Gut Bacterial and Lactobacilli Communities of Weaning Piglets in Response to Mannan Oligosaccharide and Sugar Beet Pulp In vitro Fermentation

Microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract （GIT） of piglets during weaning transition can experience a sharp change which could result in growth reduction and diarrhea of weaned piglets. Dietary manipulations can play an important role in attenuating such changes caused by weaning stress. Therefore, ileal and colonic contents of weaned piglets were used as inocula, mannan oligosaccharide （MOS） or sugar beet pulp （SBP） was supplied as single energy sources to investigate effects of MOS or SBP on the shifts of gastro-intestinal microflora and lactobacilli populations. The universal bacteria- and lactobacilli-specific PCR/denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis （DGGE）, cloning and sequencing techniques were used. DGGE profiles of the universal bacteria showed that great changes were found in the position, numbers and intensity of dominant bands after fermentation. The similarity of bacterial community between ileum and colon was increased to 85-97% by MOS or SBP treatment after fermentation from the similarity with 20% before fermentation. MOS treatment significantly increased the bacterial diversity and band number in both ileal and colonic fermentation （P〈0.05）. SBP treatment significantly increased the bacterial diversity and band number in colon （P〈0.05）. It implies that some species were enriched by the addition of MOS or SBP to increase the similarity and diversity of bacterial community in weaned piglets. Five specific bands appearing in MOS or SBP treatment group after fermentation were cloned and sequenced, the changes of species related to Prevotella and Ruminococcus were observed. Two bands related to uncultured bacterium with 98% similarity were detected by MOS or SBP treatment. However, there were no effects on the similarity, diversity index and lactobacilli species revealed by MOS or SBP treatment. These results imply that MOS or SBP could have beneficial effects on the weaning piglets by stablizing microbiota in the GIT microflora.

Changes in feed intake, nutrient digestion, plasma metabolites, and oxidative stress parameters in dairy cows with subacute ruminal acidosis and its regulation with pelleted beet pulp

The objectives of this study were to 1） determine the variation of nutrient digestion, plasma metabolites and oxidative stress parameters triggered by induced subacute ruminal acidosis （SARA）; and 2） evaluate the ability of pelleted beet pulp （BP） as a replacement for ground corn to alleviate SARA. Eight Holstein-Friesian cows were fed four diets during four successive17 day periods： 1） total mixed ration （TMR） containing 0% finely ground wheat （FGW） （WO）; 2） TMR containing 10% FGW （W10）; 3） TMR containing 20% FGW （W20）; and 4） TMR containing 10% BP as a replacement for 10% ground corn （BP10）. The SARA induction protocol reduced the mean ruminal pH from 6.37 to 5.94, and the minimum ruminal pH decreased from 5.99 to 5.41 from baseline to challenge period. Mean ruminal pH increased from 5.94 to 6.05, and minimum daily ruminal pH increased from 5.41 to 5.63, when BP was substituted for corn. The apparent digestibility of nutrients was not affected by the dietary treatments, except that the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre （NDF） and acid detergent fibre （ADF） was reduced in cows fed the W20 diet compared with cows fed the W0 and W10 diets, and cows fed the BP10 diet had higher NDF and ADF digestibility than the cows fed the W20 diet. Cows fed the W20 diet had a lower plasma concentration of 13-hydroxybutyrate （BHBA）, non-esterified fatty acids （NEFA）, cholesterol, triglyceride, and total antioxidative capacity （TAC）, and a higher plasma concentration of glucose, insulin, malonaldehyde （MDA）, super oxygen dehydrogenises （SOD）, and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） than cows fed the W0 diet. Substitution of BP for corn increased concentrations of plasma BHBA and TAC, but decreased concentrations of plasma MDA. Our results indicate that reduction of fibre digestion; the concomitant increase of plasma glucose and insulin; the decrease of plasma BHBA, NEFA, cholesterol, and triglyceride; and changes of plasma oxidative stress parameters are highly related to SARA induced by W20 diets. These variables may be alternative candidates for SARA diagnosis. We also suggest that the substitution of BP for corn could reduce the risk of SARA, increase fibre digestion, and improve the antioxidant status in dairy cows.

