salinity on the medicinal compounds revealed that the dry weight per plant of C. tubulosa was relatively high in low salinity soil. However, under high salinity conditions, echinacoside and verbascoside contents increased. No visible effects of individual soil pH were found on dry weight and echinacoside, verbascoside, and mannitol contents. Regarding the interaction between soil salinity and pH, only mannitol content showed a significant difference. The mannitol content was unaffected by pH in the presence of slight salinity conditions; meanwhile, in severe salinity conditions, high pH dramatically lowered the mannitol content. In loam with saline soil, a lower dry weight per plant was observed but the planting density was higher. The good water and fertilizer retention abilities of loam can lead to a higher yield per unit area. To improve yield and quality simultaneously in the introduction regions, the crucial points for cultivation techniques of C. tubulosa in seashore saline land include a high seed dosage of C. tubulosa and moderate soil salinity