The use of antibiotics in humans and animals has been marked as a significant step in health due to their effectiveness in controlling and treating bacterial infections. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have been...The use of antibiotics in humans and animals has been marked as a significant step in health due to their effectiveness in controlling and treating bacterial infections. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have been identified as risk factors for bacterial resistance since microorganisms adapt and develop mechanisms to defend against antibiotics. According to the Centers for Disease Protection and Control (CDC), around 23,000 individuals die every year in the United States due to antibiotic resistance complications. As a result, a demand for alternative treatments has been a goal for scientists as the microbes adapt to selective pressure. The aim of this study is to test the antibacterial activity of leaf extracts of Peganum harmala and Haloxylon salicornicum on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on various mediums. The results of the study showed that both P. harmala and H. salicornicum inhibited the bacterial growth in two different media. The results were also compared with different common antibiotics used in both human’s and animal’s fields and showed a promising outcome as alternative antibiotics.展开更多
The optimum levels of Lysine and Glutamine needed for growth performance and maintenance of the chicken broilers were evaluated in a randomized 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. The battery cages...The optimum levels of Lysine and Glutamine needed for growth performance and maintenance of the chicken broilers were evaluated in a randomized 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. The battery cages measured 99 × 66 × 25 cm that can be sufficient for 5 birds. Day old Chicken broilers totaling 180 were assigned to dietary treatments comprising of 3 concentrations of Lysine (0.85, 1.14, and 1.42) each in combination with 4 concentrations of Glutamine (0, 1, 2, and 3). Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times and each replication had 5 birds. The birds were given feed and water ad libitum with a 23-hour light regimen for a period of 4 weeks. Then, the experimental birds were evaluated for body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion in order to determine their optimum requirement for dietary Lysine and Glutamine. Based on the findings of this study, the highest performance was observed in birds fed the diet supplemented with 1.42 lysine and 1% glutamine, but the highest improvement in feed conversion was observed in diet contain 1.14 and 1.42 with 1% and 3% glutamine, respectively. Birds fed 1.42 lysine and 1% glutamine had the highest total body weight gain and feed consumption. The lysine requirements in the diet for Chicken are between 1.14 and 1.42 with glutamine level of 1%.展开更多
Mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek.) is a warm-season, C<sub>3</sub> pulse crop of the legume family that has been widely cultivated in Asian countries. As the demand for mung bean continues to increase i...Mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek.) is a warm-season, C<sub>3</sub> pulse crop of the legume family that has been widely cultivated in Asian countries. As the demand for mung bean continues to increase in the United States, the ecophysiology, growth, and yield of mung bean varieties in the southeastern US need to be assessed. A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research and Education Center of Tennessee State University to investigate the effects of four varieties (OK2000, Berken, TSU-1, AAMU-1) and three planting densities (5, 10, and 15 cm spacing) on the ecophysiology and yield of mung bean. Results showed that the relative chlorophyll content, plant height, pod dry biomass, pod number, crop yield, and harvest index significantly varied among the varieties. Density only influenced transpiration, relative chlorophyll content, and plant dry biomass. OK2000 had 101.0% more pods per plant and a 42.4% higher harvest index and produced a 45.3% higher yield than other varieties, but no significant difference in yield was found among the other three varieties. This study demonstrated that the mung bean variety OK2000 with a high yield would be ideal for commercial production in the southeastern US.展开更多
Copper (Cu) mine tailings, because of their high content of heavy metals, are usually hostile to plant colonization. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the tolerance of four forage grasses to heavy metals i...Copper (Cu) mine tailings, because of their high content of heavy metals, are usually hostile to plant colonization. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the tolerance of four forage grasses to heavy metals in Cu mine tailings and to examine the variation in the microbial functional diversity of soils from the tailing sites in southern China. All the four grass species survived on Cu mine tailings and Cu mine tailing-soil mixture. However, on pure mine tailings, the growth was minimal, whereas the growth was maximum for the control without mine tailings. The tolerance of grasses to heavy metals followed the sequence: Paspalum notatum 〉 Festuea arundinaeea 〉 Lolium perenne 〉 Cynodon daetylon. The planting of forage grasses enhanced the soil microbial biomass. The Biolog data indicated that the soil microbial metabolic profile values (average well color development, community richness, and Shannon index) of the four forage grasses also followed the sequence: P. notatum 〉 F. arundinaeea 〉 L. perenne 〉 C. daetylon. Thus, P. notatum, under the experimental conditions of this study, may be considered as the preferred plant species for revegetation of Cu mine tailing areas.展开更多
We analyzed the tolerance of Copaifera lucens seeds to sub- mersion in water to assess the use of this species for direct seeding in riparian forest restoration programs. Seeds were submerged in water for 2, 4, 8, 16 ...We analyzed the tolerance of Copaifera lucens seeds to sub- mersion in water to assess the use of this species for direct seeding in riparian forest restoration programs. Seeds were submerged in water for 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 days or not submerged (control = 0 days of submer- gence). For the control and at the end of each period of submersion, germination and seedling vigor tests were carried out. For germination tests, seeds were sown in plastic pots containing sand and kept in labora- tory conditions. The percentage of seed germination, the germination rate and the average germination time were analyzed. For seedlings, total biomass, leaf area, leaf mass per area and leaf area ratio were analyzed. Submersion time drastically affected the dissolved oxygen content and seed germination. Between 4 and 8 days of submersion there was a de- crease from 83.8% to 15.6% in the germination percentage. No seed germination occurred after 16 days of submersion. Although there was a significant decrease in the percentage of seed germination between 4 and 8 days of submersion, seedling vigor was not affected. Seeds of this species were partially tolerant to submersion in water, suggesting that C. lucens is a promising species for direct seeding in riparian forest restora- tion projects.展开更多
