• Title/Summary/Keyword: $H_{2}$ production

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Improvement of Herbicide Use in Crop Production. X. Interpretations in Tank - mix Use of Aciflurofen and Haloxyfop - methyl for Weeding on Late - season Cropped Soybeans (Glycine max L.) (제초제(除草劑)의 사용법(使用法) 개발(開發)을 위한 연구(硏究) - X. 만파대두(晩播大豆)의 잡초방제(雜草防除)를 위한 Acifluorfen과 Haloxyfop-methyl의 혼용효과(混用效果) 해석연구(解析硏究))

  • Guh, J.O.;Lee, K.;Kim, D.K.;Hong, S.H.
    • Korean Journal of Weed Science
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    • v.5 no.1
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    • pp.73-84
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    • 1985
  • 25 tank-mixed combinations between Haloxyfop-methyl at 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 kg ae/ha and Acifluorfen at 0, 0.082, 0.163, 0.245 and 0.326 kg ai/ha were applicated at post-emergence on the late-season cropped soybean(Glycine max) fields predominated by grasses and assessed on the weeding efficacy. A most abundant weed species on the experimented fields were found at September (25 species). The broadleaved weed species and sedges were successively and proportionately emerged by the control rate of grass species. From the mono-treatment of each herbicide, Haloxyfop-methyl was recognized as a highly selective one between grasses and soybean, and Acifluorfen between broadleaf weeds and soybean, respectively. By combined application with both herbicides a synergistic weeding efficacy was detected on total weed species, however antagonistic or additive on each weed groups. Among other traits of soybean, stem dry weight was influenced by weed competitions during October, number of pods per plant during August and seed yields during whole periods. For most effective and reasonable weeding, no less than 0.4 kg ai/ha of each herbicides should be applicated in combinations.

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A Study on Oxygen Reduction Reaction of PtM Electrocatalysts Synthesized by a Modified Polyol Process (수정된 폴리올 방법을 적용하여 합성한 PtM 촉매들의 산소환원반응성 연구)

  • Yang, Jongwon;Hyun, Kyuwhan;Chu, Cheunho;Kwon, Yongchai
    • Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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    • v.25 no.1
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    • pp.78-83
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    • 2014
  • In this research, we evaluated the performance and characteristics of carbon supported PtM (M = Ni and Y) alloy catalysts (PtM/Cs) synthesized by a modified polyol method. With the PtM/Cs employed as a catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of cathodes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), their catalytic and ORR activities and electrical performance were investigated and compared with those of commercial Pt/C. Their particle sizes, particle distributions and electrochemically active surface areas (EAS) were measured by TEM and cyclic voltammetry (CV), while their ORR activity and electrical performance were explored using linear sweeping voltammetries with rotating disk electrodes and rotating ring-disk electrodes as well as PEMFC single cell tests. TEM and CV measurements show that PtM/Cs have the compatible particle size and EAS with Pt/C. When it comes to ORR activity, PtM/C showed the equivalent or better half-wave potential, kinetic current density, transferred electron number per oxygen molecule and $H_2O_2$ production(%) to or than commerical Pt/C. Based on results gained by the three electrode tests, when the PEMFC single cell tests were carried out, the current density measured at 0.6 V and maximum power density of PEMFC single cell adopting PtM/C catalysts were better than those adopting Pt/C catalyst. It is therefore concluded that PtM/C catalysts synthesized by modified polyol can result in the equivalent or better ORR catalytic capability and PEMFC performance to or than commercial Pt/C catalyst.

Studies on the Various Utilization of Microbial Formulation for the Production of Vegetable Crops (원예작물(園藝作物) 생산성(生産性)에 미치는 미생물(微生物) 제제(製劑)의 복합적(複合的) 이용연구(利用硏究))

