Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epiphytic relationships of Pseudendoclonium submarinum Wille (Ulvophyceae) and Rhodymenia pseudopalmata (Rhodophyta) from the Patagonian coast of Argentina

The occurrence of the epiphyte alga Pseudendoclonium submarinum Wille (Ulvophyceae) on Rhodymenia pseudopalmata (Lamouroux) Silva (Rhodophyta) is reported. The present study describes a first line of evidence of an epidemiological study conducted with the purpose of comparing both the prevalence and effects of algal epiphytic organisms in R. pseudopalmata in the Patagonian coasts of Argentina. P. submarinum infected approximately 80% of R. pseudopalmata thalli and the frequency of infection was variable in connection with different areas of the host's thalli: 42% of R. pseudopalmata fronds presented P. submarinum thalli in the basal region, which presented a severity degree of infection from low to high. The median region presented an average frequency of infection of 30% and minor susceptibility to colonization. The covering varied from 1% to 70% representing a low to moderate degree of colonization. The apical region presented a cover frequency of 28% and the level of infection varied between low to moderate. The developmental morphology and the growth dynamics of the epiphyte were also investigated under unialgal as well as bialgal culture conditions. In nature, thalli of P. submarinum on R. pseudopalmata never invaded internal tissues of the host. Vegetative thalli of P. submarinum were inoculated on fronds R. pseudopalmata. Experimental infections confirmed that P. submarinum thalli did not penetrate the host's fronds. P. submarinum swarmers showed the capacity of settlement on a host's fronds and developed an epiphytic monostromatic thallus. The results allowed us to suggest that P. submarinum uses the R. pseudopalmata thalli as a proper substrate, since Pseudendoclonium thalli complete the entire life cycle. Culture experiments revealed that P. submarinum could develop without the presence of the host and evidenced the nutritional independence, being the relationship in nature, probably triggered by an ecological advantage since fronds of R. pseudopalmata offer a suitable substratum.
Dormancy studies in seed of Avena fatua. 10. On the inheritance of germination behaviour

Breeding experiments were performed with pure lines of Avena fatua differing characteristically in duration of primary seed dormancy. The results indicate that the parental lines differ for at least three genes controlling rate of afterripening. It is evident that at least two of these genes influence the rate of afterripening at different periods after seed maturation.
Genetics of resistance to cotton leaf curl disease in Gossypium hirsutum

Twenty-two cotton varieties were screened for resistance to cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), a disease of viral origin, using three procedures: field evaluation, whitefly transmission assay and graft inoculation. Viral infection of cotton varieties was determined by visual symptom assessment as well as dot-blot and multiplex PCR diagnostic techniques. Crosses were made between the most susceptible variety (S-12) and highly resistant varieties (CP-15/2, LRA-5166 and CIM-443). All F1 plants of these crosses were resistant, showing dominant expression of the resistance as well as the absence of extrachromosomal inheritance. The F2 plants of the crosses CP-15/2 × S12, LRA-5166 × S-12 and CIM-443 × S12 exhibited a ratio of 13 resistant (symptomless) to three susceptible (with symptoms). Screening of the F2 generation for virus infection by multiplex PCR further subdivided the resistant class into those exhibiting a high level of resistance (HR; PCR-negative) and those exhibiting resistance (R; symptomless, yet showing virus replication by PCR analysis). Hence, the final ratio was 3:10:3 (HR:resistant:susceptible). The F3 progeny of susceptible F2 plants segregated for resistance, indicating the probable presence of a suppressor gene (S). These findings are consistent with three genes being involved in G. hirsutum resistance to CLCuD, two for resistance (R1CLCuDhir and R2CLCuDhir) and a suppressor of resistance (SCLCuDhir).
Composition of the essential oil of Geocaryum cynapioides (Guss.) L. Engstrand

