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Cucumbers are produced in integrated hydroponic and aquaculture systems (aquaponics). Aquaponics balances pH for plants, fish, and nitrifying bacteria. Nitrification prevents buildup of toxic waste ammonia by conversion to nitrate (NO 3 −) -nitrogen (N). The pH for hydroponic cucumbers (5.5-6.0) and nitrification (7.5-9.0) requires reconciliation to improve systems integration. Cucumbers were grown at pH of 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 with additional foliar sprays at pH 7.0 and 8.0. Plant shoot dry weight, length, N, and phosphorus (P) content at 14 DAT were similar from pH 5.0 to 7.0, but reduced at pH 8.0. Nutrient solution and shoot dry matter Mn and Fe decreased as pH increased. Foliar sprays had no effect on cucumber fruit yield. Early yield was higher at pH 5.0 compared to pH 8.0 but total yield was unaffected by pH. Cucumbers in recirculating culture may be maintained at pH levels more optimum for nitrification (7.5-8.0) except during production for early season markets.

Background The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, is a major blood-feeding pest of livestock that has near worldwide distribution, causing an annual cost of over $2 billion for control and product loss in the USA alone. Control of these flies has been limited to increased sanitary management practices and insecticide application for suppressing larval stages. Few genetic and molecular resources are available to help in developing novel methods for controlling stable flies. Results This study examines stable fly biology by utilizing a combination of high-quality genome sequencing and RNA-Seq analyses targeting multiple developmental stages and tissues. In conjunction, 1600 genes were manually curated to characterize genetic features related to stable fly reproduction, vector host interactions, host-microbe dynamics, and putative targets for control. Most notable was characterization of genes associated with reproduction and identification of expanded gene families with functional associations to vision, chemosensation, immunity, and metabolic detoxification pathways. Conclusions The combined sequencing, assembly, and curation of the male stable fly genome followed by RNA-Seq and downstream analyses provide insights necessary to understand the biology of this important pest. These resources and new data will provide the groundwork for expanding the tools available to control stable fly infestations. The close relationship of Stomoxys to other blood-feeding (horn flies and Glossina) and non-blood-feeding flies (house flies, medflies, Drosophila) will facilitate understanding of the evolutionary processes associated with development of blood feeding among the Cyclorrhapha.

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