bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular genetic polymorphism at the κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin loci in Finnish dairy hulls
Authors: Velmala Riikka , Mäntysaari Esa A. , Mäki-Tanila Asko
Published: July 2018

Dairy bulls have been genotyped for K-casein and P-lactoglobulin from semen samples by methodology based on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), In this study, a previously described method for κ-casein A and B variants was extended to cover also the detection of the E variant. For β-lactoglobulin the variants A and B were genotyped by another PCR-based method. The frequencies of the κ-casein and β-lactoglobulin alleles were determined from 308 and 291 Finnish Ayrshire and 42 and 44 Finnish Friesian bulls, respectively. The bulls had been born between 1973 and 1988. There was no noticeable trend in the differences between allele frequencies over the years, the overall frequencies of κ-casein A, B and E being 0.62, 0.09 and 0.29 in the Finnish Ayrshires and 0.85, 0.14 and 0.01 in Finnish Friesians. The overall frequencies of β-lactoglobulin A and B alleles were 0.25 and 0.75 in Ayrshires and 0.56 and 0.44 in Friesians
The effectiveness and feasibility of economic incentives of input control in the mitigation of agricultural water pollution
Authors: Miettinen Asko
Published: July 2018

Agricultural water pollution in Finland is mainly caused by nutrient losses from fields. Nutrient losses can be mitigated, e.g., by changing management practices and by plant rotation. Adoption of the necessary measures may be voluntary, but economic incentives can also be used. Nutrient losses can be regulated, e.g., by incentives to decrease the use of fertilizers. Economic incentives include a change in product prices, an input tax or an input quota. So far an input tax has been applied in Finnish agriculture. The effectiveness and feasibility of these policy measures on the farm can be assessed by calculating the change in farm profit and nutrient losses. The input quota was found to be the least-cost measure at the farm level when the marginal abatement costs of measures were compared on a grain farm growing barley. Alternative policy measures caused bigger losses in profit on the farm and the reduction in nitrogen leakage was smaller.
Inclusion of wheat bran in barley-soybean meal diets with different phosphorus levels for growing-finishing pigs II. Performance and bone mineralization in growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Helander Eija , Partanen Kirsi
Published: July 2018

The experiment was conducted to study whether wheat bran (WB) phytase could improve the availability of intrinsic phosphorus (P) in commercial barley-soybean meal diets enough to replace the added inorganic P partly or completely in the diets of growing-finishing pigs (30-100 kg). Performance as well as certain chemical and physical parameters of the tibia and fibula bones were used as criteria for the WB phytase effect. The experiment was conducted using a 2x3 factorial arrangement. The factors were wheat bran (WB) level - either 0 (WB-) or 100 g/kg (WB+), and phosphorus level - high (HP), medium (MP) and low (LP) corresponding to 4.33 g, 2.99 g and 1.64 g digestible P per a feed unit (FU = 0.7 kg starch equivalent), respectively. The measured digestible P contents of the diets were 4.2, 4.2, 2.7, 2.5, 1.4 and 1.8 g/kg DM, respectively. A content of 2.5-2.7 g of digestible P/kg DM in the diet proved to be sufficient for the whole growing period, but the lowest phosphorus levels led to an impaired growth rate, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio. However, after reaching 60 kg live weight, the pigs on LPWB- and LPWB+ diets were able to grow and utilize feed as effectively as the other pigs. WB at a level of 100 g/kg had no significant effect on the performance, feed conversion ratio or carcass quality criteria of the pigs on any diet. WB phytase showed a positive effect on bone breaking strength on the LP diet.
Social relationships and reproductive performance in group-living arctic blue foxes
Authors: Korhonen Hannu , Alasuutari Sakari
Published: July 2018

The aim of the present work was to study social relationships and reproductivity in captive arctic blue fox groups of different genetic origin. The social status of the individuals among groups remained constant during autumn and early winter. Males typically dominated over females in the groups. Males also had higher body weights and more social contacts than females. The locomotor activity of the animals increased during the breeding season, especially in the case of males. Urinary marking had a significant importance during the breeding season, being most pronounced in dominant males. No synchronization was observed in the heat development of females despite some kinship. Behaviours such as escape attempts, bitings and increased aggressiveness occurred in March-April as a result of increasing social tension combined with reproductive behaviour. Whelping success varied depending on group composition. Some of the non-breeding and breeding females were observed to act as communal nursing helpers.
Growth duration and above-ground dry-matter partitioning in oats
Authors: Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo
Published: July 2018

Duration of vegetative, generative, and grain-filling phases contribute to dry-matter accumulation and partitioning. Fourteen oat (Avena saliva L.) cultivars and six breeding lines were evaluated at the Viikki Experimental Farm, University of Helsinki, in 1988-1990. The following observations were made: (1) a short vegetative period accumulated less dry-matter into vegetative plant organs and resulted in higher grain yield and harvest index (HI), (2) a long period for maximum floret initiation yielded more grains per panicle and high panicle weight and (3) a short grain-filling period yielded high rates of panicle and grain filling associated with high HI. Hence, oat breeding and crop management should aim at improving the synchronization of the growth phases as shown in this study.
Effect of inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizas on rooting, weaning and subsequent growth of micropropagated Malus (L.) Moench
Authors: Uosukainen Marjatta , Vestberg Mauritz
Published: July 2018

