Assessing Growth Parameters from Culm Cuttings of Bambusa vulgaris at the University of Dschang Botanic Garden, West Region of Cameroon: Implications for the Bamboo Resource Base and Rural Livelihoods

Dwindling supplies of bamboo resources and the increase in the demand for bamboo have led to the need for better propagation techniques. This is the only way to ensure the sustainability of the bamboo resource base and improve livelihoods. Thus, this study was carried out to examine the different growth parameters of culm cuttings of Bambusa vulgaris in propagation beds with a substrate consisting of dark soil, manure (compost) and sand in a ratio of 1:1:1. Data on different growth parameters was collected on a daily basis over a three week period and analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that the different growth parameters (diameter, height, leaves and sheaths) of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris evolved in like manner in three propagation beds. Descriptive statistics for growth parameters of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris showed little or no differences across three shelter/propagation beds (shelter bed 1, shelter bed 2 and shelter bed 3) with 1.4675 ± 1.6172 cm, 93 ± 112 cm, 22 ± 30 leaves, and 4 ± 6 sheaths being the mean diameter, height, number of leaves and number of sheaths for all three propagation beds, respectively. ANOVA test showed no statistically significant variation (p > 0.05) between growth parameters of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris across the three propagation beds, implying that the different growth parameters were relatively similar. Pearson correlation showed the existence of direct and inverse relationships between the different growth parameters of culm cuttings of bamboo. The existence of these direct and inverse relationships could be attributed to the rapid growth rate of bamboo, the substrate used, and the species of bamboo used (B. vulgaris). The study recommends more large-scale propagation projects of this bamboo species in order to ensure the sustainability of the bamboo resource base and improve livelihoods of bamboo dependent rural communities.

The Growth Parameters and Mortalities of Five Species of Synodonits in the Lower River Benue at Makurdi

The growth parameters and mortalities of five species of Synodontis in the lower river Benue at Makurdi,Benue State were studied from January,2016 to December,2018.The asymptotic length(L∞)calculated for the five species ranged from 18.80cm in S.clarias females to 37.04cm in S.membranaceus females.The t0 values were all negative in the combined sexes of S.clarias,S.omias,S.gambiensis and S.membranaceus.In both combined sexes of S.membranaceus and S.schall,the t0 values were positive.The growth rate(K)was low in S.clarias and S.omias(0.301-0.497,0.171-0.310)respectively and higher in S.membranaceus(0.310-0.640),S.schall females(0.430-0.580);S.schall males(0.573),S.gambiensis(0.500-0.571).Growth performance index(Ø’)was 2.212 in S.gambiensis and 2.946 in S.schall combined.Natural Mortality(M)ranged from 0.5422 in S.omias females to 1.3340 in S.membranaceus males.Fishing Mortality(F)was 0.8214 in S.omias combined and 3.0934 in S.membranaceus females.Total mortality(Z)ranged from 1.52 in S.omias combined to 4.078 in S.membranaceus combined.Mean Exploitation(E)ratios was 0.61 in S.clarias,0.64 in S.omias,0.53 in S.gambiences,0.70 in S.membranaceus,and 0.66 in S.schall.The rate at which these species survived in the River was low(from 0.147,in S.omias combined,to 1.482 in S.membranaceus combined).

Effects of preparation parameters on growth and properties of β-Ga_(2)O_(3) film

The Ga_(2)O_(3) films are deposited on the Si and quartz substrates by magnetron sputtering, and annealing. The effects of preparation parameters(such as argon–oxygen flow ratio, sputtering power, sputtering time and annealing temperature)on the growth and properties(e.g., surface morphology, crystal structure, optical and electrical properties of the films) are studied by x-ray diffractometer(XRD), scanning electron microscope(SEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer(UV-Vis). The results show that the thickness, crystallization quality and surface roughness of the β-Ga_(2)O_(3) film are influenced by those parameters. All β-Ga_(2)O_(3) films show good optical properties. Moreover, the value of bandgap increases with the enlarge of the percentage of oxygen increasing, and decreases with the increase of sputtering power and annealing temperature, indicating that the bandgap is related to the quality of the film and affected by the number of oxygen vacancy defects. The I–V curves show that the Ohmic behavior between metal and β-Ga_(2)O_(3) films is obtained at 900℃. Those results will be helpful for the further research of β-Ga_(2)O_(3) photoelectric semiconductor.

