Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers.) Pouzar causing silverleaf disease on blueberries in Chile

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in Chile is being affected by silver disease whose causative agent is Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers.) Pouzar. This fungus causes a decrease in the yield of the fruit and the death of the plant. So far, this disease has not been reported in the literature attacking blueberry plants in Chile. The main objective of this research was to characterize genetically the populations of Ch. purpureum at molecular level using the ITS-RFLP markers. The results of the ITS-RFLP indicate a low level of diversity in the Chilean populations of Ch. purpureum. When analyzing the isolates collected in blueberry, two large groups were configured in the dendrogram. The first one grouped 49 isolates with the same molecular profile and in the second cluster there was a greater diversity among the isolates. On the other hand, when we analyzed Ch. purpureum isolates collected in other hosts, 12 isolates constituted a group with identical molecular profile with the 49 isolates collected from blueberry. Analysis of variance of the molecular data showed that there were no statistical differences between Ch. purpureum collected in different areas or in different hosts.
Attempted Predation of Western Desert Tarantula By Sonoran Desert Toad

Abstract Sonoran Desert toads (Incilius alvarius) are known to consume invertebrates, small lizards, other toads, and mice. Here we report an attempt by a Sonoran Desert toad to consume a western desert tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) at Sabino Canyon, Arizona. Despite nearly being completely swallowed, the tarantula was able to escape after a struggle lasting ≥50 s, likely due to defensive bites and urticating hairs.
Isolation and characterization of basil mosaic virus in Egypt

Abstract Different viral infection symptoms were observed on leaves of basil plants (Ocimum basilicum L.), growing at El-Monofia Governorate, Egypt, during 2015–2016. The majority of these symptoms were mosaic and leaf malformation. The pathogenic agent of this disease is known as basil mosaic virus (BsMV). The sensitive hosts to BsMV are Chenopodium amaranticolor and Phaseolus vulgaris cv. (brown beans). The biological properties of BsMV were found to be 10−4, 6 days and 66 °C for dilution end point, longevity in vitro and thermal inactivation point, respectively. The electron micrograph of the isolated virus indicated this virus was found to be isometric particles of approximately, 50 nm in diameter and could be classified as tentative member of the Fabavirus. Real-time PCR detection by the Fab primer pairs was confirmed at Ct value = 25.44 for the total cDNA isolated from infected Basil plants and 27.94 for the cDNA of purified virus particles, while CMV primer pairs showed no amplification for both samples. According to the available reports this seems to be the first record for basil mosaic virus in Egypt.
Effect of Non-Genetic Factors on Production and Reproduction Traits in Deoni Cattle

The present investigation was carried out in Deoni cattle maintained at cattle breeding farm, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Udgir Dist- Latur to see the influence of various non-genetic factors on production and reproduction traits. The breeding tract of Deoni breed is the Marathwada region which is considered as a most drought prone regions of the country. Therefore, the present research has an importance to investigate the change in the performance of production and reproduction traits in this changing environment. The study revealed that there is no significant effect of season of calving, period of calving and parity on total milk yield as well as on dry period, lactation length, service period, gestation period and calving interval. The overall least squares mean for total lactation milk yield, service period, dry period, calving interval, lactation length and gestation period were 714.26±69.72 litres, 214.52±43.25 days, 204.77±32.86 days, 489.23±36.83 days, 284.89±31.92 days and 288.83±10.29 days, respectively. Service period had highly significant (p<0.01) correlation with lactation length, dry period and calving interval. The highest correlation (0.876) was observed between lactation length and service period followed by calving interval and lactation length.
Decline in holm oak coppices (Quercus ilex L. subsp. ballota (Desf.) Samp.): biometric and physiological interpretations

Aim of the study: To analyse the decline in aged holm oak coppice forests as regards above-ground and below-ground fractions and physiological features. Area of study: Centre of the Iberian Peninsula (Guadalajara province). Material and methods: 26 pairs of holm oak stools with different vigour but with similar site and structural characteristics within each pair were selected. Morphological (basal area, number of stools, maximum height) and physiological traits (leaf water potential, stomatal conductance) of the standing stools were assessed. Their aerial and underground parts were extracted and different size fractions of both their above and below-ground biomass were quantified. Linear mixed models were built to test the effect of ’ Stool vigour ’ on the mean behaviour of the measured variables. Additionally, for the aerial part, linear regressions between the weights of the different size fractions and the basal area at breast height were performed using ‘ Stool vigour ’ as a fixed factor. Main results: For the same site, root depth, and number and diameter of shoots than good vigour stools, poor vigour stools displayed: lower predawn water potential, greater leaf mass per unit of area; lower total leaf area; lower above-ground biomass (in total as well as per fractions); lower fine roots biomass; lower proportion of leaf biomass and a greater proportion of biomass of both all roots and those with diameter 2-7 cm. Research highlights: The above-ground physiological and morphological characteristics of declined stools are interpreted as poorer adaptation to site conditions. Root system architecture was found to be relevant to explain this behaviour.
A review of more than 30 years of cytogenetic studies of Tephritidae in support of sterile insect technique and global trade

