Characterization of early maturing elite genotypes based on MTSI and MGIDI indexes:an illustration in upland cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Background Globally,the cultivation of cotton is constrained by its tendency for extended periods of growth.Early maturity plays a potential role in rainfed-based multiple cropping system especially in the current era of climate change.In the current study,a set of 20 diverse Gossypium hirsutum genotypes were evaluated in two crop seasons with three planting densities and assessed for 11 morphological traits related to early maturity.The study aimed to identify genotype(s)that mature rapidly and accomplish well under diverse environmental conditions based on the two robust multivariate techniques called multi-trait stability index(MTSI)and multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index(MGIDI).Results MTSI analysis revealed that out of the 20 genotypes,three genotypes,viz.,NNDC-30,A-2,and S-32 accomplished well in terms of early maturity traits in two seasons.Furthermore,three genotypes were selected using MGIDI method for each planting densities with a selection intensity of 15%.The strengths and weaknesses of the genotypes selected based on MGIDI method highlighted that the breeders could focus on developing early-maturing genotypes with specific traits such as days to first flower and boll opening.The selected genotypes exhibited positive genetic gains for traits related to earliness and a successful harvest during the first and second pickings.However,there were negative gains for traits related to flowering and boll opening.Conclusion The study identified three genotypes exhibiting early maturity and accomplished well under different planting densities.The multivariate methods(MTSI and MGIDI)serve as novel approaches for selecting desired genotypes in plant breeding programs,especially across various growing environments.These methods offer exclusive benefits and can easily construe and minimize multicollinearity issues.

A glycine-rich nuclear effector VdCE51 of Verticillium dahliae suppresses plant immune responses by inhibiting the accumulation of GhTRXH2

Verticillium dahliae is an important soil-borne fungal pathogen that causes great yield losses in many cash crops.Effectors of this fungus are known to regulate plant immunity but the mechanism much remains unclear.A glycine-rich nuclear effector,VdCE51,was able to suppress immune responses in tobacco against Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.This effector was a required factor for full virulence of V.dahliae,and its nuclear localization was a requisite for suppressing plant immunity.The thioredoxin GhTRXH2,identified as a positive regulator of plant immunity,was a host target of VdCE51.Our findings show a virulence regulating mechanism whereby the secreted nuclear effector VdCE51 interferes with the transcription of PR genes,and the SA signaling pathway by inhibiting the accumulation of GhTRXH2,thus suppressing plant immunity.

Prevalence and Distribution of Tick-Borne Hemoparasites in Cattle from the Noun and Ndé Divisions of the West Region, Cameroon

Background and Objective: Tick-borne hemoparasitic illnesses pose a serious threat to the well-being and productivity of cattle. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of tick-borne hemoparasites in Cameroon, with a specific focus on the Noun and Nde Divisions of the West Region. Methodology: A total of 423 cattle from 10 villages in both divisions were included in the study. Blood smears were prepared and subjected to microscopic screening for Babesia and Anaplasma parasites. Results: The prevalence of Anaplasma was found to be 23.4%, while Babesia exhibited a seroprevalence of 17.3%. Samples from Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) and Koupa Ngangnou demonstrated significantly higher prevalence rates, potentially influenced by climate variations affecting tick populations. Additionally, 17.3% of the animals exhibited low hematocrit levels, indicative of anemia. No significant associations were observed between the presence of hemoparasite infection and cattle characteristics. Conclusion: This study provides fundamental data on the extensive distribution and impact of tick-borne hemoparasites in a significant cattle-producing region of Cameroon.

Rhizobium Inoculation and Micronutrient Addition Influence the Growth,Yield,Quality and Nutrient Uptake of Garden Peas(Pisum sativum L.)

