35,371 research outputs found
Insights into the Musa genome: Syntenic relationships to rice and between Musa species
No full textAbstract Background Musa species (Zingiberaceae, Zingiberales) including bananas and plantains are collectively the fourth most important crop in developing countries. Knowledge concerning Musa genome structure and the origin of distinct cultivars has greatly increased over the last few years. Until now, however, no large-scale analyses of Musa genomic sequence have been conducted. This study compares genomic sequence in two Musa species with orthologous regions in the rice genome. Results We produced 1.4 Mb of Musa sequence from 13 BAC clones, annotated and analyzed them along with 4 previously sequenced BACs. The 443 predicted genes revealed that Zingiberales genes share GC content and distribution characteristics with eudicot and Poaceae genomes. Comparison with rice revealed microsynteny regions that have persisted since the divergence of the Commelinid orders Poales and Zingiberales at least 117 Mya. The previously hypothesized large-scale duplication event in the common ancestor of major cereal lineages within the Poaceae was verified. The divergence time distributions for Musa-Zingiber (Zingiberaceae, Zingiberales) orthologs and paralogs provide strong evidence for a large-scale duplication event in the Musa lineage after its divergence from the Zingiberaceae approximately 61 Mya. Comparisons of genomic regions from M. acuminata and M. balbisiana revealed highly conserved genome structure, and indicated that these genomes diverged circa 4.6 Mya. Conclusion These results point to the utility of comparative analyses between distantly-related monocot species such as rice and Musa for improving our understanding of monocot genome evolution. Sequencing the genome of M. acuminata would provide a strong foundation for comparative genomics in the monocots. In addition a genome sequence would aid genomic and genetic analyses of cultivated Musa polyploid genotypes in research aimed at localizing and cloning genes controlling important agronomic traits for breeding purposes.</p
Analysis of non-TIR NBS-LRR resistance gene analogs in <it>Musa acuminata </it>Colla: Isolation, RFLP marker development, and physical mapping
No full textAbstract Background Many commercial banana varieties lack sources of resistance to pests and diseases, as a consequence of sterility and narrow genetic background. Fertile wild relatives, by contrast, possess greater variability and represent potential sources of disease resistance genes (R-genes). The largest known family of plant R-genes encode proteins with nucleotide-binding site (NBS) and C-terminal leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains. Conserved motifs in such genes in diverse plant species offer a means for isolation of candidate genes in banana which may be involved in plant defence. Results A computational strategy was developed for unbiased conserved motif discovery in NBS and LRR domains in R-genes and homologues in monocotyledonous plant species. Degenerate PCR primers targeting conserved motifs were tested on the wild cultivar Musa acuminata subsp. burmannicoides, var. Calcutta 4, which is resistant to a number of fungal pathogens and nematodes. One hundred and seventy four resistance gene analogs (RGAs) were amplified and assembled into 52 contiguous sequences. Motifs present were typical of the non-TIR NBS-LRR RGA subfamily. A phylogenetic analysis of deduced amino-acid sequences for 33 RGAs with contiguous open reading frames (ORFs), together with RGAs from Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, grouped most Musa RGAs within monocotyledon-specific clades. RFLP-RGA markers were developed, with 12 displaying distinct polymorphisms in parentals and F1 progeny of a diploid M. acuminata mapping population. Eighty eight BAC clones were identified in M. acuminata Calcutta 4, M. acuminata Grande Naine, and M. balbisiana Pisang Klutuk Wulung BAC libraries when hybridized to two RGA probes. Multiple copy RGAs were common within BAC clones, potentially representing variation reservoirs for evolution of new R-gene specificities. Conclusion This is the first large scale analysis of NBS-LRR RGAs in M. acuminata Calcutta 4. Contig sequences were deposited in GenBank and assigned numbers ER935972 – ER936023. RGA sequences and isolated BACs are a valuable resource for R-gene discovery, and in future applications will provide insight into the organization and evolution of NBS-LRR R-genes in the Musa A and B genome. The developed RFLP-RGA markers are applicable for genetic map development and marker assisted selection for defined traits such as pest and disease resistance.</p
Improving plantain ( Musa spp. AAB) yields on smallholder farms in West and Central Africa
