<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><!DOCTYPE article  PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD Journal Publishing DTD v3.0 20080202//EN" "http://dtd.nlm.nih.gov/publishing/3.0/journalpublishing3.dtd"><article xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" dtd-version="3.0" xml:lang="en" article-type="research article"><front><journal-meta><journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">AJPS</journal-id><journal-title-group><journal-title>American Journal of Plant Sciences</journal-title></journal-title-group><issn pub-type="epub">2158-2742</issn><publisher><publisher-name>Scientific Research Publishing</publisher-name></publisher></journal-meta><article-meta><article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/ajps.2020.112010</article-id><article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">AJPS-98272</article-id><article-categories><subj-group subj-group-type="heading"><subject>Articles</subject></subj-group><subj-group subj-group-type="Discipline-v2"><subject>Biomedical&amp;Life Sciences</subject></subj-group></article-categories><title-group><article-title>
 
 
  Effect of Low Temperature on Chlorophyll and Carotenoid Content on the Seedlings of Some Selected Boro Rice Varieties
 
</article-title></title-group><contrib-group><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Md.</surname><given-names>Omar Kayess</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref><xref ref-type="corresp" rid="cor1"><sup>*</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Md.</surname><given-names>Mahmudul Hassan</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2"><sup>2</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Md.</surname><given-names>Nurhasan</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3"><sup>3</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Kawsar</surname><given-names>Ahmed</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff4"><sup>4</sup></xref></contrib></contrib-group><aff id="aff4"><addr-line>Agriculture Extension Officer, Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Biral, Dinajpur, Bangladesh</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff2"><addr-line>Upazila Agriculture Officer, Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Chirirbandar, Dinajpur, Bangladesh</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff1"><addr-line>Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff3"><addr-line>Agriculture Extension Officer, Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Kaharole, Dinajpur, Bangladesh</addr-line></aff><pub-date pub-type="epub"><day>22</day><month>01</month><year>2020</year></pub-date><volume>11</volume><issue>02</issue><fpage>125</fpage><lpage>136</lpage><history><date date-type="received"><day>27,</day>	<month>December</month>	<year>2019</year></date><date date-type="rev-recd"><day>11,</day>	<month>February</month>	<year>2020</year>	</date><date date-type="accepted"><day>14,</day>	<month>February</month>	<year>2020</year></date></history><permissions><copyright-statement>&#169; Copyright  2014 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. </copyright-statement><copyright-year>2014</copyright-year><license><license-p>This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</license-p></license></permissions><abstract><p>
 
 
  A study was conducted to screen out the low-temperature tolerant Boro rice seedlings from November 2012 to January 2013 for facing the upcoming rice production challenge in Northwest Bangladesh. The experimental time was characterized by a prevailing low environmental temperature of below 15
  &#176;C. Five rice cultivars (V1: BR-2; V2: BR-16; V3:
   
  Pariza; V4: Minicate; V5:
   
  BRRI dhan
   
  50) were selected for the study. The leaf proline, chlorophyll content and total carotenoid content were investigated. The V2 (BR-16) seedling synthesized the higher leaf proline (1.228 g&amp;middot;g
  <sup>-</sup>
  <sup>1</sup>
  ) at a low temperature than those of other tested cultivars. Again, the highest amount of chlorophyll-a (3.957 g&amp;middot;g
  <sup>-</sup>
  <sup>1</sup>
  ), chlorophyll-b (2.118 g&amp;middot;g
  <sup>-</sup>
  <sup>1</sup>
  ), chlorophyll-a/b ratio (3.6754
   
  mg&amp;middot;g
  <sup>-</sup>
  <sup>1</sup>
  ) and total chlorophyll (5.051 g&amp;middot;g
  <sup>-</sup>
  <sup>1</sup>
  ) was measured in V2 (BR-16). The maximum total carotenoid (1.213 g&amp;middot;g
  <sup>-</sup>
  <sup>1</sup>
  ) was also observed in V2. In this experiment, the V2 (BR-16) showed comparatively better potentiality to survive at low temperatures (below 15
  &amp;deg;C) than other varieties.