The importance of different rooting methods and the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AMF) inoculation on the rooting rate, weaning survival and subsequent growth of microcuttings of Malus rootstock YP and the Finnish crab apple cultivars Hanna and Marjatta were studied in four experiments conducted at the Laukaa Research and Elite Plant Unit, Finland. Sucrose in the in vitro rooting medium gave the best support to weaning survival in comparision with glucose and fructose. Directly rooted microcuttings had a higher survival rate than in vitro rooted microcuttings. AMF inoculation did not improve the rooting rate in direct rooting. However, the Glomus hoi strain V98 caused severe rotting of microcuttings and thus lowered the rooting rate of cv. Hanna, AMF inoculation increased the mean shoot height of established plants, particularly inoculation with G. hoi V98, G. claroideum V43a or G. fistulosum V128. This effect, however, varied considerably in different host-fungus combinations. Some AMF strains, e.g. G. hoi V1O4, caused strong growth retardation. After the rooting and weaning stage, many uninoculated plants lapsed into arrest of growth. This phenomenon was less frequent in AMF inoculated plants. Optimal timing of AMF inoculation and nutritional level of rooting and weaning substrate are discussed.
Mycorrhization of micropropagated mature wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) and common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.)
Authors: Lovato Paulo E. , Hammat Neil , Gianinazzi-Pearson Vivienne , Gianinazzi Silvio
Published: July 2018

Micropropagated plants of common ash and wild cherry were inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi during a 20-day weaning period, after which they were transferred to two different substrata supplemented with slow-release fertilizer. After a 13-week growth period, the stem height and diameter of the ash plants which had been inoculated with Glomus intraradices were three times greater than those of uninoculated control plants. Increasing the peat content of the substratum improved growth of ash. Four weeks after being transferred to pots, shoots of wild cherry inoculated with G. intraradices or G. deserticola were taller and stems thicker than those of control plants, whereas those inoculated with Gigaspora rosea had shorter shoots and thinner stems than the controls. These beneficial effects of fungal inoculation on plant development disappeared after 13 weeks. Increasing the peat content, but not the level of fertiliser of the substratum, improved growth of both inoculated and uninoculated wild cherry.
Desorption of phosphate from three Finnish mineral soil samples during adsorption of vanadate, molybdate and tungstate
Authors: Mikkonen Anneli , Tummavuori Jouni
Published: July 2018

Adsorption of V(V) and Mo(VI) from 10-4 M and 10-5 M solutions and W(VI) from a 10-4 M solution (in 0.02 M KCI) by three Finnish mineral soils was studied in two series of experiments. In the first experiment, the adsorption of V, Mo and W by soil and the desorption of P were measured at the soils’ natural pH after an equilibration time of 3, 5, 22, 29, 46 and 70 h. Adsorption of molybdate occurred mainly within the three first hours, whereas adsorption of vanadate and tungstate were slower processes. During the first few hours, the presence of molybdate seemed to increase the desorption of phosphate most effectively, but after a longer equilibration period, the differences between additions of V, Mo, and W became smaller. In the second experiment, the adsorption process was followed as a function of the acidity of the suspension (pH 2.3-7.5; for W pH 2.8-7.5). Adsorption of V(V), Mo(VI) or W(VI) resulted in a statistically significant increase in the amounts of P desorbed from all three soils over the pH range studied. The aqueous chemistry of V(V), Mo(VI) and W(VI) is briefly discussed.
Resistance of winter cereals to various winter stress factors - inter- and intraspecific variation and the role of cold acclimation
Authors: Hömmö Leena Maarit
Published: July 2018

This work was undertaken to study the inter and intraspecies variation in winterhardiness of overwintering cereal species and to find out the reasons for this variation. The studied 24 winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), 13 rye (Secale cereale L.), 5 triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) and 11 barley (Hordeum vulgäre L.) cultivars differed highly significantly from each other in winter survival ability determined in field trials during 1989-1992 at six locations in Finland and at altogether 17 locations in all the Nordic countries. The Field Survival Indexes of cultivars were determined, too. Rye was the most winter hardy species followed by winter wheat, triticale and barley. Since field trials often fail to screen the resistance of plants to specific winter stress factors, such as frost or snow mould, laboratory tests were used to study these factors. On the basis of the results it could be concluded that, during cold acclimation, sugars and proline are accumulated, and the fatty acid composition of the plasma membrane lipid fractions is changed. Cold acclimation enhances frost resistance and general winterhardiness of overwintering cereals, but part of the snow mould (Microdochium nivale (Fries) Samuels & Hallet) resistance may be induced without low temperature treatment. Thus, different resistance mechanisms may be controlling frost and snow mould resistance. The results of this study suggest that general winterhardiness of overwintering species could be enhanced by screening separately resistance mechanisms of plants to various specific winter stress factors and combining these into new cultivars.
Estimation of genetic parameters for test-day milk production at different stages of lactation of Finnish Ayrshire heifers
Authors: Kettunen Anne , Mäntysaari Esa A.
Published: July 2018