Efficiency of Bio-Fertilizing as One of the Natural Alternatives to Improve the Growth of Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni Trees and for Sustainability

A field experiment was carried out at Ismailia Research Station, Ismailia Governorate from 2020-2022 to improve the growth of Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni by using a combination of mineral fertilizer (NPK) and biological fertilizer (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megatherium, and Bacillus circulant) as recommended dose under new sandy soils conditions. Split plot designed with four treatments (Control, (50% Mineral fertilizer (M.) + 50% Biological fertilizer (Bio.)), 100% M. and 100% Bio.) of each species. Vegetative growth, leaf area, tree biomass, stored carbon, basal area, tree volume, and in the soil both of microbial account and mineral content were determined. The experimental results showed no significant differences between studied species among the most studied parameters except for Khaya senegalensis which gave the highest significant difference in root biomass and below-stored carbon than Swietenia mahagoni. Evidently, the highest significant growth parameters were 100% mineral fertilizer followed by (50% M. + 50% Bio.) as compared with control. No significant difference between 100% M. and (50% M. + 50% Bio.) of shoot dry biomass (15.19 and 12.02 kg, respectively) and above-stored carbon (0.28 and 0.22 Mt, respectively). Microbial account and mineral content in soil were improved after cultivation of tree species compared to before planting and control, especially with 50% mineral fertilizer and 50% bio-fertilizer treatment. In conclusion, a treatment containing 50% mineral fertilizer and 50% bio-fertilizer has led to the ideal Khaya senegalensis and Swietenia mahagoni growth in sandy soil for cheaper and sustainable.

Effects of TiO_2 nanoparticles on the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrrhiza: Evaluation of growth parameters, pigment contents and antioxidant enzyme activities

Plants are essential components of all ecosystems and play a critical role in environmental fate of nanoparticles. However, the toxicological impacts of nanoparticles on plants are not well documented. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles（TiO2-NPs） are produced worldwide in large quantities for a wide range of purposes. In the present study, the uptake of TiO2-NPs by the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrrhiza and the consequent effects on the plant were evaluated.Initially, structural and morphological characteristics of the used TiO2-NPs were determined using XRD, SEM, TEM and BET techniques. As a result, an anatase structure with the average crystalline size of 8 nm was confirmed for the synthesized TiO2-NPs. Subsequently, entrance of TiO2-NPSto plant roots was verified by fluorescence microscopic images. Activity of a number of antioxidant enzymes, as well as, changes in growth parameters and photosynthetic pigment contents as physiological indices were assessed to investigate the effects of TiO2-NPs on S. polyrrhiza. The increasing concentration of TiO2-NPs led to the significant decrease in all of the growth parameters and changes in antioxidant enzyme activities. The activity of superoxide dismutase enhanced significantly by the increasing concentration of TiO2-NPs. Enhancement of superoxide dismutase activity could be explained as promoting antioxidant system to scavenging the reactive oxygen species. In contrast, the activity of peroxidase was notably decreased in the treated plants. Reduced peroxidase activity could be attributed to either direct effect of these particles on the molecular structure of the enzyme or plant defense system damage due to reactive oxygen species.

Effect of Growth Parameters on Core Length of Φ76．2mm Heavily Sb－doped Si Crystals

An M-shaped interface was observed in the top part of Φ76. 2 mm , (111) , dislocation-free, heavily Sb-doped Si single crystals, which is beneficial for crystals to keep dislocation-free condition at the beginning ofbody growth. Effects of seed rotation, crucible rotation , crown shape and growth rate on M-shaed interfacewere studied. Under proper conditions, impurity core length can be shortened from 6 cm to 1 cm , the yield israised by more than 5 %.

