Two transcription factors, Sox9a and Foxl2 were cloned from half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Sox9a is a new duplication of C.semilaevis Sox9 gene. The complete cDNA of Sox9a gene was 1 842 bp long c...Two transcription factors, Sox9a and Foxl2 were cloned from half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Sox9a is a new duplication of C.semilaevis Sox9 gene. The complete cDNA of Sox9a gene was 1 842 bp long coding for 487 amino acids and Foxl2 gene was 1 817 bp coding for 308 amino acids. Sox9a was expressed higher in male brain, pituitary and gonad and Foxl2 were higher in female brain, pituitary and gonad. The expression of Sox9a gene in gonads of neo-males was higher than that of normal females. Sox9a and Foxl2 were expressed higher in gastrula stage than in other stages. In the period of sex differentiation, the expression of Sox9a was first going up and then going down and Foxl2 was higher expressed at 37 dph. The highest expressions of Sox9a and Foxl2 genes occurred in nine-month and 12-month old gonad tissues, respectively. Sox9a gene was considered to have inevitable links with sex reversal, sex differentiation and cell differentiation of embryos and formation of spermatogenic ceils. Foxl2 was considered to play a role in sex differentiation, cell differentiation of embryos but not to be necessary for sex determination and sex reversal.展开更多
Studies were conducted to determine the cause of the acute mortality of half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis Günther juveniles in a fish farm in Jimo, Shandong Province, China, in June 2006. Gross signs...Studies were conducted to determine the cause of the acute mortality of half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis Günther juveniles in a fish farm in Jimo, Shandong Province, China, in June 2006. Gross signs of the diseased tongue sole included several petechiae and ecchymoses on the body and fin necrosis and hemorrhagic lesion at the base of the fin. Bacteria were isolated from kidney, liver and hemorrhagic lesions of the diseased tongue sole. Among 14 strains, SJ060621 was proved to be highly virulent to juvenile tongue sole with LD50 value of 〈1.0×10^5 colony forming units (CFU)mL^-1, while the remaining 13 were avirulent. Among the 16 antibiotics tested, SJ060621 was sensitive to gentamicin and nitrofurantoin. It was identified as Listonella anguillantm with conventional plate and tube tests in combination with API 20E analysis. 16S rRNA gene and partial HSP60 gene sequenceing analysis revealed that the strain was highly homologous with L. anguillarum. Examination of the infected musculature by electron microscopy indicated numerous bacteria and lots of macrophages containing phagocytosed bacteria. Histopathological investigations revealed severe necrotic degenerative changes in the infected organs. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was employed to detect the location of occurrence of bacteria, and bacteria were found in aggregations in the inflammatory areas in musculature.展开更多
The relationship between Solidago canadensis L. invasion and soil microbial community diversity including functional and structure diversities was studied across the invasive gradients varying from 0 to 40%, 80%, and ...The relationship between Solidago canadensis L. invasion and soil microbial community diversity including functional and structure diversities was studied across the invasive gradients varying from 0 to 40%, 80%, and 100% coverage of Solidago canadensis L. using sole carbon source utilization profiles analyses, principle component analysis (PCA) and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) profiles analyses. The results show the characteristics of soil microbial community functional and structure diversity in invaded soils strongly changed by Solidago canadensis L. invasion. Solidago canadensis L. invasion tended to result in higher substrate richness, and functional diversity. As compared to the native and ecotones, average utilization of specific substrate guilds of soil microbe was the highest in Solidago canadensis L. monoculture. Soil microbial functional diversity in Solidago canadensis L. monoculture was distinctly separated from the native area and the ecotones. Aerobic bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes population significantly increased but anaerobic bacteria decreased in the soil with Solidago canadensis L. monoculture. The ratio of cyl9:0 to 18:1 co7 gradually declined but mono/sat and fung/bact PLFAs increased when Solidago canadensis L. became more dominant. The microbial community composition clearly separated the native soil from the invaded soils by PCA analysis, especially 18: lco7c, 16: lco7t, 16: lco5c and 18:2co6, 9 were present in higher concentrations for exotic soil. In conclusion, Solidago canadensis L. invasion could create better soil conditions by improving soil microbial community structure and functional diversity, which in turn was more conducive to the growth ofSolidago canadensis L.展开更多
