Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi pre-colonisation for improving the growth and health of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa)

Pre-colonisation of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) before trans-planting has been proposed as a method for protecting crops against biotic and abiotic stresses and/or increasing plant productivity. Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) production systems make AMF pre-inoculation at the weaning stage relatively straightforward for in vitro and runner-derived plantlets. Strawberry plugs were pre-inoculated with different AMF species to study (1) whether AMF could pre-colonise different strawberry cultivars under high moisture and soil-less substrate during the weaning process, (2) whether AMF could survive the required artificial freezing cold storage of strawberry plugs for several months, and (3) whether AMF could enhance plant tolerance against Verticillium dahliae, Phytophthora fragariae and P. cactorum. In addition, (4) AMF was inoculated at planting to study whether AMF could increase strawberry growth and yield when cultivated in coir, and (5) a simple in vitro autotrophic system was also designed to investigate strawberry-AMF-pathogen interactions under controlled conditions. The study demonstrated that the soil-less substrates tested and high moisture conditions during tipping did not prevent different AMF from colonising roots of strawberry plugs. Pre-inoculated AMF species could also survive cold storage at -2°C with strawberry plugs for several months. However, AMF pre-colonisation and/or AMF inoculation at planting did not increase plant tolerance against root pathogens. It was demonstrated that AMF inoculation in coir did not significantly increase plant growth and yield. Finally, micropropagated strawberry were successfully infected by P. fragariae in vitro with the corresponding disease symptoms, while V. dahlia and AMF could germinate but did not colonise the strawberry roots in the autotrophic culture system. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first research focusing on the AMF-strawberry interaction as a model system to study the possibility to pre-colonise strawberry plug materials to increase plant productivity and tolerance against major strawberry root diseases.
Understanding and managing the threats to Night Parrots in south-western Queensland

ABSTRACT South-western Queensland supports a suite of threatened native species, including Night Parrots. We investigated why this species has persisted in the region and discovered low prevalence of the typical factors that are thought to explain fauna attrition elsewhere in central Australia. Foxes appear to be completely absent. Feral cats were recorded relatively infrequently and showed a significant preference for habitats less commonly used by Night Parrots, a partition that may be driven by the presence of dogs that were detected twice as frequently as cats. Our study area has had a long history of moderate grazing pressure, which is concentrated mostly in productive alluvial habitats. We detected very few herbivores, and dog scat analyses suggest that macropod populations are regulated by predation. Archival imagery shows that large fires are not a feature of this landscape, resulting in the long-term, stable availability of patchy Triodia habitats separated by natural no-fuel areas. Based on these empirical data, we postulate that low non-native predator pressure, long-term stable availability of Triodia cover and a productive landscape that has had only moderate grazing pressure are the interacting factors that may explain why Night Parrots have persisted in south-western Queensland. We present practical management actions that could enhance the suitability of this landscape for Night Parrots.
Amount of nutrients extracted and left behind at a clear-felled area using the fresh-stacked and dried-stacked methods of logging residue extraction

ABSTRACT Nutrient removal has been one of the key issues since the harvesting of logging residues started in Sweden. This study examined the actual removal of nutrients by measuring the amounts of biomass removed (from a forest products perspective) combined with their respective nutrient concentrations (N, P, Ca, K and Mg), from a clear-felled area when using the dried-stacked and fresh-stacked methods. The most important finding is that the two methods were very similar regarding nutrients remaining at the clear-felled area. Of the nutrients remaining there, most were found to be well distributed between the harvester heaps. Both methods fulfilled the requirements of the Swedish Forest Agency. A sensitivity analysis showed that even if the dried-stacked method left more needles, or the fresh-stacked method extracted more logging residues, there would only be a small impact on the levels of nutrients removed. The sensitivity analysis also showed that the amount of logging residues remaining between the harvester heaps seems to be much more important for nutrients left behind, regardless of extraction method. With this in mind, it is highly probable that improvements to the extraction of logging residues, without increasing nutrient removal, can be made.
Effect of bio-regulators on vegetative growth of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda

The present investigation entitled “Effect of bio-regulators on vegetative growth of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)” was carried out at Horticultural Research Centre (HRC) of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh during the year 20162017. The layout of experimental field was laid down in Randomized Block Design in which ten treatments along with 3 replications. The height of plant was recorded significantly maximum with application of GA3 300 ppm (76.05 cm) which was at par with GA3 200 ppm (75.24 cm), while minimum plant height was recorded with MH 400 ppm (56.07 cm). The application of Ethrel 400 ppm showed maximum number of branches (43.35) however, minimum numbers of branches were recorded in control (25.33). Maximum spread of the plant was recorded with GA3 300 ppm (51.55 cm) however, minimum spread of plant was recorded in Ethrel 400 ppm (34.64 cm). It is recommended to farmers for commercial cultivation of African marigold (Tagets erecta L.) cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda.
Hari Deo Upadhyaya

