A novel Effective Panicle Number per Plant 4 haplotype enhances grain yield by coordinating panicle number and grain number in rice

Increasing effective panicle number per plant(EPN)is one approach to increase yield potential in rice.However,molecular mechanisms underlying EPN remain unclear.In this study,we integrated mapbased cloning and genome-wide association analysis to identify the EPN4 gene,which is allelic to NARROW LEAF1(NAL1).Overexpression lines containing the Teqing allele(TQ)of EPN4 had significantly increased EPN.NIL-EPN4^(TQ) in japonica(geng)cultivar Lemont(LT)exhibited significantly improved EPN but decreased grain number and flag leaf size relative to LT.Haplotype analysis indicated that accessions with EPN4-1 had medium EPN,medium grain number,and medium grain weight,but had the highest grain yield among seven haplotypes,indicating that EPN4-1 is an elite haplotype of EPN4 for positive coordination of the three components of grain yield.Furthermore,accessions carrying the combination of EPN4-1 and haplotype GNP1-6 of GNP1 for grain number per panicle showed higher grain yield than those with other allele combinations.Therefore,pyramiding of EPN4-1 and GNP1-6 could be a preferred approach to obtain high yield potential in breeding.

Correlation between the Change in the Number of Apis mellifera Worker Bees and Nectar Secretion of Nectariferous Plants

[Objective] This study aimed to clarify the correlation between changes of Apis mel ifera and the nectar secretion characteristics of nectariferous plants. [Method] Considering the nectar secretion characteristics of major and auxiliary nec-tariferous plants, six Apis mel ifera colonies were selected for measure the number of eggs, larvae, pupae and adult bees from Jan. to Dec. in 2012; based on that, their annual change curves were also plotted. [Result] The results showed that there were three peaks of the total number of A. mel ifera workers throughout the year：the first occurred on May 15th, with bees developed into an ideal population for col-lecting pomegranate nectar, and the second and third peaks occurred on July 15th and Oct. 15th, respectively, with bees developed into an ideal population for col ect-ing E. ciliate （Thuab） Hyland. [Conclusion] Prevention of Varroa jacobsoni should be carried out with two or more types of acaricides at the late nectar flow stages of the two nectariferous plants（pomegranate and E. ciliate （Thuab） Hyland） when there was a nectar deficiency. Prevention of Tropilaelaps clareae should be timely per-formed with sublimed sulfur in conjunction with acaricides. This study provides a theoretical basis for the high-quality and high-yielding production of honey, as wel as for the product safety.

Mining Applicable Elite Alleles of Growth Duration, Plant Height and Panicle Number per Plant by Conditional QTL Mapping in Japonica Rice

Unconditional and conditional QTL mapping were conducted for growth duration (GD), plant height (PH) and effective panicle number per plant (PN) using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between two japonica rice varieties Xiushui 79 and C Bao. The RIL population consisted of 254 lines was planted in two environments, Nanjing and Sihong, Jiangsu Province, China. Results showed that additive effects were major in all of QTLs for GD, PH and PN detected by the two methods, and the epistatic effects explained a small proportion of phenotypic variation. No interactions were detected between additive QTL and environment, and between epistatic QTL pairs and environment. After growth duration was adjusted to an identical level, RM80-160bp was detected as an applicable elite allele for PN, with an additive effect of 0.71. When effective panicle number per plant was adjusted to an identical level, RM448-240bp was detected as an applicable elite allele for GD, with an additive effect of 4.64. After plant height was adjusted to an identical level, RM80-160bp was detected as an applicable elite allele for PN, with an additive effect of 0.62, and RM448-240bp was detected as an applicable elite allele for GD, with an additive effect of 3.89. These applicable elite alleles could be used to improve target traits without influencing the other two traits.

Quantitative classification and analysis on plant communities in the middle reaches of the Tarim River

Plant communities were sampled in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, Xinjiang. The results showed that there are 23 species belonging to 21 genera in 11 families, most of which have low occurrence frequency in quadrats. The most common species is Tamarix ramosissima, which occurred in 17 sites accounting for 89.47% of the total 19 sites. Quantitative classification (TWINSPAN) and ordination (CCA) methods were used to study the distribution patterns of 23 plant species in 19 sites in this valley. TWINSPAN results showed that the plant communities in the middle reaches of the Tarim River could be divided into 3 groups and the sampling sites could be divided into 7 types in 3 groups. CCA results were consistent with TWINSPAN results, and showed species distribution patterns correlated with major environmental variables of groundwater level and soil moisture.

