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This work aimed to study the biomass production and nutrient uptake during plant development and nutrients exported by the grains of a super early genotype (SEG) of common bean. The irrigated field experiment was done during the 2016 growing season (winter season), under no-tillage system conditions, in the Cerrado region. Experimental design was in complete randomized block in split plots scheme, with four replications. Main plots comprised SEG of common bean (Colibri – check cultivar and CNFC 15874) and subplots were nine times of plant collection (14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 70 days after plant sowing, DAS) with separation in leaves, stem and pods. Absorption of nutrients by the shoots of SEG CNFC 15874 follows the decreasing order N> K> Ca> Mg> P> S> Fe> Zn >Mn >Cu. The maximum accumulation of nutrients in the leaves and stem of the SEG was at 42 DAS (full flowering stage) and in the pods between 63 to 70 DAS (physiological maturation). Nitrogen, K, P, Ca, S, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu was the order of accumulated nutrients in grains of super early genotypes. Nitrogen, P and Cu was the nutrients with higher amount in the grains of SEG. IPR Colibri had higher number of pods, mass of grains, total and pods biomass production, nutrients accumulation and grain yield than CNFC 15874. Nutrients should be available to SEG of common bean between 14-21 DAS (third trifoliolate leaf).

In order to evaluate different irrigation amounts and salicylic acid spraying and determination of principal components in water use efficiency of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), maize (Zea mays L.) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a split plots experiment based on RCBD design with three replications was conducted in 2014-2015 growing seasons, in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Irrigation levels (50 and 100% of water requirement) and application and non-application of salicylic acid assigned to main and sub plots, respectively. The result showed that in sesame and maize, the highest seed yield obtained in conditions of salicylic acid application. Variables analyzed to 3 factors in sesame and 2 factors in maize and bean. In sesame, first factor included variables of dry matter yield, plant height, leaf erea index and soil phosphorous, variables of seed yield, seed weight per plant, crop growth rate and water use efficiency were in second factor and variables of EC, soil nitrogen and pH had the highest load in third factor. In maize, variables of seed yield, dry matter yield, seed weight per plant, plant height, crop growth rate, leaf erea index and water use efficiency were on first factor and variables of soil nitrogen, EC, pH and soil phosphorous had the highest load in second factor. In bean, variables of seed yield, dry matter yield, seed weight per plant, crop growth rate, soil nitrogen and phosphorous, EC and water use efficiency were in first factor and second factor included variables of leaf erea index, plant height and soil pH. In general, in all three plants, water use efficiency and effective variables in seed yield were in same factor, therefore it seems that any change in these variables will result in a direct change in water use efficiency.

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a plant with a long crop cycle, what hinders its cultivation in properties with area limitations. The association of crops is an option for this kind of situation. However, in order to plan the cultivation using the intercropping system, it is important to define the tolerance levels of the taro plants and the period of highest sensibility to shading. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of the 'Japanese' taro crop, regarding growth, cultivated under levels and periods of artificial shading. A split-plot randomized block design, with 13 treatments and four replications, was used. The plots consisted of four shading levels (control = full sun, 18 %, 30 % and 50 % of shade), maintained throughout the cycle or during three months, in three periods (initial = 0-3 months; intermediate = 3-6 months; final = 6-9 months). The subplot was composed of eight plant samples (60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240 and 270 days after planting). The shading levels increased the total and specific leaf area, leaf area and mass ratios and dry mass partition. Thus, the taro plants showed the capacity to make leaf adjustments to suit changes in light intensity. The shading intensity of 18 %, during the whole cycle or in any of the periods studied, provides a high expansion of the leaf area.

New decentralization regim implemented since 1 January 2001. Decentralization try to increase the improvement of public services. Based on the statictic data, Java recorded a major contributor to national GDP growth with many challenge on poverty and inequality. Using the share and growth analysis as well as quadrant method, this research tries to provide mapping economy potency and regional independency in Java. From the share analysis, still dominated by provincial government, which the biggest is DKI Jakarta Province. From the smallest share, Gunung Kidul Regency is the weakest independency. Based on growth analysis, Jepara Regency, Tangerang, Ngawi, Mojokerto and Tangsel City became the largest. From the quadrant method, 15 regions are in quadrant I, about 19 other areas are in quadrant II and 37 areas are in quadrant III. And largest part of the Java could classify in quadrant IV. According on these findings, central government must producing several policy to speed up the development regions particularly on all regional in quadrant IV.

The recent development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and their application in modern horticulture stimulated studies demonstrating that additional far-red (FR) radiation (700–800 nm) increases plant dry mass. This effect of FR has been explained by improved photosynthesis and/or plant architecture. However, the genotypic variation in this response is largely unknown. Here, we aim to explore and explain the genotypic variation in growth responses to additional FR. We expected the genotypic variation in the responses of plant dry mass to additional FR. Further, we hypothesized that a significant improvement of both net assimilation rate (NAR) and leaf area ratio (LAR) is responsible for a strong dry mass increase under additional FR, while some genotypes respond only marginally or even negatively in NAR or LAR under FR, thus resulting in a weak FR effect on plant dry mass. To test these hypotheses, we grew 33 different tomato genotypes for 21 days with 0, 25, or 100 μmol m–2 s–1 of FR added to a common white + red LED background lighting of 150 μmol m–2 s–1. Genotypes responded similarly with respect to plant height, stem dry mass, and shoot:root ratio; i.e., they all increased with increasing FR. However, the response of total plant dry mass varied among genotypes. We categorized the genotypes into three groups (strongly, moderately, and weakly responding groups) based on their relative response in total plant dry mass to FR. Growth component analysis revealed that the strongly responding genotypes increased strongly in NAR rather than LAR. The weakly responding genotypes, however, showed a substantial increase in LAR but not NAR. The increase in LAR was due to the increase in specific leaf area. Leaf mass fraction, which is the other component of LAR, decreased with FR and did not differ between groups. In conclusion, tomato genotypes that increased strongly in NAR in response to FR were able to achieve a more substantial increase in dry mass than did other genotypes. This is the first study to explain the differences in growth responses of a large number of tomato genotypes toward FR in their light environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a