Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of nitrogen fertiliser rates and plant density on grain yield of maize.

Low soil fertility has constrained maize production in Sidama district in the Southern region of Ethiopia. The effects of four levels of nitrogen fertiliser (0, 46, 92, 138 kg N ha-1) and four plant populations (44000, 53000, 67000 and 89000 plants ha-1) on grain yield of maize were evaluated over four years (1995-98) at Awassa Research Centre. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design arranged as a complete factorial with three replicates. Effect of N application was dependent on seasonal distribution of precipitation (P Key Words: Ethiopia, moisture distribution, soil fertility, Zea mays (African Crop Science Journal 8(3) 2000: 273-282)
Metapopulation Biology: Ecology, Genetics, and Evolution

Conceptual Foundation: Introduction. Empirical Evidence for Metapopulation Dynamics. Metapopulation Dynamics and Landscape Ecology. Theory of Metapopulation Dynamics. Metapopulation Dynamics: Form Concepts and Observations to Predictive Models. Structures Metapopulation Models. Two-Species Metapopulation Models. From Metapopulation Dynamics to Community Structure: Some Consequences of Spatial Heterogeneity. Genetic Effective Size of a Metapopulation. The Evolution of Metapopulations. Metapopulation Processes: Extinction Models for Local Populations. Studying Transfer Processes in Metapopulations: Immigration, Migration, And Colonization. Migration Within Metapopulations: The Impact Upon Local Population Dynamics. Evolution of Migration Rate and Other Traits: The Metapopulation Effect. Spatial Processes in Host-Parasite Genetics. Case Studies: Butterfly Metapopulations. Tritrophic Metapopulation Dynamics: A Case Study of Ragworth, The Cinnabar Moth, And the Parasitoid Cotesia Popularis. Spatially Correlated Dynamics in a Pika Metapopulation. A Case Study of Genetic Structure in a Plant Metapopulation. Subject Index.
Growth and water relations of field‐grown tall fescue as influenced by drought and endophyte

Field plots were established in autumn 1992 in which endophyte [Neotyphodium coenophialum Glenn. Bacon, Price and Hanlin (formerly Acremonium coenophialum)]-infected (E+) and endophyte-free (E−) isolines of three tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea Schreb. ) genotypes were planted. Plants were subjected to three water-withholding periods in 1993 and one in 1994, or were kept well watered throughout the experiment. There were no consistent endophyte effects for leaf elongation, tiller density or dry weight per tiller. There were genotype X endophyte interactions (P<001) for tiller density and shoot dry weight per area and genotype X water X endophyte interactions (P<005) for cumulative leaf elongation in 1993. These interactions indicated the highly specific effect of host genotype-endophyte association on the expression of plant growth. Leaf rolling in the stressed treatments was more severe in E− than in E+ plants in 1993, but there were no differences in 1994, and stomatal conductance tended to be lower in E− than in E+ plants in 1993. Fractional water content of the lower 3 cm of the youngest fully developed leaf sheath was usually greater, and never less, in E+ than in E− plants. The leaf rolling and stomatal conductance results suggest that E− plants were more severely stressed in the summer after planting. Thus, the endophyte may induce greater water retention in the leaf sheath and therefore better protect the internal growing zone from lethal desiccation.
Methanogenesis in the sediments of an Australian freshwater wetland: Comparison with aerobic decay, and factors controlling methanogenesis