Mining Elite Alleles of Growth Duration and Productive Panicle Number per Plant by Association Mapping with Conditional Phenotypic Value in Japonica Rice

To provide genetic information and materials for breeding hybrid japonica rice with wide adaptability and strong competitive advantage of yield, elite alleles and their carrier varieties of growth duration （GD） and productive panicle number per plant （PN） were detected. A natural population composed of 94 japonica varieties was phenotyped for the GD, PN and plant height （PH） in two environments. The conditional phenotypic data were transferred by the linear model method in software QGAStation 1.0, and association mapping based on the unconditional and conditional phenotype values of GD and PN was analyzed by using general linear model in software TASSEL. A total of 34 simple sequence repeat （SSR） marker loci associated with GD and PN were detected in the two environments. Among them, 15 were associated with GD, and 19 were associated with PN. Four elite alleles of RM8095-120bp, RM7102-176bp, RM72-170bp and RM72-178bp were associated with GD, and their carrier varieties were Hongmangshajing, Nipponbare, Hongmangshajing and Nannongjing 62401, respectively. These elite alleles from the carrier varieties can shorten GD by 2.03-9.93 d when they were introduced into improved materials. RM72-182bp associated with PN was an elite allele, and its carrier variety was Xiaoqingzhong. It can increase PN by three when introduced into improved materials. Moreover, these elite alleles can be used to improve target traits without influencing another two traits.

基于Plant Simulation的压气机叶片型线加工产线分析与优化

运用专业仿真软件Plant Simulation,根据压气机叶片型线机械加工工艺特点和物料运行流程建立生产线仿真模型,从产能、设备利用率及产线瓶颈等多方面进行仿真分析与优化。结果表明:Plant Simulation仿真平台的仿真可以找出规划设计方案中存在的问题并验证方案的合理性。该仿真结果为型线机械加工产线的优化设计提供了可靠依据,达到了节约投资成本和缩短设计周期的目的。

Chemical characterization and antioxidative properties of Polish variety of Morus alba L. leaf aqueous extracts from the laboratory and pilot-scale processes

White mulberry tree (Morus alba L) is cultivated throughout Asia and Europe, including Poland. The leaves and root bark preparations from Morus alba have been used in traditional phytomedicine. The objective of the present study was to compare chemical composition and antioxidative activity of aqueous extracts prepared from Polish variety of Morus alba leaves at the laboratory (L) and pilot plant scale (PP) conditions. Proximate composition, phenolic acids profile (HPLC/MS), flavonol glicosides (HPLC/ MS), polyphenols (Folin-Ciocalteu assay), and the antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH assay) of the extracts were determined. The main phenolic compounds were identified as gallic, protocatechuic, phydroxybenzoic, vanillic, chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and sinapic acids. Chlorogenic acid was the main phenolic constituent of both extracts. The flavonols fraction contained rutin, quercetin 3-β-D-glucoside, and kaempferol 3-β-D- glucopyranoside. Total concentration of phenolic compounds were 7.9 g and 14.4 g gallic acid equivalent/100 g extract, and antioxidant activity was 137.1 and 214.1 μMol Trolox equivalent/g dry weight for the PP and L extracts, respectively. We concluded that current pilot plant process is less efficient than laboratory process at the aqueous extraction of bioactive components from Morus alba dried leaves. Potential improvements may include increasing efficacy of the extraction, decreasing losses of bioactive components during the process, or both.

Comparison of Differences in Total Flavonoids between Leaves and Whole Plants of Anoectochilus roxburghii

[Objectives] To compare the differences in the total flavonoids between leaves and whole plants of Anoectochilus roxburghii.[Methods] The total flavonoids in the tissue cultured leaves and whole plants of A.roxburghii were extracted by microwave-assisted extraction.The content of total flavonoids in the extracts was determined by UV spectrophotometry.[Results]The results of the content determination showed that there were significant differences in the flavonoid content between the leaves and the whole plants of A.roxburghii.[Conclusions]The content of total flavonoids in tissue cultured leaves was higher than that of whole plants.Thus,in the development and utilization of A.roxburghii,tissue cultured leaves can be used to take the place of the whole plants.