Sugar beet yield and industrial sugar contents improved by potassium fertilization under scarce and adequate moisture conditions

Sugar beet（Beta vulgaris L.） is an industrial crop, grown worldwide for sugar production. In Pakistan, sugar is mostly extracted from sugarcane, soil and environmental conditions are equally favorable for sugar beet cultivation. Beet sugar contents are higher than sugarcane sugar contents, which can be further increased by potassium（K） fertilization. Total K concentration is higher in Pakistani soils developed from mica minerals, but it does not represent plant available K for sustainable plant growth. A pot experiment was conducted in the wire-house of Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences at University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. K treatments were the following： no K（K_0）, K application at 148 kg ha^（–1）（K_1） and 296 kg ha^（–1）（K_2）. Irrigation levels were used as water sufficient at 60% water holding capacity and water deficient at 40% water holding capacity. The growth, yield and beet quality data were analyzed statistically using LSD. The results revealed that increase in the level of K fertilization at water sufficient level significantly increased plant growth, beet yield and industrial beet sugar content. The response of K fertilization under water deficient condition was also similar, however overall sugar production was less than that in water sufficient conditions. It is concluded from this study that K application could be used not only to enhance plant growth and beet yield but also enhance beet sugar content both under water-deficient as well as water-sufficient conditions.

Performance and Enzyme Activity of Beet Armyworm Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) Under Various Nutritional Conditions

We explored the influence of the artificial diets with different protein and glucose contents on larval development,fecundity and enzyme activities of the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua （Hübner）.Our results suggested that development,fecundity and population growth index of beet armyworm increased with increased nutritional content in the artificial diets;however,when the yeast to cellulose content ratio reached 46.8：53.2,the fecundity and population growth had reached a maximum and additional protein did not yield additional growth.Additionally,3rd instar beet armyworm larvae fed on different artificial diets had increased enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase （AChE） with the increased nutritional content,but carboxylesterase （CarE） activities did not significantly change under variation in the nutritional content.

Identification of Heterodera schachtii on sugar beet in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China

The sugar beet cyst nematode,Heterodera schachtii,is a major parasite of sugar beet which has been recognized and listed as a quarantine nematode in China and more than 20 countries and regions worldwide.A survey for important nematodes was undertaken in the sugar beet planting area of China during 2015-2018,and numerous cysts were collected from sugar beet fields in Xinyuan County,Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China.The observations of morphological and morphometric characteristics revealed that cysts,vulval cones and second-stage juveniles of the Xinjiang population were in the same range of each other and within those of other reported H.schachtii populations.Molecular analysis of rDNA-ITS,28S-D2/D3 and mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1(COI)gene sequences suggested that the Xinjiang population clustered in a branch with those foreign populations,and the sequence similarity was as high as 99.81-100%.Moreover,this result was confirmed by PCR assay with species-specific primer SHF6 and rDNA2 of H.schachtii,and the pathogenicity test confirmed successful Xinjiang population reproduction in both plant hosts.In conclusion,based on morphological and molecular characterization,this study confirmed that the cyst nematode population collected from sugar beet fields in Xinjiang is H.schachtii.As far as we know,this is the first report of H.schachtii on sugar beets in Xinjiang,China.

Effect of Chlorimuron-Ethyl on Biochemical Mechanism in Tolerant Sugar Beet

Effect of chlorimuron-ethyl on biochemical mechanism in tolerant sugar beet was investigated to provide basic data on using the tolerant genotype properly. Tolerant sugar beet was used to analyze its biochemical mechanism under chlorimuron- ethyl stress with frame culture in field and water culture. Glutathione S-transferase （GST） activity of leaves in tolerant sugar beet was remarkably increased as chlorimuron-ethyl was preemergence applicated at 0.5 and 1.5 g a.i. hw1, at the same time glutathione （GSH） content increased 50.0-490.1 p.g g-~. GST activity of sensitive sugar beet decreased 122.6 U mg-~ min-1 compared with tolerant sugar beet and GSH content only increased to 7.4 p.g g-~ at chlorimuron-ethyl 0.5 g a.i. ha-~ in sensitive sugar beet. The higher GST activity and GSH content conjugated chlorimuron-ethyl absorbed in tolerant sugar beet and made it lost activity. Acetolactate synthases （ALS） activity of the tolerant sugar beet increased to 62.5 and 70.6%, respectively in seedling and leaf growth period, at the same time ALS activity of the sensitive variety was decreased to 36.8 and 64.8%, respectively. The rapidly increased GST activity, GSH content, and ALS, the target enzyme activity were the important pathways for enduring chlorimuron-ethyl in tolerant sugar beet.

