Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of groundwater dynamics for agricultural use in six inlandvalley agroecosystems of SW Nigeria 96

Inland valley (IV) agro-ecosystems have the potential for sustaining the intensification and diversification of agricultural production relative to uplands. This study investigated the groundwater table dynamics of six inland valleys in SW Nigeria in relation to cropping. The valleys are of three types: amphitheatre-like valley-heads (Am), valley-side (VS), and low depression (LD) inland valleys, with the hydromorphic zone ranging between 1690 – 28547 square metres. Piezometric data were used to present the groundwater table dynamics. Results of analysis of time series of groundwater flow showed a decreasing wetness condition in the order of Am > VS > LD. The monthly average depth to the water table during the wet season ranged between 2 to 27.2cm, 10 to 3cm and -2.5 (above the ground surface) to 57cm in Am, VS and LD inland valley types, respectively. The ranges were 7.5 to 21.5cm, 18.9 to 32.9cm and 25 to 125.1cm in Am, VS and LD valleys respectively, during the dry season. Analysis of the pattern of groundwater level duration plots indicates that the Am valleys had piezometric heads generally above 30cm, with a mean monthly range of 2 to 29cm. The VS valleys had periods of low (less than 30cm) and deep (more than 30cm) groundwater level for 90% and 10% of the days in the hydrologic year, respectively. Compared to the Am and VS valleys, the LD valleys had shorter period of low groundwater level (about 65%) and longer period of deep groundwater level (about 35%). Groundwater level duration curves revealed variable flow regime along inland valleys typologies. Though ANOVA results indicated no significant (α = 0.05) difference between depth to the water table in the valleys during the wet season, there was a significant (α = 0.05) difference during the dry season. The amphitheatre-like and valley side inland valleys were always wet enough to support dry season farming with little or no supplementary irrigation, while application of such irrigation would be required in the low depression valleys to enable dry season cropping.
Molecular diversity of Cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L.) using RAPD markers

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) belonging to the family Apiaceae is one of the oldest and economically most important medicinal spices. In this study, as a comprehensive research on genetic diversity, forty nine cumin ecotypes, belong to nine Iranian regional sub-populations were assessed using RAPD markers. DNA extracted from cumin seeds through CTAB method. Twenty three RAPD markers were used for diversity assessment, in which 21 showed polymorphism. Allele frequency and polymorphism information content (PIC) of each locus were calculated by Power Marker version 3.25. Molecular variability among and within populations was assessed accordingly. Based on molecular data, Jacquard's similarity coefficient was used to detect the phylogenic relationship; subsequently dendrograms were drawn based on UPGMA using NTSYS software. Cluster analysis among the populations categorized nine populations into two groups at the similarity level of 0.43, in which class one was consisted of only Golestan population and the rest were arranged in the second group. Golestan and Northern-Khorasan populations showed the highest difference while Kerman and Esfahan populations showed the most similarity. Based on Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCOA), 79% of variation was explained by two first principal components. Populations of Semnan, Yazd and Golestan showed different reaction rather than the other populations. It is suggested that Kerman, Esfahan and Southern-Khorasan may have the same ancestors. Molecular diversity among 49 ecotypes, as the sub-populations of nine populations derived from different Iranian states, showed five different categories. Based on the result it can be concluded that there is a high potential of variability in Iranian cumin populations which are very important sources for cumin breeding objectives.
DOES RESTORATION OF STRUCTURAL HETEROGENEITY IN STREAMS ENHANCE FISH AND MACROINVERTEBRATE DIVERSITY

