Autumn To Early Winter Research Articles

Spatial ecology and population dynamics of brown trout Salmo trutta L. in reservoirs and headwater tributaries.

This investigation compared the spatial ecology and population dynamics of brown trout Salmo trutta L. between reservoirs with (impact; Langsett Reservoir) and without (control; Grimwith Reservoir) barriers to fish movements into headwater tributaries, and the effectiveness of a fish pass intended to remediate connectivity. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) telemetry revealed that fish that emigrated from Langsett and Grimwith tributaries were 1-3 and 0-2 years old, respectively, and predominantly did so in spring and autumn-early winterin both systems. Weirs at Langsett Reservoir appeared to thwart emigration rate (26%) relative to Grimwith Reservoir (85%). Acoustic telemetry (two-dimensional positions) in the impacted reservoir revealed thatthe largest home range was in October-December (95% monthly activity space S.D. up to 26.9 ± 6.69 ha in November), activity was influenced by both month and time of day, and fish occupied shallow water depths (relative to reservoir depth), especially at night. Brown trout tagged in Grimwith and Langsett Reservoirs (42.9% and 64.1%, respectively) and fish tagged in the tributariesthat emigrated (37.2% and 27.7%, respectively) were detected immigrating into tributaries throughout the year. At both reservoirs, peak immigration for ≥3-year-old trout occurred primarily in autumn-early winter. Overall passage efficiency went from 3% prior to remediation to 14% after and there was no significant increase in fish densities following the construction of the fish pass. Fish were attracted towards and entered the fish pass under a wide range of river levels, but only succeeded in passing upstream during low levels, which are uncommon druing the main migration period. Overall, this investigation significantly furthers our understanding of brown trout spatial ecology and population dynamics in reservoirs and headwater tributaries.

Preservation and study of natural species from the genus Iris at the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Solving the problems of preservation and rational use of plant genetic diversity is one of the main tasks for botanical gardens and scientific institutions working in this field. In the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the collection of natural species of the genus Iris has been formed since 2000s. The paper presents research results on the following 11 species: Iris colchica Kem.-Nath., I. ensata Thunb., I. japonica Thunb, I. orientalis Mill.,I. notha M. Bieb, I. pallida Lam., I. pseudacorus L., I. pseudonotha Galushko, I. sibirica L., I. spuria L., I. unguicularis Poir. Most of the species are rare (6), rare and endemic (2). As a result of the studies conducted in 2020-2022, flowering terms for the irises species in collection have been established in the humid subtropics of Russia and 4 groups have been recorded. The first group with the earliest flowering (April, early May) includes I. japonica, I. sibirica. Average flowering terms (from mid-late May) are recorded for I. orientalis, I. colchica, I. pallida, I. pseudacorus. Late flowering terms (from late May - early June) are recorded for I. notha, I. pseudonotha, I. ensata. Late autumn-early winter periods - for I. unguicularis.

Long-term relationships between the abundance of pest molluscs and weather in agricultural fields in South Australia

ABSTRACT Invasive snails, Cernuella virgata, Theba pisana and Cochlicella acuta, infest grain crops prior to harvest in early summer in southern Australia. They breed in autumn–early winter and peak in abundance in spring following the recruitment of young snails. Long-term studies (20 years) were established on three farms in South Australia (two practicing pasture–cereal rotations and one continuous cropping) to better understand the role of prevailing weather in driving the population dynamics of the three snail species and to develop predictive models that might assist farmers and off-farm grain handlers to anticipate future peaks in snail abundance and tailor their management practices accordingly. The three species are asynchronous in their population dynamics; they peak in numbers in different years. The abundance of C. virgata in late spring (preharvest) was most closely associated with, and could be broadly predicted by, the previous autumn to spring rainfall, but no significant associations were found between the rainfall and the abundance of C. acuta and T. pisana. Local air temperatures had little apparent association with the abundance of all three species. Broader scale weather, exemplified by the El Niño Southern Oscillation Index, was only occasionally, and weakly, related to the spring abundance of C. virgata.

