Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf leaf extract as seed protectant against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on stored maize ( Zea mays L.)

A laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the insecticidal property of Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract as seed protectant against maize weevil. One (1) gram each of acetone, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts were re-suspended in 5 ml of deionized water and used to impregnate filter papers set in four replicates. Varied concentrations of the aqueous extract per 50 g of Zea mays grains infested with 10 pairs of sexed Sitophilus zeamais for 28 days were tested for insecticidal properties and compared with experimental and synthetic conventional insecticide [Coopex (0.25 g)] controls. Parameters assessed were effect of C. citratus extracts on weevil mortality (toxicity test) and protection of maize against S. zeamais . Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using New Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of significance. Results showed significant (P < 0.05) concentration and duration dependent mortalities of S. zeamais . The aqueous extract gave the highest protection of the maize grains followed by chloroform, methanol and acetone extracts respectively. The insecticidal potency of C. citratus extracts and its availability places it as an attractive biopesticide in traditional post-harvest seed protection.
Ancient “Wanderlust” Leads to Diversification of Endemic Hawaiian Xyleborus Species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

Abstract Xyleborine ambrosia beetles began their dispersal from Asia to the New World soon after their origin approximately 23 Ma.Tolerance for extreme inbreeding and fungus farming have made them successful colonizers.These ancient globetrotters have radiated throughout the tropics, including the Hawaiian archipelago. Twenty-one endemic Xyleborus Eichhoff species are recorded from the current islands, but this radiation is poorly known. We used a multigene phylogeny for half of the endemic species and outgroups from the worldwide xyleborine fauna to test the monophyly of the endemic species, to hypothesize their sister group, and to estimate their age of diversification. Bayesian analysis found the endemic Hawaiian Xyleborus species monophyletic and sister to X. glabratus Eichhoff, an Asian species. Individuals of two endemic species demonstrate long phylogenetic branches, suggesting cryptic diversity. Based on the BEAST estimates of age, the Hawaiian endemics originated at least 9.8 Ma (95% HPD bound of 6.0–13.4 Ma) before the emergence of the current islands.The species radiation does not follow the progression rule whereby species age is positively correlated with island age. This discordance between species and island ages is likely due to the movement of species between older and younger islands without subsequent speciation; gaps in sampling caused by extinction may also be obscuring the original distributions of species. Both scenarios are plausible given the vagility of xyleborines and the destruction of the native Hawaiian forests. Further surveys for endemic species and conservation planning are needed to improve our understanding of their evolution and to save them from continued extinction.
A preliminary investigation into biosecurity treatments to manage the invasive killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus)

Following the detection of the invasive killer shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus (Dv) at two sites in the UK in September 2010, an effective biosecurity system is required to prevent further spread. This study investigated the application of several treatments as potential biosecurity measures with a view to their application on Dv-infected fomites. For each treatment, adult Dv were submerged for 15 minutes at different concentrations to determine the maximum lethal concentration, and for each effective treatment for different times to assess a minimal lethal time (LT50). Sodium hypochlorite (50,000 mg/Lmg/L), FAM30 (6 ml/l), Virkon S (1% solution) and water at high temperature (45 °C) were found to cause 100% mortality within 15-min exposure, while carbonated water caused narcosis in 100% of animals within a few seconds of exposure. Due to various drawbacks in the use of sodium hypochlorite, FAM30 and Virkon S (e.g. health and safety, legal use) they were not recommended as biosecurity treatments, whereas both water at high temperature and carbonated water showed promise. However, further investigation and field based research are required before these techniques can be fully realised as methods of control.
Farmers share their perspectives on California water management and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act

Agriculture is the largest human use of water in California, which gives farmers a critical role in managing water to meet the goals of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). To explore farmers' perspectives on SGMA, we held focus groups with 20 farmers in Yolo County, where the groundwater basin has been given a high/medium priority under SGMA. The farmers had varying perspectives about the factors that led to SGMA and varying responses to the regulation. They suggested that drought, competing agricultural and urban uses, and an increase in perennial crops were factors in recent water use, resulting in changes to water quality and quantity. Impacts of those changes included variable well levels, increased infrastructure costs, and ecosystem impacts, which farmers had responded to by implementing multiple management strategies. Additional research in other regions is imperative to provide farmers' viewpoints and strategies to policymakers, irrigation districts, farmer cooperatives, and the agricultural industry and give farmers a voice at the table.
Genomic selection and its application in animal breeding