preferred vegetable by local farmers at a riparian wetland in Indonesia due to high market demand and its economic value. Chili pepper can be grown immediately after rice harvesting, concurrently with the early dry season. Three chili pepper varieties, namely Genie, Romario, and Laris were evaluated for their adaptability to drought condition. Drought treatment was imposed for 7 days until soil water potential was dropped to around −30 to −40 kPa. Morphological and photosynthetic traits were measured at pre-, during, and post-drought exposures. Growth analysis was calculated based on measured morphological traits. Results indicated that the number of leaves (NoL), total leaf area (TLA), total accumulated dry matter (TDM), and relative growth rate (RGR) were negatively affected by drought. Water content of shoot (SWC), leaf (LWC), and root (RWC) were significantly decreased during drought exposure; yet, able to fully recover at 7 days after drought treatment was terminated. Decrease in shoot root ratio (SRR) and leaf weight ratio (LWR); reversely, increase the root weight ratio (RWR) under drought condition, was not associated with enhancement of root growth. Rather, it was due to less negatively effect of drought on roots than on the above-ground organs. Simultaneously, chlorophyll fluorescence, LWC, stomatal conductance, transpiration and photosynthetic rates declined during drought exposure. However, 7 days after drought treatment was terminated, all traits were able to return to pre-drought levels. Among chili pepper varieties studied, Genie exhibited better overall performance than Laris and Romario did under drought stress condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Adaptation to different pollinators is an important driver of speciation in the angiosperms. Genetic approaches such as QTL mapping have been successfully used to identify the underlying speciation genes. However, these methods are often limited by widespread suppression of recombination due to divergence between species. While the mutations that caused the interspecific differences in floral color and scent have been elucidated in a variety of plant genera, the genes that are responsible for morphological differences remain mostly unknown. Differences in floral organ length determine the pollination efficiency of hawkmoths and hummingbirds, and therefore the genes that control these differences are potential speciation genes. Identifying such genes is challenging, especially in non‐model species and when studying complex traits for which little prior genetic and biochemical knowledge is available. Here we combine transcriptomics with detailed growth analysis to identify candidate transcription factors underlying interspecific variation in the styles of Petunia flowers. Starting from a set of 2284 genes, stepwise filtering for expression in styles, differential expression between species, correlation with growth‐related traits, allele‐specific expression in interspecific hybrids, and/or high‐impact polymorphisms resulted in a set of 43 candidate speciation genes. Validation by virus‐induced gene silencing identified two MYB transcription factors, EOBI and EOBII, that were previously shown to regulate floral scent emission, a trait associated with pollination by hawkmoths. Significance Statement: Identification of the genes that caused speciation is a major challenge. Our flexible workflow identifies MYB transcription factors as candidate speciation genes during evolutionary shifts in pollination syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of the best methods for growth analysis is critical for accurate prediction of crop productivity. Two important components of growth analysis in crops are growth rate (GR) and relative growth rate (RGR). Although several methods have been proposed for computing these and several other parameters of crop growth, there is paucity of information on the comparison of the methods and identification of the best method in computing GR and RGR especially of maize (Zea mays L.) in tropical environments. Dry matter samples obtained at 5-day intervals from 9 to 39 days after planting (DAP) from 16 maize varieties planted in three replicate randomized complete block design in four environments, were used to compute GR and RGR by three methods, in order to identify the best method for computing the growth parameters; and determine the relationship between the growth parameters and maize yield. Statistical analysis of the data showed significant differences among the methods (P = 0.01). The three methods were different in terms of mean GR and RGR. The coefficient of variation showed that the calendar-day and heat unit methods (about 49% and 13% for GR and RGR respectively) were not different from each other while the regression method (44% and 12% for GR and RGR respectively) was more efficient than both methods in computing the growth parameters. Correlation analysis showed that the calendarday and heat unit methods were better than the regression method in predicting maize productivity. Our results revealed that the regression method was better than the calendar-day and heat unit methods in computing GR and RGR but was not as efficient as the two methods in predicting maize productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urochloa hybrids produce large amounts of biomass and have drought tolerance; however, there are few reports on the forage yield and quality of these forage grasses in semi‐arid environments. We evaluated the forage yield and nutritional value of Urochloa hybrids ('Mulato II', 'Cayman' and 'Cobra') and Pennisetum ciliare 'H‐17' (control) at three regrowth ages (RA: 4, 6 and 8 weeks), at maximum (MAR) and minimum (MIR) rainfall periods in semi‐arid climate. The variables evaluated were as follows: dry matter of leaves (DMl), stems (DMs), and total (DMT), crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and detergent fibers (neutral: NDF, and acid: ADF). The hybrids showed higher DMl, CP and IVDMD with values of 423 g/m2, 11% and 70%, respectively. 'H‐17' presented higher DMs, NDF and ADF, with values of 110 g/m2, 69% and 35%, respectively. Urochloa hybrids showed higher forage yield and nutritional value compared to Pennisetum ciliare 'H‐17' and could be an alternative for semi‐arid zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen availability and ontogeny both affect the relative growth rate (RGR) of plants. In this study of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) we determined which growth parameters are affected by nitrate (N) availability, and whether these were confounded by differences in plant size, reflecting differences in growth. Plants were hydroponically grown on six different nitrate (N) concentrations for 28 days, and nine harvests were performed to assess the effect of N on growth parameters. Most growth parameters showed similar patterns of responses to N supply whether compared at common time points or common plant sizes. N had a significant effect on the biomass allocation: increasing N increased leaf mass ratio (LMR) and decreased root mass ratio (RMR). Specific leaf area (SLA) was not significantly affected by N. RGR increased with increasing N supply up to 1 mM, associated with increases in both LMR and net assimilation rate (NAR). Increases in N supply above 1 mM did not increase RGR as increases in LMR were offset by decreases in NAR. The high RGR at suboptimal N supply suggest a higher nitrogen use efficiency (biomass/N supply). The reasons for the homeostasis of growth under suboptimal N levels are discussed. Nitrogen (N) availability has a profound impact on plant growth. Our research revealed that N availability had little effect on the physiological and leaf morphological components of growth. Rather, the variation in plant growth in response to N was largely due to shifts in biomass allocation. Plants allocated more biomass to roots at the cost of leaves to improve