Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Immunopharmacological evaluation of Leaf'

Kyoto University (京都大学)
0048
新制・課程博士
博士(農学)
甲第10254号
農博第1326号
新制||農||866(附属図書館)
学位論文||H15||N3775(農学部図書室)
UT51-2003-H675
京都大学大学院農学研究科地域環境科学専攻
(主査)教授 谷 誠, 教授 櫻谷 哲夫, 教授 森本 幸裕
学位規則第4条第1項該当

This investigation deals with the suspension of a lightweight medium-class vehicle for four passengers with a curb weight of 1000 kg. The suspension layout consists of a transversal leaf spring and is supported by an active air spring which is included in the damper. The lower control arms are replaced by the leaf spring ends. Active ride height control is introduced to compensate for different vehicle load states. Active steering is applied using electric linear actuators with steer-by wire design. Besides intense use of light material the inquiry should investigate whether elimination of suspension parts or a lighter component is concordant with the stability demands of the vehicle. The investigation is based on simulations obtained with MSC Software ADAMS/Car and Matlab. The suspension is modeled in Adams/Car and has to proof it's compliance in normal driving conditions and under extreme forces. Evaluation criteria are suspension kinematics and compliance such as camber, caster and toe change during wheel travel in different load states. Also the leaf spring deflection, anti-dive and anti-squat measures and brake force distribution are investigated. Based on a simplified version of the leaf spring suspension design a full vehicle model is created. The comparison between the suspension models evaluates the same basic suspension parameters to ensure the compliance. Additionally roll rate and understeer gradient are investigated. It can be shown that the vehicle equipped with transversal leaf spring instead of lower control arms fulfils the set kinematics and compliance requirements. Road holding performance is assured for normal driving conditions on public roads.

Knack was evaluated for its potential for regulating aphid populations in green leaf lettuce. However, Knack did not appear to be a viable control option, and probably did not work due to an inability to deliver the material where the aphids were on the underside of the lower leaves. A soil injection treatment of Admire at planting, and a foliar standard of Warrior + Endosulfan applied at the initiation of aphid colonization and again 14 later, were highly effective treatments.

The biofuel market is dominated by ethanol and biodiesel derived from cellulosic and lipid-based biomass crops. This is largely due to the relatively low costs and reliability of production. At present, production of non-food plant-derived oils for biofuel production in the U.S. is minimal. A research team from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), an independent Australian federal government research institution, has developed an efficient transgenic system to engineer oil production in tobacco leaves. This novel system is comprised of multiple transgenes that direct the endogenous metabolic flux of oil precursors towards triacylglycerol (TAG) production. Additional genes were incorporated to store and protect the accumulated oil in vegetative tissues. Preliminary greenhouse tests by the CSIRO research group indicated an oil content of > 30% by dry weight (DW) in tobacco leaf lamina. Here we evaluated two transgenic lines against a non-transgenic control in 2017 and 2018 in greenhouse and field production systems. The 2017 pilot study showed that the high leaf-oil tobacco line was viable and will grow in the field in Kentucky. Chemical analyses revealed significantly higher oil content compared to the non-transgenic control despite several logistical setbacks. These promising discoveries prompted the deployment of additional transgenic line assessments and further data validation in 2018. Line evaluations in 2018 revealed that the LEC2:WRI1:DGAT:OLE transgenic line had the highest leaf oil content (≥ 19.3% DW-1) compared to both the WRI1:DGAT:OLE transgenic line (≤ 5.6% DW-1) and non-transgenic control (≤ 2.1% DW-1). The results of this research will contribute to the successful development of transgenic tobacco lines engineered to accumulate high concentrations of TAG in the leaves.

Plans for sampling sweetpotato whiteflies in cotton were evaluated within 8,000 acres of cotton within central Arizona. These plans were found to be a practical and efficient way to track whitefly populations. In general they should add about 8 minutes to a pest sampling regime. Neither time of day nor sampler experience were found to have a significant effect on the number of whiteflies counted. Therefore, this method provides a common currency for growers, PCAs and others to compare whitefly numbers among fields and through time.

New soil injected and foliar insecticides were evaluated for their efficacy towards potato aphids in green leaf lettuce. The soil injected insecticides, Platinum and V10066, both appear to be viable alternatives to Admire, providing effective aphid control through harvest or ca. 90 days post-planting. Two foliar applications of Acetamiprid or Aphistar timed ca. 14 days apart beginning at the onset of aphid colonization provided superior aphid control over Provado or Fullfill, and control similar to that of the soil injected insecticides.

Leaf drop of lettuce, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a sporadic, but destructive, disease in Arizona. Field trials were established during 1987 and 1988 to evaluate potential new fungicides for disease control. Ronilan and Rovral, the two materials currently registered for use on lettuce for Sclerotinia leaf drop, were consistently among the most effective fungicides for disease control. Levels of disease control equivalent to that provided by Rovral and Ronilan were observed with CGA-449, SC-0854 SDS-65311, Bay HWG 1608, and Spotless. These field tests have identified several potential new fungicides for control of leaf drop of lettuce caused by S. sclerotionan.

Sclerotinia leaf drop in Arizona is caused by two soil-borne fungi, Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum. Moist soil and moderate temperature favor this disease. Some new products in development were evaluated for control of leaf drop on lettuce during the winter vegetable growing season of 2000-2001. Sclerotia of each pathogen were applied to plots after thinning and just before the first of two applications of test compounds. A high level of disease control in the S. minor plots occurred with an appropriate concentration of Plantpro 45, Fluazinam, Contans, BAS 510, BAS 510+BAS 500, Medallion and Serenade. The same products (except Serenade) at an appropriate rate significantly reduced the amount of leaf drop caused by S. sclerotiorum. Elevate did not significantly reduce disease caused by either pathogen. Two of the products tested, Serenade and Contans, are biological control materials. Continued demonstration of efficacy by one or both of these products may provide the opportunity to utilize biological control agents to manage Sclerotinia leaf drop.

Sclerotinia leaf drop in Arizona is caused by two soil-borne fungi, Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum. Moist soil and moderate temperature favor this disease. Some registered products as well as new chemistries in development were evaluated for control of leaf drop on lettuce during the winter vegetable growing season in 2002-2003. Sclerotia of each pathogen were applied to plots after lettuce thinning and just before the first application of test compounds. In plots infested with Sclerotinia minor, all materials tested at an appropriate rate significantly reduced disease. The best treatments included an application of Contans followed by an application of Endura (BAS 510), as well as two applications of an experimental compound or the standard materials Ronilan and Rovral. Other useful products included Endura, Serenade, Pristine (BAS 516), Botran, Switch and Contans. In plots infested with S. sclerotiorum, two applications of Contans provided the best level of disease reduction among tested materials. Three applications of Endura or Pristine also were very efficacious. Other compounds that provided some reduction in disease caused by S. sclerotiorum included Botran, Serenade and Switch. Two of the products tested, Contans and Serenade, are biological control materials. For a valid comparison of products for control of Sclerotinia drop of lettuce, it is important to compare the results obtained from more than one field study. The reader is urged to review previous studies in addition to this report to get a true picture of the relative efficacy of tested compounds for control of Sclerotinia drop.

Wheat leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina (Pt), and wheat stripe rust caused by P. striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) are important foliar diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. Breeding for disease resistance is the preferred strategy of managing both diseases. The continued emergence of new races of Pt and Pst requires a constant search for new sources of resistance. Winter wheat accessions were evaluated at seedling stage in the greenhouse with races of Pt and Pst that are predominant in the North Central US. Association mapping approach was performed on landrace accessions to identify new or underutilized sources of resistance to Pt and Pst. The majority of the accessions were susceptible to all the five races of Pt and one race of Pst. Association mapping studies identified 29 and two SNP markers associated with seedling resistance to leaf rust and stripe rust, respectively.

A study was conducted to evaluate the use of Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (LLM) as a protein supplement for pigs. In addition, an evaluation of detoxifying LLM, by sun-drying, water-soaking, or treating with ferrous sulphate (FeS04) solution was undertaken. The research involved two experiments; a growth study and a metabolic study. In the growth study sixteen, 12 weeks old Large White x Landrace pigs (average body weight 22.9 ± 2.12 kg) were fed four experimental rations; a commercial grain-based grower /finisher ration (control); or a ration containing 20% of either sun-dried LLM, water-soaked LLM, or FeS04-treated LLM, replacing the basal diet. There was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in liveweight gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency in pigs fed the ration containing sun-dried LLM. Growth rate, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency were not affected by the addition of water-soaked and FeS04-treated LLM to the basal diet. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels in the blood plasma were not affected by the dietary treatments. However, addition of FeS04-treated LLM to the basal diet significantly (P<0.05) decreased the back fat thickness of the pigs. In the metabolic study, the digestible dry matter (DDM) and digestible CP (DCP) were measured as well as mimosine, 3-hydroxy-4-(1H) pyridone (3,4-DHP) and 2,3DHP output in the faeces and urine.Addition of water-soaked LLM to the diet significantly (P<0.05) lowered the DDM of the diet, whereas addition of FeS04-treated LLM significantly (P<0.05) reduced the DCP. Sun-drying, water-soaking and treatment of LLM with FeS04 solution, did not enhance the output of mimosine or 3,4-DHP in the urine and faeces. The results suggest that water soaking or treatment with FeS04 solution reduces the antinutritional factors (presumably including mimosine) and therefore improves the nutritional quality of LLM containing diets for pigs.

Fruit tree leaf nutrient concentrations are commonly used to determine fertilizer rates, but information is limited regarding nutrient requirements, seasonal N uptake and removal rates, and soil N dynamics for pomegranate. Relationships between fertilizer rates, leaf nutrient concentrations, fruit yield and quality were examined in five mature, commercial California ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate orchards. Site 1 was observed for two growing seasons (2018-2019) and sites 2-5 were observed for one season (2018 or 2019). In 2018, 150, 300, or 450 g N/tree was applied at sites 1-3 in a single application at early fruit development or in two equal applications at early and mid-season fruit development. In 2019, fertilizer rates were adjusted based on site-specific leaf nutrient analysis and crop load and applied at mid-season fruit development (158, 185, 225, 286, 392, or 625 g N/tree at site 1; 115, 130, 150, 175, 212, or 270 g N/tree at site 4; and 107, 122, 142, 171, 214, or 286 g N/tree at site 5). A randomized complete block design was used for all experiments. Leaves were collected from all data trees during early, mid-season and late fruit development and analyzed for leaf nutrient concentrations. At harvest, total fruit weight per tree and individual fruit weight and diameter were measured. Canopy volume was measured during the dormant season prior to pruning. Nitrogen partitioning, uptake and removal rates were studied by analyzing plant tissue, soil, and lysimeter water samples in 2019 at site 5. Fruit yield and average diameter varied significantly depending on site and fertilizer treatments. Average fruit yield per tree ranged from 5-90 kg fruit/tree (site 1: 78.5 kg fruit/tree in 2018 and 91.1 kg fruit/tree in 2019, site 2: 55.6 kg fruit/tree, site 3: 29.7 kg fruit/tree, site 4: 5.6 kg fruit/tree, site 5: 9.1 kg fruit/tree). Sufficiency ranges and significant relationships were determined between certain nutrients, including nitrogen and potassium, to fruit yield and diameter. Higher fertilizer treatments were associated with higher residual soil N compared to the low fertilizer treatments within the root zone (2.25-19.33 mg/L NO3-N) and below the root zone (2.25-9.17 mg/L NO3-N) suggesting a higher likeliness of nitrogen leaching with fertilizer applications exceeding the crop’s nitrogen demand. Overall, variability between sites in fertilizer treatment effects, leaf nitrogen concentrations, and yield suggests that setting site-specific yield goals based on estimated N uptake and removal is necessary to develop effective pomegranate fertilizer programs.

Four Monsanto transgenic lines of Coker -312 containing the gene for endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis were compared to Coker-312 and MD51ne for resistance to the pink bollworm (PBW) and leaf-feeding lepidopterans. In 11 samples of 50 bolls per plot, 12 plots per line, collected 7/16 to 8/24, the transgenic lines averaged 0.13 PBW /100 bolls while the controls averaged 5.92 PBW /100 bolls. None of the bolls collected from the transgenic lines on 11/18 contained diapausing PBW larvae, while the control lines averaged 57 diapausing larvae /100 bolls. The transgenic lines generally had less leaf damage caused by beet armyworm, cabbage looper and saltmarsh caterpillar.