Restoration schemes often rely on the assumption that enhancing habitat complexity through addition of in-stream structures such as boulders and woody debris leads to increased biodiversity, but evidence for this assumption is scarce. We compared structural heterogeneity and fish and invertebrate diversity at restored, unrestored, and reference sites on tributaries of the Ume River, northern Sweden, where several kilometers of streams have been restored from channelization through placement of boulders into the channel. Structural heterogeneity at the study sites was assessed using a contour tracer at two spatial resolutions likely to be affected by restoration. These are the patch scale (0.7 m), reflecting substratum characteristics, and the reach scale (50 m), reflecting general channel topography. Fish and invertebrate samples collected via electroshocking were used to assess taxonomic richness, taxonomic density, evenness, and assemblage composition at the study sites. Measures of structural heterogeneity were substantially higher at restored relative to channelized sites; however, components of fish and invertebrate diversity were similar between these treatments. At restored sites, measures of structural heterogeneity and fish and invertebrate diversity were consistent with, or slightly exceeded reference levels. This implies that local (patch to reach) heterogeneity did not structure fish and invertebrate assemblages in the study streams. Our results suggest that restoration might have little beneficial effect on biodiversity if the restoration schemes (and the original impact under amelioration) do not affect structural heterogeneity relevant to the target organisms.
Seed-specific expression of the isopentenyl transferase gene ( ipt) in transgenic tobacco

The Agrobacterium tumefaciens gene encoding isopentenyl transferase ( ipt), a cytokinin biosynthetic gene, was fused to a promoter from a seed-specific gene, vicilin, and introduced into tobacco cells. Intact fertile plants were generated. The expression of the vicilin-ipt gene was shown to be confined to seed and resulted in enhanced levels of cytokinins in the developing seeds and increased seed protein content. Using a simplified quantification method, a significant increase in the levels of endogenous cytokinins was recorded at 16-21 days after flowering. The growth of the transgenic plants and the development of the seeds appeared to be normal.
Inflorescence and flower development in Costus scaber (Costaceae)

The inflorescence of Costus scaber terminates an erect axis of a sympodial rhizome system. Primary bracts are borne on the inflorescence in spiral monostichous phyllotaxy. One-flowered cincinni occur in the axils of these bracts. Each cincinnus consists of an axis bearing a terminal flower and a secondary bract on the anodic side of the flower. A tertiary bud forms in the axil of this bract but does not complete development. The inflorescence terminates by cessation of growth of the apex and precocious development of the primary bracts. Floral organs are formed sequentially beginning with the calyx, and continuing with the corolla and inner androecial whorl, outer androecial whorl, and gynoecium. All flower parts, except for the calyx, originate from a ring primordium. Regions of this primordium separate to form the corolla and inner androecial members. It was not possible to determine the sequence of androecial member formation. The labellum is composed of five androecial members, three from the outer whorl and two from the inner. The third member of the inner whorl forms the stamen and its petaloid appendage. The gynoecium forms from three conduplicate primordia. The margins of two of these primordia are the product of phyletic fusion.
Germination, Radial Growth and Virulence to Boll Weevil of Entomopathogenic Fungi at Different Temperatures

The effect of temperature on germination, radial growth and virulence of four B. bassiana and M. anisopliae isolates virulent to the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, were determined at different temperatures. The optimum temperature for germination and radial growth was 27°C for both fungi species. M. anisopliae isolates managed to germinate at higher temperatures, while B. bassiana isolates failed to germinate at 35°C. With regard to radial growth rate, the B. bassiana isolates grew faster at lower temperatures, whereas the M. anisopliae ones grew faster at higher temperatures. At 35°C only M. anisopliae isolates managed to grow. None of the isolates of both species grew at 38°C. The virulence against boll weevil decreased at 35°C for B. bassiana. For M. anisopliae isolates the median survival time increased at suboptimum temperatures, but the final mortality percentage remained the same. In conclusion, it is important to evaluate the tolerance at higher temperatures when choosing an isolate for development as a microbial control agent. Based on the temperature tolerance, M. anisopliae may be a possible candidate for a boll weevil control and therefore it could be included in an Integrated Pest Management program on cotton crops.
The effect of the Asiatic clam, Corbicula fluminea, on phytoplankton of the Potomac River, Maryland