  • Kim, Kwang-Sik;Kim, Young-Woong;Choi, Young-Soo
    • Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.191-205
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    • 1995
  • The carrier materials used for the development of bacterial inoculants to be effective in field were made with various carrier materials of two major forms, alginate bead and powder inoculants. Inoculants were prepared after mixing those carrier materials with Pseudomonas fluorescens SSL3 and Bacillus subtilis B5, and the treatment effects of each inoculants was investigated on cucumber, tomato, pepper and potato. Survival density of SSL3 and B5 in various carrier materials for duration of storage and the bead inoculants were better than the powder. In the powders, survival rate increased in carrier materials treated 5% skimilk. The growth condition of microorganisms in carrier materials is good at powder. When they were preserved in the long period, contamination is problem. Scanning(200 to 600nm) of the P. fluorescens SSL3 supernatant in centrifuged MKB broth incubated for 48h had two main peaks, pyochelin(300nm) and pyoverdin(400nm). The potato yield in field experiments of spring, treated with bead formulas showed increase of 22~29% in whole potato breeds as compared with control, because the bead formulas degraded, and released the antibiotic microorganisms in slow and constant rate. In the pot experiment, there were significant difference in soil, wheatbran, and bead formed wheatbran.

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Changes in Inorganic Element Concentrations in Leaves, Supplied and Drained Nutrient Solution according to Fruiting Node during Semi-forcing Hydroponic Cultivation of 'Bonus' Tomato ('Bonus' 토마토 반촉성 수경재배 시 착과절위에 따른 식물체, 공급액 및 배액의 무기성분 농도 변화)

  • Lee, Eun Mo;Park, Sang Kyu;Lee, Bong Chun;Lee, Hee Chul;Kim, Hak Hun;Yun, Yeo Uk;Park, Soo Bok;Chung, Sun Ok;Choi, Jong Myung
    • Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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    • v.28 no.1
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    • pp.38-45
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    • 2019
  • Recycling of drained nutrient solution in hydroponic cultivation of horticultural crops is important in the conservation of the water resources, reduction of production costs and prevention of environmental contamination. Objective of this research was to obtain the fundamental data for the development of a recirculation system of hydroponic solution in semi-forcing cultivation of 'Bonus' tomato. To achieve the objective, tomato plants were cultivated for 110 days and the contents of inorganic elements in plant, supplied and drained nutrient solution were analyzed when crop growth were in the flowering stage of 2nd to 8th fruiting nodes. The T-N content of the plants based on above-ground tissue were 4.1% at the flowering stage of 2nd fruiting nodes (just after transplanting), and gradually get lowered to 3.9% at the flowering stage of 8th fruiting nodes. The tissue P contents were also high in very early stage of growth and development and were maintained to similar contents in the flowering stage of 3rd to 7th fruiting nodes, but were lowed in 8th node stages. The tissue Ca, Mg and Na contents in early growth stages were lower than late growth stages and the contents showed tendencies to rise as plants grew. The concentration differences of supplied nutrient solution and drained solution in $NO_3-N$, P, K, Ca, and Mg were not significant until 5 weeks after transplanting, but the concentration of those elements in drained solution rose gradually and maintained higher than those in supplied solution. The concentrations of B, Fe, and Na in drained solution were slightly higher in the early stages of growth and development and were significantly higher in the mid to late stages of growth than those in supplied solution. The above results would be used as a fundamental data for the correction in the inorganic element concentrations of drained solution for semi-forcing hydroponic cultivation of tomato.

Hydroponic Nutrient Solution and Light Quality Influence on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Growth from the Artificial Light Type of Plant Factory System (인공광 식물공장에서 수경배양액 및 광질 조절이 상추 실생묘 생장에 미치는 영향)