This chapter discusses Hari Deo Upadhyaya, a plant breeder, geneticist and genetic resources specialist, and his contributions in management and utilization of genetic resources, molecular biology and biometrics, and in groundnut breeding. Hari's contributions in genetic resources include enriching germplasm collections; forming representative subsets in the form of core and/or mini-core collections in chickpea, groundnut, pigeonpea, pearl millet, sorghum, and six small millets; unlocking population structures, diversity and association genetics; and identifying genetically diverse and agronomically desirable germplasm accessions for use in crop breeding. The Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research (CGIAR) recognized his concept and process of forming mini-core collection as International Public Goods (IPGs) and researchers worldwide are now using mini core-collections as useful genetic resources in breeding and genomics of the aforementioned crops. A genebank manager's role isn't just confined to collection, maintenance, and archiving germplasm. Hari's spirited efforts prove so and they led many to realize the abundant opportunities to mine and enhance the value of the genetic resources in crop improvement programs. As a geneticist, his seminal work on wilt resistance in chickpea laid a strong foundation for the wilt resistance breeding programs globally. His contributions as a groundnut breeder resulted in the release of 27 cultivars in 18 countries, some widely grown, and 24 elite germplasm releases with unique characteristics made available to groundnut researchers worldwide. Hari's inimitable ability and scientific competence allowed him to collaborate with diverse groups and institutions worldwide. His scientific contributions in germplasm research and groundnut breeding have been recognized with several prestigious global awards and honors. A prolific writer and with immense passion for teaching, Hari Upadhyaya has established a school of his own for the management, evaluation and use of genetic resources for crop improvement.
Prey adaptive behaviour under predation risk modify stoichiometry predictions of predator‐induced stress paradigms

1. Prey responses to predation risk can affect multiple phenotypic traits that have significant implications for population-to-ecosystem-level properties. The general stress paradigm (hereafter GSP) proposes integrating the principles of ecological stoichiometry and prey physiological plasticity in response to predation risk to provide an explicit mechanistic framework to evaluate the direct influence of pre dation risk on ecosystem functioning. 2. However, theoretical attempts evaluating the GSP have focused on only one com ponent of phenotypic plasticity, neglecting the fact that multiple phenotypic re sponses can affect nutrient demand and consumption, and therefore, the overall animal effect on nutrient cycling rates and stoichiometry. 3. In this study, we used a dynamic state variable model to examine how variation in predation and starvation risk on a landscape of patch types that vary in food qual ity affects the behavioural and physiological phenotypic responses of prey and the linked nutrient and carbon recycling. We found that the stress imposed by predation risk promotes prey carbon limita tion,
Dependence of In Situ Bacterial Fe(II)-Oxidation and Fe(III)-Precipitation on Sequential Reactive Transport

ABSTRACT A study was conducted to determine in situ rates of Fe(II) oxidation and Fe(III) precipitation along a 5.0 m reach of a ferruginous groundwater discharge zone under two distinct conditions; (i) the natural state featuring abundant flocculent mats of bacteriogenic iron oxides (BIOS) produced by Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria, and (ii) after a manual washout of the streambed to remove the microbial mat. Examination of mat samples by differential interference contrast light microscopy revealed tangled meshworks of filamentous Leptothrix sheaths and helical Gallionella stalks intermixed with fine-grained hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) precipitates. The greatest accumulation of BIOS mat was 1.0 m downstream of the groundwater spring. Redox potential (Eh) increased sharply from 200 mV to over 300 mV over the last 2.0 m of the reach. Similarly, dissolved oxygen increased from < 10% saturation to almost 100% saturation over the last 2.0 m of the reach, whereas pH increased from 6.4 to 7.3. Pseudo-first-order rate constants determined on the basis of analytical solutions to sequential partial differential advection-dispersion-reaction equations for the linear Fe(II)→Fe(III)→HFO reaction network yielded in situ Fe(II) oxidation rate constants (kox) of 1.70 ± 0.20 min−1 in natural conditions and 0.48 ± 0.14 min−1 after washout. Corresponding Fe(III)-precipitation rates (kp) before and after washout were 3.45 ± 0.10 min−1 and 0.90 ± 0.01 min−1, respectively. These values for kox and kp are higher than estimates obtained from closed batch microcosm and laboratory experiments, underscoring the crucial dependence of in situ Fe(II) oxidation and Fe(III) precipitation rates on advective and dispersive mass transport. The results also highlight the influence that BIOS microbial mats exert on the reaction kinetics of the multiple heterogeneous reactions contributing not only to Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox transformations in groundwater discharge zones, but also the precipitation of HFO.
The exon junction complex regulates the release and phosphorylation of paused RNA polymerase II