A new cell line, CSEC, has been successfully established from embryos at gastrula stage of a cultured marine fish, half smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus sernilaevis). CSEC cells grow actively and stably more than 50 ...A new cell line, CSEC, has been successfully established from embryos at gastrula stage of a cultured marine fish, half smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus sernilaevis). CSEC cells grow actively and stably more than 50 passages for over 200 d in DMEM medium supplemented with 15% FBS (fetal bovine serum), 2.5 ng/cm^3 bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor), 1 ng/cm^3 LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor) and 50 mmol/dm^3 2-ME (2-mecaptoethanol). The cells grew well in the temperature range of 24-30 ℃ and the optimal growth temperature was 24 ℃. FBS and bFGF concentrations are the two key components for CSEC cells proliferation. Chromosome analysis reveals that CSEC cells have a normal diploid karyotype with 2n=42t. The significant fluorescent signals were observed in CSEC after transfection with the GFP reporter gene, suggesting that the CSEC cell line can be used as a useful tool for transgenic and genetic manipulation studies. CSEC cells showed the cytopathic effect (CPE) after infection with lymphosystis disease virus (LCDV) in 2 d. Moreover, the LCDV particles can be observed in the cytoplasm of virus-infected cells by electron microscopy. It suggests that CSEC could be potentially used for the study of aquatic virus.展开更多
Utilization and transfer of nitrogen (N)in a strip intercropping system of garlic (Allium safivum L.) and broad bean (Vicia faba L.) have been investigated rarely. The objectives of this study were to quantify N...Utilization and transfer of nitrogen (N)in a strip intercropping system of garlic (Allium safivum L.) and broad bean (Vicia faba L.) have been investigated rarely. The objectives of this study were to quantify N uptake and utilization by intercropped broad bean and garlic and determine the magnitude of N transfer from broad bean to garlic. Field and pot trials were carried out in the Erhai Lake Basin in China using ^15N tracer applied to the soil or injected into broad bean plants. Strip intercropping of garlic and broad bean increased N absorption (47.2%) compared with sole crop broad bean (31.9%) or sole crop garlic (40.7%) and reduced soil residual N. Nearly 15% of 15N injected into petioles of broad bean intercropped with garlic was recovered in garlic at harvest, suggesting that N could be transferred from broad bean to strip intercropped garlic. The findings provide a basis for evaluating legumes' role in optimizing N fertilization when intercropped with non-legumes.展开更多
When a human lands from a high drop,there is a high risk of serious injury to the lower limbs.On the other hand,cats can withstand jumps and falls from heights without being fatally wounded,largely due to their impact...When a human lands from a high drop,there is a high risk of serious injury to the lower limbs.On the other hand,cats can withstand jumps and falls from heights without being fatally wounded,largely due to their impact-resistant paw pads.The aim of the present study was to investigate the biomechanism of impact resistance in cat paw pads,propose an optimal hierarchical Voronoi structure inspired by the paw pads,and apply the structure to bionic cushioning shoes to reduce the impact force of landing for humans.The microstructure of cat paw pads was observed via tissue section staining,and a simulation model was reconstructed based on CT to verify and optimize the structural cushioning capacity.The distribution pattern,wall thickness of compartments,thickness ratio of epidermis and dermis,and number of compartments in the model were changed and simulated to achieve an optimal composed structure.A bionic sole was 3D-printed,and its performance was evaluated via compression test and a jumping-landing experiment.The results show that cat paw pads are a spherical cap structure,divided from the outside to the inside into the epidermis,dermis,and compartments,each with different cushioning capacities.A finite element simulation of different cushioning structures was conducted in a cylinder with a diameter of 20 mm and a height of 10 mm,featuring a three-layer structure.The optimal configuration of the three layers should have a uniform distribution with 0.3–0.5 mm wall thickness,a 1:1–2 thickness ratio of epidermis and dermis,and 100–150 compartments.A bionic sole with an optimized structure can reduce the peak impact force and delay the peak arrival time.Its energy absorption rate is about 4 times that of standard sole.When jumping 80,100,and 120 cm,the normalized ground reaction force is also reduced by 8.7%,12.6%and 15.1%compared with standard shoes.This study provides theoretical and technical support for effective protection against human lower limb landing injuries.展开更多
