Patterns of synonymous codon usage bias in chloroplast genomes of seed plants

Codon usage in chloroplast genome of six seed plants (Arabidopsis thaliana, Populus alba, Zea mays, Triticum aestivum, Pinus koraiensis and Cycas taitungensis) was analyzed to find general patterns of codon usage in chloroplast genomes of seed plants. The results show that chloroplast genomes of the six seed plants had similar codon usage patterns, with a strong bias towards a high representation of NNA and NNT codons. In chloroplast genomes of the six seed plants, the effective number of codons (ENC) for most genes was similar to that of the expected ENC based on the GC content at the third codon position, but several genes with low ENC values were laying below the expected curve. All of these data indicate that codon usage was dominated by a mutational bias in chloroplast genomes of seed plants and that selection appeared to be limited to a subset of genes and to only subtly affect codon us-age. Meantime, four, six, eight, nine, ten and 12 codons were defined as the optimal codons in chloroplast genomes of the six seed plants.

A novel technique for making open-cell Al_2O_3-ZrO_2 ceramic foam with plant seed template

The aim of the present research is to provide a technique for preparing open-cell Al2O3-ZrO2 ceramic foams with uniform cell size.This technique used plant seeds to array templates and centrifugal slip casting to obtain cell struts with high packing density.Aqueous Al2O3-ZrO2 slurries with up to 50 vol.% solid contents were prepared and the rheological characteristic of the slurries was investigated.Consolidation was performed at an acceleration of 2,860 g for 60 min.The effect of the characteristic of plant seeds on the drying behavior of Al2O3-ZrO2 green compact was analyzed.The effects of the solid contents of slurries on segregation phenomena of Al2O3 and ZrO2 particles and green compact uniformity were investigated.The compressive stress-strain curve and deformation behavior of Al2O3-ZrO2 ceramic foams prepared using plant seed template were analyzed.The results showed segregation phenomenon is negligible for highly stable slurry with 50 vol.% solid loading.The prepared cell struts of Al2O3-ZrO2 foams have high green density (61.9% TD), sintered density (99.1% TD) and homogeneous microstructure.When sintered at 1,550 ℃ for 2 h, the cell size of Al2O3-ZrO2 foam is approximately uniform and the diameter is about 1.1 mm.The porosity and compressive strength of sintered products is 66.2% and 5.86 MPa, respectively.

Characteristics of soil seed bank in plantation forest in the rocky mountain region of Beijing, China

We investigated characteristics (scales and composition) of soil seed banks at eight study sites in the rocky mountain region of Beijing by seed identification and germination monitoring. We also surveyed the vegetation communities at the eight study sites to explore the role of soil seed banks in vegetation restoration. The storage capacity of soil seed banks at the eight sites ranked from 766.26 to 2461.92 seeds·m -2 . A total of 23 plant species were found in soil seed banks, of which 63 80% of seeds were herbs in various soil layers and 60% of seeds were located in the soil layer at 0 5cm depth. Biodiversity indices indicated clear differences in species diversity of soil seed banks among different plant communities. The species composition of aboveground vegetation showed low similarity with that based on soil seed banks. In the above- ground plant community, the afforestation tree species showed high importance values. The plant species originating from soil seed banks represented natural regeneration, which also showed relatively high importance values. This study suggests that in the rocky mountain region of Beijing the soil seed banks played a key role in the transformation from pure plantation forest to near-natural forest, promoting natural ecological processes, and the role of the seed banks in vegetation restoration was important to the improvement of ecological restoration methods.

Low Doses of Ionized Radiation and Hypomagnetic Field Alter Redox Properties of Water and Physiological Characteristics of Seeds of the Highest Plants

The influence of a 40-fold attenuated geomagnetic field and its combined action with low doses of α- and γ-irradiation on the physiological characteristics of seeds of the highest plants and redox properties of water was investigated. It established the reduction of seed germination both under direct and indirect effects due to water action of attenuated geomagnetic field. A negative effect of hypomagnetic field on grown characteristics of seeds under indirect effect via water was decreased by the low doses of γ-irradiation, and was increased by low doses of α-irradiation, i.e. ionized radiation was the dominant factor in their combined action. It was revealed the increasing of the value of the oxidation-reduction potential of water under the influence of low-intensive α-ir-radiation (239Pu), γ-irradiation (137Cs) and also that the magnetic induction attenuated pointing to a natural decline. The increasing of the oxidation-reduction potential value testifies about “the regular decreasing of internal energy of water molecules” and the increasing of its oxidative properties, which, in our opinion, is caused the inhibition of the germination of seeds. It is supposed that namely water is the main component in the effects of studying factors on bio-objects, which acts due to the alterations of the properties and structural content of water.

