Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional response of Trichogramma chilonis to Galleria mellonella and Chilo sacchariphagus eggs

A biological control programme using inundative releases of Trichogramma chilonis Ischii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) reared on Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is currently underway to reduce infestations of Chilo sacchariphagus Bojer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in sugarcane, Saccharum spp. , on Réunion Island. To assess the potential of the parasitoid as an inundative biocontrol agent, the functional response of three T. chilonis strains was tested with G. mellonella and one strain with C. sacchariphagus host eggs in glass tubes in the laboratory. The shape of the functional response (type II or III) was determined using logistic regression, and attack coefficients and handling times (Th) were determined using non‐linear least‐square regression. The behaviour of all three strains with G. mellonella host eggs corresponded to a type III response. The St Benoît T. chilonis strain had a significantly shorter estimate of Th than the St Pierre strain (P<0.05) and may, therefore, be more appropriate as a biocontrol agent. The functional response with C. sacchariphagus host eggs was a type II with the St Benoît T. chilonis strain. More T. chilonis wasps developed per host egg from the larger C. sacchariphagus host eggs (2.9) relative to G. mellonella (1.1). Superparasitism at low host egg densities was, therefore, likely to have been less frequent with C. sacchariphagus. Black eggs were chosen as an estimate of number of eggs parasitized, although they represent the number of eggs where parasitism led to complete pupal development. The low rate of detected parasitism at low host densities with G. mellonella eggs may be due to incomplete pupal development due to superparasitism rather than lack of parasitism, thus explaining the type III functional response.
Spatial distribution of Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) in relation to spatial distributions of krill in the Ross Sea, Antarctica

The spatial distribution of Antarctic minke whales in the Ross Sea with relation to spatial distributions of their prey – krill – was investigated in this study using generalized additive models (GAMs). Spatial distributions of two species of krill (ice and Antarctic krill) were estimated by GAMs. Three abiotic factors – distance from the continental shelf break (800 m isobaths), the mean temperature and salinity from the surface to 200 m (MTEM-200 and MSAL-200), and latitude and longitude – were used as covariates for models of krill. Estimated spatial distributions of krill were then used with other covariates to model the spatial distribution of Antarctic minke whales. In the selected model of Antarctic minke whales, Antarctic krill were more influential than ice krill. The number of Antarctic minke whales increased as the density of Antarctic krill increased to around 1.5 g m−2. Beyond that, the number of Antarctic minke whales decreased as the density of Antarctic krill increased. High densities of the Antarctic minke whales were estimated along the sea ice edge in the eastern part of the Ross Sea. Specifically, the densities were high in the north of the continental shelf break where low MTEM-200 and MSAL-200 and intermediate densities of Antarctic krill were observed. Further data collection is needed to investigate interannual variations and trends in their relationship. The results show that the spatial distribution of Antarctic minke whales is a function of longitude, distance from the shelf break, oceanographic condition (temperature and salinity), and densities of ice and Antarctic krill.
Smaller Microtus vole species competitively superior in the absence of predators

Interspecific competition is assumed to generate negative effects on coexisting species, possibly including slower population growth and lower survival. The field vole (Microtus agrestis) and the sibling vole (M. rossiaemeridionalis) are sympatric close relatives which compete for similar resources. Previous non-experimental studies suggest that the smaller sibling vole is a superior competitor, yet more vulnerable to predation than the larger field vole. We studied the effects of coexistence on population densities, reproductive parameters, and survival in these two species by means of experimentation in large, predator-free outdoor enclosures. While populations of both species reached higher densities in the absence of the other, field voles appeared to suffer more from interspecific competition than sibling voles. The proportion of young individuals in the population was higher in the sibling vole than in the field vole at the end of the experiment. The presence of a coexisting species reduced the survival of field voles. Sibling voles, on the other hand, appeared to suffer more from intraspecific competition than interspecific competition. On a population level, the sibling vole seems to be a superior competitor in the absence of predators due to better survival and possibly a higher reproductive capacity. However, predation probably has a profound influence on the interspecific dynamics of these two species indicating that in natural surroundings apparent competition (i.e. competition via shared predators) is stronger than direct competition.
Alaskan moose measurements and weights and measurement–weight relationships

