Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Registration of ‘Performer’ Switchgrass

Journal of Plant Registrations, Vol. 2, No. 1, January 2008 29 ‘Performer’ switchgrass [Panicum virgatum L. ] (Reg. No. CV-247, PI 644818) was cooperatively developed as a cultivar by the USDA-Agricultural Research Service and the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC and released on 1 November 2006. Incorporation and preservation of the unique switchgrass germplasm adapted to the Southeastern U.S. is important in the development of a new cultivar with improved nutritive value and, hence, forage quality (i.e., intake and digestion). Generally, forage quality and dry matter yield are negatively associated. The development of this new cultivar retained acceptable dry matter yield, but with improved nutritive value over existing cultivars, and over other adapted warmseason grasses, which is valuable to the ruminant industry. Performer was developed from three cycles of selection occurring under natural environmental conditions. The original source population (Cycle 0) consisted of a selected group of 161 lowland form switchgrass plants, representing 11 different germplasm sources. The 11 germplasm sources, with cultivar or location of origin in parentheses, were 63–85 (Pangburn), 63–90 (Kanlow), 63–78 (SC 56–23), 63–69 (Pinehurst, NC), 63–79 (Wilmington, NC), 63–75 (Bn-11361), 63–73 (F-687, Am-181, Stuart), 63–76 (Bn-11362), 63–72 (F-286, Am-180, Wahass, O.), 63–70 (Pinehurst, NC), and 63–71 (Am-175, Jasper County, SC). The 161 plants were evaluated for dry matter yield and in vitro dry matter digestion (IVDMD). A total of 31 plants were selected from this group on the basis of the arithmetic product of forage yield and IVDMD. These plants, in addition to two other plants that were selected to maintain their germplasm [accession 63–87 (Pangburn)], were allowed to cross-pollinate at random, with the resulting progeny bulked in equal amounts across clones to represent Cycle 1. Registration of ‘Performer’ Switchgrass
Strategies for pest control in sorghum in India

Host‐plant resistance in conjunction with natural enemies and cultural practices should form the backbone of future pest control programmes. Sources of resistance to Atherigona soccata Rond. , Chilo partellus Swin. and Contarinia sorghicola Coq. have been identified. Efforts should be made to incorporate resistance into plants with good agronomic background and to strengthen the level of resistance. Resistance to pests and grain yield should be given equal consideration in the development and release of new cultivars. Cultivars with loose panicles may be developed for areas endemic to head bugs and head caterpillars. Pest avoidance through timely planting as decided by pest‐population dynamics and rainfall patterns, balanced fertilizer application, clean cultivation, and proper crop combinations should be popularized among the farmers to reduce crop losses. Readily available and inexpensive insecticides may be used as and when necessary based on economic thresholds.
Downstream movements of young-of-the-year fishes in Catamaran Brook and the Little Southwest Miramichi River, New Brunswick

Downstream movements of young-of-the-year fish in Catamaran Brook and the Little Southwest Miramichi River, New Brunswick, Canada were monitored by drift sampling during June and July of 1994, 1995 and 1996. Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, white sucker Catostomus commersoni, Cyprinidae, and sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus, were the most commonly captured taxa. All taxa moved downstream almost exclusively at night. Movement was greatest near midnight then declined towards dawn. Drift abundances peaked in mid-June for Atlantic salmon, late June for white sucker, and early July for Cyprinidae. Dates of peak movement were earlier in the Little Southwest Miramichi River than in Catamaran Brook for all taxa. Salmon fry captured in drift samplers were shorter than salmon fry captured by electrofishing near the sampling sites. Salmon fry captured in Catamaran Brook drift samplers were heavier at length than those captured in Little Southwest Miramichi River drift samplers. Results suggest that Catamaran Brook provides relatively better habitat for Atlantic salmon fry growth and relatively poorer habitat for larval white sucker growth than the Little Southwest Miramichi River.
The breeding ecology and behaviour of Wrens Troglodytes troglodytes under primaeval and secondary conditions