Sediment oxygen demands and water-atmosphere methane emissions of a highly productive, freshwater wetland on the floodplain of the River Murray in south-eastern Australia were quantified over a 14 month period in 1993–1994. Total sediment oxygen demands ranged from 1.3 to 3.3 mmol m−2 h−1, of which < 3 to 90% was due to chemical oxygen demand. Methane emissions ranged from < 0.01 mmol m−2 h−1 in winter to 2.75 mmol m−2 h−1 in summer. Methanogenesis accounted for at least 60% of the combined aerobic and methanogenic carbon flux in sediments from Eleocharis sphacelata beds, and at least 30% and 40% of the combined flux in sediments from Myriophyllum sp. beds and Vallisneria gigantea beds, respectively. In vitro incubations, using additions of sulfate and of molybdate, failed to indicate unequivocally competition for substrates between sulfate-reducing and methanogenic bacteria. However, in vitro methanogenesis was strongly inhibited by nitrate, suggesting an interaction between benthic methanogens and denitrifying or other nitrate-reducing bacteria. Fe3+ decreased in vitro methanogenesis by 16–49% during January, February and March 1994; oxidation of organic matter at the expense of the reduction of ferric ions could be a significant route for detritus processing in Eleocharis-bed sediments in the warmer months. Methanogenesis was increased consistently by additions of some low molecular weight substrates, such as acetate, but not by others, such as methanol, propionate and trimethylamine. Complex polymeric substrates, such as cellulose, starch and aquatic plant matter, increased in vitro methanogenesis rapidly and markedly. Despite this, no relationship between methane emissions and benthic cellulase activity was observed in the field. Methanogenesis was strongly temperature dependent, being maximal at 30 to 40°C and minimal at 5°C, thereby explaining the strong seasonality observed in methane emissions in situ.
Asymptomatic infection, and distribution of Ophiostoma mitovirus 3a (OMV3a), in populations of Sclerotinia homoeocarpa

One hundred and sixteen isolates of Sclerotinia homoeocarpa from nine locations in southwestern Ontario and one location in Nova Scotia were assessed for the presence of a hypovirulence-associated mitovirus, Ophiostoma mitovirus 3a (OMV3a). Two detection methods, nucleic acid extraction with gel electrophoresis (NAE–GE) and reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), were employed. Phenotype, growth rate, and virulence of isolates were also assessed. OMV3a was detected in four isolates (3.4%), using both the standard NAE–GE method and the RT–PCR method. The four isolates displayed reduced colony growth and virulence, and they were considered to be symptomatic, hypovirulent isolates infected by OMV3a. In the remaining 112 isolates, OMV3a was detected in 53 isolates by RT–PCR only. These isolates displayed typical colony growth and virulence, and they were considered to have asymptomatic infections by the virus. OMV3a was not detected by either method in 59 isolates that displayed typical colony growth and virulence; these isolates were considered to be free of infection by the virus. OMV3a was detected from 8 of 10 locations, all in Ontario, and in 17% to 100% of S. homoeocarpa isolates at these locations. Vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) were previously determined for these isolates, and OMV3a was detected in 66%, 54%, and 19% of the isolates from VCGs B, A, and G, respectively, which were the three most prevalent. The results demonstrated that OMV3a was present in isolates with and without the characteristic symptoms of hypovirulence and that it was widely distributed in southwestern Ontario and in isolates from the three most prevalent VCGs detected among these isolates. This is the first report of widespread asymptomatic infections by a hypovirulence-related virus in populations of a fungal plant pathogen.
Relative Size of Males and Competition for Females Induces Homosexual Behavior in the Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) Under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract In an ongoing experiment, we investigated how mating behaviors of male western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis change across a range of temperatures. During behavioral trials, we observed high levels of homosexual behavior between males when in a competitive situation. We observed that when two males are in competition for matings with females, the smaller male performed significantly more homosexual acts than the larger. These results suggest that a dominance relationship develops with males in competition, where large males may dominate small males by not allowing them to copulate with the female, thereby causing an increase in same-sex mating by smaller males. Although preliminary data also indicate a possible relationship between density of males and number of homosexual copulations, we were not able to statistically analyze the relationship because these observations occurred during an ongoing experiment. In a future study, we will seek to understand underlying causes of homosexual behavior in the western mosquitofish.
New Chalcones from Hop Humulus lupulus L.

