A genome-wide search for wild-species alleles that increase horticultural yield of processing tomatoes

To identify QTLs associated with horticultural yield it is necessary to conduct replicated plot trials of the tested genotypes. The first step in the utilization of an introgression-line (IL) population of Lycopersicon pennellii in a processing-tomato variety (M82) for mapping such QTLs was to screen 51 ILs in a non-replicated plot trial. The results of this survey were compared to those obtained in a replicated trial of the same genotypes grown as single plants at wide spacing. Fruit characteristics were similar between the two stands, but yield was generally different. Eight lines that outperformed the control in the plot survey were subjected to detailed analysis in the following year. The effects of these introgressions, measured on single plants, were reproducible relative to the previous year's results. In a replicated plot trial of these ILs and their hybrids involving two genetic backgrounds, the product of yield and total soluble solids (horticultural yield) in seven of the eight hybrids was 7–13% higher than that of their nearly isogenic controls. The results revealed a consistent trend in the interaction between introgression effects and genetic background. Combining the two introgressions with the largest contribution to horticultural yield in plots resulted in a 20% increase relative to the control in the third year. This research highlights the potential of wild germ plasm for yield improvement and the ability of nearly isogenic populations to achieve this goal.     

Different strategies for transient-state operation of a biotrickling filter treating toluene vapor

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - Biotrickling filters (BTFs) are often subjected to transient-state operation due to different variations in the operation of industrial-scale sources of...     

Cost of departure from optimality in arterial branching

Measurements of branching angles in the arterial tree have in the past indicated a great deal of scatter away from what is expected to be optimum on theoretical grounds. In this study the cost penalty of nonoptimum branching angles is calculated for the first time to determine how far from optimum these angles are. The results lead to the remarkable conclusion that while the scatter of the measured branching angles is fairly large, they represent deviations from optimum angles which correspond to only 2% or so penalty in cost.     

Morphometric analysis of the distributing vessels of the kidney

Branching angles and branch diameters of the distributing vessels in the renal networks of rats were measured and the results are compared with data reported previously from the coronary network of the same species. Comparison is also made with what is known to be optimum on theoretical grounds to determine to what extent the branching characteristics of the renal network are governed by considerations of optimality, and to what extent they are affected by other considerations, relating particularly to the role that the network plays in the blood processing function of the kidney.