Fuzzy inference systems with no any rule base and linearly parameter growth

A class of new fuzzy inference systems New-FISs is presented.Compared with the standard fuzzy system, New-FIS is still a universal approximator and has no fuzzy rule base and linearly parameter growth. Thus, it effectively overcomes the second "curse of dimensionality":there is an exponential growth in the number of parameters of a fuzzy system as the number of input variables,resulting in surprisingly reduced computational complexity and being especially suitable for applications,where the complexity is of the first importance with respect to the approximation accuracy.

Genetic parameter estimation for juvenile growth and upper thermal tolerance in turbot(Scophthalmus maximus Linnaeus)

Twenty-six half-sib groups （53 full-sib families） of turbot,Scophthalmus maximus Linnaeus, were obtained by artificial insemination. We measured growth in the offspring （40-50 individuals/family） and subjected them to a thermal tolerance challenge over a period of 34 d. There was no significant difference in daily mor-tality （range： 0.580%-1.391%） between Days 1-13 during the thermal tolerance challenge. However, daily cumulative mortality increased rapidly between Days 14 and 29, especially on Days 15 and 16 （20.232% and 34.377%, respectively）. Mortality was highest on Day 16 （14.145%）. We estimated the genetic parameters using the average information restricted maximum likelihood method. We used a likelihood ratio test to evaluate the significance of effects in models with and without identity as an effect, and compared the final log-likelihoods （maximum log L）. Lastly, we estimated phenotypic and genetic correlation between the up-per thermal tolerance limit （UTT） and body weight （BW）. In this study, the positive phenotypic correlation was low between UTT and BW （0.093±0.029）. The genetic correlation between UTT and BW was negative （-0.044±0.239）. The heritability for upper thermal tolerance was low （0.087±0.032）, which is of approximate-ly moderate heritability. The heritability for body weight was high （0.303±0.074）. Our results suggest there is significant potential for improvement in the culture of turbot by selective breeding.

Effects of early energy and protein restriction on growth performance, clinical blood parameters, carcass yield, and tibia parameters of broilers

financially supported by the Science and Technology Develop Project of Northern Jiangsu, China （BN2015136）;the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institution, China

Effects of deficit irrigation on daily and seasonal variations of trunk sap flow and its growth in Calligonum arborescens

Water deficit in arid and semiarid regions affects whole-plant sap flow and leaf-level water relations. The objectives of this study were to clarify how sap flow of Calligonum arborescens responds to different drought stress conditions and to understand its acclimation mechanism to drought environments. A field experiment was conducted for C. arborescens during the growing season to evaluate the effects of deficit irrigation on the daily and seasonal variations of trunk sap flow in the shelterbelt along the Tarim Desert Highway, Xinjiang, China. Three dif- ferent water regimes （2,380, 1,960 and 1,225 m3/hm2） were applied at different stages of plant growth. From 1 May to 30 October 2007, a heat-balance stem flow gauge was used to monitor the sap flow dynamics of C. arborescens under different water regimes. Atmospheric evaporation demand and soil moisture conditions for differentially irri- gated C. arborescens were also monitored. The result showed that sap flow exhibited a clear diurnal pattern re- gardless of treatments; the diurnal patterns of sap flow and vapour pressure deficit were very similar under different water regimes and growing seasons, while the slope of the linear regression of this correlation confirmed an in- creasing water regime. The sap flow decreased under reduced water regimes and there was nocturnal sap flow regardless of water regimes, which was mainly contributed to nocturnal transpiration and water recharge. The sap flow peaked before midnight and dropped afterwards with obviously higher values in summer than in other seasons. It is speculated that the water consumption of C. arborescens during the day can be supplemented through the sap flow at night, which increased with increasing irrigation amount. Net radiation was the most significant correlated factor that influenced sap flow velocity and transpiration under different water regimes （R2〉0.719）. Compared with the commonly practiced water regime, the growth of C. arborescens was significantly slower in the stress deficit irrigation, but not significantly different from that in the moderate deficit irrigation. The moderate deficit irrigation would not affect the stability of the shelterbelt and was a more efficient use of water resources compared with the current watering amount.

