Forest yield prediction under different climate change scenarios using data intelligent models in Pakistan / Previsão de produção florestal em diferentes cenários de mudanças climáticas usando modelos inteligentes de dados no Paquistão

Abstract This study aimed to develop and evaluate data driven models for prediction of forest yield under different climate change scenarios in the Gallies forest division of district Abbottabad, Pakistan. The Random Forest (RF) and Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) models were developed and evaluated using yield data of two species (Blue pine and Silver fir) as an objective variable and climate data (temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed) as predictive variables. Prediction accuracy of both the models were assessed by means of root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), correlation coefficient (r), relative root mean squared error (RRMSE), Legates-McCabe's (LM), Willmott's index (WI) and Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE) metrics. Overall, the RF model outperformed the KRR model due to its higher accuracy in forecasting of forest yield. The study strongly recommends that RF model should be applied in other regions of the country for prediction of forest growth and yield, which may help in the management and future planning of forest productivity in Pakistan.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar modelos baseados em dados para previsão da produção florestal em diferentes cenários de mudanças climáticas na divisão florestal Gallies do distrito de Abbottabad, Paquistão. Os modelos Random Forest (RF) e Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) foram desenvolvidos e avaliados usando dados de produção de duas espécies (pinheiro-azul e abeto-prateado) como uma variável objetiva e dados climáticos (temperatura, umidade, precipitação e velocidade do vento) como preditivos variáveis. A precisão da previsão de ambos os modelos foi avaliada por meio de erro quadrático médio (RMSE), erro absoluto médio (MAE), coeficiente de correlação (r), erro quadrático médio relativo (RRMSE), Legates-McCabe's (LM), índice de Willmott (WI) e métricas Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE). No geral, o modelo RF superou o modelo KRR devido à sua maior precisão na previsão do rendimento florestal. O estudo recomenda fortemente que o modelo RF seja aplicado em outras regiões do país para previsão do crescimento e produtividade florestal, o que pode ajudar no manejo e planejamento futuro da produtividade florestal no Paquistão.

Increased yield performance of mutation induced Soybean genotypes at varied agro-ecological conditions / Aumento no desempenho de rendimento de genótipos de soja induzidos por mutação em condições agroecológicas variadas

Abstract In soybean breeding program, continuous selection pressure on traits response to yield created a genetic bottleneck for improvements of soybean through hybridization breeding technique. Therefore an initiative was taken to developed high yielding soybean variety applying mutation breeding techniques at Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Bangladesh. Locally available popular cultivar BARI Soybean-5 was used as a parent material and subjected to five different doses of Gamma ray using Co60. In respect to seed yield and yield attributing characters, twelve true breed mutants were selected from M4 generation. High values of heritability and genetic advance with high genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) for plant height, branch number and pod number were considered as favorable attributes for soybean improvement that ensure expected yield. The mutant SBM-18 obtained from 250Gy provided stable yield performance at diversified environments. It provided maximum seed yield of 3056 kg ha-1 with highest number of pods plant-1 (56). The National Seed Board of Bangladesh (NSB) eventually approved SBM-18 and registered it as a new soybean variety named 'Binasoybean-5' for large-scale planting because of its superior stability in various agro-ecological zones and consistent yield performance.

Resumo No programa de melhoramento da soja, a pressão pela seleção contínua para a resposta das características de rendimento criou um gargalo genético para melhorias da soja por meio da técnica de melhoramento por hibridação. Portanto, foi desenvolvida uma variedade de soja de alto rendimento, aplicando técnicas de reprodução por mutação, na Divisão de Melhoramento de Plantas, no Instituto de Agricultura Nuclear de Bangladesh (BINA), em Bangladesh. A cultivar popular BARI Soybean-5, disponível localmente, foi usada como material original e submetida a cinco doses diferentes de raios gama usando Co60. Em relação ao rendimento de sementes e às características de atribuição de rendimento, 12 mutantes genuínos foram selecionados a partir da geração M4. Altos valores de herdabilidade e avanço genético com alto coeficiente de variância genotípico (GCV) para altura da planta, número de ramos e número de vagens foram considerados atributos favoráveis ​​ao melhoramento da soja, garantindo, assim, a produtividade esperada. O mutante SBM-18, obtido a partir de 250Gy, proporcionou desempenho de rendimento estável em ambientes diversificados e produtividade máxima de sementes de 3.056 kg ha-1 com o maior número de vagens planta-1 (56). O Conselho Nacional de Sementes de Bangladesh (NSB) finalmente aprovou o SBM-18 e o registrou como uma nova variedade de soja, chamada 'Binasoybean-5', para plantio em larga escala por causa de sua estabilidade superior em várias zonas agroecológicas e desempenho de rendimento consistente.

