Boron excess imbalances root/shoot allometry, photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and sugar metabolism in apple plants

Boron (B) excess frequently impair plant performances and their productivity; in particular in arid and semi‐arid environments. In the present experiment; hydroponically‐grown ‘Granny Smith’ apple plants grafted on M9 rootstock were treated with optimal (25 μΜ) or excess (400 μΜ) B for 116 days to evaluate allometric responses of plants to B toxicity and to highlight physiological (photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence) and biochemical (pigment content and sugar metabolism) responses of apple plants to B excess. Boron accumulated principally in top > middle > basal stems and leaves of high‐B‐stressed plants. Notably, the stem dramatically accumulated a higher level of B, as an attempt to preserve leaves, especially the youngest from further B accumulation. B accumulation seriously affected photosynthesis of younger leaves and caused both stomata (reduced stomatal conductance) and biochemical (reduction of apparent CO2 use efficiency and pigment content) limitations and altered the photochemistry and energy partitioning in photosystem II. Boron excess altered leaf sugar proportion; increasing the accumulation of non‐translocating sugars such as glucose and fructose. Our dataset adds knowledge on the effect of B excess in apple tree and poses serious concerns about the possible effect of B in altering sugar metabolism; which, in turn, can strongly affect fruit production of this worldwide‐cropped species

The Science-for-Life Partnerships: Does size really matter, and can ICT help?

This study introduces findings of an initial pilot from a New Zealand government-funded initiative known as Science-for-Life, which aims to enhance the quality of science teaching through the formation of face-to-face and virtual learning partnerships involving crown research institutes (CRIs) and primary and secondary schools. Using a case study methodology, it describes and analyses a trial partnership between the CRI, Scion Research, and teachers of Seadown Primary School in Hamilton. The study uses Grobe's (1990) typology of industry-education partnerships as an analytical "lens" through which to evaluate the characteristics of the partnership, and explores the role that ICT played in establishing and sustaining it, well beyond its anticipated conclusion. Findings indicate that while in terms of Grobe's framework a genuine partnership label may not have been appropriate in this case, the interaction nonetheless proved to be extremely valuable in supporting learning goals, and that while ICT played a significant role in this, it was not fundamental to the partnership's success

Lateral branch induction at nursery with growth regulators in ?maxi gala? apple trees grafted on four rootstocks.

Apple production in Southern Brazil has been increasing along the past decade, and part of this was due to the introduction of more adapted dwarfing rootstocks and consequently increased tree density in the orchards. Looking for obtaining early beariness, the use of branched nursery trees is one of the most important steps. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of plant the growth regulators Benzyladenine (BA), Benzyladenine + Gibberellic acid4+7, Thidiazuron, and Cyclanilide + Ethephon on the induction of lateral branches of ?Maxi Gala? apple trees at nursery, grafted on the rootstocks G.202, G.213, M.9, and Marubakaido with M.9 interstem. The growth regulators Benzyladenine (BA), and Benzyladenine + Gibberellic acid4+7 are the most effective on improving tree?s architecture and on increasing the number of spurs, for all scion-rootstock combinations tested. Plant growth regulators at elevated doses strongly interrupt apical dominance and stimulate an elevated number of lateral branches with narrower crotch angles

ALANY-NEMESFAJTA KOMBINÁCIÓK HATÁSA A SZŐLŐ MAKROELEM FELVÉTELÉRE

This study investigates macroelement contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and their quality relations of 4 scion grape varieties (Italian Riesling, White Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet sauvignon) on 6 rootstock varieties (5C, 5BB, 125AA, 140Ru, 110R, Fercal) between 2001 and 2005. A field experiment was set up at Szentmiklós Hill (on the border of the town of Pécs) in southern part of Hungary in 1999. The investigated rootstocks had no statistically proven effect on the nitrogen levels of the leaves, but the scion varieties had. Phosphorus content of the leaves on rootstocks with Berlandieri x Riparia genetic background (5C, 5BB, 125AA) was lower at blooming than that on other investigated rootstocks. We found statistically significant differences in the calcium and magnesium content of leaves regarding rootstock and scion varieties too.A tanulmány 4 nemes szőlőfajta (Olasz rizling, Rajnai rizling, Chardonnay, Cabernet sauvignon) és 6 alanyfajta (5C, 5BB, 125AA, 140Ru, 110R, Fercal) kombináció esetében vizsgálja a levelekben a makroelemek koncentrációjának alakulását (2001-2005. között) és ezek minőségi viszonyát. A szabadföldi kísérlet Szentmiklós –hegyen (Pécs város határában) Magyarország déli részén 1999-ben került beállításra. A vizsgált alanyfajtáknak nem volt hatása a levelek N tartalmára, de a nemes fajtáknak igen. A Berlandieri x Riparia genetikai hátterű alanyokon a levelek foszfor tartalma virágzáskor alacsonyabb volt, mint a többi vizsgált alanyfajtán. Mind virágzáskor, mind éréskor a levelek kalcium és magnézium tartalma között statisztikai számításokkal igazolt különbség mutatkozott alanyonként és nemes fajtánként is