December 2011
The effects of no-tillage practice on soil physical properties
No-tillage (NT) is now widely recognized as a variable concept for practicing sustainable agriculture. The objectives of this study were to summarize the effects of no-tillage on soil physical properties and outline the environment capability of no-tillage practice. The effect of no-tillage on soil bulk density was a debated question, and in order to make it comparable, the study conditions (soil texture, climate...
December 2011
Computational fluid dynamics in greenhouses: A review
Computational fluid dynamics is a tool that has been used in recent years to develop numerical models that improve our understanding of the interaction of variables that make up the climate inside greenhouses. In the past five years, more realistic studies have appeared due mainly to the development of more powerful software and hardware. However, it is necessary to perform an analysis to show us the trends,...
December 2011
Benefits and concerns surrounding the cultivation of genetically modified crops in Africa: The debate
Concerns about genetically modified (GM) foods are necessary; however, in Africa concerns are hindering the progress of agricultural practices. Due to lack of education and awareness, it is necessary for African Governments to emphasize the numerous benefits and future prospects of GM food, through education and well grounded evaluation system to improve on the level of acceptance. Thus, the objective of...
December 2011
A new anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (EsALF-3) from Eriocheir sinensis with antimicrobial activity
The cDNA of a new Eriocheir sinensis ALF (designated as EsALF-3) was obtained based on EST analysis. The full-length cDNA was of 956 bp, consisting of an open reading frame (ORF) of 369 bp encoding a polypeptide of 123 amino acids. In the deduced amino acid sequence of EsALF-3, there were two highly conserved cysteine residues to define the LPS binding site, and eight positively charged residues existed...
December 2011
Spectrum of α-thalassemia mutations in Qazvin Province, Iran
α-Thalassemia is a widespread inherited disease particularly prevalent in the middle East Asia population, including Iran. The aim of this study was to define the molecular spectrum and frequency of α-thalassemia mutations in prospective couples of Qazvin province. A total of 120,000 subjects were studied during 10 years (1998-2008). Individuals present with hypochromic and microcytic parameters with...
December 2011
Analysis of chloroplast ribosomal subunit S16 (rpS16) intron sequences in Morus (Urticales: Moraceae)
In this study, the chloroplast rps16 sequence variation of Morus was examined. Sequence data were obtained from 18 mulberry individuals belonging to 13 species and three varieties, and two accessions of Broussonetia papyrifera and Ficus caricaof the related Moraceae, designed as outgroup were analyzed. The nucleotide diversity (0.016±0.006) covered 113 polymorphic sites of...
December 2011
cDNA, genomic sequence cloning and analysis of the ribosomal protein L37A gene (RPL37A) from the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and its over-expression
Ribosomal protein L37A (RPL37A) is a component of 60S large ribosomal subunit encoded by the RPL37A gene, which belongs to the family of ribosomal L37AE proteins, located in the cytoplasm. The complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) and the genomic sequence of RPL37A were cloned successfully from giant panda using reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and touch-down...
December 2011
A genetic male sterile line developed by molecular marker-assisted selection in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis)
A multiple allele inherited genetic male sterile line of Chinese cabbage 06s x 110 was used as the source of male sterility, and methods of crossing, backcrossing and selfing were applied to breed the male sterility to male fertile line of Chinese cabbage Y02. The SCAR marker syau-scr04 which linked to the male sterility gene Ms, was applied in the selection of Ms gene. The new male sterile line...
December 2011
In vitro effect of steep water and slurry from fermented sorghum varieties on bacteria that causes diarrhea
The effect of steep water and ogi slurry from two varieties of sorghum (red and white)on some important bacteria causing diarrhea (Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella dysenteriae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Enterobacter spp.) were investigated. Both the steep water and slurry were found to be effective against all test organisms...
December 2011
The effect of municipal compost application on the amount of micro elements and their absorption in soil and medicinal plant of mint (Menthas)
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of municipal compost (MC) application on micro elements concentration in soil and tissues of medicinal plant of mint. This study was carried out in a split plot based on complete randomized block design in three replications in the field of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources of Sari, Iran. The main plot was of six fertilizer levels (T1 =...
December 2011
A selection study on oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) grown in the campus area of Selcuk University in Konya, Turkey
This study was conducted on the population of oleasters that were found in Selçuk Universty of Aladdin Keykubat Campus in 2005 to 2006 in order to determine the kinds of candidates of high quality fruits by the selection breeding method. In this survey, a total of 30 kinds of oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) was examined and 12 kinds of olaester was chosen between them according to their fruit...
December 2011
Nitrogen determination in pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) plants by color image analysis (RGB)
In order to investigate the suitable index of the diagnosis of pepper plants nitrogen status by color image analysis, a field experiment was conducted. In this study, six levels of nitrogen fertilization were established so as to induce nitrogen status in pepper plants. At the flowering and fruiting stages, total nitrogen was evaluated by laboratory analysis. The chlorophyll index was determined using a soil plant...