Forest yield prediction under different climate change scenarios using data intelligent models in Pakistan

Abstract This study aimed to develop and evaluate data driven models for prediction of forest yield under different climate change scenarios in the Gallies forest division of district Abbottabad, Pakistan. The Random Forest (RF) and Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) models were developed and evaluated using yield data of two species (Blue pine and Silver fir) as an objective variable and climate data (temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed) as predictive variables. Prediction accuracy of both the models were assessed by means of root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), correlation coefficient (r), relative root mean squared error (RRMSE), Legates-McCabes (LM), Willmotts index (WI) and Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE) metrics. Overall, the RF model outperformed the KRR model due to its higher accuracy in forecasting of forest yield. The study strongly recommends that RF model should be applied in other regions of the country for prediction of forest growth and yield, which may help in the management and future planning of forest productivity in Pakistan.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar modelos baseados em dados para previsão da produção florestal em diferentes cenários de mudanças climáticas na divisão florestal Gallies do distrito de Abbottabad, Paquistão. Os modelos Random Forest (RF) e Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) foram desenvolvidos e avaliados usando dados de produção de duas espécies (pinheiro-azul e abeto-prateado) como uma variável objetiva e dados climáticos (temperatura, umidade, precipitação e velocidade do vento) como preditivos variáveis. A precisão da previsão de ambos os modelos foi avaliada por meio de erro quadrático médio (RMSE), erro absoluto médio (MAE), coeficiente de correlação (r), erro quadrático médio relativo (RRMSE), Legates-McCabes (LM), índice de Willmott (WI) e métricas Nash-Sutcliffe (NSE). No geral, o modelo RF superou o modelo KRR devido à sua maior precisão na previsão do rendimento florestal. O estudo recomenda fortemente que o modelo RF seja aplicado em outras regiões do país para previsão do crescimento e produtividade florestal, o que pode ajudar no manejo e planejamento futuro da produtividade florestal no Paquistão.

Increased yield performance of mutation induced Soybean genotypes at varied agro-ecological conditions

Abstract In soybean breeding program, continuous selection pressure on traits response to yield created a genetic bottleneck for improvements of soybean through hybridization breeding technique. Therefore an initiative was taken to developed high yielding soybean variety applying mutation breeding techniques at Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Bangladesh. Locally available popular cultivar BARI Soybean-5 was used as a parent material and subjected to five different doses of Gamma ray using Co60. In respect to seed yield and yield attributing characters, twelve true breed mutants were selected from M4 generation. High values of heritability and genetic advance with high genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) for plant height, branch number and pod number were considered as favorable attributes for soybean improvement that ensure expected yield. The mutant SBM-18 obtained from 250Gy provided stable yield performance at diversified environments. It provided maximum seed yield of 3056 kg ha-1 with highest number of pods plant-1 (56). The National Seed Board of Bangladesh (NSB) eventually approved SBM-18 and registered it as a new soybean variety named Binasoybean-5 for large-scale planting because of its superior stability in various agro-ecological zones and consistent yield performance.

Resumo No programa de melhoramento da soja, a pressão pela seleção contínua para a resposta das características de rendimento criou um gargalo genético para melhorias da soja por meio da técnica de melhoramento por hibridação. Portanto, foi desenvolvida uma variedade de soja de alto rendimento, aplicando técnicas de reprodução por mutação, na Divisão de Melhoramento de Plantas, no Instituto de Agricultura Nuclear de Bangladesh (BINA), em Bangladesh. A cultivar popular BARI Soybean-5, disponível localmente, foi usada como material original e submetida a cinco doses diferentes de raios gama usando Co60. Em relação ao rendimento de sementes e às características de atribuição de rendimento, 12 mutantes genuínos foram selecionados a partir da geração M4. Altos valores de herdabilidade e avanço genético com alto coeficiente de variância genotípico (GCV) para altura da planta, número de ramos e número de vagens foram considerados atributos favoráveis ao melhoramento da soja, garantindo, assim, a produtividade esperada. O mutante SBM-18, obtido a partir de 250Gy, proporcionou desempenho de rendimento estável em ambientes diversificados e produtividade máxima de sementes de 3.056 kg ha-1 com o maior número de vagens planta-1 (56). O Conselho Nacional de Sementes de Bangladesh (NSB) finalmente aprovou o SBM-18 e o registrou como uma nova variedade de soja, chamada Binasoybean-5, para plantio em larga escala por causa de sua estabilidade superior em várias zonas agroecológicas e desempenho de rendimento consistente.

Caracterización de 11 líneas de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) resistentes a Zabrotes subfasciatus Boheman en Cuba / Characterization of 11 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines resistant to Zabrotes subfasciatus Boheman in Cuba

RESUMEN Por su alto valor nutricional, el frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) es la especie más importante para el consumo humano entre las leguminosas de grano comestibles. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar 11 líneas RAZ de frijol común, promisorias por su resistencia contra Zabrotes subfasciatus Boh. En octubre de 2019, se sembraron 11 líneas RAZ del Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), utilizando un diseño de bloques completos al azar en el Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas (INCA), San José de Las Lajas, Cuba. Se evaluaron 22 caracteres cuantitativos y cualitativos del descriptor del frijol común y se realizaron análisis de frecuencia para las características cualitativas y estadígrafos básicos y análisis de componentes principales (ACP) de los atributos cuantitativos. Los caracteres con mayor variabilidad fueron el color primario de la semilla (reportándose 5 diferentes, y siendo el blanco sucio el más frecuente); el color predominante de la vaina en la madurez fisiológica (las cuales presentaron 4 variantes de color, principalmente verdes y amarillas); el aspecto de la testa (destacando el aspecto opaco, registrándose en 6 líneas); así como la ausencia del color alrededor del hilo en 10 de ellas. Los parámetros relacionados con el ciclo biológico presentaron menor variabilidad. El peso de 100 granos correspondió al tipo de grano pequeño. El rendimiento promedio fue 1 685 kg/ha, destacándose la línea 'RAZ 124' con 4 237 kg/ha. El ACP explicó el 61.82 % de la variabilidad total e integró las 11 líneas en 4 grupos que caracterizaron su comportamiento. Los resultados indican que las líneas estudiadas pueden incorporarse en el programa de mejoramiento del frijol en Cuba a través de su evaluación en diferentes ambientes regionales para la selección de posibles nuevos cultivares comerciales.