 
</p></abstract><kwd-group><kwd>Low Temperature</kwd><kwd> BORO Rice Seedling</kwd><kwd> Proline</kwd><kwd> Chlorophyll</kwd><kwd> Carotenoid Content</kwd></kwd-group></article-meta></front><body><sec id="s1"><title>1. Introduction</title><p>Rice is the most important cereal crops, being a staple food for half of the world population by providing 76% of the total caloric demand of South East Asia [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref1">1</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref2">2</xref>]. In global food grain production, it stands next to wheat [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref3">3</xref>]. Not alike the other major cereals, more than 90% of rice are consumed by humans [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref4">4</xref>]. Rice is the staple food for the people and in the national economy plays a vital role in Bangladesh [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref5">5</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref6">6</xref>]. In the world, Bangladesh is the fourth largest rice producer and consumer country and provides 75% of the calories and 55% of the protein in the average daily diet [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref7">7</xref>]. The rice sector contributed one half of the agricultural GDP and one-sixth of the national income in Bangladesh [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref8">8</xref>]. Rice can be grown in different environments depending upon water availability and temperature conditions. For rice cultivation, the optimum temperature is between 25˚C and 35˚C, but it may change with genotypes, duration of the critical temperature, diurnal changes and physiological status of the plant [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref9">9</xref>]. Cold stress is a common problem that affects global production as a crucial factor in rice cultivation. Serious yield and yield component losses occur when low temperature prevails during the reproductive stages of rice. At high latitude and altitude area yield loss was well documented in the Northeast and Southern China, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and other countries due to low temperature [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref10">10</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref11">11</xref>]. As rice is originated from tropical or subtropical zones, so it’s a cold-sensitive plant resulting in serious yield and yield component losses if low-temperature stress prevails during the reproductive stages [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref12">12</xref>].</p><p>Rice plants become susceptible below 15˚C [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref13">13</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref14">14</xref>]. Due to exposure to low temperature, the physiology of crop changes [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref15">15</xref>] like total chlorophyll content reduction [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref16">16</xref>], limitation of photosynthetic activity [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref17">17</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref18">18</xref>] and oxidative stress. Low temperature causes irreversible injury in leaves, such as necrosis [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref19">19</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref20">20</xref>] and chlorosis [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref21">21</xref>]. In general, cold temperatures can reduce the crop survival rate, inhibit photosynthesis, retard growth, and block the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref22">22</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref23">23</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref24">24</xref>].</p><p>In Bangladesh, from October to early March, the usually low temperature prevails and or expected. At this time, the Boro rice, which is commonly known as winter rice suffers from a cold injury in different growth stages due to low temperature [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref9">9</xref>]. As the cold environment has numerous adverse effects on rice production, we should screen out cold stress-tolerant rice variety or varieties suitable for the Boro season cultivation prevailing the temperature 15˚C in Bangladesh. Keeping the above facts in mind the present research was carried out to know the effect of low temperature on chlorophyll and carotenoid content on some selected Boro rice varieties.</p></sec><sec id="s2"><title>2. Materials and Methods</title><sec id="s2_1"><title>2.1. Plant Material</title><p>Five hybrids as we as local rice cultivars were utilized in this study. Seeds of these chosen rice cultivars were collected from Bangladesh Agricultural Development Cooperation (BADC) (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table1"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>1</xref>).</p></sec><sec id="s2_2"><title>2.2. Experimental Site, Design and Seedling Rising</title><p>The experiment was conducted at the research field of the Department of</p><table-wrap id="table1" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>1</xref></label><caption><title> Variety number, name and nature of selected rice cultivars</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Variety number</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Name of rice varieties</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Nature of rice varieties</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >BR-2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >HYV</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >BR-16</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >HYV</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V3</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Pariza</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >HYV</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Minicate</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Local</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >BRRI dhan50</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >HYV</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Agricultural Chemistry, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh. The study site belongs to AEZ-1 (Agro-ecological Zone-1) and is located in 25.13˚N latitude and 88.23˚E longitude with an elevation of 34.5 m above the mean sea level [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref25">25</xref>]. The selected rice cultivars are grown in small plots laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The whole study area was divided into three blocks and each block was divided into five units maintaining the plot dimension to 2 &#215; 2 m<sup>2</sup>. The plot to plot distance was 30 cm. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref26">26</xref>] recommended rice production practice was followed in this experiment. The experimental site is characterized by heavy rainfall during the months from May to September and minimum rainfall during the winter season as it is situated in the tropical climatic zone. The experimental field soil was sandy loam in texture with medium high land having soil pH 6.0. The seeds of selected five rice cultivars were sown in a previously prepared seedbed. At the rate of 330 g per plot, the sprouted seeds were placed in individual plots without any biases. Proper irrigation was made as and when needed and different intercultural practices were done at 20 and 27 days after sowing (DAS).</p></sec><sec id="s2_3"><title>2.3. Proline Content Determination of Rice Seedling</title><p>For the determination of Proline Fresh leaf samples from rice seedlings at different times were used. By using the acid Ninhydrin method [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref27">27</xref>] free Proline content was estimated. The fresh leaf sample (about 45 mg) by weight was collected in an eppendorf tube containing 0.5 ml 3% sulfosalicylic acid and homogenized well-using eppendorfpastle. It was then placed on a vortex blender for approximately 10 minutes. After that 0.5 ml of 3%, sulfosalicylic acid was added in it again. The eppendorf tube was at that point centrifuged for 20 minutes at 25˚C temperature with 15,000 rpm. With the help of a micropipette then the supernatant was collected in a test tube carefully. Then, in the eppendorf tube, 1.0 mL of 3% sulfosalicylic acid was added again and centrifuged for 20 minutes at 25˚C temperature with 15,000 rpm followed by mixing well using vortex mixer for 10 minutes. The supernatant was collected and included in the already collected supernatant. Acid ninhydrin solution was made by including 1.25 g ninhydrin with 30 mL glacial acetic acid and 20 mL of 6 M phosphoric acid and warmed it until it dissolved. Standard proline arrangement was moreover arranged by including 0, 1, 5, 20, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 300 &#181;g per 2 mL of 3% sulfosalicylic acid in test tubes for preparing a standard curve. Then 2 mL each of glacial acetic acid and acid ninhydrin solution was included in the test tubes containing sample and standard Proline solution. Test tubes were then warmed for 15 minutes in dry block radiator keeping up the 96˚C - 100˚C temperature and the reaction was ended in an ice bath. Optical densities of the solutions (test and standard solution) were measured at 520 nm wavelength utilizing a UV-visible spectrophotometer. Amount of Proline was determined from a standard curve.</p></sec><sec id="s2_4"><title>2.4. Chlorophyll Content Determination of Rice Seedling</title><p>By the method described by [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref28">28</xref>] Chlorophyll content of rice seedling was determined. On the other hand, total chlorophyll was determined using the formulae given by [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref29">29</xref>].</p><p>Concentration of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), chlorophyll-b (Chl-b), total chlorophyll and total carotenoid was measured by using following formula:</p><p>Chl-a = 12.21 A<sub>663</sub> − 2.81A<sub>646</sub> (&#181;g∙ml<sup>−1</sup> of plant extract or mg∙g<sup>−1</sup> fresh weight)</p><p>Chl-b = 20.13 A<sub>646</sub> − 5.03 A<sub>663</sub></p><p>Total chlorophyll = 17.76 (A<sub>646</sub>) + 7.34 (A<sub>663</sub>)</p><p>Total carotenoid = 17.76 (A<sub>646</sub>) + 7.34 (A<sub>663</sub>)</p><p>However, data were collected on Proline content, chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a and b) and total carotenoid content of the seedling. The collected data were analyzed statistically by using the statistical computer package program, MSTAT-C [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref30">30</xref>].</p></sec></sec><sec id="s3"><title>3. Results and Discussion</title><sec id="s3_1"><title>3.1. Proline Synthesis</title><p>In stress tolerance in plants, Proline is regarded to have multiple roles. Proline plays a vital role in plant defense mechanisms against both biotic and abiotic stresses and considered as a key factor in the metabolism and development of higher plants [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref31">31</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref32">32</xref>]. The changes of proline synthesis by the selected cultivars at the different experimental times are shown in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table2"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>2</xref>. At 20 days after seeding (DAS), the highest proline synthesis was found in V2 (0.813 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) while</p><table-wrap id="table2" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table2"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>2</xref></label><caption><title> Mean proline (mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) synthesized by rice seedlings at different DAS</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Varieties</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Proline (mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) synthesized by rice seedlings</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >20 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28 DAS</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V1 (BR-2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.497 b &#177; 0.25</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.876 bc &#177; 0.06</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.5863 b &#177; 0.13</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V2 (BR-16)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.813 a &#177; 0.52</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.931 ab &#177; 0.06</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.228 a &#177; 0.36</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V3 (Pariza)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.473 b &#177; 0.11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.110 a &#177; 0.23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.913 ab &#177; 0.22</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V4 (Minicate)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.714 ab &#177; 0.74</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.877 bc &#177; 0.14</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.5223 b &#177; 0.12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V5 (BRRI dhan50)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.456 b &#177; 0.24</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.787 c &#177; 0.09</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.6669 b &#177; 0.31</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >LSD (5%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.632</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.254</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.4335</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Mean followed by the same letter(s) did not differ significantly at 5% level by DMRT and &#177; values are for standard deviation.