Garden pea productivity and qualities are hampered in zinc(Zn),boron(B),and molybdenum(Mo)deficient soil.Thus,the combination of micronutrients(i.e.,Zn,B,and Mo)and rhizobium is necessary to increase the productivity and quality of garden peas,since this management for garden peas is neglected in Bangladesh.Therefore,the present study was made to assess the effectiveness of rhizobium inoculant singly or in combination with the micronutrients(i.e.,Zn,B,and Mo)on growth,yield,nutrient uptake,and quality of garden peas.Treatments were:T_(1)=Control,T_(2)=Rhizobium inoculation at 50 g/kg seed,T_(3)=T_(2)+Zn_(3)Mo1,T_(4)=T_(2)+B_(2)Mo1,T_(5)=T_(2)+Zn_(3)B_(2),T_(6)=T_(2)+Zn_(3)B_(2)Mo1 and T_(7)=Zn_(3)B_(2)Mo1.All treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and repeated all treatments in three times.The application of 3 kg Zn,2 kg B,and 1 kg Mo ha^(−1)with inoculation of Rhizobium at 50 g kg^(−1)seed(T_(6))facilitated to increase of 44.8%in the green pod and 29.7%seed yield over control.The same treatment contributed to attaining the maximum nodulation(25.3 plant^(−1)),Vitamin C(43.5 mg 100 g^(−1)),protein content(22.2%),and nutrient uptake as well as accumulation in garden peas.Among all treatment combinations,treatment T_(6)was found superior to others based on microbial activities,soil fertility,and profitability.The results of the study found that the application of 3 kg Zn,2 kg B,and 1 kg Mo ha^(−1)in combination with Rhizobium inoculation(50 g kg^(−1)seed)can improve the yield and quality of garden peas.The results of the study have the potential for the areas,where there is no use of Rhizobium inoculant or Zn,B,and Mo fertilizer for cultivation of garden pea.

Floristic Diversity and Conservation Status of Guineo-Congolese Species in Southeastern Cameroon: The Case of the Gari-Gombo Communal Forest

The conservation of plant biodiversity has become one of the most important objectives in the sustainable management of Guinean-Congolese ecosystems. However, in the south-east zone of Cameroon, there is a lack of rigor in the management of these forests, which can result in the loss of species of high conservation value. The study was carried out in communal forests in the south-east zone of Cameroon. Its aim was to carry out a floristic inventory and then compare the list of species with the IUCN catalog. Twenty-four plots, each with a surface area of 0.2 ha, were set up in the Gari-Gombo communal forest. All timbers with a DBH ≥ 5 cm were systematically counted. A total of 176 species, belonging to 144 genera and 45 families, were surveyed. Fabaceae (42.08%), Malvaceae (39%), Euphorbiaceae (24.64%), Moraceae (20.92%), Apocynaceae (18.64%), Cecropiaceae (16.60%), Ulmaceae (14.76%), Meliaceae (14.61%), Violaceae (14.08%), Combretaceae (12.67%), Theobroma cacao (21.17%), Baphia leptobotrys (18.06%), Rinorea sp. (14.09%), Musanga cecropioides (12.18%), Terminalia superba (10.32%), Neosloetiopsis kamerunensis (10.14%), Celtis zenkeri (8.29%) and Alstonia boonei (7.77%) were the most important taxa. Nearly 90% of the species in this forest are Guinean species, with a dominance of Guinean-Congolese species (66%). Fourteen (14) threatened species have been identified in the FCGG. This study, which highlights the rich biodiversity of communal forests, is important for guiding biodiversity conservation policies in ecosystems used for production.

Dairy sheep production research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison,USA-a review

Commercial milking of sheep is a new agricultural industry in the United States starting approximately 30 yr ago. The industry is still small, but it is growing. The majority of the sheep milk is used in the production of specialty cheeses. The United States is the major importer of sheep milk cheeses with 50 to 60% of annual world exports coming to the United States during the past 20 yr. Therefore, there is considerable growth potential for the industry in the United States. The only dairy sheep research flock in North America is located at the Spooner Agricultural Research Station of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The research program started in 1993 and has been multifaceted; dealing with several areas important to commercial dairy sheep farmers. The East Friesian and Lacaune dairy breeds were compared and introduced to the industry through the research program. Both dairy breeds produced significantly more milk than traditional meat-wool breeds found in the U.S., but the two breeds differed in their production traits. East Friesian-cross ewes produced more lambs and slightly more milk than Lacaune-cross ewes whereas Lacaune-cross ewes produced milk with a higher percentage of fat and protein than East Friesian-cross ewes. Lactation physiology studies have shown that ewes with active corpora lutea have increased milk yields, oxytocin release during milking is required to obtain normal fat percentages in the milk, large udder cisterns of dairy ewes can allow for increased milking intervals, and short daylengths during late pregnancy results in increased milk yield. In the nutrition area, legume-grass pastures and forages with a higher percentage of legume will result in increased milk production. Grazing ewes respond to additional supplementation with increased milk yield, but it is important to match the supplement to the quality of the grazing. Ewes on high quality legume-grass pastures that are high in rumen degradable protein respond with increased milk production to supplements high in energy and/or high in rumen undegraded protein.

