Raman Spectroscopy Enables Non-Invasive Identification of Mycotoxins p. Fusarium of Winter Wheat Seeds

Identification of specific mycotoxins p. Fusarium contained in infected winter wheat seeds can be achieved by visually recognizing their distinctive phenotypic species. The visual identification (ID) of species is subjective and usually requires significant taxonomic knowledge. Methods for the determination of various types of mycotoxins of the p. Fusarium are laborious and require the use of chemical invasive research methods. In this research, we investigate the possibility of using Raman spectroscopy (RS) as a tag-free, non-invasive and non-destructive analytical method for the rapid and accurate identification of p. Fusarium. Varieties of the r. Fusarium can produce mycotoxins that directly affect the DNA, RNA and chemical structure of infected seeds. Analysis of spectra by RS methods and chemometric analysis allows the identification of healthy, infected and contaminated seeds of winter wheat with varieties of mycotoxins p. Fusarium. Raman seed analysis provides accurate identification of p. Fusarium in 96% of samples. In addition, we present data on the identification of carbohydrates, proteins, fiber and other nutrients contaminated with p. Fusarium seeds obtained using spectroscopic signatures. These results demonstrate that RS enables rapid, accurate and non-invasive screening of seed phytosanitary status.

Correlations Between the DMN and the Smoking Cessation Outcome of a Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Supported Exploratory Therapy Approach: Descriptive Statistics on Tobacco-Dependent Patients

The aim of this study was to explore the potential of default mode network (DMN) functional connectivity for predicting the success of smoking cessation in patients with tobacco dependence in the context of a real-time function al MRI (RT-fMRI) neurofeedback (NF) supported therapy. Fifty-four tobacco-dependent patients underwent three RT-fMRI-NF sessions including resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) runs over a period of 4 weeks during professionally assisted smoking cessation. Patients were randomized into two groups that performed either active NF of an addiction-related brain region or sham NF. After preprocessing, the RSFC baseline data were statistically evaluated using seed-based ROI (SBA) approaches taking into account the smoking status of patients after 3 months (abstinence/relapse). The results of the real study group showed a widespread functional connectivity in the relapse subgroup (n = 10) exceeding the DMN template and mainly low correlations and anticorrelations in the within-seed analysis. In contrast, the connectivity pattern of the abstinence subgroup (n = 8) primarily contained the core DMN in the seed-to-whole-brain analysis and a left lateralized correlation pattern in the within-seed analysis. Calculated Multi-Subject Dictionary Learning (MSDL) matrices showed anticorrelations between DMN regions and salience regions in the abstinence group. Concerning the sham group, results of the relapse subgroup (n = 4) and the abstinence subgroup (n = 6) showed similar trends only in the within-seed analysis. In the setting of a RT-fMRI-NF-assisted therapy, a widespread intrinsic DMN connectivity and a low negative coupling between the DMN and the salience network (SN) in patients with tobacco dependency during early withdrawal may be useful as an early indicator of later therapy nonresponse.

Quality of forage seeds sold in the state of Mato Grosso

The acquisition of high-quality seeds is essential to successfully implant areas with forage. However, to be commercialized, they must meet the minimum quality standards established by law. Inspections are necessary to guarantee the quality and identity of the commercialized seed. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the quality of tropical forage seed species collected in 2018, in the state of Mato Grosso. The survey was based on data from officers’ samples, in commercial establishments and fine consumers, collected during inspections conducted by the Agricultural Defense Institute of the State of Mato Grosso - INDEA-MT and subsequently analyzed by the Guilherme de Abreu Lima Seed Analysis Laboratory (LASGAL). Purity analysis, determination of other seeds by number (DOSN), germination test and tetrazolium test were carried out. The study showed that 75% of the analyzed samples reached the minimum requirements for commercialization in terms of physical purity; 95% of the samples were within the standard for physiological quality determined by law; and 91.9% did not exceed the maximum limits regarding the number of undesirable seeds present in a sample. In general, 36.1% of the total samples analyzed did not conform in some way to quality standards, therefore were not appropriate for commercialization.