ABSTRACT Due to high nutritional value, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important species for human consumption among the food grain legumes. The objective of this study was to characterize 11 RAZ lines of common bean, promising for their resistance to the Mexican bean weevil (Zabrotes subfasciatus Boh.). In October 2019, 11 RAZ lines from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) were planted using a randomized complete block design at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA), San José de las Lajas, Cuba. Twenty-two quantitative and qualitative traits of the common bean descriptors were used, and frequency analyses were performed for the qualitative traits and basic statistics and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed for the quantitative traits. The traits with greater variability were the primary seed color (5 different colors were reported, with dirty white being the most frequent); the predominant color of the pods at physiological maturity, (which presented 4 color variants, with green and yellow ones standing out); the opaque aspect of the coat stood out, being registered in 6 lines, as well as the absence of color around the hilum in 10 of them. All possible variants were found for the predominant appearance of the seed coat, predominant pro-file of the pod and presence of color around the hilum. Variables related to the biological cycle showed less variability. The weight of 100 grains corresponded to the small grains type. The average yield was 1 685 kg/ha, with the 'RAZ 124' line standing out with 4 237 kg/ha. The PCA explained 61.82 % of total variability and classified the 11 lines into four groups that characterize their performance. These results indicate that the lines under study can be incorporated into the vean breeding program in Cuba by means of their evaluation in different regional environments for the selection of possible new commercial cultivars.

ESTIMATION OF HETEROSIS FOR YIELD AND YIELD RELATED COMPONENTS USING DIVERSE TESTERS IN PEARL MILLET [PENNISETUM GLAUCUM (L.) R. BR.]

Experiment comprised of twenty six female type parents and seven restorer parents of pearl millet and their 182 hybrids was conducted at two locations viz., ICRISAT, Patancheru (Latitude 17.52° N; Longitude 78.26° E and Altitude 522 m) and research farm of Super seeds Pvt Ltd., Hisar (Latitude 29.15° N; Longitude 75.72° E and Altitude 215 m) during rainy 2018, for studying the extent of hybrid vigour in F1 for grain yield and its components. For days to 50% owering, top cross hybrid MBL-5 X MOPT-31 (-13.37**) showed highest signicant and positive heterosis over check 86M86. The top cross hybrid MBL-17 X MOPT-33 (45.21**) highest, signicant standard heterosis in positive direction over check 86M86 for panicle length (cm). The single cross hybrid MBL-3 X MIT-29 (14.12*) exhibited signicant and positive standard heterosis over 86M86 for panicle girth (cm). for productive tillers, single cross hybrid MBL-8 X MIT-28 (98.34**) showed highest signicant positive standard heterosis over check 86M86 and the single cross hybrid MBL-24 X MIT-28 (18.42) showed positive standard heterosis over check 86M86

STUDY ACCLIMATIZED SEED SAMPLE SAPOSHNIKOVIA DIVARICATA (TURCZ) SCHISCHK IN VIETNAM

In this study, we evaluated several agronomic characteristics of S. divaricata when grown in various regions in Vietnam, including Northeast, Northwest, and Central Highlands. Among the three regions, S. divaricata grown in Northwestern Vietnam has the highest yield reaching 6.21 tons/ha, with a total active ingredient content of 0.655% (Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin 0.383% and 5-O-methylvisamminoside 0.272%). This is followed by the Central Highlands of which S. divaricata yielded 4.12 tons/ha, with a total active ingredient content is 0.543% (Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin 0.292% and 5-O-methylvisamminoside 0.251%). The lowest yield of S. divaricata was recorded in Northeast with 3.13 tons/ha, of which a total active ingredient content was 0.394% with 0.253% for Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin and 0.141% for 5-O- methylvisamminoside. With the applied analytical conditions, HPLC - DAD chromatograms are obtained with sharp peaks of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (tR = 7.51 min) and 5-O-methylvisamminoside (tR = 20.23 min) , balanced, clear on the background of the medicinal plants Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk. In particular, the applicable analytical conditions allow for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of both prim-O-glucosylcimifugin and 5- O-methylvisaminoside. The results of building the standard curve prim-O-glucosylcimifugin Y = (16146)X – 4020.3, R2 = 0.9992, standard curve 5-O- methylvisamminoside Y = (20490)X – 6921.8, R2 = 0.9999. The quantitative results of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin and 5-O- methylvisamminoside in all regions were slightly higher than that of the pharmacopoeias of Vietnam, China and Hong Kong with the total active ingredient content not less than 0.24%. Thus, The study concluded that Vietnam is a country that can develop medicinal plants Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk

Expansion of the basic knowledge on the inheritance of characters that allow the development of new maize breeding techniques / Expansión de los conocimientos básicos de la herencia de caracteres que posibiliten desarrollar nuevas técnicas de mejoramiento en maíz

ABSTRACT In order to increase the efficiency of maize hybrid seed production it is necessary to achieve a high grain yield to reduce production costs. This goal requires an expansion of the basic knowledge of the inheritance of characters in order to develop new breeding techniques to improve experimental materials with hard endosperm (flint). The balanced lethal system allows to study the relative contribution of different chromosome segments to hybrid vigour due to the heterozygosity of certain chromosome segments while the rest of the genome becomes homocygotic through continuous selfing. In this way, these segments can be transferred to inbred lines in order to increase grain yield or tassel size (to increase pollen production). The goal of this study was to transfer a heterotic segment by using a balanced lethal system regulated line (BLS14), through crosses and backcrosses, to S5 flint lines derived from two commercial hybrids, ACA 2000 and Cóndor with closed pedigree, with the objective of increase grain yield or tassel size for pollen production. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal components analysis (PCA) showed a significant improvement in grain yield and tassel size in the S5 flint lines of both commercial hybrids, carrying the heterotic segment of the BLS14 line.