Time Series Analysis on Selected Rainfall Stations Data in Louisiana Using ARIMA Approach

Precipitation is very important for both the environment and its inhabitants. Agricultural activities mostly depend on precipitation and its availability. Therefore, the ability to predict future precipitation values at specific stations is key for environmental and agricultural decision making. This research developed Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models for selected stations with Integrated component and Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) for selected stations without Integrated component at Louisiana State. The ARIMA module is represented as ARIMA(p, d, q)(P,D,Q). The selected lag order for the Autoregressive (AR) component is represented with p and P for seasonal AR component, while the integrated form (number of times data were differenced) is d and D for seasonal differencing, and the Moving Average (MA) lag order is q and Q for seasonal MA component. Data from 1950 to 2020 were employed in this research. Results of the analysis indicated that Baton Rouge (ARIMA (0,1,1) (0,0,2)12), Abbeville (ARMA (0,0,1) (0,0,2)12), Monroe Regional (ARMA (0,0,1) (0,0,0)12), New Orleans Airport (ARMA (1,0,0) (0,0,2)12), Alexandria (ARMA (1,0,1) (0,0,0)12), Logansport (ARIMA (0,1,2) (0,0,0)12), New Orleans Audubon (ARMA (1,0,0) (0,0,0)12), Lake Charles Airport (ARMA (2,0,2) (0,0,0)12) are the best ARIMA models for predicting precipitation in Louisiana. The models were used to predict the average monthly rainfall at each station. The highest precipitation observed in Louisiana was recorded in 1991. The Precipitation in Louisiana fluctuated over the years but has adopted a decreasing trend from the year 2000 to 2020. It was recommended that the government, researchers, and individuals take note of these models to make future plans to help increase the production of agricultural commodities and prevent destructions caused by excessive precipitation.

Drought Tolerance in Mung Bean is Associated with the Genotypic Divergence, Regulation of Proline, Photosynthetic Pigment and Water Relation

Drought is one of the critical conditions for the growth and productivity of many crops including mung bean(Vigna radiata L.Wilczek).Screening of genotypes for variations is one of the suitable strategies for evaluating crop adaptability and global food security.In this context,the study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of four drought tolerant(BARI Mung-8,BMX-08010-2,BMX-010015,BMX-08009-7),and four drought sensitive(BARI Mung-1,BARI Mung-3,BU Mung-4,BMX-05001)mung bean genotypes under wellwatered(WW)and water deficit(WD)conditions.The WW treatment maintained sufficient soil moisture(22%±0.5%,i.e.,30%deficit of available water)by regularly supplying water.Whereas,the WD treatment was maintained throughout the growing period,and water was applied when the wilting symptom appeared.The drought tolerant(DT)genotypes BARI Mung-8,BMX-08010-2,BMX-010015,BMX-08009-7 showed a high level of proline accumulation(2.52–5.99 mg g^(−1) FW),photosynthetic pigment(total chlorophyll 2.96–3.27 mg g^(−1) FW at flowering stage,and 1.62–2.38 mg g^(−1) FW at pod developing stage),plant water relation attributes including relative water content(RWC)(82%–84%),water retention capacity(WRC)(12–14)as well as lower water saturation deficit(WSD)(19%–23%),and water uptake capacity(WUC)(2.58–2.89)under WD condition,which provided consequently higher relative seed yield.These indicate that the tolerant genotypes gained better physiobiochemical attributes and adaptability in response to drought conditions.Furthermore,the genotype BMX-08010-2 showed superiority in terms of those physio-biochemical traits,susceptibility index(SSI)and stress tolerance index(STI)to other genotypes.Based on the physiological and biochemical responses,the BMX-08010-2 was found to be a suitable genotype for sustaining yield under drought stress,and subsequently,it could be recommended for crop improvement through hybridization programs.In addition,the identified traits can be used as markers to identify tolerant genotypes for drought-prone areas.