The relationship between Solidago canadensis L. invasion and soil microbial communities was studied across the invasive gradients varying from 0 to 40, 80, and 100% coverage of S. canadensis. The results showed both s...The relationship between Solidago canadensis L. invasion and soil microbial communities was studied across the invasive gradients varying from 0 to 40, 80, and 100% coverage of S. canadensis. The results showed both soil microbial biomass C (Cmic) and N (Nmic) increased as the coverage of S. canadensis increased. Soil microbial quotient Cmic/Corg (microbial biomass C/organic C) tended to increase linearly with the coverage of S. canadensis. Soil basal respiration (BR) also showed a similar trend. The soil respiratory quotient qCO2 decreased with S. canadensis invasion, and remained at quite a constantly low level in the invasive soils. Sole carbon source utilization profiles analyses indicated that S. canadensis invasion tended to result in higher microbial functional diversity in the soil. Average utilization of specific substrate guilds was highest in the soil with S. canadensis monoculture. Principle component analysis of sole carbon source utilization profiles further indicated that microbial functional diversity in the soil with S. canadensis monoculture was distinctly separated from those soils in the native area and the ecotones. In conclusion, S. canadensis invasion improved soil microbial biomass, respiration and utilization of carbon sources, and decreased qCO2, thus created better soil conditions, which in turn were more conducive to the growth of S. canadensis.展开更多
Increasingly arisen environmental constraints may contribute to heritable phenotypic variation including methylation changes,which can help the animals with development,growth and survival.In this study,we assessed th...Increasingly arisen environmental constraints may contribute to heritable phenotypic variation including methylation changes,which can help the animals with development,growth and survival.In this study,we assessed the DNA methylation levels in three tissues(gonad,kidney and gill) of half smooth tongue sole under the salinity stress.The methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism(MSAP) technique was applied to illustrate the regulation of epigenetic mechanism in environmental stimuli.Fish were subjected to 15 salinity treatment for 7 and 60 days,respectively.A total of 11259 fragments were amplified with 8 pairs of selective primers.The levels of methylated DNA in different tissues of females and males without salinity stress were analyzed,which were 32.76% and 47.32% in gonad;38.13% and 37.69% in kidney;37.58% and 34.96% in gill,respectively.In addition,the significant difference was observed in gonad between females and males,indicating that discrepant regulation in gonadal development and differentiation may involve sex-related genes.Further analysis showed that total and hemi-methylation were significantly decreased under 15 salinity for 7 days,probably resulting in up-regulating salt-tolerance genes expression to adjust salt changing.With the adjustment for 60 days,total and hemi-methylation prominently went back to its normal levels to obtain equilibrium.Particularly,full methylation levels were steady along with salinity stress to maintain the stability of gene expression.Additionally,the data showed that gonads in females and gills in males were superior in adaptability.As a result,DNA methylation regulates tissue-specific epiloci,and may respond to salinity stress by regulating gene expression to maintain animal survival and activity.展开更多
Two field experiments were carried out at Akure (7oN, 5o101E) in the rainforest zone of Nigeria in 2006 and 2007 to determine the effectiveness of neem leaf, woodash and modified neem leaf extracts as fertilizer sourc...Two field experiments were carried out at Akure (7oN, 5o101E) in the rainforest zone of Nigeria in 2006 and 2007 to determine the effectiveness of neem leaf, woodash and modified neem leaf extracts as fertilizer sources in improving soil fertility, growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L) and watermelon (Citrulus lanatus) sole and intercrop. There were six treatments namely, poultry manure, neem leaf extract (sole), woodash extract, modified neem leaf (neem leaf + woodash), NPK 15-15-15 and a control (no fertilizer nor extract), replicated three times and arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCB). The extracts (neem leaf, wood ash and modified neem leaf) were applied at 1200 litres per hectare each, NPK 15-15-15 at 300 kg/ha and poultry was applied at 6t/ha. The results showed that there were significant increases (P 2O), K, Ca, Mg, Na, O.M, P and N compared to NPK 15-15-15 and neem leaf extract. For instance, modified neem leaf extract increased soil pH (H2O), K, Ca, Mg, Na, O.M, P and N by 12.4%, 32.8%, 25%, 23.7%, 19.32%, 17.24% and 20% respectively compared to neem leaf extract under intercrop plot. The high soil K/Ca, K/Mg and P/Mg ratios in the NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer treatment led to an imbalance in the supply of P, K, Ca and Mg nutrients to maize and watermelon crops. The least values for growth, yield and soil parameters were recorded under the control treatment. In these experiments, modified neem leaf extract (woodash + neem leaf extracts) applied at 1200 litres/ha was the most effective in improving soil fertility, growth and yield of maize and watermelon (sole and intercrop) and could substitute for 6 tons per hectare of poultry manure and 300kg/ha of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer.展开更多