RESUMEN Para incrementar la eficiencia en la producción de semillas híbridas en maíz se necesitan altos rendimientos con un correlativo bajo costo de producción. Esto requiere una expansión de los conocimientos básicos de la herencia de caracteres que posibiliten desarrollar nuevas técnicas de mejoramiento sobre materiales experimentales de textura dura (flint). Los sistemas de letales balanceados permiten estudiar la contribución relativa de distintos segmentos heteróticos en el vigor híbrido dado que permiten lograr la heterocigosis cuasipermanente de una porción del genomio, mientras el resto del genoma se vuelve homocigota por autofecundaciones sucesivas. Estos sistemas pueden ser transferidos a líneas endocriadas para incrementar el rendimiento del grano y el tamaño de la panoja para aumentar la producción de polen. El objetivo de este trabajo fue incorporar un segmento heterótico de una línea regulada por un sistema de letales balanceados (BLS14), mediante cruzamiento y retrocruza, a líneas S5 derivadas de dos híbridos comerciales, ACA 2000 y Cóndor, de pedigree cerrado, con textura dura (flint), con la finalidad de aumentar el rendimiento en grano o el tamaño de la panoja para la producción de polen. Los análisis de variancia (ANOVA) y de componentes principales (ACP) mostraron un incremento significativo en el rendimiento del grano y el tamaño de la panoja de las líneas S5 de ambos híbridos comerciales, portando cada una de ellas el segmento heterótico proveniente de la línea BLS14.

Evaluación de cultivares de arroz (Oryza sativa L.) de Vietnam, para su introducción en Cuba

Con el objetivo de evaluar la diversidad fenotípica de ocho cultivares de arroz (Oryza sativa L.) procedentes de Vietnam, para su introducción en los programas de mejora y en la producción en Cuba, apoyados en caracteres morfoagronómicos y técnicas de análisis multivariado, fue desarrollado este trabajo en la Unidad Científico Tecnológica de Base "Los Palacios", perteneciente al Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas de Cuba. Los cultivares vietnamitas se sembraron en campo junto a los comerciales INCA LP-5 e INCA LP-7, para ser caracterizados agronómicamente con la utilización de 29 descriptores cualitativos y 22 cuantitativos. Los resultados mostraron que 16 caracteres cualitativos resultaron homogéneos para los ocho cultivares procedentes de Vietnam y los dos cultivares comerciales cubanos, la asociación entre varios caracteres cuantitativos reafirma la influencia que ejercen algunos componentes sobre el rendimiento, los que son considerados como marcadores para la selección, tres cultivares de procedencia vietnamita (GL301, LCG3-4 y DS1) no pueden ser utilizados en la producción arrocera en Cuba, por su susceptibilidad a Tagosodes. Todos los cultivares mostraron resistencia a Rhizoctonia solani y Sarocladium oryzae y dos (GL 301 y LTH 31) fueron susceptibles a Pyricularia grisea. Los cultivares OM6976, OM5451 y OM8087 alcanzaron valores altos de rendimiento, por lo que pudieran ser utilizados, como progenitores en los programas de mejora, así como cultivares comerciales.

With the objective of evaluating the phenotypic diversity of eight rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.) from Vietnam, for their introduction in breeding programs and production in Cuba, supported by morphoagronomic characters and multivariate analysis techniques, this work was developed in Scientific and Technological Base Unit belonging to the National Agricultural Sciences Institute of Cuba. The Vietnamese cultivars were planted in the field together with the commercial cultivars INCA LP-5 and INCA LP-7, to be characterized agronomically with the use of 29 qualitative and 22 quantitative descriptors. The results showed that 16 qualitative characters were homogeneous for the eight cultivars from Vietnam and the two Cuban commercial cultivars, the association between various quantitative characters reaffirms the influence exerted by some components on yield, which are considered as markers for selection. Three cultivars of Vietnamese origin (GL301, LCG3-4 and DS1) cannot be used in Cuban rice production, due to their susceptibility to Tagosodes. All cultivars showed resistance to Rhizoctonia solani and Sarocladium oryzae and two (GL 301 and LTH 31) were susceptible to Pyricularia grisea. The OM6976, OM5451 and OM8087 cultivars reached high yield values, so they could be used as parents in breeding programs, as well as commercial cultivars.