Environmental and agronomic determinants of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) seed yield in rainfed temperate agroecosystems

Vicia villosa Roth, commonly named hairy vetch (HV), is one of the most promising cover crop (CC) legumes, commonly included in strategies aimed at increasing agriculture sustainability. Due to the generally low yield, the availability of commercial seed is often limited. The objective of this study was to identify management and key weather factors governing the variation in HV seed yield. The study comprises a database of 96 fields dedicated to HV seed production distributed in the Pampas region of Argentina, under a wide range of soil and weather conditions. Among the wide range studied, it was found that only poorly drained soils reduced HV seed yield. Crop protection practices, through the application of insecticide plus fungicide, and the axial threshing harvest system were the most important management tools determining high HV seed yield (> 600 kg ha−1). The inclusion of honey bees (HB) as pollinators did not significantly increase the seed yield, which might be due to alternative pollinator activity coming from neighbouring fields. A boundary function showed that an annual precipitation of 680 ± 243 mm and a sowing date during late autumn-early winter appeared to be sufficient to maximise seed yield under rainfed conditions. On the other hand, heat stress (>30 °C) during flowering and seed filling constrained the seed yield. A simplified crop model was developed to explain the effect of the most important factors on the seed yield. Crop management practices that increased the photosynthetic activity, such as foliar protection, were associated with increased seed yield.

Phytoplankton dynamics, growth and microzooplankton grazing across the subtropical frontal zone, east of New Zealand

Elevated but variable phytoplankton biomass and productivity is often associated with the subtropical front (STF) where nitrogen-limited subtropical and iron-limited subantarctic waters mix. To understand variability within the STF east of New Zealand, we assessed phytoplankton community structure, growth, and grazing dynamics in relation to physico-chemical conditions across 23 stations distributed along the Chatham Rise region during late autumn-early winter. Serial dilution experiments were coupled with size-fractionated chlorophyll a (Chla) analysis (Total and <20 μm) and flow-cytometry (Synechococcus and picoeukaryote numbers, <2 μm) to estimate phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing rates. Within the broad STF zone, subantarctic influenced waters (SAIW), frontal zone (FZ), and subtropical influenced waters (STIW) were delimited based on salinity, temperature and nutrient gradients. The chlorophyll a biomass (TChla) of phytoplankton and the abundance of larger sized cells (>20 μm chlorophyll a) peaked in FZ waters but declined steadily southwards into the colder SAIW, and rapidly reduced north into the STIW. Chlorophyll a <2 μm peaked in the northern STIW. Phytoplankton growth (TChla) was higher in warmer STIW (μ = 0.49 ± 0.07 day−1) than in iron limited SAIW (μ = 0.29 ± 0.06 day−1) but was on average moderate (μ = 0.42 ± 0.05 day−1) when compared to previous studies in the region. Microzooplankton grazing on TChla was lower (m = 0.17 ± 0.04 day−1) than growth and accounted for half of daily primary production (m:μ, 0.47 ± 0.06). Growth in the <20 μm Chla size fraction was higher (μ = 0.52 ± 0.06 day−1) but a larger proportion was consumed by microzooplankton (m:μ = 0.64 ± 0.06). Picoeukaryotes showed the fastest growth (1.49 ± 0.13 day−1) and grazing (1.43 ± 0.11 day−1) rates on average, which peaked in the FZ but remained closely balanced across different waters (m:μ = 1.00 ± 0.02). Conversely, Synechococcus rates peaked in STIW and decreased southwards, with growth (μ = 0.42 ± 0.08 day−1) generally exceeding grazing (m = 0.28 ± 0.06 day−1) across all regions. Our results indicate differences in grazing together with nutrient (likely iron) availability were the primary factors controlling phytoplankton dynamics in the STF zone. These factors also affected the accumulation of larger phytoplankton biomass in the FZ, including the potential for export or transfer to higher trophic levels.