No full textPlantain is an important staple in West and Central Africa, where it is predominantly grown by smallholder farmers. On-farm data are rare but yields are considered to be low. We collated actual yields in the region, reviewed regional plantain research published from 1976 to 2013, then estimated what yields would be attainable on smallholder farms if the proven, best-fit innovations were adopted. Mean actual yields reported ranged from 2.9 to 8.9 Mg ha−1 with a mean of 5.7 Mg ha−1 for False horn plantain and 4.5 to 10.2 Mg ha−1 with a mean of 7.8 Mg ha−1 for French plantain. Experiments found dealt with: cultural practices, particularly intercropping; abiotic factors such as fertiliser, mulch application and irrigation; biotic factors, predominantly sucker sanitation methods, but including three controlled yield loss studies on nematodes and black sigatoka; landrace comparisons and the introduction of improved cultivars, predominantly those exhibiting black sigatoka-tolerance. We conclude that intercropping should be retained according to farmer preference as there was no evidence of yield reductions for plantain. Boiling water treatment of suckers should be universally recommended. Inputs, whether mulch or K fertiliser up to 300 kg ha−1 should be applied as both reduced plant losses and increased bunch mass. With the highest yielding local landrace type, on-farm yields could be increased from 7.8 Mg ha−1 to 35.5 Mg ha−1 with purchased inputs or to 23.7 Mg ha−1 without purchased inputs
I Think I Am Philip K. Dick
No full textFor years, noted writer Laurence A. Rickels often found himself compared to novelist Philip K. Dickthough in fact Rickels had never read any of the science fiction writers work. When he finally read his first Philip K. Dick novel, while researching for his recent book The Devil Notebooks , it prompted a prolonged immersion in Dicks writing as well as a recognition of Rickelss own long-documented intellectual pursuits. The result of this engagement is I Think I Am: Philip K. Dick , a profound thought experiment that charts the wide relevance of the pulp sci-fi author and paranoid visionary. I Think I Am: Philip K. Dick explores the science fiction authors meditations on psychic reality and psychosis, Christian mysticism, Eastern religion, and modern spiritualism. Covering all of Dicks science fiction, Rickels corrects the lack of scholarly interest in the legendary Californian author and, ultimately, makes a compelling case for the philosophical and psychoanalytic significance of Philip K. Dicks popular and influential science fiction.Intro -- Contents -- Introjection -- Part I -- Endopsychic Allegories -- Schreber Guardian -- Belief System Surveillance -- Part II -- Deeper Problems -- Veil of Tears -- Go West -- Dick Manfred -- Timing -- Glimmung -- Part III -- Spiritualism Analogy -- Imitating the Dead -- Indexical Layer -- Ilse -- Hammers and Things -- Crucifictions -- Over There -- Martyrology -- Can't Live, Can't Live -- Lola -- Umwelt, Mitwelt, and Eigenwelt -- Outer Race -- The German Introject -- Part IV -- Materialism, Idealism, and Cybernetics -- Startling Stories -- A Couple of Years -- Android Empathy -- Homunculus and Robot -- ALL OF YOU ARE DEAD. I AM ALIVE. -- Go with the Flow -- Part V -- Room for Thought -- Caduceus -- Jump -- Still -- A Wake -- Spätwerk -- Let the Dead Be -- Play Bally -- Das Hund -- Notes -- BibliographyFor years, noted writer Laurence A. Rickels often found himself compared to novelist Philip K. Dickthough in fact Rickels had never read any of the science fiction writers work. When he finally read his first Philip K. Dick novel, while researching for his recent book The Devil Notebooks , it prompted a prolonged immersion in Dicks writing as well as a recognition of Rickelss own long-documented intellectual pursuits. The result of this engagement is I Think I Am: Philip K. Dick , a profound thought experiment that charts the wide relevance of the pulp sci-fi author and paranoid visionary. I Think I Am: Philip K. Dick explores the science fiction authors meditations on psychic reality and psychosis, Christian mysticism, Eastern religion, and modern spiritualism. Covering all of Dicks science fiction, Rickels corrects the lack of scholarly interest in the legendary Californian author and, ultimately, makes a compelling case for the philosophical and psychoanalytic significance of Philip K. Dicks popular and influential science fiction.Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Michigan : ProQuest Ebook Central, YYYY. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ProQuest Ebook Central affiliated libraries
Understanding growth of East Africa highland banana: experiments and simulation
