document_title: Panchayati raj (India)

question_text: three tiers of elected institutions of indian democracy

text: Panchayati raj (India)

text: Recommendations of Balwant Rai Mehta Committee[edit]

text: The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, headed by MP Balwantrai Mehta, was a committee appointed by the Government of India in January 1957 to examine the work of the Community Development Programme (1952) and the National Extension Service (1953), to suggest measures to improve their work. The committee's recommendation of the committee by NDC in January 1958, and this set the stage for the launching of Panchayati Raj Institutions throughout the country. The committee recommended the establishment of the scheme of ‘democratic decentralization’, which finally came to be known as Panchayati Raj.

text: This led to the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system: Gram Panchayat at the village level, Panchayat Samiti at the block level, and Zila Parishad at the district level.

text: The Panchayat Raj system was first adopted by the state of Rajasthan in Nagaur district on 2nd Oct 1959. The second state was Andhra Pradesh, while Maharashtra was the Ninth state. State governments during the 1950s and 60s adopted this system as laws were passed to establish panchayats in various states. It also founded backing in the Indian Constitution, with the 73rd amendment in 1992 to accommodate the idea. The Amendment Act of 1992 contains provision for devolution of powers and responsibilities to the panchayats, both for the preparation of economic development plans and social justice, as well as for implementation in relation to 29 subjects listed in the eleventh schedule of the constitution, and the ability to levy and collect appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees.[8]

text: The Act aims to provide a three-tier systems of Panchayati Raj for all states having a population of over 2 million, to hold Panchayat elections regularly every five years, to provide seats reserved for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and women; to appoint a State Finance Commission to make recommendations regarding the financial powers of the Panchayats and to constitute a District Planning Committee, to prepare a development plan draft for the district.

text: The Panchayats receive funds from three sources:[8]

text:
Local body grants, as recommended by the Central Finance Commission
Funds for implementation of centrally sponsored schemes
Funds released by the state governments on the recommendations of the State Finance Commissions

text: In the history of Panchayati Raj, in India, on 24 April 1993, the Constitutional (73rd Amendment) Act 1992 came into force to provide constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions. This act was extended to Panchayats in the tribal areas of eight states, namely: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan beginning on 24 December 1996. Currently, the Panchayati Raj system exists in all states except Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, and in all Union Territories except Delhi.[9]

text: Block level panchayat[edit]

text: A Panchayat Samiti (block panchayat) is a local government body at the tehsil level. This body works for the villages of the tehsil that together are called a "development block". The Panchayat Samiti is the link between the Gram Panchayat and the district administration. Just as the tehsil goes by other names in various parts of India, notably mandal and taluka, there are a number of variations in nomenclature for the block panchayat. For example, it is known as Mandal Praja Parishad in Andhra Pradesh, Taluka Panchayat in Gujarat and Karnataka, and Panchayat Samiti in Maharashtra. In general, the block panchayat has the same form as the gram panchayat but at a higher level.

text: Constituency[edit]

text: Membership in the block panchayat is mostly ex-official; it is composed of: all of the Sarpanchas (gram panchayat chairmen) in the Panchayat Samiti area, the MPs and MLAs of the area, the sub-district officer (SDO) of the subdivision, co-opt members (representatives of the SC/ST and women), associate members (a farmer from the area, a representative of the cooperative societies and one from marketing services), and some elected members.

text: The Panchayat Samiti is elected for a term of five years and is headed by a chairman and a deputy chairman.

text: Departments[edit]

text: The common departments in the Samiti are as follows:

text:
General Administration
Finance
Public Works
Agriculture
Health
Education
Social Welfare
Information Technology
Water Supply Department
Animal Husbandry and others

text: There is an officer for every department. A government-appointed Block Development Officer (BDO) is the executive officer to the Samiti and the chief of its administration, and is responsible for his work to the CEO of ZP.

text: Functions[edit]

text:
Implementation of schemes for the development of agriculture and infrastructure
Establishment of primary health centres and primary schools
Supply of drinking water, drainage and construction/repair of roads
Development of a cottage and small-scale industries, and the opening of cooperative societies
Establishment of youth organisations

text: District level panchayat[edit]

text: The governing of the advance system at the district level in Panchayat Raj is also popularly known as Zila Parishad. The chief of administration is an officer of the IAS cadre. and chief officer of the Panchayat raj for the district level

text: Composition[edit]

text: The membership varies from 40 to 60 and usually comprises- Deputy Commissioner of the District. Presidents of all Panchayat Samitis in the district, and heads of all Government Departments in the district;members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies in the district; a representative of each cooperative society ;some women and Scheduled Caste members if not adequately represented; and co-opted members having extraordinary experience and achievements in public service.

text: Functions[edit]

text:
Provide essential services and facilities to the rural population
Supply improved seeds to farmers and inform them of new farming techniques
Set up and run schools and libraries in rural areas
Start primary health centers and hospitals in villages; start vaccination drives against epidemics
Execute plans for the development of the scheduled castes and tribes; run ashram shalas for Adivasi children; set up free hostels for them.
Encourage entrepreneurs to start small-scale industries and implement rural employment schemes.
Construct bridges, roads and other public facilities and their maintenance
Provide employment.

text: Sources of income[edit]

text:
Taxes collected locally such as on water, place of pilgrimage, local mandirs (temples), and markets
A fixed grant from the State Government in proportion to the land revenue and money for works and schemes assigned to the Parishes

text: Village level panchayat[edit]

text: Sarpanch as its elected head. The members of the gram panchayat are elected for a period of five years by the members of Gram Sabha.[10]

text: Reservation for women in PRIs in India[edit]

text: On August 27, 2009, the Union Cabinet of the Government of India approved 50% reservation for women in PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions). The Indian states Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan,Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura , West Bengal and Uttarakhand[11] have implemented 50% reservation for women in PRIs.[12][13] The majority of candidates in these Panchayats are women. Currently 100% of elected members in Kodassery Panchayat in Kerala are women.[14]


document_title: Plant nutrition

question_text: type of bacteria that takes the main element in air out for plant use

question_tokens: type of bacteria that takes the main element in air out for plant use

root

text: Plant nutrition

text: Processes[edit]

text: Plants take up essential elements from the soil through their roots and from the air (mainly consisting of nitrogen and oxygen) through their leaves. Nutrient uptake in the soil is achieved by cation exchange, wherein root hairs pump hydrogen ions (H+) into the soil through proton pumps. These hydrogen ions displace cations attached to negatively charged soil particles so that the cations are available for uptake by the root. In the leaves, stomata open to take in carbon dioxide and expel oxygen. The carbon dioxide molecules are used as the carbon source in photosynthesis.

tag: p

text: The root, especially the root hair, is the essential organ for the uptake of nutrients. The structure and architecture of the root can alter the rate of nutrient uptake. Nutrient ions are transported to the center of the root, the stele, in order for the nutrients to reach the conducting tissues, xylem and phloem.[5] The Casparian strip, a cell wall outside the stele but within the root, prevents passive flow of water and nutrients, helping to regulate the uptake of nutrients and water.[5] Xylem moves water and mineral ions within the plant and phloem accounts for organic molecule transportation. Water potential plays a key role in a plant's nutrient uptake. If the water potential is more negative within the plant than the surrounding soils, the nutrients will move from the region of higher solute concentration—in the soil—to the area of lower solute concentration - in the plant.

text: There are three fundamental ways plants uptake nutrients through the root:

text:
Simple diffusion occurs when a nonpolar molecule, such as O2, CO2, and NH3 follows a concentration gradient, moving passively through the cell lipid bilayer membrane without the use of transport proteins.
Facilitated diffusion is the rapid movement of solutes or ions following a concentration gradient, facilitated by transport proteins.
Active transport is the uptake by cells of ions or molecules against a concentration gradient; this requires an energy source, usually ATP, to power molecular pumps that move the ions or molecules through the membrane.[5]

tag: ol

text: Nutrients can be moved within plants to where they are most needed. For example, a plant will try to supply more nutrients to its younger leaves than to its older ones. When nutrients are mobile within the plant, symptoms of any deficiency become apparent first on the older leaves. However, not all nutrients are equally mobile. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are mobile nutrients while the others have varying degrees of mobility. When a less-mobile nutrient is deficient, the younger leaves suffer because the nutrient does not move up to them but stays in the older leaves.  This phenomenon is helpful in determining which nutrients a plant may be lacking.

text: Many plants engage in symbiosis with microorganisms.  Two important types of these relationship are

text:
with bacteria such as rhizobia, that carry out biological nitrogen fixation, in which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonium (NH+4); and
with mycorrhizal fungi, which through their association with the plant roots help to create a larger effective root surface area. Both of these mutualistic relationships enhance nutrient uptake.[5]

text: Though nitrogen is plentiful in the Earth's atmosphere, relatively few plants harbour nitrogen-fixing bacteria, so most plants rely on nitrogen compounds present in the soil to support their growth. These can be supplied by mineralization of soil organic matter or added plant residues, nitrogen fixing bacteria, animal waste, through the breaking of triple bonded N2 molecules by lightning strikes or through the application of fertilizers.

text: Functions of nutrients[edit]

text: At least 17 elements are known to be essential nutrients for plants. In relatively large amounts, the soil supplies nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur; these are often called the macronutrients. In relatively small amounts, the soil supplies iron, manganese, boron, molybdenum, copper, zinc, chlorine, and cobalt, the so-called micronutrients. Nutrients must be available not only in sufficient amounts but also in appropriate ratios.

text: Plant nutrition is a difficult subject to understand completely, partially because of the variation between different plants and even between different species or individuals of a given clone. Elements present at low levels may cause deficiency symptoms, and toxicity is possible at levels that are too high. Furthermore, deficiency of one element may present as symptoms of toxicity from another element, and vice versa. An abundance of one nutrient may cause a deficiency of another nutrient. For example, K+ uptake can be influenced by the amount of NH+4 available.[5]

text: Although nitrogen is plentiful in the Earth's atmosphere, relatively few plants engage in nitrogen fixation (conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to a biologically useful form). Most plants, therefore, require nitrogen compounds to be present in the soil in which they grow.

text: Carbon and oxygen are absorbed from the air while other nutrients are absorbed from the soil. Green plants obtain their carbohydrate supply from the carbon dioxide in the air by the process of photosynthesis. Each of these nutrients is used in a different place for a different essential function.[6]

text: Macronutrients (derived from air and water)[edit]

text: Carbon[edit]

text: Carbon forms the backbone of most plant biomolecules, including proteins, starches and cellulose. Carbon is fixed through photosynthesis; this converts carbon dioxide from the air into carbohydrates which are used to store and transport energy within the plant.