The effects of Borrelia infection on its wintering rodent host

In seasonal environments, appropriate adaptations are crucial for organisms to maximize their fitness. For instance, in many species, the immune function has been noticed to decrease during winter, which is assumed to be an adaptation to the season’s limited food availability. Consequences of an infection on the health and survival of the host organism could thus be more severe in winter than in summer. Here, we experimentally investigated the effect of a zoonotic, endemic pathogen, Borrelia afzelii infection on the survival and body condition in its host, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), during late autumn–early winter under semi-natural field conditions in 11 large outdoor enclosures. To test the interaction of Borrelia infection and energetic condition, four populations received supplementary nutrition, while remaining seven populations exploited only natural food sources. Supplementary food during winter increased the body mass independent of the infection status, however, Borrelia afzelii infection did not cause severe increase in the host mortality or affect the host body condition in the late autumn–early winter. While our study suggests that no severe effects are caused by B. afzelii infection on bank vole, further studies are warranted to identify any potentially smaller effects the pathogen may cause on the host fitness over the period of whole winter.

Effect of Dams and Suckling Lamb Feeding Systems on the Fatty Acid Composition of Suckling Lamb Meat.

Simple SummarySuckling lamb meat is one of the most relevant products of the Mediterranean traditional dairy sheep industry. Being lamb fed exclusively with maternal milk, meat quality is mainly affected by the mother’s milk composition and hence by the mother feeding during gestation and lactation. This paper summarizes the state of the art about the effect of the dam and suckling lamb feeding systems on lamb meat quality, with special attention to the lipid fraction considered beneficial to human health.The effects of the dams and suckling lamb feeding systems on the fatty acid (FA) profile of lamb meat are reviewed in this article. The suckling lamb can be considered a functional monogastric, and therefore, its meat FA composition is strongly influenced by the FA composition of maternal milk. The major source of variation for ewe milk FA composition is represented by pasture amount and type. In the traditional sheep breeding system of the Mediterranean area, the main lambing period occurs in late autumn–early winter, and ewes are able to exploit the seasonal availability of the natural pastures at their best. Therefore, lambs start suckling when maternal milk concentrations of vaccenic, rumenic, and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated FA in maternal milk are the highest. When maternal diet is mainly based on hay and concentrates, the use of vegetable oils can be considered a good strategy to improve the meat FA profile of suckling lambs.

Recurrent rainfall-induced landslides on the slopes with pyroclastic cover of Partenio Mountains (Campania, Italy): Comparison of 1999 and 2019 events

Abstract Rainfall-induced shallow landslides occurring along slopes of mountains around the city of Naples (southern Italy), characterized by pyroclastic covers laying upon fractured limestone bedrock, pose serious threat to settlements and towns located at their foot. Although the triggering mechanism, related to suction reduction in the initially unsaturated soil cover is quite clear, there is still debate about the hydrological processes which predispose the slopes to failure. In this paper, the predisposing factors are analyzed with reference to two intense storms, both with about 300 mm rainfall, occurred in the same period of the year in 1999 and 2019. The two storms triggered several shallow landslides in an area of few km2 of the northeast-facing slopes of Partenio Mountains. The two events are compared analyzing both the characteristics of antecedent and event precipitations, as well as simulating the response of the slopes to rainfall with the help of a mathematical model. Specifically, two slopes are analyzed: one, near the town of Cervinara, where landslides were triggered only in 1999; another, near the town of San Martino Valle Caudina, where landslides occurred during both the events. The results of the model simulations indicate that rainstorm duration (shorter in 1999) and antecedent precipitation during the weeks before the event (smaller in 1999) are the main reasons of the different responses of the slopes to the two rainfall events. In fact, both drier initial conditions at the base of the soil cover and shorter storm duration limit the possibility of drainage of infiltrating water out of the soil cover through the soil-bedrock interface, thus favoring the suction reduction required for slope failure. The obtained results provide a key for the interpretation of landslides, often occurring in late autumn-early winter in the area.