Cytogenetics of Tephritidae has contributed for more than 30 years to the efficient control of pest members of this family and the species delimitation among them. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a species‐specific and environmentally friendly method for the population control of insect pest species, always as a component of integrated pest management approaches. The construction of polytene chromosome maps facilitated the development, characterization, and improvement of genetic sexing strains, which have boosted the effectiveness of SIT and are considered as models for developing genetic sexing methodologies in other target species. In parallel, characterization of mitotic karyotypes and the availability of polytene chromosomes in Diptera have been and are being used as supplementary evidence in taxonomic studies. Lately, under the common understanding that speciation can be achieved via various pathways and under the umbrella of integrative taxonomy, cytogenetic studies have contributed to multidisciplinary taxonomic approaches. Such studies can shed light on the borders between closely related species and/or incipient speciation, and this is crucial both for the implementation of SIT and the revision/improvement of quarantine policies. In this review, we summarize the cytogenetic status of Tephritidae and discuss the contribution of cytogenetics to the development of genetic sexing strains in this family.
Gall Inducers Arose from Inquilines: Phylogenetic Position of a Gall-Inducing Species and Its Relatives in the Inquiline Tribe Synergini (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)

Abstract It has long been assumed that members of the cynipid tribe Synergini (sensu stricto) are all inquilines, that is, gallers of galls: the larvae can modify the galls of other species but cannot initiate gall formation on their own. Surprisingly, Abe et al. recently showed that one member of the tribe, Synergus itoensis Abe, Ide et Wachi, is a true gall inducer: it produces small galls inside acorns without the help of other species. Here, we present a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the Synergini to determine whether S. itoensis acquired this ability recently or if it represents a survivor of ancient gall inducers from which inquiline Synergini evolved. We studied 71 species belonging to five genera, covering all the Palearctic inquiline genera associated with oaks and one outgroup, Rhoophilus loewi Mayr, which is an inquiline in Lepidoptera galls on Searsia (formerly Rhus) (Anacardiaceae). We obtained partial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 28S ribosomal RNA (1.1 kbp of data). The results show that S. itoensis is most closely related to two undescribed species, which have also been reared from acorns. Their life history is unknown but the molecular phylogenetic data and the similarity in gall and adult morphology suggest that they are also gall inducers.The three species are deeply nested within lineages known to be inquilines, strongly suggesting that they acquired the ability to induce galls recently. Based on the molecular phylogenetic data and morphological features, Synergus yukawai (Wachi, Ide et Abe) is transferred back to Saphonecrus (Saphonecrus yukawai comb. rev.), where it was originally described.
Adaptive plasticity in mammalian masticatory joints

Genetically similar white rabbits raised on diets of different mechanical properties, as well as wild-type and myostatin-deficient mice raised on similar diets, were compared to assess the postweaning effects of elevated masticatory loads due to increased jaw-adductor muscle and bite forces on the proportions and properties of the mandibular symphysis and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Microcomputed tomography (microCT) was used to quantify bone structure at a series of equidistant external and internal sites in coronal sections for a series of joint locations. Discriminant function analyses and non-parametric ANOVAs were used to characterize variation in biomineralization within and between loading cohorts. In both species, long-term excessive loading results in larger joint proportions, thicker articular and cortical bone, and increased biomineralization of hard tissues. Such adaptive plasticity appears designed to maintain the postnatal integrity of masticatory joint systems for a primary loading environment(s). This behavioral signal may be increasingly mitigated in older organisms by the interplay between adaptive and degradative joint tissue responses.
Duplex Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detection of Adenoviral and Lentiviral Vectors