text: Hydrogen[edit]

text: Hydrogen also is necessary for building sugars and building the plant. It is obtained almost entirely from water. Hydrogen ions are imperative for a proton gradient to help drive the electron transport chain in photosynthesis and for respiration.[5]

text: Oxygen[edit]

text: Oxygen is a component of many organic and inorganic molecules within the plant, and is acquired in many forms. These include: O2 and CO2 (mainly from the air via leaves) and H2O, NO−3, H2PO−4 and SO2−4 (mainly from the soil water via roots). Plants produce oxygen gas (O2) along with glucose during photosynthesis but then require O2 to undergo aerobic cellular respiration and break down this glucose to produce ATP.

text: Macronutrients (primary)[edit]

text: Nitrogen[edit]

text: Nitrogen is a major constituent of several of the most important plant substances. For example, nitrogen compounds comprise 40% to 50% of the dry matter of protoplasm, and it is a constituent of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.[7] It is also an essential constituent of chlorophyll.[8] Nitrogen deficiency most often results in stunted growth, slow growth, and chlorosis. Nitrogen deficient plants will also exhibit a purple appearance on the stems, petioles and underside of leaves from an accumulation of anthocyanin pigments.[5] Most of the nitrogen taken up by plants is from the soil in the forms of NO−3, although in acid environments such as boreal forests where nitrification is less likely to occur, ammonium NH+4 is more likely to be the dominating source of nitrogen.[9] Amino acids and proteins can only be built from NH+4, so NO−3 must be reduced. In many agricultural settings, nitrogen is the limiting nutrient for rapid growth. Nitrogen is transported via the xylem from the roots to the leaf canopy as nitrate ions, or in an organic form, such as amino acids or amides. Nitrogen can also be transported in the phloem sap as amides, amino acids and ureides; it is therefore mobile within the plant, and the older leaves exhibit chlorosis and necrosis earlier than the younger leaves.[5][8]

text: There is an abundant supply of nitrogen in the earth’s atmosphere — N2 gas comprises nearly 79% of air. However, N2 is unavailable for use by most organisms because there is a triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms in the molecule,  making it almost inert. In order for nitrogen to be used for growth it must be “fixed” (combined) in the form of ammonium (NH+4) or nitrate (NO−3) ions. The weathering of rocks releases these ions so slowly that it has a negligible effect on the availability of fixed nitrogen. Therefore, nitrogen is often the limiting factor for growth and biomass production in all environments where there is a suitable climate and availability of water to support life.

text: Nitrogen enters the plant largely through the roots. A “pool” of soluble nitrogen accumulates. Its composition within a species varies widely depending on several factors, including day length, time of day, night temperatures, nutrient deficiencies, and nutrient imbalance. Short day length promotes asparagine formation, whereas glutamine is produced under long day regimes. Darkness favors protein breakdown accompanied by high asparagine accumulation. Night temperature modifies the effects due to night length, and soluble nitrogen tends to accumulate owing to retarded synthesis and breakdown of proteins. Low night temperature conserves glutamine; high night temperature increases accumulation of asparagine because of breakdown. Deficiency of K accentuates differences between long- and short-day plants. The pool of soluble nitrogen is much smaller than in well-nourished plants when N and P are deficient since uptake of nitrate and further reduction and conversion of N to organic forms is restricted more than is protein synthesis. Deficiencies of Ca, K, and S affect the conversion of organic N to protein more than uptake and reduction. The size of the pool of soluble N is no guide per se to growth rate, but the size of the pool in relation to total N might be a useful ratio in this regard. Nitrogen availability in the rooting medium also affects the size and structure of tracheids formed in the long lateral roots of white spruce (Krasowski and Owens 1999).[10]

text: Microorganisms have a central role in almost all aspects of nitrogen availability, and therefore for life support on earth. Some bacteria can convert N2 into ammonia by the process termed nitrogen fixation; these bacteria are either free-living or form symbiotic associations with plants or other organisms (e.g., termites, protozoa), while other bacteria bring about transformations of ammonia to nitrate, and of nitrate to N2 or other nitrogen gases. Many bacteria and fungi degrade organic matter, releasing fixed nitrogen for reuse by other organisms. All these processes contribute to the nitrogen cycle.

text: Phosphorus[edit]

text:
Like nitrogen, phosphorus is involved with many vital plant processes. Within a plant, it is present mainly as a structural component of the nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), as well as a constituent of fatty phospholipids, that are important in membrane development and function. It is present in both organic and inorganic forms, both of which are readily translocated within the plant. All energy transfers in the cell are critically dependent on phosphorus.  As with all living things, phosphorus is part of the Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is of immediate use in all processes that require energy with the cells. Phosphorus can also be used to modify the activity of various enzymes by phosphorylation, and is used for cell signaling. Phosphorus is concentrated at the most actively growing points of a plant and stored within seeds in anticipation of their germination. Phosphorus is most commonly found in the soil in the form of polyprotic phosphoric acid (H3PO4), but is taken up most readily in the form of H2PO−4. Phosphorus is available to plants in limited quantities in most soils because it is released very slowly from insoluble phosphates and is rapidly fixed once again. Under most environmental conditions it is the element that limits growth because of this constriction and due to its high demand by plants and microorganisms. Plants can increase phosphorus uptake by a mutualism with mycorrhiza.[5]
A Phosphorus deficiency in plants is characterized by an intense green coloration or reddening in leaves due to lack of chlorophyll. If the plant is experiencing high phosphorus deficiencies the leaves may become denatured and show signs of death. Occasionally the leaves may appear purple from an accumulation of anthocyanin. Because phosphorus is a mobile nutrient, older leaves will show the first signs of deficiency.

text: On some soils, the phosphorus nutrition of some conifers, including the spruces, depends on the ability of mycorrhizae to take up, and make soil phosphorus available to the tree, hitherto unobtainable to the non-mycorrhizal root. Seedling white spruce, greenhouse-grown in sand testing negative for phosphorus, were very small and purple for many months until spontaneous mycorrhizal inoculation, the effect of which was manifested by a greening of foliage and the development of vigorous shoot growth.

text: Phosphorus deficiency can produce symptoms similar to those of nitrogen deficiency,[11] but as noted by Russel:[12] “Phosphate deficiency differs from nitrogen deficiency in being extremely difficult to diagnose, and crops can be suffering from extreme starvation without there being any obvious signs that lack of phosphate is the cause”. Russell’s observation applies to at least some coniferous seedlings, but Benzian[13] found that although response to phosphorus in very acid forest tree nurseries in England was consistently high, no species (including Sitka spruce) showed any visible symptom of deficiency other than a slight lack of lustre. Phosphorus levels have to be exceedingly low before visible symptoms appear in such seedlings. In sand culture at 0 ppm phosphorus, white spruce seedlings were very small and tinted deep purple; at 0.62 ppm, only the smallest seedlings were deep purple; at 6.2 ppm, the seedlings were of good size and color.[14][15]

text: It is useful to apply a high phosphorus content fertilizer, such as bone meal, to perennials to help with successful root formation.[5]

text: Potassium[edit]

text: Unlike other major elements, potassium does not enter into the composition of any of the important plant constituents involved in metabolism,[7] but it does occur in all parts of plants in substantial amounts. It seems to be of particular importance in leaves and at growing points. Potassium is outstanding among the nutrient elements for its mobility and solubility within plant tissues. Processes involving potassium include the formation of carbohydrates and proteins, the regulation of internal plant moisture, as a catalyst and condensing agent of complex substances, as an accelerator of enzyme action, and as contributor to photosynthesis, especially under low light intensity.

text: Potassium regulates the opening and closing of the stomata by a potassium ion pump. Since stomata are important in water regulation, potassium regulates water loss from the leaves and increases drought tolerance. Potassium deficiency may cause necrosis or interveinal chlorosis. The potassium ion (K+) is highly mobile and can aid in balancing the anion (negative) charges within the plant. Potassium helps in fruit coloration, shape and also increases its brix. Hence, quality fruits are produced in potassium-rich soils. Potassium serves as an activator of enzymes used in photosynthesis and respiration.[5] Potassium is used to build cellulose and aids in photosynthesis by the formation of a chlorophyll precursor. Potassium deficiency may result in higher risk of pathogens, wilting, chlorosis, brown spotting, and higher chances of damage from frost and heat.

text: When soil-potassium levels are high, plants take up more potassium than needed for healthy growth. The term luxury consumption has been applied to this. When potassium is moderately deficient, the effects first appear in the older tissues, and from there progress towards the growing points. Acute deficiency severely affects growing points, and die-back commonly occurs. Symptoms of potassium deficiency in white spruce include: browning and death of needles (chlorosis); reduced growth in height and diameter; impaired retention of needles; and reduced needle length.[16] A relationship between potassium nutrition and cold resistance has been found in several tree species, including two species of spruce.[17]

text: Macronutrients (secondary and tertiary)[edit]

text: Sulfur[edit]

text: Sulfur is a structural component of some amino acids (including cystein and methionine) and vitamins, and is essential for chloroplast growth and function; it is found in the iron-sulfur complexes of the electron transport chains in photosynthesis. It is needed for N2 fixation by legumes, and the conversion of nitrate into amino acids and then into protein.[18]

text: In plants, sulfur cannot be mobilized from older leaves for new growth, so deficiency symptoms are seen in the youngest tissues first.[19] Symptoms of deficiency include yellowing of leaves and stunted growth.[20]

text: Calcium[edit]

text: Calcium regulates transport of other nutrients into the plant and is also involved in the activation of certain plant enzymes. Calcium deficiency results in stunting. This nutrient is involved in photosynthesis and plant structure.[21][22] Blossom end rot is also a result of inadequate calcium.[21]

text: Another common symptom of calcium deficiency in leaves is the curling of the leaf towards the veins or center of the leaf. Many times this can also have a blackened appearance[23]  Calcium has been found to have a positive effect in combating salinity in soils. It has been shown to ameliorate the negative effects that salinity has such as reduced water usage of plants.[24] Calcium in plants occurs chiefly in the leaves, with lower concentrations in seeds, fruits, and roots. A major function is as a constituent of cell walls. When coupled with certain acidic compounds of the jelly-like pectins of the middle lamella, calcium forms an insoluble salt. It is also intimately involved in meristems, and is particularly important in root development, with roles in cell division, cell elongation, and the detoxification of hydrogen ions. Other functions attributed to calcium are; the neutralization of organic acids; inhibition of some potassium-activated ions; and a role in nitrogen absorption. A notable feature of calcium-deficient plants is a defective root system.[12] Roots are usually affected before above-ground parts.[25]

text: Magnesium[edit]

text: The outstanding role of magnesium in plant nutrition is as a constituent of the chlorophyll molecule. As a carrier, it is also involved in numerous enzyme reactions as an effective activator, in which it is closely associated with energy-supplying phosphorus compounds. Magnesium is very mobile in plants, and, like potassium, when deficient is translocated from older to younger tissues, so that signs of deficiency appear first on the oldest tissues and then spread progressively to younger tissues.