Abstract Eight known flavonoids were isolated from an ethanol extract of hop cones (Humulus lupulus L., Cannabaceae) together with two new hop chalcones. The new compounds were identified as a,β-dihydroxanthohumol and iso-dehydrocycloxanthohumol hydrate
Host plant‐related variation in thermal tolerance of Eldana saccharina

Understanding tolerance of thermal extremes by pest insects is essential for developing integrated management strategies, as tolerance traits can provide insights into constraints on activity and survival. A major question in thermal biology is whether thermal limits vary systematically with microclimate variation, or whether other biotic or abiotic factors can influence these limits in a predictable manner. Here, we report the results of experiments determining thermal limits to activity and survival at extreme temperatures in the stalk borer Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), collected from either Saccharum spp. hybrids (sugarcane) (Poaceae) or Cyperus papyrus L. (Cyperaceae) and then reared under standard conditions in the laboratory for 1–2 generations. Chill‐coma temperature (CTmin), critical thermal maximum (CTmax), lower lethal temperatures (LLT), and freezing temperature between E. saccharina collected from the two host plants were compared. CTmin and CTmax of E. saccharina moths collected from sugarcane were significantly lower than those from C. papyrus (CTmin = 2.8 ± 0.4 vs. 3.9 ± 0.4 °C; CTmax = 44.6 ± 0.1 vs. 44.9 ± 0.2 °C). By contrast, LLT of moths and freezing temperatures of pupae did not vary with host plant [LLT for 50% (LT50) of the moth population, when collected from sugarcane: −3.2 ± 0.5 °C, from C. papyrus: −3.9 ± 0.8 °C]. Freezing temperatures of pupae collected from C. papyrus were −18.0 ± 1.0 °C and of those from sugarcane −17.5 ± 1.8 °C. The E. saccharina which experienced the lowest minimum temperature (in C. papyrus) did not have the lowest CTmin, although the highest estimate of CTmax was found in E. saccharina collected from C. papyrus and this was also the microsite which reported the highest maximum temperatures. These results therefore suggest that host plant may strongly mediate lower critical thermal limits, but not necessarily LLT or freezing temperatures. These results have significant implications for ongoing pest management and thermal biology of these and other insects.
Extraction and purification of the lectin found in the tubers of Eranthis hyemalis (winter aconite)

Lectin are proteins which play an important role in the defence mechanisms of plants against the attack of microorganisms and insects: this role has provoked particular interest in the -elds of biotechnology and agriculture. ;is paper describes the extraction and puri-cation of the lectin found in tubers of the winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis), with the aim of improving and modernising the existing extraction protocol. ;e Eranthis hyemalis lectin (EHL) is a member of the type-2 Ribosome Inactivating Proteins (RIP) family, proteins which have the ability to inhibit in vitro protein synthesis. RIPs have been linked to plant defence by their antiviral, a ntifungal and insecticidal properties, and some have been found to be potent inhibitors of the Human Immunode-ciency Virus-1 (HIV-1) virus. EHL was puri-ed using aQnity column chro matography and ammonium sulphate precipitation; thiourea was used as antioxidant in order to prevent EHL denaturing during the extraction process. ;e presence of EHL in the extract was veri-ed using a blood agglutination test with rabbit erythrocytes. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis was employed to determine the lectin size; EHL was found to be formed of two chains with molecular weights of approximately 31 kDa; the size of the whole protein was estimated as approximately 60 kDa. ;e concentration of the EHL in the post-column eluent, determined using the Bradford Assay, was 380.1 μg. cm -3 . ;is improved extraction protocol is the -rst step which will enable future research on the potential use of EHL in crop protection, by studying its insecticidal, fungicidal and bactericidal properties.
A study on the consumption pattern of meat in a rural locality of North Kerala.

A study was undertaken with the objective to identify the meat consumption patterns of the population in a rural locality of the state of Kerala. The study was carried out through an ex post facto research design. The data were collected through a pre–tested interview schedule from 80 households of 4 Gram Panchayats in Malappuram district of Kerala. All the respondents consumed at least one kind of animal product namely meat/fish/egg. The most preferred meat types were chicken followed by beef and chevon. Pork was preferred by none. The respondents valued taste over cost or availability. There was no significant relationship (P < 0.05) between the type of meat consumed and religion or with family income. The findings of the study revealed that the consumption of meat/ animal source foods is on a rise in the state. This necessitates stringent food safety and quality measures to cater for the increased consumer demand.
Role of Ready-Made Garment Sector in Economic Development of Bangladesh