Corpus-based analysis of genetically modified seed discourse

While ecolinguistics studies interactions between language and the natural world, the theme of genetic modification highlights challenges in developing frameworks for the analysis of ecological discourses. Given the ability of humans to alter life at the molecular level, one could argue that frameworks of anti-essentialism and discursive constructivism have expanded from the cultural and social realms (the traditional focus of discourse analysis) to encompass the natural world. This paper uses multilevel analysis to draw out various dimensions of debates related to genetically modified (GM) seed. Analysis is applied to a web-based corpus using both computational, quantitative methods as well as qualitative critical and interpretive approaches. Keyword analysis, concordance lines, and collocation are used to explore whether sides of the debate are reflected in the semantic structure of the text. Implicature and conceptual blending point to differences at the cognitive level. The analyses give data-based evidence for differing epistemologies, worldviews, and situated contexts that may underlie misunderstandings. Results suggest the multilevel methodology can be an effective way to integrate ecological context into discourse analyses. Findings also lead to a discussion of conceptual frameworks for ecolinguistic discourse analysis.

Pre-harvest glyphosate desiccation on barley seed quality

The experiment was conducted into two stages, the first being the barley seed production and application of glyphosate and the second the vigour tests in the laboratory. Both stages were performed at the Experimental Farm of Agrarian Sciences at Grand Dourados Federal University (UFGD). In field, four cultivars of barley was sowing being: BRS Cryst, BRS Kallibre, BRS Demeter, BRS Sampa. For desiccation, the glyphosate herbicide (480 g L-1 of active ingredient) was used, applied using a backpack sprayer at dose of 5 L ha-1. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, and each cultivar was divided into five replications, applying the herbicide in four of them leaving one without application for control. The application was made when seeds presented water content close to 50%. At second stage, eight evaluation were made being one at the day of glyphosate application, one, two, three, eight, ten and fourteen days after application and without application in natural physiological maturity. In each evaluation, sowing was performed according to Rules to Seed Analysis. The analyses were: First count, percentage of germination, germination speed index, mean germination time, mean germination speed, accelerated aging and synchronization index. Glyphosate has interfered negatively in the physiological maturation of barley seeds when the herbicide was applied in pre-harvest. The results obtained showed that there was an increase in seeds germination after 14 days of application, however, the means were significantly smaller in relation to seeds harvested at the point of physiological maturation without glyphosate application.

Envelope method for the germination test of Mombasa grass

The Rules for Seed Analysis reports the use of a paper envelope to allow use of the germination test with small seeds but does not provide any method or use recommendation. As Mombasa grass has high quality and commercial importance, the objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of the envelope method in the germination test of Mombasa grass seeds, with the aim of achieving greater result accuracy and improvement of seed quality analysis processes in laboratories. The germination of eight lots of Mombasa grass seeds was evaluated with two sowing methods (on paper and in paper envelope). The moisture content and the first germination count were also determined. The experiment was conducted with a completely randomized design. The data were analyzed in a 2 x 8 factor scheme (sowing methods x lots), with four repetitions. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the F test and when significant, treatment means were compared using the Tukey’s test at 5% probability. Results showed that the envelope method is efficient for the germination test of Mombasa grass seeds and can be easily used by seed analysis laboratories, as it present results equivalent or superior to those obtained using the traditional method on paper, while occupying only 2/5 of the germination chamber space used in the conventional method.

Biophototic in azuki bean seeds treated with ultrahigh dilutions

Seed analysis is usually performed by destructive samples with time-consuming methods. Treatments that improve seed vigor are suggested based on bioassays and protocols for most plants. This includes the use of images to assess quality and pro- vide information that supports decisions. However, instrumental cost has not made these technologies widely used. The objective of this research was to study biophotonic images generated by low cost technologies - cold plasma scanner or gas discharge visualization (GDV) and speckle laser (BSL) - to evaluate the germination of adzuki beans seeds treated with ultrahigh dilutions (UHD). The research was carried out at the EPAGRI Homeopathy and Plant Health Laboratory, with a post-graduate support at the State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC). The images of the seeds were diagnosed mathematically, before and after germination, using “Local Connected Fractal Dimension Analysis” (LCFD) and “Time History Speckle Pattern” (THSP). The results show that the images identify the effects of high dilution - Bryonia alba and Silicea terra, at 6, 12 and 30 CH (centesimal hahnemannian dilution order) - on the seeds of azuki beans. There were statistically differences (p < 1% and p < 5%) of the treatments in relation to the control: water. Only Silicea terra 30CH inhibited seed germination. The signals found in the BSL images of the seeds were superior to the GDV signals, showing an average of 89% correct responses (BSL) against 87% (GDV).