text: Micro-nutrients[edit]

text: Plants are able sufficiently to accumulate most trace elements. Some plants are sensitive indicators of the chemical environment in which they grow (Dunn 1991),[26] and some plants have barrier mechanisms that exclude or limit the uptake of a particular element or ion species, e.g., alder twigs commonly accumulate molybdenum but not arsenic, whereas the reverse is true of spruce bark (Dunn 1991).[26] Otherwise, a plant can integrate the geochemical signature of the soil mass permeated by its root system together with the contained groundwaters. Sampling is facilitated by the tendency of many elements to accumulate in tissues at the plant’s extremities.

text: Iron[edit]

text:
Iron is necessary for photosynthesis and is present as an enzyme cofactor in plants. Iron deficiency can result in interveinal chlorosis and necrosis.
Iron is not a structural part of chlorophyll but very much essential for its synthesis. Copper deficiency can be responsible for promoting an iron deficiency.[27]
It helps in the electron transport of plant.

text: Molybdenum[edit]

text: Molybdenum is a cofactor to enzymes important in building amino acids and is involved in nitrogen metabolism. Molybdenum is part of the nitrate reductase enzyme (needed for the reduction of nitrate) and the nitrogenase enzyme (required for biological nitrogen fixation).[8] Reduced productivity as a result of molybdenum deficiency is usually associated with the reduced activity of one or more of these enzymes.

text: Boron[edit]

text:
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tag: table

text: Boron is absorbed by plants in the form of the anion BO3−3. It is available to plants in moderately soluble mineral forms of Ca, Mg and Na borates and the highly soluble form of organic compounds. It is available to plants over a range of pH, from 5.0 to 7.5. It is mobile in the soil, hence, it is prone to leaching. Leaching removes substantial amounts of boron in sandy soil, but little in fine silt or clay soil. Boron's fixation to those minerals at high pH can render boron unavailable, while low pH frees the fixed boron, leaving it prone to leaching in wet climates. It precipitates with other minerals in the form of borax in which form it was first used over 400 years ago as a soil supplement. Decomposition of organic material causes boron to be deposited in the topmost soil layer. When soil dries it can cause a precipitous drop in the availability of boron to plants as the plants cannot draw nutrients from that desiccated layer. Hence, boron deficiency diseases appear in dry weather.

text: Boron has many functions within a plant: it affects flowering and fruiting, pollen germination, cell division, and active salt absorption. The metabolism of amino acids and proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, and water are strongly affected by boron. Many of those listed functions may be embodied by its function in moving the highly polar sugars through cell membranes by reducing their polarity and hence the energy needed to pass the sugar. If sugar cannot pass to the fastest growing parts rapidly enough, those parts die.

text: Boron is not relocatable in the plant via the phloem. It must be supplied to the growing parts via the xylem. Foliar sprays affect only those parts sprayed, which may be insufficient for the fastest growing parts, and is very temporary.

text: Boron is essential for the proper forming and strengthening of cell walls. Lack of boron results in short thick cells producing stunted fruiting bodies and roots. Calcium to boron ratio must be maintained in a narrow range for normal plant growth.  For alfalfa, that calcium to boron ratio must be from 80:1 to 600:1. Boron deficiency appears at 800:1 and higher. Boron levels within plants differ with plant species and range from 2.3 mg/kg for barley to 94.7 mg/kg for poppy. Lack of boron causes failure of calcium metabolism which produces hollow heart in beets and peanuts.

text: Inadequate amounts of boron affect many agricultural crops, legume forage crops most strongly.  Of the micronutrients, boron deficiencies are second most common after zinc. Deficiency results in the death of the terminal growing points and stunted growth.

text: Boron supplements derive from dry lake bed deposits such as those in Death Valley, USA, in the form of sodium tetraborate (borax), from which less soluble calcium borate is made. Foliar sprays are used on fruit crop trees in soils of high alkalinity. Boron is often applied to fields as a contaminant in other soil amendments but is not generally adequate to make up the rate of loss by cropping. The rates of application of borate to produce an adequate alfalfa crop range from 15 pounds per acre for a sandy-silt, acidic soil of low organic matter, to 60 pounds per acre for a soil with high organic matter, high cation exchange capacity and high pH.

text: Boron concentration in soil water solution higher than one ppm is toxic to most plants. Toxic concentrations within plants are 10 to 50 ppm for small grains and 200 ppm in boron-tolerant crops such as sugar beets, rutabaga, cucumbers, and conifers.  Toxic soil conditions are generally limited to arid regions or can be caused by underground borax deposits in contact with water or volcanic gases dissolved in percolating water. Application rates should be limited to a few pounds per acre in a test plot to determine if boron is needed generally. Otherwise, testing for boron levels in plant material is required to determine remedies. Excess boron can be removed by irrigation and assisted by application of elemental sulfur to lower the pH and increase boron solubility.

text: Boron deficiencies can be detected by analysis of plant material to apply a correction before the obvious symptoms appear, after which it is too late to prevent crop loss. Strawberries deficient in boron will produce lumpy fruit; apricots will not blossom or, if they do, will not fruit or will drop their fruit depending on the level of boron deficit. Broadcast of boron supplements is effective and long term; a foliar spray is immediate but must be repeated.

text: Copper[edit]

text: Copper is important for photosynthesis. Symptoms for copper deficiency include chlorosis.It is involved in many enzyme processes; necessary for proper photosynthesis; involved in the manufacture of lignin (cell walls) and involved in grain production. It is also hard to find in some soil conditions.

text: Manganese[edit]

text: Manganese is necessary for photosynthesis,[22] including the building of chloroplasts. Manganese deficiency may result in coloration abnormalities, such as discolored spots on the foliage.

text: Sodium[edit]

text: Sodium is involved in the regeneration of phosphoenolpyruvate in CAM and C4 plants. Sodium can potentially replace potassium's regulation of stomatal opening and closing.[5]

text: Essentiality of sodium:

text:
Essential for C4 plants rather C3
Substitution of K by Na: Plants can be classified into four groups:

tag: ul

text:
Group A—a high proportion of K can be replaced by Na and stimulate the growth, which cannot be achieved by the application of K
Group B—specific growth responses to Na are observed but they are much less distinct
Group C—Only minor substitution is possible and Na has no effect
Group D—No substitution occurs

text:
Stimulate the growth—increase leaf area and stomata. Improves the water balance
Na functions in metabolism

text:
C4 metabolism
Impair the conversion of pyruvate to phosphoenol-pyruvate
Reduce the photosystem II activity and ultrastructural changes in mesophyll chloroplast

text: Replacing K functions

text:
Internal osmoticum
Stomatal function
Photosynthesis
Counteraction in long distance transport
Enzyme activation

text: Improves the crop quality e.g. improves the taste of carrots by increasing sucrose

text: Zinc[edit]

text: Zinc is required in a large number of enzymes and plays an essential role in DNA transcription. A typical symptom of zinc deficiency is the stunted growth of leaves, commonly known as "little leaf" and is caused by the oxidative degradation of the growth hormone auxin.

text: Nickel[edit]

text: In higher plants, nickel is absorbed by plants in the form of Ni2+ ion. Nickel is essential for activation of urease, an enzyme involved with nitrogen metabolism that is required to process urea. Without nickel, toxic levels of urea accumulate, leading to the formation of necrotic lesions. In lower plants, nickel activates several enzymes involved in a variety of processes, and can substitute for zinc and iron as a cofactor in some enzymes.[2]

text: Chlorine[edit]

text: Chlorine, as compounded chloride, is necessary for osmosis and ionic balance; it also plays a role in photosynthesis.

text: Cobalt[edit]

text: Cobalt has proven to be beneficial to at least some plants although it does not appear to be essential for most species.[28] It has, however, been shown to be essential for nitrogen fixation by the nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with legumes and other plants.[28]

text: Aluminium[edit]

text: Aluminum is one of the few elements capable of making soil more acidic. This is achieved by aluminum taking hydroxide ions out of water, leaving hydrogen ions behind.[29] As a result, the soil is more acidic, which makes it unlivable for many plants. Another consequence of aluminum in soils is aluminum toxicity, which inhibits root growth.[30]

text:
Tea has a high tolerance for aluminum (Al) toxicity and the growth is stimulated by Al application. The possible reason is the prevention of Cu, Mn or P toxicity effects.
There have been reports that Al may serve as a fungicide against certain types of root rot.

text: Silicon[edit]

text: Silicon is not considered an essential element for plant growth and development. It is always found in abundance in the environment and hence if needed it is available. It is found in the structures of plants and improves the health of plants.[31]

text: In plants, silicon has been shown in experiments to strengthen cell walls, improve plant strength, health, and productivity.[32] There have been studies showing evidence of silicon improving drought and frost resistance, decreasing lodging potential and boosting the plant's natural pest and disease fighting systems.[33] Silicon has also been shown to improve plant vigor and physiology by improving root mass and density, and increasing above ground plant biomass and crop yields.[32]  Silicon is currently under consideration by the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) for elevation to the status of a "plant beneficial substance".[34][35]

text: Vanadium[edit]

text: Vanadium may be required by some plants, but at very low concentrations. It may also be substituting for molybdenum.

text: Selenium[edit]

text: Selenium is probably not essential for flowering plants, but it can be beneficial; it can stimulate plant growth, improve tolerance of oxidative stress, and increase resistance to pathogens and herbivory.[36]

text: Selenium is, however, an essential mineral element for animal (including human) nutrition and selenium deficiencies are known to occur when food or animal feed is grown on selenium-deficient soils. The use of inorganic selenium fertilizers can increase selenium concentrations in edible crops and animal diets thereby improving animal health.[36]

text: Nutrient deficiency[edit]

text: The effect of a nutrient deficiency can vary from a subtle depression of growth rate to obvious stunting, deformity, discoloration, distress, and even death. Visual symptoms distinctive enough to be useful in identifying a deficiency are rare. Most deficiencies are multiple and moderate. However, while a deficiency is seldom that of a single nutrient, nitrogen is commonly the nutrient in shortest supply.

text: Chlorosis of foliage is not always due to mineral nutrient deficiency. Solarization can produce superficially similar effects, though mineral deficiency tends to cause premature defoliation, whereas solarization does not, nor does solarization depress nitrogen concentration.[37]

text: Nutrient status of plants[edit]

text: Nutrient status (mineral nutrient and trace element composition, also called ionome and nutrient profile) of plants are commonly portrayed by tissue elementary analysis. Interpretation of the results of such studies, however, has been controversial.[38] During the last decades the nearly two-century-old “law of minimum” or “Liebig's law” (that states that plant growth is controlled not by the total amount of resources available, but by the scarcest resource) has been replaced by several mathematical approaches that use different models in order to take the interactions between the individual nutrients into account. The latest developments in this field are based on the fact that the nutrient elements (and compounds) do not act independently from each other;[38] Baxter, 2015,[39] because there may be direct chemical interactions between them or they may influence each other’s uptake, translocation, and biological action via a number of mechanisms as exemplified for the case of ammonia.[38]

text: Plant nutrition in agricultural systems[edit]

text: Hydroponics[edit]

text: Hydroponics is a method for growing plants in a water-nutrient solution without the use of nutrient-rich soil. It allows researchers and home gardeners to grow their plants in a controlled environment. The most common solution is the Hoagland solution, developed by D. R. Hoagland in 1933. The solution consists of all the essential nutrients in the correct proportions necessary for most plant growth.[5] An aerator is used to prevent an anoxic event or hypoxia. Hypoxia can affect nutrient uptake of a plant because, without oxygen present, respiration becomes inhibited within the root cells. The nutrient film technique is a hydroponic technique in which the roots are not fully submerged. This allows for adequate aeration of the roots, while a "film" thin layer of nutrient-rich water is pumped through the system to provide nutrients and water to the plant.