No full textKey words: leaf area; radiation interception; QUEFTS model; fertilizer recovery fractions; nutrient mass fractions; crop growth; calibration; validation; radiation use efficiency; sensitivity analysis East Africa Highland banana yields on smallholder farms in the Great Lakes region are small (11−26 Mg ha−1 cycle−1 in Uganda, 21−43 Mg ha−1 cycle−1 in Burundi and 25−53 Mg ha−1 cycle−1 in Rwanda). The major causes of poor yields are declining soil fertility and soil moisture stress. In order to improve production, knowledge on highland banana physiology, growth patterns and response to fertilization is important, to establish the potential yield of the crop, to quantify the yield gaps between potential and actual yield, and to explore options for closing the yield gaps. Measurements of plant morphological characteristics, radiation interception and biomass (by destructive harvesting) were taken in experimental fields in central and southwest Uganda. Results showed that total leaf area can be estimated by using height and girth (used to estimate middle leaf area) and number of functional leaves. The light extinction coefficient, k determined from photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) measurements over the entire day was 0.7. Banana plants partitioned more dry matter (DM) to the leaves during first phase of vegetative growth, with the pseudostem becoming the dominant sink later with 58% of total DM at flowering, and the bunch at harvest with 53% of the total DM. Changes in dry matter partitioning influenced the allometric relationships between above-ground biomass (AGB in kg DM) and girth (cm), the relationship following a power function during the vegetative phase (AGB = 0.0001 (girth)2.35), and exponential functions at flowering (AGB = 0.325 e0.036 (girth)) and at harvest (AGB = 0.069 e0.068 (girth)). This thesis shows that allometric relationships can be derived and used to estimate biomass and bunch weights. In fertilizer trials, yield increases above the control (13.0 Mg ha−1 yr−1) ranged from 2.2−11.2 Mg ha−1 yr−1 at Kawanda, to more than double at Ntungamo, 7.0−29.5 Mg ha−1 yr−1 (control 7.9 Mg ha−1 yr−1). The limiting nutrients at both sites were in the order K>P>N. Differences in soil moisture availability and texture resulted in higher yields and total nutrient uptakes (K>N>P) at Ntungamo, compared with Kawanda. Per unit dry matter yield, highland bananas take up a similar amount of N (49.2 kg finger DM kg−1 N), half the amount of P (587 kg finger DM kg−1 P), and five times the amount of K (10.8 kg finger DM kg−1 K), when compared with cereal grain. Calibration results of the static nutrient response model QUEFTS using data from Ntungamo were fair (R2 = 0.57, RMSE = 648 kg ha−1). The calibrated QUEFTS model predicted yields well using data from Mbarara southwest Uganda (R2 = 0.68, RMSE = 562 kg ha−1). A new dynamic radiation and temperature-driven growth model, LINTUL BANANA 1 was developed to the compute potential yields of East Africa highland banana. The model considers (i) the physiology of the highland banana crop; (ii) the plant dynamics (i.e. three plant generations, Plant 1, 2 and 3 at different stages of growth constituting a mat); and (iii) three canopy levels formed by the leaves of the three plants. Average computed potential bunch dry and fresh matter were slightly higher at Ntungamo (20 Mg ha−1 DW; 111 Mg ha−1 FW), compared with Kawanda (18.25 Mg ha−1 DW; 100 Mg ha−1 FW), and values compared well with banana yields under optimal situations at comparable leaf area index values (20.3 Mg ha−1 DW; 113 Mg ha−1 FW). Sensitivity analysis was done to assess the effects of changes in parameters (light use efficiency, LUE; the light extinction coefficient, k; specific leaf area, SLA; the relative death rate of leaves, rd; relative growth rate of leaf area, RGRL; and the initial dry matter values) on bunch dry matter, leaf dry matter and leaf area index (L) at flowering. Sensitivity results for Kawanda and Ntungamo showed that changes in LUE1 resulted in more than proportional increase in bunch DM (1.30 and 1.36), a higher leaf DM (0.60 and 0.67) and L at flowering (0.60 and 0.67). Changes in rd1 values reduced bunch dry matter, leaf dry matter and L at flowering. Changes in SLA1 reduced only leaf DM, whereas both leaf DM and L at flowering were reduced by changes in k1 at both sites. Initial dry matter values had a small effect (sensitivity <br/
Avangardizam – ekspresionizam i Ivanišinova šifra k
No full textU članku se govori o avangardnom pokretu i u njegovu okviru o fenomenu hrvatskog književnog ekspresionizma. U proučavanju tog ekspresionističkog stila važan je istraživačko-znanstveni prinos profesora Ivanišina osobito na relaciji tradicija – eksperiment – avangarda kao i domišljatu postavljanju i rješavanju šifre K pjesnika. </jats:p
Taxa de multiplicação de mudas micropropagadas de bananeira cv. Grande Naine e cv. Prata Catarina influenciada pela fase de estabelecimento de cultura