Volatile constituents from two fresh samples of the subendemic Geocaryum cynapioides (Guss.) L. Engstrand (Apiaceae) obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Forty four and one hundred-twenty three constituents identified in the oils accounted for 98.7 % and 98.4 % of the total oils, respectively. The major component of both oils was (E)-β-farnesene (73.3 % and 57.7 %) while the other major contributors were: (E,E)-α-farnesene (4.8 % and 14.6 %) and trans-sesquisabinene hydrate (12.2 % and 3.0 %). The constituents endo-fenchyl acetate, and three sesquiterpene lactones belonging to the selinane (callitrisin) and guaiane (grilactone and jalcaguaianolide) series, with a rather restricted natural occurrence, were present in only one of the samples (4.7 %, trace amount, 0.1 %, 0.5 %, respectively) and completely absent from the other distinguishing so the two samples. A chemotaxonomic discussion of the results is presented.
Do plant modules describe community structure better than biomass? A comparison of three abundance measures

Abstract Plants are composed of modules, such as shoots and leaves. However, modules have been overlooked as potential abundance measures in describing plant communities. We sampled 8 communities, to examine whether module counts gave different conclusions from biomass on community structure, and better discriminated between communities. Different abundance measures – number of leaves, number of shoots and photosynthetic biomass – gave different results for between-site comparisons of evenness and rank consistency. Since evenness is intended to represent a feature of the whole community, it should vary more between communities than within; module-based abundance achieved this better than biomass. It is speculated that the restrictions on species co-occurrences when plant communities assemble may sometimes be based on the number of modules rather than on biomass. Abbreviation: PSU = Photosynthetic unit.
Phylogenetic Relationships of Muehlenbeckia, Fallopia, and Reynoutria (Polygonaceae) Investigated with Chloroplast and Nuclear Sequence Data

The monophyly of Muehlenbeckia and evolutionary relationships with other genera in Polygonoideae have been unclear. The traditional placement of Muehlenbeckia in Coccolobeae (Eriogonoideae) along with Antigonon, Brunnichia, and Coccoloba has not been supported in previous studies, and it is more closely related to Fallopia in Polygonoideae. Molecular data from 22 species of Muehlenbeckia and from representatives of Atraphaxis, Fallopia (including Reynoutria), Polygonella, and Polygonum s.s. were generated from five chloroplast regions (matK, ndhF, 3′rps16-5′trnK, trnL-trnF 3′trnV-ndhC) and two nuclear gene regions (second intron of LEAFY, internal transcribed spacer). Analyses used maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony methods. Neither Fallopia or Muehlenbeckia is monophyletic, with most species of Muehlenbeckia related to Fallopia. Four clades are named as a result of this study: Duma, Fallopia, Muehlenbeckia, and Reynoutria. Duma contains three Australian species of Muehlenbeckia that form a clade sister to the clade containing Polygonum and Polygonella. Relationships within Muehlenbeckia correspond to geographic distribution patterns, and relationships in the Reynoutria and Fallopia clades correlate with base chromosome numbers.
More than just trees – animal species diversity and participatory forest monitoring in the Ecuadorian Amazon

The gradual disappearance of tropical animal species due to overhunting and habitat loss represents a major risk for biodiversity and tropical rainforest conservation efforts. Uncontrolled hunting and other human-induced declines in diversity and abundance of seed-dispersing animal species might also negatively affect biomass carbon storage, which could undermine climate change mitigation efforts. We study how the Ecuadorian Socio Bosque conservation incentive programme [Programa Socio Bosque – PSB] addresses animal species conservation and engages with local communities. Drawing on official documents, as well as interviews and observations in four indigenous communities that participate in PSB, we discuss the role of local participation in conservation monitoring. The PSB's incentive and control approach has to some extent supported the establishment and financing of forest monitoring systems in indigenous communities. However, we argue that PSB in its current design exerts a conservation gap because it does not include animal species diversity and abundance as important components for successful long-term forest conservation. Supporting a bottom-up participatory monitoring methodology for locally-based conservation action can increase the existing positive conservation attitudes among community members. We provide specific examples of how animal species conservation and participatory monitoring can be combined and carried out.
Ecology of the Feral Cat, Felis catus (L.), in South-Eastern Australia II.* Reproduction