document_title: Subway (restaurant)

question_text: when was the first subway sandwich shop opened

text: Subway (restaurant)

text: History[edit]

text: In 1965, Fred DeLuca borrowed $1,000 from friend Peter Buck to start "Pete's Super Submarines" in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and in the following year, they formed Doctor's Associates Inc. to oversee operations of the restaurants as the franchise expanded.[12][13] The holding company derives its name from DeLuca's goal to earn enough from the business to pay tuition for medical school, as well as Buck's having a doctorate in physics.[14] Doctor's Associates is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, any medical organization.[15] In 1968, the sandwich shop was renamed "Subway".[12]

text: The first Subway on the West Coast was opened in Fresno, California, in 1978.[16] The first Subway outside of North America opened in Bahrain in December 1984.[17] The first Subway in the United Kingdom was opened in Brighton in 1996.[18] In 2004, Subway began opening stores in Walmart supercenters and surpassed the number of McDonald's locations inside U.S. Walmart stores in 2007.[19]

text: Since 2007, Subway has consistently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine's Top 500 Franchises list. It ranked #2 in 2012. It also ranked #2 on the "Fastest Growing Franchise" and "Global Franchise" lists.[20] At the end of 2010, Subway became the largest fast food chain worldwide, with 33,749 restaurants – 1,012 more than McDonald's.[21]

text: In January 2015, Suzanne Greco took over the running of Subway from her brother Fred DeLuca, who had been CEO, but had been ill with leukemia for two years (he died in September 2015), and became president and CEO.[22][23]

text: In 2016, Subway closed hundreds of restaurants in the U.S., experiencing a net loss in locations for the first time. However, with 26,744 locations, it remained the most ubiquitous restaurant chain in the U.S. (with McDonald's in the #2 spot).[24] Also in 2016, Subway announced a new logo for the franchise, to be implemented in 2017.[25] On July 17, 2017, Subway unveiled redesigned restaurants, dubbed "Fresh Forward." Features include self-order kiosks; USB charging ports at tables; and new menu items, including additional condiments, and bread made without gluten. The company is piloting the changes at 12 locations across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with many features expected to be implemented into stores worldwide by the end of 2017.[26]

text: In 2017, the chain closed more than 800 of its U.S. locations. In April 2018, the chain announced it would close about 500 more that year. According Abha Bhattarai of The Washington Post, this is a result of three consecutive years of falling profits, and foot traffic in Subway stores reduced by 25 percent since 2012. Franchisees also complained that the company's deep promotions further ate away at profits. Industry analysts like Bob Phibbs, chief executive of the new York-based consulting firm Retail Doctor, say changing tastes on the part of consumers, who more frequently prefer locally sourced produce and hormone-free meat served by regional start-ups like Sweetgreen, especially in Metropolitan areas, are the cause of the drop in Subway's sales, as well as loss of market share to competitors. These include fast-casual eateries and sandwich shops like Panera Bread, Au Bon Pain and Firehouse Subs, as well as food trucks, and grocery stores that offer freshly made meals at competitive prices. In January 2018, Subway invested $25 million in a re-branding campaign targeted at young consumers in order to revitalize its image and boost sales.[13]

text: Locations[edit]

text: As of June 2017, Subway has approximately 44,000 stores worldwide, all independently owned.[13] located in 112 countries. These locations are largely concentrated in North America, with about 26,400 in the United States (plus about 3,300 in Canada and 1,000 in Mexico),[27] which is almost as many U.S. locations as McDonald’s and Starbucks combined.[13] Outside North America, the countries with the most locations are Australia (approximately 1,400), Brazil (approximately 2,200) and the United Kingdom (approximately 2,300).[27]

text: Products[edit]

text: Subway's core product is the submarine sandwich (or "sub"). In addition to these, the chain also sells wraps, salad, paninis, and baked goods (including cookies, doughnuts, and muffins).

text: Subway's best-selling sandwich,[28] the B.M.T., contains pepperoni, salami, and ham. The name originally stood for Brooklyn Manhattan Transit, but now stands for "Bigger, Meatier, Tastier".[29]

text: Subway also sells breakfast sandwiches, English muffins, and flatbread. In 2006, "personal pizzas" debuted in some US markets. These are made to order (like the subs) and heated for 85 seconds. Breakfast and pizza items are only available in some stores. In November 2009, Subway signed a deal to serve exclusively Seattle's Best Coffee coffee as part of its breakfast menu in the US.[30]

text: A 2009 Zagat survey named Subway the best provider of "Healthy Options" (in the "Mega Chain" category). Subway was also first in "Top Service" and "Most Popular" rankings. It placed second in "Top Overall", behind Wendy's.[31]

text: On April 18, 2017, Subway announced the addition of paninis to its menu. Chipotle Steak & Cheese, Triple Cheese, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Italian B.M.T. Melt were the four variations announced.[32]

text: Regional variations[edit]

text: Subway's menu varies between countries, most significantly where there are religious requirements relating to the meats served.

text: In 2006, the first kosher Subway restaurant in the United States opened, in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio in the Mandel JCC of Cleveland. Former Subway spokesman Jared Fogle attended the opening. A press release stated, "With slight modifications, such as no pork-based products, and the use of soy-based cheese product, the menu is virtually identical to that of any other Subway restaurant."[33] Other openings soon followed, briefly making Subway one of the largest U.S. kosher restaurant chains.[34] At their peak, twelve kosher Subway locations were open in the U.S, including Kansas City and 5 in New York. As of 2011, only five remain, in Cleveland, Miami, Los Angeles and two stores in Maryland.[35] Franchisees who failed noted a lack of support from the parent location in advertising, higher costs of kosher food and supervision, the inability to remain open on Saturdays, and that customers who do not keep kosher prefer the original menu and prices.[35]

text: Subway opened its first restaurant in India in 2001 in New Delhi. Subway restaurants in India do not serve beef and pork products in deference to Hindu and Muslim beliefs respectively and sell an extended vegetarian range due to the large number of vegetarians in the country. There are 591 Subway restaurants in 68 cities of India as of January 2017.[36] On September 4, 2012, Subway opened its first all-vegetarian outlet on the campus of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar, Punjab.[37] On March 6, 2013, Subway opened its second all-vegetarian outlet also offering Jain food in Paldi, Ahmedabad.[38]

text: Nutritional content[edit]

text: In 2011, Subway introduced gluten-free bread and brownies to some locations in Texas.[39] It also cut the salt content of its sandwiches by 15 percent.[40]

text: In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Subway has reduced salt content across its entire range by 33% and has committed to further reductions, in line with government targets.[41] Subway's range of "Low Fat" subs is endorsed by the charity Heart Research UK.[42]

text: Marketing[edit]

text: Subway is the second-biggest fast food advertiser in the United States, behind only McDonald's. It spent US$516,000,000 on measurable advertising in 2011.[43]

text: Subway used the advertising slogan "Eat Fresh", and focused on how its sandwiches were made from freshly baked bread and fresh ingredients, in front of customers to their exact specifications, by employees which Subway called "Subway Sandwich Artists".

text: In 2005, Subway scrapped its "Sub Club" stamp promotion, citing a growing number of counterfeit stamps due to online auction sites and the increasing availability of high-quality printers.[44][45]

text: In November 2007, Subway's US commercials featured the cartoon character Peter Griffin (from FOX's Family Guy) promoting its new Subway Feast sandwich.[46] Subway has also used "instant win" games, based on the game Scrabble.

text: Subway ran a product placement campaign in the US TV series Chuck since its first season. As ratings dwindled in the second season, a campaign to "save Chuck" was launched for fans, encouraging them to purchase a footlong sub from Subway on April 27, 2009, the date of the season finale. Tony Pace, Subway's marketing officer, called it the best product placement the restaurant chain has done "in several years."[47]

text: To celebrate National Sandwich Day on November 3, 2015, Subway offered a Buy One sandwich, Give One sandwich free promotion.[48]

text: Subway has sponsored a number of sports events, particularly NASCAR races, including the Subway 400 (2002–2004), Subway 500 (2003–2007), Subway Fresh 500 (2005–2013) and the Subway Firecracker 250 (2009–2016). Subway sponsored the Subway Super Series ice hockey tournament from 2009–2014.

text: Jared Fogle[edit]

text: Jared Fogle was a national spokesman for the company in the US starting in January 2000, giving talks on healthy living and appearing in advertisements. Fogle first came to attention in his native Indiana by claiming that he lost over 200 pounds in part by eating at Subway. From 2008, he was featured less often as the company marketed with more emphasis on its "5 dollar footlong" campaign.[49] Subway attributed between one-third and one-half of its growth from 1998 to 2011 to Fogle, the equivalent of a tripling in size.[50] Subway cut ties with Fogle on August 18, 2015, amid expectations that he would plead guilty to child pornography and child molestation charges,[51] which were confirmed the following day.[52] In November 2015, he was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison.[53]

text: In December 2015, following the removal of Fogle from its marketing, Subway introduced a new marketing campaign, "Founded on Fresh". The campaign focuses on Subway's establishment and early history, and features Fred DeLuca, as played by his son, Jonathon. The new campaign downplays the use of jingles and celebrity endorsements (besides "targeted" sports marketing), in favor of focusing upon the qualities of its products, and specific products. Chief advertising officer Chris Carroll explained that the focus on fat, calories, and weight loss were "what fresh used to be", and that the new campaign would focus more on the sourcing of Subway's ingredients, such as its phase-out of antibiotic-treated meat. Carroll also explained that the new strategy was being developed prior to the controversy involving Fogle.[54]

text: $5 footlongs[edit]

text: In 2008, Subway began to offer all foot-long submarine sandwiches (excluding premium and double-meat varieties) for five dollars, in the continental United States and Canada, as a "limited time only" promotion. "Five Dollar Footlongs" quickly became the company's most successful promotion ever.[55] Upon the initial promotion's completion, customer response prompted Subway to create a permanent "$5 Footlong Everyday Value Menu" that offered some footlong sandwiches for $5. As of 2011, there has been a monthly rotating $5 footlong.[56]

text: In October 2011, a similar promotion was launched in the United Kingdom. Customers can buy one of nine subs and any drink for £3 (for a six-inch sub) or £5 (for a footlong).[57]