Salinity tolerance and avoidance mechanisms at germination among messina (

Messina (Melilotus siculus) cv. Neptune, an annual pasture legume native to the Mediterranean Basin, has recently been released for saltland pastures in southern Australia following demonstration of biomass production and persistence superior to other commercial pasture legumes in saline environments prone to winter waterlogging. Self-regenerating annual pasture legumes also require seed adaptations for both tolerating and avoiding salinity at germination in these environments. This study examined diversity within Neptune and 20 other messina accessions for salt tolerance at germination, recovery of germinability from temporary salt stress, and timing and extent of hardseed softening, compared with balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum) cv. Frontier, burr medic (Medicago polymorpha) cv. Scimitar and white melilot (Melilotus albus) cv. Jota. Germination rates after 14 days at 300 mM NaCl relative to 0 mM NaCl were ≥99% for Neptune and 18 other messina accessions, 66% for Scimitar, 21% for Jota and 11% for Frontier. No genotype germinated at 600 mM NaCl; however, when transferred to 0 mM NaCl after 14 days at 600 mM, all genotypes except Scimitar and Jota recovered partial germination, ranging from 13% to 93% of controls (0 mM NaCl for 28 days). The softening rate of hard (impermeable) seeds in the field varied among genotypes, with deferral of hardseed softening until late autumn–early winter, when rainfall is more likely, indicating greater persistence. The months in which the hardseed level first became significantly lower than the initial level (in freshly harvested seeds) after placement on the soil surface in December were: March for Frontier; April for Scimitar, Jota and Neptune; and March–July for all messina accessions. This study confirmed that messina has high salt tolerance and several avoidance mechanisms at germination that contribute to its adaptation to saline soils in southern Australia. Several messina accessions were superior to Neptune for individual traits which could be exploited for plant breeding. These results also have implications for saltland pastures in other regions of the world with Mediterranean-type climates.

Seasonality of the Final Natufian occupation at Eynan/Ain Mallaha (Israel): an approach combining dental ageing, mesowear and microwear

The Final Natufian level Ib from Eynan/Ain Mallaha provided a large and diversified assemblage of ungulates used here to study the seasonality of game procurement. The objective of this study was to evaluate the advantage of combining two methods, dental eruption and wear, and tooth microwear. Tooth microwear results allowed us to confirm the seasonality of procurement of red and roe deer and to narrow down its duration for the gazelle and the fallow deer. Game procurement occurred throughout the year for the roe deer. Red deer were hunted in spring and summer, and gazelle in late autumn–early winter. This approach allowed us to improve the accuracy of seasonality estimates and to increase sample size by using the entire population (young and adult individuals) for each species. The few individuals that were analysed with the two methods also permitted us to characterize the diet of the population at the time of death.

Spatio-temporal patterns of larval fish settlement in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea

Most coastal fish species spend their early life stages in the pelagic environment, before settling in coastal habitats. The variability in the arrival of larvae to coastal habitats provides information on the species’ biology and recruitment potential. To explore the dynamics of larval fish supply to coastal habitats in the NW Mediterranean Sea, 13 sites were monitored using light-traps, from July 2012 to December 2015. Most variation in catches per unit effort (CPUE) among topographic basins and species were statistically significant for high (quantile 75%) and very high (quantile 90%) catches only. At the yearly scale, CPUE displayed strong seasonality, and 3 main species assemblages were detected in late spring-early summer, summer and late autumn-early winter. At the monthly scale, CPUE were higher around the new moon for all quantiles and temporally autocorrelated at a lag of ~28 d. Larval supply also varied spatially with site-specific associations and with riverine influence. Altogether, these results confirm that the previously described patterns of larval supply observed in tropical and subtropical environments (e.g. the high variability at all spatial and temporal scales and the strong influence of the moon) also apply to Mediterranean fish assemblages. Our quantile-based approach demonstrated that the larval supply in the NW Mediterranean Sea is a solid candidate for monitoring the state of the marine ecosystems, highlighting the need to continue such time series.