No full textDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Genéticos Vegetais, Florianópolis, 2015.A bananeira é a segunda fruteira mais cultivada do mundo, sendo o Brasil o quinto no ranking, com 6,8% da produção mundial de banana. No ano de 2014, a estimativa da área de produção brasileira foi de 490,1 mil hectares, produção de 7,18 milhões de toneladas de frutas (EPAGRI/CEPA, 2014). Nas últimas décadas, a produção se expandiu na maioria dos países produtores; passou de 35 milhões para 102 milhões de toneladas entre as safras 1978 e de 2012, parte deste aumento de produção se deve ao avanço tecnológico, principalmente devido disponibilidade de material genético diversificado e de mudas com valor agregado, principalmente qualidade fitossanitária obtida através de técnicas biotecnológicas. Apesar das biofábricas terem protocolos de micropropagação bem sucedidos, os mesmos não são suficientes para atenderem a demanda com qualidade e quantidade de mudas. Nos últimos anos os sistemas de propagação, em larga escala, não atingiu o número de mudas desejadas, mesmo com a utilização de biorreatores de imersão temporária, o qual tem sido associado ao aumento dos riscos de surgimento de variantes somaclonais. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo mostrar o comportamento das culturas in vitro de Musa acuminata (AAA) cv. Grande Naine e de Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana (AAB) cv. Prata Catarina, submetidas a alterações no protocolo de micropropagação, comumente utilizado em biofábricas, visando obter maior taxa de multiplicação. Utilizando-se de material vegetal proveniente da coleção da EPAGRI/EEI, o trabalho foi dividido em duas etapas: fase de estabelecimento de cultura e fase de multiplicação. Na fase de estabelecimento, utilizou-se como meio base a formulação MS, acrescida de 1 mg.L-1 de BAP e 1 mg.L-1 de ANA, tendo como variáveis nos tratamentos propostos: aumento do tempo de cultivo in vitro; alterações de concentração de sais e adição de diferentes fitormônios. Para a fase de multiplicação utilizou-se as culturas provenientes da fase de estabelecimento, em cinco subcultivos de 30 dias, utilizando a formulação do meio MS e tendo como variáveis: alteração no estado físico (sólido/liquido), adição de BAP e adição de BAP/ANA. O meio MS, acrescido de 2,5 mg.L-1 de BAP promoveu a maior taxa de multiplicação, em ambas as cultivares estudadas. As melhores taxas de multiplicação quando consideradas fases de estabelecimento e multiplicação, para cultivar Grande Naine, foram obtidas em meio MS, acrescido de 1 mg.L-1 de BAP e 1 mg.L-1 de ANA por 90 dias em estabelecimento de cultura, utilizando na sequencia meio MS com 2,5 mg.L-1 de BAP para multiplicação em 5 subcultivos de 30dias consecutivos, alcançando taxas de multiplicação de 356 brotos por explante inicial, superior em 5 vezes ao obtido no tratamento similar ao praticado em biofábricas. Quanto a cultivar Prata Catarina o desempenho obtido não foi superior ao alcançado em biofábricas e os tratamentos não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas significativas. Foi utilizado meio MS com 50% dos sais da formulação para prover crescimento e enraizamento. Na fase de aclimatização, o método utilizado foi eficiente gerando número total de mudas para as cultivares Grande Naine e Prata Catarina de 8.995 e 3.911, respectivamente. O estudo indicou que alterações na fase de estabelecimento de cultura resultam em aumento da taxa de multiplicação para o cv. Grande Naine, enquanto que para o cv. Prata Catarina não apresenta efeito significativo.Abstract : The Banana is the second most cultivated fruit tree in the world, and Brazil is the fifth in the ranking, with 6.8% of the world production. In the year 2014, the estimate of Brazilian production area was 490,100 hectares, producing 7.18 million tons of fruit (EPAGRI/CEPA, 2014). In the last decades, production has expanded in most producing countries, from 35 million tons in 1978 to 102 million tons in 2012, part of this increase in production is due to technological advances related to the availability of more genetically diverse germplasm and of seedlings with higher sanitary quality obtained through biotechnological techniques. Despite successful micropropagation protocols adopted by biofactories , they are not sufficient to meet the demand with quality and quantity of seedlings. In recent years propagation systems on a large scale has not reached the desired number of plants, even with the use of temporary immersion bioreactor, which has been associated with increased risks of onset of somaclonal variants. This study aimed to show the behavior of in vitro cultures of Musa acuminata (AAA) cv. Grande Naine and of Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana (AAB) cv. Prata Catarina when changes in the micropropagation protocol were made compared to the traditional protocols, for an increase in the micropropagarion rate. The work was divided in two phases, namely culture establishment and culture multiplication. The explants used came from a field collection established at Epagri/Itajaí Research Station. In the phase of establishment of culture, MS