Background: Pine bark is a rich source of phytochemical compounds including tannins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and fatty acids. These phytochemicals have potential to significantly impact on animal health and ani...Background: Pine bark is a rich source of phytochemical compounds including tannins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and fatty acids. These phytochemicals have potential to significantly impact on animal health and animal production. The goal of this work is to measure the effects of tannins in ground pine bark as a partial feed replacement on feed intake, dietary apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and mineral retention in meat goats. Results: Eighteen Kiko cross goats (initial BW = 31.8 ± 1.49 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (n = 6). Dietary treatments were tested: control (0 % pine bark powder (PB) and 30 % wheat straw (WS)); ] 5 % PB and 15 % WS, and 30 % PB and 0 % WS. Although dry matter (DM) intake and digestibility were not affected (P〉 0.10) by feeding PB, neutral detergent fiber (linear; P= 0.01), acid detergent fiber (linear; P= 0.001) and lignin digestibility (linear; P= 0.01) decreased, and crude protein (CP) digestibility tended to decrease (P=0.09) as PB increased in the diet, apparent retention of Ca (P= 0.09), P (P=0.03), Mg (P= 0.01), Mn (P= 0.01), Zn (P= 0.01) and Fe (P= 0.09) also increased linearly. Nitrogen intake and fecal N excretion were not affected (P〉 0.05) by addition of PB in the diet, but N balance in the body was quadratically increased (P〈 0.01) in the 15 % PB diet compared to other diets. This may be due to more rumen escape protein and less excreted N in the urine with the 15 % PB diet. The study showed that a moderate level of tannin-containing pine bark supplementation could improve gastrointestinal nitrogen balance with the aim of improving animal performance. Conclusion: These results suggest that tannin-containing PB has negative impact on fiber, lignin, and protein digestibility, but positively impacted on N-balance.展开更多
An indoor and a grazing experiment was conducted to determine how estimated feed intake and digestion by grazing goats consuming concentrate, bahaigrass pasture, and mimosa browse changed with body weight (BW), level ...An indoor and a grazing experiment was conducted to determine how estimated feed intake and digestion by grazing goats consuming concentrate, bahaigrass pasture, and mimosa browse changed with body weight (BW), level of supplementation, and forage chemical composition. Twenty four Boer wether goats were assigned in a completely randomized design with repeated measures on the following 3 treatments: concentrate, mimosa browse, and bahiagrass pasture. Internal markers used to estimate both dry matter (DM) digestibility (DMD) and DM intake (DMI) included acid detergent lignin (ADL) and acid insoluble ash (AIA). Marker-derived estimates of DMD and DMI were compared with DMD measured by total fecal collection or directly measured by in vivo feed intake rate. Both ADL and AIA-based markers in mimosa and bahiagrass diets were similar from those derived by in vivo DMD;however, AIA-based marker in concentrate was under-estimated (P in vivo DMD in mimosa and bahiagrass, although AIA concentration in mimosa seemed to be low compared to others. All markers yielded feed intake estimates that differed from those derived by ADL (P in vivo control, with ADL (P in vivo intake methods for digestibility studies. Both ADL and AIA occur in common forages at readily measurable levels and laboratory procedures are not difficult or time consuming. Therefore, both ADL and AIA have possible use in digestibility studies where other methods may not be applicable.展开更多
Understanding the effects of elevation and related factors(climate,vegetation) on the physical and chemical soil properties can help to predict changes in response to future climate or afforestation forcings.This work...Understanding the effects of elevation and related factors(climate,vegetation) on the physical and chemical soil properties can help to predict changes in response to future climate or afforestation forcings.This work aims to contribute to the knowledge of soil evolution and the classification of forest soils in relation to elevation in the montane stage,with special attention to podzolization and humus forms.The northern flank of the Moncayo Massif(Iberian Range,SW Europe) provides a unique opportunity to study a forest soils catena within a consistent quartzitic parent material over a relatively steep elevation gradient.With increasing elevation,pH,base saturation,exchangeable potassium,and fine silt-sized particles decrease significantly,while organic matter,the C/N ratio,soil aggregate stability,water repellency and coarse sand-sized particles increase significantly.The soil profiles shared a set of properties in all horizons:loamy-skeletal particle-size,extreme acidity(pH-H_2O<5.6) and low base saturation(<50%).The most prevalent soil forming processes in the catena include topsoil organic matter accumulation and even podzolization,which increases with elevation.From the upper to lower landscape positions of wooded montane stage of the Moncayo Massif,mull-moder-mor humus and an UmbrisolCambisol-Podzol soil unit sequences were found.展开更多
Leaf removal is a farming practice that can affect must and grape quality; it is closely related to the meteorological conditions of the year and the climate of the area. The present study aims to analyse the effects ...Leaf removal is a farming practice that can affect must and grape quality; it is closely related to the meteorological conditions of the year and the climate of the area. The present study aims to analyse the effects of different types of defoliation, all conducted at veraison and removing 5-6 basal leaves. The trial provided four tests: leaf removal only on the east side, only on the west side, total defoliation (both sides), and a non-defoliated treatment (control test). Two different cultivars, the Sangiovese and the Cabernet Sauvignon, were studied in five different Italian environments: Puegnago (BS), Scansano (GR), Bolgheri (LI), Brisighella (RA), and Montefalco (PG). The trial was repeated four times, once per year for the successive years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. The years differed mainly with regard to the total rainfall; because of the variability of the years, different results, both for the same cultivar and between the cultivars, were observed. The differences existing between these two varieties and among the different environments led to different reactions to defoliation, especially concerning the analytical parameters of musts and grapes.展开更多
Many agricultural fields across the country have a high degree of variability in soil type and water holding capacity that affects irrigation management. One way to overcome problems associated with the field variabil...Many agricultural fields across the country have a high degree of variability in soil type and water holding capacity that affects irrigation management. One way to overcome problems associated with the field variability for improving irrigation management is to utilize a site-specific irrigation system. This system applies water to match the needs of individual management zones within a field. A real-time continuous soil moisture measurement is essential for the success of site-specific irrigation systems. Recently the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) developed sensor technology that records the global positioning system (GPS) signal reflected from the surface of Earth, which estimates the dielectric properties of soil and can be used to estimate soil moisture contents. The overall objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of utilizing GPS-based technology developed by NASA for soil moisture measurements and to determine the influence of soil type, soil compaction, and ground cover on the measurements. The results showed strong positive correlations between soil moisture and reflected signals. Other factors (soil compaction and soil type), were not significantly related to reflectivity and did not significantly change the relationship between reflectivity and soil moisture contents. In addition, ground cover (rye crop) did not significantly reduce reflectivity. Therefore, this system could be used as a real-time and continuous nonintrusive soil moisture sensor for site-specific irrigation scheduling and watershed management.展开更多