A total of 1329 Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas) were measured for total length, 1340 for chest girth, 1317 for hind foot, 618 for shoulder height, and 1219 for ear length. Five hundred and four moose were weighed. These data were classified by sex, age, month sampled, and location. Growth rates were plotted and discussed. No morphometric differences were detected by sex and location classifications up to age 36 months. Location differences were detected which corresponded to general condition, productivity, and condition related blood parameters of the populations. Seasonal weight patterns demonstrated increases from 21 to 55% from spring to late fall. Measurements, particularly total lengths, were better indicators of growth rate than were weights. All body measurements were significantly correlated with weight: total length, r (correlation coefficient) = 0.94; chest girth, r = 0.90; shoulder height, r = 0.87; and hind foot, r = 0.81. Combined sex regression equations were derived because the slight di.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Korean Mint Agastache rugosa (Fisch & Meyer) Kuntze (Lamiaceae) Using ISSR Markers

Agastache rugosa, a member of the mint family (Labiatae), is a perennial herb widely distributed in East Asian countries. It is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cholera, vomiting, and miasma. This study assessed the genetic diversity and population structures on 65 accessions of Korean mint A. rugosa germplasm based on inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The selected nine ISSR primers produced reproducible polymorphic banding patterns. In total, 126 bands were scored; 119 (94.4%) were polymorphic. The number of bands generated per primer varied from 7 to 18. A minimum of seven bands was generated by primer 874, while a maximum of 18 bands was generated by the primer 844. Six primers (815, 826, 835, 844, 868, and 874) generated 100% polymorphic bands. This was supported by other parameters such as total gene diversity (H T ) values, which ranged from 0.112 to 0.330 with a mean of 0.218. The effective number of alleles (N E ) ranged from 1.174 to 1.486 with a mean value of 1.351. Nei’s genetic diversity (H) mean value was 0.218, and Shannon’s information index (I) mean value was 0.343. The high values for total gene diversity, effective number of alleles, Nei’s genetic diversity, and Shannon’s information index indicated substantial variations within the population. Cluster analysis showed characteristic grouping, which is not in accordance with their geographical affiliation. The implications of the results of this study in developing a strategy for the conservation and breeding of A. rugosa and other medicinal plant germplasm are discussed.
Effects of nano zinc and humic acid on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of savory (Satureja hortensis L.).

In the research greenhouse of the Institute of, University of zabol, Iran). a factorial experiment was condition in the form of completely randomized design (CRD) on four replications. The treatments were humic acid concentrations in four levels (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 on each one 1000 m/liters water) and nano ze chelated fertilizer in four levels (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg; on each one at 1000 m/liters per water) Results of variance analysis showed that the interaction effect of humic acid × nano ze chelated fertilizer and the effect of humic acid and nano ze chelated fertilizer management on Plant height, Leaf fresh and dry weight, Phosphorus,Number of leaves per plant, Chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and Essential oil content was significant at 1% probability level. minimum plant height, Leaf fresh and dry weight, Phosphorus,Number of leaves per plant, Chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and Essential oil content of the treatment control and maximum plant height, Leaf fresh and dry weight, Phosphorus, Number of leaves per plant, Chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and Essential oil content of treatment were gained in N4. maximum, Leaf fresh and dry weight, Phosphorus, Number of leaves per plant, Chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and Essential oil were gained from H4 fertilizer treatment Except plant height that maximum, plant height was obtained H3 fertilizer treatment. maximum plant height, Leaf fresh and dry weight, Phosphorus, Number of leaves per plant, Chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and Essential oil content of treatment were obtained in N4H4.
Small is beautiful: diversity of freshwater ostracods (Crustacea, Ostracoda) in marginal habitats of the province of Parma (Northern Italy)