text: In 2012, San Francisco discontinued the five-dollar footlong promotion due to the higher cost of doing business in the city.[58] From June 2014 to the end of that year, some Subway locations began discontinuing the $5 dollar promotion.[59] On November 1, 2014, Subway discontinued the five-dollar footlong promotion, replacing it with the Simple $6 Menu which included a six-inch select with a drink and a choice of cookies or chips.[60][61]

text: On February 4, 2016, all classic footlongs were declared to be set at a new cost of $6 each.[62]

text: On January 1, 2018, the $5 promotion returned with a $4.99 footlong menu of five subs, at participating locations.[63][64][65]

text: Italian Hero[edit]

text: In early 2017, Subway introduced its Italian Hero, and advertised it with a campaign describing it as an authentic Italian[-American] sandwich. Two comedic spots feature stereotypical Italian-American characters on and around the stoop of a New York / New Jersey tenement building, one including a cameo by sportscaster Dick Vitale. Another ad features Food Network's Jeff Mauro, the "Sandwich King", who is Italian-American,[66] discussing the nature and role of the different Italian meats and other ingredients.[67][68][69][70][71][72]

text: Animal welfare[edit]

text: On December 28, 2015, Subway released a commitment to transition to a 100% cage-free egg supply chain by 2025.[73]

text: On April 28, 2017, Subway released a chicken welfare policy[74] that states that by 2024 or sooner, 100% of its U.S. chicken products will be produced in alignment with Global Animal Partnership (GAP) standards for higher welfare breeds, enhanced living environments (including lighting, litter, and enrichment), increased activity levels and optimized stocking density, and improved slaughter methods. To ensure compliance, Subway’s chicken suppliers will be third-party audited with updates communicated annually.[75]

text: The policy announcement followed a nationwide campaign led by high school animal activist Lia Hyman in coordination with the animal protection NGO The Humane League.[76] On April 20, 2017, Hyman and a group of activists traveled to Subway’s global headquarters in Connecticut to deliver more than 53,000 signatures from campaign supporters and held a demonstration outside the building after they were denied entry.[77]

text: Controversies[edit]

text: Hepatitis A contamination[edit]

text: In September 1999, at least 32 customers in the north Seattle area contracted hepatitis A after eating food contaminated with the virus at two Subway outlets.[78] The virus, which is spread by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with infected feces, infects the liver causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and fever.[79] Subsequent investigations found that staff failed to adhere to thorough hand washing and the use of plastic gloves during food preparation.[80] A class-action lawsuit on behalf of 31 victims was resolved for $1.6 million.[81][82] The most seriously affected victim—a 6-year-old boy—suffered acute liver failure and required a liver transplant. He was awarded $10 million in an out-of-court settlement in 2001.[80] A previous outbreak of hepatitis A in 1996 had also involved a Subway outlet in the Seattle area, although no legal action had resulted.[78]

text: In April 2015, the Arkansas Department of Health issued a warning to the public that customers who had eaten at the Subway outlet in Morrilton, Arkansas, may have been exposed to infection after an employee tested positive for the virus.[83][84]

text: Sandwich size[edit]

text: On February 2, 2007, KNXV-TV (with the help of the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures) reported that three of Subway's "Giant Sub" sandwiches, nominally each 3-foot (91 cm) long, were actually 2 feet 8 inches (81 cm), 2 feet 8.25 inches (81.92 cm), and 2 feet 8.5 inches (82.6 cm) long. The maximum variance in length allowed in Arizona is 3% (1.08 inches (2.7 cm), for a three-foot sub). The report also showed the boxes designed to store these sandwiches were 2 feet 10.75 inches (88.27 cm) in length; shorter than the maximum allowable variance. In response to the report, Subway said it was reevaluating its advertising, training and packaging materials with regard to the specific or implied length of Giant Subs, and was advising its franchisees to only discuss with customers the approximate number of expected servings and not a specific length of measurement.[85]

text: In January 2013, an Australian teen, Matt Corby, complained on Facebook that Subway's "footlong" sandwich was only 11 inches (28 cm) long, rather than 1 foot (30 cm). Subway responded by saying, "With regards to the size of the bread and calling it a footlong, 'Subway Footlong' is a registered trademark as a descriptive name for the sub sold in Subway Restaurants and not intended to be a measurement of length."[86] Discovery during a subsequent class-action lawsuit revealed that most Subway sandwiches were the advertised length. A $530,000 settlement was thrown out of court in 2017 for being "utterly worthless" to consumers.[87][88]

text: Franchise relations[edit]

text: In 1995, Subway Sandwich Shops, Fred DeLuca, Peter Buck, and Doctor's Associates Inc. were held liable for breach of contract. An Illinois jury awarded more than $10 million in damages to Nicholas and Victoria Jannotta after finding lease and contract violations. The plaintiffs claimed the defendants had misrepresented the asset value of Subway Sandwich Shops (a leasing company used by Doctor's Associates for franchising purposes) while negotiating a 1985 lease agreement.[89]

text: The U.S. House of Representatives' small business committee studied the franchise industry from 1992 to 1998. Dean Sagar noted, "Subway is the biggest problem in franchising and emerges as one of the key examples of every abuse you can think of."[90] In 1989, the U.S. Small Business Administration refused small business loans to Subway franchise owners until Subway removed a contract clause which gave it the power to seize and purchase any franchise without cause. The Dallas Morning News reported Subway had seized American soldier Leon Batie Jr.'s Subway stores in 2006 while he was serving in Afghanistan.[91][92] He had been deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom in March 2005, three years after buying his first restaurant.[91][92] Batie alleged Subway had violated the U.S. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. He filed a federal lawsuit against Subway, which was dismissed. He then filed suit in state court, in Dallas County, Texas. Both parties settled on "mutually agreeable" and confidential terms in January 2010.[93]

text: United Kingdom VAT treatment[edit]

text: In October 2010, Subway franchisees in the United Kingdom lost a high court appeal, against paying standard VAT on all toasted subs, as required by HM Revenue and Customs. Thus, in the United Kingdom, a toasted sub attracts VAT, whereas a cold sub, eaten off the premises, does not. Competitors such as Quiznos & McDonald's do not pay VAT on similar food.[94][95][96]

text: In March 2012, Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne announced plans to close the loophole that allows Subway competitors to offer hot food without paying VAT. This legislation was expected to come into force from October 2012 onward,[97] but the government withdrew plans to charge VAT on originally hot food being allowed to cool naturally on May 28, 2012.[98] In June 2012, Subway launched the "Toast the Tax" campaign to put pressure on the government to drop VAT on toasted sandwiches, as it has done for hot savouries.[99]

text: Casey's trademark case against Subway[edit]

text: On January 31, 2011, Subway lawyer Valerie Pochron, wrote to Casey's General Stores, a chain of Iowa-based convenience stores, demanding the small chain to cease using the term "footlong" in advertisements for its 12-inch sandwiches. Subway threatened to sue. Consequently, in February 2011, Casey's General Stores Inc. filed a petition in a U.S. District Court in Des Moines, seeking a legal declaration that the word "footlong" does not violate Subway's rights.[100] Casey's further sought a declaration that the word "footlong" is a generic description of a sandwich measuring one foot.[101][102] Before serving its complaint on Subway, Casey's voluntarily dismissed its action, ending the litigation.[103]

text: Subway's trademark application for "footlong" has yet to be approved by the federal government. Subway has attempted to register it with the United States Patent and Trademark Office twice. It filed on November 8, 2007,[104] and June 4, 2009.[105] Yum Brands (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and non-Canadian A&W locations), Long John Silver's and other competitors are opposing that application.[106]

text: Ingredients[edit]

text: Subway made alterations to its bread after food blogger and activist Vani Hari gathered more than 50,000 signatures in a petition drive. Subway removed azodicarbonamide from its bread.[107] Before Vani Hari's petition, Subway had used azodicarbonamide as a bread conditioner, to whiten the dough and allow sandwich bread to bake more quickly. The ingredient is still used by other fast food restaurants.[108]

text: In August 2015, Vani Hari again petitioned Subway in conjunction with Natural Resources Defense Council, Friends of the Earth, the Center for Food Safety, U.S. Public Interest Research Group to commit to buying meat produced without the routine use of antibiotics and to provide a timeline for doing so.[109] In October 2015, Subway announced it would transition to chicken raised without antibiotics in 2016 and turkey within the following 2–3 years, and would also transition beef and pork raised without antibiotics by 2025.[110][111]

text: Soy protein in chicken products[edit]

text: In an investigation by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)'s consumer affairs television series Marketplace aired in February 2017, chicken from five fast food restaurants were lab-tested to determine constituents. While DNA testing found between 84.9% and 89.4% of the DNA from other restaurants' chicken products to be chicken DNA, with the remaining being unidentifiable plant DNA, on the two Subway chicken items tested, 53.6% and 42.8% of the DNA was found to be chicken, with the remainder being mostly soy. Although ingredients listings did show soy protein to be a constituent of both of the chicken products, Subway states that the proportion is less than or equal to 1%, and that the finding of about 50% soy DNA is not representative of the actual amount of soy in the product. Subway has called CBC's report "absolutely false and misleading" and demanded that it be retracted, a demand the CBC had not acceded to as of July 2017[update]. Meanwhile, however, Subway Canada stated that it was investigating with its supplier to ensure that the proportion of soy protein was as per expectations.[112][113][114][115][116]

text: According to Subway's website, ingredients in U.S. stores may differ from ingredients in Canadian stores. Both countries include soy protein in chicken strips, but only the U.S. version states that it is present in quantities of 2% or less. The Canadian version includes soy as an ingredient in its chicken patty, but the United States version does not.[117]

text: In April 2017, Subway sued the CBC, as well as the reporter and two producers, for $210 million, alleging the CBC acted "recklessly and maliciously", and that "these false statements... were published and republished, maliciously and without just cause or excuse, to a global audience, which has resulted in pecuniary loss to the plaintiffs." The CBC stood by its reports, stating that the DNA tests were done by independent and credible experts.[118] The CBC's Emma Bédard stated that Subway has not provided any alternative explanation for the DNA test results obtained by the CBC.[119]


document_title: The Great British Bake Off

question_text: who are the new hosts of british bake off

text: The Great British Bake Off

text: Background[edit]

text: Development[edit]

text: The idea of the baking competition was conceived by producer Anna Beattie after she spoke to a friend who had seen 'bake-offs' in America.[5] Beattie was also inspired by village fete baking competitions; she said: "I loved that idea of village fetes and an old-fashioned baking competition with people who only wanted to bake a good cake."[6] However, Beattie failed to interest any channel in the idea for four years. In early 2009, they pitched the idea to Janice Hadlow, the then controller of BBC Two.[7] The pitch was successful, and Hadlow and the Commissioning Editor Charlotte Moore commissioned the programme,[8][9] which was then developed over the next six months. The development team first selected Mary Berry as a judge, and following an audition Paul Hollywood was also appointed. Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc were approached to be presenters of the show.[7]

text: Broadcast and personnel changes[edit]

text: On 17 August 2010, the first episode of The Great British Bake Off was shown on BBC Two.[10] It stayed on BBC Two for four years, grew in popularity and become the most popular programme on that channel. In its fifth series it was moved to BBC One where it stayed for three years. It was the most-watched programme on British television in 2015 and 2016.[11][12] Following extended negotiations, Love Productions announced that the seventh series of the show would be the last broadcast by the BBC. On 12 September 2016, Love agreed to a three-year deal to broadcast the show on Channel 4.[13][2] Giedroyc and Perkins subsequently announced that they would not be returning when the show moves to its new network.[14] On 22 September, Berry announced that she would also be leaving the show when it moved to Channel 4,[15] while Hollywood later announced he would stay.[16] In March 2017, it was announced that Prue Leith would join Hollywood as judge, while Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig would take over as presenters.[17]

text: Format[edit]

text: The programme operates on a weekly elimination process to find the best all-around baker from the contestants, who are all amateurs. The applicants to the show are assessed by a researcher, followed by an audition in London with two of their bakes. They then undergo a screen test and an interview with a producer. A second audition involves the applicants baking two recipes for the judges in front of the cameras.[5] Ten contestants were chosen for the first series, twelve for the following two series, thirteen for the fourth, and back to twelve from series five onwards.