In Arizona, Sclerotinia leaf drop of lettuce is caused by two different species of fungi, Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum. Relatively cool and moist environmental conditions favor this disease. Some new fungicides in development were evaluated for control of leaf drop on lettuce during the winter vegetable growing season of 1998-99. Sclerotia of each pathogen were applied to plots after thinning and just before the first of two applications of test compounds. The final severity of leaf drop in these trials was moderately high. Significant reduction in the final count of dead lettuce plants compared to nontreated plots was usually achieved by application of the standard compounds Ronilan and Rovral as well as an appropriate rate of the experimental compounds Elevate, Medallion or Serenade. Medallion and Elevate provided equivalent disease control to that of the current standard materials with 0.178 and 0.5 lb active ingredient (a.i.) per acre, respectively, compared to the current 1.0 lb a.i. per acre required with the standard compounds. Continued demonstration of efficacy by Serenade may provide the opportunity to utilize a biological control product to reduce the incidence of Sclerotinia leaf drop of lettuce.

Leaf drop of lettuce is caused by the plant pathogenic fungi Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum. Cool and moist environmental conditions favor disease development. Sixteen diffirent cultivars of head lettuce were evaluated in the field for susceptibility to Sclerotinia leaf drop in plots inoculated with sclerotia of Sclerotinia minor or S. sclerotiorum. Significant differences were detected among the tested cultivars in the amount of lettuce plants killed by Sclerotinia minor. On the other hand, there were no significant differences among tested cultivars in the number of plants destroyed by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Kyoto University (京都大学)
0048
新制・課程博士
博士(農学)
甲第19755号
農博第2151号
新制||農||1038(附属図書館)
学位論文||H28||N4971(農学部図書室)
32791
京都大学大学院農学研究科農学専攻
(主査)教授 白岩 立彦, 教授 奥本 裕, 教授 稲村 達也
学位規則第4条第1項該当

A study was conducted to evaluate the use of Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal (LLM) as a protein supplement for pigs. In addition, an evaluation of detoxifying LLM, by sun-drying, water-soaking, or treating with ferrous sulphate (FeS04) solution was undertaken. The research involved two experiments; a growth study and a metabolic study. In the growth study sixteen, 12 weeks old Large White x Landrace pigs (average body weight 22.9 ± 2.12 kg) were fed four experimental rations; a commercial grain-based grower /finisher ration (control); or a ration containing 20% of either sun-dried LLM, water-soaked LLM, or FeS04-treated LLM, replacing the basal diet. There was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in liveweight gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency in pigs fed the ration containing sun-dried LLM. Growth rate, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency were not affected by the addition of water-soaked and FeS04-treated LLM to the basal diet. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels in the blood plasma were not affected by the dietary treatments. However, addition of FeS04-treated LLM to the basal diet significantly (P<0.05) decreased the back fat thickness of the pigs. In the metabolic study, the digestible dry matter (DDM) and digestible CP (DCP) were measured as well as mimosine, 3-hydroxy-4-(1H) pyridone (3,4-DHP) and 2,3DHP output in the faeces and urine.
Addition of water-soaked LLM to the diet significantly (P<0.05) lowered the DDM of the diet, whereas addition of FeS04-treated LLM significantly (P<0.05) reduced the DCP. Sun-drying, water-soaking and treatment of LLM with FeS04 solution, did not enhance the output of mimosine or 3,4-DHP in the urine and faeces. The results suggest that water soaking or treatment with FeS04 solution reduces the antinutritional factors (presumably including mimosine) and therefore improves the nutritional quality of LLM containing diets for pigs.

Les virus du genre Begomovirus (famille Geminiviridae) sont fréquemment détectés en association avec des ADN satellites appelées alphasatellite et betasatellite qui font la moitié de la taille du génome viral. L’alphasatellite est autonome pour sa réplication et dépend du virus pour son mouvement et son encapsidation tandis que le betasatellite est dépendant de ces fonctions virales. L’alphasatellite a rarement été montré comme ayant un impact sur le virus assistant, contrairement au betasatellite qui augmente la virulence de son virus assistant. En dehors des bégomovirus tels que le Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) qui ont besoin d’un betasatellite pour initier une infection symptomatique dans leur hôte naturel, la plupart des bégomovirus peuvent causer des symptômes, même sans les satellites avec lesquels ils sont parfois détectés. Le Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), un des virus les plus dommageables dans le monde a rarement été détecté associé à des ADN satellites. Les souches méditerranéennes qui sont aussi les plus invasives, n’ont jamais été détectées avec des ADN satellites, bien qu’elles soient capables en conditions artificielles de les assister avec pour conséquence une considérable augmentation de la virulence en cas de co-inoculation avec un betasatellite. Le risque potentiel d’association de satellites avec le TYLCV-Mld a été évalué en testant divers facteurs potentiellement impliqués dans le maintien de l’association TYLCV-satellite: (i) l'accumulation relative intra-plante du TYLCV et des satellites, (ii) la fréquence de co-infection au niveau cellulaire du TYLCV et des satellites, et (iii) l'efficacité de transmission des satellites par le vecteur Bemisia tabaci. Trois satellites précédemment isolés sur coton au Burkina Faso ont été montrés comme pouvant être assistés par le TYLCV dans des plantes de tomate: Cotton leaf curl Gezira betasatellite (CLCuGB), Cotton leaf curl Gezira alphasatellite (CLCuGA) et Okra leaf curl Burkina Faso alphasatellite (OLCBFA). La quantification par PCR quantitative des ADN du TYLCV et des trois satellites entre 11 et 150 jours après inoculation (dpi) révèle qu’en général, les satellites ont une accumulation supérieure à celle du virus, et que, contrairement aux alphasatellites qui n’ont aucun impact, le betasatellite affecte l’accumulation du TYLCV-Mld. Bien que le rapport des quantités de virus/satellites varie au cours du temps, les satellites sont maintenus avec le TYLCV-Mld au temps tardif de 150 dpi et sont transmis par B. tabaci à 32 et 150 dpi. Le TYLCV-IL interagit différemment avec le CLCuGB car son accumulation n’est pas affectée dans les plantes coinfectées.L’estimation par la technique FISH à 18 et 32 dpi de la fréquence d’association des molécules au niveau cellulaire montre que plus de la moitié des cellules infectées sont coinfectées par le TYLCV et un satellite. Ce résultat est cohérent avec la fréquence observée d’ADN satellite dans les plantes. Cependant, on observe de manière inattendue un nombre important de cellules ne semblant contenir que le betasatellite, ce qui pose des questions sur le fonctionnement des associations virus/satellites. Comme la multiplicité d'infection (MOI) des bégomovirus et des satellites est attendue pour être un facteur déterminant de l’efficacité de la co-infection cellulaire, deux variants équi-competitifs de TYLCV ont été préparés afin de déterminer ce paramètre. Enfin, des amorces PCR permettant la détection générique de betasatellites ont été dessinées pour être utilisées dans le diagnostic par l'Agence française pour l'alimentation, l'environnement et la santé et sécurité au travail (ANSES). Outre les conséquences agronomiques d’un maintien possible des satellites avec le TYLCV, les résultats de cette étude donnent un aperçu novateur sur les interactions entre les bégomovirus et les satellites, au niveau de la plante, au niveau cellulaire et moléculaire
Begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae) are frequently detected with half genome sized defective virus DNAs, and for some of them with satellite DNAs of similar size, i.e. alphasatellite and betasatellite. Both molecules rely on the virus for maintenance in plant. The alphasatellite was rarely proved to have an impact on the helper virus but the betasatellite was often shown to increase its virulence. Except some begomoviruses, like Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) which rely on a betasatellite for a full symptomatic infection in its natural host plant, most of the begomoviruses which were frequently detected with satellites do not rely on them for infectivity. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is one of the most damaging begomovirus worldwide. The Mediterranean IL and Mld strains, the most invasive ones, were never detected in association with satellites, although they were experimentally proved to readily assist them for replication and movement in plant. This was particularly true for betasatellites and resulted in a dramatic increase in the virulence of TYLCV.The potential of a TYLCV-satellite association was assessed by testing various factors involved in the maintenance of both molecules in tomato plants: (i) the relative intra-plant accumulation of TYLCV and satellites, (ii) the frequency of host cells co-infected with TYLCV and satellites, and (iii) the transmission efficiency of satellites by the natural whitefly vector of TYLCV, Bemisia tabaci. Three satellites previously isolated from okra in Burkina Faso, were shown here to be assisted by TYLCV in tomato plants: Cotton leaf curl Gezira betasatellite (CLCuGB), Cotton leaf curl Gezira alphasatellite (CLCuGA) and Okra leaf curl Burkina Faso alphasatellite (OLCBFA). The dynamic of TYLCV and satellite DNAs monitored between 11 and 150 days post-inoculation (dpi) by quantitative PCR revealed that satellites accumulated at a higher level than the virus, and that, in contrast with alphasatellites which have no impact, betasatellites affected TYLCV-Mld accumulation. Although the ratio of virus/satellite amounts varies over time, satellites were maintained in all test plants up to 150 dpi and were readily transmitted at 32 and 150 dpi. TYLCV-IL interacts differentially with CLCuGB as its accumulation was not affected in the coinfected plants.At 32 dpi, the TYLCV/satellite infection status of plant cells was determined by FISH and more than 50% of the monitored infected cells were co-infected with TYLCV and a satellite. The infection status was consistent with the frequency of satellite DNA in plants. Unexpectedly a substantial number of cells were positive only for betasatellite, suggesting that the coinfection with the virus could be dispensable for replication. This observation raises question on the functioning of virus/satellite association or multipartite viruses. As the multiplicity of infection (MOI) of begomoviruses and satellites is expected to be a determinant of the efficiency of virus/satellite cell coinfection, two equi-competitive TYLCV variants were prepared to determine this parameter for TYLCV. Finally, PCR primers designed for the generic detection of betasatellites were designed to be used as a diagnostic tool by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES).Besides the agronomic concern of the possible maintenance of DNA satellites with TYLCV, the results of our study are expected to provide a new insight on the interactions between begomovirus and satellites, at the plant, cellular and molecular levels

Mestrado em Viticultura e Enologia - Instituto Superior de Agronomia - UL
With the goal to improve the characteristics of the grapes, a Cabernet sauvignon vineyard in Maule valley (Chile) was subjected to 5 different typologies of defoliation compared with a control not defoliated. Different timing and quality of defoliation were analysed. It was also compared a kaolin based product to reduce the warming effect of the direct light on the clusters. The study of the canopy, through the point quadrat and the leaf area analyses, gave objective parameters and enabled to have a repeatibility on the years. The amount of light in the canopy and the temperature of the clusters were registered for each treatment in three different occasions. At the harvest the berries were counted and divided according the dehydration to understand the damage done by the sun. The influence of the light and the temperature was studied on the chemical composition of the musts of the vintage 2016 and on the wines of the vintage 2015 to find the best correlation between the solar exposition and the quality parameters of the grapes as the flavonoids. The 2015 wine resulted from the same trial was also sensory analysed by a panel to find additional differences between the treatments. If on one hand, the solar light allows to diminish the quantity of green aromas and to improve the chemical characteristics, an over-exposition could be dangerous for the grape. The aim of this study was to find the right compromise to have the benefit of the light without the damage of the heat. According to this research a total defoliation of the cluster zone during the veraison could be a damage for the yield and the sensory characteristics of the wine. On the other hand the “no act” philosophy of the control doesn’t seem a valid solution because it has the worst sensory results. Seems that in this South American context, the best solution could be a treatment that allow the exposition to the light of the cluster avoiding the hottest hours of the day and limiting the warming of the berries
N/A

Abstract Cordia africana (Boraginaceae) is a tree used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation related conditions and infectious diseases. This study was undertaken with the objectives of establishing the scavenging effect of extracts and fractions of Codia africana on the mediator of inflammation Lipoxygenases (LOX), and some non-biological free radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the [2, 2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] (ABTS) radicals and the Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Antimicrobial activities, total phenolics/flavonoids and cytotoxicity of extracts of Codia africana were also evaluated. Extracts were obtained by maceration. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined using a LOX-inhibitor screening assay kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. A broth serial micro dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Mycobacterium species. The antioxidant activity was determined using free-radical-scavenging assays, and the 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay was used for cytotoxicity. Both the extracts of C. africana inhibited LOX enzyme. The most active being the methanol extract of the bark with IC50 value of 55 ± 0.9 μg/ml. Both the extracts of C. africana, had excellent to weak antimicrobial activites (MICs ranging from 32 to 1024 μg/ml) against bacteria. All the extracts had significant (P< 0.05) free-radical scavenging activity (IC50 ranging from 6.79 ± 0.07 to 331.98 ± 0.07 μg/ml). There was a positive correlation between the antioxidant activity and the total flavonoid and total phenolic contents of Cordia africana. The cytotoxicity on Vero cells was low with LC50 of 81.79 ± 13.31 and 99.67 ± 16.10 μg/ml. The results support the use of C. africana leaves in traditional medicine to treat inflammation related conditions and infectious diseases.