  • Heo, Jeong-Wook;Park, Kyeong-Hun;Hong, Seung-Gil;Lee, Jae-Su;Baek, Jeong-Hyun
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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    • v.38 no.4
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    • pp.225-236
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    • 2019
  • BACKGROUND: Hydroponics is one of the methods for evaluating plant production using the inorganic nutrient solutions, which is applied under the artificial light conditions of plant factory system. However, the application of the conventional inorganic nutrients for hydroponics caused several environmental problems: waste from culture mediums and high nitrate concentration in plants. Organic nutrients are generally irrigated as a supplementary fertilizer for plant growth promotion under field or greenhouse conditions. Hydroponic culture using organic nutrients derived from the agricultural by-products such as dumped stems, leaves or immature fruits is rarely considered in plant factory system. Effect of organic or conventional inorganic nutrient solutions on the growth and nutrient absorption pattern of green and red leaf lettuces was investigated in this experiment under fluorescent lamps (FL) and mixture Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). METHODS AND RESULTS: Single solution of tomatoes (TJ) and kales (K) deriving from agricultural by-products including leaves or stems and its mixed solution (mixture ration 1:1) with conventional inorganic Yamazaki (Y) were supplied for hydroponics under the plant factory system. The Yamazaki solution was considered as a control. 'Jeockchima' and 'Cheongchima' lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa L.) were used as plant materials. The seedlings which developed 2~3 true leaves were grown under the light qualities of FL and mixed LED lights of blue plus red plus white of 1:2:1 mixture in energy ratio for 35 days. Light intensity of the light sources was controlled at 180 μmol/㎡/s on the culture bed. The single and mixture nutrient solutions of organic and/or inorganic components which controlled at 1.5 dS/m EC and 5.8 pH were regularly irrigated by the deep flow technique (DFT) system on the culture gutters. Number of unfolded leaves of the seedlings grown under the single or mixed nutrient solutions were significantly increased compared to the conventional Y treatment. Leaf extension of 'Jeockchima' under the mixture LED radiation condition was not affected by Y and YK or YTJ mixture treatments. SPAD value in 'Jeockchima' leaves exposed by FL under the YK mixture medium was approximately 45 % higher than under conventional Y treatment. Otherwise, the maximum SPAD value in the leaves of 'Cheongchima' seedlings was shown in YK treatment under the mixture LED lights. NO3-N contents in Y treatment treated with inorganic nutrient at the end of the experiment were up to 75% declined rather than increased over 60 % in the K and TJ organic treatment. CONCLUSION: Growth of the seedlings was affected by the mixture treatments of the organic and inorganic solutions, although similar or lower dry weight was recorded than in the inorganic treatment Y under the plant factory system. Treatment Y containing the highest NO3-N content among the considered nutrients influenced growth increment of the seedlings comparing to the other nutrients. However effect of the higher NO3-N content in the seedling growth was different according to the light qualities considered in the experiment as shown in leaf expansion, pigmentation or dry weight promotion under the single or mixed nutrients.

Study on the Long-term Forecasting of Brown Planthopper Outbreaks (벼멸구 발생의 장기예찰을 위한 기초적 연구)

  • Paik Woon Hah;Paik Hyun Joon
    • Korean journal of applied entomology
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    • v.16 no.3 s.32
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    • pp.171-179
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    • 1977
  • Since the outbreak of the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) in 1915 caused tremendous losses in rice production, one of the more effective method of prevention of such a disaster could be the establishment of longterm forecasting system, In 1916 the author indicated there was a correlation between sunspot activities and brown planthopper and the white back planthopper outbreaks. However, the examples seem to be too small size to state a definite correlation. The purpose of the present study IS to revi~w the history of the brown planthopper outbreaks, and to establish a more effective forcasting system. The present forcasting methods are based on light trap catches of adults which already migrate into this country from mainland China. The regular cycle of 11.2 years of sunspot activity began in 1710, and was continued to present. To gather more records of brown planthopper, the author checked 'Joseon Wangjo Silrok' and analized the so-called 'Hwang' 'Hwang-chung' and 'Chung' which have multiple meanings, together with 'Samguk Sagi' 'Goryo Sa' and 'Munheon Bigo.' The results obtained by the about from review of these old literature citations revealed that ten species of insect and unknown species were involved: i. e., pine moth (Dendrolimus spectabilis), army worm (Mythimna separata), brown planthopper (Nilarvata lugens), white-back planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), migratory locust (Locutsa migratoria), rice stem borer (Chilo suppressalis,), mole cricket (Gryllotalpa africana), rice-plant weevil (Echinocnemus squameus), cut worm (Euxoa segetum), and mulberry pyralid Margaronia pyloalis) The suspected incidence of planthopper in old records expressed by 'Hwang' or 'Chung' revealed a total or 25 out of 37 in 'Samguk sagi,' 21 out of 49 in 'Goryo sa,' 9 of 73 in 'Wanjo-silrog,' and none of 8 in 'Munheon bigo' were planthoppers. Therefore, a total of 36 out of 167 records of insect incidence in the old literature can be possibly attributed to planthoppers. The brown planthopper and white-back planthopper migrate together to Korea every year from mainland China, However, the number of each species are differ by year. In 1975 outbreak the brown planthopper was dominant; and the white-back planthopper prevailed in 1946 and 1977 outbreaks, During the course of this study, the author was able to add a new record of outbreak of planthop per. In 1916 the white-back planthopper outbreak caused serious losses in Chungcheong-namdo and Jeonla-namdo, with losses estimated as high as 160 and 190 thousand seok (23.2 and 27.5 thousand M/T), in Naju and Secheon county, respectively. Since 1912, major outbreaks of brown planthopper or white-back planthopper have been recored 5 times. These occurrences coincide and well matched the period of minimum number of sunspots, With these authenticated records of planthoppers, the author believes there is a close correlation between brown planthopper and white-back planthopper outbreaks in Korea and sunspot activities. Therefore, in years of low number of sunspots, we should watch for and expect outbreaks of these. insects. At this time, it will be necessary to provide all possible prevention measures.