Response of 'criolla' potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivar Colombia to mineral organic fertilization

The 'Criolla' potato (Solanum tuberosum) phureja group cultivated in the inter-Andean valleys of the high tropics, is commonly fertilized only with mineral nutrients in conventional production, without the use of soil test and use of organic fertilizers. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of organic chicken manure as a source of nutrients to increase yield and quality in 'Criolla' potatoes compared to conventional fertilization. Treatments evaluated were organic chicken manure, mineral nutrition based on soil tests, organic manure mixed with mineral nutrition, and conventional nutrition based on farmers' typical nutrition plans. In plant response conventional and mineral treatments mixed with organic matter were the best in leaf area and dry weight of shoot and tuber. Treatment with mineral nutrition mixed with organic manure (2 and 6 t) obtained the largest length of the main stems. The best yield response was obtained with conventional nutrition, while the major size was obtained with mineral and mineral combined with organic treatments. According to the results, the best response was obtained with the application of mineral nutrition in the combination of 6 t ha-1 organic manure.

La papa criolla (Solanum tuberosum) grupo phureja es cultivada en los valles interandinos del trópico alto, comúnmente fertilizada con nutrientes minerales en la producción convencional, sin hacer uso de análisis de suelos y nutrición con fertilizantes orgánicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el potencial de la materia orgánica de gallinaza, como fuente de nutrientes, para incrementar el rendimiento y la calidad en la papa criolla, comparándola con la nutrición convencional. Los tratamientos evaluados fueron gallinaza, nutrición mineral, basado en análisis de suelos; nutrición mineral, combinada con materia orgánica y un tratamiento soportado en la fertilización convencional, con base en los planes nutricionales, típicos de los agricultores. En las respuestas de la planta, los tratamientos convencionales y minerales mezclados con nutrición mineral obtuvieron los valores más altos en área foliar y peso seco de la parte aérea y el tubérculo. En longitud de tallo, la mejor respuesta se obtuvo con los tratamientos minerales mezclados con materia orgánica (2 y 6 toneladas). La mejor respuesta en rendimiento fue obtenida en la nutrición mineral convencional, mientras que las papas con mayor calibre, se lograron con los tratamientos mineral y mineral mezclado con orgánico. De acuerdo con los resultados, la mejor respuesta en cultivo se puede obtener con la nutrición mineral, en combinación con 6 toneladas de materia orgánica.

Valoración de un método de osmoguiado a flores de durazno (Prunus persica) aplicado en abejas Apis mellifera

Diversos estudios demuestran que la inclusión de polinizadores, como las abejas Apis mellifera, generan efectos positivos sobre la productividad de cultivos de durazno (Prunus persica). Esto lleva a probar metodologías que estimulen a las abejas para visitar, con mayor frecuencia, el cultivo de interés, sugiriendo el uso de la técnica de osmoguiado, como herramienta para potencializar el efecto de la polinización. Este estudio valoró un protocolo de osmoguiado, para estimular híbridos africanizados de Apis mellifera, a recolectar polen de flores de durazno, utilizando, como indicador indirecto, el análisis palinológico en muestras de polen. Los tratamientos utilizados fueron con osmoguiado y sin osmoguiado. Cada tratamiento contó con tres colmenas y el periodo de evaluación fue de cinco semanas, coincidiendo con el mayor periodo de floración del durazno. Los resultados evidenciaron que este protocolo no logró estimular a las abejas a visitar la flor de durazno para la búsqueda de polen. La disponibilidad permanente de otras plantas productoras de polen, reportadas previamente como importantes en el aporte de este recurso, pudo influir en la selección de fuentes por parte de las abejas. El polen obtenido provino, principalmente, de plantas de las familias Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae y Passifloraceae.

Several studies show that the inclusion of pollinators such as honeybee Apis mellifera generates positive effects in the productivity of peach (Prunus persica) crops. It led to test methodologies that stimulate bees to improve the visit of crops of interest, suggesting the use of the osmoguiding technique, as a tool to potentiate the effect of pollination. This study evaluated an osmoguided protocol to stimulate Africanized hybrids of Apis mellifera to collect pollen from peach flowers, using palynological analysis of pollen samples as an indirect indicator. The treatments used were with osmoguided and without osmoguided. Each treatment had three hives, and the evaluation period was five weeks, coinciding with the peak flowering period of the peach. The results showed that this protocol did not stimulate the bees to visit the peach blossom to search pollen. The permanent availability of other pollen-producing plants, previously reported as significant in the contribution of this resource, could influence bee source selection. The pollen obtained came mainly from plants of the families Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, and Passifloraceae.

Ex situ culture of coral species Porites lobata (Scleractinia: Poritidae) and Pocillopora damicornis (Scleractinia: Pocilloporidae), Costa Rica: first assessment and implications

Introduction: Coral reefs worldwide decline has prompted coral restoration as a viable strategy to rewild vulnerable, foundational coral species. Stony corals are now propagated by thousands in both in-water and ex situ (land-based) coral nurseries, the latter being unexplored in Costa Rica, despite their potential benefits as a reef management tool. Objective: To analyze the viability of ex situ culturing of the Pacific reef-building corals Porites lobata and Pocillopora damicornis at Parque Marino del Pacífico (PMP), Puntarenas, Costa Rica, aquaculture facilities. Methods: From May to October 2018 a total of 180 coral fragments were kept in an aquaculture recirculated system. Survival, growth, and fragment yield in relation to culture medium (physicochemical parameters) were recorded. Results: Survival and growth rate varied between species and culture tanks. On average, surviving P. lobata fragments (68.89 %) placed in Tank 1 (T1) grew 216 %, while fragments placed in Tank 2 (T2) had a survival rate of 71.11 % and an increase of 277 % in live tissue area. P. damicornis fragments survival, basal and crown area percentage increase were: 71.11 %, 980 % and 366 % in T1, and 100 %, 976 % and 287 % in T2. Although fragments survival and growth were net positive, the yield in terms of culture was low, due to culture conditions in the tanks not meeting coral culture optimal requirements. Conclusions: Survival and growth of both species varied depending on the tank in which they were placed. Survival was similar to that found in other ex situ studies and growth was similar to those reported in the wild, however culture performance in terms of yield was low. Aquaculture systems at PMP constitute a good base for the cultivation of corals, however for the culture effort to achieve maximum yield, current systems must be optimized according to the requirements of the target coral species.