Simulation of Nigerian Crude Oil Types for Modular Refinery (Topping Plant) Operations

This research study focused on the need to curb scarcity and importation of petroleum finished products in oil-producing nation Nigeria through the operation of conventional modular refineries in conjunction with major refineries operating efficiently. Hence, the study focused on the suitability and operations of conventional modular refinery processes by considering twenty different types of Nigerian crude oil for crude oil assay analysis and classification using Aspen Hysys. The crude oil assay results categorized the twenty Nigerian crude oil types as light and medium sweet crude, while based on recovery volume percent at a true boiling point of 370℃, the twenty crude oil types were categorized into Group A (crude oil with recovery volume above 80%), Group B (crude oil with recovery volume between 70% and 79%) and Group C (crude oil with recovery volume below 70%) respectively. Besides, light and medium sweet oil types were simulated in a conventional modular refinery (topping plant) at different numbers of column trays (25, 29, 35, 40 and 48) to determine their product yield. Based on product yield and equipment costs at different numbers of tray columns, a modular refinery with twenty-nine column trays was applied in this study. Thus, twenty Nigerian crude oil types were simulated in a conventional modular refinery of 30,000 barrel per day capacity and twenty-nine column trays respectively to evaluate their product yield and tray compositions.

The optimal drainage line of potted flowers of soilless culture

Water is the source of life. China ranks No.13 among the water shortage countries. The most of the water is utilized in agriculture, while the utilization rate of irrigation water is only 40%, so it is very important to study on the theory and technology on high efficient water utilization. The purpose for this study is to find out the optimal drainage line on potted flowers through the analysis of experimental results of Aglaonema modestum and Rhododendron simsii Planch in different drainage lines.

Determination of rice panicle numbers during heading by multi-angle imaging

Plant phenomics has the potential to accelerate progress in understanding gene functions and environmental responses. Progress has been made in automating high-throughput plant phenotyping. However, few studies have investigated automated rice panicle counting. This paper describes a novel method for automatically and nonintrusively determining rice panicle numbers during the full heading stage by analyzing color images of rice plants taken from multiple angles. Pot-grown rice plants were transferred via an industrial conveyer to an imaging chamber. Color images from different angles were automatically acquired as a turntable rotated the plant. The images were then analyzed and the panicle number of each plant was determined. The image analysis pipeline consisted of extracting the i2 plane from the original color image, segmenting the image, discriminating the panicles from the rest of the plant using an artificial neural network, and calculating the panicle number in the current image. The panicle number of the plant was taken as the maximum of the panicle numbers extracted from all 12 multi-angle images. A total of 105 rice plants during the full heading stage were examined to test the performance of the method. The mean absolute error of the manual and automatic count was 0.5, with 95.3% of the plants yielding absolute errors within ± 1. The method will be useful for evaluating rice panicles and will serve as an important supplementary method for high-throughput rice phenotyping.

Twenty years of Chinese vascular plant novelties,2000 through 2019

From 2000 to 2019,11,895 new names or new additions to the Chinese vascular flora were proposed by 4226 individuals(4086 articles and 140 books),as documented in the Chinese Plant Names Index(CPNI).During those 20 years,4407 new taxa of vascular plants were described from China,including 7 new families,132 new genera,3543 new species,68 new subspecies,497 new varieties and 160 new forms.Additionally,3562 new combinations and names at new rank and 306 new replacement names were also proposed.Among these various new names were 150 invalid names and 108 illegitimate names,including some that have not been resolved.Six hundred and forty three vascular plants were reported as new to China,while 2349 names were reduced to synonyms of 1406 taxa.The data show that the Chinese flora increased in size at the rate of about 200 taxa annually during those years.Despite the increased attention given to biodiversity in recent years,the evidence indicates that a large number of species in China have yet to be discovered.Further basic investigation of the Chinese flora is needed.Additionally,in the past two decades only 8.5%of the newly published species have been based on molecular evidence,but in the past five years such data have increased significantly,reaching about 20%.Molecular data will undoubtedly become increasingly significant in the discovery of new species in the coming years.Yunnan,Guangxi,Sichuan,Xizang and Taiwan were important sources of new discoveries,with more than 3300 new taxa and records from these five provinces.By area,Taiwan and Hainan,two islands in southern China,have the highest density of newly discovered species.Regional plant surveys are still needed,especially in areas in the southwest and on the southern islands.