Reproduction was studied in feral cats collected over a 3-y period from south-eastern Australia. Litters were recorded in all months except April, but most births occurred between September and March; from October to January inclusive, all adult females collected were either pregnant or lactating. On average, females dropped two litters per year, the first in spring and the second in summer or early autumn; mean prenatal litter size was 4.4. For females, sexual maturity was reached at an estimated age of 10-12 months and a minimum weight of 2500 g. For males the onset of sexual maturity, as indicated by a more rapid increase in testes size, commenced at a mean weight of 3200 g and was completed at a mean weight of 3800 g and an estimated age of 12-14 months. The lightest males detected undergoing intial spermatogenesis weighed 2600 g. Adult males showed no significant monthly variations in either combined whole testes weight or percentage of seminiferous tubules containing spermatids or spermatozoa. However, significant monthly changes in combined epididymides weight indicated a low-intensity reproductive cycle.
Population recovery of the yellow-footed rock-wallaby following fox control in New South Wales and South Australia

Abstract Context. Introduced herbivores and carnivores have significantly altered ecosystems across Australia and have been implicated in the decline and extinction of many species, particularly in the arid and semiarid zones. The experimental confirmation of agents of decline is a fundamental step in threatened species management, allowing for an efficient allocation of resources and effective species recovery. Aims. Following unsuccessful attempts to increase the abundance of yellow-footed rock-wallaby populations through concerted goat control across the southern extent of their range, the primary aim of our study was to determine whether fox predation was limiting the recovery of wallaby populations. Methods. Intensive fox-control programs (1080 baiting) were initiated around wallaby subpopulations in New South Wales and South Australia. Wallaby numbers were monitored for a three-year period before and after the initiation of fox control, and ANCOVA used to examine for differences between the subpopulation’s rate of increase (r). Observational data were used to determine the demographic effects of fox predation on wallaby colonies in New South Wales. Key results. Wallaby subpopulations that were treated with fox control increased significantly, while experimental control subpopulations remained at consistently low levels. Juvenile and subadult wallabies were apparent within the treated New South Wales subpopulation, but almost absent from the control subpopulation, suggesting that fox predation focussed primarily on these age classes. Conclusions. Fox predation is a major limiting factor for southern wallaby populations and fox control should be the primary management action to achieve species recovery. Implications. Although a significant limiting factor, the regulatory effect of fox predation was not assessed and, as such, it cannot be confirmed as being the causal factor responsible for the historic declines in wallaby abundance. The determination of whether fox predation acts in a limiting or regulatory fashion requires further experimentation, but its resolution will have significant implications for the strategic allocation of conservation resources.
Simulating Selective Mortality on Tadpole Populations in the Lab Yields Improved Estimates of Effect Size in Nature

Abstract Many populations normally experience high levels of mortality throughout larval development, but this is generally overlooked with laboratory experimental protocols. Evidence suggests that mortality is nonrandom in natural tadpole populations, so high survivorship, typical of laboratory populations, may poorly represent populations in nature. We compared survival, growth and development, and population variance of tadpoles in natural ponds with those in the laboratory at low and high densities. In the laboratory, high-density groups were reared with no selection and with selection imposed against different size classes to identify if, and how, mortality influences natural tadpole populations and to investigate whether imposing selection against certain size classes produces responses more consistent with those observed in natural systems. Our results suggest that selective mortality removes smaller individuals in natural populations. We demonstrate that introducing selection against small individuals artificially, in the laboratory, results in individual growth and development, population variance, and statistical power that more closely resembles that observed in natural populations. This is important from an ecological perspective because it demonstrates how selection acts on natural tadpole populations. More importantly, this demonstrates that laboratory experiments can be designed to provide better qualitative estimates for responses of natural populations by considering and simulating natural rates of mortality.
Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers differentiate Turkish sour cherry germplasm