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is one of the most important crops in the world. The average annual yield losses due to soybean diseases and pests are estimated to be around 11% in the United States. Soybean yield losses due to sudden death syndrome (SDS), caused by the fungus Fusarium virguliforme O'Donnell & T. Aoki have been problematic in majority of the soybean producing states. In recent years, reniform nematode (RN, Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford and Oliveira) and frogeye leaf spot (FLS), caused by the fungus Cercospora sojina K. Hara have emerged as a major problem in the southern soybean producing states. Planting resistant cultivars is one of the most cost-efficient methods in managing SDS, RN, and FLS, therefore it would be critical to identify and map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) that underlie their resistances. Two soybean populations were evaluated in this study. The ‘Essex’ × ‘Forrest’ 77 near-isogenic lines were screened in the field to evaluate the disease index of SDS. The Essex × Forrest and ‘Flyer’ × ‘Hartwig’ recombinant inbred lines were screened in the greenhouse to assess the reproduction index of RN and the disease severity of FLS. The BARCSoySNP6k chip was used to genotype the two populations. Four QTL that underlie SDS resistances were mapped in the same region as Rfv06-01, Rfv06-02, Rfv13-01, and Rfv19-01. The Rfv06-02 interval in this study was smaller than the one previously reported. Rrr08-01, Rrr13-01, Rrr15-01, Rrr18-01, and Rrr18-02 were reported to confer resistances to RN. Rrr08-01, Rrr13-01 and Rrr15-01 were novel whereas Rrr18-01, and Rrr18-02 were mapped in previous studies. cqSCN-001 (soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) was identified in the same region as Rrr18-01, and Rrr18-02 whereas cqSCN-006 was identified in the same region as Rrr15-01. These findings provide further evidence that there are common sources of genetic resistances to RN and SCN. Rcs15-01 and Rcs15-02 were reported to confer resistances to FLS. Rcs15-01 was novel and Rcs15-02 was mapped at the same region as an Rcs mapped in a previous study. This indicated that Rcs15-02 has dual resistances to C. sojina races. Candidate genes were inferred in this study. The QTL mapped in this study could potentially be used in soybean breeding programs that aim to introgress genetic resources that confer resistances to SDS, RN, and FLS.

Leaf drop of lettuce is caused by the plant pathogenic fungi Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum. Cool and moist environmental conditions favor disease development. Potential new fungicides were evaluated in field trials for control of this disease in 1994 and 1995. In the 1994 trial, Fluazinam and Topsin M provided significant decrease of disease and significant increase inmarketable yield compared to no treatment in plots infested with Sclerotinia minor or S. sclerotiorum. In 1995, Fluazinam, Topsin M, and two compounds from Ciba significantly reduced disease caused by Sclerotinia minor and increased marketable yield of treated lettuce when compared to nontreated plots.

Der Citratzyklus (TCA) ist einer der bedeutendsten Stoffwechselwege für alle lebenden Organismen. Trotz der zentralen Rolle dieses Prozesses im Pflanzenmetabolismus ist er nur relativ wenig untersucht worden. In dieser Arbeit berichte ich über die Produktion und die funktionale Analyse von Tomatenpflanzen (Solanum lycopersicum), die unabhängig eine leicht eingeschränkte Aktivität der mitochondrialen Citrat-Synthase (CS) und zweier Isocitrat-dehydrogenasen (mitochondriale NAD-IDH und cytosolische NADP-ICDH) zeigen. Die transgene Pflanzen wiesen mehrheitlich keine erkennbare Veränderung eines Wachstumphänotyps auf. Obwohl die photosyntetische Leistung keine Änderungen gezeigt hatte, war die mitochondriale Respiration gestiegen, begleitet von einem reduzierten Kohlenstoff-fluss durch den Citratzyklus. Darüber hinaus waren die CS Pflanzen charakterisiert durch wesentliche Änderungen im Blattmetabolismus, einschließlich eines eingeschränkten Niveaus des photosynthetischen Pigments und Zwischenprodukten des Citratzyklus zusammen mit einer Akkumulation von Nitraten, verschiedenen Aminosäuren und Stärken. Zusammengefasst deuten diese Ergebnisse auf eine Einschränkung der Nitrat-Aufnahme hin. Das mit Hilfe von TOM1 Mikroarrays und quantitativer RT-PCR durchgeführte Transcript-profiling hat gezeigt, dass die fehlende Aktivität der mitochondrialen CS teilweise von einer gestiegenen, peroxisomalen CS Isoform ausgeglichen wird. Die metabolische Verschiebung ergab eine Verstärkung der photorespiratorischen Leistung, die vermutlich eine ausgleichende Rolle in der Produktion organischer Säuren und der Wiederherstellung der Redox-Balance spielt. Interessantenweise war die metabolische Antwort von Blättern auf Stickstoffmangel in NADP-ICDH Pflanzen dramatischer als in NAD-IDH Pflanzen, was darauf hindeutet, dass die cytosolische Isoform der Hauptlieferant von 2-Oxoglutarat im Tomatenmetabolismus sein könnte.
Although the TCA cycle is a respiratory metabolic pathway of central importance for all living organisms, relatively few molecular physiological studies of plants were performed to date. Here, I report the generation and functional analysis of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) independently displaying mildly limited activity of mitochondrial citrate synthase (CS) and two isocitrate dehydrogenases, namely mitochondrial NAD-IDH and cytosolic NADP-ICDH. The transgenic plants revealed minor phenotypic alterations. Although the leaf photosynthetic performance was largely unaltered, the changes in mitochondrial respiration and carbon flux through the TCA cycle were observed. Moreover, the plants were characterized by significant modifications in the leaf metabolic content and in maximal catalytic activities of several enzymes involved in primary C and N metabolism. These results hint towards limitations in nitrate assimilation pathway. The transcript profiling performed by utilizing TOM1 microarrays and quantitative RT-PCR approach revealed that the deficiency in mitochondrial CS activity was partially compensated by up-regulation of peroxisomal CS isoform. The limitations in the activities of isocitrate dehydrogenases resulted in up-regulation of the photorespiratory pathway, which presumably played a compensatory role in supporting organic acid production and re-establishing redox balance in the transgenic leaves. Interestingly, the leaf metabolic response towards nitrogen starvation conditions was far more dramatic in NADP-ICDH transgenic plants than NAD-IDH plants, hinting that the cytosolic isoform may be the major 2-oxoglutarate supplier in tomato metabolism.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most common and dreaded diseases of the 21th century. Today, the disease is still spreading with increasing incidence. “Since the beginning of the epidemic, almost 75 million people have been infected with the HIV virus and about 36 million people have died of HIV. Globally, 35.3 million [32.2–38.8 million] people were living with HIV at the end of 2012” (http://www.who.int/gho/hiv/en/). Several studies have been conducted on herbs under a multitude of ethnobotanical grounds. The use of medicinal plants for the management of HIV has become a common practice especially, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa (Wilfred Otang Mbeng, 2013 PhD thesis, UFH). At the beginning of this programme, an ethnomedicinal survey of plants used for the management of HIV infection was carried out in targeted areas of the Province and information on the names of plants, the parts and the methods of preparation were collected. The survey revealed that 18 species representing 12 families were found to be commonly used for the management of HIV, as well as other opportunistic diseases such as tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, sores, high blood pressure, etc. Carpobrotus edulis was selected for this research because it was the most frequently used in the Province. The foliar micro morphological contents of the plant, its phytochemical and antioxidant activity, in vitro antimicrobial activity, inhibitory effect against HIV-1 protease and reverse transcriptase, mechanisms of action and cytotoxicity were investigated. In terms of the foliar micro morphological contents in plants, an electron microscopy scanning (SEM) was completed. Investigation revealed that both glandular tricomes and calcium oxalate crystals (CaOX) were observed. Consequently, it is hypothesized that the bioactive therapeutic compounds secreted by C. edulis may be produced in the glandular trichomes. An investigation of phytochemical content of the plant extracts (C. edulis) was completed using four solvent extracts (hexane, acetone, ethanol and water). Results of the phytochemical analysis showed that proanthocyanidins (86.9 ± 0.005%) where highest in the aqueous extract with phenolics at 55.7 ± 0.404% in acetone extract, tannin at 48.9 ± 0.28% in ethanol extract, while the hexane extract had the highest levels of flavonoids (0.12 ± 0.05%) and flavonols (0.12 ± 0.05%). Antioxidant studies of the various extracts revealed that aqueous and ethanol extracts were found to be the best solvents for antioxidant activity in C. edulis leaves. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil from C. edulis leaves revealed that the essential oil contained at least 28 compounds. These included, in order of abundance: Oxygenated monoterpenes (36.61%); fatty acids esters (19.25%); oxygenated diterpenes (19.24%); monoterpenes (10.6%); sesquiterpenes (3.58%); and diterpenes (1.43%). Similarly, a GC-MS analysis of the crude hexane, acetone and ethanol extracts from C. edulis leaves identified a total of 59 compounds. Of the 59 compounds, 12 major phyto-metabolites that are active against infectious diseases were identified. To comfirm the potential use of C. edulis to treat infectious disease, antifungal activity of the crude essential oil extract and the four solvent extracts were tested against Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Candida rugosa and Cryptococcus neoformans strains. The essential oil extract was found to be the most active against all the fungal strains tested and performed better than the four extracts used various solvents used to extract (hexane, acetone, ethanol and water) the C. edulis leaves were tested for antibacterial and anti HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) activity. The results indicated that both gram-positive and gram-negative isolates were inhibited by the extracts (hexane, acetone and ethanol) but antimicrobial activity was observed for the water extract. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration values were obtained for the ethanol extract, followed by acetone and hexane extracts. No inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase was observed for any of the leaf extracts, even up to concentrations of 16 mg/ml. The potential inhibitory activities of the various solvent extracts against HIV-1 protease were evaluated at four different concentrations (16, 1.6, 0.16 and 0.016 mg/ml). Results indicated that the water extract showed almost 100% inhibition of HIV-1 protease activity, with an IC50 of 0.86 mg/ml leaf extract. Other solvent extracts (hexane, acetone and ethanol) however, did not show any inhibition activity above that observed for the DMSO control. The metabolic components in the water extract were subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis, which identified at least 91 compounds present in the water extract. Further studies involving the molecular modelling need to be carried out to confirm the inhibitory potential of these compounds. The cytotoxicity of the water extract of C. edulis leaves was also screened using human Chang liver cells at concentrations ranging bewteen 0.005 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml. Results indicated that the water extracts were not toxic. In conclusion the results from this study support the use of water extracts of C. edulis leaves by traditional healers to treat HIV infections and have identified possible mechanisms of action of the water extracts of C. edulis.