Introducción: El declive mundial de los arrecifes de coral, ha impulsado a la restauración coralina como una estrategia viable para recuperar especies de coral fundacionales, en estado vulnerable. Los corales pétreos se propagan por miles, tanto en viveros subacuáticos como ex situ (en tierra). Siendo el segundo método poco explorado en Costa Rica, a pesar de sus potenciales beneficios como medida como herramienta de manejo arrecifal. Objetivo: Analizar la viabilidad del cultivo ex situ de las especies de coral constructoras de arrecifes Porites lobata y Pocillopora damicornis en el módulo de acuicultura del Parque Marino del Pacífico (PMP), Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Métodos: Desde el 17 de mayo hasta el 17 de octubre de 2018, se mantuvieron un total de 180 fragmentos de coral en un sistema de recirculación de acuicultura. Se registraron la supervivencia, el crecimiento y el rendimiento de los fragmentos en relación con el medio de cultivo (parámetros fisicoquímicos). Resultados: La tasa de supervivencia y crecimiento varió entre especies y tanques de cultivo. En promedio, los fragmentos de P. lobata supervivientes (68.89 %) colocados en el tanque 1 (T1) crecieron un 216 %. En contraste con los fragmentos colocados en el tanque 2 (T2) que mostraron una tasa de supervivencia del 71.11 % y un aumento del 277 % en el área de tejido vivo. En el caso de P. damicornis, los porcentajes de supervivencia, de aumento del área basal y del área de la corona fueron: 71.11 %, 980 %, y 366 %, y 100 %, 976 %, y 287 % para los fragmentos colocados en T1 y T2, respectivamente. Aunque la supervivencia y el crecimiento de los fragmentos fueron positivos, el rendimiento en términos de cultivo fue bajo, debido a que las condiciones en los tanques no cumplían con las condiciones ideales para el cultivo de corales. Conclusiones: La supervivencia y el crecimiento de ambas especies variaron en función del tanque en el que se colocaron. La supervivencia fue similar a la observada en otros estudios ex situ y el crecimiento fue similar al reportado en la naturaleza, pero el rendimiento del cultivo fue bajo. Los sistemas de acuicultura del PMP constituyen una buena base para el cultivo de corales, sin embargo, para que el esfuerzo de cultivo alcance un máximo de rendimiento, los sistemas actuales deben optimizarse en función de los requisitos de las especies de coral objetivo.

STMS markers related to Ascochyta blight resistance in chickpea

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the important legume crops and is cultivated in large-scale throughout Türkiye as well as the world. Ascochyta blight, caused by the fungal phytopathogen Ascochyta rabiei, is the leading reason for the highest yield losses among the diseases known for chickpea. The pathogen exhibits high genetic diversity in Türkiye. Therefore, resistancy using Sequence Tagged Microsatellite Site (STMS) markers related with the genes that provide resistant against Ascochyta blight was investigated for the 205 chickpea breeding lines grown in different parts of Türkiye. The analysis for Ascochyta blight resistance was performed using Ta2, Ta146 and Ts54. It was demonstrated that Ta2, Ts54 and Ta146 were the STMS markers having distinguishable features for the detection of Ascochyta blight resistance and were shown to be used in credible fashion for the selection of resistant chickpea breeding lines.

A Consortium of Soil Bacteria Mediates the Partial Replacement of Mineral Fertilizer for Sustainable Grapevine Cultivation in Sandy Soil

The demand for chemical fertilizers in agriculture has increased to deal with the present global population increase. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers can be reduced by applying biofertilizers as an eco-friendly tool. Plant growth-promoting rizobacteria (PGPR) has an essential need in terms of fertilizer savings and promoting plant yield. Here, we study the effect of using three (PGPR) bacterial strains “Bacillus nakamurai MSRH1, Bacillus pacificus MSRH3, Paenibacillus polymyxa MSRH5”, integrated with chemical fertilizers (40, 60, 80, 100% need based NPK) on vegetative growth, yield production, and quality of table grapes ‘Flam Seedless’ grown in sand soil during two successive seasons of 2020 and 2021, with a preliminary trial season in 2019. Our results show that amending grapes with NPK in combination with the consortium of three strains led to significant improvement in colonized vines compared to a single application of 100% NPK. Results showed that bacterial consortium combined with 80% and 60% NPK mineral fertilizer had more positive effects than un-inoculated vines in growth parameters, cluster characteristics, yield/vine and berry quality in the two growing seasons. Besides, N, P and K concentrations of leaf petiole, total leaf chlorophyll content, and carbohydrates in canes were significantly enhanced by bacteria consortium with 80% and 60% PK chemical fertilizers. PGPR significantly increased total bacterial count, N2-fixing, P- solubilizing and K-solubilizing bacteria in soil treated with the three strains of bacteria plus mineral fertilizer. In addition, dehydrogenase and phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil were also increased in treatments inoculated with strains plus mineral fertilizer. The field study results showed that PGPR approach has potential and can be considered as a crop management strategy to increase the yield and quality of grapes, reduce chemical fertilization and subsequent environmental pollution, and could be useful in terms of sustainable production.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Cauliflower