Eighty-one tetraploid cherry selections including sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) and its progenitor species P. fruticosa Pall. were compared using simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker analysis to determine the relationship of Turkish germplasm to germplasm collected from Russia and more northern and eastern regions of Europe. SSR fragments were produced with all the five primer pair cherry selection combinations. The cherry selections exhibited high levels of polymorphism with 5 to 20 different putative alleles amplified per primer pair. Primer pair PMS 49 isolated from sweet cherry showed a high level of polymorphism with 20 putative alleles identified. However, SSR analysis was not able to differentiate some selections. The Turkish selections tended to group together, separate from the other cherry selections. The Turkish germplasm did not exhibit many of the putative SSR alleles identified in the broader germplasm; however, it exhibited many novel alleles. This study demonstrates the importance of including germplasm from Turkey, an important ancestral region for sour cherry, when building a germplasm collection. It also demonstrates the value of SSR markers to identify genetic variation “gaps” within a germplasm collection.
Thermorésistance des spores de clostridium tyrobutyricum et Clostridium butyricum

Summary Clean spores suspensions of 3 strains of Clostridium tyrobutyricum were prepared after culture in dialysis sacs. The survivor curves of the spores heated at 90 °C in 0·033 M phosphate buffer (pH 7·0) or in skim-milk were logarithmic. From the thermal-death-time curves the following values were calculated: D at 121 °C = 0·003−0·012 min and z = 8·4−10 °C when spores were heated in phosphate buffer; D at 121 °C = 0·006−0·008 and z = 9·5−9·9 °C when spores were heated in milk. When clean spores of 2 strains of Clostridium butyricum were heated at 85 °C in 0·005 M phosphate buffer (pH 7·0) the survivor curves were logarithmic, but ‘tails’ were observed after heating in skim-milk. The value of D at 85 °C was lower than that obtained with spores of C. tyrobutyricum.
Imputation of environmental variables for vegetation plots based on compositional similarity.

Question: Vegetation plot data combined with measured environmental variables such as soil pH or conductivity are often used for gradient analyses, species response modelling, quantifying recent vegetation change and prediction of plant species composition. Large vegetation databases contain high numbers of plots, but only small subsets with measured environmental data. To obtain broader datasets, researchers often use expert-based plant indicator values as surrogates of measured factors. Alternatively, missing environmental factors for vegetation plots may be estimated by imputation. In this study we tested whether imputation provides more exact approximations than do indicator values. Location: Fens in the West Carpathians (Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic) and Bulgaria. Methods: We developed a simple imputation method based on vegetation plot similarity that estimates the missing environmental variables for vegetation plots, and named it the MOSS (mean of similar samples) method. The method was tested for water pH and conductivity, the most important environmental factors influencing vegetation composition and structure within wetlands, on two datasets of 485 (West Carpathians) and 118 (Bulgaria) vegetation plots for which directly measured values were available. The West Carpathian dataset was used as a source of calibration. Imputation was based on calculating the mean of the measured factor from a group of the most similar vegetation plots. According to pre-defined similarity criteria we selected subsets of both datasets for which we compared estimated and measured values. Using the root mean squared error of prediction we compared the predictive power of the method with the widely used averages of Ellenberg indicator values as well as with other recently published methods. Results: Within one study region, the MOSS method predicted the sample pH and conductivity more precisely than Ellenberg indicator values and similar calibration methods. The predictive power slightly decreased when the method was transferred to a distant region. Conclusions: Imputation using the MOSS method appears to be the best way to predict pH or conductivity values from existing composition data within a single geographical region and thus increase the number of replicates. The method does not require expert-based indicator values, which may contain considerable imprecision. We provide examples of situations in which our method can be utilised without the risk of circular reasoning or introducing pseudo-replications.
The role of epizoochorous seed dispersal of forest plant species in a fragmented landscape

