Leaf Spot Disease Development and Its Effect on Yield of Essential Oil-Producing Hemp Cultivars in Kentucky.

Leaf spot diseases are common on field hemp, causing defoliation, and blighting. The most prevalent leaf spot diseases of hemp in Kentucky are Bipolaris leaf spot (Bipolaris gigantea), Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora flagellaris), and Septoria leaf spot (Septoria cannabis). In this study, disease progression, cultivar susceptibility, and yield loss were examined using cultivars from four relatedness groups at two locations and in two growing seasons. Septoria leaf spot was the first leaf spot disease to be observed in the field, followed by Bipolaris leaf spot. Both diseases reduced canopy density. Cercospora leaf spot developed in the late reproductive stages as harvest approached. A wide range of susceptibility was documented, suggesting genetic variability across cultivars. Trump group cultivars were the most susceptible, while Otto II group cultivars were the least susceptible. Most importantly, leaf spot diseases had minimal influence on floral biomass and no effect on CBD yield, suggesting that, regardless of disease severity, leaf spot diseases may seldom warrant management. While the importance of foliar disease and corresponding yield loss can shift over time, variation in disease progress among leaf spot diseases and susceptibility of hemp cultivars documented in this study suggest potential disease management through cultural practices such as cultivar and planting date selections.

Single 30 min treadmill exercise session suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in obese female adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Regular treadmill exercise may result in changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. However, the way acute treadmill exercise mechanisms affect the changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in obese has not been comprehensively exposed. This study aimed to analyze the pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress between 30 min before treadmill exercise and 24 h after treadmill exercise in obese adolescents. METHODS: A total of 20 obese females aged 19-24 years were recruited from female students and given one session of treadmill exercise with an intensity of 60-70% HRmax. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) was used to analyze serum levels of MDA, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, the independent samples t-test with a significance level of 5% was employed to have the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The results on 24 h after treadmill exercise and delta (Δ) between CTRL and TREG showed a significant difference (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study found a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress 24 h after treadmill exercise in obese adolescents. Therefore, treadmill exercise can be a promising strategy for preventing adolescents from obesity as well as preventing disease risks associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

Early Detection of Airborne Inoculum of Nothopassalora personata in Spore Trap Samples from Peanut Fields Using Quantitative PCR.

A quantitative PCR (qPCR)-assay was developed to detect airborne inoculum of Nothopassalora personata, causal agent of late leaf spot (LLS) on peanut, collected with a modified impaction spore trap. The qPCR assay was able to consistently detect as few as 10 spores with purified DNA and 25 spores based on crude DNA extraction from rods. In 2019, two spore traps were placed in two peanut fields with a history of LLS. Sampling units were replaced every 2 to 4 days and tested with the developed qPCR assay, while plots were monitored for symptom development. The system detected inoculum 35 to 56 days before visual symptoms developed in the field, with detection related to environmental parameters affecting pathogen life-cycle and disease development. This study develops the framework of the qPCR spore trap system and represents the initial steps towards validation of the performance of the system for use as a decision support tool to complement integrated management of LLS.