Genetically modified cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) acreage has increased dramatically over the last six years. Reports of variable results in fiber quality and yield have arisen in these cultivars. Some changes in production practices have occurred coincident with the introduction of transgenic technology, such as reduced use of broad-spectrum insecticides, including organophosphates (OP) that could potentially influence the growth and yield of cotton. One factor that might affect these parameters is the difference in the amount of foliarly-applied phosphorus (P) between an OP and non-phosphate (NP) insecticide regime. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate selected growth characteristics, yield, and fiber quality of genetically modified and conventional cotton as influenced by OP and foliar phosphorus (FP) applications. A four replication strip-plot experimental design was utilized with cultivar serving as the whole plot and insecticide regime as the sub-plot. Three cultivars of the same recurrent parent (ST4892BR, ST4793R, and ST474) were planted in 2001 and 2002 under irrigated conditions in Burleson County, TX on a Weswood silty clay loam (fine-silty, mixed, thermic Fluventic Ustochrept). The insecticide regime consisted of NP, NP+FP, and OP treatments. The FP was applied at P2O5 weight equivalent to the P component in the concurrent OP application. ST4892BR had greater lint yield than ST4793R and ST474. The yield increase can be explained through plant mapping analysis which showed ST4892BR producing larger bolls and greater boll numbers. In addition, evaluation of fruiting distribution showed ST4892BR contained more lint on sympodial branches 6 through 10. The insecticide regime effect on lint yield resulted in higher yield (P=0.08) for the NP+FP regime. Examination of yield components revealed NP+FP increased second position bolls, predominantly at sympodial branches 6 through 10. Leaf tissue analysis revealed increased levels of P for the OP and NP+FP over that of the NP insecticide regime, which indicates a potential for plants to acquire P from OP insecticides. Furthermore, the considerable yield response to small amounts of FP is not clearly understood. While conclusive evidence exists regarding cultivar yield differences, this study does not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that OP insecticides influence growth, yield, or fiber quality characteristics of these cotton cultivars.

Woody plant herbicide screening techniques were evaluated in an attempt to expedite the screening process and decrease amounts of herbicide active ingredient required. Rapid greenhouse screening of woody plant seedlings was performed in less than six months while rapid seed screening was performed in less than twenty days. A traditional field screen, requiring ten months, was performed for comparison purposes. Leaf area â biomass ratios were also examined for their influence on herbicide efficacy. Linear regressions were performed using traditional field screen data as the dependent variable and rapid screening technique data as the independent data.

Rapid screens using triclopyr produced more statistically significant regressions compared to those involving imazapyr. Significant regressions were produced that could predict field response of several species using both herbicides and either rapid screening technique. This indicated that rapid screening techniques could determine herbicide efficacy and/or species spectrum of control in much less time with much less herbicide. Rapid seed screens could estimate species spectrum within five days after treatment. The rapid greenhouse screen and rapid seed screen techniques can provide woody plant herbicide developers initial efficacy and spectrum of control data in a cost- and time- effective manner.

Testing showed that as woody plants mature from seedling to sapling, there is a decrease in the leaf area â total aboveground biomass ratio. The decrease in this ratio consistently decreased efficacy of both imazapyr and triclopyr at the lower active ingredient rates. Seedlings with the higher leaf area â biomass ratio had, on the average, higher efficacy response rates to herbicide treatments.
Master of Science

Growth and element assimilation was investigated in post oak seedlings exposed to four different treatment combinations of fertilization and ectomycorrhizal inoculation. Element concentration in excised leaves was analyzed via particle induced X-ray emission spectrometry with a 1.8 MeV proton macrobeam. Mean growth was significantly different across the treatment groups as well as mean concentration of Mg, Al, S, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn. The data suggest that fertilization rather than mycorrhizal inoculation had a stronger influence on plant growth and nutrient uptake. A follow up study was conducted with a 3 MeV microbeam. A 850 μm2 scanned area of a post oak leaf produced topographical maps of 11 elements.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc
Drought is a major stress that affects the productivity of plants across the globe. The consequences of drought are posed to continue reducing agricultural productivity as world climate changes. This makes it imperative to improve tolerance of staple food crops to drought. Under drought stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulate, which may lead to oxidative damage of DNA, proteins and lipids.

Syzygium cordatum is a medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa and Mozambique, commonly used to treat stomach aches, diabetes, respiratory problems and tuberculosis. In spite of the folklore use, adequate scientific data to credit its widespread traditional use is lacking. The objectives of this study were: to evaluate and validate scientifically the successful therapeutic claims by traditional medicine practitioners that Syzygium cordatum is effective in treating diarrhoea and diabetes
to determine the effects of the plant extract on gastrointestinal transit of a charcoal meal in mice
to determine the effects on castor oilinduced intestinal fluid accumulation
to determine the safety profile of the plant by carrying out acute toxicology study and to carry out preliminary screening of the active compounds present in the plant using standard phytochemical analytical procedures. The aqueous leaf extract of Syzygium cordatum (3.125 -50mg/kg, p.o) significantly reduced the faecal output caused by castor oil (0.7ml). All the doses used, reduced faecal output from 100% produced by castor oil to between 40 and 61%. S.cordatum (6.25 &ndash
50mg/kg, p.o) significantly and in a dose dependent manner, delayed the onset of castor oil-induced diarrhoea.

The objective of the study was to determine growth performance, physico-chemical attributes, oxidative stability and sensory quality of pork from pigs fed one of three dietary treatments, eac containing 0%, 2.5% or 5% (T1, T2 and T3, respectively) Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM). Dietary treatments were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic for weaner (6 – 8 weeks) and grower (9 – 13 weeks) phases. Twelve Large White (LW) and 12 Kolbroek (KB) male pigs at 6 weeks of age, initially weighing an average 10 kg, were randomly allocated to one of the dietary treatments, each with four replicates, in individual pens. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle of each carcass (n = 24) was sampled for meat quality and fatty acid analyses. Breed differences in measured parameters were observed. In pigs receiving 5% MOLM, the LW had significantly the highest ADFI (P<0.05) than KB pigs. In pigs receiving 2.5% and 5% MOLM, backfat thickness was significantly highest (P<0.05) compared to those receiving 0% MOML. Dietary inclusion of MOLM had no significant effects (P>0.05) on the physico-chemical quality of pork from LW pigs; although it significantly (P<0.05) increased a* and reduced WBSF values in pork from KB pigs. Pork from LW pigs receiving 5% MOLM had significantly increased (P<0.05) n-3 content of the subcutaneous tissue of LW pigs compared to KB, and also when compread to other treatment groups. In both breeds, the composition of PUFA: SFA and n-6: n-3 in the subcutaneous adipose tissue was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T2 and T3 than in T1. The n-3 levels for pork muscle from LW pigs receiving 2.5% and 5% MOLM, and from KB pigs receiving 5% MOLM, were significantly (P<0.05) lower. Inclusions of MOLM significantly (P<0.05) reduced the n-6: n-3 fatty acids in pork from both LW pigs and KB pigs. Consumer scores on sensory attributes (aroma intensity, initial impression of juiciness, first bite, sustained impression of juiciness, muscle fibre and overall tenderness and overall flavor intensity) significantly (P<0.05) increased as the level of MOLM inclusion in the diet increased; and higher scores were observed in fried meat than in boiled for most sensory attributes. It may be concluded that inclusion of MOLM in pig diets up to 5% improved the ADFI, a*, tenderness of pork without adversely affecting the FCR and other physico-chemical quality attributes; and resulted in desired increase in levels of n-3 and reduced the n-6: n-3 fatty acid ratio.

A series of experiments were carried out with the aim of evaluating chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf meal (CLM), a fibrous protein-rich foodstuff, in terms of both digestibility and poultry performance as a potential ingredient to be utilised in poultry diets. In the first experiment, chaya plants at either 4, 8 or 12 weeks of re-growth were harvested. With the exceptions of ether extract and oxalic acid, no differences in chemical composition of the leaves were found between the different ages of re-growth for the contents of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, lignin, ash or hydrogen cyanide. In experiment two, true metabolisable energy (TME) content as well as TME corrected to nitrogen equilibrium (TME_N) and dry matter and nitrogen digestibilities in CLM were evaluated in commercial broilers and criollo chickens. Neither CLM inputs nor genotype of the bird significantly affected the TME_N values. However, the collection period of droppings and the body weight of the bird significantly (P<0.05) affected TME_N. In experiment three, the effect of different fibre sources on endogenous losses of nitrogen, uric acid and amino acids as well as on energy balance and body weight loss were evaluated in cockerels. The different fibre sources caused significant (P<0.05) differences in all the dependent variables. An important fact, demonstrated by experiments 2 and 3, was that the endogenous losses of birds showed a very high variation; however, possible explanations for those findings were put forward. In experiment four, TME, net energy and heat increment values of CLM and wheatfeed were determined using cockerels in calorimeter chambers. Lower (P<0.05) values of TME and net energy were found in CLM compared to wheatfeed, and that was attributable to the different chemical composition of the ingredients evaluated and to the different properties of their fibre. In experiment five, the effect of different amounts of dietary CLM on apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of diets and on dry matter, nitrogen and amino acid digestibilities in broilers was evaluated.

Il presente progetto di dottorato è focalizzato sulla rimozione di particolato atmosferico (PM) mediante deposizione su lamine fogliari. Le principali tecniche sperimentali per la valutazione del PM depositato su foglia sono state testate e validate (Capitolo 2). L’efficienza della microanalisi mediante microscopia elettronica a scansione accoppiata a rilevatore a raggi X (SEM/EDX) è stata testata, dimostrando la sua efficacia per una caratterizzazione chimica e fisica del PM depositato quanto più completa possibile. La procedura gravimetrica del Vacuum Filtration (VF), basata sul lavaggio delle foglie e la successiva filtrazione delle soluzioni, è stata anch’essa testata a questo scopo. Infine, la tecnica di frazionamento chimico, basata sulla caratterizzazione chimica delle soluzioni di lavaggio e dei filtri, è risultata efficiente per ottenere informazioni sulla frazione solubile e insolubile del PM depositato. I risultati ottenuti tramite le tre tecniche sono stati poi confrontati, per dimostrare la loro efficacia e per evidenziare le loro limitazioni (Capitolo 3). Le potenzialità della caratterizzazione del PM depositato su foglia ai fini del biomonitoraggio sono state esplorate in due diversi contesti urbani (Capitolo 4). Nelle città di Terni e Torino, la deposizione fogliare di componenti elementari del PM, noti come traccianti di sorgente, è stata confrontata con le loro concentrazioni atmosferiche, per la valutazione dell’impatto di specifiche sorgenti emissive. Nel Capitolo 5, l'efficienza delle foglie nella rimozione del PM atmosferico è stata descritta in relazione al concetto di Nature-based solution (NbS). Il PM rimosso da tre NbS realizzate nell’ambito del progetto H2020 "proGIreg" è stato valutato mediante SEM/EDX. Le NbS studiate sono state realizzate in aree post-industriali di Torino (Italia), Dortmund (Germania) e Ningbo (Cina). Nel caso specifico della NbS di Dortmund (DE), i risultati sperimentali sono stati inoltre confrontati con quelli ottenuti tramite l’applicazione del modello i-Tree Eco. Nel Capitolo 6, sono state presentate nuove tecniche per il monitoraggio e l’analisi ad alta risoluzione spaziale del PM atmosferico. Campionatori attivi di PM10 a basso costo, gli High Spatial Resolution Samplers (HSRS, Fai Instruments, Italia) sono stati utilizzati in una densa rete di monitoraggio a Terni, per la valutazione e mappatura della distribuzione spaziale dei principali componenti del PM10. Viene inoltre riportata l'applicazione di saggi acellulari di potenziale ossidativo (OP), per valutare il ruolo di specifiche sorgenti nell'indurre stress ossidativo. L'efficienza di licheni è inoltre testata per la valutazione della distribuzione spaziale di inquinanti organici persistenti (POP). Infine, il modello Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) è applicato ai dati chimici ottenuti da filtri campionati prima, durante e dopo il lockdown Covid-19, per valutare i profili emissivi delle fonti e il loro contributo alla massa del PM10 in condizioni estremamente particolari. I risultati presentati forniscono risultati innovativi sulla valutazione della deposizione fogliare del PM e sulle sue principali applicazioni. Il frazionamento chimico applicato al PM depositato su foglia è risultato essere efficace per ottenere informazioni dettagliate sulle frazioni solubili e insolubili del PM e per aumentare la selettività di componenti specifici come traccianti di sorgente. Il confronto con le concentrazioni atmosferiche ha inoltre dimostrato l'affidabilità delle foglie come campionatori di PM. Infine, la microanalisi fogliare tramite SEM/EDX ha dimostrato la sua efficacia nella valutazione dell'affinità specie-specifica e dell'efficienza di NbS nei confronti della rimozione di PM tramite deposizione fogliare.
This PhD research project investigates the removal mechanism of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) by deposition on tree leaves. The most used experimental techniques for the evaluation of leaf deposited PM are reviewed (Chapter 2). Leaf microanalysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersed X-ray (SEM/EDX) is tested and validated. The proposed procedure allows the chemical and physical characterization of leaf deposited PM. Vacuum filtration (VF) gravimetric procedure, based on leaves washing and subsequent filtration of washing solutions, is also tested to this aim. A chemical fractionation procedure, based on the characterization of both leaf washing solutions and membrane filters is validated, thus achieving information on the water-soluble and insoluble fraction of leaf deposited PM. Results obtained from the three approaches are compared, to prove their efficiency and to highlight their limitations (Chapter 3). The potentialities of the characterization of leaf deposited PM for biomonitoring and source apportionment purposes have been explored in connection within two urban contexts (Chapter 4). In Terni, leaf deposition of PM elemental components, known as specific source tracers, is compared to their atmospheric concentrations. In Turin, the PM leaf deposition data obtained by SEM/EDX, from two NbSs, are integrated with the atmospheric concentrations of PM and its elemental components as retrieved by the analysis of the sampled membrane filters (Chapter 5), to evaluate the impact of specific emission sources. In Chapter 5, new insights on the tree leaf efficiency for the removal of atmospheric PM are provided, in connection with the concept of NbS. The PM removed by three NbSs realized within the context of the European project H2020 “proGIreg” has been assessed by SEM/EDX microanalysis. The studied NbSs have been realized in post-industrialized areas of Turin (Italy), Dortmund (Germany) and Ningbo (China). In the specific case of a renatured landfill in Dortmund (DE), SEM/EDX experimental results are also compared with those obtained by the i-Tree Eco model. In Chapter 6, the application of new techniques for the spatially-resolved analysis of atmospheric PM is described. Low-cost active PM10 samplers, the High Spatial Resolution Samplers (HSRS, Fai Instruments, Italy) are employed in a dense network in Terni, for the evaluation and mapping of the spatial distribution of PM10 main elements. The application of oxidative potential (OP) acellular assays is also reported, to evaluate the role of sources in inducing oxidative stress. The efficiency of lichen transplants is tested for the evaluation of the spatial distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Then, the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model is applied to chemical data retrieved from PM10 filters sampled before, during and after the Covid-19 lockdown, to evaluate chemical profiles of sources and their contribution to PM10 mass during these peculiar periods. The results presented in this PhD thesis provide new insights on the evaluation of PM leaf deposition and its main applications. The new chemical fractionation results effective for obtaining detailed information on water-soluble and insoluble PM fraction and for increasing the selectivity of specific components as source tracers. The comparison with their atmospheric concentrations proved the reliability of leaves as low-cost PM samplers which can be deployed for the identification of emission sources and the evaluation of their impact. Finally, SEM/EDX leaf microanalysis proved its efficiency for evaluating the species-specific affinity and the efficiency of NbS implemented in urban areas.