Stem flow of seed-maize under alternate furrow irrigation and double-row ridge planting in an arid region of Northwest China

Maize is widely planted throughout the world and has the highest yield of all the cereal crops. The arid region of Northwest China has become the largest base for seed-maize production, but water shortage is the bottleneck for its long-term sustainability. Investigating the transpiration of seed-maize plants will offer valuable information for suitable planting and irrigation strategies in this arid area. In this study, stem flow was measured using a heat balance method under alternate furrow irrigation and double-row ridge planting. Meteorological factors, soil water content(θ), soil temperature(Ts) and leaf area(LA) were also monitored during 2012 and 2013. The diurnal stem flow and seasonal dynamics of maize plants in the zones of south side female parent(SFP), north side female parent(NFP) and male parent(MP) were investigated. The order of stem flow rate was: SFP>MP>NFP. The relationships between stem flow and influential factors during three growth stages at different time scales were analyzed. On an hourly scale, solar radiation(Rs) was the main driving factor of stem flow. The influence of air temperature(Ta) during the maturity stage was significantly higher than in other periods. On a daily scale, Rs was the main driving factor of stem flow during the heading stage. During the filling growth stage, the main driving factor of NFP and MP stem flow was RH and Ts, respectively. However, during the maturity stage, the environmental factors had no significant influence on seed-maize stem flow. For different seed-maize plants, the main influential factors were different in each of the three growing seasons. Therefore, we identified them to accurately model the FP and MP stem flow and applied precision irrigation under alternate partial root-zone furrow irrigation to analyze major factors affecting stem flow in different scales.

Effect of Plant Extracts on Seed Borne Fungi of Jute

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of seed-borne fungal pathogens of jute and their control with plant extract. The experiment was carried out in seed pathology centre, Bangladesh Agricultural University to obtain relevant information about the health of jute seeds and find out the efficacy of extracts as seed-treater. Two varieties viz., Deshipat (Corchorus capsularis) and Tossapat (Corchorus olitorius) were selected for this study and jute seeds were collected from two different locations of Bangladesh. The major predominant identified fungi were Colletotrichum corchori, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium spp., and Botryodiplodia theobromae. Least seed-borne fungi were found in the variety of Tossapat. Low germination of seeds was found related to high prevalence of seed-borne fungal infections. Highest seed-borne infection was obtained in the variety of Deshipat. In this study, we evaluated some major plant extracts such as garlic clove (Allium sativum), neem leaves (Azadirachta indica), allamanda leaves (Allamanda cathartica L.) and marigold leaves (Tagetes spp.) for observing the action of these plant extracts on seed borne fungi of Jute. The study revealed that the extract of Garlic (Allium sativum), and Biskatali (Polygonum hydropiper) increased the germination of seeds and garlic?(Allium sativum) extract was also found to be most effective in controlling the seed-borne infection among all the treatments. Although the inhibiting capacity of the extracts of Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica L.) and Biskatali (Polygonum hydropiper) was found to be similar and Biskatali extract was found to have the second position among all the treated plant extracts in inhibiting the growth of isolated fungal pathogens.

Alterations to biological soil crusts with alpine meadow retrogressive succession affect seeds germination of three plant species

Biological soil crusts(BSCs) are the important components of alpine meadow ecosystems.The extent and morphology of BSCs vary greatly with alpine meadow retrogressive succession due to grazing pressure.There is significant interest in impacts of crust composition on plant seed germination,especial l y in(semi-) arid environments.However,little is known about the influences of BSCs,and their associations with alpine meadow succession,on germination of typical alpine meadow vascular plant species.In a full factorial common-gardenexperiment,we studied effects of:(1) crust type,(2) seed position,and(3) surface texture on seed germination.We chose three typical alpine meadow plant species(i.e.Poa pratensis,Tibetia himalaica and Potentillen nivea),which belonged to different functional groups(graminoids,legumes,and forbs) and play important roles in all alpine meadow succession stages.Crust type and seed position influenced seed germination,and the inhibitory effects of BSCs depended on the crust type and seed species tested.The major factors influencing seed germination were BSC type,seed position,soil texture,and the interactions between BSC type and seed position; species and seed position; species andsurface texture; and species,crust type,and surface texture.Cyanobacteria crust significantly inhibited germination of all seeds.Seed position also had a significant effect on seed germination(p < 0.001).Fewer seedlings germinated on the surface than below the surface,this was especially true for P.nivea.seeds within cyanobacteria and lichen crusts.Only germination rates of T.himalaica on the soil surface were significantly correlated with plant occurrence frequency within the alpine meadow community.The poor correlation for the other two species is possibly that they are perennials.Our results clearly demonstrated that BSCs can be biological filters during seed germination,depending on the BSC succession stage.Through their influences on seed germination,BSCs can strongly influence community assemblages throughout alpine meadow retrogressive succession.