Genetic parameters for test-day milk production at different stages of lactation of Finnish Ayrshire heifers were estimated with the REML method using the AI algorithm and animal model. The data consisted of 38 679 first lactation test-day milk yields of 4205 cows from 231 herds in three geographical regions (North Savo, Central Ostrobothnia and Lapland). To identify different test days, records were numbered according to the days in milk after calving, and were further categorized into three part-lactations according to the test-day classification. Expressions in the three part-lactations were considered as separate traits, and tests were treated as repeated observations within the trait. Heritability estimates for test-day milk yield varied between 0.11 and 0.17, being lowest at the beginning of lactation. Genetic correlations between test-day milk yields at different trimesters ranged from 0.64 to 0.91, being highest between consecutive trimesters. Standard errors of the estimates of genetic parameters varied between 0.02 and 0.08. Genetic interrelationships differed from 1.0, supporting the assumption that genetic variation exists in the shape of the lactation curve. The necessity of considering deviations from the general lactation curve in the test-day model, e.g. fitting random regression coefficients, is discussed.
The effects of prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and elevated CO2 levels on the growth, yield and dry matter partitioning of field-sown meadow fescue
Authors: Hakala Kaija , Mela Timo
Published: July 2018

Field-sown meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis, cv. Kalevi) stands were exposed to elevated temperatures (+3°C) and elevated CO2, (700 ppm) levels in two experiments conducted in 1992-1993 (experiment 1) and in 1994-1995 (experiment 2). Total aboveground yield was, on average, 38% higher at elevated than at ambient temperatures. At ambient temperatures elevated CO2 increased the number of tillers by 63% in 1992, 24% in 1993, 90% in 1994 and 14% in 1995. At elevated temperatures, the increase in tiller number in elevated CO2 was seen only in the first growing seasons after sowing. The total yield in a growing season was about 10% higher in elevated CO2 in experiment 1. In experiment 2 the yield was more than 20% higher in elevated CO2 at elevated temperatures, whereas at ambient temperatures the rise in CO2 level had no effect on the yield; the root biomass, however, increased by more than 30%. In elevated CO2 at ambient temperatures the root biomass also increased in experiment I, but at elevated temperatures there was no consistent change. The soluble carbohydrate content of above-ground biomass was 5-48% higher in elevated CO2 at most of the measuring times during the growing season, but the nitrogen content did not show a clear decrease. The reasons for the lack of a marked increase in biomass in elevated CO2 despite a 40-60% increase in photosynthesis are discussed.
Modelling growth and nitrogen balance of barley under ambient and future conditions
Authors: Kleemola Jouko , Karvonen Tuomo
Published: July 2018

According to current scenarios, atmospheric CO2 -concentration ([CO2]) and average air temperature will rise in the future. The predicted longer growing season in Finland would imply that more productive cultivars and even new crop species could be grown. Moreover, higher [CO2] is also likely to increase dry matter production of crops. This study analyzed the growth of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under ambient and suggested future conditions, and its response to N fertilization. Model simulations of soil temperature and of snow accumulation and melting were also studied. The calibration and validation results showed that the model performed well in simulating snow dynamics, soil temperature, the growth of barley, and the response of crop growth to N fertilization under present conditions. According to the simulation runs, if a cultivar was adapted to the length of the growing period, the increase in dry matter production was 23% in a low estimate scenario of climate change, and 56% in a high estimate scenario under a high level of nitrogen fertilization. The simulation study showed that the shoot dry weight increased by 43%, on average, under high N fertilization (150-200 kg N/ha), but by less (20%) under a low level of N (25-50 kg N/ha) when the conditions under a central scenario for the year 2050 were compared with the present ones.
Carbon dioxide evolution from snow-covered agricultural ecosystems in Finland
Authors: Koizumi Hiroshi , Kontturi Markku , Mariko Shigeru , Mela Timo
Published: July 2018

The release of CO2 from the snow surface in winter and the soil surface in summer was directly or indirectly measured in three different soil types (peat, sand and clay) in agricultural ecosystems in Finland. The closed chamber (CC) method was used for the direct and Pick’s diffusion model (DM) method for the indirect measurements. The winter soil temperatures at 2-cm depth were between 0 and 1°C for each soil type. The concentration of CO2 within the snowpack increased linearly with snow depth. The average fluxes of CO2 calculated from the gradients of CO2 concentration in the snow using the DM method ranged from 10 to 27 mg CO2 m2h-1 and with the CC method from 18 to 27 mg CO2 m2h-1. These results suggest that the snow insulates the soil thermally, allowing CO2 production to continue at soil temperatures slightly above freezing in the winter. Carbon dioxide formed in the soil can move across the snowpack up to the atmosphere. The winter/summer ratio of CO2 evolution was estimated to exceed 4%. Therefore, the snow-covered crop soil served as a source of CO2 in winter, and CO2 evolution constitutes an important part of the annual CO2 budget in snowy regions.
Yield reduction caused by a soil-borne disease of naked, dwarf, and conventional oat in Finland
Authors: Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo , Valkonen Jari P. T. , Koponen Hilkka
Published: July 2018