A significant gap exists between animal production and world’s population demand. Although conventional breeding methods have been effectual for selection of animal populations on many traits of economic importance, with these methods, the accuracy of breeding value always remains questionable. Simulation and experimental results suggest that breeding values can be predicted with high accuracy by genomic selection for young animals without own performance. Genomic selection is a type of marker-assisted selection in which genetic markers covering the whole genome are used so that all quantitative trait loci are in linkage disequilibrium with at least one marker. The possibility to select animals at an early stage allows defining new breeding strategies aiming at boosting genetic progress while reducing costs. Genomic selection is the future of livestock breeding companies; it improves the genetic gain by decreasing genetic interval and improving reliability. Further research is required to improve the accuracy of genomic estimated value and manage long-term genetic gain. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the developments of genomic selection and its application in animal breeding.
Diet composition and feeding habits of larval Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis in the Sea of Japan: integrated morphological and metagenetic analysis

: Diet compositions of larval Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT) Thunnus orientalis caught in the Sea of Japan during the summers of 2011−2015 were investigated using both microscopic (n = 149) and metagenetic (n = 120) methods to determine the species’ prey and feeding habits. The microscopic analysis revealed that prey abundance in gut contents ranged from 0−10 ind. larva −1 (mean ± SD: 0.89 ± 1.5 ind. larva −1 , including larvae with empty guts), which was low, similar to levels for larval bluefin tunas in other seas except the Mediterranean. The cladoceran family Podonidae (Podon spp. and Evadne spp.) represented the most abundant prey (0.73 ± 1.4 ind. larva −1 ) observed microscopically. Metagenetic analysis of the 18S V9 region detected a taxonomically wide range of prey. In addition to Podonidae, morphologically unidentified taxa were detected as major prey, including Copepoda (Paracalanus parvus s.l. and Labidocera sp.), Appendicularia (Oikopleura spp.), and Doliolida (Doliolum sp.). Compared with plankton communities in the sea, the proportions of Oikopleura spp. and Podonidae in the guts of the larvae were high, indicating that PBT larvae fed on them selectively. Although copepods were abundant in the sea, PBT larvae only consumed a small number of them. The ability of copepods to escape predation is higher than that of Oikopleura spp. and Podonidae, and the guts of the PBT larvae generally contained a low number of copepods considering their abundance and size in the region. This study successfully character-ized the prey of PBT larvae in the Sea of Japan, and showed that they were unable to exploit the abundance of copepods, a fact which may lead to high larval mortality.
Acute stress disrupts temporal patterns of behavioral and biochemical parameters of rats

Abstract This study aimed to answer these questions: (i) Can the temporal patterns of locomotor and exploratory activities and anxiety-like behavior be disrupted by a single session of stress? (ii) Can the temporal patterns of corticosterone, melatonin, and glucose be disrupted by a single session of stress and how long does the effect of stress upon their circadian rhythm? Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to restrain stress at four Zeitgeber Times and subdivided according to evaluation times of behavioral (open field test and elevated plus-maze test) and biochemistry (corticosterone, melatonin, and glucose levels in serum) parameters. There were temporal patterns within a course of 24 h in anxiety-like behaviors and glucose levels. Circadian rhythm to corticosterone and melatonin levels was confirmed and a single session of stress can disrupt these temporal patterns. We showed an immediate disruptive effect of stress in biomarkers levels and a delayed appearance of behavioral and locomotion pattern disruption.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Coffee Accessions in Rwanda and Its Implication for Coffee Breeding

Genetic variation is important in breeding programs because it determines the amount of gain from selection. This study was conducted to determine the magnitude of genetic diversity in coffee (Coffea Arabica L.) accessions for developing superior cultivars in Rwanda. Twenty-one coffee accessions established in 1990 in an un-replicated field experiment at the Rubona Experimental Station of the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) located in the mid-altitude zone of Rwanda, were used in the study. Data were recorded on three randomly selected trees on eight quantitative morphological traits in each accession in 2013. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated highly significant (p 0.01) differences among the accessions for number of primary branches, number of leaves per branch, number of cherries per internode and % coffee leaf rust disease rating; and significant (p 0.05) for yield, but not for internode length, weight of 100 cherries, and number of internodes per branch. Multivariate analysis showed that the first three principal components contributed cumulatively to 78.3% of the total variation. The PCA biplot grouped all the accessions into three different clusters and one singleton. The first and second PCs accounted for 43% and 21%, respectively. Cluster I and II grouped accessions with valuable quantitative agronomic traits while accessions in cluster III exhibited poor agronomic performance. The highest inter cluster distance of 475 was observed between cluster I and II, and the highest intra-cluster distance (62) was in cluster II. The phenotypic markers provided a useful measure of genetic distances among the coffee accessions and identified potential donors for future breeding efforts.
Nitric Oxide-Dependent Mechanisms of Cocaine-Induced Place Preference and Mu Opioid Receptor Expression in the Nucleus Accumbens

