Aquatic Vegetation Inventory and Mapping at Promised Land State Park

This project was undertaken, primarily, to improve our understanding of the aquatic vegetation of the lakes at Promised Land State Park. Both Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake are home to substantial diversity of aquatic plant species, but vary in physical structure, species assemblages, and specific plant community composition. Multiple methodologies were used to survey for species presence and attempt to characterize communities. It is well understood that the Bureau of State Parks is under pressure from competing interests to manage its aquatic resources for purposes ranging from biological conservation to various forms of active recreation. These interests are often at odds and irreconcilable, particularly in the context of aquatic ecosystems. In both cases, Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake, we advise that no effort be undertaken to actively manage aquatic vegetation, in spite of the presence of large populations of Myriophyllum heterophyllum, an aggressive weed, in both lakes. We further suggest that additional resources be dedicated to continuing examination of aquatic resources at Promised Land State Park. This baseline study represents an opportunity to build a thorough scientific study over time

Spray program for the control of diseases and insect pests of sweet cherries in western Oregon

Published May 1944. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalo

Standard corrosive sublimate treatment for potatoes

Published March 1933. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalo

Isolation and seasonal variation of fruticin in fruits of false indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa L. Fabaceae) from Serbia

Fruticin (amorphin) is a constituent of the fruit of the false indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa L.), which belongs to the class of rotenoid glycosides, and shows several interesting pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to isolate and chemically characterize this natural product, as well as to determine the optimal period of the year for A. fruticosa fruits collection. Fruticin was obtained by re-crystallization of the precipitate that formed after partial evaporation of the extract, prepared by 3-fold extraction of powdered plant material by chloroform - ethanol (1:1, v/v). The structure of the final product was determined by various techniques of instrumental analysis (NMR, UV and MS), and confirmed by comparing the obtained spectra with corresponding data in available literature. The content of fruticin in A. fruticosa fruit was determined by LC-DAD-MS, using the external standard method based on the constructed calibration curve. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were also determined. A substantial increase in fruticin content was observed during the ripening period (>50%). It has also been established that the optimal time for fruit collection is mid-December. Obtained results indicate that the content of fruticin in the A. fruticosa fruit is highly dependable on the time of collection. Since the biosynthesis of secondary plant metabolites is influenced not only by the time of collection, but by numerous other factors as well, additional studies are needed to define, with greater certainty, the conditions that are necessary for design of prospective efficient and sustainable production process

Calcium function and distribution during fertilization in angiosperms

Calcium has an essential signaling, physiological, and regulatory role during sexual reproduction in flowering plants; elevation of calcium amounts is an accurate predictor of plant fertility. Calcium is present in three forms: (1) covalently bound calcium, (2) loosely bound calcium typically associated with fixed and mobile anions (ionic bonding); and (3) cytosolic free calcium-an important secondary messenger in cell signaling. Pollen often requires calcium for germination. Pollen tube elongation typically relies on external calcium stores in the pistil. Calcium establishes polarity of the pollen tube and forms a basis for pulsatory growth. Applying calcium on the tip may alter the axis; thus calcium may have a role in determining the directionality of tube elongation. In the ovary and ovule, an abundance of calcium signals receptivity, provides essential mineral nutrition, and guides the pollen tube in some plants. Calcium patterns in the embryo sac also correspond to synergid receptivity, reflecting programmed cell death in one synergid cell that triggers degeneration and prepares this cell to receive the pollen tube. Male gametes are released in the synergid, and fusion of the gametes requires calcium, according to in vitro fertilization studies. Fusion of plant gametes in vitro triggers calcium oscillations evident in both the zygote and primary endosperm during double fertilization that are similar to those in animals

Water soluble biomolecules from Nepeta nuda regulate microbial growth: A case study of apple juice preservation

The following study was designed to explore antimicrobial properties of the by-product obtained in a hydro-distillation process of essential oil from Nepeta nuda L. Based on the obtained decoction of N. nuda and apple juice, we strived to develop a novel drink that would have antimicrobial self-preserving properties. By using 96-well plate microdilution assay it was shown that the N. nuda decoction has antimicrobial potential towards 8 bacterial and 6 fungal species, with the range of minimal inhibitory concentrations 10 mg/mL - 300 mg/mL. By using actual food system, such as apple juice, in combination with and without short thermal treatment, we have shown that the decoction of N. nuda can inhibit the growth of food contaminant fungus Penicillium aurantiogriseum. It was determined that 3 volumes of decoction (500 mg/mL) and 22 volumes of apple juice should be mixed in order to obtain self-preserving drink resistant to P. aurantiogriseum contamination. Likewise, when thermal treatment (80 °C for 10s) is included, self-preserving mixture of decoction and apple juice should be made in volume ratios 3:47, respectively. The designed product maintained the pleasant taste as determined by panelists during the sensorial evaluation. Chemical investigations (UHPLC–Orbitrap MS analysis) of N. nuda decoction showed that the most abundant compound was 1,5,9-epideoxyloganic acid (0.410 mg/g of dried decoction). Since N. nuda is traditionally used as a tea, we presented the novel formulation of the antimicrobial self-preserving drink based on the N. nuda decoction and apple juice