A severe disease occurred in the field plots of naked (cv. Salomon), dwarf (cv. Pal), and conventional oat (cvs. Jalostettu maatiainen and Salo) at the Viikki Experimental Farm of the University of Helsinki, Finland, in 1994 and 1995. Symptoms were expressed as grayish-brown necrotic areas on the lower leaves which killed plants from the seedling to heading stage, the effect being cultivar dependent. The proportion of plants killed contributed to the yield losses. The infection also resulted in less grains per panicle and lower weight of both panicle and vegetative above-ground biomass. From a total of 57 fungal isolates obtained from infected leaves, Fusarium culmorum (W.G.Sm.) Sacc. and F. sambucinum Fuck, dominated and subsequently caused infection (particularly foot and root rot) in oat in laboratory tests. These two Fusarium spp. were considered to be the primary causal agents of the symptoms observed in the field, although other pathogens may have been present. The disease was probably soil-borne. The results of this study suggested that the unusually dry and warm weather during late June and in July was the principal factor behind the severe disease outbreak.
A simple culture system for time-lapse video recording of bovine embryos
Authors: Peippo Jaana , Bredbacka Peter
Published: July 2018

Continuous observation of embryonic growth can improve understanding of the early developmental events and allow us to use parametric statistical analyses with time as a parameter. A cinematographic study such as that reported here utilizes time-lapse video recording. Previously published methods for time-lapse video recording have involved building an incubator around a microscope, a process that is both expensive and laborious. Here we present a simplified method for time-lapse video recording of early bovine embryo development. The embryos were cultured during a 24-hour period in a standard pregassed tissue culture bottle, which was darkened and placed on the heating stage of an inverted microscope for recording through a red filter. The control embryos were cultured in a conventional CO2 incubator. After 10 replicates we could not find a statistically significant difference between the cell numbers of these two treatments (P=0.95), suggesting that the culture setup is appropriate for continuous observation of early cleavage of the cattle embryo.
A mouse model for improving cell survival of bisected cattle embryos
Authors: Bredbacka Peter
Published: July 2018

Morula and blastocyst stage embryos recovered from B6D2F_1 mice were bisected with a metal microblade in M2 medium with or without sucrose and/or cytochalasin B supplementation. Cell lysis was determined by staining the embryos with Hoechst 33258 and propidium iodide. Lysed cells take up both stains but non-lysed cells only the Hoechst 33258 stain, resulting in pink fluorescence for lysed cells and blue fluorescence for non-lysed cells under UV excitation. During bisection of morulae, the presence of cytochalasin B decreased the proportion of lysed cells in both the absence (P=0.0001) and presence of sucrose (P=0.001). During bisection of blastocysts the average proportion of lysed cells was slightly lower in the presence of cytochalasin than that in the control medium, but the effect was not statistically significant (P=0.34). No effect of sucrose was observed in either demi-morulae or demi-blastocysts. These results are essentially similar to those obtained in simultaneous experiments with cattle embryos, suggesting that the simpler mouse model might be useful for developing less traumatic bisection protocols for cattle embryos.
GIS analysis of change in an agriculture landscape in Central Finland
Authors: Ruuska Riitta , Helenius Juha
Published: July 2018

Changes in landscape over a period of 50 years were analysed in a rural area of 324 ha in Central Finland. The data were digitized from aerial photographs of the National Land Survey taken in 1944, 1959, 1979 and 1991, and analysed with the IDRISI™ geographic information system (GIS). The average proportion of land in agricultural use in the sample area was 17.4%. The arable area declined from the maximum of 62.3 ha (1959) to 47.6 ha. The total length of linear landscape elements, predominantly ditch bank habitats, halved, from 876 m/ha of field (1944) to 449 m/ha by the end of the period. The average rate of loss of field boundary habitat was 9.1 m/ha/ year. At the same time, the Shannon-Weaver index of diversity of agricultural landscape elements dropped from 0.37 to 0.24. The number of field parcels declined by 29%, and the mean parcel size increased by 45%, from 1.2 ha to 1.7 ha. The index value of the fractal dimension measuring the complexity of parcel shapes also fell, from 1.88 (1959) to 1.86 (1991). The change in spatial structure reflects the intensification of farming in Finland. Biodiversity at ecosystem level has clearly declined. However, the implications for the agroecosystem and its sustainability are still unknown.
Feeding value of grass ensiled with absorbents assessed in growing lambs
Authors: Sormunen-Cristian Riitta , Mannerkorpi Päivi
Published: July 2018

