Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative microscopic and enzymatic characterization of the leaf necrosis induced in Arabidopsis thaliana by lead nitrate and by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris after foliar spray

The heavy metal lead was administered to Arabidopsis thaliana plants by foliar spray. At a concentration of 14mol m(-3), the lead nitrate suspension induced densely distributed necrotic lesions on A. thaliana leaves. A number of Arabidopsis ecotypes were tested and a differential response to heavy-metal toxicity was noted, The necrosis provoked as a result of the phytotoxic effect of lead had a similar appearance to the necrotic lesions observed in a hypersensitive response of A. thaliana to inoculation with Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Lummerzheim et al. 1993, Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions 6, 532-544), In addition to this phenotypic resemblance, accumulation of polyphenols and callose depositions observed by microscopic analysis, as well as increases in the activities of the stress-related proteins beta-1,3-glucanases, chitinases and peroxidases, revealed significant similarities in the plant response to the two treatments examined, lead toxicity and bacterial infection, The results allow the establishment of markers for both types of stress.
Edge effect from paths on two chameleon species in Madagascar

Abstract Edge effects are thought to be widespread in ecology and have important implications for forest fragmentation and conservation. Generally, however, large openings in the forest canopy are considered. Here we report a statistically robust edge effect from forest paths with a width of less than three meters on two chameleon species. We discuss possible causes and the implications of this result.
HOST FINDING BY APHIDS IN THE FIELD: APHIS FABAE SCOP. (GYNOPARAE) AND BREVICORYNE BRASSICAE L.; WITH A RE-APPRAISAL OF THE ROLE OF HOST-FINDING BEHAVIOUR IN VIRUS SPREAD

Aphis fabae gynoparae occurred in the same large proportion in simultaneous collections of all aphids alighting and probing on, and taking off from, a host plant (spindle) and a non-host (peach), and behaved similarly when approaching and leaving them in the same conditions. Most alighters took off again from leaves of both kinds within a few minutes, staying longer and probing more times on the host. In atmospheric conditions favouring local ‘hovering’ instead of dispersal, flying and alighting aphids became concentrated around host plants, not through any specific attraction to them, but apparently because more aphids had accumulated upon them and were now taking off. Brevicoryne brassicae occurred in the same large proportion in simultaneous collections of aphids alighting on a host plant (cabbage) and a non-host (sugar beet). No satisfactory evidence was found of preferential alightment on cabbage and there were indications of preferential alightment on the non-host. A very small minority of the A. fabae and B. brassicae that alighted on their hosts stayed there long enough to larviposit. This minority was rather larger among alighters late in the day, but in the absolute sense, more colonization occurred during earlier periods when more aphids arrived. The intensely dispersive type of host-finding behaviour in Myzus persicae, A. fabae and B. brassicae may be common among Aphididae. It seems ideal for the dissemination of non-persistent plant viruses, more particularly among the less-favoured host plants of each aphid. The tendency to commensal association between virus and vector provides an ecological framework which may govern the incidence of virus-vector specificity and symbiosis.
UNCIHERPIA HIRSUTA A NEW GENUS AND SPECIES OF APLACOPHORAN (MOLLUSCA SOLENOGASTRES: PARARRHOPALIIDAE) FROM GALICIA, NORTHWEST SPAIN

During the sampling expeditions of the project FAUNA IBERICA, 14 specimens of a new species and genus of Solenogastres, Unciherpia hirsuta, were collected from the Banco de Galicia (NW Spain) (42°42� 22� N‐42°43� 00� N; 11°47� 52� W‐11°45� 47� W) found on the coral Madrepora oculata (Linnaeus, 1758) at 760‐769 m. depth. This new species is characterized by a body of 10.8 mm in length by 1.3 mm in width, without keel or lumps. Spicules are of four types: long, straight with a harpoon tip; acicular, slightly, curved with a serrated end; acicular and slightly sigmoid; and hooked with a sharp tip over the hook and the proximal end sigmoid-shaped. The mouth opening lies in the atrium; the ventral groove has one fold that does not enter the pallial cavity; there are 16 follicular glands encircling the pharynx and opening into it; there is a pair of short rostral caecum; one dorsoterminal sense organ; and eight respiratory folds. The creation of a new subfamily Unciherpiinae, of the family Pararrhopalidae is proposed to classify the new genera Unciherpia. This new sub-family is diagnosed by the hooked spicules and follicular glands around the pharynx.
The Effect of Drying Rate on the Survival of Three Desiccation-tolerant Angiosperm Species