base medium plus 1 mg.L-1 BAP and 1 mg.L-1 NAA was used, and there was an increase in the in vitro culture time, as well as changes in the salt concentration and in the phytohormones used. For the multiplication phase, materials generated from five subcultures of 30 days each were used, and changes in the physical state (solid/liquid) and in the concentration of cytokinin (BAP) and cytokinin/auxin (NAA). The treatment that consisted of MS medium plus 2.5 mg.L-1 BAP promotedthe highest multiplication rate in both cultivars. For the cultivar Grande Naine, the highest multiplication rates for both the establishment and the multiplication phases were obtained when MS medium plus 1 mg.L-1 de BAP and 1 mg.L-1 de NAA for 90 establishing days in culture was used, followed by multiplication in MS medium with 2.5 mg.L-1 BAP in five subcultures of 30 days each; the multiplication rates obtained were 356 shoots per initial explant, five times higher than that obtained in a similar treatment adopted by biofactories. However, for the cultivar Prata Catarina, the performance of the treatments was not statistically different from the performance of the traditional protocols adopted by biofactories. Half-strength MS medium was used to promote growth and root development. The method adopted in the acclimatization stage was efficient, generating 8,995 and 3,911 plants for the cultivars Grande Naine and Prata Catarina, respectively. The study indicated that change in culture establishment phase result in increased multiplication rate for the cv. Grand Naine, while for cv. Prata Catarina has no significant effect
An Overview on the Healing Potentials of Musa sapientm (Banana) in the Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease
No full textGastric ulcer is a localized area of erosion in the stomach lining, resulting in abdominal pain, possible bleeding, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common cause of gastric ulcer is Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a stomach infection associated with the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. The management of peptic ulcer disease and its complications remain a surgical challenge. Therefore, the evolution of newly discovered antiulcer drugs from medicinal plants is an attractive area because several chemicals with anti-ulcer effects have been found in these plants, and they have shown a promising potential in the treatment of the disease. Musa sapientum (Family: Musaceae), known as banana, is a familiar tropical fruit, a treelike perennial herb that grows 5-9 m in height, with a tuberous rhizome, hard, long pseudo-stem. The inflorescence is big with a reddish-brown bract, and it is eaten as vegetables, and the ripe fruits are sweet. Some studies reported that pectin and phosphatidylcholine in green banana strengthen the mucous-phospholipid layer that protects the gastric mucosa. Other studies highlight that leucocyanidin, a natural flavonoid from the unripe banana (Musa sapientum) pulp, protects the gastric mucosa from erosions. The present study aims at reviewing the relevant studies on bioactive compounds in Musa sapientum with their healing potentials in gastric ulcer diseases
Structural analysis of catalase from two Musa accessions, FHIA18 and Williams, and from Ravenala madagascariensis
No full textPoetic Formula “I see” in K. N. Batyushkov’s Work: Creative Assimila-tion of the Derzhavin Tradition
No full textThe author analyses the visual metaphors of K. N. Batyushkov’s poetry, in which he acts as the creative heir to the artistic style of G. R. Derzhavin. The urgency of the problem is connected with the need to clarify the features of the creative method of K. N. Batyushkov in the aspect of his assimilation of the Derzhavin tradition. The novelty of the research is connected with the expansion of ideas about the poetics of the visual in Russian poetry of the early 19th century, in particular, in the work of K. N. Batyushkov. It is proved that K. N. Batyushkov represents vision as a process of cognition of the world. The mechanisms of K. N. Batyushkov’s transformation of visually perceived world in an artistic image are considered, the artistic thinking of the poet is reconstructed. It is revealed that the model of creating a visual verbal image in K. N. Batyushkov’s work is based on the poetic formula “I see.” It is shown that K. N. Batyushkov emphasizes the position of the observer, reflecting at the same time on the diversity and greatness of God’s world, on the cause-and-effect relationship of reality phenomena. It is established that a special place is given to the representation of historical events in the work of the poet: through the poetic formula “I see” K. N. Batyushkov places himself inside the picture, which corresponds to the emerging aesthetics of romanticism with its cult of personal perception of reality
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