In the summers of the 1960s and 197Os, phytoplankton in the fresh, tidal Potomac River showed a downstream gradient of low to high abundance. Phytoplankton abundance in a 6-8-km segment ofthe river, in summer 1980 and 198 1, was 40-60% below that upstream and downstream, forming a “sag. ” In 1980, the highest densities of the Asiatic clam Corbicula fluminea in the reach as the phytoplankton sag. Filtration rates indicate that the volume of the sag reach could be pumped through the Corbicula population in 3-4 days. Corbicula removed 30% of the phytoplankton chlorophyll a from a river water sample in 2 h. Pheophytin a in surficial sediments correlated well with clam biomass as a consequence of phytoplankton excreted in pseudofeces. The hypotheses that peak discharges, zooplankton, toxic substances, and nutrient limitation induced the sag were not supported.
Factors Affecting Germination of Coolatai Grass (Hyparrhenia hirta)

Abstract Coolatai grass is an invasive, perennial grass from Africa and the Middle East that has infested large areas of northern New South Wales, Australia, and also occurs in other Australian states. An understanding of the seed germination ecology of Coolatai grass can assist in predicting its potential distribution and developing effective management strategies. The effects of various environmental factors on Coolatai grass seed germination were investigated in a series of laboratory experiments. The effect of diurnal alternating temperatures (5–45 C) with a 12-h photoperiod were examined on a thermogradient plate. Seed germination occurred at almost all temperature combinations from 5 to 45 C. At moderate temperatures the speed of seed germination was very high; at 30/20 C more than 80% of seeds were germinated within 12 h. Germination was slightly enhanced by the presence of light, but length of photoperiod did not affect germination. Germination at neutral pH was over 90%, and declined to 65% at acidic (pH 4) and alkaline (pH 10) pH levels. Germination was completely inhibited at an osmotic stress of −0.55 MPa or greater and was reduced by 50% at −0.37 MPa. Greater germination in relatively dry soil conditions compared with native species may contribute to the establishment of this species in the field. Results indicate that Coolatai grass seeds can germinate over a wide range of diurnal temperatures, light regimes, pH levels, and under marginal water stress. These characteristics help explain the successful invasion of Coolatai grass and provide evidence that this species is capable of establishing in many parts of Australia. Nomenclature: Coolatai grass, Hyparrhenia hirta (L.) Stapf.
Four new species of Tripylina Brzeski, 1963 (Enoplida: Tripylidae) from México, with an emended diagnosis of the genus

Se describen e ilustran cuatro nuevas especies de Ti-ipylina colectadas en Mexico. Ti-ipylina bravoae sp. n. presenta un cuerpo alargado, region labial asimetrica, diente dorsal posterior a los pequenos dientes subdorsales, dos setas ventromedianas en la region cervical en los machos y ausentes en las hembras, poro excretor no visible, presencia de saco postuterino, labios vulvares ligeramente sobresaliendo del contorno del cuerpo y piezas esclerotizadas en la vagina. Ti-ipylina ixayocensis sp. n. se caracteriza por tener setas somaticas esparcidas en el cuerpo, region labial conoidea y asimetrica, setas labiales externas largas y setas cefalicas cortas en un solo circulo, pared dorsal del estoma gruesai diente dorsal pequeno y anterior a los dientes subventrales, poro excretor conspicuo, vulva con labios sobresaliendo de contorno del cuerpo y vagina sin estructuras esclerotizadas. Ti-ipylina tlamincasensis sp. n. se distingue por sus setas somaticas esparcidas, region labial asimetrica, las setas externas y las cefalicas en dos circulos, la pared dorsal del estoma no engrosada, el diente dorsal posterior a los dientes subventrales, poro excretor no visible, vulva con los labios no proyectados, y vagina con pequenas piezas esclerotizadas. Tripylina montecilloensis sp. n. tiene setas somaticas esparcidas, cabeza conoidea y asimetrica, setas externas ligeramente anteriores a las cefalicas, pared dorsal del estoma no engrosada y diente dorsal posterior a los dientes subventrales, dos setas cervicales ventromedianas, poro excretor no visible, labios vulvares no proyectados, y vagina sin piezas esclerotizadas. El analisis filogenetico derivado de las secuencias de SSU rDNA apoya la monofilia de las especies de Tripylina y muestra que T. bravoe es la especie hermana del otro grupo de especies de Ti-ipylina analizado. La diagnosis del genero es corregida a partir del reconocimiento de nuevos rasgos.
Effect of shading at different times on the growth and yield of the potato