Soil compaction is a significant problem in the Southeastern USA. This compacted zone or hardpan limits root penetration below this layer and reduces potential yield and makes plants more susceptible to drought induce...Soil compaction is a significant problem in the Southeastern USA. This compacted zone or hardpan limits root penetration below this layer and reduces potential yield and makes plants more susceptible to drought induced stresses. Soil compaction in this region is managed using costly annual deep tillage at or before planting and there is a great interest in reducing and/or eliminating annual tillage operations to lower production costs. Deep rooted cool season cover crops can penetrate this compacted soil zone and create channels, which cash crop roots, such as cotton, could follow to capture moisture and nutrients stored in the subsoil. The cool season cover crop roots would reduce the need for annual deep tillage prior to planting, increases soil organic matter, which provides greater water infiltration and available water holding capacity. Field studies were conducted for two years with three different soil series to determine the effects of tillage systems and cool season cover crops on the soil chemical and physical properties, yield responses, and pest pressure. Results showed that cool season cover crops significantly reduced soil compaction, increased cotton lint yield and soil moisture content, reduced nematode population densities, and increased soil available P, K, Mn, and organic matter content compared to the conventional no-cover crop.展开更多
Personal care products (PCPs) are stable and are recognized as important chemicals of emerging concern in freshwater resources in the United States (US), including surface water. Although little is known about the bio...Personal care products (PCPs) are stable and are recognized as important chemicals of emerging concern in freshwater resources in the United States (US), including surface water. Although little is known about the bio acces-sibility or biodegradation of these chemicals in the environment. Their primary source of entry into water bodies includes activities such as bathing and showering as well as improper disposal of unused personal care products. We conducted a study to monitor the incidence of personal care products in two rivers (surface water) in Middle Tennessee. The objectives were to determine the incidence of personal care products in surface water of urban and rural sub-watersheds. Secondly, to identify the most frequently detected PCPs in the rivers monitored in the sub-watershed. Water samples were collected from the Cumberland River and Collins River. These rivers represented surface water drained by urban and rural watersheds respectively in Middle Tennessee. The surface water samples were analyzed for the presence of personal care products using GC-MS. During sampling, water quality parameters of interest were collected in-situ with a multi-parameter data-sonde. Low-level concentration of compounds containing PCPs was detected in the two rivers monitored. Personal care products detected included the active ingredients in perfumes (Docosane, Heptadecane, Methyl hexadecanoate, and Undecane), antiperspirants (Octadecanol, and Pentadecalactone), skin conditioners (Cyclotrisiloxane, Isohexyl palmitate, Methyl palmitate, and Cedrol), and shampoos (1-Hexadecanol, Hexadecanoic acid, and Nonanal).展开更多
A total of 37 elements were determined in tap and bottled water samples from six counties of Middle Tennessee (USA) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The overarching goal of the st...A total of 37 elements were determined in tap and bottled water samples from six counties of Middle Tennessee (USA) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The overarching goal of the study is to dispel the myth that bottled water is better than tap water or vice versa. Other parameters analyzed were pH, conductivity, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The results were compared with the Maximum Contaminant Limit (MCL) reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA). The concentrations of phosphorus, silicon, fluoride, and chloride conformed to the established values by US-EPA maximum contaminant level corresponding value. The level of Aluminum (Al), Boron (B), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lithium (Li), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V), and Zinc (Zn) conformed to the established values by governmental agencies (USEPA). Heavy metals such as Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), and Silver (Ag) were detected in the tap water of the urban (Davidson) and urbanizing (Rutherford and Williamson) counties;suggesting that rural counties had a less heavy metal concentration in their drinking water sources than urban counties (P < 0.05). However, the values were below the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).展开更多
The study considers the morphological and physiological behaviour of self-rooted sweet cherry CV (Cultivar) 'Hedelfinger' wild type (H) and somaclonal (HS) grafted on 'Gisela 6' and 'Colt' rootstock. The s...The study considers the morphological and physiological behaviour of self-rooted sweet cherry CV (Cultivar) 'Hedelfinger' wild type (H) and somaclonal (HS) grafted on 'Gisela 6' and 'Colt' rootstock. The somaclonal showed reduced vegetative vigour without any variation of the natural tree's architecture. The rootstock 'Gisela 6' caused change in genotype habitus inducing a spreading shape, while 'Colt' increased trunk diameter and height. Fruit quality and size were not affected by genotype nor rootstock. 'Gisela 6', from these preliminary data, had proved the most suitable rootstock for both genotypes since it reduced the tree size and vigor and induced early bearing and the production of a greater number of fruiting spurs.展开更多
Soil borne pathogens result in serious losses in yield of crops grown in the United States (US) and various parts of the world. One of the most effective chemicals used to control these pathogens was methyl bromide (C...Soil borne pathogens result in serious losses in yield of crops grown in the United States (US) and various parts of the world. One of the most effective chemicals used to control these pathogens was methyl bromide (CH3Br, MeBr), a pre-plant fumigant with a broad spectrum of activity. Sodium azide has been proposed in combination with solarization as a viable alternative to replace MeBr due to environmental concerns with respect to ozone depletion in the stratosphere and as a possible carcinogen. However, the possible impacts of sodium azide as a soil pollutant and its effect on soil biological processes have not been fully studied. In this study the effect of sodium azide used alone and in combination with solarization and mulching on selected soil enzyme activities (phosphomonoesterases, arylsulfatase and phosphodiesterase) were assessed. Responses of arylsulfatase and phosphodiesterase to solarization and mulching and azide treatment were found to be affected in the same way, suggesting a similar mode of action. Soil pH in control soils was significantly increased by azide application;however, in mulched soils, pH was decreased. The significant decrease in soil pH in mulched soils may be very important in explaining the increase in the acid phosphatase activity observed in mulched soils. Overall, solarization and sodium azide treatment significantly reduced both fungi and bacterial populations but the responses among the various treatments varied significantly.展开更多
Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is an important legume crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates of the world. Interest in this crop is growing in many countries because of its multiple uses a...Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is an important legume crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates of the world. Interest in this crop is growing in many countries because of its multiple uses as a source of food, feed, fuel, and fertilizer. However, the performance of pigeonpea in Southeastern US has not been well investigated. We conducted an experiment in Nashville, Tennessee to test the effects of two planting dates, three densities, and four varieties on pigeonpea ecophysiology that included leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, water use efficiency (WUE), leaf area index (LAI) and soil respiration. Results indicated that the plants in the late planting plots had higher photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration. There were significant differences in the levels of leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, WUE and LAI among all four varieties. W3 and G1 showed higher photosynthetic rate and LAI than W1, and W3 had higher WUE than G2 and W1. Planting densities had no significant effect on all variables studied. This study indicated that late planting of variety G1 or W3 resulted in higher WUE and yield, but did no significant influence soil CO2 emission.展开更多
The experimental idea of the present project was elaborated in order to create a structure where different categories and institutions could collaborate, with the common aim to develop a sustainable and profitable agr...The experimental idea of the present project was elaborated in order to create a structure where different categories and institutions could collaborate, with the common aim to develop a sustainable and profitable agriculture in mountain and marginal areas. The target was the recovering of an abandoned agricultural site, throughout its re-organisation, re-qualification and auto-sustainability, involving local citizens. This approach was based on three further broad functions such as environmental, economic and social purposes. This cooperation, that allows the capitalization of local knowledge and the forging of relationships between local and external sources of expertise, information and advice, is fundamental to the future of existing rural communities, in particular in mountain areas. The model proposed, with the elaboration of a management software and technical agronomic sheets, could be an incentive for the activities already present in that region and to stimulate new ones. The enhancing of the native ecological system, the biodiversity tutelage and the valorization of the knowledge of the territory is the basic requirement for the successful of any land management.展开更多
<div style="text-align:justify;"> <span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span>Process-based crop simulation models are useful for simulating the impacts of climate change on crop yi...<div style="text-align:justify;"> <span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span>Process-based crop simulation models are useful for simulating the impacts of climate change on crop yields. Currently, estimation of spatially calibrated soil parameters for crop models can be challenging, as it requires the availability of long-term and detailed input data from several sentinel sites. The use of aggregated regional data for model calibrations has been proposed but not been employed in regional climate change studies. The study: 1) employed the use of county-level data to estimate spatial soil parameters for the calibration of CROPGRO-Soybean model and 2) used the calibrated model, assimilated with future climate data, in assessing the impacts of climate change on soybean yields. The CROPGRO-Soybean model was calibrated using major agricultural soil types, crop yield and current climate data at county level, for selected counties in Alabama for the period 1981-2010. The calibrated model simulations were acceptable with performance indicators showing Root Mean Square Error percent of between 27 - 43 and Index of Agreement ranging from 0.51 to 0.76. Projected soybean yield decreased by an average of 29% and 23% in 2045, and 19% and 43% in 2075, under Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 and 8.5, respectively. Results showed that late-maturing soybean cultivars were most resilient to heat, while late-maturing cultivators needed optimized irrigation to maintain appropriate soil moisture to sustain soybean yields. The CROPGRO-Soybean phenological and yield simulations suggested that the negative effects of increasing temperatures could be counterbalanced by increasing rainfall, optimized irrigation, and cultivating late-maturing soybean cultivars. </div>展开更多
Antibiotics used for agricultural purpose has contributed to the increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of ESBL-pro...Antibiotics used for agricultural purpose has contributed to the increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of ESBL-producing E. coli in small-scaled poultry farms and retail chicken. The cultured E. coli isolates were subjected to phenotypic tests, susceptibility tests, and the polymerase chain reaction for detection of blacTX-M, blasHv, and blaTEM genes. From 120 samples each of chicken feces, retail chicken, soil and chicken feed, ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were detected in 75.9%, 63.6%, 39.2%, and 13.3% of the samples, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) values indicated that ESBL-producing E. coli were resistance to ampicillin (MIC 〉 32 μg/mL), gentamicin (M1C ≥ 16 μg/mL), cefotaxime (MIC 〉 4 μg/mL) and cefhiaxone (MIC 〉 4 gg/mL), respectively. The total resistance for imipenem was also observed at 1.0% (MIC ≥ 4 gg/mL) and none of the isolates were resistant to ceftazidime (MIC 〉 16 μg/mL). ESBL-producing E. coli from chicken feces and retail chicken carried blasHv gene at a rate of 6.8% and 5.7%, respectively and blaCTX-M gene was also revealed at 2.9% in retail chicken. Moreover, ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from soil harbored blasnv and blaCTX-M genes at 5%. None of the feed samples yielded ESBLs genes. Twenty three resistance patterns were observed for multi-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli. This study highlights the prevalence of multi-antimicrobial resistant ESBL-producing E. coli in small-scaledpoultry farms and retail chicken, hence the need to review poultry management practices to minimize the occurrence.展开更多