December 2011
The influences of Hygromycin B on growth of Arabidopsis thaliana cotyledon and leaf
In this article, growth and development of Arabidopsis thaliana seedling cotyledon and leaf were evidently affected by Hygromycin B. As compared to the control, cotyledon of seedling on Murashige and Skoog (MS) with Hygromycin B was very small and its leaf was not formed. Along with increase in culture time, cells in the mesophyll tissue of cotyledon were loose arranged and the intercellular...
December 2011
Critical responses of photosynthetic efficiency in Campsis radicans (L.) Seem to soil water and light intensities
Campsis radicans (L.) Seem is one of the main forestation tree species in semi-arid loess hilly region. Using the CIRAS-2 portable photosynthesis system, the light-response of the photosynthetic efficiency parameters of three-year-old C .radicansleaves, such as net photosynthetic rate (PN), transpiration rate (Tr), water use efficiency (WUE), and light use efficiency (LUE), were studied under different...
December 2011
Intercropping of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and bean (Vicia faba): Effects of complementarity and competition of intercrop components in resource consumption on dry matter production and weed growth
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and bean (Vicia faba L.) sole crops and their mixture in three planting pattern (M1: alternate-row intercrop, M2: within-row intercrop, M3: mixed intercrop) were used to investigate the amount of resource consumption in terms of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception, water and nutrient uptake. The experiment was carried out as randomized complete block design with four...
December 2011
Antimutagenic effects of red apple and watermelon juices on cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxicity in mice
Studies on agents that modulate carcinogen-induced genotoxicity in experimental animals provide end points that can be used to assess the anti-mutagenic properties of putative chemopreventive compounds. Red apple and watermelon juices were assessed for modulation of cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced proportion of polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) and frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) in mice....
December 2011
Effect of plant growth regulators, explants type and efficient plantlet regeneration protocol through callus induction in Naringi crenulata (Roxb.) Nicolson and its biochemical investigation
Naringi crenulata (Roxb.) Nicolson, is a rare medicinal plant belonging to the family Rutaceae. It is a spinous tree and has great medicinal value. N. crenulata (Roxb.)Nicolson has in recent years suffered over-exploitation and has therefore been listed in the Red Data list of International Union for Conservation of Nature as a vulnerable species. A callus induction...
December 2011
Alleviation of salt stress by Halomonas sp. and osmolytes in Zea mays
Level of osmolytes accumulation to a variable extent in bacteria and plants is associated with the salt tolerance. We hypothesized that two previously isolated salt tolerant strains, Halomonas meridiana (PAa6) and Halomonas aquamarina (RT2),found to stimulate the growth of wheat also have the ability to accumulate osmolytes. These strains can favour plant growth due...
December 2011
Effects of salt stress on germination and early seedling growth of rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars in Iran
An experiment was carried out in 2009, in order to investigate the effects of salt stress (S1= 0.0, S2 = 2.0, S3 = 4.0, S4= 6.0 and S5= 8.0 ds.m-2 Nacl) on germination and seedling properties of three rice cultivars (Anbar, LD and Hamar). Experiment was arranged as split-plot based on randomized complete block design in three replications, with the salinity levels in main plots and rice cultivars in...
December 2011
Seed storage protein electrophoretic profiles in some Iranian date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the most important fruit crops in the south of Iran. However, little knowledge is currently available about the molecular characterization of date palm cultivars in this country. Determination of genetic variability and cultivar identification in date palm are two major important factors in breeding programs, characterization of germplasm, and conservation purposes. The...
December 2011
The Effects of water and salt stresses on germination in two bread wheat genotypes
This study was performed to evaluating the effect of osmotic stress at the water potential levels induced by polyethylene glycol 6000 and NaCl solutions at germination stage of bread wheat genotypes (Cascogne and saisonez) at laboratory, in Iran in 2011 as factorial experiment under complete randomized design with four replications. Daily and final germination as well as germination and seedling emergence rate, and...
December 2011
Utilization of biodiesel waste as a feedstock for the production of polyhydroxybutyrate by Cupriavidus necator
This study aimed to investigate the potential of using wastewater and crude glycerol from biodiesel refinery to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) through fermentation of Cupriavidus necator TISTR 1095. The result indicates that crude glycerol yielded high cell growth (35 to 37 g/L) and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB; 17.85 to 19.98 g/L). However, no cell growth obtained from...
December 2011
The location of manure accumulated in cattle livestock barns and its interaction with the environment
Manure, which is accumulated in cattle livestock barns, is regarded as serious waste if it is not stored properly. In order to avoid such problems, the manure should be stored in a closed and leak-proof environment. This study was conducted via the use of a questionnaire in Izmir, Odemis, Turkey. A stratified random sampling method was used in order to determine the number of enterprises associated with the...
December 2011
Isolation of soil thermophilic strains of actinomycetes for the production of α-amylase
Two thermophilic strains of actinomycetes, KS-52 and KS-60, were induced to produce α-amylase. α-Amylase activity was determined on solid medium supplemented with starch. The detection was based on the formation of clear or transparent zones around colonies. The size of transparent zone was found to be proportional to the amount of α-amylase enzyme produced by the strains. Extraction of α-amylase...