Abstract The effect of drying rate on the survival of three angiosperm resurrection plants, Craterostigma wilmsii (homoiochlorophyllous), Xerophyta humilis (poikilochlorophyllous) and Myrothamnus flabellifolius (homoiochlorophyllous) was examined. All species survived slow drying, but only C. wilmsii was able to survive rapid drying. C. wilmsii was rapidly able to induce protection mechanisms such as folding of cell walls to prevent mechanical stress and curling of leaves to minimize light stress, and thus survived fast drying. Rapid drying of X. humilis and M. flabellifolius appeared to allow insufficient time for complete induction of protection mechanisms. In X. humilis , there was incomplete replacement of water in vacuoles, the photosynthetic apparatus was not dismantled, plasma membrane disruption occurred and quantum efficiency of photosystem II (F V /F M ) did not recover on rehydration. Rapidly dried leaves of M. flabellifolius did not fold tightly against the stem and F V /F M did not recover. Ultrastructural studies showed that subcellular damage incurred during drying was exacerbated on rehydration. The three species co-occur in environments in which they experience high desiccation pressures. C. wilmsii has few features to retard water loss and thus the ability for rapid induction of subcellular protection is vital to survival. X. humilis and M. flabellifolius are able to retard water loss and protection is acquired relatively slowly.
Lejeunea huctumalcensis, a widely distributed Lejeuneaceae from the Neotropics, and its relation to Ceratolejeunea

Abstract Lejeunea huctumalcensis (Lejeuneaceae), a species widely distributed in the Neotropics, is characterized by the presence of ocelli in leaf lobes, innovations of lejeuneoid- and pycnolejeuneoid-type, perianths with five entire to ramified laciniae and vegetative reproduction via regenerants and caducous leaves. The species is a member of Lejeunea subgenus Otigoniolejeunea. Lejeunea acanthotis, L. schizotis, L. xiphotis and Ceratolejeunea dussiana are proposed as new synonyms of L. huctumalcensis. The relation of this species to Ceratolejeunea and other genera is discussed. Lejeunea huctumalcensis is described and illustrated.
Growth, Quality, and Foliar Iron Concentration of Kentucky Bluegrass Treated with Chelated Iron Sources

Supplemental Fe fertilization to improve turfgrass quality has become an increasingly common practice on many turfgrass areas. Field studies were conducted to evaluate the nutrient uptake, growth, and quality of Kentucky bluegrass (Pea pratensis L.) treated with chelated Fe sources. Iron sources were evaluated over 2 years at 1.5,3.0, and 6.0 kg Fe/ha applied in May, July, and September of each year. Turf treated with an iron orthophosphate citrate source (Fe-PC) exhibited more foliar growth than nontreated turf on seven of 11 sampling dates during the study. Iron citrate sources (Fe-C(EI) and Fe-C(T)) and Fe-DTPA applications resulted in similar growth rates, never stimulating growth more than the Fe-PC source and rarely increasing growth compared with nontreated turf. In- creasing the Fe rate within source did not typically increase growth. Iron-treated turf exhibited quality superior to nontreated turf throughout the study with all sources performing comparably. Increasing Fe rate did not result in a corresponding increase in quality, due to greater phytotoxicity at higher rates. Although several sources produced notable phytotoxicity at 6.0 kg Fe/ha, repeated application did not decrease turfgrass density. Iron tissue content increased linearly with rate on four of five sampling dates during the study however, no source resulted in tissue Fe content significantly higher than other sources. Application of sources containing supplemental P and/or K did not increase tissue P or K content. Chemical names used: iron citrate (Fe-C): iron diethvlenetriamine pentaacetate (Fe- DTPA); iron orthophosphate citrate (Fe-PC). Color is one of the most important characteristics that contribute to visual turfgrass quality. Turfgrass managers often rely primarily upon N to develop dark green turfgrass. Excessive N fertility, however, increases mowing costs and susceptibility to certain en- vironmental stresses and diseases and may adversely affect rooting (Turgeon, 1991). A well-planned Fe fertility program can improve color while reducing the potential negative effects associated with
Disponibilidade de nitrogênio e produtividade de milho e trigo com diferentes métodos de adubação nitrogenada no sistema plantio direto