The ready-made garment sector has become an important issue in Bangladesh Economy. The main purpose of the study is to examine the contribution of RMG sector for the development of Bangladesh Economy. The study has used primary and secondary data. In order to collect primary data two sets of questionnaires are developed, which are prepared in the light of the objectives of the study. The secondary data are collected only relevant to the share of GDP, total export value, balance of trade, and employment generation etc. for measuring the economic development of Bangladesh during the period of 2003- 2013. The main reason to consider the certain period is the availability of data. This study revealed that the ready-made garment sector has made substantial contribution for the development of Bangladesh Economy. The result of the study also indicates that the ready-made garment sector in the country has brought the largest part of export earnings that minimize the trade deficit. But it has some realistic problems that retard the growth of ready-made sector. The study seems to carry an enormous academic value since a few studies have been undertaken in this area. It may be helpful to the ready-made garment entrepreneurs, BGMEA, Academic researchers and national policy makers who have been making endeavour to the development of RMG sector as well as Bangladesh Economy as a whole.
Tissue reaction of Tagelus plebeius (Bivalvia: Psammobiidae) against larval digeneans in mixohaline habitats connected to the south-western Atlantic

This paper describes the organism–organism relationship between a bivalve host and larval digeneans. The studied population of the stout razor clam Tagelus plebeius from the mixohaline Mar Chiquita lagoon (37° 32′S 57° 19′W) showed 100% of prevalence of infection by a larval digenean (metacercaria) of the family Gymnophallidae. The larvae occupied the extrapallial space just below the hinge of the bivalve. The tissue reaction against larval digeneans by T. plebeius consisted of hyperplasia and metaplasia of the outer layer of the mantle epithelium adjacent to parasites, forming an invagination to generate a sac that surrounded gymnophallid larvae. According to the intensity of infection, each sac progressively enlarged to harbour a variable number of larvae. In highly infected clams, a great number of sacs are formed. Eventually, the older sacs containing larvae may become closed, losing their communication with the extrapallial space and sinking into the dorsal part of the visceral mass. Larvae within sacs grow and remain alive until they reach an appropriate definitive bird vertebrate host. Older lesions commonly showed remains of dead larvae which had undergone resorption. As a result, an orange to brownish amorphous material accumulated in the space once occupied by the larvae leaving conspicuous orange marks on the inner surface of the valves. In some cases, calcifications in the form of pearls or blisters were observed.
mtDNA variation in Vietnamese pigs, with particular emphasis on the genetic relationship between wild boars from Vietnam and the Ryukyu Islands

ABSTRACT To examine the genetic origin of Ryukyu wild boar, we sequenced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA: 574-bp) from Vietnamese wild boar and Vietnamese indigenous domestic pigs and compared these sequences with the mtDNA of Ryukyu wild boar by phylogenetic analysis. Numerous Vietnamese wild boars were genetically related to Ryukyu wild boar, suggesting that descendants of the ancestors of Ryukyu wild boar still inhabit Vietnam. The mtDNA sequences of Vietnamese indigenous domestic pigs are extremely diverse and are thought to have contributed to the diversity of mtDNA among East Asian domestic pigs.
An analysis of the relationship between foliage biomass and crown surface area in Pinus sylvestris in Sweden

An allometric relationship between foliage biomass and crown surface area is investigated in a data set consisting of 54 fertilized and 99 unfertilized Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees from 16 stands in Central Sweden. The allometric ratios for the unfertilized trees are shown to be weakly correlated with competition defined as tree height relative to dominant height (r = 0.475), and with crown coverage (r = ‐0.563). A slight level difference in the ratios can be detected between stands of different site moisture index. The overall relationship is nonlinear but becomes linear if the coefficient of proportionality is made dependent on stand average crown coverage. This also improves the percentage of explanation, which suggests that the allometry of the crown is related to the light conditions of the tree. Under fertilization, the relationship between foliage biomass and crown surface area seems less stable, at least if measured shortly after fertilization.
The Sucrose Starvation Signal Mediates Induction of Autophagy- and Amino Acid Catabolism-Related Genes in Cowpea Seedling