Four absorbent materials incorporated into grass at ensiling were compared in terms of their effects on silage quality, effluent production, diet digestibility, ad libitum intake and growth of lambs. The materials used (50 kg t-1 grass) to retain silage effluent flow were molassed and unmolassed sugar beet shreds (MSBS, SBS), a commercial product (CP) based on MSBS (75%) and wheat bran (20%), and rolled barley (RB). With the exception of MSBS and a control (C2), all silages were ensiled with formic acid solution. Unmolassed sugar beet shreds were also ensiled with a granulated formic acid product (grFA). The silages were fed to 56 Finnish Landrace lambs for 21 days. Silage effluent retention rates were similar (1.44-1.55 kg kg-1 absorbent) for the sugar beet shred-based absorbents but zero for RB. The organic matter digestibilities of the diets were not affected (p>0.05) by the silage absorbent treatment. The digestibility of SBS silage was, however, improved by grFA as an additive. Silage intake was generally increased by absorbent inclusion, and was about 29% higher in lambs receiving silages treated with sugar beet shreds than in those receiving untreated silages. The daily growth rate of lambs was highest with the SBS treatment (124 g) followed by SBS ensiled with grFA (108 g) and MSBS (86 g); it was lowest with RB (36 g). With regard to effluent chemical oxygen demand, digestibility and silage intake, the use of SBS as an absorbent material is recommended by ensiling with either liquid or grFA.
Drought response of modern and old oat lines in greenhouse and long-term field trials
Authors: Mäkelä Pirjo , Väärälä Leena , Rajalahti Riikka , Rajala Ari , Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo
Published: July 2018

This study compares the response of old and modern oat (Avena sutiva L.) lines to pre-anthesis precipitation in long-term field trials, and to pre- and post-anthesis drought in the greenhouse. Long-term field trials were carried out at the Experimental Farms of Hankkija Plant Breeding Institute and the University of Helsinki between 1965 and 1988. Grain yield of 12 oat lines (released since 1959) was compared with that of the check lines. The effect of differences in May-June precipitation on grain yield was established for different lines. Greenhouse experiments included 19 oat lines (released since 1921) and three wild species of oat (A. barbata L., A. sterilis max. L. and A. fatua L.). The data from greenhouse experiments were analysed using discriminant analysis in groups of old (released before 1970s), modern, and wild oat types. Ranking of the oat lines according to results from long-term field trials and greenhouse experiments was not consistent; contrary to the field experiments, the old lines tended to be the most drought sensitive when tested in the greenhouse. Therefore, the simple and non-laborious methods used in this study for ranking of drought sensitivity of oat lines are not recommended.
DNA fingerprinting demonstrates extremely low levels of genetic variation among blackberry cultivars grown in Finland
Authors: Antonius Kristiina , Werlemark Gun , Nybom Hilde
Published: July 2018

Most blackberry plants cultivated in Finland closely resemble the American species Rubus allegheniensis. Thirty nine such blackberry accessions in the University of Helsinki clone collection were studied by hybridization-based DNA fingerprinting and compared with some known cultivars of R. allegheniensis derivation. ‘lmperial’ appears to be identical to the old cultivar ‘Majestät’, but ‘Earliest of All’ differs considerably. In addition, 37 of the accessions analysed also have DNA fingerprints that appear to be completely identical to that of ‘Majestät’! The remaining two accessions, although identical to each other, exhibit one band not found in ‘Majestät’ that is probably caused by a somatic mutation.
Effects of variety, soil type and nitrogen fertilizer supply on the nutritive value of barley for growing pigs
Authors: Valaja Jarmo , Suomi Kaija , Alaviuhkola Timo , Mela Timo
Published: July 2018

The effects of variety, soil type and nitrogen (N) fertilizer supply on the nutritive value of barley were studied with chemical analysis, in vitro digestibility and a growth experiment on 240 growing/finishing pigs (live-weight 25-95 kg). Twelve barley batches were formed from three varieties (two-rowed Kustaa and six-rowed Arra and Pokko) grown on mould or clay soil and fertilized with either a low or normal level of N (43 or 71 kg N/ha to mould soil and 76.5 or 110 kg N/ha to clay soil). In the growth experiment all the diets contained similar amounts of barley and soya bean meal (845/120 g/kg). Variety Arra contained 21 g/kg more CP than did Pokko or Kustaa. The N fertilizer supply slightly increased the CP content of the barley samples (133 vs. 141 g/kg) but decreased the amount of lysine in the protein (31 vs. 29 g/ 160g N). Regression equation showed that CP and β-glucan were positively and neutral detergen fibre content negatively related to the in vitro digestibility of N in barley samples. The content of CP and the in vitro digestibilities of dry matter and N were highest in var. Arra. The daily gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the pigs on Arra-based diets was better than that of those on Kustaa or Pokko (P
The effects of a non-woven cover in combination with different soil mulches in strawberry cultivation
Authors: Aflatuni Abbas , Kemppainen Riitta , Heinonen Alpo , Hakonen Tiina
Published: July 2018

The effects of a non-woven cover and three different soil mulches on the timing of harvest and on the yield of strawberry were examined in two field experiments in northern Finland during 1989-1993. The non-woven cover was used either in spring or in both autumn and in spring. Non-covered plants served as controls. Depending on the year, plants covered in spring alone gave a significantly earlier (4 to 9 days) marketable yield than did uncovered plants. The non-woven cover had no effect on marketable yield at Sotkamo but at Rovaniemi it increased the yield, especially in cold years. The use of cover decreased the amount of mouldy berries. At both experimental sites, a significantly higher yield was obtained from beds covered with soil mulches than from uncovered beds. White-on-black film delayed the yield by 2 to 4 days in comparison with black or Mypex film.
Contribution of livestock to food production in developing countries
Authors: Fitzhugh Hank
Published: July 2018

