Influence of the Benguela Upwelling System on the genetic connectivity of blacktail seabream Diplodus capensis across southern Africa

Understanding the Implications of Mitochondrial DNA Variation in the Health of Black Southern African Populations: The 2014 Workshop.

Seasonal variations in the fatty acid compositions of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and white sea bream (Diplodus sargus), captured in Iskenderun Bay, Eastern Mediterranean of Turkey, were investigated. Results from studying the composition over all seasons showed that the basic saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids for gilthead sea bream and white sea bream were palmitic acid (16:0), oleic acid (18:1) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6ω3). The other main fatty acids for both species were myristic acid (14:0), stearic acid (18:0), palmitoleic acid (16:1), linoleic acid (18:2ω6) (especially in autumn and winter for gilthead sea bream), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5ω3). Gilthead sea bream and white sea bream exhibited seasonal fluctuations in their fatty acid contents. EPA ratios in gilthead sea bream in the autumn, winter, spring and summer were 5.42%, 4.69%, 5.20% and 4.27%, whereas the ratios in white sea bream in autumn, spring and summer were found to be 5.03%, 4.53% and 6.97%, respectively. DHA ratios in gilthead sea bream in autumn, winter, spring and summer were 15.37%, 14.16%, 9.51% and 7.07%, whereas the ratios in white sea bream in autumn, spring and summer were found to be 11.49%, 20.17% and 7.74%, respectively. The present study suggests that the daily consumption of either 100 g of gilthead sea bream captured in any season or 100 g white sea bream captured in spring or summer could meet people’s needs for EPA+DHA fatty acids.

Little genetic research has been undertaken on mammals across the vast expanse of the arid biome in Australia, despite continuing species decline and need for conservation management. Here, we evaluate the contemporary and historical genetic connectivity of the yellow-footed rock-wallaby, Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus, a threatened macropodid which inhabits rocky outcrops across the disconnected mountain range systems of the southern arid biome. We use 17 microsatellite loci together with mitochondrial control region data to determine the genetic diversity of populations and the evolutionary processes shaping contemporary population dynamics on which to base conservation recommendations. Our results indicate the highly fragmented populations have reduced diversity and limited contemporary gene flow, with most populations having been through population bottlenecks. Despite limited contemporary gene flow, the phylogeographic relationships of the mitochondrial control region indicate a lack of structure and suggests greater historical connectivity. This is an emerging outcome for mammals across this arid region. On the basis of our results, we recommend augmentation of populations of P. x. xanthopus, mixing populations from disjunct mountain range systems to reduce the chance of continued diversity loss and inbreeding depression, and therefore maximize the potential for populations to adapt and survive into the future.

Introduction - shedding the past, shaping the future, David Simon. Part 1 Population and mobility: obscuring history? contemporary patterns of regional migration to South Africa, Sally Peberdy gender, labour markets and migration in and from Botswana, Kavita Datta the sexual and economic politics of (re)integration - HIV/AIDS and the question of stability in southern Africa, Doug Webb. Part 2 Transcending the past - the politics of dis- and re-engagement: in the wake of war - military transitions in southern Africa, Susan Willett small arms proliferation - a major challenge for post-apartheid South and southern Africa, Alex Vines South Africa's foreign policy - from isolation to respectability?, Greg Mills nature has the power to heal old wounds - war, peace and changing patterns of conservation in southern Africa, Eddie Koch. Part 3 Changing geographies of production and economic integration: the changing role of sugar as a vehicle for economic development within southern Africa, Steve Atkins and Alan Terry lessons unlearned -South Africa's one-way relationship with Zimbabwe, Colin Stoneman desert enclave to regional gateway? Walvis Bay's reintegration into Namibia, David Simon powering the region - South Africa and the southern Africa power pool, Tore Horvei SADC, COMESA, SACU -contradictory formats for regional integration in southern Africa?, James Sidaway prospects for the region, David Simon.