Doctor of Philosophy
Genetics Interdepartmental Program
Bikram S. Gill
Leaf rust, caused by fungus Puccinia triticina, is an important foliar disease of wheat worldwide. Breeding for race-nonspecific resistant cultivars is the best strategy to combat this disease. Aegilops tauschii, D genome donor of hexaploid wheat, has provided resistance to several pests and pathogens of wheat. To identify potentially new adult plant resistance (APR) genes, 371 geographically diverse Ae. tauschii accessions were evaluated in field with leaf rust (LR) composite culture of predominant races. Accessions from Afghanistan only displayed APR whereas both seedling resistance and APR were common in the Caspian Sea region. Seventeen accessions with high APR were selected for production of synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW), using ‘TetraPrelude’ and/or ‘TetraThatcher’ as tetraploid parents. Six SHWs were produced and evaluated for APR to LR and resistance to tan spot at seedling stage. Genetic analysis and mapping of APR introgressed from accession TA2474 was investigated in recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population derived from cross between SHW, TA4161-L3 and spring wheat cultivar, ‘WL711’. Genotyping-by-sequencing approach was used to genotype the RILs. Maximum disease severity (MDS) for LR was significantly correlated among all experiments and APR to LR was highly heritable trait in this population. Nine genomic regions significantly associated with APR to LR were QLr.ksu-1AL, QLr.ksu-1BS, QLr.ksu-1BL.1, QLr.ksu-1BL.2, QLr.ksu-2DS, QLr.ksu-2DL, QLr.ksu-5AL, QLr.ksu-5DL and QLr.ksu-6BL. Association of QLr.ksu-1BL.1 with marker Xwmc44 indicated this locus could be slow-rusting APR gene, Lr46/Yr29. QTLs detected on 2DS, 2DL and 5DL were contributed by TA4161-L3 and are novel, along with QLr.ksu-5AL. Tan spot, caused by necrotrophic fungus, Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, has recently emerged as a damaging disease of wheat worldwide. To identify QTLs associated with resistance to Race 1 of P. tritici-repentis, F[subscript]2:3 population derived from cross between SHW, TA4161-L1 and winter wheat cultivar, ‘TAM105’ was used. Two major effect QTLs, QTs.ksu-1AS.1 and QTs.ksu-7AS were significantly associated with tan spot resistance and contributed by TA4161-L1. QTs.ksu-7AS is a novel QTL and explained 17% of the phenotypic variation. Novel QTLs for APR to LR and tan spot identified in SHWs add new variation for broadening the gene pool of wheat and providing resources for breeding of durable resistant cultivars.

Fruit rot caused by Aspergillus niger and Colletotrichum sp. could cause rapid and severe damage on orange fruits. Current control method of orange fruits is mainly applied by usage of harmful pesticides, leading to chemical residues on fruits, environmental pollution and human poisoning. One of alternative methods of reducing pesticides is to use botanical extracts. This study was conducted to evaluate the in vivo antifungal efficacy of aqueous extracts from the leaves of neem and basket plants against A. niger and Colletotrichum sp. Orange fruits artificially inoculated by fruit rot pathogens were immersed into leaf extracts of 6% (w/v) neem or basket plants for 30 s, and kept for 11 days to record lesion length at room temperature. Orange fruits immersed into sterile distilled water were used as the control treatment. The results showed that at 11 days after inoculation, extracts of neem and basket plants significantly reduced the Aspergillus rot lesions by 109.08 and 124.00 mm, respectively. In addition, anthracnose lesions on orange fruits were statistically inhibited by treatments of neem and basket plants, with the average lesion diameters approximately 160.00 and 154.75 mm, respectively, at day 11 of the conducting experiment. The results of this study showed that leaf extracts of neem and basket plant at the concentration of 6% could be used as a natural alternative to control the in vivo growth of rot pathogens of orange fruits. These extracts have a bright future in modern plant protection to replace conventional synthetic pesticides in agro-ecosystem.
Thối trái bởi Aspergillus niger và Colletotrichum sp. gây ra các thiệt hại nghiêm trọng trên cam. Biện pháp phòng trừ bệnh trên trái cam hiện nay chủ yếu dựa vào thuốc hóa học, dẫn đến tồn dư thuốc trên trái cây, ô nhiễm môi trường và gây độc cho con người. Một trong các phương pháp thay thế giúp giảm sử dụng thuốc hóa học là sử dụng dịch trích thực vật. Nghiên cứu này đã được thưc hiện để đánh giá hiệu quả in vivo của dịch trích ở nồng độ 6% của neem hoặc lược vàng đối với A. niger và Colletotrichum sp. Các trái cam đã lây nhiễm nhân tạo tác nhân gây thối trái thì được nhúng vào dịch trích ở nồng độ 6% của neem hoặc lược vàng trong 30 giây, và giữ đến 11 ngày để ghi nhận chiều dài vết bệnh ở nhiệt độ phòng. Cái trái cam được nhúng vào nước cất thì dùng như nghiệm thức đối chứng. Kết quả cho thấy ở 11 ngày sau khi chủng bệnh, dịch trích neem và lược vàng làm giảm đáng kể vết thối Aspergillus lần lượt là 109,08 và 124,00 mm. Bên cạnh đó, vết bệnh thán thư trên trái cam đã bị ức chế có ý nghĩa thống kê bởi các dịch trích neem và lược vàng, với đường kính trung bình các vết bệnh lần lượt là 160,00 và 154,75 mm, ở ngày 11 của thí nghiệm. Kết quả của nghiên cứu này đã chỉ ra rằng dịch trích neem và lược vàng ở nồng độ 6% có thể sử dụng như một biện pháp thay thế tự nhiên trong việc phòng trừ sự phát triển của tác nhân gây thối trái cam. Các loại dịch trích này có tương lai trong bảo vệ thực vật hiện đại, thay thế các loại thuốc hóa học tổng hợp truyền thống trong hệ sinh thái nông nghiệp.

The first confirmation of the presence of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. on cashew in Mozambique was based on a combination of observed symptoms, isolation and identification using basic morphological and molecular techniques. Anthracnose is now the second most important in the country, after powdery mildew caused by Oidium anacardii Noack. The present thesis represents a broad overview of the disease in Mozambique. The main focus of this study was thus to gather scientific information on the relevance of this disease in the country and through experimentation, generate recommendations that help farmers and decision makers to mitigate the disease pressure. The specific objectives of this study were as follows: - Provide a distinctive description of anthracnose symptoms on leaves through hostpathogen interaction studies in the laboratory. - Enhance current knowledge on the identity of Mozambican pathogen isolates, using DNA tools. - Assess the current anthracnose management practices, both at nursery and field level with a view to formulate timely, local and adequate management strategies. - Conduct experimental trials to select economically effective fungicides spraying programs for anthracnose disease management. ii - Search for variability and germplasm tolerance among dwarf and common cashew plant populations in Mozambique. By analyzing and integrating existing published literature on the subject, we successfully separated issues that concerned previously inaccessible information from those that reflect insufficient scientific knowledge. A survey was initiated to determine, the status of cashew anthracnose disease management practices in Mozambique. Subsequently, the information obtained was used to develop a national strategic framework for research and extension in the country. Areas identified as gaps were aligned with the main goals of this thesis and include: - Areas where scientific information lacked were identified. - The symptoms of the disease on leaves were successfully and distinctively distinguished from other common leaf diseases that simultaneously occur in orchards. - The pathogen isolates were identified using PCR techniques. The presence of Colletotrichum acutatum Simmonds was not confirmed at least not among the suspected and tested isolates. - Knowledge on the epidemiology of the disease was generated and its application for more effective disease management was successfully applied. - Effective fungicide applications and disease control programmes were developed for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz.. - Appropriate nursery management strategies that reduce anthracnose disease development were developed. - Variability in germplasm reaction to the disease was demonstrated and therefore tolerant and susceptible genotypes were identified. - A technique for rapid and accurate evaluation of leaf anthracnose symptom grades was developed.
Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2013.
gm2014
Microbiology and Plant Pathology
Unrestricted