A domestic dog was used in two experiments to elucidate the role of epizoochorous seed dispersal of forest plants. First, the dog was walked through forest vegetation at different times of year and its coat analysed for seeds retained within it. The seed content of the coat was compared to seed frequencies in the vegetation. Secondly, seeds of 11 plant species were placed in different positions on the dog, and their persistence in the coat analysed with respect to distance subsequently travelled. The experiments demonstrate that seeds with morphological adaptations to seed dispersal and small seeds of tall species can be caught effectively by a dog’s coat. The morphologically adapted seeds can be dispersed over large distances as long as the dog moves steadily along a road. The same is true for species with small and smooth seeds if they are deposited on the back of the dog, but not if they are placed on its side. Comparisons of these results with the distribution of forest species in a fragmented landscape, indicated that tall species with small seeds and species with morphological adaptations for epizoochorous dispersal are good at colonizing new forest habitats.
Feeding value of pea (Pisum sativum, L.). 2 : nutritional value in the pig

Nineteen round white-feed Peas (FP) varieties, six coloured-flowered peas (CP) varieties and four wrinkled white-flowered peas (WP) varieties were given to growing pigs in order to measure their feeding value. Mean values of energy apparent digestibility measured at the faecal level of FP, CP and WP were respectively 0.886, 0-812 and 0-823. Mean values for digestible energy were 16-34, 15-06 and 15-60 Mj/kg dry matter. Mean values of faecal apparent digestibility of protein were 0-840, 0-760 and 0-828. The lower energy and crude protein (CP) apparent digestibility of CP relative to FP can be explained by their higherfibre content and by the presence of condensed tannins whilst the lower energy and CP apparent digestibility in WP relative to FP can be explained by their higher fibre content, their lower starch content and their higher amylose/ amylopectine ratio. Among the feed peas, there was no difference between peas with low trypsin inhibitor activity and peas with medium trypsin inhibitor activity. (Resume d'auteur)
Using modelled stream temperatures to predict macro-spatial patterns of stream invertebrate biodiversity

Summary Stream temperature is thought to be a primary determinant of the macro-spatial distribution of stream biota, but we lack temperature data for most streams. Past research often relied on surrogates, such as altitude, latitude, catchment area (ALCA) and air temperature to study biota–temperature relationships. However, temperature surrogates may not accurately represent the thermal environments experienced by the biota and could thus produce misleading inferences regarding such relationships. In the absence of observations, modelled stream temperature could improve both predictions and interpretations of stream biodiversity patterns. We tested this hypothesis by relating stream benthic invertebrate assemblage structure and composition at 92 reference-quality streams to ALCA, air temperature, modelled stream temperature and measured stream temperature, that is a progression from a coarse surrogate to directly measured water temperature. Modelled stream temperatures were obtained from a U.S.A. -wide model developed previously with data from 569 reference-quality sites. Variation in taxonomic composition, measured with an ordination, was strongly and almost identically associated with both modelled and measured stream temperature, but was less strongly associated with ALCA and air temperature. We also built predictive niche models to assess how choice of thermal metrics affected model performance. Model performance was measured as the precision with which each model predicted the number of taxa at a site (i.e. observed-to-expected taxon ratios). Niche models that contained modelled or measured stream temperature were more precise than those based on air temperature and ALCA. In addition, we compared the predicted probabilities of occurrence using niche models based on both modelled and measured stream temperatures. The two produced predicted probabilities of occurrence that were statistically indistinguishable for most (79%) taxa. Finally, we calculated thermal optima for each taxon as the abundance-weighted average of stream temperature at sites where each taxon occurred. Thermal optima produced with modelled and measured stream temperatures were almost identical. Large-scale models of stream temperature can be sufficiently accurate and precise to detect temperature-driven patterns in stream biodiversity and should be useful in predicting the effects of climate change and other human-caused thermal alterations on stream biodiversity.