text: In each episode, the amateur bakers are given three challenges: a signature bake, a technical challenge, and a show-stopper.[5] The three challenges take place over two days, and the filming takes up to 16 hours a day. The contestants are assessed by the judges who then choose a "Star Baker" for the week (introduced in series 2), and a contestant is also eliminated. In the final round, three bakers are left and a winner is chosen from the three.

text: In the first series, the location of the cast and crew moves from town to town each week, but starting from the second series, the competition is held in one location in a specially constructed marquee. Interspersed in the programme are the background of the contestants as well as video vignettes on the history of baking. What each baker intends to bake during a particular challenge is illustrated using animated graphics. These graphics have been created by illustrator Tom Hovey since the show's inception in 2010.[18][19]

text: Series overview[edit]

text:
Series
Episodes
Premiere
Finale
Winner
Runners-up
Average UK viewers
(millions)[20][21]
Timeslot
Channel

1
6
17 August 2010
21 September 2010
Edd Kimber
Miranda Gore Browne
2.77
Tuesday
8:00 pm
BBC Two

Ruth Clemens

2
8
14 August 2011
4 October 2011
Joanne Wheatley
Holly Bell
4.00

Mary-Anne Boermans

3
10
14 August 2012
16 October 2012
John Whaite
Brendan Lynch
5.00

James Morton

4
10
20 August 2013
22 October 2013
Frances Quinn
Kimberley Wilson
7.35

Ruby Tandoh

5
10
6 August 2014
8 October 2014
Nancy Birtwhistle
Luis Troyano
10.04
Wednesday
8:00 pm
BBC One

Richard Burr

6
10
5 August 2015
7 October 2015
Nadiya Hussain
Ian Cumming
12.50

Tamal Ray

7
10
24 August 2016
26 October 2016
Candice Brown
Andrew Smyth
13.85

Jane Beedle

8
10
29 August 2017
31 October 2017
Sophie Faldo
Kate Lyon
9.29
Tuesday
8:00 pm
Channel 4

Steven Carter-Bailey

text: Series 1 (2010)[edit]

text: Series 1 of The Great British Bake Off saw ten home bakers take part in a bake-off to test their baking skills as they battled to be crowned the Great British Bake Off's best amateur baker. Each week the nationwide tour saw the bakers put through three challenges in a particular discipline. The rounds took place in various locations across the UK, with the final round being held at Fulham Palace, London.

text: The three finalists were Ruth Clemens, Miranda Gore Browne, and Edd Kimber. On 21 September 2010, Edd Kimber was crowned the best amateur baker.[22]

text: Series 2 (2011)[edit]

text: The number of amateur baker contestants increased to twelve for the second series. Unlike Series 1, this year The Great British Bake Off stayed in one location – Valentines Mansion, a 17th-century mansion house in Redbridge, London.

text: All the Series 2 finalists were female: Holly Bell, Mary-Anne Boermans, and the winning contestant Joanne Wheatley.[23]

text: Series 3 (2012)[edit]

text: A third series of The Great British Bake Off began on 14 August 2012.[24] The series was filmed at Harptree Court in East Harptree, Somerset.

text: In contrast to Season 2, there was an all-male final. The finalists were Brendan Lynch, James Morton and John Whaite,[25] who won the final in a surprise result.[26]

text: Series 4 (2013)[edit]

text: The fourth series of The Great British Bake Off started on 20 August 2013 on BBC Two. The series was again filmed at Harptree Court in East Harptree, Somerset.[27] The all-female final was won by Frances Quinn, with Ruby Tandoh and Kimberley Wilson as runners up.[28]

text: In the U.S., the fourth series was broadcast as season 2 on PBS.

text: Series 5 (2014)[edit]

text: The fifth series of The Great British Bake Off began airing on 6 August 2014 on BBC One. This series was filmed at Welford Park in Berkshire.[29] There were twelve bakers taking part. Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood returned as judges, whilst Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc continued to present the series. Richard Burr was awarded the largest number of star baker designations of any series so far, but was beaten by Nancy Birtwhistle in the final.

text: A spin-off show The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, hosted by comedian Jo Brand on BBC Two, was also launched as a companion series this year. Each episode was broadcast two days after the main show but later moved to the same night. The show includes interviews with eliminated contestants.[30]

text: In the U.S., the fifth series was broadcast as season 1 on PBS.

text: Series 6 (2015)[edit]

text: The sixth series began on 5 August 2015[31] on BBC One, again from Welford Park in Berkshire. Spin-off show The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice returned for a second series, with Jo Brand as host. This series was won by Nadiya Hussain, with Ian Cumming and Tamal Ray as runners up.[32]

text: In the U.S., the sixth series was broadcast as season 3 on PBS.

text: Series 7 (2016)[edit]

text: The seventh series began on 24 August 2016 on BBC One, once again from Welford Park in Berkshire, a later than usual start following the BBC's coverage of the Olympic Games.[33] This series was won by Candice Brown, with Jane Beedle and Andrew Smyth as runners up.

text: In the U.S., the seventh series was broadcast as season 4 on PBS.

text: Series 8 (2017)[edit]

text: The eighth series of The Great British Bake Off began airing on 29 August 2017.[34] This is the first series of The Great British Bake Off to be broadcast on Channel 4 following its move from the BBC.[35] The series features new hosts Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig, and new judge Prue Leith along with returning judge Paul Hollywood. This series was won by Sophie Faldo, with Kate Lyon and Steven Carter-Bailey finishing as runners-up.

text: Incomplete bakes and other incidents[edit]

text: As of the sixth series, there have been four incomplete bakes.

text:
In Series 2, Robert Billington accidentally dropped his tiered showstopper while applying finishing touches to the cake. Both judges and presenters came to his aid to salvage the bottom tier of his cake. He was able to present the incomplete showstopper as a single-tiered cake.
In Series 3, John Whaite was unable to complete his bake after he suffered a severe cut to his finger on the food processor. He tried to continue working on his strudel wearing a rubber glove, but the bleeding required medical attention and he therefore had to abandon the last bake. As a result, no one was eliminated that week.[36]
In Series 4, contestant Deborah accidentally used Howard's custard instead of her own. As a result, Howard was forced to use Deborah's custard, and this was taken into account by the judges.[37]
In Series 5, during the Baked Alaska challenge, Iain Watters' ice cream melted for reasons that were not entirely clear, although the editing of the show suggested that it had been caused by another contestant's actions. He threw his ice cream into the bin in frustration and left the tent. He returned shortly after, and as he had no cake for judging (he produced his bin instead, and the incident was labelled "bingate"), he was eliminated from the competition. The event that led to his departure provoked some anger from the viewers.[38]

text: Reception[edit]

text: Critical reception[edit]

text: The early reviews for the first series were mixed. Lucy Mangan of The Guardian wondered if "competitive baking [is] a contradiction in terms" and found the proceedings humourless.[39] Iain Hollingshead of The Daily Telegraph was scathing, describing the presenters as "annoying", the judge Paul Hollywood as looking "sinister without being interesting", and that the audience would be so bored that they "could certainly forgive the cameraman if he were to commit hara-kiri in a giant pool of egg and flour."[40]

text: However, reviews from the later series were more positive. Andrew Collins of The Guardian called it "the nicest show on television" and judged it the best TV programme of 2012.[41][42] Rachel Ward of The Daily Telegraph thought the programme "had just the right consistency of mouth-watering morsels, good humour, and fascinating history",[43] while Tom Sutcliffe of The Independent considered the contest "perfectly baked".[44]

text: Bake Off was moved to Channel 4 in 2017, and reviews of the programme on the channel were largely positive, although a few felt that it did not compare well to the BBC version.[45][46][47] Mark Lawson of The Guardian described the programme on Channel 4 as "both exactly the same but also just subtly different enough", and that "only someone desperate to dislike the re-plated show could argued that [it] has soured, spoiled or binned its recipe".[48] Michael Hogan of The Telegraph thought that "Mary, Mel and Sue might be gone but the show's recipe remains as winning as ever. The four Cs – chemistry, camaraderie, comedy, cakes – were all present and correct."[49] Anna Leszkiewicz of the New Statesman however considered that while the format had been left largely unchanged and the contestants "irresistibly likeable", "every single change to the show has been for the worse".[46]

text: Cultural impact[edit]

text: The show has become a significant part of British culture and is credited with spurring an interest in home baking, with supermarkets and department stores in the UK reporting sharp rises in sales of baking ingredients and accessories.[50][51] It was also credited with reviving the Women's Institute, whose membership reached its highest level since the 1970s.[52] The show also boosted the sales of bakery books and the number of baking clubs, and independent bakeries also showed an increase. According to one analyst, more than three-fifths of adults have baked at home at least once in 2013 compared with only a third in 2011.[53]

text: TV ratings[edit]

text: The first series of The Great British Bake Off premiered in August 2010 with moderate ratings of just over 2 million viewers for its first episode.[54] This was enough to place it in BBC Two's top ten for that week, and over the series the audience grew to over three million, with the semi-final and final both achieving first place in BBC Two's weekly ratings. During the second series, the ratings gradually increased, and it became a surprise hit with nearly 4 million watching each episode.[55] Week two was the last time that the show was out-rated by another BBC Two programme in the same week (it came second to the drama Page Eight); from then until the show's move to BBC One, every competition episode would be the channel's number one rated programme of the week. By its final episode it had averaged 4.56 million viewers, peaking at 5.1 million in its last 15 minutes.[56]