On a global basis, livestock products - meat, milk, eggs and fibre - account for 40% of the value of total marketed agricultural product. Animal products provide essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals to help ensure nutritionally balanced diets. In developing countries, livestock traction and manure also contribute to food production through improved cultivation and soil fertility which increase crop yields. On average, the proportional contribution of livestock product to dietary calories and protein in developed countries is double that for developing countries. Demand for livestock products is fuelled by the population increase, income growth and urbanisation in developing countries. Therefore, over the past decade, consumption of livestock product has sharply increased in developing countries, while slightly decreasing in developed countries where consumption is already relatively high on average. Increased demand in developing countries increases income for producers, but also stresses the environment through pollution, soil erosion, overgrazing and deforestation. Research involving global partnerships of scientists and institutes can help ensure that the increased demands for livestock product in developing countries will be met in economically feasible and environmentally sustainable ways.
The key elements for genetic response in Finnish dairy cattle breeding
Authors: Juga Jarmo , Voutilainen Ulla
Published: July 2018

This paper reviews some key elements of Finnish animal breeding research contributing to the Finnish dairy cattle breeding programme and discusses the possibilities and problems in collecting data for genetic evaluation, prediction of breeding values both within and across countries, estimation of the economic value of important traits, and selection of bulls and cows. Economic values are calculated for fertility, udder health and production traits when one genetic standard deviation unit (gen. sd.) is changed in each trait independently and the financial returns from selection response in the Finnish dairy cattle breeding programme are estimated. The following components were used to calculate the economic value of mastitis treatments: 1) cost of mastitis including discarded milk and treatment costs, 2) reduction in milk price due to higher somatic cell count, 3) replacement costs and 4) lower production level of the herd due to involuntary culling of cows because of udder problems. A high somatic cell count lowers the price of milk and eventually leads to involuntary culling. For treatments for fertility disorders the following costs were included: 1) treatment costs 2) higher replacement costs and 3) decreased milk production in the herd. Days open included the following costs: 1) extra insemination, 2) reduced annual milk yield and 3) fewer calves born. Animal breeding was found to be a very cost effective investment, yielding returns of FIM 876.9 per cow from one round of selection when the gene flow was followed for over 25 years in the Finnish dairy cattle breeding programme.
The Nordic Gene Bank’s Prunus clone archive in Finland: II Local races of plum
Authors: Palonen Pauliina , Uosukainen Marjatta , Laurinen Eeva
Published: July 2018

The morphological variation in 104 local races of plum (Prunus domestica subsp. domestica L.) in the Nordic Gene Bank’s Prunus clone archive in Pälkäne, Southwest Finland was examined. Each tree was described using 37 characteristics. On the basis of fruit characteristics the local races were classified into three main groups. The largest one was the red plum group, the yellow plum group being the second largest. Victoria-type plums, which have not been reported to occur in Finland before and which resemble the English cultivar ‘Victoria’, make up the third group. Victoria-type plums proved to be fully and red plums partly self-compatible, whilst the yellow plums were selfincompatible. All the local races of plum were evaluated for their possible further use. Two of them were selected for commercial propagation.
Microbial phytase supplementation for improving availability of plant phosphorus in the diet of the growing pigs
Authors: Näsi Matti
Published: July 2018

The effect of a phytase supplement produced by Aspergillus niger on phytinphosphorus availability for pigs on phytase deficient maize-soybean meal diets was measured in two digestibility and balance experiments involving twelve growing pigs. Apparent digestibility of P in diets without inorganic-P supplementation or with low addition (0.18 of total P) was significantly lower than in the control diets (0.16 and 0.23 vs. 0.42; P
Natural biostimulants reduce the incidence of BER in sweet yellow pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Parađiković Nada , Vinkovic Tomislav , Vinković Vrček Ivana , Tkalec Monika
Published: July 2018

Modern greenhouse pepper production should evolve towards more sustainable systems. The growing technique which combines soilless culture and biostimulants may reduce nutrient and water use with beneficial impact on the environment. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate effects of biostimulants application on hydroponically produced pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) in conditions of reduced fertilization. Positive influence of biostimulant treatment on yield parameters was observed along with significant decrease in incidence of blossom-end rot (BER) in two pepper cultivars. Biostimulants application resulted in overall increase in macro- and microelement content in fruits of treated pepper cultivars. Generally, biostimulants improved the yield of pepper plants grown hydroponically by increasing the nutrient uptake and decreasing the occurrence of BER. Thus, the application of biostimulants could be considered as a good production strategy for obtaining high yields of nutritionally valuable vegetables with lower impact on the environment.
Influence of colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on three strawberry cultivars under salty conditions
Authors: Sinclair Grant , Charest Christiane , Dalpé Yolande , Khanizadeh Shahrokh
Published: July 2018