A study on the distribution of ostracods in small freshwater habitats of the province of Parma was conducted from May 2004 to December 2005. Vernal pools, ponds, shallow lakes, fountains, springs, ditches, canals, and streams were among the most common types of aquatic systems included in this survey. Altogether, 90 sites located between 24 and 1557 m a.s. l. were visited, and 125 samples were collected. 41 samples did not contain ostracods, and 7 samples were not considered because only immature specimens or empty valves were found. Consequently, 77 samples from 58 sites were analysed. Whenever possible, ostracod identification was done at the species level based on the morphology of both valves and limbs. Thirty-eight taxa from 20 genera belonging to the families Candonidae, Ilyocyprididae, Cyprididae, and Notodromadidae were recorded. This roughly accounts for one-third of the estimated number of non-marine ostracod species in Italy. Scanning electron microscopy images of valves are provided. The maximum number of species per site was six. The most frequent species were Heterocypris incongruens, Eucypris virens, Pseudocandona pratensis, Cypria ophthalmica, and Tonnacypris lutaria. Of particular relevance is the occurrence of species with a limited known distribution in Italy, viz. Ilyocypris monstrifica, Potamocypris villosa, Candona cf. lindneri, Fabaeformiscandona breuili and Physocypria kraepelini. A putative new species of the genus Candona, here left in open nomenclature, is also reported. Our results highlight the importance of so-called "marginal" aquatic habitats as potential biodiversity hotspots, in spite of the general lack of interest shown by freshwater ecologists and taxonomists in undertaking scientific investigations in these environments.
Incidence of Verticillium wilt and yield losses of cotton cultivars (Gossypium hirsutum) based on soil inoculum density of Verticillium dahliae

Inoculum density (propagules per gram of soil) of Verticillium dahliae at planting time, when plotted against the disease incidence (percent foliar symptoms) for two cotton cultivars for three successive years, closely followed the negative exponential curve Y=57.09 * (1-e -0.351*χ ). Correlation coefficients for each of the 3 yr separately and all 3 yr cumulatively were 0.71, 0.96, 0.84, and 0.85, respectively []
Comparative Susceptibility of Respiratory Viruses to Recombinant Interferons-α2b and -β

ABSTRACT Intranasal recombinant interferon-α2b (rIFN-α2b) protects against natural colds due to rhinoviruses, but apparently not against those caused by viruses. Because rIFN-βserine17 (rIFN-βser) appears less active than rIFN-α2b in preventing natural rhinovirus colds, we compared the two IFNs in two in vitro assays against selected respiratory viruses. In a yield reduction assay, both IFNs had comparable activity against rhinovirus types 39 and 1A and coronavirus 229E, which were inhibited by 90% or more at IFN concentrations of 10−11 to 10−10 gram of protein/ml (approximately 2–20 IU/ml). Similar activities were observed with rIFN-βser against rhinoviruses isolated from clinical specimens. At concentrations of 10−9 gram protein/ml, both IFNs inhibited the growth of influenza A and parainfluenza viruses, but not of adenovirus or respiratory syncytial virus in the cell culture systems tested. Thus, the different clinical protection conferred by rIFN-α2b and rIFN-βser in studies of natural rhinovirus cold.
Características morfofisiológicas associadas à qualidade de mudas de Eucalyptus urophylla produzidas em diferentes substratos