The effect of shading during the periods of new tuber initiation and subsequent bulking were studied with three crops of field-grown potatoes cv Sebago Plots were shaded (34% reduction on full sunlight) up to or after the stage when the young tubers had formed (3 weeks after the onset of initiation), receiving full sunlight for the other half of growth In other treatments plots were shaded throughout growth or not shaded at all In two experiments plots were split for two planting densities (7.14 and 14.28 tubers planted m-2), but density had no effect on the response to shade. Shade during the first part of growth did not affect the numbers of tubers initiation but, compared with unshaded plots, did reduce the numbers which reached a size of 1 cm in diameter or more, which was the same as the final numbers harvested at maturity Shade also delayed by a few days the onset of the rapid tuber-bulking period. Shade during later growth had some additional effect In reducing the maximum bulking rate achieved, so that the final yields from the differentially shaded plots were intermediate between those from the plots either unshaded or shaded throughout Plants receiving late shade had a higher percentage of their total dry weight In the haulm than did unshaded plants.
Effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles on asparagus lettuce cultured in an agar medium

The increasing chances of manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) being released into the environment highlight the importance of understanding their interactions with plants, which are the basis of ecosystems. In this study, the phytotoxicity of CeO2 NPs on asparagus lettuce was assessed. Lettuce seeds were treated with CeO2 NPs in a plant agar medium at a wide range of concentrations (0–2000 mg L−1) for 5 days. At high concentrations (≥500 mg L−1), CeO2 NPs altered the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), induced lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage, and inhibited the root growth. The results of X-ray absorption near edge fine structure (XANES) indicate that part of the CeO2 NPs were transformed from Ce(IV) to Ce(III) in the roots. The released Ce3+ may account for the phytotoxicity of CeO2 NPs.
Influence of temperature on the rhythmic emission of volatiles from Ribes nigrum flowers in situ

The floral volatiles of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) were collected in situ using the headspace technique. Eleven compounds were identified, including monoterpenes hydrocarbons and monoterpene ethers. The fragrance was emitted in a rhythmic manner, the maximum being in the middle of the photoperiod. Emission at 20°C was significantly higher than at 10°C. The rhythmic nature of emission seemed to cease under conditions of constant light. However, a slight rise in emission during the second period in continuous light may indicate a circadian control of emission. The significance of flower volatiles in relation to pollination is discussed.
EFFECTS OF BA AND IBA CONCENTRATIONS AND SUBCULTURE FREQUENT ON MERISTEM CULTURE OF STRAWBERRY

The meristems excised from runners of Camarosa and Redpearl strawberry cultivars were cultured in MS media enriched with 1H-indole-3-butanoic acid (IBA: 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 ppm) and BA (0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 ppm) that were applied separately in three replications. BA generated plantlets were subcultured in the same media to produce Si plantlets (i= 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd subculture) before root initiation. The result showed that all explants in IBA produced one plantlet and 0.2 ppm produced the best plantlet performance, while all of BA concentration induced multiple plantlets and 0.6 ppm produced 7-26 plantlets/explant. MS media without IBA was recommended for rooting induction. In both of hormones, Camarosa in vitro plantlet performance was better than Redpearl, but the performance of Redpearl plantlet was better than Camarosa after acclimatized. The number and length of Redpearl root was significantly higher so the stand ability was better than Camarosa.
Morphogenetic and structural characteristics of andropogon grass submitted to different cutting heights