Plant adaptation to hyperosmotic environments is generally associated with reduced growth and ultimately yield loss, making farming difficult. The potential of mycorrhizal symbioses to alleviate salt stress has been documented and benefits to plant revealed to be specific and dependent to both plant cultivars and fungal strains.  A factorial greenhouse experiment was performed to determine the effects of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species (Funneliformis caledonius, F. mosseae and Rhizophagus irregularis) on three ‘day-neutral’ strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivars (‘Albion’, ‘Charlotte’ and ‘Seascape’), and a mixture of R. irregularis and F. mosseae on ‘Seascape’, under four salt conditions (0–200 mM NaCl).  The overall results showed that plant biomass decreased with increasing salinity.  The cultivars responded differently to both AMF and salinity, and ‘Seascape’ was more tolerant to salinity than the other cultivars.  AMF enhanced plant growth and improved salt tolerance by increasing the proportion of medium (0.5<ɸ≤1.5 mm) and coarse (ɸ>1.5 mm) diameter roots. The mixture of two AMF species increased root and shoot mass to a higher degree than each species alone at low salinity (0–50 mM) but reduced fruit quality.  At higher levels (100–200 mM), R. irregularis alleviated salt stress and improved fruit quality to a higher degree than the other AMF species.  Our results support the use of bio-inoculants in saline horticultural areas.  Because cultivars respond differently to fungal inoculants, and inoculants prefer specific environmental conditions, fungal inoculants need to be screened on a cultivar- and condition-specific basis.
Fikih Konservasi Laut: Relevansi Fiqh al-Bi'ah di Wilayah Pesisir Lamongan
Authors: Mufid Moh
Published: July 2018

This paper aims to reconstruct fishing jurisprudence in Lamongan regency in an eco-sharia perspective. Eco-sharia is a religious value that serves as a tool of social control for coastal communities in utilizing sustainable fisheries resources. Marine conservation efforts are a guarantee for the protection of marine resources in order to remain protected and sustainable. Fishing jurisprudence needs to be formulated to provide eco-sharia insight for fishermen about environmentally friendly fishing and in accordance with religious values. Fishing jurisprudence will be constructed based on fishery conservation practices in Lamongan regency as one of the coastal areas of Pantura (north coast of Java) that has been designated as a â€œminapolitanâ€ fishery town. The implications of the reconstruction of fishing jurisprudence are expected to build a culture conscious of the marine environment and synergize the economic and ecological aspects as a culture for the fishermen community.
Capitalismo, lenguaje e ideología a través de Rodolfo Fogwill
Authors: Montenegro Rodrigo
Published: July 2018

A través de Rodolfo Fogwill, propongo una lectura en torno a la irrupción de la semiótica como modelo teórico para los estudios sociales. Para esto, considero un artículo crítico en co-autoría con Oscar Steimberg en el cual se despliega un análisis del fenómeno publicitario. En consecuencia, es posible advertir cómo la renovación implicada por el estructuralismo en el estudio de los medios masivos contribuyó a una evaluación crítica de la cultura. A partir de este panorama inicial, puede dimensionarse el trasfondo del proyecto editorial Tierra Baldía y, simultáneamente, la emergencia literaria de Fogwill hacia 1980.
Uma poética do processo na biografia literária contemporânea
Authors: Pereira Antonio Marcos
Published: July 2018

Este trabajo analiza, a modo de recuerdo personal de mi propia trayectoria como investigador de biografía literaria, el contraste entre la forma canónica de la biografía y sus fundamentos poéticos, y una veta alternativa, que creo hace de algún modo colapsar proceso y producto. Examino algunos aspectos autobiográficos de tal empresa, que vuelven más visibles al biógrafo y el archivo que está detrás de cada biografía. Expongo lo que considero un proceso que puede describirse en los términos en los que Lawrence Venuti describió el trabajo del traductor, y pongo en discusión la invisibilización tanto del biógrafo como del proceso de investigación que hizo posible la biografía. También presento algunos casos que que no siguen esta fórmula y que parecen ser referencias para una pequeña tradición en la escritura biográfica contemporánea, así como algunas vías fecundas para futuras aventuras, tanto en el contenido como en la forma de las biografías literarias.
La operación Masotta, un ensayo biográfico
Authors: Podlubne Judith
Published: July 2018

El artículo explora las relaciones entre biografía y ensayo a partir la lectura de La operación Masotta, de Carlos Correas. La reflexión en torno al estatuto genérico del libro es recurrente entre los lectores especializados. “Biografía imposible”, “biografía ensayística”, “ensayo biográfico” son algunas de las cláusulas preferidas para caracterizarlo. La forma que el vínculo entre biógrafo y biografiado asume en La operación Masotta es la oportunidad de examinar y argumentar el parentesco que, por la vía de los modos y recursos de la conversación mundana, biografía y ensayo mantienen desde por lo menos el siglo XVIII. La importancia que Correas le atribuye a la anécdota en la escritura biográfica participa de la tradición que aproxima ambos géneros.
Alejandra Torres y Magdalena Pérez Balbi (comps.), Visualidad y dispositivo(s). Arte y técnica desde una perspectiva cultural. Buenos Aires, Ediciones UNGS, 2016, Comunicación, Artes y Cultura, 186 páginas
Authors: Cámara Mario
Published: July 2018

e086 6) Reseñista: Mario Cámara (UBA-UNA-CONICET). Libro reseñado: Alejandra Torres y Magdalena Pérez Balbi (comps.), Visualidad y dispositivo(s). Arte y técnica desde una perspectiva cultural.Buenos Aires, Ediciones UNGS, 2016, Comunicación, Artes y Cultura, 186 páginas
Historia y Literatura. A propósito de los relatos de La contienda entre Horus y Seth y La disputa de Verdad y Mentira
Authors: Campagno Marcelo
Published: July 2018

