Weedy rice (WR) is found in many direct-seeded rice fields. WR possesses morphological characteristics that are similar to cultivated rice varieties in the early stage of growth, making them more difficult to control than other weeds. A comparative morphological study was conducted by collecting WR accessions from four sites within the Pulau Pinang rice growing areas. The objective of the study was to characterise WR accessions of the Pulau Pinang rice granary by comparing their morphological characteristics to those of commercially grown rice in the area. Their morphometric relations were established by comparing 17 morphological characteristics of the WR accessions and the commercial varieties. A total of 36 WR morphotypes were identified from these 4 sites based on 17 characteristics, which included grain shattering habit and germination rate. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that 45.88% of the variation observed among the WR accessions and commercial varieties were within the first 3 axes. PB6, PP2 and SGA5 WR accessions had a higher number of tillers and longer panicle lengths, culm heights and leaf lengths compared to the commercial rice. The grain
sizes of the commercial varieties were slightly longer, and the chlorophyll contents at 60–70 days after sowing (DAS) were higher than those of the WR accessions. Results from this study are useful for predicting potential WR accession growth, which might improve WR management and agriculture practices that control WR in the future.
In vivo extracellular field potential recording is a commonly used technique in modern neuroscience research. The success of long-term electrophysiological recordings often depends on the quality of the implantation surgery. However, there is limited use of visually guided stereotaxic neurosurgery and the application of the eLab/ePulse electrophysiology system in rodent models. This study presents a practical and functional manual guide for surgical electrode implantation in rodent models using the eLab/ePulse electrophysiology system for recording and stimulation purposes to assess neuronal functionality and synaptic plasticity. The evaluation parameters included the input/output function (IO), paired-pulse facilitation or depression (PPF/PPD), long-term potentiation (LTP), and long-term depression (LTD).•Provides a detailed picture-guided procedure for conducting in vivo stereotaxic neurosurgery.•Specifically covers the insertion of hippocampal electrodes and the recording of evoked extracellular field potentials.