A cana-de-açúcar apresenta acentuada variação genotípica relacionada à eficiência de uso dos nutrientes, sendo que a abordagem desse assunto em pesquisas científicas prioriza os estudos relacionados ao nitrogênio (N) e fósforo (P). Porém, devido a essencialidade do potássio (K) como nutriente pela função exercida nas relações hídricas das plantas e sua importância na economia brasileira, pesquisas relacionadas à eficiência de uso de K podem auxiliar no desenvolvimento de genótipos mais eficientes, com implicações diretas no processo de eficiência de uso de água. No primeiro experimento (Experimento I), objetivou-se avaliar as mudanças morfológicas e fisiológicas promovidas pela redução do suprimento de K, em dois genótipos de cana-de-açúcar (SP90-3414 e SP83-2847), por meio da quantificação da área foliar; aspectos morfológicos do sistema radicular (comprimento total e superfície total de raízes); produção de biomassa de raízes e parte aérea; concentração e acúmulo de K nos tecidos vegetais; partição de fotoassimilados (porcentagem de açúcares solúveis totais [AST] e redutores [AR]); atividade da enzima redutase do nitrato (RNO3-); potencial da água na folha (?a) e parâmetros de trocas gasosas (taxa de assimilação de CO2 [A], condutância estomática [gs] e transpiração [E]). As concentrações de K empregadas na solução nutritiva foram de 1 e 6 mmol L-1, distribuídas conforme delineamento experimental de blocos completos ao acaso, utilizando-se esquema fatorial 2 x 2 (duas doses de K x dois genótipos de cana-de-açúcar), com cinco repetições. As doses promoveram diferenças quanto à absorção e uso do K pelos cultivares, promovendo alterações significativas no acúmulo desse elemento nos tecidos vegetais, na quantidade de açúcares solúveis totais e redutores nos tecidos, nos parâmetros morfológicos e produtivos da parte aérea e do sistema radicular, bem como nos atributos fisiológicos da fotossíntese e da redução do nitrato. No segundo experimento (Experimento II) objetivou-se avaliar a influência do déficit hídrico nos parâmetros morfológicos e fisiológicos das plantas, bem como estudar o comportamento desses parâmetros em função do aumento da concentração de K disponível no substrato. As análises tiveram como objetivo avaliar as relações hídricas das plantas e a interferência dessa condição hídrica nos processos de trocas gasosas, bem como relacionar os parâmetros de eficiência de uso de K (KUtE) com a eficiência de uso de água (EUA). O experimento foi conduzido em vasos contendo 8 dm3 de terra, o delineamento experimental também foi o de blocos completos ao acaso, utilizando esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 2 (duas doses de K x dois regimes hídricos x dois cultivares), sendo utilizadas as doses de K de 1 e 6 mmolc dm-3 de terra, os regimes hídrico de 70% e 20% da capacidade máxima de armazenamento de água do solo e os genótipos SP90-3414 (suscetível) e SP83-2847 (tolerante ao estresse hídrico). Constataram-se incrementos nos parâmetros hídricos e de trocas gasosas dos cultivares desenvolvidos com adequado suprimento de K e submetidos ao déficit hídrico, indicando haver relação positiva entre a adubação potássica e a resistência das plantas de cana-de-açúcar submetidas a condição hídrica adversa. Ou seja, a eficiência de uso da água (EUA) no genótipo tolerante (SP83-2847) pode ser resultado direto da eficiência de uso de K (KUtE)
Sugarcane has marked genotypic variation related to nutrient use efficiency, which in turn the approach of this subject in scientific research prioritizes studies related to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), but due to the essentiality of potassium (K) as a nutrient, and its importance in the Brazilian economy, researches related to K use efficiency can help the development of efficient genotypes, which, because the K water relation functions in plants may have a direct relation in the water use efficiency. In the first experiment were evaluate the changes in morphological and physiological sugarcane genotypes (SP90-3414 and SP83-2847) promotes by the reduction of K concentration, the parameters were quantifying the leaf area; root system morphology (total length and total surface area of roots); biomass of roots and shoots; K concentration and accumulation in plant tissues; total soluble and reduced sugars percentage; activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase; leaf water potential and gas exchange parameters. The K concentrations used in the nutrient solution were 1 and 6 mmol L-1, distributed as experimental design of randomized complete block design, using a factorial 2 x 2 (two K rates x two sugarcane genotypes), with five replications. The rates caused differences in the K uptake efficiency by cultivars, triggering positive changes in their accumulation in plant tissues and the morphological and physiological parameters. The second experiment were to evaluated the influence of water deficit on morphological and physiological parameters of the plants and to study the behavior of these parameters according to the increase of the available K concentration. The analysis aimed to evaluate the water relations in plants and the water status interference in the gas exchange process, as well as relating the parameters of the K use efficiency with the efficiency of water use. The experiment was conducted in pots containing 8 dm3 of soil, the experiment was also conducted in a randomized block design, using a factorial 2 x 2 x 2 (two K rates x two water regimes x two sugarcane cultivars), and the K rates used was 1 and 6 mmolc dm-3 of soil, water regimes was 70% and 20% of field capacity and the genotypes were the same as the first experiment. The results shows improvements in water and gas exchange parameters of cultivars developed in high-level K and subjected to water deficit, showing a positive relationship between potassium fertilization and sugarcane plant resistance to adverse water condition. On average, the highest water use efficiency (WUE) of SP83-2847 tolerant genotype may result from potassium use ufficiency (KUtE)

New Zealand’s isolation and periods of marine transgression have limited its biota to an extent which can be considered depauperate, even by island standards. Endemic vertebrates are rare and prominent invertebrate families, such as the renowned forest defoliators of the Lymantriidae, are absent. The proven vulnerability of the flora to introduced vertebrates reaffirms a belief in the invasiveness of islands and fuels the contingency plans aimed at averting similar devastation from further alien invertebrate defoliators. Nothofagus is a dominant element of the climax forests of New Zealand and the larger landmasses bordering the South Pacific Ocean. Assessments of the resistance to defoliation of continental and New Zealand species of Nothofagus, and a range of other forest genera endemic to New Zealand, was undertaken using bioassays of naïve polyphagous defoliators. The bioassays were undertaken in Europe, utilising gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) and the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) as defoliators, fed foliage plants growing in European arboreta. In New Zealand, bioassays utilised Australian painted apple moth, Teia anartoides (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) and tree species from local arboreta, gardens and natural populations. Larval growth rate was the primary parameter recorded to assess plant resistance. The relevance of growth rate was investigated by comparison with other recorded parameters and resistance to a surrogate pathogen, in the form of commercially available bio-insecticide. Larval growth rate was positively correlated with survivorship, potential fecundity, mating success and resistance to disease. The growth rate of larvae fed Nothofagus was positively correlated to the species-specific leaf nitrogen content. The results of the bioassays showed that despite the accepted paradigms, New Zealand’s flora was largely resistant to exotic defoliators. As an explanation of this apparent anomaly, the Island Resource Allocation (IRA) hypothesis was developed and posits that ‘the palatability iv of a plant to invertebrate herbivores is proportional to the geographic range of the plant’. The basis for the IRA hypothesis proposes a redefinition of the fundamental ecological principle of the species: area relationship. Islands, or similarly geographically constrained ecosystems, which support lower biodiversity, have impoverished trophic levels and consequently have weaker top-down regulation of herbivores by natural enemies. The IRA hypothesis argues that island ecosystem stability is achieved through the bottom-up process of plant defence. The IRA hypothesis was tested intra-specifically using bioassays using painted apple moth in which larvae were offered foliage of specimens from naturally discontinuous populations of Nothofagus truncata. The results supported the hypothesis in that the smallest populations of N. truncata exhibited the greatest resistance to the defoliator. The IRA hypothesis and a demonstrated mechanism for a differential resistance in Nothofagus species could resolve a number of enduring debates in ecology. Habitat area appears to explain the relative strengths of top-down and bottom-up regulation of herbivores. It also predicts the strengths of reciprocal evolution within the geographic mosaic of co-evolution and highlights the influence of biodiversity in invasive ecology. It may also help to resolve the contentious and extremely relevant debate of the role of biodiversity in ecosystem function.

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The objective of this work had established DRIS norms for sugarcane crop in different yields levels. Results of the chemical analysis of leaves for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn was used, with your respective yield of 78 commercial fileds collected in Cocal usin, in Paraguaçu Paulista, São Paulo state, Brazil, between October and November of 2007. For the database formation to divided in six yield levels, of 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 Mg ha-1, with the establishment of all the binary relationships among the nutrients studied, then calculated the average, the standard deviation and the variance for each nutrient concentration, as well as for the relationships among these, in each sub-population, being maintained 55 relationships, the ones that presented the largest reason in the variance among the sub-populations. It was calculated the index of each nutrients, IBN of each population and the potential of answer to nutrient application. There were found significant differences between the nutrients contents and the yields to different varieties, being RB 935744 the most productive. The binary relationships among nutrients presented different values in populations studied. The yield level of 140 Mg ha-1 presented higher correlation between IBN and the productivity, being selected for DRIS norms definition. The nutrient order to nutrient supply was: B>Mn>Cu>S.
O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer as normas DRIS para a cultura da cana-de-açúcar em diferentes níveis de produtividade. Utilizou-se resultados da análise química de folhas para N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn com suas respectivas produtividades de 78 áreas comerciais coletadas na usina Cocal, em Paraguaçu Paulista SP, nos meses de outubro e novembro de 2007. Utilizou-se para a formação do banco de dados a divisão em seis níveis produtivos, de 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 e 150 Mg ha-1, com o estabelecimento de todas as relações binárias entre os nutrientes estudados, então calculou-se a média, o desvio padrão e a variância para cada concentração de nutriente, como também para as relações entre estes, em cada sub-população, sendo mantidas 55 relações, que apresentaram a maior razão na variância entre as sub-populações. Calculou-se o índice de cada nutriente, o IBN de cada população e o potencial de resposta á aplicação de cada nutriente. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os teores de nutrientes e as produtividades das diferentes variedades utilizadas, sendo a RB 935744 a mais produtiva. As relações binárias entre nutrientes apresentaram valores distintos nas diferentes populações estudadas. O nível produtivo de 140 Mg ha-1 apresentou maior correlação entre o índice de balanço nutricional e a produtividade, sendo selecionado para definição das normas DRIS. A ordem dos nutrientes que apresentaram maior potencial de resposta a adubação foi B>Mn>Cu>S.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
The Nutritional status evaluation by leaf analysis is being a useful tool in nutritional diagnosis of several plants in several parts of the world. To interpret the leaves analyses are suggested several methodologies: Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS), Balanced Indexes of Kenworthy (BIK), Critical Level by Reduced Normal Distribution (NCRIz), Critical Ranges (CR) and Mathematical Chance (MC). Those methodologies have been used to interpret vegetables chemical analyses at leaf, determining in the plant the ideal nutrient concentration. The objective of the present work was to evaluate methodologies in nutritional diagnosis of irrigated cantaloupe melon in Chapada do Apodi-RN. The work was developed in melon producing area between Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará states, Brazil, with predominance of "Cambissolo Háplico". The foliar Samples (analyzed as N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B) and respective productivities were collected in 100 farming supplied by producers of melon from Chapada do Apodi - RN. In the interpretation of the results, the values classes of nutrients concentrations for most of the methodologies are concordant, except for mathematical chance methodology, in which differed in a large part of the reference patterns. The Fe, B and P are between the five more deficient nutrients and the Cu and the S in excessive concentrations in most of the methodologies. The methodologies DRIS, BIK, NCRIz and CR were comparable and equally efficient in the interpretation of the leaf diagnosis of irrigated cantaloupe melon in Chapada do Apodi - RN, Brazil, establishing reference patterns for the culture in hierarchical order of nutritional limitation with similar values the averages of adaptation of high productivity farming
A avaliação do estado nutricional através da análise foliar vem sendo uma ferramenta bastante útil para o diagnóstico nutricional de várias culturas em diversas partes do mundo. Para interpretar as análises foliares são sugeridas diversas metodologias: Sistema Integrado de Diagnose e Recomendação (DRIS), Índices Balanceados de Kenworthy (IBK), Nível Critico pela Distribuição Normal Reduzida (NCRIz), Faixas Críticas (FC) e Chance Matemática (CM). Essas metodologias vêm sendo utilizadas para interpretar análises químicas de vegetais, principalmente na folha, determinando a concentração do nutriente ideal no tecido vegetal. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar as metodologias na diagnose nutricional do melão cantaloupe irrigado na região da Chapada do Apodi-RN. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na região produtora de melão entre os Estados do Rio Grande do Norte e Ceará, com predominância de Cambissolo Háplico . Amostras foliares (analisadas quanto a N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, e B) e respectivas produtividades foram coletadas em 100 talhões fornecidos pelos produtores de melão da Chapada do Apodi RN. Na interpretação dos resultados, as classes de valores de concentrações de nutrientes para a maioria das metodologias são concordantes, exceto para a metodologia da chance matemática que diferiu em grande parte dos padrões de referência. O Fe, o B e o P estão entre os cinco nutrientes mais deficientes e o cobre e o enxofre em concentrações excessivas na maioria das metodologias. As metodologias DRIS, IBK, NCRIz e FC foram equiparáveis e igualmente eficientes na interpretação da diagnose foliar do melão cantaloupe irrigado na Chapada do Apodi-RN, estabelecendo padrões de referência para a cultura em ordem hierárquica de limitação nutricional com valores similares as médias de adequação de talhões de alta produtividade