Heat stress(HS)poses a significant challenge to tomato production due to disruption of the reproductive organs,especially the male gametophytes.This study reports HS-induced proteome changes in meiotic pollen mother c...Heat stress(HS)poses a significant challenge to tomato production due to disruption of the reproductive organs,especially the male gametophytes.This study reports HS-induced proteome changes in meiotic pollen mother cells during early stages of anther development.Tomato(Solanum lycopersicum L.×S.habrochaites)'Maxifort'were grown in a heated polytunnel in Nashville,Tennessee,USA.Plants at flowering stage were subjected to heat treatment at 40±2℃ for 4 hr(11:00−15:00 HR);and the non-heat-treated control was at 30±2℃(day/night)at the same period of time for 10 d.The size of the flower buds containing meiotic pollen mother cells was determined based on the histology of DAPI stained cross section of anthers.Flower buds were embedded in optimal cutting temperature solutions(OCT)and then cut into sections of 20μm thickness.Sections containing meiotic pollen mother cells were collected using laser capture microdissection(LCM).A protein extraction procedure was optimized for the LCM collected pollen samples which yielded 25−30μg protein from 150,000−200,000 pollen cells.The heatinduced proteomes of meiotic pollen mother cells were quantified using tandem mass tag(TMT)quantitative proteomics analysis.Among the 6,343 quantified proteins,254 differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)showed significant differences in abundance level from heat treated to non-heat-treated control conditions.The heat-up-regulated-DEPs(96 proteins)include heat shock proteins,calreticulin and exocytosis(synaptobrevin)which are involved in protein folding/refolding/targeting/removal and secretion of aggregated and damaged proteins/peptides.The heat-down-regulated-DEPs(158 proteins)were involved in pathways of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation,antioxidant mechanism,and metabolic processes of carbohydrates and lipids.Proteins affecting apoptotic programmed cell death and pollen mother cell meiotic activity were significantly changed under HS.The identified proteins and the affected biological processes could represent the major heat tolerance mechanisms during early developmental stages of male gametophyte when exposed to daily periods of above 40°C HS condition.展开更多
文摘The use of antibiotics in humans and animals has been marked as a significant step in health due to their effectiveness in controlling and treating bacterial infections. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have been identified as risk factors for bacterial resistance since microorganisms adapt and develop mechanisms to defend against antibiotics. According to the Centers for Disease Protection and Control (CDC), around 23,000 individuals die every year in the United States due to antibiotic resistance complications. As a result, a demand for alternative treatments has been a goal for scientists as the microbes adapt to selective pressure. The aim of this study is to test the antibacterial activity of leaf extracts of Peganum harmala and Haloxylon salicornicum on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on various mediums. The results of the study showed that both P. harmala and H. salicornicum inhibited the bacterial growth in two different media. The results were also compared with different common antibiotics used in both human’s and animal’s fields and showed a promising outcome as alternative antibiotics.
文摘The optimum levels of Lysine and Glutamine needed for growth performance and maintenance of the chicken broilers were evaluated in a randomized 3 × 4 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments. The battery cages measured 99 × 66 × 25 cm that can be sufficient for 5 birds. Day old Chicken broilers totaling 180 were assigned to dietary treatments comprising of 3 concentrations of Lysine (0.85, 1.14, and 1.42) each in combination with 4 concentrations of Glutamine (0, 1, 2, and 3). Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times and each replication had 5 birds. The birds were given feed and water ad libitum with a 23-hour light regimen for a period of 4 weeks. Then, the experimental birds were evaluated for body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion in order to determine their optimum requirement for dietary Lysine and Glutamine. Based on the findings of this study, the highest performance was observed in birds fed the diet supplemented with 1.42 lysine and 1% glutamine, but the highest improvement in feed conversion was observed in diet contain 1.14 and 1.42 with 1% and 3% glutamine, respectively. Birds fed 1.42 lysine and 1% glutamine had the highest total body weight gain and feed consumption. The lysine requirements in the diet for Chicken are between 1.14 and 1.42 with glutamine level of 1%.
文摘Mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek.) is a warm-season, C<sub>3</sub> pulse crop of the legume family that has been widely cultivated in Asian countries. As the demand for mung bean continues to increase in the United States, the ecophysiology, growth, and yield of mung bean varieties in the southeastern US need to be assessed. A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research and Education Center of Tennessee State University to investigate the effects of four varieties (OK2000, Berken, TSU-1, AAMU-1) and three planting densities (5, 10, and 15 cm spacing) on the ecophysiology and yield of mung bean. Results showed that the relative chlorophyll content, plant height, pod dry biomass, pod number, crop yield, and harvest index significantly varied among the varieties. Density only influenced transpiration, relative chlorophyll content, and plant dry biomass. OK2000 had 101.0% more pods per plant and a 42.4% higher harvest index and produced a 45.3% higher yield than other varieties, but no significant difference in yield was found among the other three varieties. This study demonstrated that the mung bean variety OK2000 with a high yield would be ideal for commercial production in the southeastern US.
基金the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (Nos40171054 and 40125005)the National Key Basic Research Support Foundation of China (No2002CB410809/10)
文摘Copper (Cu) mine tailings, because of their high content of heavy metals, are usually hostile to plant colonization. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the tolerance of four forage grasses to heavy metals in Cu mine tailings and to examine the variation in the microbial functional diversity of soils from the tailing sites in southern China. All the four grass species survived on Cu mine tailings and Cu mine tailing-soil mixture. However, on pure mine tailings, the growth was minimal, whereas the growth was maximum for the control without mine tailings. The tolerance of grasses to heavy metals followed the sequence: Paspalum notatum 〉 Festuea arundinaeea 〉 Lolium perenne 〉 Cynodon daetylon. The planting of forage grasses enhanced the soil microbial biomass. The Biolog data indicated that the soil microbial metabolic profile values (average well color development, community richness, and Shannon index) of the four forage grasses also followed the sequence: P. notatum 〉 F. arundinaeea 〉 L. perenne 〉 C. daetylon. Thus, P. notatum, under the experimental conditions of this study, may be considered as the preferred plant species for revegetation of Cu mine tailing areas.
基金the Foundation for Research Support of the State of Bahia (FAPESB)
文摘We analyzed the tolerance of Copaifera lucens seeds to sub- mersion in water to assess the use of this species for direct seeding in riparian forest restoration programs. Seeds were submerged in water for 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 days or not submerged (control = 0 days of submer- gence). For the control and at the end of each period of submersion, germination and seedling vigor tests were carried out. For germination tests, seeds were sown in plastic pots containing sand and kept in labora- tory conditions. The percentage of seed germination, the germination rate and the average germination time were analyzed. For seedlings, total biomass, leaf area, leaf mass per area and leaf area ratio were analyzed. Submersion time drastically affected the dissolved oxygen content and seed germination. Between 4 and 8 days of submersion there was a de- crease from 83.8% to 15.6% in the germination percentage. No seed germination occurred after 16 days of submersion. Although there was a significant decrease in the percentage of seed germination between 4 and 8 days of submersion, seedling vigor was not affected. Seeds of this species were partially tolerant to submersion in water, suggesting that C. lucens is a promising species for direct seeding in riparian forest restora- tion projects.
