Effects of farmyard manure and chemical fertilizers on the nutritional status of the loquat trees

The nutritional status of the loquat trees was investigated using cattle manure and commercial fertilizers for three years. The farmyard manure increased N, P, K, Mg, Fe and Zn contents of the leaves. No significant difference was found between the fertilizer types for trunk growth. Yield efficiency was nearly doubled by application of farmyard manure. Fertilizers did not affect the weight and shape of the fruits; however, commercial fertilizers led the lower total acidity in fruits. It was concluded that the loquat trees grown in sandy soils could fulfill their principal nutrient requirements for growth and commercial yield with application of farmyard manure.     

The influence of growth regulators on shoot proliferation and rooting of in vitro propagated caper

The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of TDZ and BAP on shoot proliferation and to develop a satisfactory rooting procedure for in vitro propagation of caper (Capparis spinosa L). TDZ was found to be more effective than BAP in shoot production. The highest shoot number per explant (45.7) was achieved on the media that contained 4.54 microM TDZ in the absence of IAA. TDZ at 4.54 microM alone or in combination with 0.57 microM IAA did not inhibit shoot elongation, although they produced the most shoots. Dipping the caper shoots in the solution of IBA at 24.6 microM for 10 minutes before planting on MS media, improved the rooting percentage up to 80.5% under a 16 hr photoperiod.     

Effects of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi on the seedling growth of three Pistacia species

The experiment was undertaken to test the efficiency of inoculation of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi on the seedling growth of three Pistacia species used as rootstocks. The stratified Pistacia seeds were inoculated with VAM fungi. The highest rate of inoculated roots was 96.7% in P. khinjuck seedlings with G. clarum and G. etunicatum, 83.3% in P. vera seedlings with G. caledonium and 73.3% in P. terebinthus seedlings with G. caledonium. Mycorrhizal inoculations improved seedling height only in P. terebinthus. Certain mycorrhizal inoculations increased the leaf N, but not P and K contents. Seedlings inoculated with G. caledonium had higher reducing sugar contents. It was concluded that pre-inoculated Pistacia seedlings could have a better growth in the harsh field conditions.     

The toxic and environmental evaluation of pyrolytic liquids by Allium cepa test

In this study, liquid products obtained from the pyrolysis of hazelnut shell (HS), with and without ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), were subjected to the Allium cepa test system. Pyrolysis in conjunction with the A. cepa test is a promising technology not only from the perspective of energy savings and a source of precious material, but in terms of the removal of hazardous material from the environment in safe manner. Dosages of pyrolytic liquids dissolved in water were determined according to lethal dose (LD₅₀), with three different solution concentrations. The preparates were dyed with acetocarmine. The mitotic index decreased and chromosomal aberration, especially stickiness and c-mitosis, increased with dosage and time. The addition of UHMWPE to HS in the pyrolysis process resulted in less harmful chemical agents, as observed by the relatively higher mitotic index and lower levels of chromosomal aberration.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in red mullet (Mullus bavbatus) and sediments from the Eastern Aegean Sea

The distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) and sediment samples in the eastern Aegean Sea. The data were collected during cruises in July and November 1994, in the framework of National Marine Measurement and Monitoring Programme in the Aegean Sea. PAHs were detected in the tissue of Mullus barbatus of different sex and size from nine sampling sites throughout the study area ranging from 0.03 to 0.46 ug/g (fresh weight). The observations show the high levels of PAHs were found in tissues of females. The average concentration of PAHs in Aegean Sea sediments ranged from 0.20 to 1.8 ug/g (dry weight). No significant correlation was observed between PAH and sedimentary organic carbon.