Effects of Tebufenozide on the Biological Characteristics of Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua Hübner) and Its Resistance Selection

In this article, the selection of tebufenozide to beet armyworm （Spodoptera exigua Htibner） was studied by the treatments to alternative generations＇ 3rd-instar larvae with LC50 dose and to continuous generations＇ larvae with LC10 dose; the effects of tebufenozide on the biological characteristics of current and subsequent generations were examined by the treatments to 3rd-instar larvae and egg pods in different concentrations. After treatments with LC50 dose till F11, the toxicity of tebufenozide to beet armyworm had no significant change, whereas the pupation rate, pupal weight, and fecundity were reduced markedly. After treatments with LC10 dose till Fl9, the beet armyworm only developed 3.52-fold resistance, and the main biological characteristics were nearly accordant in each generation. The livability was reduced 72 h later after treatments to 3rd-instar larvae, respectively in 2.5-40 μg mL^-1, and larval duration, pupation rate, and pupal weight changed considerably with the increase in concentrations. The fecundity, larval livability, larval weight and pupal weight of subsequent generations were reduced as the dose increased over 10 μg mL^-1. The hatching rate of egg pods did not differ with that of the controls obviously after treatment in 10-300 μg mL^-1. But the larval livability, larval weight and pupal weight were reduced when eggs were exposed to 50 μg mL^-1 dose or more. The results indicated that tebufenozide had low resistance risk to the current and subsequent generations of beet armyworm even if tebufenozide had significant effects on the biological characteristics of this insect.

Synergistic Activity of Organosilicone to Emamectin Benzoate against Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua Hübner)

Based on determination for surface tension of organosilicone solution and its expansion on the solid surface, the biological activity of 5% emameetin ben- zoate WDG with organosilicone against beet armyworm was determined by spraying method to study their synergistic activity. The results showed that organosilicone significandy reduced surface tension of aqueous solution, and the surface tension was reduced to 26raN/m as the concentration of organosilicone was 0.01%. The organosilicone significantly raised expansion of liquid drops on solid surface, and the expansion diameter of 10 μL 0.01% organosilicone was 34 ram. The indoor toxicity results indicated that when addition dosage of organosilieone was 1% -5%, synergistic activity of 5% emamectin benzoate WDG with organosilicone against beet armyworm was significant, and increase extent of synergistic activity slowed down as organosilieone dosage was higher than 5%. Field experiment showed that the control efficacies of 5% emamectin benzoate WDG ＋5% organosilicone 33 mg/ L against beet armyworm were 81.57% and 82.66% after spraying for 3 and 7 d respectively, which were significandy better than treatments of 5% emamectin benzoate WDG 33 rag/L, 24% metaflumizone SC 96 mg/L, 5% chlorantranilip- role SC 33 mg/L, 20% tlubendiamide WDG 40 mg/L and 15% indoxacarb EC 43 mg/L.

Time of Application of <i>S</i>-Metolachlor Affects Growth, Marketable Yield and Quality of Carrot and Red Beet

Tolerance of carrot and red beet to s-metolachlor at three application timings—pre-emergence to crop (PRE), early postemergence (crop at two to four leaf stage-EPOST), and late postemergence (crop at five to seven leaf stage-LPOST) —was determined from 2008 to 2010. LPOST applications of s-metolachlor reduced carrot above ground plant dry weight, marketable yield and grower payment, but did not affect carrot length. PRE and LPOST applications of s-metolachlor reduced red beet above ground plant dry weight, total marketable yield, yield of No. 2 and No. 3 red beet, and grower payment. Our findings indicate that while carrot may be tolerant to PRE applications of s-metolachlor, applications made after the 5 leaf stage reduced plant dry weight enough to impact marketable yield and grower payment. In red beet, the potential reduction in growth, yield and grade would not justify the utility of a PRE or LPOST applica- tion timing.