The caterpillars of Gonimbrasia belina, commonly known as mopane worms, are intensively harvested for human consumption in southern Africa. Concerns over the sustainability of the species have been raised for the last two decades due to increasing demand, habitat erosion, and climate change. Despite its cultural, economic, and nutritional significance, genetic data for G. belina was largely unavailable. We used a multi-marker approach including mitochondrial sequences and nuclear ddRADseq data to assess the genetic diversity, phylogeographical structure and demographic history of G. belina in Namibia and the Limpopo River Basin (South Africa and Botswana). Mitochondrial sequences revealed strong phylogeographical structure at the broad scale separating Namibia and Limpopo River Basin populations. Within the Limpopo River Basin, populations are separated by the Limpopo River, with haplotype sharing only at the border between South Africa and Botswana. Mitochondrial genetic diversity varies between sampling areas but overall is highest in South Africa and lowest in Botswana, while historical demography points to population expansion in Namibia but not in South Africa and Botswana. Nuclear data in the Limpopo River Basin revealed some connectivity among populations albeit with significant genetic differentiation and unique gene pools in some sampling areas. All sampling areas show low genetic diversity, alarmingly small effective population size, and signs of recent bottlenecks. We generated the first baseline data for the genetic monitoring of G. belina populations and conclude that concerns over the sustainability of the species are presently justified in Botswana and South Africa.

Riboflavin enrichment throughout the food chain from the marine microalga Tetraselmis suecica to the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and to White Sea Bream ( Diplodus sargus) and Gilthead Sea bream ( Sparus aurata) larvae

Trillium erectum L. is an insect-pollinated understory herb widespread in forests of eastern North America. Marker gene studies indicate that the species has a mixed mating system, but aspects of population genetic structure have not been investigated. Using 10 allozyme loci, we measured genetic variation within and among 23 populations sampled from throughout the species' range. Overall, T. erectum displayed moderate levels of genetic diversity in comparison with other herbaceous plants. The percentage of loci that were polymorphic was 52%, with average values (±SE) of 1.20 ± 0.02, 0.08 ± 0.01, and 0.13 ± 0.01 for the number of alleles per locus (A), observed heterozygosity (Ho), and expected heterozygosity (He), respectively. There was evidence of inbreeding within populations (Fis = 0.39, 95% CI 0.26–0.55) and significant population differentiation (Fst = 0.16, 0.05–0.24). Analysis of genetic data provided no evidence of isolation by distance, and together with the occurrence of population subdivision, this suggests that there is relatively limited contemporary gene flow among populations. Northern populations of T. erectum tended to have less genetic variability than southern populations, probably as a result of historical factors associated with post glacial migration. Limited opportunities for gene dispersal as a result of low plant densities, the capacity for self-fertilization, and local seed dispersal by ants are likely to be the main factors maintaining contemporary patterns of genetic variation in T. erectum. Key words: allozymes, genetic diversity, gene flow, population genetic structure, Trillium.