Seedling response of three agroforestry tree species to phosphorous fertilizer application in Bangladesh： growth and nodulation capabilities

Triple Super Phosphate, TSP fertilizer, was applied @ 80 kg·ha^-1 as the source of phosphorous on six months old polybag seed- lings of Albizia chinensis, Albizia saman and Pongamia pinnta in nursery beds in Bangladesh. The effects of P-fertilizer on seedling growth and nodulation were comparcd to that of seedlings grown in unfertilized soil or in control at different harvesting intervals. The study revealed that, seedling growth was enhanced significantly with the application of P-fertilizer. The growth was found more pronounced in cases of A. saman and P. pinnata, whereas it was not noticeable and showed depressed growth in case of A. chinensis. The study also suggests that nodulation in terms of nodule number and size was also increased significantly with P-fertilization except in case ofP. pinnata, where higher harvesting intervals lowered the nodulation performance of that species

Comparative transcriptome analysis of atmospheric pressure cold plasma enhanced early seedling growth in Arabidopsis thaliana

The stimulatory effects of atmospheric pressure cold plasma(APCP)on plant growth have attracted much attention due to its great potential as a new approach to increase crop growth and production.However,the transcriptome changes of plants induced by APCP treatment are unknown.Herein,the comparative transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the transcriptional response of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings to APCP.Results showed that APCP exhibited a dual effect(stimulation or inhibition)on Arabidopsis seedling growth dependent on the treatment time and the maximum stimulatory effects were achieved by 1 min APCP treatment.The metabolic analysis of amino acid,glutathione(GSH)and phytohormone demonstrated that 1 min APCP treatment decreased most amino acids concentrations in Arabidopsis seedling,while the accumulations of GSH,gibberellins and cytokinin were significantly increased.The RNA-Seq analysis showed that a total of218 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified in 1 min APCP-treated seedlings versus the control,including 20 up-regulated and 198 down-regulated genes.The DEGs were enriched in pathways related to GSH metabolism,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling transduction and plant resistance against pathogens.Moreover,most of the DEGs were defense,stimuli or stressresponsive genes and encoded proteins with oxidoreductase activity.Expression determination of six randomly selected DEGs by quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated similar pattern with the RNASeq data.These results indicated that the moderate APCP treatment may regulate the expression of stimuli/stress-responsive genes involved in GSH,phytohormone/amino metabolism and plant defense against pathogens via MAPK signal transduction pathway,accordingly enhance Arabidopsis seedling growth.This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of APCP in agriculture.

Effect of growth on wood traits in seed-raised plantations of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.

We studied the effect of growth on wood anatomical dimensions and specific gravity of seed-raised plantation wood of Dalbergia sissoo with twelve trees of different diameters and similar ages. Fiber length ranged from 925 to1,287 lm, fiber-diameter was 19–23 lm, wall thickness was4.2–5.4 lm, vessel-element-length was 152–188 lm, vesselelement-diameter was 152–200 lm, and specific gravity was0.59–0.72. Growth parameters including tree height, diameter at breast height, net primary productivity and net ecosystem productivity were significantly and positively correlated.Growth parameters showed non-significant positive relationships with fiber-length, fiber diameter, wall thickness, vessel element length, and vessel element diameter. The trend of wood traits increased with growth. Specific gravity showed non-significant negative relationships with growth parameters. Although the growth rate had varied relationships with wood properties, as reported by various workers, the wood element dimensions showed no significant relationship with growth parameters and there was little effect of growth rate on wood traits in seed-raised plantation of D. sissoo.