N uptake under low N. This pattern of response to N was maintained when accounting for plant size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus L.) is an abundant resource with huge phytochemical and agronomic potentials. Their variation in response to agronomic techniques needs to be explored. Field studies were laid out to assess plant density and nitrogen fertilizer (N) effects on blessed thistle plant height, branches number (m-2), vegetative variables and RGR (relative growth rate), CGR (crop growth rate), LAR (leaf area ratio), NAR (net assimilation rate), as growth variables along with blessed thistle essential oil content, yield and compositions in two growing seasons. A three replicated factorial combination of plant densities (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 plants m-2) and N levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) in a randomized complete-block design were conducted. Addition of 100 kg N ha-1with 15-20 plants m-2caused a significant increase in vegetative and growth variables. Although the essential oil content declined by 28 and 39 % as N rate level rose from 0 to 150 kg ha-1, essential oil yield peaked at 40-80 kg N ha-1 in both years. The GC and GC/MS analysis showed that eicosane was the dominant component of the essential oil (31-65 %), followed by isopropyl hexadecanoate (5.7-9.2 %), octadecane (3.5-10.5 %) and cryptomerione (3.1-7.1 %) which presented variations across the treatments. Application of N resulted in a decrease in the eicosane and an increase in the proportion of isopropyl hexadecanoate, octadecane and cryptomerione. It can be concluded that optimizing agronomic management techniques could be an effective approach to improve growth, essential oil content and composition of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental conditions influence phenology and physiological processes of plants. It is common for maize and sorghum to be sown at two different periods: the first cropping (spring/summer) and the second cropping (autumn/winter). The phenological cycle of these crops varies greatly according to the planting season, and it is necessary to characterize the growth and development to facilitate the selection of the species best adapted to the environment. The aim of this study was to characterize phenological phases and physiological parameters in sorghum and maize plants as a function of environmental conditions from the first cropping and second cropping periods. Two parallel experiments were conducted with both crops. The phenological characterization was based on growth analyses (plant height, leaf area and photoassimilate partitioning) and gas exchange evaluations (net assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration and water‐use efficiency). It was found that the vegetative stage (VS) for sorghum and maize plants was 7 and 21 days, respectively, longer when cultivated during the second cropping. In the first cropping, the plants were taller than in the second cropping, regardless of the crop. The stomatal conductance of sorghum plants fluctuated in the second cropping during the development period, while maize plants showed decreasing linear behaviour. Water‐use efficiency in sorghum plants was higher during the second cropping compared with the first cropping. In maize plants, in the second cropping, the water‐use efficiency showed a slight variation in relation to the first cropping. It was concluded that the environmental conditions as degree‐days, temperature, photoperiod and pluvial precipitation influence the phenology and physiology of both crops during the first and the second cropping periods, specifically cycle duration, plant height, leaf area, net assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and water‐use efficiency, indicating that both crops respond differentially to environmental changes during the growing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Leaf area index (LAI) was developed to describe the number of layers of foliage in a monoculture. Subsequent expansion into measurement by remote‐sensing methods has resulted in misrepresentation of LAI. The new name foliage layer index (FLI) is applied to a more simply estimated version of Goodall's “cover repetition,” that is, the number of layers of foliage a single species has, either within a community or in monoculture. The relationship of FLI with cover is demonstrated in model communities, and some potential relationships between FLI and species’ habit are suggested. FLIcomm is a new formulation for the number of layers of foliage in a mixed‐species’ community. LAI should now be reserved for remote‐sensing applications in mixed communities, where it is probably a nonlinear measure of the density of light‐absorbing pigments.

In sugarcane plantations, species of the genus Euphorbia are reported as weeds able to reduce productivity by up to 85%. Planning the correct strategies for controlling these plants requires knowledge of their biology and growth. The aim of this work therefore, was to evaluate the growth of three weed species of the genus Euphorbia occurring in sugarcane plantations. The study was carried out in a greenhouse, using a completely randomised experimental design in a scheme of lots subdivided over time, with five replications. The factors were three species of Euphorbia (E. heterophylla, E. hyssopifolia and E. hirta) and 13 periods of evaluation 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91 and 98 days after sowing (DAS). Each evaluation measured plant height (PH), leaf area (LA), number of leaves (NL) and total dry matter (TDM). From the mean values for shoot dry matter (SDM), TDM and LA, the absolute growth rate (AGR) and relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area ratio (LAR), and leaf weight ratio (LWR) were calculated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and non-linear regression. E. heterophylla displayed greater PH up to 63 DAS, from this point E. hyssopifolia obtained greater height among the species under study. E. heterophylla was noteworthy for having a greater accumulation of LA, TDM and AGR among the studied species, followed by E. hyssopifolia and E. hirta. Maximum growth in the species under evaluation was at 77 DAS. Among the species, E. heterophylla displays greater growth and development. = Nos canaviais, espécies do gênero Euphorbia são relatadas como plantas daninhas capazes de reduzir a produtividade em até 85%. Para traçar estratégias corretas de controle dessas plantas é necessário o conhecimento tanto da sua biologia quanto do seu crescimento. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o crescimento de três espécies daninhas do gênero Euphorbia ocorrentes nos canaviais. O estudo foi realizado em casa de vegetação, utilizando delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema de parcela subdividida, com cinco repetições. Os fatores foram três espécies de Euphorbia (E. heterophylla, E. hyssopifolia e E. hirta) e 13 períodos de avaliação: 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91 e 98 dias após a semeadura (DAS). Em cada avaliação foram mensuradas a altura da planta (AP), a área foliar (AF), o número de folhas (NF) e a matéria seca total (MST). Com valores médios de matéria seca da parte aérea (MSPA), MST e AF foram calculadas as taxas de crescimento absoluto (TCA) e relativo (TCR), a razão de área foliar (RAF) e a razão massa foliar (RMF). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e à regressão não-linear. E. heterophylla foi maior em AP até os 63 DAS, a partir desse ponto, E. hyssopifolia ultrapassou obtendo maior altura dentre as espécies estudadas. E. heterophylla destacou-se por ter maior acúmulo de AF, MST e TCA dentre as espécies estudadas, seguida da E. hyssopifolia e E. hirta. O ponto máximo de crescimento das espécies avaliadas ocorreu aos 77 DAS. Dentre as espécies estudadas, E. heterophylla apresenta maior crescimento e desenvolvimento.