Seed Biology of <i>Berberis manipurana</i>Ahrendt: A Threatened Natural Dye Yielding Plant

Barberry has played a prominent role in herbal healing for more than 2500 years. Most of the berberis species have medicinal uses because of the presence of alkaloid “berberine” an isoquinoline alkaloid. The root and inner bark are also used for yellow dyeing of clothes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the seed dormancy, effect of stratification, light conditions and planting bed quality on seed germination of berberis manipurana seeds. A set of freshly processed seeds were sowed in three light conditions i.e., normal light (~5000 lux), poly house ca. 50% shade (~2500 lux) and poly house ca. 75% shade (~1250 lux). In the laboratory, half of the collected seeds were packed in plastic bags, labeled and stored at 4°C (stratification treatment);another half was stored at room temperature of 25°C. Stratified seeds from both the conditions (4°C and 25°C) were sowed in the seed bed at 15 days interval till 120th day (0 - 120 days) to check the viability and germination behaviors. Highest germination rate was observed from seeds stored at 4°C, which registered 82.5% (1.5) germination in the poly-bags against 70% (2.5) from seeds stored at 25°C. While 69% (2.0) and 56% (1.5) seeds germinated in the seeds beds from seeds stratified at 4°C and 25°C respectively.

Sterilization of Seed <i>Carthamus tinctorius</i>(Safflower) Plant and Investigation of the Effectiveness of the Sterilizants

Plant tissue culture studies are one of the pretreatments carried out to increase crop yield by preventing germination in plant seeds. In this research, repeated plant tissue culture studies were conducted with sterilizers specific to safflower seed, which will increase production efficiency but do not cause genetic polymorphism and corrosion in endosperm with 3N chromosomes. Corrosives were used by dilution, and this did not damage the 3N chromosome endosperm, targeting the protein walls of microorganisms on the seed surface without eroding the seed surface, thereby providing biological sterilization. Besides, because it does not contain heavy metals, it did not cause polymorphism, that is, a mutation in the genetic sequence of the seed. Moreover, the environment and the equipment were sterilized with 2 - 3 repetitions, sterilizer treatment, planting, and germination operations were performed in a sterile environment this, in turn, allowed an isolated assessment of the yield of solution G.

Plant Seeds-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

In this work, we investigate the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on natural dyes extracted from ten different plant seeds. The extracts were characterized by UV-VIS absorption spectra. The solar cells were assembled using a TiO2 mesoporous film on FTO-coated glass. The photovoltaic properties of the DSSCs were studied under an incident irradiation of 100 mW/cm2. The best performance was for the DSSC sensitized with Eruca sativa with a solar energy conversion efficiency of 0.725%. Moreover, the validity of these extracts was compared using two types of semiconductor layers (TiO2 and ZnO), and finally the photovoltaic properties of one of these dyes were studied using different types of electrolytes.

Effects of Planting Methods and Seed Density on Vegetable Yield and Nutrient Composition of <i>Solanum macrocarpon</i>and <i>Solanum scabrum</i>in Southwest Nigeria

Two field studies were carried out using Solanum macrocarpon and Solanum scabrum to investigate the effects of planting methods and seed density required for optimum biomass yield and nutrient content in southwest Nigeria. Two planting methods (drilling and broadcasting), and two seed densities (4 and 8 table spoon full) were investigated as a 2×2×3 factorial experiment in randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Four seed spoons gave 25.78 kg seeds ha-1 for S. macrocarpon and 20.67 kg·seeds·ha-1 for S. scabrum. Significant highest S. macrocarpon shoots (2.75 kg·m-2) and Ca, K, Fe and Zn contents and S. scabrum (2.95 kg·m-2) and Zn content, were obtained with drilling and four spoons of seeds compared with broadcasting and 8 spoons of seeds. This treatment gave average values for N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ca/P and Na/K ratio were 2.79%, 0.03%, 3.37%, 1.64%, 0.02%, 300 mg·kg-1, 100 mg·kg-1, 300 mg·kg-1, 8 mg·kg-1, 1.22 and 0.008 for S. macrocarpon and 2.05%, 0.27%, 5.81%, 3.27%, 2.91%, 0.09%, 280 mg·kg-1, 52.99 mg·kg-1, 359.35 mg·kg-1 and 22.42 mg·kg-1, 11.63 and 0.016 for S. scabrum. It was concluded that planting in drilling made weeding, fertilizer application, irrigation and harvesting more effective rather than by broadcasting, and four spoons of seeds per 9 m-2 produced deep green and broader leaves and balanced nutrient contents than eight spoons of seeds.