基金The National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program) under contract No.2006AA10A401the Taishan Scholar Project of Shandong Province,Chinathe National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 41006107 and 30972244
文摘Two transcription factors, Sox9a and Foxl2 were cloned from half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Sox9a is a new duplication of C.semilaevis Sox9 gene. The complete cDNA of Sox9a gene was 1 842 bp long coding for 487 amino acids and Foxl2 gene was 1 817 bp coding for 308 amino acids. Sox9a was expressed higher in male brain, pituitary and gonad and Foxl2 were higher in female brain, pituitary and gonad. The expression of Sox9a gene in gonads of neo-males was higher than that of normal females. Sox9a and Foxl2 were expressed higher in gastrula stage than in other stages. In the period of sex differentiation, the expression of Sox9a was first going up and then going down and Foxl2 was higher expressed at 37 dph. The highest expressions of Sox9a and Foxl2 genes occurred in nine-month and 12-month old gonad tissues, respectively. Sox9a gene was considered to have inevitable links with sex reversal, sex differentiation and cell differentiation of embryos and formation of spermatogenic ceils. Foxl2 was considered to play a role in sex differentiation, cell differentiation of embryos but not to be necessary for sex determination and sex reversal.
基金This study was supported by National High Technology Development Program of China(863,Grant 2006AA100306)the Science Foundation of Shandong Province(032070104).
文摘Studies were conducted to determine the cause of the acute mortality of half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis Günther juveniles in a fish farm in Jimo, Shandong Province, China, in June 2006. Gross signs of the diseased tongue sole included several petechiae and ecchymoses on the body and fin necrosis and hemorrhagic lesion at the base of the fin. Bacteria were isolated from kidney, liver and hemorrhagic lesions of the diseased tongue sole. Among 14 strains, SJ060621 was proved to be highly virulent to juvenile tongue sole with LD50 value of 〈1.0×10^5 colony forming units (CFU)mL^-1, while the remaining 13 were avirulent. Among the 16 antibiotics tested, SJ060621 was sensitive to gentamicin and nitrofurantoin. It was identified as Listonella anguillantm with conventional plate and tube tests in combination with API 20E analysis. 16S rRNA gene and partial HSP60 gene sequenceing analysis revealed that the strain was highly homologous with L. anguillarum. Examination of the infected musculature by electron microscopy indicated numerous bacteria and lots of macrophages containing phagocytosed bacteria. Histopathological investigations revealed severe necrotic degenerative changes in the infected organs. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was employed to detect the location of occurrence of bacteria, and bacteria were found in aggregations in the inflammatory areas in musculature.
基金Project(2009QNA6015) supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of ChinaProject(Y3110055)supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province,ChinaProject(Y200803219) supported by the Foundation of Zhejiang Educational Committee of China
文摘The relationship between Solidago canadensis L. invasion and soil microbial community diversity including functional and structure diversities was studied across the invasive gradients varying from 0 to 40%, 80%, and 100% coverage of Solidago canadensis L. using sole carbon source utilization profiles analyses, principle component analysis (PCA) and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) profiles analyses. The results show the characteristics of soil microbial community functional and structure diversity in invaded soils strongly changed by Solidago canadensis L. invasion. Solidago canadensis L. invasion tended to result in higher substrate richness, and functional diversity. As compared to the native and ecotones, average utilization of specific substrate guilds of soil microbe was the highest in Solidago canadensis L. monoculture. Soil microbial functional diversity in Solidago canadensis L. monoculture was distinctly separated from the native area and the ecotones. Aerobic bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes population significantly increased but anaerobic bacteria decreased in the soil with Solidago canadensis L. monoculture. The ratio of cyl9:0 to 18:1 co7 gradually declined but mono/sat and fung/bact PLFAs increased when Solidago canadensis L. became more dominant. The microbial community composition clearly separated the native soil from the invaded soils by PCA analysis, especially 18: lco7c, 16: lco7t, 16: lco5c and 18:2co6, 9 were present in higher concentrations for exotic soil. In conclusion, Solidago canadensis L. invasion could create better soil conditions by improving soil microbial community structure and functional diversity, which in turn was more conducive to the growth ofSolidago canadensis L.
