In vitro Culture of Several Rice Cultivars

Tissue culture methods have been established to regenerate certain rice (Oryza sativa L) cultivars, but regeneration of the rice cultivars widely grown in Arkansas has not been reported. This study has established an in vitroculture for the rice cultivars \u27Nortai\u27, \u27Starbonnet\u27, \u27Mars\u27, Tebonnet\u27, \u27Newbonnet\u27, and \u27Lemont\u27. Callus was induced in the dark at either 20 or 28 C from dehusked seeds cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) containing 40 g L^-1 sucrose, 10 g L^1 agar, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg L^-1 1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and adjusted to pH 5.7. After four weeks the calli were weighed, transferred onto MS medium containing no 2,4-D, and maintained in a 1 2-h photoperiod (65 uE m^-2 s^-1) at 25 ± 2 C to induce plant regeneration. Callus production was best when cultured on a medium containing 1.0 mg L^-1 2,4-D and incubated at 28 C. Plant regeneration was observed two to four weeks later. The percentage of calli regenerating platlets varied with the cultivar and the callus induction treatment. Callus induction at 20 C on a medium with a 2,4-D level less than 2.0 mg L^-1 enhanced the regenerability of most cultivars. Regenerates were transplanted to soil and grow normally to maturity. This system can be helpful in improving rice cultivars with tissue culture techniques such as somaclonal variant selection and somatic hybridization

Potential of Iranian wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) in breeding for drought tolerance

The vast genetic resources of wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum, hereafter WB) may hold unique assets for improving barley (H. vulgare ssp. vulgare) cultivars for drought stress. To evaluate genetic potential and characterization of variation among a diverse collection of barley and WB genotypes, mostly originated from Iran, a field experiment was performed under three moisture environments (control, mild and intense drought stress) during two years (2012–2014). Considerable variation was observed among the wild and cultivated genotypes for drought tolerance and agronomic traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) grouped genotypes studied into three groups (WB, two-row barley and sixrow barley groups). However, Iranian and foreign WB genotypes were not completely separated, showing a high variation within both gene pools. The high significance of genotype by environment interaction, confirms importance of using accurate target environments for drought stress breeding. A number of WB genotypes with the highest values of the number of tillers, number of seed per spike, seed weight, grain yield and yield stability index under stressed environments were identified as superior genotypes. Most of these genotypes originate from Iran, highlighting the importance of this germplasm in barley breeding

Sustainable Agriculture Reviews

 The Epichloë fungal endophytes that inhabit grasses have potentially large-scale consequences for macro- and micro-organisms and food chains in agriculture. Over 40 years of study on the benefits of symbiotic Epichloë fungal endophytes for host grasses, investigations have focused on the major agricultural species, tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. However, many other grass species remain to be evaluated for the effects of Epichloë endophytes. Animal toxicity due to accumulation of nitrogenous compounds, e.g. endophyte-dervived alkaloids, particularly in areas and periods under abiotic stress, still prevent widespread application of endophyte-infected grasses in agroecosystems. Here we review Epichloë endophyte-ecosystem relationships. The major points are: (1) Epichloë endophytes protect their host plants from vertebrate and invertebrate herbivory and allow plants to persist under water shortage, salinity, low light, mineral deficiencies and metal toxicity. Data suggests that the concentration of endophyte-derived anti-herbviore compounds increases with rising temperatures. This trend thus suggests that the strength of mutualistic interactions may increase in future climates with possible consequences for animal toxicity. (2) The benefits of endophyte infection for the host grass are context-dependent, varying with  environmental conditions, grass species and cultivar, and are also highly influenced by interactions between both host and endophyte genetic combinations. (3) The benefits of fungal endophytes extend to neighboring grass species with respect to their protection from diseases and herbivores. (4) Novel grass-endophyte associations that produce alkaloids reducing herbivory insects, but do not produce alkaloids that are toxic to grazing vertebrates have been found. Such associations are therefore useful to control plant pests and diseases.</p

Levels and variables associated with psychological distress during confinement due to the coronavirus pandemic in a community sample of Spanish adults

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic's consequences and the state of alarm, literature has shown that people worldwide have experienced severe stressors that have been associated with increased prevalence of emotional distress. In this study, we explored psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms) using an online survey platform in a sample of 1,781 Spanish adults during the confinement due to COVID-19, relationships between distress and sleep problems, affect, pain, sleep, emotional regulation, gender, type of housing, history of psychopathology, and living alone during the confinement, and differences depending on demographic and psychological variables. Results showed that between 25% and 39% of the sample referred to clinically significant levels of distress. In addition, women showed higher levels of distress, negative affect, perception of pain, and cognitive reappraisal and lower levels of emotional suppression and sleep quality than men. A history of psychopathology, being younger, living alone or in a flat was associated with higher distress. Finally, the variables most strongly related to distress were negative and positive affect, levels of pain, sleep quality, and emotional suppression. Our results highlight the important role of emotional suppression, cognitive reappraisal, and loneliness and the impact of being a woman and younger in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it would be necessary to provide assessments of distress levels in these population groups and focus psychological preventive and therapeutic online interventions on expressing emotions and preventing loneliness

The Inhibitory Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Colonization in Mouse

Abstract: Background&Aims: Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) are among the most common nosocomial pathogens worldwide. The intestinal tract provides a major source for transmission of these bacteria. Probiotics are living microorganisms that moderate use of them has inhibitory effect on intestinal colonization by enteric pathogens. We examined the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on inhibition of VRE colonization in mouse model. Methods: Twenty four mice (Balb/C) were controlled for a week and then were infected to VRE by daily receiving of 1ml oral vancomycin (250µg/ml) and 1ml VRE suspension in MHB ( ) for one week. Mice were randomly divided into two groups of treatment and control, and the effect of LGG probiotic was compared in the tow groups. VRE, total Enterococci, and enteric gram-negative bacilli counts in feces were determined before and after colonization by VRE. Results: At first, all mice were colonized by non –Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (mean 5×105CFU/g for 7 days), and Vancomycin resistance was not detectable. Following gastric inoculation of VRE and receiving oral vancomycin, VRE was colonized in gastrointestinal tract of all mice (mean 1.6×106CFU/g for 7 days). Oral administration of LGG suppressed growth of all Enterococci, including the vancomycin-resistant strain in treatment group feces (P<0. 05). Conclusion: It is concluded that probiotic can reduce colonization of VRE. More studies on the effect of probiotics in prevention and treatment of VRE and other common pathogens are suggested. Keywords: Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Probioti

Determination of the Suitable Indices for the Evaluation of Drought Tolerance in Two Species of Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) and Smooth Bromegrass (Bromus inermis)

Drought is one of the most important abiotic stresses limiting the survival, growth, and productivity of plants in many regions of the world. This study was conducted to evaluate drought tolerance of the recombinant genotypes of two species of orchardgrass and smooth bromegrass based on clonal evaluation and stress tolerance indices. In this study, 36 genotypes selected from polycross populations of both species of orchardgrass and smooth bromegrass were evaluated in terms of phenological, agronomic and morphological traits under normal (50% water depletion from the root zone depth) and drought-stressed (90% water depletion from the root zone depth) conditions during 2013 to 2015 at the Research Farm of Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran. To evaluate drought tolerance of the mentioned genotypes, five drought tolerance and susceptibility indices including stress tolerance indices (TOL and STI), mean productivity index (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP) and stress sensitivity index (SSI) were calculated based on forage yield under drought stress (Ys) and non- stress (Yp) conditions. In both species, high genetic variation was observed among genotypes in terms of most of the studied traits and indices. In orchardgrass, the genetic coefficient of variation varied from 4.31% to 23.5% under normal condition, and from 1.31% to 21.3% under drought stress condition. In smooth bromegrass, the range of genetic coefficient of variation was variable from 2.05-21.4% under normal condition and 1.66-24.6% under drought stress condition. This indicated a high potential for improving these traits through targeted selection in breeding programs of the two species. Drought stress significantly affected most of the studied traits and reduced the genetic variability of traits except for days to ear emergence, days to pollination, percentage of dry matter yield of cut 1, and percentage of dry matter yield of cut 2 in orchardgrass, and percentage of dry matter yield of cut 1 and percentage of dry matter yield of cut 3 in smooth bromegrass. The amount of this reduction for dry matter yield of cuts 1, 2 and 3 was 47.5, 67.3, and 66.6 percent, respectively, in orchardgrass, and 37.4, 49.5, and 49.4 percent, respectively, in smooth bromegrass. Low heritability for forage yield (24.7, 13.5, and 25.9 percent for dry matter yield of cut 1, dry matter yield of cut 2, and dry matter yield of cut 3, respectively, in orchardgrass, and 59.5, 45.9, and 59.4 percent for dry matter yield of cut 1, dry matter yield of cut 2, and dry matter yield of cut 3, respectively, in smooth bromegrass) suggested that direct selection based on forage yield is not effective for the improvement of this trait. Though, indirect selection based on components of forage yield which have high heritability and high correlation with yield (i.e. plant height, stems/plant, and crown diameter in both species), would be more effective. In both species, selection indices of MP, GMP, and STI had a positive and significant correlation with forage yield (0.92, 0.75, and 0.75, respectively, under normal condition, and 0.61, 0.81, and 0.77, respectively, under drought-stressed condition, in orchardgrass; and 0.95, 0.92, and 0.88, respectively, under normal condition, and 0.91, 0.95, and 0.95, respectivel, under drought-stressed condition, in smooth bromegrass). Therefore, these indices were identified as desirable ones in the selection of drought tolerant cultivars in orchardgrass and smooth bromegrass. Based on the results of principal component analysis and drought tolerance and susceptibility indices, the genotypes of 13 and 14 in orchardgrass, and 13 and 32 in smooth bromegrass were identified as superior genotypes in terms of forage yield and drought tolerance. These genotypes can be used as superior parents for the development of genetic populations to improve forage yield and stress tolerance and create synthetic cultivars