</p><p>the lowest value was observed in V5 (0.456 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>). The second highest proline was observed in V4 followed by V1 and V3, respectively. At 24 DAS, the V3 variety synthesized the maximum amount of proline (1.110 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) followed by V2, the V4, and V1 while the minimum value was observed in V5 (0.797 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>). At 28 DAS, V2 synthesized the highest proline (1.228 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) while the lowest proline content was observed in V4 (0.5233 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>). The second highest proline value was found in V3 followed by V5 and V1.</p><p>In this study, the amount of proline synthesis of different rice cultivars showed a greatly variable at different times of the experimental period. The result showed that the rice seedlings tended to accumulate the higher proline up to (1.229 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) in V2 rice cultivar at 28 DAS and the lowest proline (0.446 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) in V5 rice cultivar 20 DAS while the temperature was below 13˚C. Among the cultivars, the V2 cultivar showed more potential to low temperature by overproducing proline. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref33">33</xref>] stated that the proline content was increased rice leaves when the plants were subjected to cold acclimation treatment.</p></sec><sec id="s3_2"><title>3.2. Chlorophyll</title><p>One of the major components of photosynthesis is Chlorophyll content additionally an important physiological characteristic closely related to the photosynthetic ability of rice.</p><sec id="s3_2_1"><title>3.2.1. Chlorophyll-a Content</title><p>Chlorophyll-a is the primary photosynthetic pigment. From the wavelengths of violet-blue and orange-red light, it absorbs most energy [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref34">34</xref>]. It plays an important role in the plant’s survivability and also for the yield of crops. So the maximum chlorophyll-a content in leaf revealed that the cultivar may perform better as their physiological growth and may give maximum yield. The variability of chlorophyll-a content in rice seedling is shown in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table3"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>3</xref>. At 20 DAS, the highest chlorophyll-a content was found in V2 seedlings (3.554 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) while the lowest chlorophyll-a content was observed in V5 seedlings (1.138 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>). At 24 DAS, the V2 variety was observed to have the highest chlorophyll-a (2.824 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) and the lowest chlorophyll-a value was observed in V3 (1.044 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>). At</p><table-wrap id="table3" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table3"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>3</xref></label><caption><title> The Chlorophyll-a content (mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) different rice seedlings at different DAS</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Varieties</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Chlorophyll-a (mg∙g<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) synthesized by rice seedlings</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >20 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28 DAS</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V1 (BR-2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.921 bc &#177; 0.62</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.123 c &#177; 0.44</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.550 b &#177; 0.41</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V2 (BR-16)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.554 a &#177; 0.18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.824 a &#177; 0.29</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.575 a &#177; 0.51</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V3 (Pariza)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.432 b &#177; 0.20</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.044 c &#177; 0.16</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.455 b &#177; 0.17</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V4 (Minicate)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.371 cd &#177; 0.35</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.879 b &#177; 0.16</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.741 c &#177; 0.05</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V5 (BRRI dhan50)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.138 d &#177; 0.28</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.534 bc &#177; 0.14</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.637 c &#177; 0.57</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >LSD (5%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.6674</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.4371</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.7380</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Mean followed by the same letter(s) did not differ significantly at 5% level by DMRT and &#177; values are for standard deviation.</p><p>28 DAS, V2 cultivar contained highest chlorophyll-a (3.575 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>). The V4 cultivar represented the lowest chlorophyll-a content (1.637 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) at 28 DAS.</p><p>The biosynthesis of chlorophyll-a in V2 considered the superior among the cultivars studied during the experimental period. Similar variation in chlorophyll-a content in different rice cultivars at low temperatures during the seedling growth stage was revealed by [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref33">33</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref35">35</xref>]. A few studies have demonstrated that chlorophyll substance is emphatically related with the photosynthetic rate [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref36">36</xref>].</p></sec><sec id="s3_2_2"><title>3.2.2. Chlorophyll-b Content</title><p>Chlorophyll-b is the accessory color that collects energy and passes it on to chlorophyll-a. It moreover directs the size of antenna and is more absorbable than chlorophyll-a. Hence, the amount of chlorophyll-b content in rice plant has a significant impact on the production of photosynthate. In this study, a significant variation in chlorophyll-b synthesis was evident in the seedlings of selected rice cultivars during the study period. The chlorophyll-b content is shown in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table4"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>4</xref>. At 20 DAS, the highest chlorophyll-b content was found in V2 (1.369 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) while the lowest chlorophyll-b content was observed in V5 (0.837 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>). The V2 cultivar showed more superiority to synthesize chlorophyll-b at 24 DAS (1.527 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) and at 28 DAS (1.118 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>), respectively, when the temperature was below 13˚C. The V1 cultivar produced the lowest chlorophyll-b (0.866 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) at 24 DAS. At 28 DAS, The V5 variety showed the lowest chlorophyll-b (0.811 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) content while the prevailing air temperature was 11˚C.