Review： Sugar beets as a substitute for grain for lactating dairy cattle

Dairy cows are customarily given grains and highly digestible byproduct ingredients as additions to forage to support milk production. In many parts of the world growing seasons are short, and the grain crops that can be grown may not provide adequate yields. Sugar beets, on the other hand are relatively hardy, and dry matter yields surpass the yields of most grain crops. There are however, perceptions that beets may not be suitable as a feed ingredient due to the fact that the storage form of carbohydrate is sugar rather than starch. With little analytical support, sugar has been rejected in many feeding programs with the view that sugar reduces rumen pH, fiber digestion and microbial yield. This review explores available facts revolving around these concerns. Information regarding the feeding of sugar beets is provided and the use of sugar beets as a partial replacement for grain is proposed.

Studies on some characteristics ofnitrate reductase from sugar beet（BetavulgarisL．） leaves

Some characteristics of nitrate reductase from sugar beet leaves shown in this paper were as follows:The nitrate reductase from sugar beet leaves required NADH as an electron donor.Accordingly,the nitrate reductase was classified as NADH-dependent(E.C.1 .6.6.1).The Km value of the nitrate reductase for NADH and NO-3 were 0.86 m mol and 0.18μp mol respectively.The optimum pH in reaction mixture solution for nitrate reduction activity was 7.5.The effect of variable concentrations of inorganic phosphorus in the reaction buffer on nitratereductase activity was investigated.When the inorganic phosphorus concentration was below35 mmol,the nitrate reductase activity was increased with increase of inorganic phosphorus concentration.Conversely,when the inorganic phosphorus concentration was Over 35 mmol.the nitrate reductase activity was inhibited.The nitrate reductase activity assayed in vitro was 3.2 and 5.6 times of that assayed in vivo under the condition of exogenous and endogenous ground substance respectively.

Influence of the Different Level Ammonium on NRA and GSA in Sugar Beet(Vulgaris L.)

Ammonium nitrogen inhibited NR activity in sugar beet,NR activity was lower in endogenous substrate after ammonium nitrogen was used,and the correlation between NR activity and ammonium nitrogen levels was negative.But NR activity raised with the ammonium nitrogen levels raising in exogenous.Ammonium nitrogen prompted GS activity:the correlation between GS activity and ammonium nitrogen was positive,GS activity raised with ammonium nitrogen levels raising,GS activity of roots and leaves had same change trend in sugar beet in the whole growth duration after ammonium nitrogen was used,but GS activity in roots was higher than that in leaves.

Regulation of sucrose synthase activity and sugar yield by nitrogen in sugar beet

The content of sugar is influenced by sucrose synthase （SS） activity in roots. The effects of nitrogen level in the aminonitrate ratio on SS activity of leaves and roots, roots yield and sugar content in sugar beet were studied in the field experiment by nutrient solution culture. The results showed that SS activity in leaves was lower than that in roots. With nitrogen level increasing, SS decomposition activity enhanced, and synthesis activity reduced. SS activity was regulated by different nitrogen forms and the ratio of NO3 and NH4^＋. SS synthesis activity was enhanced as NH4^＋ increasing when NO3 ： NH4^＋≥ 1, and it decreased as increasing NH4^＋ when NO3 ： NH4^＋≤ 1, and it was the highest when NO3 ： NH4^＋=1. SS decomposition activity was enhanced as NO3- increasing. Sucrose content in root was lowed as nitrogen level increasing, but it was enhanced as NH4^＋ increasing in the same nitrogen level. Root and sugar yield were the highest in the medium nitrogen level and NO3 ： NH4^＋=1. The result in field experiment corresponded with that in the nutrient fluid culture. It provides a basis for using reasonably nitrogen fertilizer in sugar beet production.