基金support from the European Union through a Marie Curie Initial Training Network(PITN-GA-2011-289377,LegumePlus)
文摘Background: Pine bark is a rich source of phytochemical compounds including tannins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and fatty acids. These phytochemicals have potential to significantly impact on animal health and animal production. The goal of this work is to measure the effects of tannins in ground pine bark as a partial feed replacement on feed intake, dietary apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and mineral retention in meat goats. Results: Eighteen Kiko cross goats (initial BW = 31.8 ± 1.49 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (n = 6). Dietary treatments were tested: control (0 % pine bark powder (PB) and 30 % wheat straw (WS)); ] 5 % PB and 15 % WS, and 30 % PB and 0 % WS. Although dry matter (DM) intake and digestibility were not affected (P〉 0.10) by feeding PB, neutral detergent fiber (linear; P= 0.01), acid detergent fiber (linear; P= 0.001) and lignin digestibility (linear; P= 0.01) decreased, and crude protein (CP) digestibility tended to decrease (P=0.09) as PB increased in the diet, apparent retention of Ca (P= 0.09), P (P=0.03), Mg (P= 0.01), Mn (P= 0.01), Zn (P= 0.01) and Fe (P= 0.09) also increased linearly. Nitrogen intake and fecal N excretion were not affected (P〉 0.05) by addition of PB in the diet, but N balance in the body was quadratically increased (P〈 0.01) in the 15 % PB diet compared to other diets. This may be due to more rumen escape protein and less excreted N in the urine with the 15 % PB diet. The study showed that a moderate level of tannin-containing pine bark supplementation could improve gastrointestinal nitrogen balance with the aim of improving animal performance. Conclusion: These results suggest that tannin-containing PB has negative impact on fiber, lignin, and protein digestibility, but positively impacted on N-balance.
文摘An indoor and a grazing experiment was conducted to determine how estimated feed intake and digestion by grazing goats consuming concentrate, bahaigrass pasture, and mimosa browse changed with body weight (BW), level of supplementation, and forage chemical composition. Twenty four Boer wether goats were assigned in a completely randomized design with repeated measures on the following 3 treatments: concentrate, mimosa browse, and bahiagrass pasture. Internal markers used to estimate both dry matter (DM) digestibility (DMD) and DM intake (DMI) included acid detergent lignin (ADL) and acid insoluble ash (AIA). Marker-derived estimates of DMD and DMI were compared with DMD measured by total fecal collection or directly measured by in vivo feed intake rate. Both ADL and AIA-based markers in mimosa and bahiagrass diets were similar from those derived by in vivo DMD;however, AIA-based marker in concentrate was under-estimated (P in vivo DMD in mimosa and bahiagrass, although AIA concentration in mimosa seemed to be low compared to others. All markers yielded feed intake estimates that differed from those derived by ADL (P in vivo control, with ADL (P in vivo intake methods for digestibility studies. Both ADL and AIA occur in common forages at readily measurable levels and laboratory procedures are not difficult or time consuming. Therefore, both ADL and AIA have possible use in digestibility studies where other methods may not be applicable.
基金supported by project CGL2013-43440-R,funded by the Ministerio de Economiay Competitividad of Spain
文摘Understanding the effects of elevation and related factors(climate,vegetation) on the physical and chemical soil properties can help to predict changes in response to future climate or afforestation forcings.This work aims to contribute to the knowledge of soil evolution and the classification of forest soils in relation to elevation in the montane stage,with special attention to podzolization and humus forms.The northern flank of the Moncayo Massif(Iberian Range,SW Europe) provides a unique opportunity to study a forest soils catena within a consistent quartzitic parent material over a relatively steep elevation gradient.With increasing elevation,pH,base saturation,exchangeable potassium,and fine silt-sized particles decrease significantly,while organic matter,the C/N ratio,soil aggregate stability,water repellency and coarse sand-sized particles increase significantly.The soil profiles shared a set of properties in all horizons:loamy-skeletal particle-size,extreme acidity(pH-H_2O<5.6) and low base saturation(<50%).The most prevalent soil forming processes in the catena include topsoil organic matter accumulation and even podzolization,which increases with elevation.From the upper to lower landscape positions of wooded montane stage of the Moncayo Massif,mull-moder-mor humus and an UmbrisolCambisol-Podzol soil unit sequences were found.
文摘Leaf removal is a farming practice that can affect must and grape quality; it is closely related to the meteorological conditions of the year and the climate of the area. The present study aims to analyse the effects of different types of defoliation, all conducted at veraison and removing 5-6 basal leaves. The trial provided four tests: leaf removal only on the east side, only on the west side, total defoliation (both sides), and a non-defoliated treatment (control test). Two different cultivars, the Sangiovese and the Cabernet Sauvignon, were studied in five different Italian environments: Puegnago (BS), Scansano (GR), Bolgheri (LI), Brisighella (RA), and Montefalco (PG). The trial was repeated four times, once per year for the successive years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. The years differed mainly with regard to the total rainfall; because of the variability of the years, different results, both for the same cultivar and between the cultivars, were observed. The differences existing between these two varieties and among the different environments led to different reactions to defoliation, especially concerning the analytical parameters of musts and grapes.
文摘Many agricultural fields across the country have a high degree of variability in soil type and water holding capacity that affects irrigation management. One way to overcome problems associated with the field variability for improving irrigation management is to utilize a site-specific irrigation system. This system applies water to match the needs of individual management zones within a field. A real-time continuous soil moisture measurement is essential for the success of site-specific irrigation systems. Recently the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) developed sensor technology that records the global positioning system (GPS) signal reflected from the surface of Earth, which estimates the dielectric properties of soil and can be used to estimate soil moisture contents. The overall objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of utilizing GPS-based technology developed by NASA for soil moisture measurements and to determine the influence of soil type, soil compaction, and ground cover on the measurements. The results showed strong positive correlations between soil moisture and reflected signals. Other factors (soil compaction and soil type), were not significantly related to reflectivity and did not significantly change the relationship between reflectivity and soil moisture contents. In addition, ground cover (rye crop) did not significantly reduce reflectivity. Therefore, this system could be used as a real-time and continuous nonintrusive soil moisture sensor for site-specific irrigation scheduling and watershed management.