THE INVESTIGATION OF NITRIC OXIDE-DEPENDENT MECHANISMS OF COCAINE-INDUCED PLACE PREFERENCE AND MU OPIOID RECEPTOR EXPRESSION Rachel-Karson Thériault Advisors: Dr. Bettina Kalisch and University of Guelph, 2017 Dr. Francesco Leri Cocaine administration increases both mu opioid receptor (MOR) expression and nitric oxide (NO) production in brain areas associated with reward. This thesis explores the effect of acute and ‘subchronic’ cocaine administration on MOR and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) expression, and the role of NO in cocaine reward and the cocaine-mediated expression of MOR and nNOS in rats. Acute cocaine (20 mg/kg) administration increased MOR and nNOS mRNA and protein expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), within 72 hours. Following 4 days of conditioning, cocaine (20 mg/kg) produced a conditioned place preference (CPP) and an increase in MOR mRNA in the rat NAc. Both effects were attenuated in rats pre-treated with the nNOS inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg). Taken together, these results indicate that acute cocaine administration modulates MOR and nNOS expression at the transcriptional and translational level, and that nNOS plays a role in both cocaine CPP and the cocaine-induced MOR mRNA expression.
Importance of local and long-distance Heterobasidion irregulare aerial basidiospore dispersal for future infection centres in thinned red pine plantations in Quebec

Heterobasidion irregulare is a basidiomyceteous forest pathogenic fungus which causes a root disease capable of killing large trees. Infection probability is proportional to the density of aerial basidiospores infecting freshly cut stumps. The purpose of this study was to quantify for the first time H. irregulare aerial basidiospore density in southern Quebec and to determine the importance of a local basidiospore load from a nearby infested plantation. Spore counts from automated rotary arm spore collectors were assayed using a ribosomal ITS TaqMan real-time PCR detection assay. Cumulative basidiospore deposits on a 30-cm stump were estimated to be highest in the infected plantation with 2.37 basidiospores per stump, with decreasing count of 0.52 basidiospores at a 500-m distance and 0.46 basidiospores at a 1.5-km distance. At 5 km from the infected plantation, the number of basidiospores deposited on a stump was 0.22, a value similar to those at distances of 25 and 140 km. Since a single Heterobasidion .
Survival and Reproductive Success of Hatchery YY Male Brook Trout Stocked in Idaho Streams

Nonnative Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis were introduced throughout western North America in the early and mid 1900s, resulting in populations that are dif ﬁ cult to eradicate and that often threaten native salmonids. Male YY Brook Trout (M YY ), created in the hatchery by feminizing XY males and then crossing them with normal XY males, comprise a novel approach to eradicating undesirable Brook Trout populations. If stocked M YY Brook Trout survive and reproduce with wild females, it could eventually drive the wild population sex ratio to 100% males, at which point the population would be unable to reproduce and would be eradicated after stocking ceased. In this study, we stocked the limited number of catchable-size (mean TL = 229 mm) M YY hatchery Brook Trout available from an established M YY broodstock into four streams. In two streams, the wild Brook Trout population was suppressed via electro ﬁ shing prior to stocking to determine whether diminished competition with wild ﬁ sh would increase the survival of hatchery M YY ﬁ sh. We used genetic assignment testing to identify the successful reproduction of stocked M YY ﬁ sh. Apparent survival of M YY Brook Trout averaged 18% in streams with wild population suppression (mean suppression, 17%) and 9% in streams without suppression, suggesting that suppression of the wild population before stocking increased M YY survival poststocking. Hatchery M YY Brook Trout comprised an estimated 3.1% of all adult Brook Trout during spawning. Genetic assignment tests identi ﬁ ed successful reproduction of M YY ﬁ sh in all streams in which they were stocked, with an average of 3.7% of fry being the progeny of M YY ﬁ sh. Our results con ﬁ rm that hatchery M YY ﬁ sh stocked in streams can survive and spawn successfully with wild ﬁ sh and produce all-male progeny. Despite the slightly reduced ﬁ tness of M YY Brook Trout, this technology may be a viable method for eradicating undesirable non-native Brook Trout populations.
Participatory research demonstration and its impact on the adoption of improved agricultural technologies in the savannas of West Africa