Abalone, genus Haliotis, are single shelled nocturnal herbivorous marine gastropods. There are nearly 56 currently described species of haliotids worldwide. About 10% of these are commercially important as wild fisheries or aquaculture species. Significant progress had been made in abalone aquaculture in general but genetic improvement and restocking programmes are still in their infancy. A single tropical species, Haliotis asinina of the Indo-Pacific, is extensively harvested in Southeast Asia. H. asinina, with a shorter generation time than the temperate species and predictable spawning cycle, is well suited for aquaculture and an ideal species to investigate the molecular mechanisms regulating reproduction and growth in abalone. Molecular genetics and associated technologies have facilitated the analysis and understanding of the underlying genetics of commercially important traits in plants and animals. The genetic markers, both protein and DNA markers, have been found to be efficient in addressing genetic issues associated with management of fisheries and aquaculture. Among the available genetic markers, microsatellites are increasingly being used to answer genetic questions of fisheries and aquaculture. Microsatellites are short tandem repeats of 2-6 base pairs and are abundant in eukaryotic genome. These markers are highly variable, selectively neutral and co-dominantly inherited. Polymorphic nature of microsatellites is helpful in identification of quantitative trait loci, parentage and pedigrees and genetic diversity between populations. In abalone aquaculture, marker assisted selection for growth has the potential to enhance industry development, by identifying individuals and broodstock with genetic productivity for faster growth. The focus of this study is to develop polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers and demonstrate their application in H. asinina fisheries and aquaculture. A partial genomic library of H. asinina, enriched for microsatellite clones, was screened for dinucleotide microsatellite DNA using biotinylated (AC)18 primer. Isolated microsatellite-containing DNA were cloned and sequenced. Out of 27 microsatellite sequences, 7 contained microsatellite motifs and priming sequences for detailed studies on the natural and cultured populations. These microsatellite loci and four other loci that were isolated earlier by Sandie Degnan, were characterised using H. asinina samples from Heron Island Reef. All 11 microsatellite loci were polymorphic with the number of alleles ranging from 2-30 per locus and the observed and expected heterozygosity between 0.25-0.97 and 0.31-0.95 respectively. These primers were also able to amplify homologous loci in other tropical abalone species, H. ovina and H. varia.Five of these microsatellite markers were used to investigate the genetic structuring of natural populations of H. asinina in Australia and Southeast Asia. The allelic diversity and average heterozygosities were high at these loci in all the populations. Significant genetic differentiation was observed among all the wild populations analysed. Genetic structuring of H. asinina populations appears to follow isolation-by-distance model. These microsatellite loci were used to test whether the hatchery-reared abalone at SEAFDEC, the Philippines, could be used to restock some of the Philippines populations. The hatchery population did not show significant differentiation with one of the populations but showed a significant differentiation with the other. Based on this observation, suggestions are made regarding the use of hatchery-bred abalone for reseeding the wild populations in the Philippines. The implications for future restocking programmes are also discussed. In aquaculture, microsatellite DNA markers are used to genotype parental broodstock, to assess fertilization success and to maintain pedigree information for selective breeding. In this study individual H. asinina larvae were genotyped by analysing a suit of polymorphic microsatellite loci. At least 10 loci can be analysed from a single abalone veliger larvae. Five polymorphic loci were assayed to identify the parents of individual larvae produced in three separate crosses. In all cases, the parents of an individual veliger could be determined from as few as 3 loci. The microsatellite analysis revealed a substantial inequality in the contribution of each broodstock to the new generation of veligers, as only a subset of broodstock males sired most of the offspring. These observations suggest that highly controlled breeding practices may be required to ensure that the genetic diversity of an abalone population produced for aquaculture. The individual larval genotyping technique was used to test for sperm competition in abalone crosses. The sperm age was the predominant factor affecting the rate of fertilization success. A difference in fertilization success was evident between two males which spawned at the same time, which might be due to natural variation in viability or genetic differences. The microsatellite loci isolated and characterised in this study are found to be efficient genetic markers for management of H. asinina fisheries and aquaculture. These markers have the potential to be used in population structure studies and are polymorphic enough to reveal small genetic differences between populations. These markers could be used to make informed decisions on translocation of animals for reseeding and aquaculture purposes. The polymorphism, exhibited at these microsatellite loci, demonstrates their potential to be used as genetic tags to monitor the success of reseeding programmes and to maintain pedigree information. These microsatellites markers along with development of AFLP markers could be used to develop linkage and genetic maps for H. asinina to identify and characterise quantitative trait loci.

The Mandela 1 government that came into power in 1994 made the democratization of science and technology a priority in post-apartheid South Africa (Joubert, 2001, p. 316). Attendant ideas of Science Communication and Public Understanding of Biotechnology 2 have hitherto become currency in South Africa’s public sector drive towards the democratization of science. Democratization of science and technology implies that the people as non-experts are an integral part of all deliberations on policy, regulation and control of science and technology, for example, in debates or controversies on issues arising from biotechnology. Democratization of science and technology is about the sociopolitical control of science and technology by wider society. Science and technology must be controlled by wider society because evil-minded groups of people can ill-use it to inflict harm on other groups of people. Moreover, certain unscrupulous and corrupt business entities can collude with the state and/or powerful and influential sociopolitical figures in societies to exploit and abuse indigenous scientific resources as well as endogenous modes of specialized scientific knowledge. On the latter, for example, they can evoke intellectual property rights (IPR) to patent resources that are not theirs historically. Thus, the ideal-type of democracy makes it imperative for the people of South Africa and of other societies in Africa to understand and actively participate in developments in science and technology. 3 This need necessitates increasing scholarly attention to be given to questions of science communication and public understanding of science, arising at the intersection between science, society and politics in South and southern Africa. Some of the major drivers of the processes of the democratization of science are social movements, which are elements of civil society (Ballard, Habib and Valodia, 2006). Social movements do fill and are apt to fill an important gap in science communication and public understanding of biotechnology in South and southern Africa. Scientists are accused generally of being poor communicators of science and technology, preferring to work in isolation, behind closed doors, in laboratories (Latour, 1987). Science communities are notoriously insular (Weingart et al., 2000). News media practitioners are accused of misrepresenting-by distorting, oversimplifying, or sensationalizing-science in public domains and of passively resisting science communication (Joubert, 2001, pp. 324-5). Yet there is a lack of scholarly attention to the role of social movements in the democratization of science in Africa as a whole. Practically, the democratization of science is partial, ad hoc, and biased in South and southern Africa. 4 Therefore, overall, it is unclear what the nature and role of interventions of social movements are in the democratisation of science in Africa.