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the N availability for corn and wheat with different methods of N fertilization. The study was carried out at University of Cruz Alta, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in an Oxissol under six years of no-tillage. A completely randomized block design with four repetitions was used. Combinations of different times and rates of N application were studied. The times were: application before seeding, at seeding and topdressing. The rates of N for corn were zero, 60 and 90kg ha-1 and for wheat zero, 30 and 60kg ha-1. The amount of soil mineral N decreased quickly after application of N fertilization. The soil´s mineral N content was related to the rates and time of application. The N application time, considering the same rates, splitted or not, didn't influence dry matter production, N accumulation and grain yield. These parameters increase with the rate of N application. The splitting of the N fertilization, part at the seeding time and part as topdressing, is the safest way to minimize the N losses and to maximize the use of N by corn and wheat plants.
Influence of chilling and drought on water relations and abscisic acid accumulation in bean

Intact bean seedlings were subjected to either chilling (4°C) or drought stress. Leaf water relations and abscisic acid (ABA) content were monitored throughout a stress-recovery cycle. Chilling at low relative humidity (RH) and drought caused similar water deficits, as indicated by the decline in relative water content and water potentials, but they had different effects on ABA accumulation. There was a rapid increase in ABA levels in the leaves of water-deprived plants while only slight ABA accumulation was observed after 48 h of chilling (4°C). After 24 h cold treatment there were large changes in turgor but no change in ABA content. Plants chilled for 24 h accumulated ABA only when transferred to recovery conditions (20°C, 90-95% RH, in the dark) to an extent that was related to the rate of leaf rehydration. When the chilling treatment was performed in a water-saturated atmosphere, plants did not suffer any water stress and ABA levels did not increase over a period of 48 h. However, when the chilling treatment lasted for a longer period (72 h), a significant increase in ABA levels was found also in the absence of water deficit. Experiments performed with leaf discs incubated in a mannitol solution (osmotic potential - 1.6 MPa) at different temperatures indicated that low temperature markedly inhibits ABA synthesis and that water stress induces increases in ABA content only at non-limiting warm temperatures.
Cost stickiness revisited: empirical application for farms

ABSTRACT Accounting research has usually approached studies on cost stickiness through models with costs and output variations in logarithms of relative changes. But this approach is unable to detect cost stickiness properly in sectors characterized by small business units with scarce influence and chances to depart from sector trends, such as agriculture. The well-established economic tradition of research on price stickiness express changes in prices as differences in prices of a given period with respect to previous periods. This study finds empirical evidence, with a sample of farms, that models expressing changes in costs and outputs as differences are more precise in detecting stickiness than those expressing variables as logarithms in relative terms. The latter only detected it for the biggest farms, while the former did it for the whole spectrum of farm sizes. Results are also robust after controlling for changes in transactions, time, type of farming and location.
Occurrence of Cymbidium mosaic and Odontoglossum ringspot viruses in orchid germplasm of Sikkim and Darjeeling hills, their identification and diagnosis

Survey was conducted in Sikkim and Darjeeling hills for orchid viruses during 2007-08. Samples showing different kind of symptoms were collected and maintained in polyhouse at National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim. Electron microscopy of negatively stained preparations showed both Cymbidium mosaic (CymMV) and Odontoglossum ringspot (ORSV) viruses from different species. Viruses from EM and ELISA positive samples were mechanically transmitted to various herbaceous hosts. CymMV was successfully transmitted to Datura stramonium and Chenopodium amaranticolor. However, ORSV was mechanically transmitted to Nicotiana benthamiana and Gomphrena globosa. EM and ELISA results revealed that CymMV and ORSV were commonly found in mixed infections causing severe damage to host plants. Both the viruses are highly contagious, stable, found in very high concentration in host tissue and being spread mainly by contaminated tools.
Artificial diets for rearing the coconut hispine beetle, Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and their suitability to two specialist parasitoids