基金The State "863" High-Technology Research and Development Project of China under contract Nos 2006AA09Z406 and 2006AA10A401the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract No. 40376047the Taishan Scholar Project of Shandong Province and MOA for returned scientists from abroad
文摘A new cell line, CSEC, has been successfully established from embryos at gastrula stage of a cultured marine fish, half smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus sernilaevis). CSEC cells grow actively and stably more than 50 passages for over 200 d in DMEM medium supplemented with 15% FBS (fetal bovine serum), 2.5 ng/cm^3 bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor), 1 ng/cm^3 LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor) and 50 mmol/dm^3 2-ME (2-mecaptoethanol). The cells grew well in the temperature range of 24-30 ℃ and the optimal growth temperature was 24 ℃. FBS and bFGF concentrations are the two key components for CSEC cells proliferation. Chromosome analysis reveals that CSEC cells have a normal diploid karyotype with 2n=42t. The significant fluorescent signals were observed in CSEC after transfection with the GFP reporter gene, suggesting that the CSEC cell line can be used as a useful tool for transgenic and genetic manipulation studies. CSEC cells showed the cytopathic effect (CPE) after infection with lymphosystis disease virus (LCDV) in 2 d. Moreover, the LCDV particles can be observed in the cytoplasm of virus-infected cells by electron microscopy. It suggests that CSEC could be potentially used for the study of aquatic virus.
基金supported by the Special Fund for Agroscientific Research in the Public Interest,China (201003014)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31460143)
文摘Utilization and transfer of nitrogen (N)in a strip intercropping system of garlic (Allium safivum L.) and broad bean (Vicia faba L.) have been investigated rarely. The objectives of this study were to quantify N uptake and utilization by intercropped broad bean and garlic and determine the magnitude of N transfer from broad bean to garlic. Field and pot trials were carried out in the Erhai Lake Basin in China using ^15N tracer applied to the soil or injected into broad bean plants. Strip intercropping of garlic and broad bean increased N absorption (47.2%) compared with sole crop broad bean (31.9%) or sole crop garlic (40.7%) and reduced soil residual N. Nearly 15% of 15N injected into petioles of broad bean intercropped with garlic was recovered in garlic at harvest, suggesting that N could be transferred from broad bean to strip intercropped garlic. The findings provide a basis for evaluating legumes' role in optimizing N fertilization when intercropped with non-legumes.
基金approved by the Science and Ethics Committee of the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering at Beihang University(protocol code:BM201900125).
文摘When a human lands from a high drop,there is a high risk of serious injury to the lower limbs.On the other hand,cats can withstand jumps and falls from heights without being fatally wounded,largely due to their impact-resistant paw pads.The aim of the present study was to investigate the biomechanism of impact resistance in cat paw pads,propose an optimal hierarchical Voronoi structure inspired by the paw pads,and apply the structure to bionic cushioning shoes to reduce the impact force of landing for humans.The microstructure of cat paw pads was observed via tissue section staining,and a simulation model was reconstructed based on CT to verify and optimize the structural cushioning capacity.The distribution pattern,wall thickness of compartments,thickness ratio of epidermis and dermis,and number of compartments in the model were changed and simulated to achieve an optimal composed structure.A bionic sole was 3D-printed,and its performance was evaluated via compression test and a jumping-landing experiment.The results show that cat paw pads are a spherical cap structure,divided from the outside to the inside into the epidermis,dermis,and compartments,each with different cushioning capacities.A finite element simulation of different cushioning structures was conducted in a cylinder with a diameter of 20 mm and a height of 10 mm,featuring a three-layer structure.The optimal configuration of the three layers should have a uniform distribution with 0.3–0.5 mm wall thickness,a 1:1–2 thickness ratio of epidermis and dermis,and 100–150 compartments.A bionic sole with an optimized structure can reduce the peak impact force and delay the peak arrival time.Its energy absorption rate is about 4 times that of standard sole.When jumping 80,100,and 120 cm,the normalized ground reaction force is also reduced by 8.7%,12.6%and 15.1%compared with standard shoes.This study provides theoretical and technical support for effective protection against human lower limb landing injuries.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (2009QNA6015)Foundation of Zhejiang Educational Committee of China (Y200803219)
文摘The relationship between Solidago canadensis L. invasion and soil microbial communities was studied across the invasive gradients varying from 0 to 40, 80, and 100% coverage of S. canadensis. The results showed both soil microbial biomass C (Cmic) and N (Nmic) increased as the coverage of S. canadensis increased. Soil microbial quotient Cmic/Corg (microbial biomass C/organic C) tended to increase linearly with the coverage of S. canadensis. Soil basal respiration (BR) also showed a similar trend. The soil respiratory quotient qCO2 decreased with S. canadensis invasion, and remained at quite a constantly low level in the invasive soils. Sole carbon source utilization profiles analyses indicated that S. canadensis invasion tended to result in higher microbial functional diversity in the soil. Average utilization of specific substrate guilds was highest in the soil with S. canadensis monoculture. Principle component analysis of sole carbon source utilization profiles further indicated that microbial functional diversity in the soil with S. canadensis monoculture was distinctly separated from those soils in the native area and the ecotones. In conclusion, S. canadensis invasion improved soil microbial biomass, respiration and utilization of carbon sources, and decreased qCO2, thus created better soil conditions, which in turn were more conducive to the growth of S. canadensis.