文摘Soil compaction is a significant problem in the Southeastern USA. This compacted zone or hardpan limits root penetration below this layer and reduces potential yield and makes plants more susceptible to drought induced stresses. Soil compaction in this region is managed using costly annual deep tillage at or before planting and there is a great interest in reducing and/or eliminating annual tillage operations to lower production costs. Deep rooted cool season cover crops can penetrate this compacted soil zone and create channels, which cash crop roots, such as cotton, could follow to capture moisture and nutrients stored in the subsoil. The cool season cover crop roots would reduce the need for annual deep tillage prior to planting, increases soil organic matter, which provides greater water infiltration and available water holding capacity. Field studies were conducted for two years with three different soil series to determine the effects of tillage systems and cool season cover crops on the soil chemical and physical properties, yield responses, and pest pressure. Results showed that cool season cover crops significantly reduced soil compaction, increased cotton lint yield and soil moisture content, reduced nematode population densities, and increased soil available P, K, Mn, and organic matter content compared to the conventional no-cover crop.
文摘Personal care products (PCPs) are stable and are recognized as important chemicals of emerging concern in freshwater resources in the United States (US), including surface water. Although little is known about the bio acces-sibility or biodegradation of these chemicals in the environment. Their primary source of entry into water bodies includes activities such as bathing and showering as well as improper disposal of unused personal care products. We conducted a study to monitor the incidence of personal care products in two rivers (surface water) in Middle Tennessee. The objectives were to determine the incidence of personal care products in surface water of urban and rural sub-watersheds. Secondly, to identify the most frequently detected PCPs in the rivers monitored in the sub-watershed. Water samples were collected from the Cumberland River and Collins River. These rivers represented surface water drained by urban and rural watersheds respectively in Middle Tennessee. The surface water samples were analyzed for the presence of personal care products using GC-MS. During sampling, water quality parameters of interest were collected in-situ with a multi-parameter data-sonde. Low-level concentration of compounds containing PCPs was detected in the two rivers monitored. Personal care products detected included the active ingredients in perfumes (Docosane, Heptadecane, Methyl hexadecanoate, and Undecane), antiperspirants (Octadecanol, and Pentadecalactone), skin conditioners (Cyclotrisiloxane, Isohexyl palmitate, Methyl palmitate, and Cedrol), and shampoos (1-Hexadecanol, Hexadecanoic acid, and Nonanal).
文摘A total of 37 elements were determined in tap and bottled water samples from six counties of Middle Tennessee (USA) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The overarching goal of the study is to dispel the myth that bottled water is better than tap water or vice versa. Other parameters analyzed were pH, conductivity, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The results were compared with the Maximum Contaminant Limit (MCL) reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA). The concentrations of phosphorus, silicon, fluoride, and chloride conformed to the established values by US-EPA maximum contaminant level corresponding value. The level of Aluminum (Al), Boron (B), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lithium (Li), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V), and Zinc (Zn) conformed to the established values by governmental agencies (USEPA). Heavy metals such as Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), and Silver (Ag) were detected in the tap water of the urban (Davidson) and urbanizing (Rutherford and Williamson) counties;suggesting that rural counties had a less heavy metal concentration in their drinking water sources than urban counties (P < 0.05). However, the values were below the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
文摘The study considers the morphological and physiological behaviour of self-rooted sweet cherry CV (Cultivar) 'Hedelfinger' wild type (H) and somaclonal (HS) grafted on 'Gisela 6' and 'Colt' rootstock. The somaclonal showed reduced vegetative vigour without any variation of the natural tree's architecture. The rootstock 'Gisela 6' caused change in genotype habitus inducing a spreading shape, while 'Colt' increased trunk diameter and height. Fruit quality and size were not affected by genotype nor rootstock. 'Gisela 6', from these preliminary data, had proved the most suitable rootstock for both genotypes since it reduced the tree size and vigor and induced early bearing and the production of a greater number of fruiting spurs.
文摘Soil borne pathogens result in serious losses in yield of crops grown in the United States (US) and various parts of the world. One of the most effective chemicals used to control these pathogens was methyl bromide (CH3Br, MeBr), a pre-plant fumigant with a broad spectrum of activity. Sodium azide has been proposed in combination with solarization as a viable alternative to replace MeBr due to environmental concerns with respect to ozone depletion in the stratosphere and as a possible carcinogen. However, the possible impacts of sodium azide as a soil pollutant and its effect on soil biological processes have not been fully studied. In this study the effect of sodium azide used alone and in combination with solarization and mulching on selected soil enzyme activities (phosphomonoesterases, arylsulfatase and phosphodiesterase) were assessed. Responses of arylsulfatase and phosphodiesterase to solarization and mulching and azide treatment were found to be affected in the same way, suggesting a similar mode of action. Soil pH in control soils was significantly increased by azide application;however, in mulched soils, pH was decreased. The significant decrease in soil pH in mulched soils may be very important in explaining the increase in the acid phosphatase activity observed in mulched soils. Overall, solarization and sodium azide treatment significantly reduced both fungi and bacterial populations but the responses among the various treatments varied significantly.
文摘Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is an important legume crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates of the world. Interest in this crop is growing in many countries because of its multiple uses as a source of food, feed, fuel, and fertilizer. However, the performance of pigeonpea in Southeastern US has not been well investigated. We conducted an experiment in Nashville, Tennessee to test the effects of two planting dates, three densities, and four varieties on pigeonpea ecophysiology that included leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, water use efficiency (WUE), leaf area index (LAI) and soil respiration. Results indicated that the plants in the late planting plots had higher photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration. There were significant differences in the levels of leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, WUE and LAI among all four varieties. W3 and G1 showed higher photosynthetic rate and LAI than W1, and W3 had higher WUE than G2 and W1. Planting densities had no significant effect on all variables studied. This study indicated that late planting of variety G1 or W3 resulted in higher WUE and yield, but did no significant influence soil CO2 emission.