Abstract The coconut hispine beetle, Brontispa longissima (Gestro), is a serious invasive pest that infests young unopened fronds of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.) in Southeast Asia. We previously developed the first artificial diet for rearing B. longissima larvae, which contained a leaf powder of young coconut fronds. Because the fronds are required for healthy growth of coconut palms, it is necessary to reduce their use for rearing the beetles. In this study, we tested two new artificial diets for the beetle larvae, which contained the leaf powders of mature coconut leaves or orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.). Brontispa longissima successfully developed from hatching to adulthood on both the mature coconut leaf diet and orchard grass diet. The beetles reared on the mature coconut leaf diet and orchard grass diet developed faster than those reared on the young coconut leaf diet. Fecundity and egg hatchability of beetles did not differ among the three diet treatments. We then examined the suitability of beetle larvae or pupae reared on each diet as hosts for two specialist endoparasitoids, Asecodes hispinarum Boucek and Tetrastichus brontispae Ferriere. The survival rate from oviposition to adult emergence for A. hispinarum was 43.8% in hosts reared on a young coconut leaf diet, 77.1% on a mature coconut leaf diet, and 85.7% on an orchard grass diet. For T. brontispae, the survival rate was 70.0% in hosts reared on the young coconut leaf diet, 38.1% on the mature coconut leaf diet, and 66.7% on the orchard grass diet. Our results indicate these artificial diets can be useful for rearing B. longissima and its two parasitoids, helping to reduce the costs of mass rearing these insects.
Characterization of Soybean Exhibiting High Expression of a Synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis cry1A Transgene That Confers a High Degree of Resistance to Lepidopteran Pests

We report the generation of transgenic soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. ) via Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfers of a cry1A gene (tic107) from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that exhibits a high degree of resistance against the lepidopteran pests Pseudoplusia includens (Walker) (soybean looper), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (soybean pod- worm), and Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner (velvetbean caterpillar). Three transgenic soybean lines (862, 726, and 781) were evaluated for expression, molecular composition, efficacy against target pests, and agronomic characteristics. We have designed and tested an expression cassette that consistently and reproducibly generates transgenic soybeans that accumulate the tic107 protein at levels as high as 6.12 m gm g 21 of total extractable protein. Expression levels of this magnitude of a Bt insecticidal protein have never been reported in soybean. Previous reports have indicated expression levels 100-fold lower in the highest-expressing lines. In addition, the phenotypes of these high-expressing lines were indistinguishable from their negative segregant and the transformation parent (Asgrow var. 'A3237'). In- sect bioassay data demonstrate complete protection against soybean looper, soybean podworm, and velvetbean caterpillar when negative controls exhibited defoliation as high as 98%. Unlike previous reports of transgenic soybeans, we report here highly efficacious, single-copy, and normal phenotypes of transgenic soybean plants containing the highly expressed cry1A gene.
Synonymy, taxonomic notes, and range extensions for several noteworthy Asian liverworts

Abstract Several noteworthy liverworts are reported from China, including Bazzania horridula Schiffn. and Riccardia tamariscina (Steph.) Schiffn. new to China, and five species new to mainland China. Cololejeunea dozyana (Sande Lac.) Schiffn. and Leptolejeunea udarii M.Dey & D.K. Singh are reported new to Thailand. Chiloscyphus yunnanensis C.Gao & Y.H. Wu, previously known only from the type locality, is proposed to be synonymous with the tropical Asian Chiloscyphus ciliolatus (Nees) J.J.Engel & R.M. Schust. SEM observations reveal that the wax-like projections on the thallus surface of Riccardia tamariscina do not belong to surface wax. Two types of oil bodies in Bazzania are illustrated. It is suggested avoiding the use of the term ‘Bazzania-type’ when oil bodies are described.
Influence of AE F130060 03 Application Timing on Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) Control1