СВЯЗЬ МЕЖДУ ПЕРЕНОСОМ МЕТАНА В АТМОСФЕРУ И РАЗРУШЕНИЕМ ЛЕДЯНОГО ПОКРОВА КАРСКОГО МОРЯ: СПУТНИКОВЫЕ ДАННЫЕ ЗА 2003-2019 ГГ

Satellite spectrometers operating on the outgoing long-wave IR (thermal) radiation of the Earth and placed in sunsynchronous polar orbits provide a wealth of information about Arctic methane (CH4) year-round, day and night. Their data are unique for estimating methane emissions from the warming Arctic, both for land and sea. The article analyzes concentrations of methane obtained by the AIRS spectrometer in conjunction with microwave satellite measurements of sea ice concentration. The data were filtered for cases of sufficiently high temperature contrast in the lower atmosphere. The focus is on the Kara Sea during autumn-early winter season between 2003 and January 2019. This sea underwent dramatic decline in the ice cover. This shelf zone is characterized by huge reserves of oil and natural gas (~90% methane), as well as presence of sub-seabed permafrost and methane hydrates. Seasonal cycle of atmospheric methane has a minimum in early summer and a maximum in early winter. During last 16 years both summer and winter concentrations were increasing, but with different rates. Positive summer trends over the Kara Sea and over Atlantic control area were close one to another. In winter the Kara Sea methane was growing faster than over Atlantic. The methane seasonal cycle amplitude tripled from 2003 to 2019. This phenomenon was considered in terms of growing methane flux from the sea. This high trend was induced by a fast decay of the sea ice in this area with ice concentrations dropped from 95 to 20%. If the current Arctic sea cover would decline further and open water area would grow then further increase of methane concentration over the ocean may be foreseen.

Energetics meets sexual conflict: The phenology of hibernation in Tasmanian echidnas

Abstract Echidnas are egg‐laying mammals found across Australia, and in Tasmania they hibernate, resulting in a most unusual mating system: males enter hibernation in late summer–early autumn and arouse in late autumn–early winter to mate, although females are still hibernating. Groups of males compete for matings and both males and females mate with multiple partners. Females that mate early return to hibernation even when pregnant, and males continue to mate with pregnant females. We asked to what extent can the bizarre combination of behavioural and physiological features that characterize reproduction of Tasmanian echidnas be attributed to their phylogeny, and how much is a consequence of their ecology? To understand the interaction between energetics and the echidna mating system in determining the timing of echidna hibernation, we analysed data from an 18‐year study of a wild population of Tasmanian echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus) Males in best condition arouse earliest and seek out suitable females, and females that mate early in the mating season re‐enter hibernation while pregnant. Competition between males drives early mating and while mating with males in the best condition could be advantageous for females and their young, egg‐laying in winter is potentially disadvantageous, and post‐mating hibernation by females is a means of delaying hatching of young until environmental conditions are more favourable. This post‐mating hibernation by females is usually disrupted by males which mate with them although they are already pregnant. Comparisons with other echidna populations suggest that a decreased activity period due to hibernation has not increased male–male competition. Similar competition between groups of males for access to females is seen in chlamyphorid armadillos, which occupy a similar ecological niche to echidnas. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

A Comparative Study of Seed Germination And Seedling Emergence of Two Wild Edible Allium Species Endemic to Zagros Areas

Allium L. is one of the largest and most diversified monocotyledonous genera worldwide. These taxa have wide geographical distribution range mainly occurred in the northern hemisphere with an important center of diversity in the Mediterranean and Irano-Anatolian regions. They include an important number of taxa of high economic values (wild edible, cultivated, medicinal, ornamentals, etc.). These geophytes species exhibit diversified adaptation strategies that permit them to persist under harsh environmental conditions. The present experimental study was designed to understanding better the environmental factors that control the natural regeneration of the two wild edible Allium (A. calocephalum and A. notabile) species endemic to Zagros areas via evaluating the effect of different (i) pre-sowing treatments on seed germination rate and (ii) soil depth on seedling emergence timing. The results of the present study confirmed relatively high seed and bulbs viabilities under the different pre-sowing treatments. In general, both Allium species have a relatively similar germination trend (around 80% without treatments) and seedling emergence (from bulbs at 5 cm) patterns. The high rate of seed germination for A. calocephalum was found under cold stratification for 1 month and soak in water for 3 days and GA3 1500 ppm with 83%, 86%, and 85%, respectively. The different germination pattern was found for A. notabile with 83%, 85%, 84% for soaking water for 2 and 3 days and GA3 1000 ppm, respectively. Whoever, these two threatened species from different taxonomical groups and habitats have different adaptation strategy. A. notabile is Mediterranean species exhibiting an optimum seedling emergence in autumn-early winter with summer underground organ dormancy to avoid the hot-dry conditions; While, A. calocephalum is IranoAnatolian species exhibiting an optimum seedling in late winter-early spring permitting it to persist thanks to its avoidance strategy of the harsh winter climatic conditions. The results of this research support the idea that Allium species from different habitats exhibit different seed germination and seedling emergency strategies allowing it to persist. The evidence of this experimental study enriches our understanding of the diversified adaptation strategy of the plants. In this context, further experimental investigations are needed to evaluate the crucial rule of the seed germination ecology and bulbs dormancy strategies on the population dynamic and persistence.