Promoter proximal pausing of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is a widespread transcriptional regulatory step across metazoans. Here we find that the nuclear exon junction complex (pre-EJC) plays a critical and conserved role in this process. Depletion of pre-EJC subunits leads to a global decrease in Pol II pausing and to premature entry into elongation. This effect occurs, at least in part, via non-canonical recruitment of pre-EJC components at promoters. Failure to recruit the pre-EJC at promoters results in increased binding of the positive transcription elongation complex (P-TEFb) and in enhanced Pol II release. Notably, restoring pausing is sufficient to rescue exon skipping and the photoreceptor differentiation defect associated with depletion of pre-EJC components in vivo. We propose that the pre-EJC serves as an early transcriptional checkpoint to prevent premature entry into elongation, ensuring proper recruitment of RNA processing components that are necessary for exon definition.
Modelling the production of complex calls in the túngara frog (Physalaemus pustulosus)

Abstract Relatively few studies have used experimental manipulations to investigate the mechanics of vocal production in frogs and toads, even though many frogs produce complex signals with multiple components and/or nonlinearities. Modelling approaches can add to empirical studies by illuminating how various components of the vocal system interact to produce communication signals. In this study, we use bond graphs, a lumped-element modelling technique, to explore how the combination of active modulation of vocal production and the passive dynamics of a unique laryngeal structure result in the complex calls produced by males in an anuran model system. The túngara frog (Physalaemus (= Engystomops) pustulosus) produces advertisement calls with a ‘whine’ and a facultative ‘chuck’. Whines are amplitude and frequency modulated. The chuck is characterized by its spectral complexity and appears to contain a period doubling bifurcation resulting in subharmonics. In our model, we focus on how a fibrous mass attached to the vocal cords results in subharmonics in the chuck. Our models suggest that active (neural) modulation of the fibrous mass is not necessary for the transition between the spectral characteristics of the whine and chuck. Rather, it is possible that the vibratory mode of the fibrous mass and thus the vocal cords changes passively as a result of changes in airflow through the system.
Yield responses to P fertilisation of onion (Allium cepa L.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea Capitata Group L.) in Finland

Finnish data on vegetable crops’ yield responses to phosphorus (P) applications are scarce, but P is usually applied in quantities that meet the crop demand with wide safety margins. We determined yield responses to P fertilisation of onion and cabbage at three sites in 3-year field trials. Only on a sandy loam with low P status did annual P applications give statistically significant yield increases, 7% and 20% over the P-unfertilised treatment for onion and cabbage, respectively. The maximum P rate allowed by national regulation for this soil is 80 kg ha-1, but P rates of 10–12 kg ha-1 were sufficient to produce 97% of the yield maxima. The results strongly suggest that the P demand of the studied vegetables is smaller than previously thought also in a boreal climate. Critical soil test P concentrations for vegetables should be established to avoid unnecessary build-up of soil P that may be uneconomical and elevate the risk for P losses to waterways. However, too few data exist for this at present.
Can stress act as a sleep inertia countermeasure when on-call?

Abstract The nature of on-call work is such that workers can be called and required to respond immediately after being woken. However, due to sleep inertia, impaired performance immediately upon waking is typical. We investigated the impact of a preceding stressor (an alarm/mobilisation procedure) on sleepiness and performance upon waking. Healthy, adult males (n = 16) attended the sleep laboratory for four consecutive nights which included two, counterbalanced on-call sleeps where participants were woken at 04:00 h by (a) an alarm/mobilisation procedure (Alarm) or (b) gently by a researcher (Control). Following waking was a 2-h testing session comprising the repeated administration of the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) and 5-min Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Results from within-subjects analysis of variance in both the Control and Alarm conditions showed that for subjective sleepiness (KSS) there was a significant fixed effect of time (p = 0.012), with participants becoming less sleepy as time post-wake increased. In terms of PVT performance outcomes, in neither the Alarm or Control conditions were there measurable signs of sleep inertia with performance remaining stable across the 2-h testing period. Based on previous research measuring impact of sleep inertia when woken near the circadian nadir, performance findings in particular were unexpected. We propose that stress caused by study procedures (i.e. finger pricks using lancets) unrelated to the simulated wake-up protocols may have countered any impact of sleep inertia on performance.
DEVELOPMENT OF VASCULARIZED PATHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ENGINEERED TISSUES