The ability to detect and quantify viral vector sequences from a variety of clinical sample types is crucial to performing biosafety risk assessments. Viral vector-mediated gene transfer studies are often performed in animals, and these animals must be placed under appropriate biocontainment conditions to protect the workers and environment. Data on the shedding of viral vectors from animals are limited, and the sample types are challenging for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For this reason, we developed a quantitative PCR assay that could be used for such purpose. We designed a sequence-specific, probe-binding method for detecting adenoviral and lentiviral vector sequences. A duplex strategy was used that included a quality control sequence to be amplified in the same reaction as the viral vector. This sequence provided an internal control for normalization of noncellular sample types, such as animal excretions that inherently lack a natural control sequence. The new assay was used to establish the efficiency of reverse transcription and to detect viral genomes in stocks of whole virus particles. We identified sets of primers and probes for both adenoviral and lentiviral sequences that work well together with no interference. The average conversion rate of RNA into complementary DNA was 18.5%. The new quantitative PCR assay was efficient and specific, and it measured successfully the number of viral genomes in stocks of whole virus particles. This assay could be used to detect adenoviral and lentiviral vector sequences for biosafety and other research purposes.
Higher taxa can be effective surrogates for species‐level data in detecting changes in invertebrate assemblage structure due to disturbance: a case study using a broad range of orders

Cost‐effective assessment tools are needed to manage the impacts of natural and human disturbances on communities. Higher taxa are widely used as surrogates for species‐level identification in invertebrates; however, few studies have compared their effectiveness with species‐level data for terrestrial invertebrates or assessed the mechanistic basis for their performance, and none of these studies have used a broad range of orders. Here, a terrestrial invertebrate dataset comprising 21 orders, 197 families and 751 species was used to investigate whether order‐ and family‐level identifications were effective surrogates for species‐level identification in representing patterns in assemblage structure and detecting the effects of fire. Factors potentially influencing the performance of surrogates among invertebrate orders were also investigated. Family‐level identification of invertebrates in moorland sites with a wide range of fire history was found to be an effective surrogate for species‐level identification. Order‐level identification was also an effective surrogate, but the level of discrimination among sites was typically lower than for species‐ or family‐level identification. Higher taxonomic surrogates performed well for invertebrate orders comprising a few species that were abundant and with a small mean and variance in the number of species per higher taxon. Use of higher taxa as surrogates for species‐level identification can be a cost‐effective approach to monitoring impacts of disturbance, but outcomes are influenced by taxonomic diversity and community structure.
Assessment of Brushing Date and Direction on Tasar Silkworm Antheraea mylitta D Production and Protection

Tropical tasar silkworm, Antherae amylitta D (Lepidoptera:Saturniidae) is a commercially important insect and a valuable component of Asian non-mulberry silk industry. Forest dependent people rear its larvae on different forestry host plants twice or thrice in a year for small household income. It is a backbone for tribal development because about 1.25 lakh tribal families are associated with tasar culture in the country (Reddy et.al., 2015). A. mylitta completes its life cycle twice or thrice in a year depending on the biotic and abiotic factors, and accordingly the race is recognised as bivoltine (BV) or trivoltine (TV). The distribution of tasar silkworm in the Indian sub-continent is wide ranging between 10 o to Impact of brushing date and direction on pest severity and cocoon production in tasar silkworm was studied. Appropriate direction as well as date of brushing has important role in suppression of pest and predators without use of harmful chemicals. Brushing of tasar silkworm was done on three dates viz., 16 th , 21 st , and 26 th at an interval of 5 days in four directions viz., North, South, East and West. Regular monitoring of weather data’s (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity, rainfall and it converted into weekly), cocoon quality (numbers of cocoon, cocoon weight, shell weight and SR%) and pest infestation (reduvid bug, canthecona bug and wasp) were recorded. The cocoon quality of cocoon showed decreasing trend in late brushing of tasar silkworm viz., first date of brushing> second date of brushing > third date of brushing whereas pest infestations showed increasing trends in late brushing viz., first < second <third date of brushing respectively. In case of directions, cocoon quality showed deceasing trends viz, east > north > south > west direction whereas pest infestation showed increasing trend viz., east < north < south and < west direction respectively. Overall highest cocoon quality and lowest pest infestation was observed in first date of brushing in east direction whereas lowest cocoon quality and highest pest infestation was observed in third date of brushing in west direction except wasp infestation. Finally, it could be concluded that the first date of brushing in east direction might be efficient in terms of suppressing the major pest predator to some extent and enhance cocoon production in humid subtropical climate of Dumaka, Jharkhand. This simple practice would reduce the cost of silkworm protection, protect the environment and can be incorporated as a component of integrated pest management (IPM) in tasar culture. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 10 (2017) pp. 4853-4859 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Genetic impact on external and internal egg quality traits of Vanaraja and Gramapriya birds and their crosses in Bihar