With the use of integrated nutrient management, cauliflower the growth and yield can be boosted. Due to their complementing effects, the ideal combination of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients may significantly boost cauliflower growth and yield. The experiment consisted of 13 treatments viz. T1= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha (Recommended dose of NPKS as control), T2= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha), T3= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha), T4= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha), T5= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha), T6= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha), T7= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha), T8= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T9= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T10= N120P60K100S20 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T11= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + CD (5 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha), T12= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha) and T13= N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + MSC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having single factor with three replications. Data were recorded on growth, yield components of cauliflower and significant variation was observed for most of the studied characters. Under this investigation, it was revealed that the highest yield (36.34 t/ha) with net return (Tk. 524202) and BCR (3.59) was obtained from T12 (N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio. (5 kg/ha) treatment. On the other hand, the lowest yield (13.50 t/ha) with net return (Tk. 137869) and BCR (2.04) was obtained from T1 (N120P60K100S20 kg/ha) treatment. So, economic analysis revealed that T12 (N120P60K100S20B0.6Mo0.54 kg/ha + VC (4 t/ha) + Bio-fertilizer (5 kg/ha) treatment appeared to be the best for achieving the higher growth, yield and economic benefit of cauliflower.

Yield potential and selection of off-season maize for silage and grain using GT Biplot under limited water and frost

Maize silage has been used as a forage reserve strategy for critical periods or continuous use in animal feed. However, new genotypes and their potential must be identified. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of maize genotypes for silage and grain in one off-season in the midwest region of Brazil, under limited water and frost, and select them for this dual purpose (silage and grain) using the GT Biplot tool. The experiment was performed at Embrapa Western Agriculture in the autumn-winter season of 2021 in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks of six maize genotypes (BRS1010, KWS9606, 1P2224, 1Q2383, BRS3046, and CAPO) with five replications under no-tillage. Silage points were evaluated at harvest when the grain milk line was at ¾ and maize grains at the maturation stage (dry plant). The 1P2224 and 1Q2383 maize genotypes present silage (high green and dry biomass) and grain yield potential. The GT Biplot tool identified the 1P2224 genotype as superior and suitable for cultivation or as a parent in a breeding program in the midwest region of Brazil for silage and grain yield evaluations of one off-season under limited water and frost.

Nutritional efficiency in sunflower cultivars under dosages of potassium in semiarid region

Potassium (K) participates in critical processes in sunflower cultivation, such as osmotic regulation and translocation of photosynthesis. However, the absorption or accumulation of this nutrient occurs differently owing to edaphoclimatic factors or between cultivars. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional efficiency of sunflower cultivars as a function of different dosage K dosages in a semiarid region. To this end, two experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017. The treatments consisted of five dosages of K at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1 K2O and four sunflower cultivars, Aguará 6, Altis 99, Multissol, and BRS 122. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications and subdivided plots. The characteristics evaluated were agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency, recovery efficiency, utilization efficiency, and accumulation of total K in the plant. Sunflower cultivars responded to K dosages in the two crops, with variations in efficiency parameters. Crop 2 showed better nutritional efficiency compared to crop 1. Aguará 6 showed greater nutritional efficiency than the other two crops. The use of dosages between 75 and 91 kg ha-1 of K2O provided better efficiency in K usage for the cultivars.

Validation of HIV risk screening tool to identify infected adults and adolescents greater than 14 years at community level in Tanzania and Zambia

Introduction: There are several risk factors being used to identify undiagnosed HIV-infected adults. As the number of undiagnosed people gets less and less, it is important to know if existing risk factors and risk assessment tools are valid for use. Methods: Data from the Tanzania and Zambia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) household surveys which were conducted during 2016 was used. We first included 12 risk factors (being divorced, separated or widowed; having an HIV+ spouse; having one of the following within 12-months of the survey: paid work, slept away from home for ≥1-month, having multiple sexual partners, clients of sex workers, sexually transmitted infection, being tuberculosis suspect, being very sick for ≥3-months; ever sold sex; diagnosed with cervical cancer; and had TB disease into a risk assessment tool and assessed its validity by comparing it against HIV test result. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of the tool were assessed. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve comparison statistics was also used to determine which risk assessment tool was better. Results: HIV prevalence was 2.3% (2.0%-2.6%) (n=14,820). For the tool containing all risk factors, HIV prevalence was 1.0% when none of the risk factors were present (Score 0) compared to 3.2% when at least one factor (Score ≥1) was present and 8.0% when ≥4 risk factors were present. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 82.3% (78.6%-85.9%), 41.9%(41.1%-42.7%), 3.2%(2.8%-3.6%), and 99.0%(98.8%-99.3%), respectively. The use of a tool containing conventional risk factors (all except those related with working and sleeping away) was found to have higher AUC (0.65 vs 0.61) compared to the use of all risk factors (p value <0.001). Conclusions: The use of a screening tool containing conventional risk factors improved HIV testing yield compared to doing universal testing. Prioritizing people who fulfill multiple risk factors should be explored further to improve HIV testing yield.