Response Surface Optimization of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Sugar Beet Leaves into Fermentable Sugars for Bioethanol Production

Sugar beet leaves are the major crop waste from sugar beet production, while the unused leaves contain a high number of sugars and polysaccharides. The effects of different enzyme products (cellulase, Cellic CTec2;xylanase, Cellic HTec2;and pectinase, Pectinex Ultra SPL) were determined during high-solids enzymatic hydrolysis of sugar beet leaves at 10% total solids (TS) content. Response surface methodology was used to study the effects of enzyme loadings during the hydrolysis of sugar beet leaves for producing fermentable sugars. It was found that both cellulases and pectinases are important enzymes for the hydrolysis of sugar beet leaves. Enzyme loading and reaction time were important factors. Based on the amount of sugars released, a maximum sugar conversion of 82% was achieved after 72 h of hydrolysis using 30 filter paper unit (FPU) g-1 glucan for cellulase and 150 polygalacturonase unit (PGU) g-1 polygalacturonic acid for pectinase, or 37 FPU g-1 glucan for cellulase and 100 PGU g-1 polygalacturonic acid for pectinase. The corresponding sugar yield and sugar concentration were 0.35 g·g-1 TS, and 35 g·l-1, respectively. Sugar conversion ranged from 59% - 70%, 68% - 80%, and 74% - 82% after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of hydrolysis depending on the design conditions.

Assessment of Cultivation Method for Energy Beet Based on LCA Method

In order to establish a supply system for energy resource coupled with the environment,the production technology of sugar beets was explored as a biological energy source. The low-humic andosol as the experimental soil,the panting method was direct planting,and cultivation technique was minimum tillage direct planting method. The control was conventional tillage transplant and no tillage direct planting. The results demonstrated that data revealed that the energy cost of no tillage and a direct planting method was 105 GJ/hm2on average for two years,while that of the conventional tillage method was 112 GJ/hm2per year. The ratio of output to input showed that the direct planting with no tillage was more efficient( 3. 61) than the conventional tillage( 3. 01). Moreover,the emission of CO2into the atmosphere with no tillage and the direct planting was 71% of the conventional tillage planting technique. Therefore,direct planting without tillage reduces the impact on the environment.

Curcurbita pepo subspecies delineates striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum) preference

The striped cucumber beetle(Acalymma vittatum(F.))is a destructive pest of cucurbit crops,and management could be improved by host plant resistance,especially in organic farming systems.However,despite the variation in striped cucumber beetle preference observed within the economically important species,Cucurbita pepo L.,plant breeders and entomologists lacked a simple framework to classify and exploit these differences.This study used recent phylogenetic evidence and bioassays to organize striped cucumber beetle preference within C.pepo.Our results indicate preference contrasts between the two agriculturally relevant subspecies:C.pepo subsp.texana and C.pepo subsp.pepo.Plants of C.pepo subsp.pepo were more strongly preferred than C.pepo subsp.texana plants.This structure of beetle preference in C.pepo will allow plant breeders and entomologists to better focus research efforts on host plant non-preference to control striped cucumber beetles.

Post-meiotic apozygotic combinatory process in sugar beet (<i>Beta vulgaris</i>L.)

The effect of colchicine on phenotypic classes ratio of the enzyme locus controlling alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1) in sugar beet agamospermous progenies was analysed. The obtained data are indicative of the thing that colchicine causes polytenization of homological chromosome regions carrying marker locus Adh1 alleles. Theoretical calculation of the formation of egg cells frequencies and those of further development of cells entering embryogenesis without fertilization, also the diminution calculation of excessive chromosome regions carrying marker locus alleles have been made. The coincidence of theoretical and experimental ratios of phenotypic classes indicates the existence of post-meiotic apozygotic combinatory process in plants.