Discovery of and Preliminary studies on a Rapid-Leafing Rice Genotype at the Vegetative Growth Stage

The leafing rates of fourteen rice varieties were measured in a sowing-time experiment, and a rapid leafing genotype at the vegetative growth stage was discovered in an indica variety Yanhui 559. The leaf number on the main culm of Yanhui 559 was always 4-5 leaves more than that of Lemont, and the leafing rate of Yanhui 559 was significantly higher than that of Lemont based on similar growth durations from sowing to heading. Furthermore, the difference of the leafing rate was significant at the vegetative growth stage, but not distinctive at the panicle initiation stage. Genetic analysis of the leafing rates in the two backcross populations of Yanhui 559 and Lemont showed that major and quantitative genes controlled the expression of rapid leafing character. Based on results of investigation for some plants with similar growth durations in the backcrossing populations, the rapid leafing genotypes exhibited earlier tillering and more tiller numbers per plant, and its yield components including the number of panicles per plant and number of grains per panicle were superior to those of the slow leafing genotypes. Further research and application feasibility of the rapid leafing genotype in breeding were discussed.

Taxonomic Significance of Anatomical Characters in Some Species of the Family Myrtaceae

This paper elaborated the epidermis properties, transverse sections of leaves, petioles and stems of five cultivated spe-cies belong to five genera of Myrtaceae. They are Callistemon viminalis (Sol. ex Gaertn.) G. Don, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., Myrtus communis L., Psidium guajava L. and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. It was clear that certain structural characteristics were of significant impor-tance in separation of these taxa, such as the presence of hypodermis in the leaves of P. guajava, the absence of stomata from the abaxial surface of leaves of C. viminalis and P. guajava, the isobilateral mesophyll in C. viminalis and E. camaldulensis leaves, the wavy transverse section of stem in C. viminalis, the presence of more than one vascular strand in S. aromaticum petioles as well as the presence of prismatic crystals in addition to the druses in the petioles of P. guajava.

Global Dynamic Analysis of a Vector-Borne Plant Disease Model with Discontinuous Treatment

This paper proposes a vector-borne plant disease model with discontinuous treatment strategies. Constructing Lyapunov function and applying non-smooth theory to analyze discontinuous differential equations, the basic reproductive number R0 is proved, which determines whether the plant disease will be extinct or not. If R0 R0 > 1 , there exists a unique endemic equilibrium which is globally stable. The numerical simulations are provided to verify our theoretical results, which indicate that after infective individuals reach some level, strengthening treatment measures is proved to be beneficial in controlling disease transmission.

QTL mapping for plant height and fruit branch number based on RIL population of upland cotton

Background:Plant height(PH)and fruit branch number(FBN)are important traits for improving yield and mechanical harvesting of cotton.In order to identify genes of PH and FBN in cotton germplasms to develop superior cultivars,quantitative trait loci(QTLs)for these traits were detected based on the phenotypic evaluation data in nine environments across four locations and 4 years and a previously reported genetic linkage map of an recombinant inbred line(RIL)population of upland cotton.Results:In total,53 QTLs of PH and FBN,were identified on 21 chromosomes of the cotton genome except chromosomes c02,c09-c11,and c22.For PH,27 QTLs explaining 3.81%–8.54%proportions of phenotypic variance were identified on 18 chromosomes except c02,c08-c12,c15,and c22.For FBN,26 QTLs explaining 3.23%–11.00%proportions of phenotypic variance were identified on 16 chromosomes except c02-c03,c06,c09-c11,c17,c22-c23,and c25.Eight QTLs were simultaneously identified in at least two environments.Three QTL clusters containing seven QTLs were identified on three chromosomes(c01,c18 and c21).Eleven QTLs were the same as previously reported ones,while the rest were newly identified.Conclusions:The QTLs and QTL clusters identified in the current study will be helpful to further understand the genetic mechanism of PH and FBN development of cotton and will enhance the development of excellent cultivars for mechanical managements in cotton production.