La contienda entre Horus y Seth (Papiro Chester Beatty I) y La disputa de Verdad y Mentira (Papiro Chester Beatty II) –dos de los textos más significativos de la literatura egipcia del Reino Nuevo– presentan un destacado conjunto de características comunes. Aquí se considerarán dos cuestiones relacionadas con esa notable proximidad entre tales textos. Por un lado, el similar argumento básico de ambos textos, que parece apuntar a dos “realizaciones” literarias de un mismo mito de base. Por el otro lado, un elemento específico del contenido de ambos textos, la búsqueda de soluciones judiciales para los conflictos entre los principales protagonistas, que puede conectarse con la importancia de las “lógicas” del parentesco y del Estado tanto en la organización interna de estos textos como en la estructuración social del Antiguo Egipto. Tales consideraciones se apartan de las tradicionales formas evhemeristas de interpretar los textos literarios como reflejos de acontecimientos de un pasado lejano y destacan la posibilidad de evaluar las prácticas sociales a las que esos relatos refieren. Y hay algo más: por la vía del contraste con ciertos relatos del folklore egipcio moderno, se abre una vía de sospecha acerca de otra dimensión histórica de amplia escala, que apunta a continuidades en los imaginarios sociales, que asoman incluso más persistentes que el propio dispositivo religioso al que remiten los dos textos antiguos.
Organización campesina y dominios políticos en la cuenca del Duero altomedieval
Authors: Martín Viso Iñaki
Published: July 2018

El texto recoge la conferencia presentada en las IV Jornadas de Jóvenes Investigadores sobre Sociedades Precapitalistas. El objetivo es ofrecer una imagen panorámica de cómo las diferentes estructuras políticas que se implantaron entre los siglos V al X en la cuenca del Duero influyeron en la organización de las comunidades campesinas. Aunque estas disfrutaron de una considerable agencia social, política y económica, el tributo y el control de los espacios de uso comunal facilitaron la intervención de elites relacionadas con el poder estatal, con la excepción del periodo de colapso que se abrió en los siglos VIII y IX.
Comentario a una reseña que irrita
Authors: Astarita Carlos
Published: July 2018

Luis García Moreno reseñó el libro de Eleonora Dell’Elicine, En el principio fue el Verbo. Políticas del signo y estrategias del poder eclesiástico en el reino visigodo de Toledo (589-711), editado por la Universidad de Cádiz en 2013 . Su comentario crítico llama a la crítica.
O uso de agroquímicos na percepção dos proprietários rurais do município de Concórdia, SC / The use of agrochemicals in the perception of rural owners of the municipality of Concórdia, SC
Authors: Ritter Jamila , Barp Elisete Ana
Published: July 2018

A produção agrícola do município de Concórdia, SC tem predomínio do regime familiar, caracterizadas como pequenas propriedades rurais, com as rendas oriundas da pecuária, bovinocultura de leite e produção de grãos. Neste sistema agrícola é comum o uso de agroquímicos. O objetivo do estudo foi fazer um diagnóstico sobre a percepção dos produtores rurais referente ao uso, manejo e a destinação dos agroquímicos. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com produtores rurais do município de Concórdia SC, foram aplicados 63 questionários, no período de janeiro a maio de 2016. Os dados da pesquisa apontam que: 49% dos entrevistados entendem parcialmente o que está escrito na bula dos agroquímicos e 46,9% seguem a bula, 87,3% utilizam equipamentos de proteção individual. 95,2% conhecem e respeitam o período de carência do produto; 98,4% sabem destinar as embalagens vazias dos agroquímicos. Dos produtores entrevistados 70% deles possuem somente o ensino fundamental incompleto. Esse pode ser o motivo pelo qual os entrevistados seguem parcialmente os cuidados com o manejo dos agroquímicos. A maioria entende parcialmente as informações contidas, o que necessita de uma maneira que possa facilitar o acesso às informações, fazendo com que elas sejam mais claras e objetivas. Os produtores necessitam de mais acesso a assistência técnica qualificada e confiável.AbstractAgricultural production in the city of Concórdia, SC has a predominance of family arrangements, characterized as small farms, with incomes from livestock, milk cattle and grain production. In this farming system is the common use of agrochemicals. The aim was to make a diagnosis on the perception of farmers regarding the use, handling and disposal of pesticides. This work was developed with farmers in the municipality of Concórdia SC, 63 questionnaires were applied in the period from January to May 2016. The survey data show that 49% of respondents understand partially what is written in the package insert of agrochemicals and 46 , 9% below the bull, 87.3% use personal protective equipment. 95.2% know and respect the product's grace period; 98.4% know allocate empty containers of agrochemicals. Producers interviewed 70% of them have not finished elementary school. This may be the reason why the respondents partially follow the care management of agrochemicals. Most partially understand the information, you need a way to facilitate access to information, making them more clear and objective. Producers need more access to qualify and reliable technical assistance.