Reaction of Sorghum Differentials to Grain Mold Infection in Puerto Rico

Grain mold, associated with many fungi, is the most important disease of sorghum, causing both yield and quality losses. In this study, 23 sorghum differentials used in pathotype characterization of anthracnose and head smut pathogens were evaluated for grain mold resistance under favorable conditions in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Lines BTx643 and IS18760 exhibited the lowest grain mold severity, indicating that these two may possess genes for grain mold resistance. These two lines also recorded the highest germination rates 94.7% and 97.6%, respectively, and their seed weight was among the heaviest. In conclusion, these two lines can be utilized in breeding programs to develop grain mold-resistant hybrid lines.

Molecular characterization of sweet potato(Ipomoea batatas[L.]Lam)germplasms for desirable traits by using simple sequence repeats markers

Every breeding program that aims to create new and improved cultivars with desired traits mostly relies on information related to genetic diversity.Therefore,molecular characterization of germplasms is important to obtain target cultivars with desirable traits.Sweet potato[Ipomoea batatas(L.)Lam]is widely considered the world’s most important crop,with great diversity in morphological and phenotypic traits.The genetic diversity of 20 sweet potato germplasms originating from Bangladesh,CIP,Philippines,Taiwan,and Malaysia were compared,which was accomplished by genetic diversity analysis by exploring 20 microsatellite DNA markers for germplasm characterization and utilization.This information was effective in differentiating or clustering the sweet potato genotypes.A total of 64 alleles were generated using the 20 primers throughout the 20 germplasm samples,with locus IBS97 having the highest number of alleles(5),whereas locus IbU33 had the fewest alleles(2).The alleles varied in size from 105(IbU31)to 213 base pairs(IBS34).The Polymorphism Information Content(PIC)values for the loci IbL46 and IBS97 varied from 0.445 to 0.730.IBS97 has the highest number of effective alleles(3.704),compared to an average of 2.520.The average Shannon’s diversity index(H)was 1.003,ranging from 0.673 in IbU3 to 1.432 in IBS97.The value of gene flow(Nm)varied between 0.000 and 0.005,with an average of 0.003,whereas genetic differentiation(FST-values)ranged between 0.901 and 1.000.The sweet potato germplasm included in this study had a broad genetic base.SP1 vs.SP9 and SP12 vs.SP18 germplasm pairings had the greatest genetic distance(GD=0.965),while SP1 vs.SP2 germplasm couples had the least genetic diversity(GD=0.093).Twenty genotypes were classified into two groups in the UPGMA dendrogram,with 16 genotypes classified as group“A”and the remaining four genotypes,SP10,SP18,SP19,and SP20,classified as group“B.”According to cluster analysis,the anticipated heterozygosity(gene diversity)of Nei(1973)was 0.591 on average.In summary,SSR markers successfully evaluated the genetic relationships among the sweet potato accessions used and generated a high level of polymorphism.The results of the present study will be useful for the management of germplasm,improvement of the current breeding strategies,and the release of new cultivars as varieties.

中国苜蓿品种对黄萎病抗病性鉴定

黄萎病(Verticillium albo-atrum Reinke & Berthold)是苜蓿的毁灭性病害,在欧洲常于播种当年就有许多植株发病,第二年末或第三年会有大批植株死亡,使苜蓿地失去利用价值。1976年以后,本病在北美流行,并造成巨大经济损失。有效而实际的防治措施是利用抗病品种。中国尚未发现苜蓿黄萎病;但是我国有许多苜蓿种植地区的气候条件与北美的病区近似,病害一旦传入有发展流行的危险。作者于1992年在加拿大Lethbridge农业研究站对5个中国北方广为种植的苜蓿品种和1个野生黄花苜蓿(Medicago

Biofabrication of Ag nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera leaf extract and their antimicrobial activity

Objective:To formulate a simple rapid procedure for bioreduction of silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaves extract of Moringa oleifera(M.oleifera).Methods:10 mL of leaf extract was mixed to 90 mL of 1 mM aqueous of AgNO_3 and was heated at 60-80 ℃ for 20 min.A change from brown to reddish color was observed.Characterization using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Transmission Electron Microscopy(TEM) was performed.Results:TEM showed the formation of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 57 nm.Conclusions:M.oleifera demonstrates strong potential for synthesis of silver nanoparticles by rapid reduction of silver ions(Ag^+ to Ag^0). Biological methods are good competents for the chemical procedures,which are eco-friendly and convenient.