</p><p>Likewise chlorophyll-a, the V2 rice seedlings showed more superiority to those of other tested here. The tested rice cultivars responded differently to the same prevailing low air temperature due might be to their genetic variation and their difference in defense mechanism. There’s a strong relationship between temperature and plant chlorophyll synthesis. Any deviation from the optimum condition leads to the development of chlorophyllase which is responsible for breaking down chlorophyll pigments [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref37">37</xref>].</p></sec><sec id="s3_2_3"><title>3.2.3. Chlorophyll-a/b Ratio</title><p>The chlorophyll-a/b is directly related to temperature. Its content in a plant</p><table-wrap id="table4" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table4"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>4</xref></label><caption><title> The Chlorophyll-b content (mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) different rice seedlings at different DAS</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Varieties</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Chlorophyll-b (mg∙g<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) synthesized by rice cultivars</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >20 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28 DAS</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V1 (BR-2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.811 b &#177; 0.04</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.866 b &#177; 0.14</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.925 ab &#177; 0.12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V2 (BR-16)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.369 a &#177; 0.40</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.527 a &#177; 0.18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.118 a &#177; 0.08</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V3 (Pariza)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.175 ab &#177; 0.23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.951 b &#177; 0.15</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.980 ab &#177; 0.15</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V4 (Minicate)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.841 b &#177; 0.08</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.895 b &#177; 0.07</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.982 ab &#177; 0.11</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V5 (BRRI dhan50)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.837 b &#177; 0.11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.996 b &#177; 0.39</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.811 b &#177; 0.12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >LSD (5%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.3849</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.4252</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.2176</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Mean followed by the same letter(s) did not differ significantly at 5% level by DMRT and &#177; values are for standard deviation.</p><p>varies concerning temperature change [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref38">38</xref>]. The chlorophyll-a/b ratio plays a vital role in plant acclimation. The variation of chlorophyll-a/b content is shown in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table5"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>5</xref>. At 20 DAS, when the day lowest temperature was 13˚C, the highest chlorophyll-a/b ratio was found in V2 (2.797) while the lowest value was observed in V5 (1.396). The chlorophyll-a/b ratio of all cultivars at 24 DAS are statistically similar but V4 (2.078) and V2 (1.791) had the highest value among them, respectively. The lowest chlorophyll-a/b ratio at 24 DAS were in V3 (1.327). The performance of V2 was found superior (3.675) at 28 DAS while the lowest chlorophyll-a/b was found in V4 rice seedlings (1.880).</p><p>The performance of V3 followed by V4 was found as superior throughout the study period. In susceptible rice genotypes the low temperature stress significantly reduces chlorophyll concentration [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref23">23</xref>].</p></sec><sec id="s3_2_4"><title>3.2.4. Total Chlorophyll Content</title><p>Chlorophylls are the foremost widely distributed plant pigments responsible for the characteristics of green color fruits and vegetables [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref39">39</xref>]. Chlorophylls are known to be easily degraded by conditions such as dilute acids, heat, light and oxygen [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref40">40</xref>]. In this study, the total chlorophyll content of selected rice cultivars was varied significantly during the experimental period which is shown in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table6"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>6</xref>. At 20 DAS, the highest total chlorophyll content was found in V2 (4.813</p><table-wrap id="table5" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table5"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>5</xref></label><caption><title> Variation in chlorophyll-a/b ratio in different rice seedlings at different DAS</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Varieties</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Chlorophyll-a/b ratio in different rice cultivars</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >20 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28 DAS</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V1 (BR-2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.123 ab &#177; 0.71</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.439 a &#177; 0.53</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.911 ab &#177; 0.51</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V2 (BR-16)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.797 a &#177; 0.75</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.791 a &#177; 0.34</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.675 a &#177; 0.69</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V3 (Pariza)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.135 ab &#177; 0.55</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.327 a &#177; 0.16</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.582 abc &#177; 0.24</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V4 (Minicate)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.663 ab &#177; 0.55</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.078 a &#177; 0.37</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.880 c &#177; 0.21</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V5 (BRRI dhan50)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.396 b &#177; 0.51</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.685 a &#177; 0.53</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.153 bc &#177; 0.71</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >LSD (5%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.128</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.7229</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.9511</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Mean followed by the same letter(s) did not differ significantly at 5% level by DMRT and &#177; values are for standard deviation.