Physiology of Growth and Development of Fruits and Seeds of Common Beans

Common beans are one of the most economically important legumes in the world. The determination of the ideal harvesting period may coincide with the maximum seed quality and vigor. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the physiology of growth and development of fruits, seeds and seedlings of two cultivars of common beans. To this end, two cultivars of common beans were used: the “Macarrão Trepador” and “Rasteiro Fartura” harvested every five days after anthesis (DAA). The pods were harvested and sent to the laboratory for seed analysis and extraction. In the laboratory, biometric characteristics of fruits and seeds, physiological quality (germination and vigor) and chemical composition of seeds were evaluated. The physiological maturity of “Macarrão Trepador” and “Rasteiro Fartura” cultivars occurred at 35 DAA, during which the seeds had the maximum dry matter and the minimum water content. The chemical composition of the seeds of both cultivars was similar, except for lignin, whose content was higher in “Rasteiro Fartura” cultivar at 25 DAA. The color and dry mass of fruits and seeds, germination percentage, first germination count, germination speed index and average germination time are the indicators that help in determining the physiological maturity point.

Prior disinfestation of irrigated rice seeds under laboratory conditions favors expression of physiological potential

The purpose of this study was to analyze prior seed disinfestation of irrigated rice seeds with sodium hypochlorite and its effect on physiological quality. The experiment was conducted in the seed analysis laboratory of Santa Catarina State University (UDESC). Twenty-four (four per cultivar) seed lots of the cultivars SCSBRS Tio Taka, Epagri 109, SCS116 Satoru, SCS118 Marquês, SCS121 CL, and SCS122 Miura, produced in the Upper Itajaí Valley in the 2016/2017 season, were used in a completely randomized experimental design with four replications. Germination and vigor tests were performed with and without disinfestation seeds. For the germination test with disinfected seeds, there was a higher percentage of normal seedlings and a smaller number of abnormal seedlings and dead seeds. There was significant decrease in vigor without prior seed disinfestation. The fungi that infested the seeds caused an increase in the percentage of abnormal seedlings and dead seeds. Seed disinfestation prior to physiological test positively affects the results regarding the physiological quality of irrigated rice seeds.

Towards the Mid-Late Holocene Environment of Mochena Borago Rock Shelter, Wolayta, South Ethiopia

With the objective of understanding the mid-late Holocene subsistence pattern and the local ecology, archaeobotanical investigation was conducted on soil samples collected from 29 contexts from the rock shelter site of Mochena Borago. The samples were collected by the French Archaeological Mission in 2000 and 2001 field seasons. Flotation was carried out using bucket and 2.0 mm mesh size sieve. Recovered botanical remains were classified based on size and grain morphology. Seed analysis was conducted at 5-20x magnification. A total of 112 seeds and fruit stones were identified which include 55 Sapindaceae cf. Deinbollia type (dune soap-berry), 33 Myrtaceae cf. Syzigium guineense type (sometimes called waterberry), 9 Plectranthus edulis (Wolayta dinich/potato), 7 Euphorbiaceae Croton sp. (rushfoil), 2 Cordia cf. africana (wanza in Amharic), 1 Ebenaceae cf. Diospyros (commonly known as ebony trees), 1 Olea europea ssp. africana (Olive Oil). Plectranthus edulis is an indigenous crop for the study area and Cordia cf. africana and Olea europea ssp. africana are reported for the first time in archaeological context of the whole region of Ethiopia. The study provided data on the ancient economy and ecology of the site in a region where archaeobotanical research is limited.