Source of mycorrhizal inoculum influences growth of Faidherbia albida seedlings

Poor land use management and practice inhibit the growth and establishment of tree seedlings in dryland areas.We assessed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AM)status of Faidherbia albida(Del.)A.Chev.trees grown on different land uses.We quantified the growth and nutrient uptake of F.albida seedlings inoculated with AM from different sources.These efforts were based on soil and fine root samples from the rhizosphere soils of F.albida trees.AM root colonization was determined using the gridline intersect method.Spores were extracted by the wet sieving and decanting method and identified to genus level.The seedling experiment had a completely randomized onefactorial design with four treatments and five replications.Faidherbida albida seedlings were grown in a greenhouse.All in situ F.albida trees were colonized by AM fungi.AM root colonization of F.albida trees was significantly higher(P<0.0086)in area exclosures than on lands used for grazing or cultivation.Spore abundance was significantly higher(P<0.0014)in area exclosures followed by cultivated land and grazing land.Glomus was the dominant genus in all land-uses.AM-inoculated F.albida seedlings grew better(P<0.05)than non-inoculated controls.Seedlings inoculated with AM from area exclosure had significantly(P<0.05)higher growth and nutrient uptake than those inoculated with AM from grazing and cultivated land.This emphasizes the importance of the native soil AM potential for better establishment of seedlings to achieve optimum plant growth improvement and assist in rehabilitation of degraded arid lands.

Effect of plasma treatment on the seed germination and seedling growth of radish(Raphanus sativus)

The effect on the germination and seedling growth of radish(Raphanus sativus)seeds were examined employing a dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)at atmospheric pressure and room temperature for various treatment time.DBD plasma using argon gas of flow rate 21 m^(-1)was employed in this study.Radish seeds were treated with DBD plasma for 1-5 min,respectively.Germination characteristics,seedling growth parameters,the contact angle of the seed coat,water uptake capacity,mass loss,the temperature of the seeds,chlorophyll,and carotenoid contents of the seedlings were measured before and after the DBD plasma treatments.Plasma treatment of radish seeds significantly increased germination-related characters,including germination percentage,fresh and dry weight,vigor index,and total carotenoids contents.However,the cumulative production rate was found to be decreased.Results from the experiment indicate an acceleration in the water uptake of the radish seeds and make the seed surface hydrophilic by plasma treatment.Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that etching effects on the seed coat occurred after the argon plasma treatments,which affected the wettability of the radish seed.The experimental findings showed that seeds being treated by DBD plasma for 2 and 3 min had a positive effect on the germination and seedling growth of radish.

Effects of Pawpaw Seed Powder as an Additive on Growth of Catfish Fingerlings Reared in an Indoor Tanks

Since the demand of African Catfish （Clarias gariepinus） is on increase there is need to increase its production so as to meet the protein requirement of the populace. An investigation was conducted for six weeks feeding trial to determine the performance of African catfish （Clarias gariepinus） fingerlings feed diets containing varying replacement level of fish meal with pawpaw seed powder meal （Carica papaya）. Fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus were subjected to five different dietary treatments with varying levels of pawpaw seed powder meal. The diets I-V contained 0, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% replacement levels, respectively. The experiment was carded out in an 80 litres circular plastic bowls, the treatments were in triplicate. Each bowl contained 12 fingerlings. Feeding was done at 3% body weight per day and fishes were weighed every week. Growth parameters such as specific growth rate （SGR）, weight gained （WG）, food conversion ratio （FCR）, protein efficiency ratio （PER） and mortality were determined. Therefore, it could be concluded that fish meal could be replaced up to 80% with pawpaw seed powder meal in the diet of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings to encourage growth, while at 40% pawpaw seed powder meal inclusion mortality was reduced.

Cluster planting impact on cotton growth, yield and biomass accumulation in an arid region oasis

The cluster planting pattern （3 plants per hole） for cotton （Gossypium hirsutum L.） may increase economic yield over those of the traditional planting pattern （1 plant per hole） in arid regions of China. This increase in yield depends on either increased biomass production or greater partitioning to fruit. This study was conducted to determine whether differences in biomass accumulation or partitioning to reproductive growth contributed to higher yield in the cluster planting pattern compared with the traditional one. Growth parameters, biomass accumulation, crop growth rate and partitioning between cluster planting pattern and traditional planting pattern was compared in northwest of China. The biomass production and partitioning in cluster planting plot was higher than in traditional planting one. Biomass accumulation was faster early in the clustered treatment, and it was also higher at harvest time. Total dry matter production per unit area was significantly higher than in the traditional planting. On a per plant basis, dry matter accumulation was faster and total biomass production was significantly higher in the cluster planting pattern. Numbers of sympodia and boll sizes were also larger, indicating that facilitation among plants was promoting crop yield. The increase in yield in the cluster planting treatment occurred through increased partitioning of dry matter to fruits than in the traditional planting pattern, resulting in more bolls and increased lint yield in arid regions.