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Microbiological and Enzymological Studies on Takju Brewing (탁주(濁酒) 양조(釀造)에 관(關)한 미생물학적(微生物學的) 및 효소학적(酵素學的) 연구(硏究))

  • Kim, Chan-Jo
    • Applied Biological Chemistry
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    • v.10
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    • pp.69-100
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    • 1968
  • 1. In order to investigate on the microflora and enzyme activity of mold wheat 'Nuruk' , the major source of microorganisms for the brewing of Takju (a Korean Sake), two samples of Nuruk, one prepared at the College of Agriculture, Chung Nam University (S) and the other perchased at a market (T), were taken for the study. The molds, aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts were examined and counted. The yeasts were classified by the treatment with TTC (2, 3, 5 triphenyltetrazolium chloride) agar that yields a varied shade of color. The amylase and protease activities of Nuruk were measured. The results were as the followings. a) In the Nuruk S found were: Aspergillus oryzae group, $204{\times}10^5$; Black Aspergilli, $163{\times}10^5$; Rhizogus, $20{\times}10^5$; Penicillia, $134{\times}10^5$; Areobic bacteria, $9{\times}10^6-2{\times}10^7$; Lactic acid bacteria, $3{\times}10^4$ In the Nuruk T found were: Aspergillus oryzae group, $836{\times}10^5$; Black Aspergilli, $286{\times}10^5$; Rhizopus, $623{\times}10^5$; Penicillia, $264{\times}10^5$; Aerobic bacteria, $5{\times}10^6-9{\times}10^6$; Lactic acid bacteria, $3{\times}10^4$ b) Eighty to ninety percent of the aerobic bacteria in Nuruk S appeared to belong to Bacillus subtilis while about 70% of those in Nuruk T seemed to be spherical bacteria. In both Nuruks about 80% of lactic acid bacteria were observed as spherical ones. c) The population of yeasts in 1g. of Nuruk S was about $6{\times}10^5$, 56.5% of which were TTC pink yeasts, 16% of which were TTC red pink yeasts, 8% of which were TTC red yeasts, 19.5% of which were TTC white yeasts. In Nuruk T(1g) the number of yeasts accounted for $14{\times}10^4$ and constituted of 42% TTC pink. 21% TTC red pink 28% TTC red and 9% TTC white. d) The enzyme activity of 1g Nuruk S was: Liquefying type Amylase, $D^{40}/_{30},=256$ W.V. Saccharifying type Amylase, 43.32 A.U. Acid protease, 181 C.F.U. Alkaline protease, 240C.F.U. The enzyme activity of 1g Nuruk T was: Liquefying type Amylase $D^{40}/_{30},=32$ W.V. Saccharifying type amylase $^{30}34.92$ A.U. Acid protease, 138 C.F.U. Alkaline protease 31 C.F.U. 2. During the fermentation of 'Takju' employing the Nuruks S and T the microflora and enzyme activity throughout the brewing were observed in 12 hour intervals. TTC pink and red yeasts considered to be the major yeasts were isolated and cultured. The strains ($1{\times}10^6/ml$) were added to the mashes S and T in which pH was adjusted to 4.2 and the change of microflora was examined during the fermentation. The results were: a) The molds disappeared from each sample plot since 2 to 3 days after mashing while the population of aerobic bacteria was found to be $10{\times}10^7-35{\times}10^7/ml$ inS plots and $8.2{\times}10^7-12{\times}10^7$ in plots. Among them the coccus propagated substantially until some 30 hours elasped in the S and T plots treated with lactic acid but decreased abruptly thereafter. In the plots of SP. SR. TP. and TR the coccus had not appeared from the beginning while the bacillus showed up and down changes in number and diminished by 1/5-1/10 the original at the end stage. b) The lactic acid bacteria observed in the S plot were about $7.4{\times}10^7$ in number per ml of the mash in 24 hours and increased up to around $2{\times}10^8$ until 3-4 days since. After this period the population decreased rapidly and reached about $4{\times}10^5$ at the end, In the plot T the lactic acid becteria found were about $3{\times}10^8$ at the period of 24 fours, about $3{\times}10$ in 3 days and about $2{\times}10^5$ at the end in number. In the plots SP. SR. TP, and TR the lactic acid bacteria observed were as less as $4{\times}10^5$ at the stage of 24 hours and after this period the organisms either remained unchanged in population or ceased to exist. c) The maiority of lactic acid bacteria found in each mash were spherical and the change in number displayed a tendency in accordance with the amount of lactic acid and alcohol produced in the mash. d) The yeasts had showed a marked propagation since the period of 24 hours when the number was about $2{\times}10^8$ ㎖ mash in the plot S. $4{\times}10^8$ in 48 hours and $5-7{\times}10^8$ in the end period were observed. In the plot T the number was $4{\times}10^8$ in 24 hours and thereafter changed up and down maintaining $2-5{\times}10^8$ in the range. e) Over 90% of the yeasts found in the mashes of S and T plots were TTC pink type while both TTC red pink and TTC red types held range of $2{\times}10-3{\times}10^7$ throughout the entire fermentation. f) The population of TTC pink yeasts in the plot SP was as $5{\times}10^8$ much as that is, twice of that of S plot at the period of 24 hours. The predominance in number continued until the middle and later stages but the order of number became about the same at the end. g) Total number of the yeasts observed in the plot SR showed little difference from that of the plot SP. The TTC red yeasts added appeared considerably in the early stage but days after the change in number was about the same as that of the plot S. In the plot TR the population of TTC red yeasts was predominant over the T plot in the early stage which there was no difference between two plots there after. For this reason even in the plot w hers TTC red yeasts were added TTC pink yeasts were predominant. TTC red yeasts observed in the present experiment showed continuing growth until the later stage but the rate was low. h) In the plot TP TTC pink yeasts were found to be about $5{\times}10^8$ in number at the period of 2 days and inclined to decrease thereafter. Compared with the plot T the number of TTC pink yeasts in the plot TP was predominant until the middle stage but became at the later stage. i) The productivity of alcohol in the mash was measured. The plot where TTC pink yeasts were added showed somewhat better yield in the earely stage but at and after the middle stage the difference between the yeast-added and the intact mashes was not recognizable. And the production of alcohol was not proportional to the total number of yeasts present. j) Activity of the liquefying amylase was the highest until 12 hours after mashing, somewhat lowered once after that, and again increased around 36-48 hours after mashing. Then the activity had decreased continuously. Activity of saccharifying amylase also decreased at the period of 24 hours and then increased until 48 hours when it reached the maximum. Since, the activity had gradually decreased until 72 hours and rapidly so did thereafter. k) Activity of alkaline protease during the fermentation of mash showed a tendency to decrease continusously although somewhat irregular. Activity of acid protease increased until hours at the maximum, then decreased rapidly, and again increased, the vigor of acid protease showed better shape than that of alkaline protease throughout. 3. TTC pink yeasts that were predominant in number, two strains of TTC red pink yeasts that appeared throughout the brewing, and TTC red yeasts were identified and the physiological characters examined. The results were as described below. a) TTC pinkyeasts (B-50P) and two strains of TTC red pink yeasts (B-54 RP & B-60 RP) w ere identified as the type of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and TTC pink red yeasts CB-53 R) were as the type of Hansenula subpelliculosa. b) The fermentability of four strains above mentioned were measured as follows. Two strains of TTC red pink yeasts were the highest, TTC pink yeasts were the lowest in the fermantability. The former three strains were active in the early stage of fermentation and found to be suitable for manufacturing 'Takju' TTC red yeasts were found to play an important role in Takju brewing due to its strong ability to produce esters although its fermentability was low. c) The tolerance against nitrous acid of strains of yeast was marked. That against lactic acid was only 3% in Koji extract, and TTC red yeasts showed somewhat stronger resistance. The tolerance against alcohol of TTC pink and red pink yeasts in the Hayduck solution was 7% while that in the malt extract was 13%. However, that of TTC red yeasts was much weaker than others. Liguefying activity of gelatin by those four strains of yeast was not recognized even in 40 days. 4. Fermentability during Takju brewing was shown in the first two days as much as 70-80% of total fermentation and around 90% of fermentation proceeded in 3-4 days. The main fermentation appeared to be completed during :his period. Productivity of alcohol during Takju brewing was found to be apporximately 65% of the total amount of starch put in mashing. 5. The reason that Saccharomyces coreanuss found be Saito in the mash of Takju was not detected in the present experiment is considered due to the facts that Aspergillus oryzae has been inoculated in the mold wheat (Nuruk) since around 1930 and also that Koji has been used in Takju brewing, consequently causing they complete change in microflora in the Takju brewing. This consideration will be supported by the fact that the original flavor and taste have now been remarkably changed.