Despite continued progress in the development and promotion of improved agricultural technologies, and the gradual process in agricultural research for development (R4D) programmes, adoption rates are relatively low in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Recommendations have, therefore, been made by national and international research institutions and stakeholders for more involvement of the smallholders in evaluating promising agricultural technologies. This study assessed the impact of the participatory research demonstration on the adoption of the technologies promoted by the sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Programme (SSA CP) using the innovation platform (IP) concept. Results showed that 67 and 59% of the IP and non-IP farmers, respectively, reported that researchers and extension personnel decided on the technologies for research or demonstration. Fifty-two and 43% of the IP and non-IP farmers, respectively, perceived research and demonstration to be very useful. The type of technology or demonstration that farmers mostly participated in was crop variety (IP farmers=72.87%; non-IP farmers=70.19%). Following our analyses which are based on the Instrumental Variable (IV) approach, participation in research and demonstrations significantly increased adoption of the demonstrated technologies by 99%. We observed a 100% significant increase in adoption of the demonstrated technologies in the sample of IP participants. The main factors that determined the adoption of the demonstrated technologies included membership to farmer group, and distances to input and output markets. Keywords: Innovation Platforms, Research for Development, SSA CP
Recherche de marqueurs moléculaires de la tolérance de la Vigne à Eutypa lata. Compréhension des mécanismes physiologiques impliqués

Les maladies du bois de la vigne, causees par des champignons necrotrophes, ont un impact considerable sur l'economie viticole au niveau mondial. En effet, tous les cepages Vitis vinifera cultives actuellement presentent une sensibilite plus ou moins forte a ces champignons.Dans le but d'etablir un test rapide d'evaluation de la sensibilite de clones de vigne (nouvellement selectionnes ou futures obtentions varietales) a Eutypa lata, le champignon responsable de l'Eutypiose, une recherche de marqueurs moleculaires de tolerance a ete realisee. Suite a l'infection in vivo et in vitro d'une douzaine de cepages de sensibilite differente par E. lata, plusieurs genes candidats ont ete identifies comme marqueurs potentiels de la tolerance a la maladie a partir d'une etude transcriptomique.A l'aide d'un systeme innovant d'infection in vitro, le dialogue moleculaire sans contact physique entre des disques foliaires de V. vinifera et le mycelium d’E. lata a egalement ete etudie chez les douze cepages. Cette etude a permis de mettre en evidence le role potentiel d'eliciteurs dans la mise en place des reponses de defenses. De plus, l'infection par E. lata regule differentiellement l'expression des genes codant pour un transporteur d'hexoses et des invertases, ainsi que les activites invertasiques associees, chez les cepages de sensibilites variables.Les travaux de recherche presentees dans cette these ont ainsi permis l'identification des marqueurs de tolerance a l'Eutypiose et la mise au point d'un test d'infection in vitro efficace et fiable, permettant de diagnostiquer la sensibilite des futures creations varietales. De plus les resultats obtenus demontrent l'importance des eliciteurs dans la mise en place des defenses, de la regulation du transport et du metabolisme des sucres au cours de l'infection par E. lata.
Radial Variation of Wood Property in Agathis sp. and Pinus insularis Growing at Plantation in Indonesia

To obtain basic knowledge of wood properties in plantation coniferous species growing in tropical countries, the radial variation of wood properties, such as the basic density (BD) and microfibril angle of the S2 layer in tracheid (MFA), and the compressive properties were investigated in 45-year-old Agathis sp. and 32-year-old Pinus insularis growing in Indonesia. In Agathis sp. , the BD showed an almost constant value from the pith to the bark. In P. insularis , the BD of heartwood clearly decreased by the extraction with organic solvent. As a result, the BD extracted with organic solvent showed a constant value up to 5 cm from the pith and then gradually increased toward the bark. In the radial variation of the MFA, the highest value was observed near the pith in both species. In the compressive property parallel to the grain, the modulus of elasticity (E) and compressive strength (s) showed an almost constant value from the pith to the bark in Agathis sp. , whereas, in P. insularis , both E and s increased from the pith to the bark. In both species, the E was affected by the MFA. In addition, in Agathis sp. , s was affected by the BD, while in P. insularis , it was affected by the BD extracted with organic solvent and the MFA.
Habitat use and movement patterns of two redwood forest salamanders, Aneides vagrans and Ensatina eschscholtzii, with an examination of the efficacy of pit tags for marking small plethodontids

ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . vii LIST OF FIGURES . viii LIST OF APPENDICES . x CHAPTER 1: HABITAT USE OF ANEIDES VAGRANS .