Field experiments were carried out in 2014 and 2015 to characterize the associated attributes responsible for dry matter accumulation in high-yielding soybean. We attempted to create a high-yielding environment by introducing narrow-row planting at two planting densities, using a new cultivar ‘Hatsusayaka’ and a current leading cultivar ‘Sachiyutaka’ in an upland experimental field. Dry matter accumulation was assessed in terms of light interception and radiation use efficiency (RUE). Growth analysis was performed to evaluate the crop growth rate (CGR) and the contribution of the net assimilation rate (NAR) and mean leaf area index to CGR. Maximum soybean yields of 590 and 658 g m−2 were obtained for Hatsusayaka and Sachiyutaka, respectively, in 2015 at the high planting density, with the corresponding maximum aboveground dry matter equaling 1463 and 1331 g m−2 and maximum LAI equaling 8.5 and 7.6. Although cumulative intercepted solar radiation was lower than in previous studies, early canopy closure at around the beginning of the flowering stage and very high RUE (1.54 and 1.68 g MJ−2 for Hatsusayaka and Sachiyutaka, respectively) contributed to the high dry matter accumulation. In contrast to the high yield in 2015, continuous excess soil moisture in early August 2014 may have inhibited nodule nitrogen fixation and decreased the nitrogen content, resulting in an extremely high specific leaf area and low leaf greenness, which agrees well with the low NAR during the corresponding period.

The effect of potassium (K) application based on 4R stewardship (right rate, time, method, and source) on growth, yield attributes and yields of dry direct seeded basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) was evaluated during rainy (kharif) season of 2015 and 2016 at IARI, New Delhi. Application of recommended dose of K (60 kg/ha), half as basal and remaining half at panicle initiation (PI) stage increased the grain (5.4 t/ha) and straw yields (7.65 t/ha) by 10 and 4% respectively, over applying the full dose as basal. A strong, positive and significant correlation was observed between yield attributes [panicle weight (r2=0.79), panicle length (r2=0.83), fertility % (r2=0.84)] and yield of dry direct seeded basmati rice. Similarly, positive and significant correlation was observed between leaf area index at 60 DAS (r2=0.73) & 90 DAS (r2=0.91) and dry matter production. The two foliar sprays of 2.5% potassium nitrate (1st at active tillering, and 2nd at panicle initiation) increased fertility (83.5%) and grain yield (4.3 t/ha) by 6% and 8% respectively, over control. However, the combined application of foliar sprays and two split application of recommended dose of K showed non-significant effect on growth, yield and yield attributes. Thus, to obtain higher yield in dry direct seeded basmati rice, application of 60 kg/ha, half as basal and remaining half at panicle initiation (PI) is recommended.

The objective of this study is to analyze the growth of wild species of tomato, of the cultivar Redenção and of the respective F1 hybrids of interspecific crossings. We evaluated six wild-type accessions (Solanum pimpinellifolium ‘AF 26970’, S. galapagense ‘LA-1401’, S. peruvianum ‘AF 19684’, S. habrochaites var. hirsutum ‘PI-127826’, S. habrochaites var. glabratum ‘PI-134417’, and S. pennellii ‘LA-716’) and the commercial cultivar Redenção (S. lycopersicum) together with their respective interspecific hybrids. In completely randomized blocks and plots subdivided by time (16, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 days after transplanting), we evaluated leaf area (LA), total dry matter (TDM), absolute growth rate (AGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR). The distribution of assimilates in the different organs followed different patterns according to genotype. There was a greater accumulation of LA and TDM in the accessions ‘PI-127826’ and ‘PI-134417’ and in the hybrids ‘Redenção’ x ‘PI-127826’ and ‘Redenção’ x ‘PI-134417’. Due to a heterotrophic effect provided by the crossings, there were higher LA, TDM, AGR, RGR and NAR in hybrids than in parent plants. The accessions ‘PI-127826’ and ‘PI-134417’ presented a potential to be donor parents for obtaining tomatoes with a greater capacity of net assimilation and biomass accumulation.

Background: Non-destructive high-throughput plant phenotyping is becoming increasingly used and various methods for growth analysis have been proposed. Traditional longitudinal or repeated measures analyses that model growth using statistical models are common. However, often the variation in the data is inappropriately modelled, in part because the required models are complicated and difficult to fit. We provide a novel, computationally efficient technique that is based on smoothing and extraction of traits (SET), which we compare with the alternative traditional longitudinal analysis methods. Results: The SET-based and longitudinal analyses were applied to a tomato experiment to investigate the effects on plant growth of zinc (Zn) addition and growing plants in soil inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Conclusions from the SET-based and longitudinal analyses are similar, although the former analysis results in more significant differences. They showed that added Zn had little effect on plants grown in inoculated soils, but that growth depended on the amount of added Zn for plants grown in uninoculated soils. The longitudinal analysis of the unsmoothed data fitted a mixed model that involved both fixed and random regression modelling with splines, as well as allowing for unequal variances and autocorrelation between time points. Conclusions: A SET-based analysis can be used in any situation in which a traditional longitudinal analysis might be applied, especially when there are many observed time points. Two reasons for deploying the SET-based method are (i) biologically relevant growth parameters are required that parsimoniously describe growth, usually focussing on a small number of intervals, and/or (ii) a computationally efficient method is required for which a valid analysis is easier to achieve, while still capturing the essential features of the exhibited growth dynamics. Also discussed are the statistical models that need to be considered for traditional longitudinal analyses and it is demonstrated that the oft-omitted unequal variances and autocorrelation may be required for a valid longitudinal analysis. With respect to the separate issue of the subjective choice of mathematical growth functions or splines to characterize growth, it is recommended that, for both SET-based and longitudinal analyses, an evidence-based procedure is adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the year 2100, temperatures are predicted to increase by about 6 °C at higher latitudes and about 3 °C in the tropics. In spite of the smaller increase in the tropics, consequences may be more severe because the climatic niches of tropical species are generally assumed to be rather narrow due to a high degree of climate stability and higher niche specialisation. However, rigorous data to back up this notion are rare.We chose the megadiverse genus Anthurium (Araceae) for study. Considering that the regeneration niche of a species is crucial for overall niche breadth, we focused on the response of germination and early growth through a temperature range of 24 °C of 15 Anthurium species, and compared the thermal niche breadth (TNB) with the temperature conditions in their current range, modelled from occurrence records.Surprisingly, an increase of 3 °C would lead to a larger overlap of TNB of germination and modelled in situ temperature conditions, while the overlap of TNB of growth with in situ conditions under current and future conditions is statistically indistinguishable.We conclude