It was evaluated in this study the effects of different combinations of substrates on the morphologic and physiological characteristcs related to the quality of Eucalyptus urophylla seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a a forest nursery on the sun, in which seedlings were produced in 54 cc tubes and irrigated by micron aspersion. It was used a complete random experimental design with 12 treatments and four replicates. Treatments were based on the following combinations of substrate: two commercial substrates (Vivatto Slim Plus and Mecplant), manure, coconut bark powder, vermiculite, and a mixture substrate used by a Forest Company. Osmocote, a mineral fertilizer which has a controlled NPK supply, was added into all treatments. The following characteristics were evaluated: root regeneration potential (RRP); total seedling growth (TSG); growth speed index (GSI), Dickson quality index (IQD), and SPAD index. Overall, the best results were obtained in treatments with coconut bark powder and manure. Concerning seedling quality, IQD values were almost always positively associated to RRP, except the 100% Vivatto Slim Plus substrates which showed lower RRP. The highest means of SPAD indexes were obtained from the combination of 40% manure, 20% coconut bark, and 40% vermiculite. The combination of 70% manure and 30% coconut bark powder provided seedlings production with the highest values of RRP, which presented superior quality than the other substrates combination, based on the evaluated characteristics.
Evaluation of the feeding habits of Macrobrachium brasiliense (Heller, 1862) in the Curral de Arame stream (Dourados/Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil)

Macrobrachium brasiliense is a cosmopolitan shrimp species found in the channel of large rivers, streams, lakes, igapos and upland igarapes and can present diversity in the use of food resources. This study aimed to evaluate the feeding habits according to sex, molt stage, seasonal and spatial variation, and size class. Organisms were collected every three months from May 2011 to March 2012 at three sampling sites in the Curral de Arame Stream, including the upstream, middle, and downstream sections. Animals were sampled with 50x50cm sieves (1 mm mesh size) on the margin, and with "D" dip nets 40 cm wide (500 µm mesh size) at the bottom. Of each animal we examined the sex, molt stage, carapace length, and stomach content. Data were analyzed through the frequency of occurrence and compared by a chi-square test. Four-hundred-thirty shrimps were collected, of which 26.05% male and 73.95% female; of the total males, 69.64% showed content in the stomach, and females, 72.96%. Among food items stood out: Non-identified Organic Matter (90%), Insects (89.68%), Sand (87.10%), Algae (49.03%), Oligochaeta (29.68%), Fungi (26.77%) and Plant fragment (14.52%). No significant difference was detected in the diet between males and females, but there was a seasonal difference related to the molt stage, and differences along the space and per size classes, and it was concluded that the species has omnivorous habits.
Higher call rates of morepork, Ninox novaeseelandiae, at sites inside an area with ongoing brodifacoum poisoning compared with matched non‐managed sites

Abstract In Ark in the Park, a conservation project in the Waitakere ranges near Auckland, New Zealand, the anticoagulent brodifacoum has been used as a principal means of ongoing rodent pest eradication since 2003. The morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) is a small species of owl at risk of secondary poisoning through ingestion of poisoned invertebrates and rodents. To begin to examine whether morepork are being affected by the continued poisoning operation, we conducted call counts in December 2006 and January 2007. We collected data on morepork calls inside the poison‐operation area (Ark in the Park) and compared their rate and direction with calls recorded at date‐matched control locations in the Waitakere ranges where no poisoning was conducted. Despite small sample sizes, there were significantly more calls, call bouts, and estimated numbers of morepork inside Ark in the Park compared with the control sites outside. If higher call rates, in the face of ongoing brodifacoum application, represent higher densities of morepork inside Ark in the Park compared to nearby non‐managed sites, then we suggest that these results imply a higher quality of foraging habitats and breeding grounds inside the conservation area following the reduction in population sizes of mammalian pests.
Physicochemical Changes during Date Ripening Related to Ethylene Production

Some physicochemical parameters related to ripening and their relationship with ethylene were studied in date fruits (Phoenix dactyliferaL. type Negros). Dates were harvested and classified into sixteen ripening stages according to their color, ranging from yellow-greenish to dark brown. Fruit firmness decreased through the different ripening stages, while the ripening index, expressed as the relation between soluble solids and acidity, increased. The greatest loss of fruit firmness correlated with the greatest increases in both polygalacturonase and •-galactosidase activities. In early ripening stages, a small peak in ethylene production was detected, followed by a peak in respiration rate, suggesting that a date could be considered as a climacteric fruit, with the plant hormone ethylene being responsible for changes in color, fruit firmness, soluble solids content and acidity.
The effect of harvest date and inoculation on the yield, fermentation characteristics and feeding value of forage pea and field bean silages