</p><table-wrap id="table6" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table6"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>6</xref></label><caption><title> Total chlorophyll content in leaves of different rice seedlings at different DAS</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Varieties</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Total chlorophyll (mg∙g<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) synthesized in different rice cultivars</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >20 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28 DAS</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V1 (BR-2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.923 c &#177; 0.56</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.112 b &#177; 0.37</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.608 b &#177; 0.49</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V2 (BR-16)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4.813 a &#177; 0.30</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4.348 a &#177; 0.25</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.051 a &#177; 0.51</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V3 (Pariza)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.626 b &#177; 0.05</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.168 b &#177; 0.22</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.608 b &#177; 0.29</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V4 (Minicate)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.212 d &#177; 0.35</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.641 b &#177; 0.13</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.716 bc &#177; 0.14</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V5 (BRRI dhan50)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.951 d &#177; 0.21</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.431 b &#177; 0.55</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.805 c &#177; 0.54</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >LSD (5%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.6065</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.6112</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.7598</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Mean followed by the same letter(s) did not differ significantly at 5% level by DMRT and &#177; values are for standard deviation.</p><p>mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) while the lowest total chlorophyll synthesis was observed in V5 (1.951 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>). At 24 and 28 DAS, the total chlorophyll content of V2 cultivar was 4.348 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup> and 5.051 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>, respectively. The total chlorophyll content of V5 rice seedling at 24 DAS and 28 DAS were 2.431 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup> and 2.805 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>, respectively when the environmental temperature was below 12˚C.</p><p>The performance of V2 showed better that of V4 and V5 regarding total chlorophyll pigment synthesis. [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref33">33</xref>] stated that some tolerant rice cultivar produced more chlorophyll during low temperature period.</p></sec><sec id="s3_2_5"><title>3.2.5. Total Carotenoid Content</title><p>In this study, a significant difference in carotenoid content was found amongst the seedlings of selected rice cultivars during the study period.</p><p>The variation of carotenoid content has been shown in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table7"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>7</xref>. The highest carotenoid content was found in V2 (1.0077 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) while the lowest carotenoid synthesis was observed in V1 (0.528 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) at 20 DAS. The V2 rice seedlings also contained the highest carotenoid content at 24 and 28 DAS while the environmental temperature was below 12˚C. The study showed that the highest carotenoid content was happen in V2 (1.211 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) and lowest value was observed in V1 (0.530 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) at 28 DAS and 20 DAS, respectively. The lowest total carotenoid content was found at 24 DAS (0.702 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) and 28 DAS (0.716 mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) in V3 and V4 rice seedling. The performance of V2 was found as superior throughout the experimental period.</p><p>Carotenoids are multifunctional compounds serving as structural components of light-harvesting complexes, accessory colors for light collecting, substrates for abscisic acid synthesis, components of photoprotection and scavengers of singlet oxygen [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.98272-ref41">41</xref>].</p></sec></sec></sec><sec id="s4"><title>4. Conclusion</title><p>Based on the above parameters studied, it can be concluded that the V2 (BR-16) performed better among the studied varieties and might be selected for cultivation in an environment where temperature prevails below 15˚C.</p><table-wrap id="table7" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table7"><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>7</xref></label><caption><title> Amount of total carotenoid content (mg∙g<sup>−1</sup>) in different rice seedlings at different DAS</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Varieties</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="3"  >Total carotenoid content (mg∙g<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup>) in different rice cultivars</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >20 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24 DAS</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28 DAS</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V1 (BR-2)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.528 b &#177; 0.12</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.716 a &#177; 0.09</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.811 bc &#177; 0.07</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V2 (BR-16)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0077 a &#177; 0.07</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.855 a &#177; 0.45</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.213 a &#177; 0.14</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V3 (Pariza)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.010 a &#177; 0.05</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.702 a &#177; 0.16</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.805 bc &#177; 0.13</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V4 (Minicate)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.6661 b &#177; 0.15</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.811 a &#177; 0.08</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.716c &#177; 0.09</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >V5 (BRRI dhan50)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.548 b &#177; 0.08</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.714 a &#177; 0.08</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.830 b &#177; 0.12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >LSD (5%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.1822</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.4245</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.1921</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Mean followed by the same letter(s) did not differ significantly at 5% level by DMRT and &#177; values are for standard deviation.