Vascularization is still a great challenge in Tissue Engineering. First this is important to avoid mass transfer limitation in engineered tissues but also for innovative in vivo and in vitro applications. A pre-vascularized tissue can accelerate the formation of functional anastomosis with host vasculature in vivo ensuring the sustenance of the implant, its integration and long term survival. In the same time, in vitro, it can be a suitable model in view of fundamental research about physiological and pathological angiogenesis and industrial applications like drugs screening. In this work, we analyse the formation of capillary like networks into pathological and physiological tissues obtained by bottom up approach and strengthened by an endogenous extracellular matrix (ECM). The introduction describes the fundamental role of vascularization in tissue engineering and the bottom up approach that we exploit in order to obtain stroma-rich tissues. Chapter 2 retraces interesting steps of the state of art regarding 3D engineered models of pathological and physiological conditions, specifically, analyzing human breast and skin tissues and underling the role of microenvironment in tissue functionality. Chapter 3 and 4 are dedicated to the description of our work with the aim to achieve and investigate the features of vascularized pathological and physiological engineered models suitable for pharmaceutical and clinical applications. Notably, chapter 3 describes the development of vascularized breast cancer micro-tissues which are able to recapitulate tumor vascular pro-angiogenic and stromal desmoplastic reaction, and heterogeneity in cluster migration during interstitial invasion. On the other hand, chapter 4 shows how healthy micro-tissues are assembled and cultured in order to obtain vascularized dermis/skin equivalents mirroring physiological angiogenesis. Both models are featured by the presence of an active and organized stroma which is part of an interactive microenvironment and able to receive, store and release physio-pathological stimuli. We speculate that the vascularized dermis/skin model could be useful for in vivo applications in order to repair and restore damaged tissues. Furthermore, both vascularized tumor and healthy tissues are suitable research models. Thus, allowing the study of tumor progression, physio-pathological angiogenesis and providing a platform for drug screening on multicomponent systems.
Epiphytic Bacterial Communities in Seagrass Meadows of Oligotrophic Waters of Andaman Sea

The epiphytic microbial communities of seagrass (Cymodocea rotundata and Thalassia testudinum) along with sediments and seawater of the seagrass ecosystem of Andaman Sea were assessed for heterotrophic bacterial communities. Young leaves of C. nodosa and T. testudinum sediments and water samples were collected from two different locations at Burmanala and Havelock island. Young leaves were swabbed and transferred into Alkaline peptone water along with 1 gm of sediments and 1 ml of seawater for initial microbial enrichments, followed by culture of microbes in Salt Yeast Extract Agar. Thiosulphate Citrate Bile Salt agar was used for seagrass leaves, sediments and water for culturing of Vibrio like microbes. The observed colonies were morphologically (colour) identified first and then further identification was done by Gram staining and various biochemical tests. Sediment bacterial count was 10-fold higher than seagrass and water column communities. Morphologically 29% of total bacterial colonies identified were of grey and white colour. T. testudinum bacterial epiphytes were 2-fold higher than C. rotundata communities. Gram negative bacterial isolates of Pseudomonas, Vibrios and Aeromonas dominated the bacterial colonies than gram positive bacteria of Bacillus and Micrococcus. Vibrios were only observed on seagrass leaves. Seagrass harboured more gram positive bacterial colonies than gram negative, which were dominated in the sediments of seagrass ecosystem. The bacterial communities of landward site of Burmanala and Havelock were similar whereas 2-fold higher communities were observed at the seaward site of Havelock site on T. testudinum. Seagrass ecosystem bacterial epiphytic communities are diverse in oligotrophic waters.
Estimation of some Elements and Acids for the Different Grape Juice

This study included estimating the heavy elements of some types of grape juice of different origin and determining their proportions in juices and comparing them with the quality control of Iraq and observing whether it is suitable for human use or not. Calcium salts are observed as 137 ppm in C juice and 9.5 ppm of magnesium in juice B, for heavy metals the highest percentage of lead 0.19ppm recorded in juice A, 1.7 ppm of copper in B juice 3.5 ppm Iron in juice A, 0.8 ppm of zinc in B juice and A, 0.06 ppm of aluminum in B, 0.015 ppm of cobalt in juice A and B, 0.06 ppm of nickel in B juice, Sodium was 168.1 ppm in C juice, but the acids were found to have the highest rates were 3.1 ppm of malic acid in B, 156.7 ppm of acid in Juice of ascorbic B, 238.5 ppm of acid found in lemon juice 130ppm in juice B.
Combining Ability Analysis for Yield and Spot Blotch Disease Resistance in Tetraploid Wheat

Wheat is a crop of paramount importance in the present agricultural scenario and being the staple diet for more than one third of the world population it is regarded as the „King of Cereals‟. The ultimate aim of any plant breeding program is to develop cultivars with high yielding potential and consistent performance over diverse environments but realizing higher yields under diseased conditions is the major challenge faced. The fungal diseases have cosmic influence in reducing the productivity potential of otherwise high yielding wheat varieties. Spot blotch disease of wheat caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoemaker has become a major bottleneck in the wheat production affecting the potential major wheat growing areas. Resistance breeding is the most reliable and feasible approach for the management of this destructive disease. At present, spot blotch resistance potential in high yielding wheat varieties is poor and needs rigorous International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 01 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com