Effects of mepiquat chloride on yield and main properties of cottonseed under different plant densities

Background:Cottonseed oil and protein content as well as germination traits are major indicators of seed quality.However,the responses of these indicators to plant density and mepiquat chloride(MC)are still uncertain.To investigate plant density and MC effects on cotto nseed yield and main quality parameters,we con ducted a twoyear field experiment including four plant densities(1.35,2.55,3.75 and 4.95 plants·m^-2)and two closes of MC(0 and 135g·hm^-2)in Dafeng,Jiangsu Province,in 2013 and 2014.Results:The application of MC reduced plant height,fruit branch length and fruiting branch number under different plant densities,resulting in a lower and more compact plant canopy.Cottonseed yield showed a nonlinear increase as plant density increasing and achieved the highest value at 3.75 plants·m^-2,regardless of MC application.No significant interactio ns were found between plant density and MC for cotton seed yield and quality parameters.The 100-seed weight,cottonseed oil content and vigor index significantly decreased as plant density increased,while these parameters significantly increased with MC applying under different plant densities.Seed vigor index was positively correlated with 100-seed weight and seed oil con tent across different plant densities and MC treatments.Conclusions:Thus,application of MC could realize a win-win situation between cottonseed yield and main quality parameters under various densities;and plant density of 3.75 plants·m^-2 combined with 135 g·hm^-2 of MC applying is optimal for high cottonseed yield and quality in this cotton production area.

Planting Date, Seeding Rate, and Cultivar Impact Agronomic Traits and Semolina of Durum Wheat

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is a market class of wheat subject to price discounts in the marketplace if quality standards are not met. This study was conducted in order to determine how certain agronomic practices might impact durum wheat quality. The effects of planting date (PD), cultivar, and seeding rate on agronomic and semolina quality traits were investigated in field trials conducted near Hettinger and Minot, ND in 2014 and 2015. The interaction of PD and cultivar was significant for many of the traits evaluated. There was a significant PD X cultivar interaction or PD and cultivar effect for yield in all environments. Planting date X cultivar interacted for test weight at all environments. In general, a delay in PD resulted in a significant decrease in yield and test weight for all cultivars. However, Carpio yielded more than other cultivars in high yielding environments while the yield and test weight of Joppa was more adversely affected by delays in PD. Seeding rate did not have a consistent effect on any agronomic or quality trait. Protein content, kernel yellow pigment content, falling number (FN), and vitreous kernels were more dependent on cultivar, regardless of PD and environment. Semolina extraction, gluten index (GI), and wet gluten (WG) values tended to decrease with a delay in PD. These data continue to support cultivar selection as a critical component for obtaining high-yielding, high-quality durum wheat. However, PD and environment can impact certain agronomic and end-use traits, regardless of cultivar grown.

Planting Seeds of Hope

A fragile political pact in Zimbabwe allows for a glimmer of optimism in agricultura and economic growth KNOWN,in the past,as the bread basket of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe’s economic stability and agricultural strength was a reference point for most people involved in Africa.For over 10 years the situation changed.President Robert Mugabe’s decision in 2000 to redistribute the land to the black population saw the country lose about $12 billion in agricultural output. The Commercial Farmer’s Union said that previous to