Insecticidal,antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of bulb extracts of Allium sativum

Objective:To evaluate the insecticidal,antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of bulb extracts of Allium sativum(A.sativum).Methods:Dried bulbs of A.sativum were extracted with different solvents and evaluated for insecticidal,antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.Results: Aqueous and methanol extracts showed highest insecticidal activity(mortality rate of 81%and 64%respectively) against the larvae of Spodoptera litura(S.litura) at a concentration of 1000 ppm.With regard to antimicrobial activity,aqueous extract exhibited antibacterial activity against gram positive(Bacillus subtilis,Staphylococcus aureu,) and gram negative(Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia) strains and antifungal activity against Candida albicans.While methanol extract showed antimicrobial activity against all the tested micro organisms except two(Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans),the extracts of hexane,chloroform and ethyl acetate did not show any anti microbial activity.Minimum inhibitory concentration of aqueous and methanol extracts against tested bacterial and fungal strains was 100-150μg/mL. Antioxidant activity of the bulb extracts was evaluated in terms of inhibition of free radicals by 2.2’-diphenly-l-picrylhydrazyl.Aqueous and methanol extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity(80%-90%of the standard).Conclusions:Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of A.sativum against the tested organisms therefore,provides scientific basis for its utilization in traditional and folk medicine.Also,our results demonstrated the insecticidal efficacy of A. sativum against S.litura,a polyphagous insect.

A Review of <i>Paulownia</i>Biotechnology: A Short Rotation, Fast Growing Multipurpose Bioenergy Tree

Paulownia is a genus of fast-growing and multipurpose tree species that is native to China. Due to their rapid growth and value in the timber market, many Paulownia species are cultivated in several temperate zones worldwide. Economic importance of Paulownia is increasing as new uses and related products are developed. It is also suitable as a lignocellulosic feedstock crop for the bioethanol industry in the Southeastern USA. A number of Paulownia species are valuable sources of secondary metabolites including flavonoids with high antioxidant activities. A high demand for planting material in domestic and international markets for afforestation and bioenergy production has necessitated the development of efficient micropropagation protocols for rapid and mass propagation of Paulownia. Over the past several decades, research on Paulownia species has been conducted to develop micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis and genetic transformation protocols for use in agroforestry and reforestation programs. Given the economic importance and current and potential future uses of Paulownia, this paper reviews the development of biotechnological approaches for plant propagation and genetic improvement, and antioxidant potential of secondary metabolites occurring in species.

Population Structure and Marker-Trait Association in Indigenous Aromatic Rice

Joha rice of Assam is a class of rice with aroma, good cooking qualities and excellent palatability, which are grown in different places of Assam with their adaptability to local situations. A total of 143 simple sequence repeat markers were used in this study to reveal sufficient genetic variations among the 40 Joha and 14 non-Joha rice genotypes. Polymorphism information content of these markers were from 0.17 to 0.88, where the average of 3.7 alleles were observed. The model-based population assignment and dendrogram analysis identified three distinct groups in the 54 rice accessions, which established a clear identity of Joha accessions from the Basmati accessions, indicating high diversity and strong population structure in Joha rice. Furthermore, a total of 29 significant marker-trait associations(P < 0.05) for 10 characters were detected. The QTLs related with yield and grain quality can be used effectively in crop improvement programs and for further fine mapping and validation of specific genes to develop gene-based perfect markers in rice breeding and for mining of better alleles of these genes in Joha rice collections.