Poultry farming is gaining strength in mitigating livelihood and nutritional security to the poor farmers which constitute 60% of the India’s population. Thus eggs of superior quality is prerequisite for profitable marketing and for hatchability too. The present study was conducted on two improved varieties, Vanaraja (dual purpose type) and Gramapriya (the layer type) chicken developed at PDP, Hyderabad and their crosses on random mating. The genetic groups taken were Gramapriya (male) x Gramapriya (female),Vanaraja(male) x Vanaraja(female), Gramapriya(male) x Vanaraja(female)and Vanaraja (male) x Gramapriya(female). 6 males and 30 females were taken from each genetic group and maintained separately under deep litter system with a mating ratio of 1 male : 5 females. To study the genetic effect on external and internal egg quality traits, a total of more than 50 eggs were collected at random from each of 4 genetic groups upto 28 weeks of age. The average shell thickness obtained to be ranged from 0.36 to 0.39 mm. The average albumen and yolk indices were found to be ranged from 7.396 to 8.656 and 41.749 to 43.888 respectively. The average shell weight and percentage of shell weight observed to be ranged from 4.147 to 5.627 g and 17.266 to 18.003% respectively.
Natural incidence of bean viruses in the northwest of Iran

Bean is considered as one of the most important legumes around the world. Viral diseases are a major yield reducing factor in bean production. Bean samples with virus-like symptoms like severe or mild mosaic, vein banding, leaf curling, blistering and necrosis were collected from different bean fields in Urmia (Northwest of Iran) during the growing seasons of 2013 and 2014. Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV), Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) were detected by double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay. Mixed infection of BCMV and BCMNV were found. BCMNV was the most frequent virus in this region whereas BYMV and TYLCV were each detected just in one sample. This is the first report of BCMNV, BCMV, BYMV, TSWV, TMV and TYLCV incidence on bean in Urmia, Iran.
Recreational sea fishing in Europe in a global context-Participation rates, fishing effort, expenditure, and implications for monitoring and assessment

Marine recreational fishing (MRF) is a high-participation activity with large economic value and social benefits globally, and it impacts on some fish stocks. Although reporting MRF catches is a European Union legislative requirement, estimates are only available for some countries. Here, data on numbers of fishers, participation rates, days fished, expenditures, and catches of two widely targeted species were synthesized to provide European estimates of MRF and placed in the global context. Uncertainty assessment was not possible due to incomplete knowledge of error distributions; instead, a semi-quantitative bias assessment was made. There were an estimated 8.7 million European recreational sea fishers corresponding to a participation rate of 1.6%. An estimated 77.6 million days were fished, and expenditure was €5.9 billion annually. There were higher participation, numbers of fishers, days fished and expenditure in the Atlantic than the Mediterranean, but the Mediterranean estimates were generally less robust. Comparisons with other regions showed that European MRF participation rates and expenditure were in the mid-range, with higher participation in Oceania and the United States, higher expenditure in the United States, and lower participation and expenditure in South America and Africa. For both northern European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, Moronidae) and western Baltic cod (Gadus morhua, Gadidae) stocks, MRF represented 27% of the total removals. This study highlights the importance of MRF and the need for bespoke, regular and statistically sound data collection to underpin European fisheries management. Solutions are proposed for future MRF data collection in Europe and other regions to support sustainable fisheries management.
Tea from organic production has higher functional quality characteristics compared with tea from conventional management systems in China

Abstract Organic tea production has increased in China over the past decade because of the perceived higher quality of the tea as well as the benefits for environmental and human wellbeing. The present study compared the functional quality components of tea harvested from organic and conventional management systems in adjacent fields within the same farms at six sites in eastern China. Findings demonstrated that water extracts of organic tea had significantly higher concentrations of key catechins linked to tea quality, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epicatechin (EC), compared to that of conventional tea. Concentrations of proline and γ-aminobutyric acid were also statistically higher in organic tea from some sites. However, most of free amino acids, particularly theanine, were lower in organic tea. The findings indicated that the tea in organic systems were under greater environmental stress than the tea in the conventional system, as accumulation of catechins and proline in plants is associated with environmental stress. The lower concentrations of amino acids in organic tea indicated potential nitrogen deficiencies and the need for managing soil nitrogen to increase overall amino acid levels while still managing for high levels of polyphenols. The higher concentrations of antioxidant compounds in organic tea suggested potentially greater health benefits, as these compounds are linked to disease mitigation and health promotion in human consumers. Overall, this study showed improved quality characteristics of organically produced tea whilst also highlighting agro-ecosystem techniques to further enhance the functional quality characteristics of organic tea on the basis of amino acid profiles.