</p></sec><sec id="s5"><title>Conflicts of Interest</title><p>The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.</p></sec><sec id="s6"><title>Cite this paper</title><p>Kayess, M.O., Hassan, M.M., Nurhasan, M. and Ahmed, K. (2020) Effect of Low Temperature on Chlorophyll and Carotenoid Content on the Seedlings of Some Selected Boro Rice Varieties. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 11, 125-136. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajps.2020.112010</p></sec><sec id="s7"><title>Appendix</title><table-wrap id="table8" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table">Table </xref>A1</label><caption><title> Air temperature at regular interval during the experimental period</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle"  rowspan="2"  >Date</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="4"  >Temperature (˚C)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >12:00 AM</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >06.00 AM</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12.00 PM</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >06.00 PM</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >21 December 2016</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >15</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >22 December 2016</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >23 December 2016</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >14</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >24 December 2016</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >17</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >25 December 2016</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >14</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >26 December 2016</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >27 December 2016</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >17</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >28 December 2016</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >29 December 2016</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >30 December 2016</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >31 December 2016</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >01 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >02 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >25</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >03 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >26</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >04 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >05 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >06 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >07 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >08 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >09 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >14</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >10 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >15</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >11 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >12 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >13 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >14 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >15 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >16 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >17 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >26</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >23</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >18 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >26</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >19 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >25</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >20 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >20</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >21 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >22 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >25</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >23 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >21</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >17</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >24 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >17</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >25 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >17</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >14</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >26 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >18</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >27 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >16</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >28 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >29 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >10</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >23</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >22</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >30 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >26</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >23</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >31 January 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >26</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >23</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >01 February 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >25</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >02 February 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >27</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >25</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >03 February 2017</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >12</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >28</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >24</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap></sec></body><back><ref-list><title>References</title><ref id="scirp.98272-ref1"><label>1</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">Ma, J., Yamaji, N., Mitani, N., Tamai, K., Konishi, S., Fujiwara, T., Katsuhara, M. and Yano, M. 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