that future temperatures tend to be closer to the thermal optima of most species. Whether this really leads to an increase in performance depends on other abiotic and biotic factors, most prominently potentially changing precipitation patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Vigna contains important crops such as cowpea and mungbean. Wild Vigna showing higher salt tolerance than Vigna crops were screened and their tolerance mechanisms are discussed. Primary screening using 7 Vigna crops and 23 wild Vigna under 300 mM NaCl selected V. luteola, V. marina and V. vexillata. A study under different salt concentrations revealed the highest survival ability of V. marina. Diversity of salt tolerance in each species was revealed using a total of 230 accessions. Growth and physiological responses under 150 mM NaCl were then compared using two selected accessions from each species. The pattern of Na+ accumulation in roots, stems and leaves suggested that V. vexillata (V1) and V. luteola (L8, L9) are 'Na+ excluder' type, while V. marina (M1, M4) is 'Na+ includer' type. V. luteola (L8, L9) showed the highest dry matter production under control condition and well-maintained shoot dry weight under salt stress. Interestingly, V. luteola (L9) accumulated the highest Na+ in roots (3000 μM g−1) and increased root dry weight under salt stress, which might work as Na+ reservoir restricting Na+ transition to the leaves, leading to the increased photosynthetic rate. V. luteola has great potential in areas where moderate salt damage occurs. V. marina (M1, M4) accumulated Na+ at high level in roots, stem, and leaves. Under salt stress, they increased stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and photosynthetic rate, which suggested the adaptational regulation of aquaporin gene expression. V. marina will be useful as food, pasture and phytoremediation legumes in highly salt-damaged areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Os índices morfométricos podem ser usados para subsidiar o entendimento da dinâmica de florestas naturais. Diante disso, objetivou-se descrever e avaliar as características morfométricas e dendrométricas de Araucaria angustifolia, como subsídio para compreensão da estrutura da floresta natural de araucária. Os dados foram mensurados em três municípios de Santa Catarina, considerando diferentes altitudes de ocorrência da espécie, com amostragem de 247 árvores, utilizando o método de Bitterlich, sendo medida a circunferência a 1,30 m do solo, altura total e de inserção de copa e raios de copa. As relações interdimensionais das árvores foram descritas por meio de índices morfométricos. O sítio 2 apresentou árvores de maior porte em relação ao diâmetro e área de copa. O sítio 3 apresentou a maior densidade de árvores (403 árvores ha-1), enquanto nos sítios 1 e 2 foram observadas 362 e 232 árvores ha-1, respectivamente. No sítio 3, a maior parte das árvores apresentou proporção de copa superior a 50% e formal de copa menor que 1, indicando árvores de copas mais estreitas e largas. O diâmetro da árvore apresentou correlação negativa e superior a 70% com o grau de esbeltez. Nos três sítios, o diâmetro apresentou correlação positiva com o diâmetro de copa. Morphometric indices can be used to support the understanding of natural forest dynamics. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the morphometric and dendrometric characteristics of Araucaria angustifolia, to understanding of the structure of natural Araucaria Forest. The data were obtained in three counties of Santa Catarina State, considering different altitudes of occurrence of the species. We sampled 247 trees, using the Bitterlich method, and we measured the circumferences at 1.30 m from the ground, total height and crown insertion height and crown radius. The trees interdimensional relationships were described through morphometric indices. Site 2 showed larger trees considering crown area diameter. Site 3 had the highest tree density (403 trees ha-1), while sites 1 and 2 showed 362 and 232 trees ha-1, respectively. At site 3, most trees presented crown ratio greater than 50% and crown fullness ratio lower than 1, indicating trees with narrower and larger crowns. The tree diameter showed a negative correlation, higher than 70% with the degree of slenderness. The diameter presented a positive correlation with the crown diameter in the three sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature has arrived at a consensus regarding the positive effects of institutions on growth. Nevertheless, many economists argue that a unified analytical framework of institutions-growth studies is still missing and more research needs to be done to fully operationalise the institutional effects in the empirical growth analysis. This paper critically reviews the literature on institutions-economic growth nexus and carefully outlines the important dimensions of empirical heterogeneity the growing number of institutional studies have given rise to. Via a careful assessment and thorough evaluation of selected institutions-growth studies, the dimensions of heterogeneity are identified, namely modelling the institutions-growth link, measures of institutions, channel and size of effects of institutions on growth, reverse causality issue, estimation techniques and sources of institutional data. Arguably, a critical review of a similar stature is rarely done, and the findings of this review are expected to better-inform future empirical works in this field towards strengthening the empirical evidence to support the proposition that "institutions matter to growth." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to analyze the growth of wild species of tomato, of the cultivar Redenção and of the respective F1 hybrids of interspecific crossings. We evaluated six wild-type accessions (Solanum pimpinellifolium ‘AF 26970’, S. galapagense ‘LA-1401’, S. peruvianum ‘AF 19684’, S. habrochaites var. hirsutum ‘PI-127826’, S. habrochaites var. glabratum ‘PI-134417’, and S. pennellii ‘LA-716’) and the commercial cultivar Redenção (S. lycopersicum) together with their respective interspecific hybrids. In completely randomized blocks and plots subdivided by time (16, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 days after transplanting), we evaluated leaf area (LA), total dry matter (TDM), absolute growth rate (AGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR). The distribution of assimilates in the different organs followed different patterns according to genotype. There was a greater accumulation of LA and TDM in the accessions ‘PI-127826’ and ‘PI-134417’ and in the hybrids ‘Redenção’ x ‘PI-127826’ and ‘Redenção’ x ‘PI-134417’. Due to a heterotrophic effect provided by the crossings, there were higher LA, TDM, AGR, RGR and NAR in hybrids than in parent plants. The accessions ‘PI-127826’ and ‘PI-134417’ presented a potential to be donor parents for obtaining tomatoes with a greater capacity of net assimilation and biomass accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first study that estimates the impacts of the One Village One Preschool, the first national ECE intervention in rural China. • We use longitudinal data and show that providing low-cost ECE to rural children in China can generate the desired elementary academic improvements. • This study implies that the village-level ECE settings with public financial support may be a vital next step of the education policy reform in China to help most disadvantaged children. One Village One Preschool (OVOP) project is a government-supported public intervention launched by the China Development Research Foundation, which provided disadvantaged rural and minority children in central and western rural China with access to early childhood education (ECE). OVOP has established about 2300 centers in ten