Rheological Properties of Six Plant-Based Seed Gums

The rheological properties of six mucilage solutions (Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Tamarind Gum, Flaxseed Gum, Artemisia Sphaerocephala Krasch Gum and Cassia Gum) have been examined. It was found that all six gums could be classified into three different types according to the changes of viscosity with increasing shear rate. Steady shear viscous properties in a range of shear rate from 0.1 to 100 s-1 were investigated in the provision of mucilage concentration, pH, temperature and salts. A non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior was observed. The data of viscosity-shear successfully correlated Power law model. Apparent viscosity was apparently dependent on mucilage concentration increasing significantly as mass fraction went up. A marked dependence of viscosity on temperature was also observed;as temperature increased, the viscosity decreased sharply. The value n of flaxseed gum is minimum, which means it behaves the greatest shear-thinning properties. Both Guar gum and Tamarind gum possessed better acid-proof and alkali-proof advantages. The flow activation energy of ASKG is 4.3 kcal which is higher than other gums so that the influence of temperature on characteristics of viscosity is stronger. The mechanical spectra in the linear viscoelasticity region were studied in the temperature range from 20&deg;C to 90&deg;C, at a frequency range from 0.1 to 10 Hz. It was observed that Both elastic modulus G' and viscous modulus G" behaviors were found to be dependent on temperature and frequency. What have been investigated in this work could provide guidance for practical application in the field of food industry.

The Experiment Study of the Influence on Plant Seeds and Aquatic Biological Survival in High Altitude Environment

There is A certain foundation in this experiment. It was the second time we did this experiment. The purposes are three parts, first, explore the 30000~40000 meters high sky with two cameras recording the scene. The Second, find out whether the high sky condition(temperature, air pressure, cosmic ray) make influence on plants seeds. The third, text whether normal aquatic animal is able to survive in high sky. The conclusions are also three parts. It is important to set a deadline for my group member to finish the assignment, and also check their process, or they might delay their own part of work or they are not in charge of the work. As the leader, I should be thoughtful. Not only about members’ assignment, but also the details of their work, previously. Discuss about each task with group to ensure the correctness. Last but not least, every part of the experiment needs to be tested carefully. Only if we try our best to prevent accidents that might happen, then the experiment is able to success.

The Alpine Seed Conservation and Research Network–a new initiative to conserve valuable plant species in the European Alps

Safeguarding plants as seeds in ex situ collections is a cost effective element in an integrated plant conservation approach.The European Alps are a regional centre of plant diversity.Six institutions have established a regional network covering the European Alps which will conserve at least 500 priority plant species and which will improve the conservation status of plant species in grassland communities in the subalpine,alpine and nival altitudinal belts.Targeted research will expand the knowledge of the ecology of target species.Public engagement activities will raise the awareness for the importance of specific conservation actions in the European Alps.

Effects of Water Extract of Erigeron canadensis L. on Seed Germination of Plants

[Objective] The paper was to explore the effect of water extract of Erigeron canadensis L. on seed germination of plants. [Method] Using constant temperature culture method, the effects of water extracts of roots, stems and leaves of E. canadensis on seed germination of 14 species of test plants (crops and weeds) were studied. [Result] Water extracts of roots, stems and leaves of E. canadensis had obvious inhibition effect on seed germination of test plants. The water extract of leaves had the strongest inhibition effect, which could completely inhibit the seed germination of Crepis tectorum L., Amaranthus tricolor L. and Chrysanthemum coronarium L. under the lower concentrations of 0.050 and 0.075 g/ml, and completely inhibit seed germination of all the plants under the concentration of 0.400 g/ml except Zea maize L. and Allium fistulosum L.; followed by water extract of stems, and the water extract of roots had the lowest the inhibition effect, except for completely restraining seed germination of Lycopersicum esculentum L. under the concentration of 0.300 g/ml, it still could not completely restrain seed germination of the other plants under the highest concentration of 0.500 g/ml. The inhibition effect of water extract of E. canadensis on seed germination of plants had obvious selectivity, which had more obvious effect on dicotyledonous plants than monocotyledonous plants. [Conclusion] The study provided reference for screening and utilization of allelochemicals of E. canadensis and research on its allelopathy mechanism.

基于电驱动的智能播补一体化马铃薯播种机设计研究

马铃薯是我国重要的粮食和经济作物,在西南丘陵山区受限于地势条件,现有马铃薯播种机在作业时均不同程度的存在株距误差大、漏播及重播率高、土壤条件适应性差的问题。为此,设计了以AT89S51单片机为运算核心的播补薯一体机,主要由漏播监测、播补薯、株距控制模块组成。其中,漏播监测模块主要由红外线发生和接收装置组成,播补薯模块主要由步进电机驱动的取种勺根据系统命令执行指定作业,株距控制模块则通过设定的株距指令控制电机的转速及修正;同时,以步进电机作为动力取代了传统的地轮驱动以减小株距误差,步进电机驱动的单链取种勺集成播补薯功能于一体。试验表明:机具作业行走速度在0.6~1m/s时,补薯成功率为73%~81%,总播种成功率为97%~98%,播种株距误差为2.52%~4.83%,整体播种性能完全满足马铃薯播种农艺要求。