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Ecological Characteristics of Digitaria sanguinalis in Temperate Climate (바랭이의 생태적(生態的) 특성(特性)에 관한 연구(硏究))

  • Shin, D.H.;Kim, K.U.
    • Korean Journal of Weed Science
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    • v.3 no.1
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    • pp.29-38
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    • 1983
  • Growth habit, intraspecific competition of Digitaria sanguinalis, and interspecific competition between soybean and D. sanguinalis were evaluated to obtain the basic informations on establishing an effective control measure in upland corps. The earlier planting on April 1 produced approximately 3.5 times higher dry matter than that of the latest planting on July 22 and resulted in the earliest heading on July 8 and the latest heading was observed on September 4 planted on July. 22, but the interval between planting and heading dates was shortened progressively as the planting dates were delayed, showing irregularity of heading within a hill. Tiller numbers per plant were inhibited as densities increased from one to forty. One plant planted per pot produced significantly higher tiller numbers than density of 5 to 40 plants per pot. However, total tiller numbers was the highest in density of 40 plants planted per pot. Regardless of planting densities used, D. sanguinalis at all densities produced the similar dry matter per pot, showing severe intraspecific competition as density increased, but on each plant basis dry weight production was the highest in the lowest density such as one plant planted per pot. Competition between soybean and D. sanguinalis for the entire growing season decreased the total dry weight of soybean by 59.6%. Soybean required the maintenance of a weed free condition, about 3 to 4 weeks immediately after seeding, for obtaining the maximum yield, beyond which soybean crops effectively suppressed the growth of D. sanguinalis.

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Effect of ${\alpha}$-Tocopherol Treatment and Freezing for In Vitro Bovine Embryo Production in Korean Native Cows (한우 체외수정란 생산을 위한 ${\alpha}$-Tocopherol 첨가와 동결 효과)