provinces, enrolling over 170,000 3–6-year olds, free of charge for all. We analyzed longitudinal data collected from a sample of 1962 children in Ledu county of Qinghai Province (comparing OVOP attendees to children who had experienced no ECE, private ECE, or public ECE), using an inverse probability weighted longitudinal growth modeling approach to reduce selection bias in evaluating the effects of OVOP on children's academic achievement during the first 5 years of elementary school. We found that children who attended OVOP centers attained higher scores in elementary grades than children who had received no ECE or who had attended private township ECE. However, OVOP children scored lower than children who went to well-resourced public township ECE centers, despite showing growth rates that were similar. Both OVOP and public ECE groups improved more quickly than children in the no-ECE or private-ECE group. We conclude that providing low-cost ECE to rural children in China has educational and social value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth analysis is an appropriate method for plant response to various environmental and cultural conditions during plant life. A 2-year experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of soil tillage and fertilization on the growth and growth parameters of quinoa crop and to determine the association between yield and growth characteristics at both the single plant and crop stand level. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with two replicates, two main plots [conventional (CT) and minimum tillage (MT)] and four sub-plots [fertilization treatments: untreated, inorganic fertilization of 100 (N1) and 200 kg N ha-1 (N2) and sheep manure]. The highest absolute growth rate (AGR) and crop growth rate (CGR) values were recorded between the middle of vegetative growth stage and the beginning of anthesis (50-75 DAS) under conventional tillage coupled with manure (AGR: 0.4577 g day-1, CGR: 11.44 g m-2 day-1) and with N2 treatment (AGR: 0.4521 g day-1, CGR: 11.31 g m-2 day-1). Concerning specific leaf area (SLA), the highest value (150.58 cm² g-1) was found at 75 DAS in N2 treatment. Leaf area index (LAI) were positively affected by soil tillage and fertilization with greatest values found under conventional tillage coupled with N2 treatment (5.110 m² m-2). The highest seed yield was observed in N2 treatment (2488 and 2388 kg ha-1 under CT and MT, respectively). As a conclusion, the cultivation under conventional tillage and the increasing levels of applied nitrogen up to 200 kg N ha-1 increases crop growth and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is the major food crop of Asian and African countries. The nutritional qualities of rice grains vary based on their nutrient and amino acids content. Indigenous varieties are conserved for a variety of reasons. Farmers have great awareness about the rice varieties they were using and their importance. Some of them are pest and disease resistance (Sigappu Kuruvikar); some of them are suitable for saline soil (Kalarpalai); flood and drought resistance (Samba Mosanam and Vadan Samba) and provide energy and stamina (Mappillai Samba). In order to study the response of these traditional varieties to salinity, a replicated trial was conducted in a completely randomised block design (RBD) with 50 varieties (47 traditional rice varieties and 3 local varieties as check) in the coastal saline areas of Tamil Nadu. In this study, data on biometric, biophysical, growth analysis and yield parameters were recorded and statistical analysis of clustering of genotypes, correlation analysis, multidimensional scale and principal component analysis (PCA) were also done using the statistical tools for agricultural research software with the varieties. The results revealed that the varieties Raja mannar, Pal kudaivazhai, Kuzhiadichan and Raja mudi performed well by recording better observations in biometric, biophysical, growth analysis and yield parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean (Glycine max) stands out in the agricultural scene, being one of the main sources of protein and oil for human and animal nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth, radiation use efficiency, and the yield of soybean, cultivated under four levels of artificial shading to simulate the environment provided by an agroforestry system. A field experiment was conducted in Frederico Westphalen, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from December 2015 to April 2016. The experimental design was completely randomized with four levels of shading (0, 30, 50, and 70%) as treatment, and eight collections of plants at specific growth stages. The growth and yield traits of the soybean crop are influenced differently as a function of shade levels. Thus, the simulation of an agroforestry system from artificial shading allowed the recommendation of soybean cultivation for intercropping systems, provided that the interception of solar radiation by the tree component is less than 30%, in order to enable soybean cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Castor oil is oil used in the manufacture of biofuel. The objective of this work was to evaluate germination and growth variables in castor bean plants grown in different agroindustrial organic residues. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions at IFCE Campus Maracanaú in a completely randomized experimental design with 7 treatments (1. 100% sand in volume, 50% sand and 50% organic agroindustrial waste: 2. earthworm humus; peanut shell, coconut fiber, 5. sugarcane bagasse, castor oil cake, or carbonized rice husk) and 5 replicates. Initially the germination variables were analyzed (Emergency percentage, Emergency speed index and average germination time). Then, at 9 days after sowing (DAS), the growth variables (height, collection diameter and number of leaves) were evaluated weekly. At 28 DAS the relative levels of chlorophyll were measured and the seedlings collected to quantify fresh matter, dry matter and leaf area. The castor cake residue and charcoal rice husk cannot be used in the formulation of substrates, since they prevented the germination. Coconut fiber and sugarcane bagasse allowed the germination, but with reduced growth of the seedlings. Among the agroindustrial residues, the peanut shell presented the best results. Due to the low cost and adequate disposal of the residue, peanut bark could be an organic alternative to castor bean cultivation, since it is a viable and environmentally advantageous strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental conditions have a great influence on the growth and development of weeds and, consequently, on their ability to compete, and changing these conditions can be effective in weed management. For this purpose, an experiment was carried out in 2016 and 2017 in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Iran. The studied factors were four weed species Red root pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium), Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens L) and Catchweed (Setaria verticilata) and three irrigation periods to field capacity (irrigation daily (control), irrigation once in every three days and irrigated once every six days). Results showed that with increasing irrigation period, Leaf Area Index (LAI), Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Weed Growth Rate (WGR), Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) and Total Dry Matter (TDM) decreased. The extent of decrease in growth indices was different between weeds C3 and C4. Total dry matter of Catchweed and Red root pigweed responded to increased irrigation periods less than others. In control irrigation, Jimsonweed growth indices were higher than other weeds, but to exert stress and increasing