Preslaughter diet management in sheep and goats:effects on physiological responses and microbial loads on skin and carcass

Sixteen crossbred buck goats （Kiko x Spanish; BW = 32.8 kg） and wether sheep （Dorset x Suffolk; BW = 39.9 kg） were used to determine the effect of preslaughter diet and feed deprivation time （FDT） on physiological responses and microbial loads on skin and carcasses. Experimental animals were fed either a concentrate （CD） or a hay diet （HD） for 4 d and then deprived of feed for either 12-h or 24-h before slaughter. Blood samples were collected for plasma cortisol and blood metabolite analyses. Longisimus muscle （LM） pH was measured. Skin and carcass swabs were obtained to assess microbial loads. Plasma creatine kinase activity （863.9 and 571.7 ± 95.21 IU） and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations （1,056.1 and 589.8 _＋ 105.01 mEq/L） were different （P 〈 0.05） between sheep and goats. Species and diet treatments had significant effects on the ultimate pH of LM. Pre-holding total coliform （TCC） and aerobic plate counts （APC） of skin were significantly different between species. Goats had lower （P 〈 0.05） TCC （2.1 vs. 3.0 IogTo CFU/cm2） and APC （8.2 vs. 8.5 Iog10 CFU/cm2） counts in the skin compared to sheep. Preslaughter skin E. coil counts and TCC were different （P 〈 0.05） between species. Goats had lower （P 〈 0.05） counts of E. coil （2.2 vs. 2.9 log10 CFU/cm2） and TCC （2.3 vs. 3.0 log10 CFU/cm2） in the skin compared with those in sheep. Diet, species, and FDT had no effect （P 〉 0.05） on E. coli and TCC in carcass swab samples. The APC of carcass swab samples were only affected （P 〈 0.05） by the FDT. The results indicated that preslaughter dietary management had no significant changes on hormone and blood metabolite concentrations and sheep might be more prone for fecal contamination than goats in the holding pens at abattoir.

The chromosome-level genome of dragon fruit reveals whole-genome duplication and chromosomal co-localization of betacyanin biosynthetic genes

Dragon fruits are tropical fruits economically important for agricultural industries.As members of the family of Cactaceae,they have evolved to adapt to the arid environment.Here we report the draft genome of Hylocereus undatus,commercially known as the white-fleshed dragon fruit.The chromosomal level genome assembly contains 11 longest scaffolds corresponding to the 11 chromosomes of H.undatus.Genome annotation of H.undatus found~29,000 protein-coding genes,similar to Carnegiea gigantea(saguaro).Whole-genome duplication(WGD)analysis revealed a WGD event in the last common ancestor of Cactaceae followed by extensive genome rearrangements.The divergence time between H.undatus and C.gigantea was estimated to be 9.18 MYA.Functional enrichment analysis of orthologous gene clusters(OGCs)in six Cactaceae plants found significantly enriched OGCs in drought resistance.Fruit flavor-related functions were overrepresented in OGCs that are significantly expanded in H.undatus.The H.undatus draft genome also enabled the discovery of carbohydrate and plant cell wall-related functional enrichment in dragon fruits treated with trypsin for a longer storage time.Lastly,genes of the betacyanin(a red-violet pigment and antioxidant with a very high concentration in dragon fruits)biosynthetic pathway were found to be co-localized on a 12 Mb region of one chromosome.The consequence may be a higher efficiency of betacyanin biosynthesis,which will need experimental validation in the future.The H.undatus draft genome will be a great resource to study various cactus plants.

The effects of tannins-containing ground pine bark diet upon nutrient digestion,nitrogen balance,and mineral retention in meat goats

Background： Pine bark is a rich source of phytochemical compounds including tannins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and fatty acids. These phytochemicals have potential to significantly impact on animal health and animal production. The goal of this work is to measure the effects of tannins in ground pine bark as a partial feed replacement on feed intake, dietary apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and mineral retention in meat goats. Results： Eighteen Kiko cross goats （initial BW = 31.8 ± 1.49 kg） were randomly assigned to three treatment groups （n = 6）. Dietary treatments were tested： control （0 % pine bark powder （PB） and 30 % wheat straw （WS））; ] 5 % PB and 15 % WS, and 30 % PB and 0 % WS. Although dry matter （DM） intake and digestibility were not affected （P〉 0.10） by feeding PB, neutral detergent fiber （linear; P= 0.01）, acid detergent fiber （linear; P= 0.001） and lignin digestibility （linear; P= 0.01） decreased, and crude protein （CP） digestibility tended to decrease （P=0.09） as PB increased in the diet, apparent retention of Ca （P= 0.09）, P （P=0.03）, Mg （P= 0.01）, Mn （P= 0.01）, Zn （P= 0.01） and Fe （P= 0.09） also increased linearly. Nitrogen intake and fecal N excretion were not affected （P〉 0.05） by addition of PB in the diet, but N balance in the body was quadratically increased （P〈 0.01） in the 15 % PB diet compared to other diets. This may be due to more rumen escape protein and less excreted N in the urine with the 15 % PB diet. The study showed that a moderate level of tannin-containing pine bark supplementation could improve gastrointestinal nitrogen balance with the aim of improving animal performance. Conclusion： These results suggest that tannin-containing PB has negative impact on fiber, lignin, and protein digestibility, but positively impacted on N-balance.