South Africa - within or apart from Africa?, Adebayo Adedeji South Africa in Africa - a South African perspective, Kader Asmal. Part I Africa in the global context: Africa and the new world order - rethinking development planning in the age of globalization, Fantu Cheru South and southern Africa in the new international divisions of labour and power - development prospects in the 1990s, Timothy M. Shaw. Part II The political economies of Africa and South Africa: the state of the African political economy, Bade Onimode the state of South Africa's political economy, Fred Ahwireng-Obeng the debate about reconstruction and development in South Africa, Ben Turok. Part III South Africa's relations with Africa: South Africa in Africa - a Namibian perspective, Hage Geingob South Africa's economic relations with Africa - current patterns and future perspectives, Robert Davies towards common security in southern Africa - regional cooperation after apartheid, Elling Njal Tjonneland and Tom Vraalsen. Part IV Prospects and perspectives: towards a new African order - evolving a strategy for mutually-beneficial political and socio-economic relations after apartheid, Adebayo Adedeji.

Summary The present study was undertaken to establish the normal, healthy features of morphological structures at various developmental stages as achieved under well-defined environmental culture conditions (temperature between 16 and 21°C, salinity 36 ppt, pH around 7.6, and oxygen saturation over 95%) common in aquaculture of the species. The pectoral fin supports began to develop at 2.90 mm total length (TL), followed by those of dorsal fins at 5.5 mm TL, caudal fins at 5.6 mm TL, pelvic fins at 5.9 mm TL and anal fins at 6.0 mm TL. The pelvic fins appeared fully at 7.4 mm TL. Development of dorsal lepidotrichia was first observed at 6.9 mm TL, attaining their final number at 7.6 mm TL. The dorsal spines first appeared at 6.5 mm TL and were complete at 7.4 mm TL. The anal lepidotrichia appeared during the development phase from 6.8 to 8.6 mm TL. At 5.6 mm TL, the upward flexion of the urostyle was initiated. The caudal lepidotrichia formed within the primordial fin at 5.6 mm TL and reached the final count at 7.4 mm TL. The caudal dermatotrichia first appeared at 7.3 mm TL and all forms were observed by 15.5 mm TL. The development pattern of fin supports found in Pagrus pagrus is quite similar to that described for other Sparid species.

Microsatellite and minisatellite genotyping of Theileria parva population from southern Africa reveals possible discriminatory allele profiles with parasites from eastern Africa

Samples of 162 impala antelope (Aepyceros melampus) from throughout its distribution range in sub-Saharan Africa were surveyed using eight polymorphic microsatellite loci. Furthermore, 155 previously published mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from the same localities were reanalyzed. Two subspecies of impala are presently recognized--the isolated black-faced impala (Aepyceros melampus petersi) in southwest Africa and the common impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) abundant in southern and east Africa. All tests performed indicated significant genetic differentiation at the subspecific level. Furthermore, individual-based analyses split the common impala subspecies into two distinct genetic groups, conforming with regional geographic affiliation to southern or east Africa. This was supported by assignment tests, genetic distance measures, pairwise theta values, and analysis of molecular variance. We suggest that the presence of such previously unknown regional structuring within the subspecies reflects a pattern of colonization from a formerly large panmictic population in southern Africa toward east Africa. This scenario was supported by a progressive decline in population diversity indices toward east Africa and a significant increase in the quantity theta/(1 - theta). Both microsatellite and mtDNA data indicated a genetic distinctiveness of the Samburu population in Kenya.

Diet, Body Size, and Landscape Use among Holocene People in the Southern Cape, South Africa

Diet, Body Size, and Landscape Use among Holocene People in the Southern Cape, South Africa