Experiments were conducted in Virginia in 2000 and 2001 to investigate responses of winter wheat and diclofop-sensitive and -resistant Italian ryegrass to the experimental herbicide mixture AE F130060 03 and crop safener AE F107892 applied postemergence. AE F130060 03 at 15 or 18 g ai/ha with or without methylated seed oil controlled both diclofop-sensitive and -resistant Italian ryegrass 82 to 99% and reduced inflorescence emergence 59 to 98%. Although AE F130060 03 controlled existing Italian ryegrass 4 wk after any application, timing of application influenced late-season Italian ryegrass control and inflorescence emergence. Applications to two- to three-leaf Italian ryegrass resulted in greater emergence of Italian ryegrass after application than applications made to two- to three-tiller or four- to five-tiller Italian ryegrass. Wheat injury by AE F130060 03 was greater than injury from diclofop, but wheat appeared to fully recover; and yields from AE F130060 03–treated wheat were similar to yields of diclofop-treated wheat and at least 21% greater than yields from nontreated wheat. In greenhouse experiments, differential growth responses between diclofop-sensitive and -resistant Italian ryegrass occurred after AE F130060 03 application at normal (15 g ai/ha) and below-normal application rates. When rates were increased beyond normal application rates, growth responses were similar between diclofop-sensitive and -resistant Italian ryegrass. Nomenclature: AE F130060 03 (8.3:1.7 mixture of AE F130060 00, proposed common name mesosulfuron-methyl, 2-[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl carbamoyl)sulfamoyl]-4-methanesulfonamido-p-toluic acid, plus AE F115008 00, proposed common name iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium, 4-iodo-2-[3-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)ureidosulfonyl]benzoic acid); AE F107892, proposed common name mefenpyr-diethyl, 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid; diclofop; Italian ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum Lam. LOLMU #3; winter wheat, Triticum aestivum. L. ‘Pioneer 2643’, ‘Pioneer 26R24’, ‘Pocohontas’. Additional index words: Diclofop resistance, resistance management. Abbreviations: ACCase, acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase; ALS, acetolactate synthase; MSO, methylated seed oil; POST, postemergence.
Source- and Sink-limited Growth Periods of Developing Peach Fruits Indicated by Relative Growth Rate Analysis

Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) fruit thinning was used to reduce the competition for assimilates among peach fruits and to identify periods of source- and sink-limited growth during development. Individual fruit size, based on diameter or calculated dry matter accumulation, increased in trees with lower crop loads compared to fruits of unthinned trees in three peach cultivars. Relative growth rate analysis indicated that peach fruit growth was apparently limited by the assimilate supply (source-limited) or by its genetic growth potential (sink-limited) during specific growth periods. In stage I and at the beginning of stage III of the double-sigmoid growth curve, periods of source-limite d growth occurred in the later- maturing cultivars Flamecrest and Cal Red. Peach fruit growth was apparently sink-limited during stage II of the growth curve when fruit relative growth rates were similar for the thinning treatments. Fruit growth in 'Spring Lady', an early maturing cultivar, appeared to be primarily source-limited during the season. Although total fruit dry matter production was reduced by thinning, individual fruit dry weight on thinned trees was higher than that on trees with a heavy crop load. This typical thinning response was apparently caused by the differences in the amount of time that fruits grew under sink- vs. source-limited conditions with different crop loads. Final crop yield depended on fruit count per tree and on the available assimilate supply, and was affected by the individual fruit growth potential.
Social Predictors of Female Academics’ Career Growth and Leadership Position in South-West Nigerian Universities

This study examined the efficacy of social predictors of female academics’ career growth and leadership position in Nigerian universities. Results show that the composite effect of the social predictors are significant (F = 37.888; p < .05). Parental influence (β = .197; p < .05) and spousal support (β = .183; p < .05) made significant contributions to career growth, while academic men attitude toward women (β = .428; p > .05), academic men collegial support (β = .419; p < .05), parental influence (β = .368; p < .05), and spousal support (β = .250; p < .05) contributed to leadership position. Parental influence (B = −.12; t = −4.89; p < .05) and spousal support (B = .13; t = 4.26; p < .05) predicted career growth, while academic men attitude toward women (B = .947; t = 3.755; p < .05), academic men collegial support (B = −1.080; t = −3.648; p < .05), parental influence (B = −.220; t = −9.050; p < .05), and spousal support (B = .191; t = 6.343; p < .05) predicted leadership position. The implications are that parental influence and spousal supports are essential for career growth, while all four factors are crucial for female academics’ leadership attainment.