This work was performed aiming to evaluate the morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina species submitted to three cutting heights (20, 27 and 34 cm). The three cutting heights were allocated in experimental units (12 m2) in a complete randomized block design with three replications. The cuts were done when the light interception by the sward reached 95%. At this moment, the sward height revealed itself constant with values close to 50 cm. The lowest cutting height (20 cm) influenced negatively the final leaf blade length, the number of live leaves, the leaf lifespan, the stem elongation rate and the tiller population density, and it influenced positively the phyllochron and the leaf senescence rate. Probably, cuts at 20 cm height caused a high decapitation and death of the tillers. The worst growth conditions in addition to the blossom of this specie occurred during fall resulted in higher stem elongation rates and number of live leaves, and lower phyllochron, final leaf blade length, and leaf lifespan. The sward height can be used as a practical and efficient criterion in the management of andropogon grass. Under intermittent management conditions, the regrowth of andropogon grass must be interrupted when the sward reaches 50 cm height, and the defoliation must be interrupted when the stubble height is close to 27 cm.
Performance of Broilers Fed Low Dietary Protein Levels with or Without Supplementation of Lysine and Methionine

Broiler diets low in crude protein (CP) by 2 and 4% over the optimum levels of 23% an starter and 20% in finisher rations were tested in a feeding trial from 8 to 49 d of age. The two low CP diets were fed either as such or after supplementation with methionine and lysine equivalent to that of control. Two control diets were formulated to contain fish-soybean combination (FM control) or soybean meal alone (SBM control) as the main source of protein. All the six diets were ted ad libitum to 180 broiler chicks, distributed equally into six groups with three replicates each. Broilers fed FM control diet were heavier (2052 g) than those fed 19 or 21% CP, at 7wk of age. Supplementation of methionine and lysine to the diet containing 21% CP improved growth equivalent to that of the controls but not the diet with 19% CP. Feed intake was not influenced by the level of CP in diet hut, feed conversion efficiency was significantly better in FM control diet and also in groups offered 21% CP supplemented with amino acids. The protein efficiency ratio was better when CP was higher at 23% and addition of amino acids did not improve protein conversion efficiency. CP level did not influence the eviscerated yield or giblet weight. But, abdominal fat increased with decrease in CP content of diet and supplementation of amino acids marginally reduced fat content, particularly sat 21% level. However, feed cost kg live weight favoured low protein diets without supplementation of amino acids. Further, it was observed that diets containing FM or SBM alone as protein source had similar effect on the performance of broilers implying that SBM, adequately balanced for methionine and lysine can replace fish meal from broiler diets.
SINGING COMPLEXITY OF THE BANDED WREN (THRYOTHORUS PLEUROSTICTUS): DO SWITCHING RATE AND SONG-TYPE DIVERSITY SEND DIFFERENT MESSAGES?

Abstract Most species of songbird possess repertoires of song types or variations that allow singers to vary how they present their songs. “Complexity,” or the amount of variation in a singing performance, has several distinct components that include the number of song types used, variation within song types, and rate of switching between song types. Because singers can control each factor somewhat independently, different components may encode different kinds of information. In a series of interactive playbacks, I presented Banded Wrens (Thryothorus pleurostictus) with stimuli that altered song-type diversity and switching rates independently. My results show that switching rates affect males' aggressive approach responses, with lower switching rates eliciting stronger responses. By contrast, song-type diversity does not appear to affect males' approach responses when switching rates are held at a high and constant level. Although focal male switching rates and song-type diversity are not strongly influenced by playback type, males frequently respond to high-diversity playback with delayed matches. Delayed matching entails using one or more of the same song types from the playback, without immediate song- type matching. Although delayed matches occurred at levels above chance during high-diversity playbacks, focal males appeared to avoid them during other types of playback; immediate matches were rare and repertoire matches frequent for all playback treatments. Overall, males' responses to the three playback stimuli suggest that switching rate and song-type diversity encode different messages. Complejidad del Canto de Thryothorus pleurostictus: ¿Envían Diferentes Mensajes las Tasas de Cambio y la Diversidad de Tipos de Canto?