Background and Objectives: 3D visualization technology provides a more intuitive visual virtual reality surgical presentation for preoperative simulation planning, inhand visualization operation and accurate postoperative assessment in surgical procedures, but there is a lack of evidence to support whether this technology is more advantageous in preoperative planning of giant goiter. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of 3D visualization technology in the preoperative planning of giant goiter.
The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, is a minor pest in Japan but has become a serious invasive species in several parts of the world, causing damage in a variety of crops and high costs for its control. Many different methods of control have already been applied, including chemical and cultural measures, as well as mass-trapping. The efficacy of biological control attempts, using parasitoids, nematodes, fungi, or bacteria has also been discussed especially with regard to added value of lower ecological impact. The effect of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) treatments is probably attributable to the proteins accumulated in the parasporal body of the bacteria. In this context, a study was conducted to assess the insecticidal activity against P. japonica of the Bt 3 domain non-parasporal body accumulated Cry1Ia protein, and the structurally distant Bt proteins Mpp23Aa and Xpp37Aa. Their activity was tested against P. japonica larvae using a modified leaf-dip protocol, and only the Cry1Ia showed some activity. The results suggest that additional studies on Bacillus proteins are needed for developing new biological control strategies against P. japonica.
In the context of climate changes, expected increases in intensity, frequency, and unpredictability of waterlogging events will aggravate wheat yield losses, currently estimated to range between 20-50%. Wheat production must fulfill ca. 20% of the population’s energy and protein requirements. Evaluating germplasm with different backgrounds may reveal variability for waterlogging tolerance, allowing a better selection of genotypes with desirable traits for wheat breeding programs. In this work, the effect of waterlogging on adventitious root emission, tiller survival and yield was evaluated. Five studied germplasm groups (Portuguese Landraces; Varieties with introduced Italian germplasm; Post-Green Revolution varieties with introduced CYMMIT germplasm; Advanced Lines from the Portuguese Cereal Breeding Program; Australian varieties) were studied. Groups exhibited intra and intervariability in all parameters in response to waterlogging imposed in climatized growth chambers. After 14 days of waterlogging, the number of adventitious roots ranged from 0 to 7.6 plant-1, with 4 Portuguese Landraces depicting the highest number. The number of living tillers at the end of the stress was highly variable, ranging from reductions of 100% to increases up to 35%. At harvest, the number of productive tillers significantly differed among genotypes, with reductions reaching 100% in some cases and increases up to 138% in others. The existence of variability and the identification of key traits underlying waterlogging tolerance will contribute to develop more adapted wheat plants and to improve wheat yield.
Molecular-genetic and functional characterization of bacterial strain B. velezensis BIM В-439 D as the basis of biopesticide Betaprotectin was carried out. Bacterial genome contained 10 loci determining synthesis of polyfunctional enzyme complexes responsible for production of several antimicrobial compounds and lacking genes of drug resistance and pathogenicity. It was shown that the microbial culture suppressed development of a broad spectrum of fungal and bacterial pathogens infecting agricultural crops, raised germination power and sprouting rate of cucumber seeds, displayed high survival rate in natural soil microbiocenoses accounting for elevated phytoprotective and growth-stimulating potential and attractive application prospects as the active principle of biopesticide Betaprotectin. Prolonged application record of biopesticide throughout 10-year vegetation period to promote greenhouse cucumber culture provided for stable phytosanitary control of root rots, caused favorable effect on plant status and increased yields of vegetable products.
Dalbergia sissoo is a native tree species of the Indo-Pak and is one of the most important timber-producing species used in the agroforestry, fuelwood, and furniture industries. Historically widespread mortality of shisham due to dieback was observed during an El Niño cycle characterized by low rains and high temperatures. This is the first report that has successfully established the role of water deficit in shisham dieback under Ceratocystis fimbriata infection. Seedlings were either predisposed to water deficit for two weeks before fungal inoculation or subjected to both stresses i.e., biotic, and abiotic at the same time. The imposition of water deficit and the availability of water at the time of inoculation was determined by the rate of plant development, lesion growth, physiological parameters such as (stomatal conductivity, transpiration rate, photosynthesis rate, water potential, water use efficiency), chlorophyll contents, carotenoids, and oxidative enzymes such as POD, CAT, and H2O2. Water-stressed plants showed dieback symptoms and more susceptibility to fungal infection than well-watered plants clearly demonstrating water deficit is the primary cause of shisham dieback. Inoculated plants responded to stress by decreasing stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and photosynthetic activity due to low water potential. The growth rate was also affected due to low chlorophyll and carotenoid content. D. sissoo reacts to stress by increased production of CAT and POD, enzymes. This study emphasizes the importance of exploring the interaction of drought x disease in shisham and the primary physiological responses involved in plant growth.