The breeding habits of Wrens inhabiting the primaeval forest of Biatowieza National Park, Poland, are described and compared with those of Wrens living in man-transformed habitats of Western Europe. Significant inter-habitat differences in numbers exist in Biatowieza. On average there are 4-3 territories per 10 ha in ash-alder, 1 -7 territories per 10 ha in oak–hornbeam and 0–4 territories per 10 ha in coniferous habitats. In ash–alder stands the males have smaller territories, build fewer nests and have better pairing success than in oak–hornbeam stands. However, these two habitats do not differ significantly in average clutch size, timing of breeding or nesting success. Over 80% of nests used for breeding in Biatowieza are situated in uprooted trees. Inter-habitat differences in bird numbers reflect differences in distribution and density of such trees. Low numbers of Biatowieza Wrens cannot be accounted for solely by high mortality away from the breeding grounds. Available data strongly suggest that numbers of both sexes are proximately limited by behavioural interactions on the breeding ground. In west European Wrens, densities are higher, territories smaller, polygyny more frequent, clutches smaller and production of young higher than in Biatowieza. Differences in production of young result from different rates of nest predation. Indirect evidence suggests that the breeding habits of Wrens once living in the primaeval forests of western Europe were similar to those of Biatowieza birds, and that the differences observed nowadays result to a large extent from man-made transformations of habitat. It is suggested that man's lowering of the predation pressure acting both on proximate (enabling birds to produce more young) and ultimate levels (decreasing relative advantages of dispersed breeding) was the decisive factor allowing an increase in numbers of Wrens in secondary habitats.
Effects of larval energetic resources on life history and adult allocation patterns in a caddisfly (Trichoptera: Phryganeidae)

Abstract 1. How populations respond to environmental change depends, in part, on the connection between environmental variance during early life stages and its effect on subsequent life‐history traits. For example, environmental variation during the larval stage can influence the life histories of organisms with complex life cycles by altering the amount of time spent in each stage of the life cycle as well as by altering allocation to life‐history traits during metamorphosis.
Relationships among Creeping Bentgrass Cultivars Based on Isozyme Polymorphisms

An understanding of the genetic variability within a crop species is essential to its improvement. The objectives of this research were to study the utility of isozyme patterns for creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) cultivar identification and to estimate the relationships between creeping bentgrass cultivars based on isozyme patterns. Seventy to 73 plants from each of 18 creeping bentgrass cuitivars and 25 plants from one plant introduction were scored for 24 isozyme polymorphisms representing six loci. All cultivars except a small group containing the cultivars Pennlinks, Pro/Cup, Southshore, and Lopez were uniquely characterized based on a 20% or greater band frequency in one cultivar versus absence of the band in the most closely clustered cultivar. The isozyme patterns from each plant were used to calculate the genetic distance within a cultivar, and the average band frequency within a cultivar was used to calculate genetic distances between cultivars. The cultivars Pennlinks, Pro/Cup, Southshore, and Lopez had the highest average within-cultivar genetic distances indicating that additional marker loci will be needed to distinguish these cultivars. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) cluster analysis generated from the between-cultivar genetic distance matrix divided the cultivars into two groups. One group contains 10 cultivars including the variety Seaside which may have provided initial germplasm for this group. The second group contains the cultivars Pennlinks, Southshore, Pro/Cup, Lopez, and four cultivars with unique allozymes. The plant introduction PI251945 was distantly related to the cultivated U.S. germplasm indicating that European material can be a source of genetic diversity to broaden U.S. bentgrass germplasm.
Photosynthesis in black and red spruce and their hybrid derivatives: ecological isolation and hybrid adaptive inferiority

Photosynthetic responses of black and red spruce were used to define parameters of their fundamental niches. Grown at warm temperature, black spruce had highest rates of CO2 uptake at high light intensities, fitting it for a pioneering role, while red spruce had the lowest light compensation point, fitting it for a late successional role. Black and red spruce responded in different ways to low temperature acclimation. Low temperature, low light (12 °C, 100 ft-c (1 ft-c = 10.764lx)) acclimation stimulated CO2 uptake in black spruce under all conditions while it depressed CO2 uptake in red spruce relative to rates following high temperature (26 °C) acclimation. Niches defined by photosynthetic responses corresponded to observed habitats in the area of sympatry of black and red spruce and demonstrated the existence of ecological isolation, a premating restriction to hybridization.Hybrids, backcrosses, and recurrent backcrosses of black and red spruce had lower rates of CO2 uptake than one or the other specie.
Comportamento ingestivo de caprinos Moxotó e Canindé submetidos à alimentação à vontade e restrita

Ingestive behavior of Moxoto and Caninde goats submitted to ad libitum and restricted feeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake behavior of Moxoto and Caninde breed goats when offered a diet at two levels of intake. Twenty-four non- castrated goats (12 Moxoto and 12 Caninde) were used, with an average age of four months and an initial average weight of 15 kg. The goats were housed in individual pens, distributed using a completely randomized design, in a 2x2 factorial arrangement (two breeds and two levels of intake) with six repetitions. The levels of intake offered were: ad libitum (T1) and 30% restriction (T2). The level of restriction was determined in relation to the amount consumed by animals on ad libitum intake. Behavioral observations were made at five-minute intervals during a 24hr period. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the observed behavioral variables between animals of the Moxoto and Caninde breeds. Feeding at the level of free-choice intake resulted in greater feeding and rumination activity, and less idle time. Urination, defecation, and time spent for water consumption were influenced by the time of day.
Factors affecting differential mating success in male crested newts, Triturus cristatus

This study investigates differences in mating success in male crested newts, Triturus cristatus. In experiments, mating success varies considerably between individual males. Male size affects mating success, but the maximal height of the male's crest is more important. Male size and crest height are correlated, but in partial correlation analysis only crest height is significantly correlated with mating success. Motivation is also an important factor in determining male mating success as males that had been isolated for a week were more successful than freshly caught males. Newts might be limited in their ability to produce spermatophores, and isolation gives the male time to produce more spermatophores. It is likely that motivational state is less important in a natural population than size and crest height, because wild males are often interrupted during courtship before spermatophore deposition and hence are highly motivated to mate.
Fertilizing capacity of squid (Todarodes pacificus) spermatozoa collected from various sperm storage sites, with special reference to the role of gelatinous substance from oviducal gland in fertilization and embryonic development.

Summary Fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa collected from various storage sites in the male and female squids were examined by inseminated eggs in the presence or absence of gelatinous substances of the oviducal gland origin. Over 90% of the eggs were fertilized by the spermatozoa collected from the female's seminal receptacle regardless of the presence or absence of the gelatinous substance. Elevation of the chorion and the formation of perivitelline space was observed only in the jellied eggs. All jellyless eggs without perivitelline space died in 4 days after insemination. Spermatozoa collected from the spermatophore in the male's accessory gland could fertilize the majority of the eggs. On the other hand, those from the male's vas deferens could fertilize only 30–50% of both the jellied and jellyless eggs. It may be concluded from these experiments that the gelatinous substance of the oviducal gland origin has nothing to do with fertilization. However, it is essential for the elevation of the chorion.
A re-description of Lithothamnion crispatum and the status of Lithothamnion superpositum (Rhodophyta, Corallinales)

Basso D. , Rodondi G. and Bressan G. 2011. A re-description of Lithothamnion crispatum and the status of Lithothamnion superpositum (Rhodophyta, Corallinales). Phycologia 50: 144–155. DOI: 10.2216/10-20.1 After re-examination of the original Hauck's collection, a buried, empty multiporate tetrasporangial conceptacle was detected in the lectotype material of Lithothamnion crispatum. The morphology and anatomy of the type material were compared to freshly collected representative plants from the Mediterranean. In L. crispatum, the five to seven rosette cells surrounding each pore of the tetra/bisporangial conceptacle roof are larger than the normal epithallial cells and undergo degeneration. As a consequence of the disintegration of the outermost cells in filaments surrounding the pore canals, the tetra/bisporangial conceptacle roofs appear pitted with depressions, each one hosting a pore and the surrounding rosette cells. A previous revision of the type material of Lithothamnion superpositum from South Africa showed this same tetra/bisporangial conceptacle roof structure and development, and corresponding vegetative and reproductive characters. These taxa are thus conspecific; therefore, L. superpositum is a younger heterotypic synonym of L. crispatum, the latter having nomenclatural priority. While the type specimen lacked gametangial plants, these are described for representative freshly collected material and found to be dioecious.
Oocyte development and serum profiles of vitellogenin and steroid hormone levels in captive female Pacific herring Clupea pallasii during their first maturational cycle

: The present study investigates the relationship between oocyte development and serum steroid hormone levels in captive Pacific herring, Clupea pallasii, during the first reproductive cycle. The process of oocyte development in Pacific herring belongs to the group-synchronous type. Maturity of the ovary was divided into six periods based on histological observation (i.e. immature (April to September), onset of vitellogenesis (August to October), progress of vitellogenesis (October to December), completion of vitellogenesis (December to March), maturation and spawning (March to April) and spent (late April)). The pattern of seasonal change in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) well reflected the ovarian maturity. Serum vitellogenin levels showed good correlation with change in GSI, which increased from September to a peak (4.2 ± 0.3 mg/mL) in March. Serum estradiol-17β (E2) levels elevated from September and reached a peak (15.8 ± 4.2 ng/mL) in December, and remained comparatively high until March, suggesting that the active vitellogenin synthesis during vitellogenesis is controlled by the high E2 level. 17,20β-Dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one showed a single sharp peak (2.4 ± 0.28 ng/mL) in early April of the second year, suggesting it was a maturation-inducing steroid in this species.
Performance of Spread Spectrum Global Positioning System Collars on Grizzly and Black Bears

Abstract Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry is a prevalent tool now used in the study of large mammals. Global Positioning Systems either store the data on board the collar or contain a remote-transfer system that allows for data recovery at more frequent intervals. Spread spectrum (S–S) technology is a new mode of data transfer designed to overcome interference problems associated with narrow-band very high frequency and ultra high frequency data-transfer systems. We evaluated performance of S–S GPS radiocollars deployed on grizzly (Ursus arctos) and black bears (U. americanus). We also evaluated variables that influenced GPS fix success rates, with particular focus on animal activity, time of year, and temperature. The S–S GPS collars performed to our expectations and met study objectives; we did not experience any major problems with the data-transfer system. We observed varying rates of fix success that were directly related to recorded activity counts. Using logistic regression, we verified that activity counts were a reasonable measure of resting or feeding–traveling in both bear species. Our results showed that 73% and 79% of missed fixes, respectively, occurred when we predicted black and grizzly bears to be resting. Temperatures measured in the canister of the collar were not correlated with air temperature, suggesting posture and activity influenced canister temperature. Both measures of temperature were predictive of fix success. We did not find that fix success was related to body morphology (i.e., neck circumference, mass, and chest girth), fix interval, position of the GPS antenna relative to the sky, or sex of the bear. We conclude that fix success for both species is strongly related to activity patterns and time of year. Activity counters appear to be a reasonable measure of this behavior, and we recommend researchers consider including an activity-count system when deploying GPS collars. We also recommend researchers explore building separate models of habitat selection based upon categories of activity to account for bias in fix success associated with bear behavior.
Production of cocona and jurubeba seedlings in different types of containers

The effect of different containers was evaluated to produce cocona seedlings (Solanum sessiliflorum) and jurubeba (Solanum paniculatum). The experiment was performed in the mesoregion of Alto Solimoes, in Benjamin Constant, Amazonas state, Brazil, in a particular production area. The seeding was done in black holed polyethylene bags and polystyrene trays with 128, 200 and 288 cells with volumes of 250.00; 32.61; 21.60 and 9.88 cm3, respectively. We adopted a completely randomized design with four containers, four replicates, being assessed five plants per replicate. The seedlings of cocona were evaluated at 27, 38, 45 and 52 days after sowing (DAS) and of jurubeba at 38, 45, 52, 59 and 66 DAS. We evaluated the number of leaves; length of the main root, the aerial and total parts of the plant, fresh and dry matter of the main root, fresh and dry matter of the aerial part. There was no difference on the number of leaves of jurubeba at 45 and 66 DAS; there was no difference on the number of leaves of cocona at 52 DAS; there occurred a greater number of leaves of cocona when seeded on trays containing 200 cells; The other characteristics for both species presented higher values when the seeding was done in the plastic bags, at all evaluation dates.
The evolution of freshwater diversity in the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus): site-specific differentiation of trophic morphology

To assess interpopulation levels of morphological variability populations of Gasterosteus aculeatus were sampled from lakes within the upper Cowichan River system (Vancouver Island, British Columbia). Phenotypic divergence between populations is assumed to be a postglacial event. Nine characters were scored; eight were related to feeding and the ninth character was lateral plate number. All populations were the low plate morph; however, populations of Gasterosteus in lakes lacking piscivorous fish had significantly fewer lateral plates than populations in lakes with predatory fish species. Two distinct trophic "morphotypes" were identified, each one associated with a specific lake environment. Populations inhabiting benthic-dominated environments were found to possess reduced gill raker number and reduced gill raker length but increased upper jaw length relative to populations from limnetic environments. We propose that the interpopulation variability in trophic morphology is a response to trophic resourc.
Shell geometry and habitat determination in extinct and extant turtles (Reptilia: Testudinata)

Abstract A variety of means, including forelimb proportions and shell bone histology have been used to infer the paleoecology of extinct turtles. However, the height-to-width ratio of the shell (as a one-parameter shell model) has been dismissed because of its unreliability, and more complex aspects of shell geometry have generally been overlooked. Here we use a more reliable, three-parameter geometric model of the shell outline in anterior view as a means to assess turtle paleoecology. The accuracy of predictions of extant turtle ecology based on our three-parameter shell model is comparable to that derived from forelimb proportions when distinguishing between three ecological classes (terrestrial, semiaquatic, and aquatic). Higher accuracy is obtained when distinguishing between two classes (terrestrial and non-terrestrial), because the contours of aquatic and semiaquatic turtles are often very similar. Our model classifies Proterochersis robusta, a stem turtle from the Late Triassic of Germany, as non-terrestrial, and likely semiaquatic. Our method, combined with inferences based on limb proportions, indicates a diverse range of ecotypes represented by Late Triassic stem turtles. This implies that the ecological diversification of stem-group turtles may have been rapid, or that a substantial period of currently cryptic diversification preceded the first fossil appearance of the turtle stem lineage during the Late Triassic.
CHEMICAL TREATMENT OF GROUND CORN TO LIMIT RUMINAL STARCH DIGESTION

Five trials were conducted to determine the effects of chemical treatment of ground corn on in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), in vivo nutrient utilization and ruminal starch digestion. Ground corn was treated with 0, 1, 2 or 3% (wt wt−1) formaldehyde, glyoxal, masonex, propionaldehyde or tannic acid. IVDMD of ground corn was inversely related (P < 0.01) to percent formaldehyde treatment level, while glyoxal, masonex, propionaldehyde and tannic acid were relatively ineffective in reducing IVDMD. Treatment of large batches of ground corn with 0, 0.5 or 1% (wt wt−1) formaldehyde also linearly reduced IVDMD (P < 0.01). Six abomasally fistulated wethers (average weight 95 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square to determine the effects of 0, 1 or 2% (wt wt−1) formaldehyde treatment of ground corn on ruminal and total tract nutrient digestion. Ruminal dry matter (DM) digestion and total tract DM, organic matter (OM) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestion decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with in.