Effects of Tianda 2116 Plant Growth Regulator on Growth and Yield of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

To achieve optimum yield of wheat, supplementation of soil and foliar applied fertilizers with plant growth regulators is vital to assure effective assimilation of nutrients by plants. A trial was conducted at Gwebi Agricultural College Farm in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe, during the 2012 winter wheat season (May to August), to evaluate the effects of differing times of application of Tianda 2116 plant growth regulator on the growth and yield of wheat (variety SC Sekuru). The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The treatments were: Tianda 2116 applied at the following weeks after planting (WAP): 2 WAP, 3 WAP, 4 WAP, 5 WAP, 6 WAP, 14 WAP and no Tianda 2116 applied (control). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were noted among treatments for mean number of tillers per plant and mean number of spikes per plant. Application of Tianda 2116 at 2 and 3 WAP delayed flowering and physiological maturity. Early application of Tianda 2116 increased the number of spikelets per spike, thousand grain weight and grain yield. Conclusively, Tianda 2116 applied 2 or 3 WAP is effective in reducing growth while enhancing yield parameters in wheat production.

Age and Growth of Japanese Mackerel in the High Seas of the Northwest Pacific Ocean

Japanese mackerel (Scomber japonicus) is one of the important economic species in the pelagic light seine fishery in China, but few studies have been reported on the age, growth and management recommendations of Japanese mackerel in the high seas of the northwest Pacific Ocean. In this study, we fitted expressions for the relationship between fork length and body weight of Japanese mackerel based on fork length and body weight data of Japanese mackerel in the high seas of the Northwest Pacific Ocean from 2018 to 2019, and calculated growth parameters and growth characteristics of Japanese mackerel von Bertalanffy growth equation by identifying otolith age data combined with the least squares method. The results showed that the relationship between fork length and body weight of Japanese mackerel in the open sea of the Northwest Pacific Ocean was W = 2.0 × 10-6 L3.289 (r = 0.9764, n = 2833);the growth parameters were L = 447.61∞, K = 0.264, t = -1.060;the growth rate reached the maximum when the bodyweight growth rate was 122 g/yr, at which the inflection point age was 3 years old, the inflection point body weight was 310 g, and the inflection point length was 309 mm. We recommend 2 years of age start fishing with a fork length of 250 mm (±10 mm). The growth parameters of Japanese mackerel in the open sea of the Northwest Pacific Ocean were not significantly different from those of the Japanese mackerel population on Japan’s coast (P > 0.05), Finally, based on the knowledge of biological research and resource evaluation, we suggest that the age of opening trap should be 2 years old and the length of fork should be 250 mm (±10 mm).

Investigation of β-Ga_(2)O_(3) thick films grown on c-plane sapphire via carbothermal reduction

We investigated the influence of the growth temperature, O_(2) flow, molar ratio between Ga_(2)O_(3) powder and graphite powder on the structure and morphology of the films grown on the c-plane sapphire(0001) substrates by a carbothermal reduction method. Experimental results for the heteroepitaxial growth of β-Ga_(2)O_(3) illustrate that β-Ga_(2)O_(3) growth by the carbothermal reduction method can be controlled. The optimal result was obtained at a growth temperature of 1050 °C. The fastest growth rate of β-Ga_(2)O_(3) films was produced when the O_(2) flow was 20 sccm. To guarantee that β-Ga_(2)O_(3) films with both high-quality crystal and morphology properties, the ideal molar ratio between graphite powder and Ga_(2)O_(3) powder should be set at 10 : 1.