Two experiments describe the ensiling potential of whole-crop forage peas (Pisum sativum) and field beans (Vicia faba). In Experiment 1, forage peas (cv. Magnus) and field beans (cv. Mayo) were harvested at 10, 12 and 14 weeks after sowing, and ensiled in 10 kg mini-silos either untreated or treated with an inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum). In terms of yield and ensiling potential, the optimum growth stage for harvesting forage peas occurred at 12 weeks of growth. In contrast, delaying the harvest of field beans until 14 weeks gave the highest yields of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP). Changes in crop maturity had little effect on the chemical composition of the fresh forages, but between-harvest date differences were observed in the DM, ammonia-N, CP, water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), acid-detergent fibre (ADF), neutral-detergent fibre (NDF), lactic acid and volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations and pH of the corresponding silages. Fermentation was improved by applying an inoculant. In Experiment 2, forage peas and field beans were harvested at 14 weeks after sowing and ensiled as round-bale silage, either untreated or treated with an inoculant. The yields of the crops were similar, and the only difference in the chemical composition of the wilted forages was a higher CP concentration in the field beans. However, after the ensiling process was complete, the forage pea silages were found to have significantly higher DM, WSC, starch and butyric acid concentrations compared with the field bean silages, and lower ammonia-N, CP, ADF, acetic acid and lactic acid concentrations. Inoculation was found to increase the lactic acid concentration and reduce the pH and ammonia-N and acetic acid concentrations of the silages. Each of the silages produced in Experiment 2 was offered to six Suffolk crossbred wether lambs, aged 10 months. Voluntary DM intakes were similar on all treatments, despite the apparent digestibility of the forage pea silages being significantly higher than that of the field bean silages. Nitrogen retention was higher for lambs offered forage pea silage. Application of an inoculant was found to have a negative effect on the amount of N retained, indicating the necessity for more detailed investigations into proteolytic activity within these crops during the fermentation process.
Response of root explants to in vitro cultivation of marketable garlic cultivars

Garlic cultivars are sexually sterile under standard growth conditions, with direct implications for commercial production costs as well as breeding programs. Garlic is propagated commercially via bulblets, which facilitates disease transmission and virus load accumulation over vegetative generations. Tissue culture produces virus-free clones that are more productive, while keeping the desired traits of the cultivar. Consequently, this technique allows studies of garlic genetics as well as guarantees genetic conservation of varieties. We aimed at analyzing the in vitro regeneration of eight marketable cultivars of garlic using root segments as explants. For each genotype, bulblet-derived explants were isolated and introduced into MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D and 2-iP. Calli were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 8.8 mM BAP and 0.1 mM NAA (regeneration medium A), or with 4.6 mM kinetin alone (regeneration medium B). The calli were then evaluated for regeneration frequency after sixty days of in vitro cultivation. The noble cultivar 'Jonas' presented the highest rates of plant regeneration among the cultivars tested. The medium A, which contained auxin and cytokinin, induced the highest regeneration rates of all cultivars. The process described herein is simple, reproducible and can potentially be used as a tool in molecular breeding strategies for other marketable cultivars and genotypes of garlic.
Copper and nickel tolerance in Typha latifolia clones from contaminated and uncontaminated environments

Plants of Typha latifolia L. derived from overwintering rootstocks collected from a site contaminated with copper and nickel and an uncontaminated control location were maintained in the laboratory for a minimum of three vegetative generations. Uptake of copper and nickel by both clones from contaminated nutrient solutions was greater than from control solutions. Growth of both clones was inhibited by 100 μg g−1 Cu–EDTA, and 600 μg g−1 Ni–EDTA. Evidence suggesting that copper and nickel tolerance has evolved in the population from the contaminated site could not be detected. Indeed clones from the uncontaminated site showed greater growth under copper stress than clones from the contaminated site, while growth of both clones was equally depressed under conditions of nickel stress.