irrigation periods, Red root pigweed was more successful and a stronger competitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The phenotypic plasticity of sugarcane cultivars was evaluated under contrasting soil water conditions. • Partitioning of photoassimilates in sugarcane is not influenced by moderate levels water stress. • Sugarcane varieties can save up to 25% of the applied water under moderate deficit irrigation. • Higher water use efficiency under limit water conditions was found for specific sugarcane varities. • Under deficit irrigation, biomass yield should be prioritized to the detriment of sucrose concentration in stalks. Studies of sugarcane varieties grown under water-restrictive conditions are necessary because climate changes may result in insufficient rain for agriculture and selecting or breeding drought-tolerant cultivars will become more and more important. This study aimed to quantify the accumulation and partitioning of biomass, as well as water use efficiency of commercial sugarcane varieties under different soil water availability conditions throughout the growing season. The study was conducted during two cropping cycles in Southeast Brazil (22.7 °S, 47.6 °W). Four soil moisture availability regimens were set up to provide 100, 75, 75* and 50% of the water demand of eight commercial varieties of sugarcane (CTC15, CTC17, RB867515, RB92579, RB931011, RB966928, IAC5000, and NCo376). The total aboveground biomass was measured in both crop cycles. Our results indicate that two Brazilian varieties (CTC15 and CTC17) and one South African variety (NCo376 - Canegrow DSSAT reference), increased their water use efficiency when grown under an irrigation deficit of 75% of normal, without yielding less biomass. We did not observe any change in sucrose content under controlled water deficits; however, the studied varieties showed different biomass partitioning: RB966928 had the largest biomass fraction allocated in the stalks (0.59), while IAC5000 showed the lowest fraction (0.51). We verified that the harvest index for sucrose was not altered by reduced irrigation, but that its variability was attributed to the genotype inherited from traditional breeding programs. Thus, we conclude from these results that increased sugar yield per unit area is only possible nowadays by increasing sugarcane biomass productivity under highly efficient irrigation conditions to minimize the loss of yield from water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of drained mucilage of beans of Theobroma cacao, T. grandiflorum and T. bicolor in wooden box was compared and then its possible use as biofertilizer was evaluated. T. cacao showed the highest production of drained mucilage (4.5 ml mucilage kg-1 grain h-1) with contents of 11.18 mg P L.- 1, 0.2% K and 0.08% N. Subsequently the growth of two varieties of Zea mays (ICA V-305 and Calilla) using drained mucilage of T. cacao was characterized. The field experiment had five treatments (fertisun, control (without fertilizer), 5% mucilage, 10% mucilage and 15% mucilage) under a completely random design in divided plots. The agronomic response variables evaluated were: Absolute Growth Rate (AGR) and Relative Growth Rate (RGR). In the evaluation of AGR in the two varieties of Z. mays studied, it was observed that the Calilla variety showed greater growth in less time when applied 5% mucilage with respect to the variety ICA V-305, for which it was considered the best treatment to use as biofertilizer. Considering the existence of weeds in the study site, which were only removed in the samplings at 13 and 21 days after seedling not clear tendency was observed in the RGR values for the two varieties of Z. mays evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guaco is a medicinal plant species containing coumarin, a secondary metabolite whose concentration is influenced by various factors, such as the level of exposure to UVA (315-400 nm) and UVB (280-315 nm) radiation, age of the plant, and position of the storage organ in the plant. This study aimed to assess the effect of different blocking levels of UVA and UVB radiation on growth parameters and coumarin content of two guaco accessions. Treatments did not affect any of the growth parameters assessed, except leaf area. Coumarin content was higher in leaves collected from the upper canopy and with unblocked exposure to UVA and UVB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pistia stratiotes is one of the worst weeds in the world, and it adversely affects the environment and biodiversity. A large gap remains in the quantitative knowledge about the growth, biomass and life cycle of this invasive macrophyte under natural conditions in Egypt. Therefore, this study aims to determine the monthly variation in P. stratiotes population dynamics in the South Nile Delta (Egypt) to identify the potential weak stages in the species' life cycle and thereby suggest the best time to begin control of this invasive species. Sampling was performed monthly from May 2013 to February 2014 at three sites along the Al-Sero Drain; three randomly distributed quadrats (each of 0.5 × 0.5 m) were used at each site. Generally, the Al-Sero Drain is characterized by having alkaline, brackish and moderately eutrophic waters. The shoot systems started to grow in May, reached their maximum biomass of 320.7 g DM m−2 in September and then decreased and reached their lowest value in February. The root biomass increased from 2.3 g DM m−2 in May to 26.6 g DM m−2 in August and decreased to a minimum of 4.9 g DM m−2 in February. The relative growth rate of the plant was highest during the summer, whereas the lowest relative growth rate occurred in the winter. In conclusion, to suppress or eradicate this macrophyte from a drain, the harvest should be performed in May, when the biomass is low, and the offshoot production is just beginning (before the formation of large mature individuals). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of functional traits to predict and explain plant species' distributions and vital rates has been a major direction in functional ecology for decades, yet numerous physiological traits have not yet been incorporated into the approach.Using commonly measured traits such as leaf mass per area (LMA) and wood density (WD), and additional traits related to water transport, gas exchange and resource economics, including leaf vein, stomatal and wilting traits, we tested hypotheses for Hawaiian wet montane and lowland dry forests (MWF and LDF, respectively): (1) Forests would differ in a wide range of traits as expected from contrasting adaptation; (2) trait values would be more convergent among dry than wet forest species due to the stronger environmental filtering; (3) traits would be intercorrelated within "modules" supporting given functions; (4) relative growth rate (RGR) and mortality rate (m) would correlate with a number of specific traits; with (5) stronger relationships when stratifying by tree size; and (6) RGR and m can be strongly explained from trait‐based models.The MWF species' traits were associated with adaptation to high soil moisture and nutrient supply and greater shade tolerance, whereas the LDF species' traits were associated with drought tolerance. Thus, on average, MWF species achieved higher maximum heights than LDF species and had leaves with larger epidermal cells, higher maximum stomatal conductance and CO2 assimilation rate, lower vein lengths per area, higher saturated water content and greater shrinkage when dry, lower dry matter content, higher phosphorus concentration, lower nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, high chlorophyll to nitrogen ratio, high carbon isotope discrimination, high stomatal conductance to nitrogen ratio, less negative turgor loss point and lower WD. Functional traits were more