December 2011
Aluminium content in leaf and root of oat (Avena sativa L.) grown on pseudogley soil
Acid soils are not suitable for cultivation of agricultural crops as increased concentrations of hydrogen ions hinder the uptake of most nutrients. The adverse effects of increased soil acidity also include release of aluminium (Al) ions from the adsorption complex and hence, an increase in their concentration in the soil solution and plants. Aluminium ions block phosphorus and potassium uptake by the crop, thus leading...
December 2011
In vitro growth response of Artemisia annua seeds to different concentrations of plant growth regulators
Artemisia annua is a crop popularly known for its importance in the production of anti-malarial and possibly antibacterial agents and natural pesticides. A. annua anamed is a hybrid which is able to grow well in hot weather and still retain its anti-malarial characteristics. Seeds of annua were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) full strength without plant growth regulators, and...
December 2011
Purification and identification of a phytase from fruity bodies of the winter mushroom, Flammulina velutipes
A phytase, with a molecular mass of 14.8 kDa as determined by gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was isolated from fresh fruiting bodies of the mushroom Flammulina velutipes. The chromatographic procedure used for isolation of the phytase included ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, CM-cellulose, Q-Sepharose, affinity chromatography on Affi-gel blue gel and...
December 2011
Metabolic modulation of glutathione in whole blood components against lead-induced toxicity
Lead has been found to have the ability to interfere in the metabolism and biological activities of many proteins. It has also been found that metalloelements have strong affinity for sulfhydryl (-SH) groups in biological molecules including glutathione (GSH) in tissues. Because of these facts, it was of interest to investigate further the interaction of lead acetate [Pb (CH3COO)2] with GSH as a biomarker of...
December 2011
Cross reaction between P-61 sunflower seedlings oleosomal protein band and porcine pancreatic lipase
A true triacylglycerol lipase was detected in germinating sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seedlings associated to oleosomes. This enzyme that has not yet been identified was partially purified as shown by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) (10%); two protein bands, P-61 and P-66 of 61 and 66 kDa, were isolated from the active lipase fraction. Polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) directed...
December 2011
Role of epicuticular waxes in the susceptibility of cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV)
Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) is the causal agent of the damaging disease of cotton that is caused by number of begomaviruses and vectored by silver leaf whitefly. In the present study, an attempt was made by infecting Gossypium arboreum variety786, its wax mutant GaWM3 along with Gossypium hirsutum MNH-93 with viruliferous whiteflies. The presence of symptoms on leaves and amplification by PCR...
December 2011
Partial purification and characterization of ligninolytic enzymes produced by Pleurotus ostreatus during solid state fermentation
The production of ligninolytic enzymes including laccase, manganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase from Pleurotus ostreatus was studied under different parameters using solid state fermentation. Maximum production of enzymes was observed after 7 days in solid state fermentation (SSF) medium containing 5 g wheat straw (66% w/w moisture) in a still culture SSF. Different parameters had a significant...
December 2011
Secondary metabolites from Nepeta juncea
The study of the phytochemical investigation on the chemical constituents of the whole plant of Nepeta juncea belonging to the family Lamiaceae resulted in the isolation and characterization of 11 compounds. Nine of these compounds were identified as ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, stigmasterol glucoside, 5,4'-dihydroxy-3,6,7-trimethoxyflavone,...
December 2011
Banana peel: A novel substrate for cellulase production under solid-state fermentation
The feasibility of using banana peel for the production of cellulase by Trichodermaviride GIM 3.0010 in solid-state fermentation was evaluated in this study. The effect of incubation time, incubation temperature, initial moisture content of the medium, inoculum size and supplementation of carbon sources and nitrogen sources on cellulase production was investigated. When banana peel was...
December 2011
Morphological study of the infraorbital gland of the male barking deer, muntiacus muntjak
The morphology of the infraorbital gland of the barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) was examined using lectin histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. The glands consisted of sebaceous and apocrine glands, with proportion of apocrine glands was larger than the sebaceous gland. Sebaceous glands consisted of many lobules with polyhedral cells. The apocrine glands were lined by cuboidal to...
December 2011
Cryopreservation of South African indigenous goat semen
The aim of this study was to cryopreserve and evaluate frozen-thawed semen parameters. Electro-ejaculator was used to collect semen from six bucks. Semen samples were divided into two parts. In one part, seminal plasma was removed and was not in the other one. Both semen sample parts were extended with egg-yolk Tris extender. Semen was thereafter cryopreserved in straws using liquid nitrogen. Data were analysed using...
December 2011
Allelic polymorphism of Makoei sheep leptin gene identified by polymerase chain reaction and single strand conformation polymorphism
Leptin, a 16-kDa protein secreted from white adipocytes has been implicated in the regulation of food intake, energy expenditure and whole-body energy balance in animals. In the present study, the polymorphism of the leptin gene (LEP) of Makoei sheep was investigated by polymerase chain reaction and single strand conformation polymorphism technique (PCR–SSCP). Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood...
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