Extensive deforestations, particularly in the (sub)tropics, have led to intense soil degradation and erosion with concomitant reduction in soil fertility. Reforestations or plantations on those degraded sites may provide effective measures to mitigate further soil degradation and erosion, and can lead to improved soil quality. However, a change in land use from, e.g., grassland to forest may have a crucial impact on water balance. This may affect water availability even under humid tropical climate conditions where water is normally not a limiting factor. In this context, it should also be considered that according to climate change projections rainfall may decrease in some of these regions. To mitigate climate change related problems (e.g. increases in erosion and drought), reforestations are often carried out. Unfortunately, those measures are seldom completely successful, because the environmental conditions and the plant specific requirements are not appropriately taken into account. This is often due to data-scarcity and limited financial resources in tropical regions. For this reason, innovative approaches are required that are able to measure environmental conditions quasi-continuously in a cost-effective manner. Simultaneously, reforestation measures should be accompanied by monitoring in order to evaluate reforestation success and to mitigate, or at least to reduce, potential problems associated with reforestation (e.g. water scarcity). To avoid reforestation failure and negative implications on ecosystem services, it is crucial to get insights into the water balance of the actual ecosystem, and potential changes resulting from reforestation. The identification and prediction of water balance changes as a result of reforestation under climate change requires the consideration of the complex feedback system of processes in the soil-vegetation-atmosphere continuum. Models that account for those feedback system are Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere-Transfer (SVAT) models. For the before-mentioned reasons, this study targeted two main objectives: (i) to develop and test a method combination for site evaluation under data scarcity (i.e. study requirements) (Part I) and (ii) to investigate the consequences of prediction uncertainty of the SVAT model input parameters, which were derived using geophysical methods, on SVAT modeling (Part II). A water balance modeling approach was set at the center of the site evaluation approach. This study used the one-dimensional CoupModel, which is a SVAT model. CoupModel requires detailed spatial soil information for (i) model parameterization, (ii) upscaling of model results and accounting for local to regional-scale soil heterogeneity, and (iii) monitoring of changes in soil properties and plant characteristics over time. Since traditional approaches to soil and vegetation sampling and monitoring are time consuming and expensive (and therefore often limited to point information), geophysical methods were used to overcome this spatial limitation. For this reason, vis-NIR spectroscopy (visible to near-infrared wavelength range) was applied for the measurement of soil properties (physical and chemical), and remote sensing to derive vegetation characteristics (i.e. leaf area index (LAI)). Since the estimated soil properties (mainly texture) could be used to parameterize a SVAT model, this study investigated the whole processing chain and related prediction uncertainty of soil texture and LAI, and their impact on CoupModel water balance prediction uncertainty. A greenhouse experiment with bamboo plants was carried out to determine plant-physiological characteristics needed for CoupModel parameterization. Geoelectrics was used to investigate soil layering, with the intent of determining site-representative soil profiles for model parameterization. Soil structure was investigated using image analysis techniques that allow the quantitative assessment and comparability of structural features. In order to meet the requirements of the selected study approach, the developed methodology was applied and tested for a site in NE-Brazil (which has low data availability) with a bamboo plantation as the test site and a secondary forest as the reference (reference site). Nevertheless, the objective of the thesis was not the concrete modeling of the case study site, but rather the evaluation of the suitability of the selected methods to evaluate sites for reforestations and to monitor their influence on the water balance as well as soil properties. The results (Part III) highlight that one needs to be aware of the measurement uncertainty related to SVAT model input parameters, so for instance the uncertainty of model input parameters such as soil texture and leaf area index influences meaningfully the simulated model water balance output. Furthermore, this work indicates that vis-NIR spectroscopy is a fast and cost-efficient method for soil measurement, mapping, and monitoring of soil physical (texture) and chemical (N, TOC, TIC, TC) properties, where the quality of soil prediction depends on the instrument (e.g. sensor resolution), the sample properties (i.e. chemistry), and the site characteristics (i.e. climate). Additionally, also the sensitivity of the CoupModel with respect to texture prediction uncertainty with respect to surface runoff, transpiration, evaporation, evapotranspiration, and soil water content depends on site conditions (i.e. climate and soil type). For this reason, it is recommended that SVAT model sensitivity analysis be carried out prior to field spectroscopic measurements to account for site specific climate and soil conditions. Nevertheless, mapping of the soil properties estimated via spectroscopy using kriging resulted in poor interpolation (i.e. weak variograms) results as a consequence of a summation of uncertainty arising from the method of field measurement to mapping (i.e. spectroscopic soil prediction, kriging error) and site-specific ‘small-scale’ heterogeneity. The selected soil evaluation method (vis-NIR spectroscopy, structure comparison using image analysis, traditional laboratory analysis) showed that there are significant differences between the bamboo soil and the adjacent secondary forest soil established on the same soil type (Vertisol). Reflecting on the major study results, it can be stated that the selected method combination is a way forward to a more detailed and efficient way to evaluate the suitability of a specific site for reforestation. The results of this study provide insights into where and when during soil and vegetation measurements a high measurement accuracy is required to minimize uncertainties in SVAT modeling
Umfangreiche Abholzungen, besonders in den (Sub-)Tropen, habe zu intensiver Bodendegradierung und Erosion mit einhergehendem Verlust der Bodenfruchtbarkeit geführt. Eine wirksame Maßnahme zur Vermeidung fortschreitender Bodendegradierung und Erosion sind Aufforstungen auf diesen Flächen, die bisweilen zu einer verbesserten Bodenqualität führen können. Eine Umwandlung von Grünland zu Wald kann jedoch einen entscheidenden Einfluss auf den Wasserhaushalt haben. Selbst unter humid-tropischen Klimabedingungen, wo Wasser in der Regel kein begrenzender Faktor ist, können sich Aufforstungen negativ auf die Wasserverfügbarkeit auswirken. In diesem Zusammenhang muss auch berücksichtigt werden, dass Klimamodelle eine Abnahme der Niederschläge in einigen dieser Regionen prognostizieren. Um die Probleme, die mit dem Klimawandel in Verbindung stehen zu mildern (z.B. Zunahme von Erosion und Dürreperioden), wurden und werden bereits umfangreiche Aufforstungsmaßnahmen durchgeführt. Viele dieser Maßnahmen waren nicht immer umfassend erfolgreich, weil die Umgebungsbedingungen sowie die pflanzenspezifischen Anforderungen nicht angemessen berücksichtigt wurden. Dies liegt häufig an der schlechten Datengrundlage sowie an den in vielen Entwicklungs- und Schwellenländern begrenzter verfügbarer finanzieller Mittel. Aus diesem Grund werden innovative Ansätze benötigt, die in der Lage sind quasi-kontinuierlich und kostengünstig die Standortbedingungen zu erfassen und zu bewerten. Gleichzeitig sollte eine Überwachung der Wiederaufforstungsmaßnahme erfolgen, um deren Erfolg zu bewerten und potentielle negative Effekte (z.B. Wasserknappheit) zu erkennen und diesen entgegenzuwirken bzw. reduzieren zu können. Um zu vermeiden, dass Wiederaufforstungen fehlschlagen oder negative Auswirkungen auf die Ökosystemdienstleistungen haben, ist es entscheidend, Kenntnisse vom tatsächlichen Wasserhaushalt des Ökosystems zu erhalten und Änderungen des Wasserhaushalts durch Wiederaufforstungen vorhersagen zu können. Die Ermittlung und Vorhersage von Wasserhaushaltsänderungen infolge einer Aufforstung unter Berücksichtigung des Klimawandels erfordert die Berücksichtigung komplex-verzahnter Rückkopplungsprozesse im Boden-Vegetations-Atmosphären Kontinuum. Hydrologische Modelle, die explizit den Einfluss der Vegetation auf den Wasserhaushalt untersuchen sind Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere-Transfer (SVAT) Modelle. Die vorliegende Studie verfolgte zwei Hauptziele: (i) die Entwicklung und Erprobung einer Methodenkombination zur Standortbewertung unter Datenknappheit (d.h. Grundanforderung des Ansatzes) (Teil I) und (ii) die Untersuchung des Einflusses der mit geophysikalischen Methoden vorhergesagten SVAT-Modeleingangsparameter (d.h. Vorhersageunsicherheiten) auf die Modellierung (Teil II). Eine Wasserhaushaltsmodellierung wurde in den Mittelpunkt der Methodenkombination gesetzt. In dieser Studie wurde das 1D SVAT Model CoupModel verwendet. CoupModel benötigen detaillierte räumliche Bodeninformationen (i) zur Modellparametrisierung, (ii) zum Hochskalierung von Modellergebnissen unter Berücksichtigung lokaler und regionaler Bodenheterogenität, und (iii) zur Beobachtung (Monitoring) der zeitlichen Veränderungen des Bodens und der Vegetation. Traditionelle Ansätze zur Messung von Boden- und Vegetationseigenschaften und deren Monitoring sind jedoch zeitaufwendig, teuer und beschränken sich daher oft auf Punktinformationen. Ein vielversprechender Ansatz zur Überwindung der räumlichen Einschränkung sind die Nutzung geophysikalischer Methoden. Aus diesem Grund wurden vis-NIR Spektroskopie (sichtbarer bis nah-infraroter Wellenlängenbereich) zur quasi-kontinuierlichen Messung von physikalischer und chemischer Bodeneigenschaften und Satelliten-basierte Fernerkundung zur Ableitung von Vegetationscharakteristika (d.h. Blattflächenindex (BFI)) eingesetzt. Da die mit geophysikalisch hergeleiteten Bodenparameter (hier Bodenart) und Pflanzenparameter zur Parametrisierung eines SVAT Models verwendet werden können, wurde die gesamte Prozessierungskette und die damit verbundenen Unsicherheiten und deren potentiellen Auswirkungen auf die Wasserhaushaltsmodellierung mit CoupModel untersucht. Ein Gewächshausexperiment mit Bambuspflanzen wurde durchgeführt, um die zur CoupModel Parametrisierung notwendigen pflanzenphysio- logischen Parameter zu bestimmen. Geoelektrik wurde eingesetzt, um die Bodenschichtung der Untersuchungsfläche zu untersuchen und ein repräsentatives Bodenprofil zur Modellierung zu definieren. Die Bodenstruktur wurde unter Verwendung einer Bildanalysetechnik ausgewertet, die die qualitativen Bewertung und Vergleichbarkeit struktureller Merkmale ermöglicht. Um den Anforderungen des gewählten Standortbewertungsansatzes gerecht zu werden, wurde die Methodik auf einem Standort mit einer Bambusplantage und einem Sekundärregenwald (als Referenzfläche) in NO-Brasilien (d.h. geringe Datenverfügbarkeit) entwickelt und getestet. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war jedoch nicht die Modellierung dieses konkreten Standortes, sondern die Bewertung der Eignung des gewählten Methodenansatzes zur Standortbewertung für Aufforstungen und deren zeitliche Beobachtung, als auch die Bewertung des Einfluss von Aufforstungen auf den Wasserhaushalt und die Bodenqualität. Die Ergebnisse (Teil III) verdeutlichen, dass es notwendig ist, sich den potentiellen Einfluss der Messunsicherheiten der SVAT Modelleingangsparameter auf die Modellierung bewusst zu sein. Beispielsweise zeigte sich, dass die Vorhersageunsicherheiten der Bodentextur und des BFI einen bedeutenden Einfluss auf die Wasserhaushaltsmodellierung mit CoupModel hatte. Die Arbeit zeigt weiterhin, dass vis-NIR Spektroskopie zur schnellen und kostengünstigen Messung, Kartierung und Überwachung boden-physikalischer (Bodenart) und -chemischer (N, TOC, TIC, TC) Eigenschaften geeignet ist. Die Qualität der Bodenvorhersage hängt vom Instrument (z.B. Sensorauflösung), den Probeneigenschaften (z.B. chemische Zusammensetzung) und den Standortmerkmalen (z.B. Klima) ab. Die Sensitivitätsanalyse mit CoupModel zeigte, dass der Einfluss der spektralen Bodenartvorhersageunsicherheiten auf den mit CoupModel simulierten Oberflächenabfluss, Evaporation, Transpiration und Evapotranspiration ebenfalls von den Standortbedingungen (z.B. Klima, Bodentyp) abhängt. Aus diesem Grund wird empfohlen eine SVAT Model Sensitivitätsanalyse vor der spektroskopischen Feldmessung von Bodenparametern durchzuführen, um die Standort-spezifischen Boden- und Klimabedingungen angemessen zu berücksichtigen. Die Anfertigung einer Bodenkarte unter Verwendung von Kriging führte zu schlechten Interpolationsergebnissen in Folge der Aufsummierung von Mess- und Schätzunsicherheiten (d.h. bei spektroskopischer Feldmessung, Kriging-Fehler) und der kleinskaligen Bodenheterogenität. Anhand des gewählten Bodenbewertungsansatzes (vis-NIR Spektroskopie, Strukturvergleich mit Bildanalysetechnik, traditionelle Laboranalysen) konnte gezeigt werden, dass es bei gleichem Bodentyp (Vertisol) signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Böden unter Bambus und Sekundärwald gibt. Anhand der wichtigsten Ergebnisse kann festgehalten werden, dass die gewählte Methodenkombination zur detailreicheren und effizienteren Standortuntersuchung und -bewertung für Aufforstungen beitragen kann. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie geben einen Einblick darauf, wo und wann bei Boden- und Vegetationsmessungen eine besonders hohe Messgenauigkeit erforderlich ist, um Unsicherheiten bei der SVAT Modellierung zu minimieren
Extensos desmatamentos que estão sendo feitos especialmente nos trópicos e sub-trópicos resultam em uma intensa degradação do solo e num aumento da erosão gerando assim uma redução na sua fertilidade. Reflorestamentos ou plantações nestas áreas degradadas podem ser medidas eficazes para atenuar esses problemas e levar a uma melhoria da qualidade do mesmo. No entanto, uma mudança no uso da terra, por exemplo de pastagem para floresta pode ter um impacto crucial no balanço hídrico e isso pode afetar a disponibilidade de água, mesmo sob condições de clima tropical úmido, onde a água normalmente não é um fator limitante. Devemos levar também em consideração que de acordo com projeções de mudanças climáticas, as precipitações em algumas dessas regiões também diminuirão agravando assim, ainda mais o quadro apresentado. Para mitigar esses problemas relacionados com as alterações climáticas, reflorestamentos são frequentemente realizados mas raramente são bem-sucedidos, pois condições ambientais como os requisitos específicos de cada espécie de planta, não são devidamente levados em consideração. Isso é muitas vezes devido, não só pela falta de dados, como também por recursos financeiros limitados, que são problemas comuns em regiões tropicais. Por esses motivos, são necessárias abordagens inovadoras que devam ser capazes de medir as condições ambientais quase continuamente e de maneira rentável. Simultaneamente com o reflorestamento, deve ser feita uma monitoração a fim de avaliar o sucesso da atividade e para prevenir, ou pelo menos, reduzir os problemas potenciais associados com o mesmo (por exemplo, a escassez de água). Para se evitar falhas e reduzir implicações negativas sobre os ecossistemas, é crucial obter percepções sobre o real balanço hídrico e as mudanças que seriam geradas por esse reflorestamento. Por este motivo, esta tese teve como objetivo desenvolver e testar uma combinação de métodos para avaliação de áreas adequadas para reflorestamento. Com esse intuito, foi colocada no centro da abordagem de avaliação a modelagem do balanço hídrico local, que permite a identificação e estimação de possíveis alterações causadas pelo reflorestamento sob mudança climática considerando o sistema complexo de realimentação e a interação de processos do continuum solo-vegetação-atmosfera. Esses modelos hidrológicos que investigam explicitamente a influência da vegetação no equilíbrio da água são conhecidos como modelos Solo-Vegetação-Atmosfera (SVAT). Esta pesquisa focou em dois objetivos principais: (i) desenvolvimento e teste de uma combinação de métodos para avaliação de áreas que sofrem com a escassez de dados (pré-requisito do estudo) (Parte I), e (ii) a investigação das consequências da incerteza nos parâmetros de entrada do modelo SVAT, provenientes de dados geofísicos, para modelagem hídrica (Parte II). A fim de satisfazer esses objetivos, o estudo foi feito no nordeste brasileiro,por representar uma área de grande escassez de dados, utilizando como base uma plantação de bambu e uma área de floresta secundária. Uma modelagem do balanço hídrico foi disposta no centro da metodologia para a avaliação de áreas. Este estudo utilizou o CoupModel que é um modelo SVAT unidimensional e que requer informações espaciais detalhadas do solo para (i) a parametrização do modelo, (ii) aumento da escala dos resultados da modelagem, considerando a heterogeneidade do solo de escala local para regional e (iii) o monitoramento de mudanças nas propriedades do solo e características da vegetação ao longo do tempo. Entretanto, as abordagens tradicionais para amostragem de solo e de vegetação e o monitoramento são demorados e caros e portanto muitas vezes limitadas a informações pontuais. Por esta razão, métodos geofísicos como a espectroscopia visível e infravermelho próximo (vis-NIR) e sensoriamento remoto foram utilizados respectivamente para a medição de propriedades físicas e químicas do solo e para derivar as características da vegetação baseado no índice da área foliar (IAF). Como as propriedades estimadas de solo (principalmente a textura) poderiam ser usadas para parametrizar um modelo SVAT, este estudo investigou toda a cadeia de processamento e as incertezas de previsão relacionadas à textura de solo e ao IAF. Além disso explorou o impacto destas incertezas criadas sobre a previsão do balanço hídrico simulado por CoupModel. O método geoelétrico foi aplicado para investigar a estratificação do solo visando a determinação de um perfil representante. Já a sua estrutura foi explorada usando uma técnica de análise de imagens que permitiu a avaliação quantitativa e a comparabilidade dos aspectos estruturais. Um experimento realizado em uma estufa com plantas de bambu (Bambusa vulgaris) foi criado a fim de determinar as caraterísticas fisiológicas desta espécie que posteriormente seriam utilizadas como parâmetros para o CoupModel. Os resultados do estudo (Parte III) destacam que é preciso estar consciente das incertezas relacionadas à medição de parâmetros de entrada do modelo SVAT. A incerteza presente em alguns parâmetros de entrada como por exemplo, textura de solo e o IAF influencia significantemente a modelagem do balanço hídrico. Mesmo assim, esta pesquisa indica que vis-NIR espectroscopia é um método rápido e economicamente viável para medir, mapear e monitorar as propriedades físicas (textura) e químicas (N, TOC, TIC, TC) do solo. A precisão da previsão dessas propriedades depende do tipo de instrumento (por exemplo da resolução do sensor), da propriedade da amostra (a composição química por exemplo) e das características das condições climáticas da área. Os resultados apontam também que a sensitividade do CoupModel à incerteza da previsão da textura de solo em respeito ao escoamento superficial, transpiração, evaporação, evapotranspiração e ao conteúdo de água no solo depende das condições gerais da área (por exemplo condições climáticas e tipo de solo). Por isso, é recomendado realizar uma análise de sensitividade do modelo SVAT prior a medição espectral do solo no campo, para poder considerar adequadamente as condições especificas do área em relação ao clima e ao solo. Além disso, o mapeamento de propriedades de solo previstas pela espectroscopia usando o kriging, resultou em interpolações de baixa qualidade (variogramas fracos) como consequência da acumulação de incertezas surgidas desde a medição no campo até o seu mapeamento (ou seja, previsão do solo via espectroscopia, erro do kriging) e heterogeneidade especifica de uma pequena escala. Osmétodos selecionados para avaliação das áreas (vis-NIR espectroscopia, comparação da estrutura de solo por meio de análise de imagens, análise de laboratório tradicionais) revelou a existência de diferenças significativas entre o solo sob bambu e o sob floresta secundária, apesar de ambas terem sido estabelecidas no mesmo tipo de solo (vertissolo). Refletindo sobre os principais resultados do estudo, pode-se afirmar que a combinação dos métodos escolhidos e aplicados representam uma forma mais detalhada e eficaz de avaliar se uma determinada área é adequada para ser reflorestada. Os resultados apresentados fornecem percepções sobre onde e quando, durante a medição do solo e da vegetação, é necessário se ter uma precisão mais alta a fim de minimizar incertezas potenciais na modelagem com o modelo SVAT