The 4.2 ka event in the central Mediterranean: new data from a Corchia speleothem (Apuan Alps, central Italy)

Abstract. We present new data on the 4.2 ka event in the central Mediterranean from Corchia Cave (Tuscany, central Italy) stalagmite CC27. The stalagmite was analyzed for stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) and trace elements (Mg, U, P, Y), with all proxies showing a coherent phase of reduced cave recharge between ca. 4.5 and 4.1 ka BP. Based on the current climatological data on cyclogenesis, the reduction in cave recharge is considered to be associated with the weakening of the cyclone center located in the Gulf of Genoa in response to reduced advection of air masses from the Atlantic during winter. These conditions, which closely resemble a positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) type of configuration, are associated with cooler and wetter summers with reduced sea warming, which reduced the western Mediterranean evaporation during autumn–early winter, further reducing precipitation.

The influence of low-frequency variability on tree-rings based climate reconstruction: a case study from central Italy (Roman coast).

Tree rings are among the best sources of proxy data for reconstructing past climatic records. In this study we explore for the first time what type of climatic signals can be reconstructed from stone pine ( Pinus pinea L.) based on tree-rings from central Italy (Roman coast). Samples from 112 stone pine trees from stands with different age classes were collected at two locations, Castel Fusano and Castelporziano. In determining the particular target variable for climate reconstruction we explored a wide range of climatic signals (from monthly to multiple year scale) for correlations with tree ring chronologies produced using a variety of detrending methods. We reconstructed short term (autumn-early winter) and long term (3 years precipitation) signals during the 150 years of available data using the “classical” detrending method but also methods preserving their low frequency variability (ABD and RCS) within the chronologies. By setting the best multiple year precipitation drivers at an annual scale and applying a simple percentile threshold approach, we identified the wettest and driest climatic events. The best accuracy in identifying the climatic thresholds was obtained with the ABD method, which also showed the best cross spectral correlation with a long precipitation record. Our reconstruction underpins that since ca. 1850 the Roman coast has experienced its driest conditions in terms of 2-3 year rainfall sums during the last 50 years of the 20 th Century. This finding may be used in the context of identifying the long-term natural variability of the region in relation to climate change as it is expected to affect the Mediterranean.

Permafrost investigations in Iezer Mountains, Southern Carpathians

This paper assesses the possibility of permafrost occurrence in Iezer Mountains using field observations, GIS analysis and thermal investigations in the field. Rock glaciers as the main mountain permafrost footprint in the landscape are mapped using cross validation from two independent inventories, analysed and classified in terms of size, altitude, morphology, air temperature and vegetation cover. Measurements of spring temperatures, bottom temperature of snow (BTS) and continuous (near) ground surface temperature (GST) were applied to check for permafrost presence. Autumn temperature of 20 alpine springs are analysed and grouped by their source, temperature and apparent discharges. BTS was applied on 3 sites from the upper part of Colților Valley in 2012 and 2018 along GST in Tambura scree in 2012–2018 period. 16 rock glaciers are considered to exist in Iezer Massif, a much smaller number than previously assumed. We argue that several other landforms are rock–ice features and should be inventoried and analysed in corresponding with minimal past permafrost creep. Rock glaciers are poorly developed and have a faded morphology because of low debris availability, short periods of time with favourable climates and less supportive mountain morphometry. Alpine springs indicate possible permafrost occurrence in one rock glacier and one talus slope and BTS reveal sporadic patches of permafrost down to 1900 m asl in Colților Valley. GST supports the multiannual stability of permafrost indicating BTS on a multiannual scale and suggests the great importance of autumn–early winter temperatures and snow interplay for ground cooling and permafrost maintenance. We argue that 11 rock glaciers from Iezer Mountains are probably inactive. MAGST of 1.1 – 3.2 °C suggest a strong thermal gradient in the blocky layer if permafrost is truly present. Alpine screes possibly underlain by permafrost seem not to be disturbed by any modern climate changes.