Assessment of Yield and Drought Tolerance in Iranian Sainfoin Cultivars

This research was conducted to evaluate 30 sainfoin cultivars in terms of yield, agronomic and morphological traits under water stress condition, using different drought tolerannce indices. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed during two years at Isfahan University of Technology Research Farm, Isfahan, Iran. Effect of cultivars were significant for all of the measured traits at p<0.01. Also, the interactions of cultivars by moisture environment were significant for number of days to 50% flowering; inflorescence length, fresh and dry matter yield and leaf to stem ratio, indicating that different genotypes had different responses to moisture environments. Among different drought tolerance and susceptibility indices STI, GMP and MP had high correlation coefficients with yield under stress and non stress conditions, indicating that these indices are more suitable as criterion for selection of drought-tolerant cultivars. According to the studied indices and principle component analysis, cultivars 16 (Bardsir), 21 (Fereydunshahr 2), 23 (Najafabad 2) and 27 (Borujerd) were found to be the most desirable ones and can be considered as drought tolerant genotypes for future studies

Effect of conventional cooking methods on lipid oxidation indices in lamb meat

Lipid oxidation is one of the most deteriorative reactions occurred in foodstuff which has harmful impacts on the both food quality and consumer's health. This study was designed to speculate the influence of three conventional cooking methods including boiling, frying and grilling on lipid oxidation parameters in cooked lamb meat. Sections of lamb meat from longissimus dorsi muscle, taken from native Lori-Bakhtiary sheep species were cut into uniform pieces and cooked using boiling, frying and roasting methods according to the cooking routine and tradition in Iranian society, in terms of temperature and time. Proximate compositions (moisture, lipid, ash and protein) in the raw and cooked meat were determined using the standard methods of analysis. Moreover, weight loss was measured after each treatment. Lipid oxidation parameters such as peroxide value, conjugated diene and TBARS indices were measured in the raw and cooked samples. Evaluation of lipid oxidation parameters showed that peroxide value was significantly decreased in all cooked samples. In contrast, conjugated diene value was significantly increased in the fried and grilled samples (

Stability of Vitamin D3 in fortified yoghurt and yoghurt drink (Doogh)

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are recognized as a worldwide problem with serious consequences. Fortification of foods with Vitamin D is a certain approach to improve serum Vitamin D status if the stability of vitamin in the foodstuffs was controlled. The purpose of this study was to examine the stability of Vitamin D3 added to low-fat yogurt and yogurt drink "Doogh" during the products shelf-life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two kinds of Vitamin D3, water- and oil-dispersible forms, suitable for food fortification, were compared to find out whether they show different stability in the products. The products were packed in opaque or translucent containers. The content of Vitamin D3 was determined by high performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: Vitamin D was not affected by the heat treatment (pasteurization) and other processes (homogenization and fermentation). Both water- and oil-dispersible forms were stable during the shelf-life of yogurt samples packed in opaque containers. The Vitamin D3 content of yogurt fortified with water-dispersible form and packed in translucent containers was not stable during the shelf-life and significantly reduced after 1, 2, and 3 weeks of storage compared to the day 0. The Vitamin D3 content of samples fortified with the oil-dispersible form packed in the same container was only stable after 1-week and significantly reduced after 2 and 3 weeks of storage. The Vitamin D3 content of Doogh packed in the opaque containers remained stable during the shelf-life while it was not stable in the samples packed in translucent containers. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that both forms of Vitamin D are suitable for fortification, and opaque container is a better choice for packaging of the product