基金supported by State 863 HighTechnology R&D Project of China(2012AA10A403)Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China(ZR2014CM018)the National Nature Science Foundation of China(31672642)
文摘Increasingly arisen environmental constraints may contribute to heritable phenotypic variation including methylation changes,which can help the animals with development,growth and survival.In this study,we assessed the DNA methylation levels in three tissues(gonad,kidney and gill) of half smooth tongue sole under the salinity stress.The methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism(MSAP) technique was applied to illustrate the regulation of epigenetic mechanism in environmental stimuli.Fish were subjected to 15 salinity treatment for 7 and 60 days,respectively.A total of 11259 fragments were amplified with 8 pairs of selective primers.The levels of methylated DNA in different tissues of females and males without salinity stress were analyzed,which were 32.76% and 47.32% in gonad;38.13% and 37.69% in kidney;37.58% and 34.96% in gill,respectively.In addition,the significant difference was observed in gonad between females and males,indicating that discrepant regulation in gonadal development and differentiation may involve sex-related genes.Further analysis showed that total and hemi-methylation were significantly decreased under 15 salinity for 7 days,probably resulting in up-regulating salt-tolerance genes expression to adjust salt changing.With the adjustment for 60 days,total and hemi-methylation prominently went back to its normal levels to obtain equilibrium.Particularly,full methylation levels were steady along with salinity stress to maintain the stability of gene expression.Additionally,the data showed that gonads in females and gills in males were superior in adaptability.As a result,DNA methylation regulates tissue-specific epiloci,and may respond to salinity stress by regulating gene expression to maintain animal survival and activity.
文摘Two field experiments were carried out at Akure (7oN, 5o101E) in the rainforest zone of Nigeria in 2006 and 2007 to determine the effectiveness of neem leaf, woodash and modified neem leaf extracts as fertilizer sources in improving soil fertility, growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L) and watermelon (Citrulus lanatus) sole and intercrop. There were six treatments namely, poultry manure, neem leaf extract (sole), woodash extract, modified neem leaf (neem leaf + woodash), NPK 15-15-15 and a control (no fertilizer nor extract), replicated three times and arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCB). The extracts (neem leaf, wood ash and modified neem leaf) were applied at 1200 litres per hectare each, NPK 15-15-15 at 300 kg/ha and poultry was applied at 6t/ha. The results showed that there were significant increases (P 2O), K, Ca, Mg, Na, O.M, P and N compared to NPK 15-15-15 and neem leaf extract. For instance, modified neem leaf extract increased soil pH (H2O), K, Ca, Mg, Na, O.M, P and N by 12.4%, 32.8%, 25%, 23.7%, 19.32%, 17.24% and 20% respectively compared to neem leaf extract under intercrop plot. The high soil K/Ca, K/Mg and P/Mg ratios in the NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer treatment led to an imbalance in the supply of P, K, Ca and Mg nutrients to maize and watermelon crops. The least values for growth, yield and soil parameters were recorded under the control treatment. In these experiments, modified neem leaf extract (woodash + neem leaf extracts) applied at 1200 litres/ha was the most effective in improving soil fertility, growth and yield of maize and watermelon (sole and intercrop) and could substitute for 6 tons per hectare of poultry manure and 300kg/ha of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer.