Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE RESPONSE OF SELECTED Phaseolus vulgaris L. CULTIVARS TO OZONE UNDER CONTROLLED FUMIGATION AND AMBIENT FIELD LEVELS

In 1977, a cross section of the Phaseolus vulgaris L. world collection was screened for ozone insensitivity in fumigation chambers. A number of cultivars were selected for their high level of insensitivity to ozone (O3). These selections, along with three cultivars reported as highly insensitive and a number of white bean cultivars, were further evaluated under more stringent conditions in a controlled environment as well as under field conditions over a 2-yr period. All the white bean cultivars were sensitive to O3 under controlled conditions, but under field conditions later maturing cultivars escaped serious injury from ambient O3 levels. Early-maturing white bean cultivars tended to suffer reduced yields and earlier senescence compared with plots chemically protected from ambient O3 injury. The yields of cultivars selected as O3 insensitive in chamber fumigations were not affected by ambient field O3 levels in the field trials.
Phylogenetic heterogeneity of the rhizospheric soil bacterial isolates producing PHAs revealed by comparative analysis of 16s-rRNA

Growth in the human population has lead to the accumulation of huge amounts of non-degradable waste materials across our planet. The accumulation of plastic wastes has become a major concern in terms of the environment (Guillet, 2002; Derraik, 2002; Thompson et al., 2004). Conventional plastics not only take many decades to be decomposed in nature, but also produce toxins during the process of degradation. For this reason, there is special interest in producing biopolymer that can be readily eliminated from our biosphere in an environmentally friendly fashion (Gross and Kalra, 2002). Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are the boipolymer produced and accumulated in prokaryotes as carbon and energy storage materials (Rehm, 2003). They are water insoluble polymers and stored in the cell ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 3 Number 5 (2014) pp. 680-690 http://www.ijcmas. com
Biochemical and Nutritional Studies of Xanthomonas Oryzae Pv. Oryzae

Five isolates of bacterial leaf blight collected from different localities were studied with respect to biochemical studies viz, starch hydrolysis, gelatin liquefaction, protein digestion, production of ammonia, production of indole, production of hydrogen sulfide, the Voges proskaure test, nitrate reduction, methyl red test, production of fluorescent pigment on King's B medium. The isolates were morphologically similar but showed more variation in their biochemical properties and also with respect to utilization of carbon sources.
A biochemical indicator of commitment to tracheid differentiation in Pinus contorta

Quiescent 6-year-old lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia) were transferred in midwinter from outdoors to warm, long-day greenhouse conditions. Vascular cambia from these trees were harvested on the day of transfer and weekly thereafter until xylem development became apparent. The stage of cambial reactivation in each tree was assessed by microscopy. Cambial extracts were then analyzed quantitatively by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at four ultraviolet wavelengths. A major HPLC peak, at 254 nm, was associated with radial expansion of cambial derivatives and increased markedly with secondary-wall formation and lignification in differentiating tracheids. The presence of this peak suggests a facile means for assessing commitment to tracheid differentiation in lodgepole pine.
The genetics of virus resistance in maize (Zea mays L.)

The identification and mapping of maize genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with virus resistance in maize (Zea mays L.) are reviewed. Genes or major QTL for resistance to Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV), Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), Maize mosaic virus, Maize streak virus, High Plains virus and Maize chlorotic dwarf virus have been mapped in the maize genome. Resistance to other viruses including Maize rayado fino virus, maize fine streak virus and maize nectrotic streak virus has been identified, but not characterized genetically. Clusters of maize virus resistance genes are located on chromosomes 3, 6 and 10. While the cluster on chromosome 6 (bin 6.01 near umc85) carries resistance to three members of the Potyviridae (MDMV, SCMV and WSMV), the clusters on chromosomes 3 (bin 3.05 near umc102) and 10 (bin 10.05 near umc44) carry resistance to phylogenetically diverse viruses as well as bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Molecular study of bacteria associated with Salicornia symbiotic bacteria as a candidate for Hormozgan salty zone culturing by Persian Gulf water irrigation

Hormozgān is one of the 30 provinces of Iran. It is in the south of the country, facing Oman. Unfortunately, water extraction, in excess of the rate of replenishment, saline intrusion and inappropriate use of fertilizers have caused some increases in the salinity of many areas, which during the last two decades became a major problem in the production of traditional crops in many regions. Salicornia is a genus of succulent, halophyte (salt tolerant) plants that grow in salt marshes, on beaches, and among mangroves. Few studies on bacterial diversity within the rhyzosphere of salt marsh plants have been published. The most studied plant is Spartina alterniflora. This study was the first step in the promotion of this type of microorganisms as an efficient and reliable biological product for growth enhancement of halophyte such as Salicornia, as well as in the extension of the range of host plants forAzospirillum halopraeferens, besides the wild halophyte of Salicornia in where they live at the moment. Furthermore, studies on the association of Rhodococcus fascians andAzospirillum with Salicornia genus are recommended to determine their extent, so that these observations can be reproduced under field conditions. Key words: Persian Gulf, molecular study, Salicornia, symbiotic bacteria, sea water irrigation and Iran.
Quantitative Measurements of the Lysine Requirement of the Laying Hen

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the quantitative dietary lysine requirement of Shaver Starcross 288, White Leghorn hens. In Experiment 1, rations calculated to contain . 457, . 557, . 657, or . 757% lysine were fed. The protein of these rations was supplied by corn, corn gluten meal, and soybean meal, and all rations contained 15.2% protein and 3050 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg. The basal ration of Experient 2 contained corn and corn gluten meal as protein sources. Supplemental lysine ·HC1 was used to attain a lysine level of . 570%. Lysine ·HCl was added in increments of . 03% to obtain seven additional treatments; . 60, . 63, . 66, . 69, . 72, . 75, and . 78% lysine. The rations contained 13.3% protein and 3015 kcal ME/kg. Experiments 1 and 2 were 140 and 84 days in duration, respectively. An average daily lysine intake of 567 mg/hen daily, or more significantly (P
Compositional assessment of carotenoid-biofortified rice using substantial equivalence

One important aspect in assessing the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops for human consumption is characterizing their nutrient composition. A β-carotene-biofortified rice was generated by inserting phytoene synthase (Psy) and carotene desaturase (Crtl) genes isolated from Capsicum and Pantoea into the genome of a conventional variety of rice (Nakdongbyeo). Nutrients (proximates, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins), anti-nutritive components (trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid), and ferulic acid in GM rice were compared with those in the parent line Nakdongbyeo. Statistical comparisons to test for equivalence showed that all of the analyzed components in the GM plants were equivalent to those in its non-transgenic counterpart, and most nutritional components fell within the range of values reported for other commercial lines, indicating the safety of the GM plant. Key words: Genetically modified crop, β-Carotene, Transgenic rice, Nutrient, Substantial equivalence.
Asexual Reproduction, Population Structure, and Genotype-Environment Interactions in Sea Anemones

Our studies of sea anemones reveal that asexual reproduction can lead to the amplification of particularly successful genotypes Populations of Haliplanella luciae studied to date are characterized bv exclusively asexual reproduction and typically are dominated by one or a few clones A field translocation experiment suggests that this population structure may result from differential mortality among colonizing clones most of which are not preadapted to local conditions Asexual reproduction by survivors leads to extensive multiplication of one or a few genotypes Metridium senile reproduces sexually and asexually and we ofler evidence that there is significantly less vegetative proliferation but larger individual body size in areas of low tidal current velocity than in areas of moderate to high velocities This may indicate that small individuals (produced asexually) are at a particular feeding disadvantage in slowly moving water leading to an emphasis on maintaining individual body sizeat the expenseol asexual leproduction Individuals heterozygous fora phosphoglucose isomerase (PG1) locus appear to be more successful than homozygotes in maximizing body size independent of current regime and in maintaining large clone biomass in low velocity habitat Members of heterozygote clones are significantly more dispeised some clonemates being separated by 9 meters or more and are overrepresented in the low velocity habitat Selection against (small) homozygotes active choice of habitat, and passive differential dispersal of larvae and adult anemones may all contribute to this pattern.
Failure to launch? The influence of limb autotomy on the escape behavior of a semiaquatic grasshopper Paroxya atlantica (Acrididae)

Autotomy is an extreme escape tactic where an animal sheds an appendage to escape predation. Many species alter their behavior postautotomy to compensate for this loss. We examined the escape behavior in the field of a semiaquatic grasshopper (Paroxya atlantica) that could escape either by flight and landing in vegetation or flight and landing in water and swimming to safety. We predicted that animals missing a hind limb would be more reactive (i.e., have longer flight initiation distances; FID) and would prefer to escape to vegetation rather than to water as loss of a limb is likely to reduce swimming ability. However, our predictions were not supported. FID in autotomized animals was not different from that in intact animals. Furthermore, although autotomized grasshoppers paused more often and swam slower than intact individuals, autotomized grasshoppers more often escaped to water, reaching it via shorter flights that were lateral to the approach of the observer (intact grasshoppers more often flew directly away from the observer). We also noted differences in behavior before disturbance: Autotomised animals perched lower on emergent vegetation than did intact ones, presumably in readiness for escape via water, and also showed a greater likelihood to hide (squirreling) from the approaching observer prior to launch into flight. It seems likely that the reduced flight distance and greater propensity to land in water for autotomized P. atlantica may reflect a failure to launch from their perch due to loss of a jumping back leg. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
KILLER WHALE (ORCINUS ORCA) AND SPERM WHALE (PHYSETER MACROCEPHALUS) INTERACTIONS WITH LONGLINE VESSELS IN THE PATAGONIAN TOOTHFISH FISHERY AT SOUTH GEORGIA, SOUTH ATLANTIC

Killer whale (Orcinus orca) and sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) interactions with longline fi shing operations were recorded by CCAMLR observers between 2000 and 2002 at South Georgia (Subarea 48.3). Demersal longlines, targeting Patagonian toothfi sh (Dissostichus eleginoides), were deployed in depths of 169 to 2 150 m. Most effort was concentrated along the 1 000 m depth contour. Sperm whales were the most abundant marine mammal observed in the vicinity of vessels when lines were being hauled, being present during 24% of hauling observations. Killer whales, the second most frequently sighted cetacean, were present during 5% of haul observations. A high inter-vessel variation was noted for interactions with both species. A comparison of geographic plots of cetacean sightings during hauls to fipositions showed that interactions occurred over a wide geographic range. These were mostly correlated to the fi shing effort on the different grounds, although some ‘hotspots’ for interactions were noted. Killer whale pods were generally small (2–8 animals), while solitary animals and larger pods (>15 animals) occurred less frequently. Sperm whales were most often solitary when interacting with fi shing vessels, although smaller groups (2–3 animals) were also relatively common. Interactions with killer whales were most often observed in the day, generally in the afternoon, while night-time interactions were relatively few and usually occurred before midnight. Interactions with sperm whales followed a similar pattern, occurring most often in the afternoon, while very few interactions were observed at night. Catch rates were signifi cantly lower when killer whales were present when compared to hauls during which no cetaceans were present. Catch rates were slightly higher in the presence of sperm whales and it is possible that sperm whales were attracted to some areas because of abundant prey (toothfi sh). However, in areas with lower catch rates, indications are that depredation by sperm whales can lead to a decrease in catches. Some mitigation measures have been tried by vessels to reduce interactions with cetaceans, although no quantitative studies have been carried out to measure their effectiveness. Apart from the obvious economic implications of fi sh loss due to depredation, ecological implications such as the effect of unrecorded fi sh removals on stock assessment models, modifi cations in the behaviour of marine mammals and entanglements with fi shing gear are also important considerations. Further investigations are needed to determine the extent and effects of
Biology and ecology of the allis shad Alosa alosa (Linnaeus, 1758), in the Minho river

We examined the past, present and predictable status of diadromous fishes on the Iberian Peninsula, with a focus on the species inhabiting the Minho River. New data on six diadromous species (five anadromous, one catadromous) were collected. Due to population extinction and abundance reductions many species are now classified as threatened or endangered. Many populations persist at only drastically reduced abundance levels. Habitat loss (especially damming), overfishing, pollution, and, increasingly, climate change contributed to this decline of diadromous fish. Although there is still limited information on the conservation status, migratory behaviour, biology and ecology of diadromous fish in the Iberian Peninsula, it is clear that the general trend of these populations is towards decline. As most of the larger Iberian rivers cross international borders, the management and the conservation of migratory fish species on transboundary rivers should be based on international cooperative and concerted efforts.
Utilization of farm management risk strategies at the rural/urban fringe

Government policy-intervention programs offer U.S. farmers protection from a variety of risk sources. However, the utilization of farm-management risk strategies to address those risks might differ because of location or the crop-mix patterns. This paper utilizes principal component analysis (PCA) and regression analysis to examine the utilization of risk management strategies at the rural/urban fringe. The regression results provide insights into the current utilization of tools and risk management strategies used by farm operators, while the PCA examines tools that are currently utilized to manage farm risks and new tools that may be utilized to do so. The results from the PCA suggest that farm operators would like the addition of new tools such as tax-deferred savings accounts that allow farm operators to withdraw funds in a low-income year or at retirement as a risk management strategy. The PCA results further show that farm operators would like an incentive payment for using various risk management tools, including hedging, insurance, and debt and equity financing as part of federal risk management programs. With respect to the current tools utilized to manage farm risks, the PCA and regression results identify three such categories – enterprise diversification, information collection from the internet, and off-farm income sources. Key words: Risk, PCA, farm management.
Cyanobacterial blooms appear to be driven by top‐down rather than bottom‐up effects in the Lower Karori Reservoir (Wellington, New Zealand)

Abstract The lower reservoir of the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary (Wellington) has experienced cyanobacterial blooms for the last 8 years. In this study, we sought to test the role of nutrient resources (bottom‐up) versus cascading effects of zooplanktivorous perch (Perca fluviatilis) (top‐down) in controlling cyanobacteria in this lake. A 2×2 factorial field experiment was performed within plastic enclosures positioned in the lake, using four treatments: (1) the addition of juvenile perch; (2) the addition of nitrogen and phosphorus; (3) the addition of juvenile perch and of nitrogen plus phosphorus; and (4) a control treatment of no perch or nutrient addition. Four species of Anabaena were found with the dominant species being A. lemmermannii. Cyanobacterial abundance was significantly higher in treatments with perch. The addition of nutrients had no significant effect on cyanobacterial densities, but there was a weak fish × nutrient interaction on cyanobacteria abundance. There was no overall difference in total zooplankton abundance in any of the treatments. However, zooplankton species diversity was increased and large crustaceans were at higher densities in treatments without perch. Community composition of both phytoplankton and zooplankton species was altered by the addition of juvenile perch and nutrients. Our results suggest that an eradication of perch may cause a reduction in cyanobacteria abundance with the plankton being dominated by both larger phytoplankton and zooplankton species.
Linkage map of Arabidopsis thaliana

For Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (2n = 10), 76 loci have now been assigned to five linkage groups, corresponding to the five chromosomes. From a large number of estimated recombination percentages Internally consistent linkage maps were con- structed, ranging in genetic length from 51 cM (chromosome 2) to 123 cM (chromosome 1). Map lengths and centromere positions agree well with cytological observations of pre-
Cryptic species within Amphicarpaea bracteata (Leguminosae): evidence from isozymes, morphology, and pathogen specificity

All North American plants of the genus Amphicarpaea are currently classified into a single variable species (Amphicarpaea bracteata). However, an isozyme analysis of 33 populations from a 1000-km region revealed the presence of two divergent lineages (I, II) that shared no alleles in common at 7 of 18 loci examined. These lineages coexisted on both a local and a regional scale with virtually no hybridization: among nearly 1000 plants analyzed, only a single hybrid individual was found that had alleles from both lineages. A multivariate analysis of seven leaf traits showed that these lineages were morphologically distinct and that populations from the same lineage resembled each other regardless of geographic origin. The two lineages also showed divergent responses to isolates of the pathogen Synchytrium decipiens: pathogens sampled from either lineage failed to reproduce successfully on hosts of the other lineage. The correlated pattern of variation for all traits examined implies that these lineages cons.
Responses of calanoid copepods to changes in phytoplankton dominance in the diatom/Phaeocystis globosa dominated Belgium coastal waters

Copepods feeding behaviour according to changes in composition and availability of their potential preys in Belgian coastal waters were appraised through the combination of different field experiment approaches. The gut fluorescence method was combined with egg production measurements to estimate the contribution of herbivory to the total ingestion required to sustain Temora longicornis' egg production. The results showed that during fall and winter herbivory was often sufficient to cover the nutritional needs of T. longicornis, while during spring and summer they needed heterotrophic food to meet their energetic demands for egg production. When T. longicornis carbon requirements for egg production increase the contribution of non-phytoplankton food sources to total carbon ingestion becomes more important. The phytoplankton spring bloom, either during diatom dominance or during P. globosa dominance, did not enhance the contribution of herbivory to the copepods' diet. HPLC gut pigment analysis showed that diatoms were the main phytoplankton group ingested, whereas no evidence for ingestion of P. globosa and nanoflagellates was found. In situ feeding incubation experiments were also conducted with two dominant copepod species in Belgian coastal zone, T. longicornis and Centropages hamatus, designed to estimate diet composition and prey selectivity upon natural plankton assemblage. The results showed that copepods were not only omnivorous, but highly selective as well, consuming the diverse categories of prey in a different proportion than expected from prey availability in situ. Although diatoms were an important contributor to the copepod’s diet in this study, they were only ingested according to their abundance or even slightly rejected. There was an overall positive selection for ciliates by both copepod species, with ciliates 18 µm being the preferred prey category, whereas P. globosa and nanoflagellates were selected against.
Effect of sodium exclusion trait on chlorophyll retention and growth of durum wheat in saline soil

Six durum wheat genotypes with contrasting extents of sodium accumulation in leaves were used to assess the effects of sodium exclusion on leaf longevity and biomass production in saline soil. Leaf chlorophyll content, ion concentration, plant height, and dry biomass were measured at 3 salinity levels (1, 75, and 150 mM NaCl, with supplemental Ca2+). Yield and yield components were measured on 2 contrasting groups of genotypes. The low Na+ genotypes showed much longer chlorophyll retention than the high Na+ genotypes, the start of leaf senescence being prolonged by a week or more in the low Na+ genotypes. The difference was greatest at 75 mM NaCl. At ear emergence, the effects of salinity on biomass were less on the low Na+ than on the high Na+ genotypes at 75 mM NaCl, but there was no difference between groups at 150 mM NaCl. At maturity, salinity had a similar effect on biomass of both genotypes, at both 75 and 150 mM NaCl. Grain yield at 150 mM NaCl was equally reduced in both genotypes, being only 12% of controls. However, at 75 mM NaCl there was a signficant yield difference between genotypes; yield of the high Na+ genotype was only 70% of controls, whereas yield of the low Na+ genotype was 88% of controls. The greater yield of the low Na+ genotype was due to enhanced grain number and grain weight in the tiller ears.