文摘The experimental idea of the present project was elaborated in order to create a structure where different categories and institutions could collaborate, with the common aim to develop a sustainable and profitable agriculture in mountain and marginal areas. The target was the recovering of an abandoned agricultural site, throughout its re-organisation, re-qualification and auto-sustainability, involving local citizens. This approach was based on three further broad functions such as environmental, economic and social purposes. This cooperation, that allows the capitalization of local knowledge and the forging of relationships between local and external sources of expertise, information and advice, is fundamental to the future of existing rural communities, in particular in mountain areas. The model proposed, with the elaboration of a management software and technical agronomic sheets, could be an incentive for the activities already present in that region and to stimulate new ones. The enhancing of the native ecological system, the biodiversity tutelage and the valorization of the knowledge of the territory is the basic requirement for the successful of any land management.
文摘<div style="text-align:justify;"> <span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span>Process-based crop simulation models are useful for simulating the impacts of climate change on crop yields. Currently, estimation of spatially calibrated soil parameters for crop models can be challenging, as it requires the availability of long-term and detailed input data from several sentinel sites. The use of aggregated regional data for model calibrations has been proposed but not been employed in regional climate change studies. The study: 1) employed the use of county-level data to estimate spatial soil parameters for the calibration of CROPGRO-Soybean model and 2) used the calibrated model, assimilated with future climate data, in assessing the impacts of climate change on soybean yields. The CROPGRO-Soybean model was calibrated using major agricultural soil types, crop yield and current climate data at county level, for selected counties in Alabama for the period 1981-2010. The calibrated model simulations were acceptable with performance indicators showing Root Mean Square Error percent of between 27 - 43 and Index of Agreement ranging from 0.51 to 0.76. Projected soybean yield decreased by an average of 29% and 23% in 2045, and 19% and 43% in 2075, under Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 and 8.5, respectively. Results showed that late-maturing soybean cultivars were most resilient to heat, while late-maturing cultivators needed optimized irrigation to maintain appropriate soil moisture to sustain soybean yields. The CROPGRO-Soybean phenological and yield simulations suggested that the negative effects of increasing temperatures could be counterbalanced by increasing rainfall, optimized irrigation, and cultivating late-maturing soybean cultivars. </div>
文摘Antibiotics used for agricultural purpose has contributed to the increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of ESBL-producing E. coli in small-scaled poultry farms and retail chicken. The cultured E. coli isolates were subjected to phenotypic tests, susceptibility tests, and the polymerase chain reaction for detection of blacTX-M, blasHv, and blaTEM genes. From 120 samples each of chicken feces, retail chicken, soil and chicken feed, ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were detected in 75.9%, 63.6%, 39.2%, and 13.3% of the samples, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) values indicated that ESBL-producing E. coli were resistance to ampicillin (MIC 〉 32 μg/mL), gentamicin (M1C ≥ 16 μg/mL), cefotaxime (MIC 〉 4 μg/mL) and cefhiaxone (MIC 〉 4 gg/mL), respectively. The total resistance for imipenem was also observed at 1.0% (MIC ≥ 4 gg/mL) and none of the isolates were resistant to ceftazidime (MIC 〉 16 μg/mL). ESBL-producing E. coli from chicken feces and retail chicken carried blasHv gene at a rate of 6.8% and 5.7%, respectively and blaCTX-M gene was also revealed at 2.9% in retail chicken. Moreover, ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from soil harbored blasnv and blaCTX-M genes at 5%. None of the feed samples yielded ESBLs genes. Twenty three resistance patterns were observed for multi-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli. This study highlights the prevalence of multi-antimicrobial resistant ESBL-producing E. coli in small-scaledpoultry farms and retail chicken, hence the need to review poultry management practices to minimize the occurrence.
基金supported by 1890 Institution Teaching,Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants (CBG)Program,Award No.2018-38821-27737,2014-02868the Evans-Allen Research Funds from USDA-NIFA,and USDA-ARS CRIS Project 1907-21000-036/037-00D.
文摘Heat stress(HS)poses a significant challenge to tomato production due to disruption of the reproductive organs,especially the male gametophytes.This study reports HS-induced proteome changes in meiotic pollen mother cells during early stages of anther development.Tomato(Solanum lycopersicum L.×S.habrochaites)'Maxifort'were grown in a heated polytunnel in Nashville,Tennessee,USA.Plants at flowering stage were subjected to heat treatment at 40±2℃ for 4 hr(11:00−15:00 HR);and the non-heat-treated control was at 30±2℃(day/night)at the same period of time for 10 d.The size of the flower buds containing meiotic pollen mother cells was determined based on the histology of DAPI stained cross section of anthers.Flower buds were embedded in optimal cutting temperature solutions(OCT)and then cut into sections of 20μm thickness.Sections containing meiotic pollen mother cells were collected using laser capture microdissection(LCM).A protein extraction procedure was optimized for the LCM collected pollen samples which yielded 25−30μg protein from 150,000−200,000 pollen cells.The heatinduced proteomes of meiotic pollen mother cells were quantified using tandem mass tag(TMT)quantitative proteomics analysis.Among the 6,343 quantified proteins,254 differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)showed significant differences in abundance level from heat treated to non-heat-treated control conditions.The heat-up-regulated-DEPs(96 proteins)include heat shock proteins,calreticulin and exocytosis(synaptobrevin)which are involved in protein folding/refolding/targeting/removal and secretion of aggregated and damaged proteins/peptides.The heat-down-regulated-DEPs(158 proteins)were involved in pathways of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation,antioxidant mechanism,and metabolic processes of carbohydrates and lipids.Proteins affecting apoptotic programmed cell death and pollen mother cell meiotic activity were significantly changed under HS.The identified proteins and the affected biological processes could represent the major heat tolerance mechanisms during early developmental stages of male gametophyte when exposed to daily periods of above 40°C HS condition.