Pregnancy and mid-term abortion rates in farmed red deer in New Zealand

This paper describes pregnancy and mid-term abortion rate data from an investigation of sub-optimal reproductive performance in New Zealand farmed red deer. For 2 years, 87 yearling (YL) and 71 mixed-age adult (MA) herds from 85 farms were observed with 15 YL and seven MA herds observed both years. Hinds were pregnancy diagnosed using ultrasonography in the late autumn-early winter (PD1) and again late winter-early spring (PD2) and mid-term daily abortion rates (DAR) were calculated. Overall, 85.8% of 22,130YL (range, 7.0%–100% between herds) and 93.3% of 36,223 MA hinds (range, 39.8%-100% between herds) were pregnant at PD1. The mean interval between ultrasonic assessments was 90 and 87 days in YL and MA herds, respectively. Mid-term abortions occurred in 305 (2.8%) hinds from 60 (73%) YL herds and 92 (1.2%) hinds from 36 (61%) MA herds. The mean mid-term DAR, was greater (P = 0.009) in YL (mean 0.043%, range 0.005%–0.213%, 95% CI = 0.034–0.053) than MA herds (mean 0.025%, range 0.007%-0.101%, 95% CI = 0.018-0.032). In herds with hinds that aborted, the mean DAR was greater in small than large YL herds (0.055% compared with 0.033%, P = 0.023), but not MA herds. At PD1, 46 YL and 12 MA hinds had ultrasonographic evidence of abortions from 22 herds. This, combined with the 1.2% to 7.1% foetal loss in three herds pregnancy diagnosed earlier than the usual PD1 date as a pilot to test for earlier abortion, supports that abortion can occur prior to normal pregnancy assessment dates, contributing to sub-optimal pregnancy rates. Abortion rates were not consistent within herd between years for either YL or MA herds. Thus, early and mid-term abortion is prevalent in New Zealand farmed deer constituting a significant production cost, warranting further investigation into causation.

Forecasting of the Southern Oscillation Index

The possibility of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) forecast on the basis of the artificial neural networks model is studied in the paper. The ensemble of global climatic indices from 1950 to 2010 were used as the inputs. The model verification was done by the control period of 2007–2015. The possibility of successful SOI forecasting in 1–5 months advance for the late autumn-early winter and for early spring was demonstrated. Taking into account that two types of El-Nino and La-Nina exist, the primary concern of April and May SOI forecast for the eastern type events has been shown.

Effects of seeding date and seeding rate on yield, proximate composition and total tannins content of two Kabuli chickpea cultivars

Experiments were conducted in open field to assess the effect of seeding season and density on the yield, the chemical composition and the accumulation of total tannins in grains of two chickpea (&lt;em&gt;Cicer arietinum&lt;/em&gt; L.) cultivars (&lt;em&gt;Pascià&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Sultano&lt;/em&gt;). Environmental conditions and genetic factors considerably affected grain yield, nutrient and total tannins content of chickpea seeds, giving a considerable range in its qualitative characteristics. Results confirmed cultivar selection as a central factor when a late autumn-early winter sowing is performed. In effect, a more marked resistance to Ascochyta blight (AB) of &lt;em&gt;Sultano&lt;/em&gt;, allowed better agronomic performances when favourable-to-AB climatic conditions occur. Winter sowing appeared to be the best choice in the Mediterranean environment when cultivating to maximise the grain yield (+19%). Spring sowing improved crude protein (+10%) and crude fibre (+8%) content, whereas it did not significantly affect the accumulation of anti-nutrients compounds such as total tannins. The most appropriate seeding rate was 70 seeds m–2, considering that plant density had relatively little effect on the parameters studied.