In higher plants, autophagy is bulk degradation process in vacuole necessary for survival under nutrient-limited conditions and plays important roles in senescence, development and pathogenic response, etc. Cowpea is one of the most important legume crops in semi-aride region, which is highly tolerant to drought stress. Changes of photoassimilate status by drought stress and/or sink-source balance appeared to affect autophagy and senescence of leaf in cowpea. Accordingly, we focused on roles of sucrose signal in autophagy and amino acid recycling in cowpea. Effects of starvation stress on the expression of autophagy-related genes (ATGs) and amino acid catabolism-related genes in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] were examined by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and anti-ATG8i specific antibody. Sucrose starvation stress enhanced the expression levels of VuATG8i, VuATG8c and VuATG4 incowpea seedlings. The expressions of amino acid catabolism related genes, such as asparagine synthase (VuASN1), proline dehydrogenase1 (VuProDH) and branched chain amino acid transaminase (VuBCAT2), are also up-regulated under the sucrose starvation. In contrast, high sucrose condition suppressed autophagy and the expressions of ATGs. These results indicate that sucrose starvation stress stimulates both autophagy and amino acid catabolism by regulation of ATGs and VuBCAT2. It is conceivable that sucrose starvation stress enhances autophagy in cowpea, possibly via branched chain amino acid level regulated by the starvation-induced BCAT.
Perdas e valor nutritivo de silagens de milho, sorgo-sudão, sorgo forrageiro e girassol

The objective of this study was to assess the losses and nutritional value of silages of different forage crops (corn, Sudan sorghum, forage sorghum and sunflower) ensiled at the ideal time for each crop. A randomized complete design was used, with four forage crops and five replications. The forages were ensiled in PVC silos, 50 cm high and 10 cm in diameter, equipped with a Bunsen valve, that were stored for 60 days. The losses through gases and effluent were assessed for difference in weight before and after ensilaging. The losses by gases were relatively small compared with the losses by effluent. The corn silage stood out because it presented smaller losses, while the sunflower and Sudan sorghum presented greater losses by effluent. The Sudan sorghum silage presents the lowest nutritional value, due to the greater contents of the fibrous fractions, while the corn silage stand out positively because of its nutritional value.
Evaluation of the Nitrogen Fertilizer Value of Plant Materials to Spring Wheat Production

Use of green manure crops has become a preferred alternative source of N. The objectives of this 3-yr field study were to evaluate the N supplying power of 1, 2, and 3 Mg ha −1 of Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense (L.) Poir), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residue. Residues were incorporated in September and the N contribution of each amendment to a subsequent spring wheat crop was calculated. We measured inorganic soil N levels and wheat yields in northern Idaho on Latahco silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Pachic Ultic Haploxeroll) soils. Soil samples were taken during July of each year to determine residual inorganic N. Plant material addition and incorporation affected spring wheat yield and soil inorganic N level in each study [. ]
Evaluation of Perennial Forage Legumes and Herbs in Six Mediterranean Environments

There is an absence of drought tolerant herbaceous perennial forage legume and herb options other than lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) for environments with Mediterranean-like climates common in extensive areas of Southern Australia, the Mediterranean basin, and Chile. Therefore, a collection of 174 forage perennial legume and herb entries from 103 species and 32 genera was evaluated for adaptation in a diverse range of Mediterranean climatic environments in Southern Australia. The seasonal rainfall distribution varied from moderately to highly winter dominant with long term average annual rainfall ranging from 318 to 655 mm. The entries were rated for productivity and persistence over 3 yr. The 12 entries identified as the most promising for winter, summer, or all-year round production included Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C.H. Stirt. var. albomarginata; Cichorium intybus L. ; Cullen australasicum (Schltdl.) J.W. Grimes; Dorycnium hirsutum (L.) Ser. ; Kennedia prostrata R. Br. ; Lotononis bainesii Baker, Lotus pedunculatus Cav. ; L. corniculatus L. ; L. cytisoides L. ; Medicago sativa subsp. sativa L. ; Medicago sativa subsp. caerulea (Less. ex Ledeb.) Schmalh. , and M. sativa subsp. falcata (L.) Arcang. These entries maintained production and persisted for the period of the evaluation, with the exception of C. intybus and L. corniculatus that declined in persistence over time. The potential role of these species in extensive grazing systems in Mediterranean climatic zones, their attributes and limitations, and current progress in developing them as useful forage plants was discussed.