  • Jung, Jin-Woo;Son, Jun-Kyu;Choe, Chang-Yong;Suh, Sang-Won;Choi, Jin-Seok;Cho, In-Cheol;Han, Sang-Hyun;Kang, Tae-Young;Kang, Min-Soo;Kim, Duck-Im;Kim, Hyun-Jong;Cho, Sang-Rae
    • Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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    • v.35 no.3
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    • pp.369-375
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    • 2011
  • The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ${\alpha}$-tocopherol on blastocysts development and subsequent cryosurvival of the vitrification. The ${\alpha}$-tocopherol(0, 100, 200, 400 ${\mu}M$) was added in to culture medium for the bovine embryos. The blasocysts from the ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and untreated control groups were then frozen-thawed, and their cryosurvival was assessed by in vitro culture for 48 h. There were no differences in the overall cleavage rate($56.14{\pm}4.66$, $58.18{\pm}4.70$, $62.97{\pm}6.86$ and $51.17{\pm}7.28$) among four treatment groups. However, in blastocyst development and total cell number were significantly higher in ${\alpha}$-tocopherol 200 ${\mu}M$ ($38.60{\pm}7.12$; $106.33{\pm}3.50$) to culture medium than other treatment groups($29.30{\pm}5.24$, $31.60{\pm}7.12$ and $26.37{\pm}4.18$; $101.36{\pm}5.12$, $97.27{\pm}2.87$, and $91.23{\pm}7.52$ respectively). Before and after vitrification, the total cell number and blastocyst development of embryo were significantly higher in July to August than September to October. In conclusion, addition of ${\alpha}$-tocopherol 200 ${\mu}M$ to in vitro bovine embryo culture medium was beneficial for improving embryo quality by decreasing the embryo damage blsstocysts cell number and improving the tolerance of the embryos to cryopreservation.

Studies on Feed Intake and Nutrient Utilization of Sheep under Two Housing Systems in a Semi-arid Region of India

  • Bhatta, Raghavendra;Swain, N.;Verma, D.L.;Singh, N.P.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.17 no.6
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    • pp.814-819
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    • 2004
  • An investigation was carried out to study the effect of two housing systems on feed intake and nutrient utilization of sheep in a semi-arid region of India. Two types of housing managements were adopted. The first was a shed- 20'${\times}$10' structure with all the four sides of 6' chain link fencing with central height of 10'. The roof was covered with asbestos sheets, with mud floorings. The second was an open corral- 20'${\times}$10' open space with all the four sides covered with 6' chain link fencing. Thirty-four (32 ewes and 2 rams) sheep were grazed together on a 35 ha plot of native range. All the sheep were grazed as a flock from 08:00 to 17:00 h during the yearlong study. The flock was divided into two groups (16 ewes+1 ram) in the evening and housed according to two housing systems (Shed and Open Corral). Three digestion trials were conducted during three defined seasons of monsoon, winter and summer seasons to determine the effect of housing on nutrient intake and utilization. Blood samples were collected in three seasons for the estimation of hemoglobin and glucose. Dry and wet bulb temperatures were recorded at 06:00 A.M. and 09:00 P.M. using suitable thermometers both inside the shed and in the open corral and temperature humidity index (THI) was calculated. There was significant (p<0.05) difference in the THI between shed and open corral in all the seasons, indicating that the shed was always warmer compared to open corral. The daily dry matter intake (DMI, g/d) was 965, 615 and 982 in sheep housed under shed and 971, 625 and 1,001 in those housed in open corral during monsoon, winter and summer season, respectively. These differences were however non-significant (p>0.05). The digestibility of DM was 45.92, 45.13 and 50.30 in sheep housed under shed and 43.64, 45.02 and 55.02 in sheep housed in open corral during monsoon, winter and summer seasons, respectively. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the digestibility of nutrients in sheep maintained under shed and in open corral. Blood Hb concentration was 13.97, 14.13 and 13.15 in sheep housed under shed and 15.27, 13.63 and 14.82 in those kept in open corral, whereas blood glucose concentration was 59.67, 59.70 and 52.33 in sheep under shed and 61.00, 61.00 and 57.83 in open corral, during monsoon, winter and summer, respectively. There was also no significant effect of housing on the body weight changes, wool yield and survivability in ewes. Although housing had no significant effect on nutrient intake, their utilization and blood parameters, there was significant effect on the physiological responses and energy expenditure of sheep maintained under the two housing systems (Bhatta et al., 2004). It can be concluded from this study that the housing systems didn't have any significant effect on the nutrient intake and utilization of native breed like Malpura, which were well adapted to the hot semi-arid conditions of India. However, while deciding provisions for housing of different breeds of sheep (both crossbred and native) parameters like physiological responses, energy expenditure, health conditions and overall economics of the systems should be taken into consideration.