text: The ratings continued to strengthen in the third series, and the show began to beat its competition in its timeslot.[57] The final of the series where John Whaite was crowned the winner saw its highest rating yet, with an average of 6.5 million viewers that peaked at 7.2 million, which made it the second highest-rated BBC Two-originated show after Top Gear since at least 2006.[58][59] The fourth series achieved some of the highest ratings seen on BBC Two. The viewer count for its premiere episode was more than two million higher than that of the previous series,[60] while the final episode was seen by 9.1 million viewers at its peak, more than twice the number of viewers on BBC One and ITV.[61] The final episode is the most-watched show on BBC Two since the present ratings system was introduced in 2002, beating the previous record set by Top Gear.[62] As a result of its high ratings, the show was moved to BBC One.[63]

text: After its move to BBC One, the opening episode was watched by over 7 million viewers according to overnight figures, beating the figure of 5.6 million for the opening episode of the previous year.[64] the Bingate controversy surrounding episode four helped the show gain its biggest ever audience of 10.3 million viewers, with 2 million people who watched it on BBC iPlayer.[65] The final of the show gained an overnight viewing figure of 12.29 million, then the highest viewing figure of the year for a non-sporting event on UK TV.[66] In the following year, the top ten ratings for 2015 was also dominated by The Great British Bake Off, with seven of the year's ten most-watched television programmes being episodes of the show, topped by the final episode with 15.05 million viewers.[67] In the last series on the BBC in 2016, nine of the top ten most-watched programmes of the year were episodes of the show, with 16.03 million viewers watching the finale.[68]

text: The first series broadcast by Channel 4 opened with average viewing figures of 5.8 million, rising to 6.5 million to include those watching on Channel 4+1, and 9.46 million for the 7-day rating.[69] Although the overnight figure was the lowest for an opening episode since 2013, it was Channel 4's biggest audience since the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Paralympics.[70] This series attracted an average audience of 9 million viewers on Channel 4.[71]

text: Controversies[edit]

text: Product placement sanction[edit]

text: In September 2012, production company Love Productions was sanctioned by the BBC for product placement of Smeg fridges. The issue came to light after a viewer wrote to the Radio Times complaining of "blatant product promotion". After an investigation, the BBC said Love Production's loan agreement with Smeg did not meet editorial guidelines and was being revised for the third series, and that appropriate retrospective hire payments would be made.[72] The BBC asked Smeg to remove a notice from its website promoting its association with the show, which it has since done.[73]

text: Favouritism[edit]

text: During the fourth series, there were accusations of favouritism towards female contestants after the last man Glenn Cosby was eliminated from the show;[74] however, similar claims were not made the previous year over the all-male final, or even the year before, when there was also an all-female quarter-final. The fourth series also suffered allegations of Paul Hollywood's favouritism towards Ruby Tandoh,[75][76] and personal attacks on Tandoh by various people including the chef Raymond Blanc.[77][78][79] Both Paul Hollywood and Ruby Tandoh denied the accusation.[80][81]

text: Baked Alaska controversy ("Bingate")[edit]

text: In the fourth episode of the fifth series, there was controversy around the elimination of contestant Iain Watters. During the final showstopper round contestants were tasked with producing a Baked Alaska. Iain's ice cream was shown as having not set and in a show of frustration he threw his bake in the bin. The editing of the show suggested that another contestant, Diana Beard, had caused the failure by removing the ice cream from a freezer, and the perceived "sabotage" resulted in a furore on social media networks.[82] However, unseen footage broadcast in the accompanying programme An Extra Slice shows Luis holding the large floor freezer that contained Iain's ice cream open as he piped the sides of his own baked Alaska, while Mel warns him to pipe quickly and close the freezer. Later in the episode, when Iain removes his ice cream to begin the next step of his dish, it is still quite soft, indicating it went into the freezer he shared with Diana without being completely frozen. Various members of the cast posted comments in support of Diana[83] and a BBC spokesman later issued a statement that "Diana removing Iain's ice cream from the freezer for less than a minute was in no way responsible for Iain's departure."[84]

text: More than 800 complaints were lodged with the BBC over the incident and some also complained to the communication watchdog Ofcom.[85]

text: Use of innuendo[edit]

text: A number of viewers complained to the BBC feedback show Points of View in the fifth series about the "constant smutty remarks" from the presenters Mel and Sue.[86][87] This series was seen as having more innuendos than previous ones; some reviewers noted the "extra pinch of saucy spice" and "the increasingly filthy-minded hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins",[88][89][90] while the Daily Mail argued that the "smutty" innuendos made the show no longer fit for family entertainment.[91] The series 3 winner John Whaite however argued that innuendo is part of what made the show a success,[92] whilst judge Paul Hollywood described the innuendos as banter in the spirit of the Carry On films and is a part of British culture,[93] a view shared by others.[94][95]

text: Clones, legal challenges and move to Channel 4[edit]

text: The success of The Great British Bake Off led to the BBC commissioning many other series closely following the format from Love Productions for example The Great British Sewing Bee and The Great Pottery Throw Down. However the 2014 series Hair using the same format was produced in house by the BBC, Love Productions responded by making preparations to sue the BBC for infringing their copyright.[96][97] Although the matter was kept quiet, with the BBC settling out of court and compensating Love Productions,[96][97] the matter soured relations between the BBC and Love Productions.[97] In September 2016, it was announced that the BBC had lost the broadcast rights of the show to Channel 4.[98] Channel 4 offered £25 million for the show outbidding the £15 million offered by the BBC.[98] In January 2017 the BBC waived its rights to keep the program off the air until 2018, and wished the programme "well for the future".[99]

text: Accidental revealing of Series 8 winner[edit]

text: On 31 October 2017, judge Prue Leith accidentally revealed the winner of Series 8 on Twitter twelve hours before the finale was due to air. This caused uproar among many fans of the show. She quickly deleted the tweet and apologised to the fans who saw the tweet.[100]

text: Awards and nominations[edit]

text: The Great British Bake Off was nominated for a Rose d'Or in the Lifestyle section of the 2012 competition and won.[101][102] The programme has been nominated a number of times in various categories for the BAFTA awards and won in 2012, 2013, and 2016.[103][104] It also won two 2015 National Television Award for Skills Challenge Show.[105]

text:
Year
Award
Category
Recipient
Results
Ref.

2012
Rose d'Or
Lifestyle
The Great British Bake Off
Won
[106]

BAFTA TV Awards
Features
Anna Beattie, Andy Devonshire, Simon Evans, Richard McKerrow
Won
[107]

YouTube Audience Award
The Great British Bake Off
Nominated
[103]

2013
Features
Anna Beattie, Kieran Smith, Amanda Westwood, Scott Tankard
Won
[108]

Radio Times Audience Award
The Great British Bake Off
Nominated
[108]

National Television Award
Factual Entertainment
Nominated
[109]

2014
BAFTA TV Awards
Features
Anna Beattie, Amanda Westwood, Samantha Beddoes, Simon Evans
Nominated
[110]

National Television Award
Factual Entertainment
The Great British Bake Off
Nominated
[111]

2015
BAFTA TV Awards
Features
Anna Beattie, Samantha Beddoes, Andy Devonshire, Simon Evans
Nominated
[112]

Radio Times Audience Award
The Great British Bake Off
Nominated
[113]

National Television Award
Skills Challenge Show
Won
[114]

2016
National Television Award
Challenge Show
Won
[114]

BAFTA
Features
The Great British Bake Off production team
Won
[115]

Radio Times audience award
The Great British Bake Off
Nominated
[115]

2017
National Television Award
Challenge Show
The Great British Bake Off
Nominated
[116]

TV judge
Mary Berry
Won
[117]

BAFTA
Features
The Great British Bake Off production team
Nominated
[118]

text: International broadcast and versions[edit]

text: The UK version of The Great British Bake Off is broadcast in many countries and it has been sold to 196 territories as of 2015.[119] The format has also been sold to 20 territories by 2015, making it the third most successful BBC format after Dancing with the Stars (Strictly Come Dancing) and The Weakest Link.[120] Many of these shows have been successful.[121][122] The Junior Bake Off format has also been sold to Thailand.[123]

text: Beginning in 2014, the US broadcaster PBS has aired several series of the show under the name The Great British Baking Show.[124] The change of name was necessary due to the fact that "Bake-Off" is a registered trademark of Pillsbury in the United States. The fifth series was broadcast as Season 1 in Winter 2014–2015;[125] the fourth series was then broadcast as Season 2 in Fall 2015,[126] the sixth series was broadcast as Season 3 in Summer 2016, and the seventh series was broadcast as Season 4 in Summer 2017.

text: The CBC began broadcasting The Great British Bake Off in Canada in August 2016, starting with the sixth series and also with the Great British Baking Show title. The seventh series aired the year after.[127]

text: International versions[edit]

text: Current and upcoming versions include:[128]

text: Legend:      Airing or in production        No longer airing

text:
Country
Local title
Host(s)
Judges
Channel
Premiere

 Australia
The Great Australian Bake Off
Shane Jacobson
Anna Gare[129]
Dan Lepard
Kerry Vincent
Nine Network[130]
9 July 2013

Claire Hooper
Mel Buttle
Maggie Beer
Matt Moran[131]
LifeStyle Food
13 October 2015

 Belgium
De MeesterBakker
(The Master Baker)
Rani De Coninck
Sofie Dumont
Bernard Proot
vtm
4 April 2012

 Brazil
Bake Off Brasil
Carolina Fiorentino (2017–)
Ticiana Villas Boas (2015–16)
Fabrizio Fasano Jr.
Beca Milano (2017–)
Carolina Fiorentino (2015–16)
SBT
Discovery Home & Health
26 July 2015

Bake Off SBT
Carolina Florentino
Danilo Gentili
Ratinho
Fabrizio Fasano Jr.
Beca Milano
23 December 2017

Júnior Bake Off Brasil
Carolina Florentino
6 January 2018

 Bulgaria
Bake Off: Най-сладкото състезание
(Bake Off: The Sweetest Competition)
Aleksandra Raeva
Raffi Bohosyan
Julia Pandzherova
Yuri Baltaliyski
Nova TV
15 November 2016

 Canada
The Great Canadian Baking Show
Dan Levy
Julia Chan
Bruno Feldeisen
Rochelle Adonis
CBC
1 November 2017

 Denmark
Den store bagedyst
(The Great Baking Contest)
Timm Vladimir
Mette Blomsterberg
Jan Friis-Mikkelsen
DR1
28 August 2012[132]

 Estonia
Eesti parim pagar[133]
Kristjan Rabi (2015)
Indrek Vaheoja (2015)
Alari Kivisaar
Angeelika Kang
Ants Uustalu
TV3
31 August 2015

 Finland
Koko Suomi leipoo[134]
(The whole of Finland bakes)
Anne Kukkohovi
Mika Parviainen
Sami Granroth
MTV3[135]
24 September 2013