Antidiabetic fallacy of Vernonia amygdalina(bitter leaves) in human diabetes

Objective:Aim of present study is to scientifically,verify the antidiabetic activity/potency of Vernonia amygdalina in human diabetes.Methods:A search was made at Nnewi,South - East Nigeria for known diabetes who use Vernonia amygdalina either as their sole or supplementary antidiabetic.A total of ten volunteers comprising, eight females and two males were recruited.They were all of age range of 36-50 and average weight of 78 kg and suffering from non - insulin form of diabetes.The purpose of the study was explained to them and their consent obtained.They were asked not to take any other antidiabetic outside Vernonia amygdalina throughout the four weeks study period.There was however,no form of restrictions to their choice of diet or life style. They were requested to abstain from any drugs a week prior to commencement of study.Their prescriber’s dosage range was followed and minimum daily dose of 210 mL(approximately 220 mg of dry extract) was administered in Week-1,followed by daily dose of 420 mL(440 mg) in Week-2.In Week-3 they received 630 mL (660 mg) daily dose and in Week-4,they received daily dose of 840 mL(880 mg).Their fasting blood sugar were estimated pre-crude drug administration and on weekly basis for the four week study period.Their weekly weights were measured to check for possible weight gain or loss.Results were subjected to statistical analysis and Students T-Test was used to calculate P-value.P-value≤0.05 were considered significant.Results:It was observed that all the volunteers in the study group were taking Vernonia amygdalina only as supplementary. Two volunteers dropped out of the study at the end of Week-3 leaving us with 8 in Week-4.There was no significant bodyweight change within the four week study.The starting mean fasting blood sugar which was 133.3 mg/dL(7.41 mmol/L) rose to 136.6 mg/dL(7.59 mmol/L) in Week-1,to 149.5 mg/dL(8.31 mmol/L) in Week-2 and to 166.5 mg/dL(9.30 mmol/L) in Week-3.Week-4 had us left with 8 volunteers with a mean of 190.6 mg/dL(10.59 mmol/L).There was significant differences in increase in sugar levels between the pre-crade extract administration and treatment period with Vernonia amygdalina(P≤0.05 for Week-1,Ps?0.02 for Week-2,P^0.01 for Week-3 and PssO.001 for Week-4).Conclusion:Claims of antidiabetic efficacy of Vernonia amygdalina in human diabetes are scientifically non verifiable based on our work hence these claims are false.We also feel bold to state that we could not demonstrate any antidiabetic activity of Vernonia amygdalina in human subjects.We recommend that NAFDAC and all relevant agencies must sit up and control all forms advertorial on Medicinal plants until such are well studied and proven.

Sensitivity Analysis of the ALMANAC Model's Input Variables

Crop models often require extensive input data sets to realistically simulate crop growth. Development of such input data sets can be difficult for some model users. The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of variables in input data sets for crop modeling. Based on published hybrid performance trials in eight Texas counties, we developed standard data sets of 10-year simulations of maize and sorghum for these eight counties with the ALMANAC (Agricultural Land Management Alternatives with Numerical Assessment Criteria) model. The simulation results were close to the measured county yields with relative error only 2.6% for maize, and - 0.6% for sorghum. We then analyzed the sensitivity of grain yield to solar radiation, rainfall, soil depth, soil plant available water, and runoff curve number, comparing simulated yields to those with the original, standard data sets. Runoff curve number changes had the greatest impact on simulated maize and sorghum yields for all the counties. The next most critical input was rainfall, and then solar radiation for both maize and sorghum, especially for the dryland condition. For irrigated sorghum, solar radiation was the second most critical input instead of rainfall. The degree of sensitivity of yield to all variables for maize was larger than for sorghum except for solar radiation. Many models use a USDA curve number approach to represent soil water redistribution, so it will be important to have accurate curve numbers, rainfall, and soil depth to realistically simulate yields.

Application of Nuclear Analysis in Assessment of Environmental Pollution Part 1 Contamination of Plant and Soilby Fluorine

Fluorine contaminates the environment. The study of fluorine contamination profile can be made easy by the use of nuclear analytic method. Measurement of prompt gamma emitted from bombarding fluorine polluted environmental sample with proton beam from accelerator provides rapid assessment of fluorine contamination. In this paper, 340 keV proton beam induced F 19 (P,αγ) O 16 reaction is performed, measurement of prompt gamma 6130 keV gives fluorine content in the soil and leaves of plants (parasol, cotton and glossy privet), taken from the fluorine polluted area.

基于Super-GBS的高粱株高和节间数QTL定位

株高及相关性状是影响高粱株型和产量的关键因素,定位影响这些性状的主效QTL,为高粱的分子遗传改良提供依据。以美国高粱品种BTx623和贵州酒用高粱品种红缨子杂交构建的包含205个家系的重组自交系(RIL)群体为材料,在5个环境条件下调查株高和节间数。利用Super-GBS技术进行基因分型,建立SNP标记遗传图谱,采用完备区间作图法(ICIM)开展QTL定位。结果表明,在第1、3、4、8、9染色体上一共检测到18个QTL,其中,与株高和节间数相关的QTL分别为7和11个。有10个主效QTL在多个环境中或2个性状中被重复检测到,其中q PH9.1与已知的株高基因Dw1一致,而q PH1.2、qPH3.2、qIN3.2以及q IN8.1所在区间内包含了4个与影响水稻株高或节间伸长的基因同源。