Competitive Relationships and Yield Advantage of Intercropping Faba Bean with Sugar Beet under Bio-Organic Additives and Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates

A field experiment was conducted at El-Serw Agricultural Research Station, Damietta Governorate, Egypt during 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons to reduce mineral N inputs of sugar beet with increased land use efficiency and profitability under intercropping conditions. Seven treatments included five treatments (90 kg nitrogen “N” + 30 m3 farm yard manure “FYM”/fad, 80 kg N +30 m3 FYM/fad, 70 kg N +30 m3 FYM/fad and 400 g of Cerealine + 30 m3 FYM/fad for intercropping faba bean cultivar Spanish with sugar beet cultivar Gloria) and two treatments (90 and 20 kg N/fad for solid culture of sugar beet and faba bean, respectively, as recommended mineral N fertilizer rate) were compared in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Solid culture of sugar beet with the application of recommended rate (90 kg N/fad) gave the highest top, root and sugar yields/fad, as well as the percentage of purity compared with the other treatments in both seasons. Intercropping faba bean with sugar beet plants with application of 90 kg N + 30 m3 FYM/fad gave the highest number of leaves/plant, leaf area/plant, root length, root diameter and root weight/plant followed by intercropped sugar beet plants that fertilized with 80 kg N + 30 m3 FYM/fad compared with the other treatments in both seasons. On the other hand, intercropped sugar beet that received 400 g of Cerealine + 30 m3 FYM/fad had the highest percentages of T.S.S. and sucrose followed by 70 kg N + 30 m3 FYM/fad compared with the other treatments in both seasons. Solid culture of faba bean with the application of 20 kg N/fad gave the highest plant height, number of seeds/pod and seed yield/fad, meanwhile the highest number of branches/plant and pod length were achieved by intercropping faba bean with sugar beet with application of 90 kg N + 30 m3 FYM/fad followed by intercropped faba bean plants that fertilized with 80 kg N + 30 m3 FYM/fad compared with the other treatments in both seasons. However, intercropped faba bean plants that fertilized with 70 kg N + 30 m3 FYM/fad gave the highest number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed index and seed yield per plant compared with the other treatments in both seasons. Land equivalent ratio (LER), land equivalent coefficient (LEC) and relative crowding coefficient (RCC) were high by intercropping faba bean with sugar beet with the application of 80 kg N + 30 m3 FYM/fad indicating yield advantage was achieved. The value of aggressivity (Agg) of sugar beet was negative for all combinations indicating that sugar beet is dominated component in the present study. Intercropping faba bean with sugar beet with the application of 80 kg N + 30 m3 FYM/fad achieved higher total income and monetary advantage index (MAI) than the other treatments. Growing sugar beet plants in both sides of beds (1.2 m width) with one faba bean row in middle of sugar beet beds with the application of 80 kg N + 30 m3 FYM/fad decreased mineral N fertilizer rate by 10.00% of the recommended sugar beet mineral N fertilizer rate, as well as increased land usage and profitability for Egyptian farmers compared with sugar beet solid culture.

Possibility of using the beet dyes as a laser gain medium

Nowadays the dye lasers play as an important tool and are used in many applications including spectroscopy, medicine and dermatology. This research was carried out to study the possibility of using the beet dyes as a laser gain medium. The fluorescence quantum yield was determined by the comparative method with rodamine b as an organic dye standard. The value of the fluorescence quantum yield was found about (0.14) and the fluorescence quantum yield was developed until reaching about (0.323). The increasing of fluorescence quantum yield of dye solution as a result of increasing the viscosity of solvent was observed clearly. The study concluded that the beet dyes are so sensitive to fluorescence and it is very suitable to be used as a laser gain medium.

Effect of Salinity and Potassium Enrichment on Some Growth Attributes in Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

A pot experiment was conducted during winter growing season of 2014 at Homs Agriculture Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Researches (GCSAR), Syria. A factorial experiment arranged according to complete randomized block design with six replications was used. A combination of four levels of saline irrigation water (tap water, 2,000, 4,000 and 6,000 ppm), with three K levels (180, 360 and 540 ppm), was used to evaluate the effects of saline irrigation water and K enrichment on some growth attributes of two sugar beet varieties (Semper and Alligator). Results showed that all studied growth attributes, i.e., leaf area (LA), leaf number (LN), total dry matter (TDM) and net assimilation rate (NAR) were decreased under salinity stress conditions compared to the control, while K enrichment significantly increased some of the studied characters such as LA, TDM and NAR, but the differences in LN were apparent according to increase in K levels. The variety Semper surpassed significantly the variety Alligator in LA, TDM and NAR. Results also indicated a significant interaction between salinity×potassium enrichment, varieties×potassium enrichment and salinity ? varieties.