 France
Le Meilleur Pâtissier[136][137]
(The Best Baker)
Julia Vignali
Cyril Lignac
Jacqueline Mercorelli
M6[138]
RTL-TVI (Belgium)
26 November 2012

 Germany
Das große Backen
(The great Bake)
Britt Hagedorn (2013)
Meltem Kaptan (2013)
Enie van de Meiklokjes (2014–16)
Annika Lau (2017)
Christian Hümbs
Enie van de Meiklokjes (2013)
Andrea Schirmaier-Huber (2013–14)
Betty Schliephake-Burchardt (2015–17)
Sat.1
1 December 2013

 Ireland
The Great Irish Bake Off
Anna Nolan[139]
Biddy White Lennon
Paul Kelly[140]
TV3
19 September 2013

 Italy
Bake Off Italia – Dolci in forno[141]
(Bake Off Italy – Sweets in the oven)
Benedetta Parodi
Ernst Knam
Clelia d'Onofrio
Damiano Carrara
Real Time[142]
November 2013

 Israel
בייק אוף ישראל[143]
(Bake Off Israel)
Paula Rosenberg
Aya Kremerman
Ran Shmueli
Oded Brenner
Carine Goren
Channel 2
9 April 2016

 Netherlands
Heel Holland Bakt
(All of Holland bakes)
Martine Bijl[144]
(2013–15)
André van Duin
(2016–present)
Robèrt van Beckhoven
Janny van der Heijden
MAX (NPO 1)
5 June 2013[145]

 Norway
Hele Norge baker
(All of Norway Bakes)
Line Verndal
Pascal Dupuy
Øyvind Lofthus[146]
TV3[147]
10 March 2013[148]

 Poland
Bake Off – Ale Ciacho!
(Bake Off – What A Cake!)
Anna Gacek
Paulina Mikuła[149]
Krzysztof Ilnicki
Gosia Molska[150]
TVP2
5 September 2016[151]

 Portugal
Best Bakery – A Melhor Pastelaria de Portugal
(Best Bakery – The Best Pastry in Portugal)
Ana Guiomar
Luca Arguelles
Telmo Moutinho
SIC
3 October 2016

 Romania
Bake Off Romania[152]
Nicolle Stanese[153]
Alex Stan
Simona Pope
Tudor Constantinescu
Pro TV
29 February 2016[154]

 South Africa
The Great South African Bake Off[155]
Anne Hirsch
Lentswe Bhengu
Shirley Guy
Tjaart Walraven
BBC Lifestyle
8 October 2015

 Sweden
Hela Sverige bakar[156]
(All of Sweden Bakes)
Tilde de Paula
Johan Sörberg
Birgitta Rasmussen
TV4 (Sjuan)
20 September 2012

Hela kändis-Sverige bakar[157]
(Celebrity All of Sweden Bakes)
11 November 2014

 Turkey
Ver Fırına
Burcu Esmersoy
Arda Türkmen
Emel Başdoğan
TV8[158]
20 October 2014[159]

 Ukraine
Великий пекарський турнір
(Great Bakers Tournament)
Yuri Gorbunov[160]
Serge Markovic
Catherine Ahronik
Olga Ganushchak
1+1[161]
1 September 2013[162]

 United States
The American Baking Competition[163][164]
Jeff Foxworthy
Marcela Valladolid
Paul Hollywood
CBS[165]
29 May 2013[166]

 United States
The Great American Baking Show
Ayesha Curry
Anthony Adams
Johnny Iuzzini
Paul Hollywood[167]
ABC
30 November 2015 (as The Great Holiday Baking Show)[168][169][170][171]

text: The Great Sport Relief Bake Off[edit]

text:
The Great Sport Relief Bake Off

Genre

Cooking
Baking

Presented by

Mel Giedroyc
Jennifer Saunders (2016)
Ed Byrne (2014, 2016)
Sarah Millican (2016)
Sue Perkins (2014)
Jo Brand (2014)
Omid Djalili (2014)

Judges

Mary Berry
Paul Hollywood

Country of origin
United Kingdom

Original language(s)
English

No. of series
3

No. of episodes
12

Production

Running time
60 minutes

Production company(s)
Love Productions

Release

Original network
BBC Two (2012–2013)
BBC One (2014–2016)

Picture format
16:9

Original release
10 January 2012 (2012-01-10) – 23 February 2016 (2016-02-23)

text: Episode viewing figures from BARB.[172]

text: Series 1 (2012)[edit]

text:
Episode No.
Signature Challenge
Technical Challenge
Showstopper Challenge
Contestants
Airdate
Viewers
(millions)

1
Traybake
Wholemeal Cheese Scones
Meringue Dessert
Angela Griffin
10 January 2012 (2012-01-10)
3.52

James Wong

Joe Swift

Sarah Hadland

2
Savoury Flan
Banana & Chocolate Chip Loaves
Layered Cake
Arlene Phillips
11 January 2012 (2012-01-11)
2.79

Fi Glover

Gus Casely-Hayford

Saira Khan

3
Classic Crumble
Coffee & Walnut Cake
24 Miniature Tarts
Alex Deakin
12 January 2012 (2012-01-12)
2.56

Alex Langlands

Anita Rani

Pearl Lowe

4
Trio of Baked Biscuits
6 Sausage Rolls
Covered Tiered Occasion Cake
Angela Griffin
13 January 2012 (2012-01-13)
3.43

Anita Rani

Fi Glover

text: Series 2 (2014)[edit]

text:
Episode No.
Guest host
Signature Challenge
Technical Challenge
Showstopper Challenge
Contestants
Airdate
Viewers
(millions)

1
Sue Perkins
12 Sandwich Biscuits
Tarte Tatin
3D Novelty Cake
Bonnie Wright
13 January 2014 (2014-01-13)
4.37

Johnny Vaughan

Michael Vaughan

Samantha Bond

2
Jo Brand
12 Gingerbread Biscuits
Banoffee Pie
Chocolate Cake
Greg Rutherford
14 January 2014 (2014-01-14)
5.07

Jane Horrocks

Jason Gardiner

Kirsty Young

3
Omid Djalili
Traybake
Iced Ring Dougnuts
Layered Cakes
Emma Freud
15 January 2014 (2014-01-15)
5.02

Jamelia[173]

Michael Ball

Victoria Pendleton

4
Ed Byrne
Pizzas
Eccles Cakes
Tiered Cakes
Alistair McGowan
16 January 2014 (2014-01-16)
4.94

Doon Mackichan

Helen Skelton

Rochelle Humes

text: Series 3 (2016)[edit]

text:
Episode No.
Guest host
Signature Challenge
Technical Challenge
Showstopper Challenge
Contestants
Airdate
Viewers
(millions)

1
Mel Giedroyc
Canapés
Paris–Brest
Trophy Cake
David James
27 January 2016 (2016-01-27)
6.03

Jason Manford

Maddy Hill

Samantha Cameron

2
Jennifer Saunders
American Muffins
Football Pie
Tiered Cake
Chris Kamara
3 February 2016 (2016-02-03)
7.44

Ed Balls

Kimberley Walsh

Victoria Coren Mitchell

3
Ed Byrne
Savoury tarts
Chocolate and Beetroot Tray Bake
3D Biscuits
Geri Horner
17 February 2016 (2016-02-17)
7.12

Jermaine Jenas

John Simpson

Louise Redknapp

4
Sarah Millican
Open-top Pie
Salmon Roulade
Cupcakes
Ade Edmondson
24 February 2016 (2016-02-24)
6.74

Alison Steadman

Morgana Robinson

Will Young

text: The Great Comic Relief Bake Off[edit]

text:
The Great Comic Relief Bake Off

Genre

Cooking
Baking

Presented by

Mel Giedroyc (2013, 2015)
Sue Perkins (2015)
Jo Brand (2015)
Ed Byrne (2015)

Judges

Mary Berry
Paul Hollywood

Country of origin
United Kingdom

Original language(s)
English

No. of series
2

No. of episodes
8

Production

Running time
60 minutes

Production company(s)
Love Productions

Release

Original network
BBC Two (2013)
BBC One (2015)

Picture format
16:9

Original release
21 January 2013 (2013-01-21) – 4 March 2015 (2015-03-04)

text: Series 1 (2013)[edit]

text:
Episode No.
Signature Challenge
Technical Challenge
Showstopper Challenge
Contestants
Airdate
Viewers
(millions)

1
Shortbread
Custard Slices
Portrait Cake
Jo Brand
21 January 2013 (2013-01-21)
4.17

Stephen K. Amos

Lorna Watson

Ingrid Oliver

2
Iced Biscuits
Bakewell Tart
Gateaux
Warwick Davis
22 January 2013 (2013-01-22)
4.44

Duncan Bannatyne

Simon Reeve

Andy Akinwolere

3
Scones
Chocolate Eclairs
Novelty Cake
Ellie Simmonds
23 January 2013 (2013-01-23)
4.34

Kirsty Wark

Julia Bradbury

Bob Mortimer

4
Chocolate Biscuits
Lemon Meringue Pie
Comic Relief Birthday Cake
Claudia Winkleman
24 January 2013 (2013-01-24)
4.39

Ed Byrne

Martha Kearney

Helen Glover

text: Series 2 (2015)[edit]

text:
Episode No.
Guest host
Signature Challenge
Technical Challenge
Showstopper Challenge
Contestants
Airdate
Viewers
(millions)

1
Sue Perkins
Giant Cookie or Biscuit
12 Mini Fruit Tarts
Tiered Chocolate Cake
Dame Edna Everage
11 February 2015 (2015-02-11)
7.75

Joanna Lumley

Jennifer Saunders

Lulu

2
Mel Giedroyc
24 cupcakes
20 profiteroles
Marble "Building" Cake
Jonathan Ross
18 February 2015 (2015-02-18)
8.39

Zoe Sugg

Gok Wan

Abbey Clancy

3
Jo Brand
24 Shortbread
6 Mini Pork Pies
Triple-tiered Pavlova
Sarah Brown
25 February 2015 (2015-02-25)
7.92

David Mitchell

Michael Sheen

Jameela Jamil

4
Ed Byrne
Tray Bake
12 Crumpets
Vegetable Self Portrait Cake
Alexa Chung
4 March 2015 (2015-03-04)
8.21

Victoria Wood

Chris Moyles

Kayvan Novak

text: The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off[edit]

text:
The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off

Genre

Cooking
Baking

Presented by

Sandi Toksvig
Noel Fielding

Judges

Prue Leith
Paul Hollywood

Country of origin
United Kingdom

Original language(s)
English

No. of series
1

No. of episodes
5

Production company(s)
Love Productions

Release

Original network
Channel 4

Picture format
16:9

Original release
6 March 2018 – present

text: Series 1 (2018)[edit]

text:
Episode No.
Signature Challenge
Technical Challenge
Showstopper Challenge
Contestants
Airdate
Viewers
(millions)

1

Harry Hill
6 March 2018

Martin Kemp

Roisin Conaty

Bill Turnbull