variable in the MWF than LDF, were correlated within modules, and predicted species' RGR and m across forests, with stronger relationships when stratifying by tree size. Models based on multiple traits predicted vital rates across forests (R2 = 0.70–0.72; p < 0.01).Our findings are consistent with a powerful role of broad suites of functional traits in contributing to forest species' distributions, integrated plant design and vital rates. A plain language summary is available for this article. Plain Language Summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Colloid cysts (CCs) are rare cystic lesions derived from the endoderm of the central nervous system. Although they appear most commonly in the anterior roof of the third ventricle, there are only a few reports of CCs located in the suprasellar region. Although CCs are considered to be slow-growing benign tumors, their developmental process remains unclear. Case Description A 6-year-old boy was referred to our hospital for a mild head injury. Head computed tomography scan revealed a round, hyperdense suprasellar lesion, while magnetic resonance imaging depicted the mass as an isointense lesion with multiple highly hypointense spots on T2-weighted imaging. Although this lesion had been managed conservatively with annual magnetic resonance imaging follow-up, its size gradually increased, resulting in an increase in diameter by a factor of 1.5 over an 11-year period. The doubling time of this tumor was estimated to be approximately 7 years. Despite its asymptomatic nature, the cystic lesion was totally resected when the patient was 17 years of age using an endoscopic endonasal approach to make a definitive histologic diagnosis and prevent the occurrence of neurologic symptoms. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the histologic diagnosis of the surgical specimen was consistent with CC. Conclusions This case suggests that CC may be one of several possible diagnoses in patients who present with suprasellar cystic lesions. Even if CCs in the suprasellar region remain asymptomatic, radiological follow-up is required due to possible progressive enlargement of the cyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the growth and grain yield of cowpea fertilized with effluent from a biodigester septic tank. The experiment was conducted from March to June 2009 in the municipality of Gurupi, Tocantins State, Brazil. The experiment used a randomized block design, with five treatments and four replicates. Four treatments with fertilizer applications of effluent from a biodigester septic tank (T20 with 20 mm effluent, T16 with 16 mm effluent, T12 with 12 mm effluent, and T8 with 8 mm effluent), plus a control with NPK fertilizer were tested. The following parameters were determined in the growth analysis: dry weight, leaf area, leaf area index, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, and net assimilation rate. Agronomic variables related to grain yield and the Pearson correlation between the random variables were also determined. Increasing the dose of the effluent from the biodigester septic tank reduced the performance of the variables related to growth analysis and grain yield. The 8-mm effluent dose resulted in cowpea productivity similar to that obtained with the NPK fertilizer recommended for the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Selecting glyphosate-resistant Digitaria insularis may cause changes in the biological cycle of the species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the biological cycle of susceptible and glyphosate-resistant D. insularis biotypes in two growth periods (summer/autumn and autumn/winter). Seeds were collected in the municipality of Alagoa Grande (07o02’59" S 35o37’01,5" W), and were considered susceptible (S1), in Cascavel (24o55’27" S 53o27’54.6 ”W) considered as resistant 1 (R1), Entre Rios do Oeste (24o40’44" S 54o17’05" W) considered as resistant 2 (R2) and Marechal Cândido Rondon (24o42’30" S 54o21’10" W) considered as resistant 3 (R3). Evaluations were carried out in the summer/autumn and autumn/winter periods. The collection periods of plants were: 14; 21; 28; 35; 42; 49; 56; 63; 70; 77; 84; 91; 98; 105; 112 and 119 days after emergence (DAE). The selection of glyphosate-resistant D. insularis biotypes in agricultural areas affected the biology of the species, in relation to the original population of the susceptible biotype. In the summer/autumn period (mean temperature 24.6 oC), the S biotype started the emission of tillers and flowering at 14 and 21 DAE on an average, respectively, before the resistant biotypes. However, in the autumn/winter period (mean temperature 19.0 oC) only the R1 biotype was able to develop and complete the biological cycle. The evaluated biotypes presented differences during the development, mainly between the phenological stages, so that the susceptible biotype was the most precocious and with a high reproductive potential. The physiological evaluations showed no differences among the S, R1, R2 and R3 biotypes, as verified in the TCR.

The increasing interest in the commercial exploitation of yacon has demanded adequate technological knowledge for the implantation and management of the crop, including planting periods and cultivation regions that contribute to the satisfactory growth and development of the species. This study was conducted in two different locations, one in a mountainous region and another in a lowland region. In each location, yacon was planted in four different seasons, fall (April), winter (July), spring (September) and summer (December). We collected primary dry matter accumulation data for different parts of the plant and the leaf area at 30 day intervals. We used these values to calculate the following morphophysiological indexes: specific leaf area, leaf area index, tillage growth rate and net assimilation rate. We concluded that planting in the fall in mountainous or lowland sites favoured the growth and development of yacon. Cultivation in mountainous regions, regardless of the planting season, promoted a greater mass accumulation of tuberous roots, which may be reflected in higher productivity. Both fall and winter planting in the mountainous region allows root harvesting at the same time.

Indonesia has been running a decentralized reform era since 1 January 2001. The goal of decentralization is to accelerate the realization of prosperity through the improvement of public services. Fiscal decentralization then became the main benchmark of the successful creation of indicators of regional autonomy in addressing various problems in the regions, especially inequality and poverty. According to government data, Sumatra recorded a major contributor to national GDP growth while facing poverty, inequality constraints and also the largest mining sector. By using the shared and growth analysis and quadrant method, this research tries to provide policy-making recommendations based on the characteristics of the regions in Sumatra. Based on shared analysis, the biggest region is Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province, Siak Regency, Rokan Hilir Regency, and Musi Banyuasin Regency. For the smallest region, it consists of West Nias Regency, North Nias, Toba Samosir, Gunung Sitoli and South Nias. From the growth analysis, it was found that Mesuji Regency, Southeast Aceh Padang Lawas Utara, Kota Padang Panjang and West Nias Regency have the highest growth in Indonesia. From the quadrant method, 20 regions are in quadrant I, about 54 other areas are in quadrant II, and 35 areas are in quadrant III. The largest part of the regional classification in the region of Sumatra is in quadrant IV. Based on these findings, fiscal policy in the future should be prioritized to develop on regional eradication in quadrant IV in terms of Transfer to Region.