碩士
正修科技大學
化妝品與時尚彩妝研究所
103
In this research, we use leaves of dried Encyclia cordigera as major materials and water as the solvent to proceed extractions for continuously three hours in three different temperature conditions at 30℃, 50℃ and 90℃, each with ratio of 1g:20g, to obtain the rough extracts after the last step, decompression and concentration. We then evaluate the antioxidative activity of the Encyclia Cordigera extracts in different temperatures from the test of DPPH free radical determination, Prussian blue restore capabilities, Total phenolic contents , Total flavonoid contents, Total carbohydrate and reducing sugar contents. 　　The result indicates that Encyclia cordigera extracts have antioxidative capacity under the same circumstances in every test above. In the test of DPPH free radical determination, Encyclia cordigera extracts are in the best condition at 90℃, IC50 with 40.28 ± 0.61 μg/mL, 50℃, IC50 with 67.49 ± 1.38 μg/mL comes the second, and 30℃with 106.77 ± 2.01 μg/mL is of the third. In the test of Prussian blue restore capabilities , Encyclia cordigera extracts are in the best condition at 90℃, EC50 with 109.68 ± 2.39 μg/mL, while there is no significant difference between the temperature at 50℃ water crude extract content of EC50 with 191.10 ± 2.73 μg/mL and at 30℃ water crude extract content of 187.50 ± 2.27 μg/mL is of the third. In the test of Total phenolic contents, Encyclia cordigera extracts are in the best condition at 90℃, 90℃ water crude extract content of 154.77 ± 1.14 mg of GAE/g, 50℃water crude extract content of 104.29 ± 0.65 mg of GAE/g comes the second, and 30℃water crude extract content of 98.66 ± 1.28 mg of GAE/g is the third. In the test of Total flavonoid contents , Encyclia cordigera extracts are in the best condition at 90℃,90℃ water crude extract content of 66.65 ± 0.67 mg of DC/g, 50℃ water crude extract content of with 36.20 ± 0.49 mg of DC/g comes the second, and 30℃water crude extract content of 98.66 ± 1.28 mg of DC/g is the third. In the test of Total carbohydrate contents, Encyclia cordigera extracts are in the best condition at 90℃,90℃ water crude extract content of 327.96 ± 1.30 mg of Glc/g, 50℃ water crude extract content of 257.17 ± 1.23 mg of Glc/g comes the second, and 30℃water crude extract content of 198.51 ± 1.51 mg of Glc /g is the third. In the test of Total reducing sugar contents , Encyclia cordigera extracts are in the best condition at 90℃,90℃ water crude extract content of 258.69 ± 0.59 mg of Glc/g,50℃ water crude extract content of 173.77 ± 0.43 mg of Glc/g comes the second, and at 30℃ water crude extract content of 163.69 ± 0.35 mg of Glc/g is the third. All of the above, it suggests that the antioxidative activity of Encyclia cordigera extracts are in the best condition at 90℃in each test. It shows that emulsion within Encyclia cordigera extracts does not cause skin irritation in the experiment to test the effectiveness. The statistics indicates that the emulsion within Encyclia cordigera extracts has moisturizing effect on the skin, in a week after the skin has obvious improvement effect of electric capacitance , and electric capacitance increase rate is about 22.79%, using four weeks after its electric capacitance increase rate of scale decreases to around 1.12%.While the elasticity of the skin also increases over time, after the first week of the elasticity of the skin increase about 6.25%, significantly higher than that of control group 3.37%. In the aspect of skin whitening, the skin melanin content before use average by 8.4 to 6 the melanin index reduced along with the increasing weeks of usage as well. Overall, emulsion within Encyclia cordigera extracts would be effective in skin moisture, elasticity, and skin whitening if applied to cosmetic formulations. Thus, how to add the extracts into the developing cosmetics in the future would worth further discussion and study.