Potassium and Manganese Fertilization and the Effects on Millet Seed Yield, Seed Quality, and Forage Potential of Residual Stalks

Millets are important natural grain source for wild and game birds and the domesticated varieties are good sources of grain for human and livestock nutrition as well as summer forage. Unlike sorghum, millet seed has less anti-nutrient factors and is a better choice for animal feed formulations. Pearl millet is an example of such millets and has both forage- and grain-type varieties. However, opportunities exist for dual use of millet for grain and residue for forage. In this study two millets: Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. (Pearl millet var. TifGrain 102) and Panicum ramosum (L.) (Browntop millet) were evaluated for their response to potassium (K) and manganese (Mn) fertilizer. The experiment was a randomized complete block with treatments in a split-split arrangement. Potassium and Mn were supplied as K fertilizer (0-0-60) and manganese sulfate (MnSO4·2H2O), respectively. Potassium and Mn fertilizer rates and their interaction with each other and variety had no effect on determined parameters. TifGrain 102 grain yield averaged at 5900 kg·ha-1 was significantly greater than 4680 kg·ha-1 obtained for Browntop millet. While grain oil contents were similar, Browntop grain had greater contents of crude proteins. And except for K, Browntop seed had greater contents of all determined macro-and micronutrients. Residual stalks of Browntop had greater forage crude protein, total digestible nutrient (TDN) and lower acid detergent fiber (ADF). Browntop residual material had greater quantities of estimated net energy for growth (NEG), lactation (NEL), maintenance (NME). While TifGrain 102 residual stalks had greater contents of P and K, it had significantly lower contents of Ca, Mg and S compared to Browntop. Overall, while these two millets have shown good potential for dual use, Browntop may offer a better choice for high quality seed and residual stalks for forage.

Marker-Assisted Pyramiding of Genes Conferring ResistanceAgainst Bacterial Blight and Blast Diseases into Indian RiceVariety MTU1010

Two major bacterial blight （BB） resistance genes （Xa21 and xa13） and a major gene for blastresistance （Pi54） were introgressed into an Indian rice variety MTU1010 through marker-assistedbackcross breeding. Improved Samba Mahsuri （possessing Xa21 and xa13） and NLR145 （possessingPi54） were used as donor parents. Marker-assisted backcrossing was continued till BC2 generationwherein PCR based functional markers specific for the resistance genes were used for foregroundselection and a set of parental polymorphic microsatellite markers were used for background selectionat each stage of backcrossing. Selected BC2F1 plants from both crosses, having the highest recoveriesof MTU1010 genome （90% and 92%, respectively）, were intercrossed to obtain intercross F1 （ICF1） plants,which were then selfed to generate 880 ICF2 plants possessing different combinations of the BB andblast resistance genes. Among the ICF2 plants, seven triple homozygous plants （xa13xa13Xa21Xa21Pi54Pi54）with recurrent parent genome recovery ranging from 82% to 92% were identified. All the seven ICF2plants showed high resistance against the bacterial blight disease with a lesion lengths of only 0.53–2.28 cm, 1%–5% disease leaf areas and disease scoring values of ‘1’ or ‘3’. The seven ICF2 plants wereselfed to generate ICF3, which were then screened for blast resistance, and all were observed to behighly resistant to the diseases. Several ICF3 lines possessing high level of resistance against BB andblast, coupled with yield, grain quality and plant type on par with MTU1010 were identified and advanced forfurther selection and evaluation.