HBV infection among blood donors from 18 domestic blood stations of prefecture-level cities / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection data of blood donors from 18 domestic blood stations, so as to investigate the HBV infection situation of blood donors. 【Methods】 The positive rate of HBV and its distribution characteristics of regions, the percentage of HBsAg+ ELISA in first-time vs repeated blood donors, and the percentage of HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ blood donors of 18 domestic blood stations during 2017 to 2020 were collected from the Working Platform for Practice Comparison of Blood Centers, and the HBV infection among blood donors were statistically analyzed. 【Results】 From 2017 to 2020, the positive rate of HBV in blood donors among 18 domestic blood stations was 13.48/10 000-144.02/10 000, with the average HBV positive rate in eastern, central and western region at 26.14/10 000, 51.98/10 000 and 41.00/10 000, respectively. The HBsAg+ rate by ELISA among first-time and repeated blood donors was 14.55/10 000-305.39/10 000 vs 1.04/10 000-87.43/10 000 The HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ yield was 1.80/10 000-35.31/10 000. 【Conclusion】 The distribution of HBV infection in blood donors has regional characteristics, and HBV prevalence was low in repeated blood donors. HBsAg ELISA combined with HBV DNA detection can better ensure blood safety.

Efficiency of exogenous zinc sulfate application reduced fruit drop and improved antioxidant activity of 'Kinnow' mandarin fruit / A eficiência da aplicação de sulfato de zinco exógeno reduziu a queda da fruta e melhorou a atividade antioxidante da tangerina 'Kinnow'

'Kinnow' mandarin (Citrus nobilis L.× Citrus deliciosa T.) is an important marketable fruit of the world. It is mainstay of citrus industry in Pakistan, having great export potential. But out of total production of the country only 10% of the produce meets the international quality standard for export. Pre-harvest fruit drop and poor fruit quality could be associated with various issues including the plant nutrition. Most of the farmers do not pay attention to the supply of micro nutrients which are already deficient in the soil. Furthermore, their mobility within plants is also a question. Zinc (Zn) is amongst those micronutrients which affect the quality and postharvest life of the fruit and its deficiency in Pakistani soils is already reported by many researchers. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the influence of pre-harvest applications of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4; 0, 0.4%, 0.6% or 0.8%) on pre-harvest fruit drop, yield and fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin at harvest. The treatments were applied during the month of October i.e. 4 months prior to harvest. The applied Zn sprays had significant effect on yield and quality of the "Kinnow" fruit. Amongst different foliar applications of ZnSO4applied four months before harvest, 0.6% ZnSO4 significantly reduced pre-harvest fruit drop (10.08%) as compared to untreated control trees (46.45%). Similarly, the maximum number of fruits harvested per tree (627), fruit weight (192.9 g), juice percentage (42.2%), total soluble solids (9.5 °Brix), ascorbic acid content (35.5 mg 100 g-¹) and sugar contents (17.4) were also found significantly higher with 0.6% ZnSO4 treatment as compared to rest of treatments and control. Foliar application of 0.6% ZnSO4 also significantly improved total antioxidants (TAO) and total phenolic contents (TPC) in fruit. In conclusion, foliar [...].

A tangerina 'Kinnow' (Citrus nobilis L. × Citrus deliciosa T.) é uma importante fruta comercializável do mundo. É o esteio da indústria cítrica no Paquistão, com grande potencial de exportação. Mas, da produção total do país, apenas 10% da produção atendem o padrão internacional de qualidade para exportação. A queda da fruta antes da colheita e a baixa qualidade da fruta podem estar associadas a vários problemas, incluindo a nutrição da planta. A maioria dos agricultores não se preocupa com o fornecimento de micronutrientes que já são deficientes no solo. Além disso, sua mobilidade dentro das plantas também é uma questão. O zinco (Zn) está entre os micronutrientes que afetam a qualidade e a vida pós-colheita da fruta, e sua deficiência em solos paquistaneses já é relatada por diversos pesquisadores. Portanto, este estudo foi realizado para avaliar a influência da aplicação pré-colheita de sulfato de zinco (ZnSO4; 0, 0,4%, 0,6% ou 0,8%) na queda dos frutos na pré-colheita, produtividade e qualidade dos frutos da tangerina 'Kinnow' em colheita. Os tratamentos foram aplicados durante o mês de outubro, ou seja, 4 meses antes da colheita. As pulverizações de Zn aplicadas tiveram efeito significativo no rendimento e na qualidade da fruta 'Kinnow'. Entre as diferentes aplicações foliares de ZnSO4 efetuadas quatro meses antes da colheita, 0,6% de ZnSO4 reduziu significativamente a queda de frutos antes da colheita (10,08%) em comparação com as árvores de controle não tratadas (46,45%). Da mesma forma, número máximo de frutos colhidos por árvore (627), peso do fruto (192,9 g), porcentagem de suco (42,2%), sólidos solúveis totais (9,5 ° Brix), teor de ácido ascórbico (35,5 mg / 100 g-¹) e os teores de açúcar (17,4) também foram significativamente maiores com o tratamento com 0,6% de ZnSO4 em comparação com o restante dos tratamentos e o controle. A aplicação foliar de 0,6% de ZnSO4 também melhorou significativamente os [...].