Environmental Conditions Research Articles

Improving Washington Navel orange yield under drought: effects of artificial mulch and shade netting

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the impact of synthetic ground cover and shade netting on Washington Navel orange trees (Citrus sinensis L.) in a semi-arid region to mitigate high temperatures and solar radiation. Over four years (2020–2023), treatments included mulch, shade netting, their combination, and a control. Parameters assessed included nutrient concentrations, physiological traits, growth, fruit quality, and thermal regulation. The combination of mulch and shade netting enhanced leaf nutrient levels, with phosphorus and potassium increasing by 100% and 53.3%, respectively. Leaf area expanded by 82.9%, relative water content rose by 27.7%, and photosynthetic efficiency improved by 136.8%. Fruit set and yield increased by 99.19% and 46.08%, respectively, while fruit sunburn was reduced by 76.78%. Canopy and soil temperatures decreased by up to 17.50% and 19.49%, respectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted improved water use efficiency and tree health with these treatments. These findings demonstrate that combining mulch and shade netting effectively enhances citrus orchard resilience, productivity, and economic viability under drought and heat stress. This sustainable approach is recommended to optimise citrus orchard performance in challenging environmental conditions.

Mathematical Modeling of Host-Parasitoid Dynamics for Sustainable Pest Management

Aims: The management of agricultural pest populations represents a critical challenge in sustainable crop production, particularly for challenging species like the tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera. The research work aimed in developing and analysing a novel mathematical model describing the interaction between the tomato fruit borer and its egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis. The main objective of this study to analyze the stability of the proposed system of differential equations. Model Formulation: The model incorporates stage-structured population dynamics and impulsive control measures, providing insights into biological pest control strategies. In this model the tomato borer is represented by the egg and larval stages, and the parasitoid is considered in terms of the parasitized eggs. This model assumes uniform spatial distribution of both host and parasitoid populations, constant environmental conditions affecting parameters like reproduction and mortality rates, and idealized parasitoid release conditions where the released amount p remains consistent across interventions. Methodology: We used existing secondary data from research articles' instead of conducting primary field experiments for parameter identification for this mathematical model. The use of secondary data from peer-reviewed literature not only provides validated parameter values that have been rigorously tested and verified by multiple researchers, but also allows for the incorporation of findings from diverse geographical locations and climatic conditions. Results: Stability analysis identified three equilibrium points: the trivial, host-only E0,coexistence equilibria E1, and E2. The coexistence equilibirium E2 found to be locally stable under optimal parasitoid release intervals and quantities. The equilibrium point E2= (9.14,0.02,5.71) represents a coexistence state in the host-parasitoid dynamics, where the tomato fruit borer's egg density stabilizes at 9.14, the density of parasitized eggs at 0.02, and the larval density stabilizes at 5.71. This equilibrium is analyzed through its associated eigenvalues. This stability provides a reliable basis for implementing successful biological pest control strategies in tomato cultivation, ensuring a resilient and sustainable ecosystem.

Influence of Temperature and Precipitation on the Forage Quality of Bluebunch Wheatgrass and Idaho Fescue During the Dormant Season

Dormant forage is generally understood to be low-quality, but how and why it changes over the dormant season have not been well studied. Therefore, this study evaluated the changes in the forage quality of bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) over the course of the dormant season and in response to concurrent environmental conditions. We collected forage samples every 14 days for two consecutive winters in southwestern Montana, USA. Samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). A suite of environmental metrics was derived from PRISM weather data. Data were analyzed with a linear mixed model and the STATICO ordination method. Crude protein and ADF varied throughout the winter across both years, with CP ranging from 1.9–4.0% and ADF from 37–42%. The differences between species were more pronounced and more consistent in CP. The differences between years were more pronounced in ADF and NDF. Relative temperature explained the most variation in forage quality. Crude protein is positively correlated with short-term warmer temperatures, whereas NDF is positively correlated with longer-term warmer temperatures. This demonstrates that forage quality can change over the dormant season and is influenced by winter weather events.

Fine roots of Scots pine and European beech respond differently to changes in nutrient availability in a mixed forest: results from a 4-year experiment

Abstract A nutrient availability experiment was carried out for four years in a mature mixed stand of Pinus sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica in the South-western Pyrenees mountains. Initial homogeneous pine regeneration (~58 years ago) was followed by uneven beech regeneration (~45 years ago), leading to the current successional stage in which areas resembling pine monospecific stands are at close distances and under comparable environmental conditions to mixed pine−beech areas. Soil and fine root samples were collected beside trees under three soil nutrient availability treatments: control, litter exclusion, and nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilization. Soil samples were collected twice a year (in May and October from 2017 to 2020), and fine root samples were collected twice (in May 2018 and May 2020). Soil fertilization had a bigger impact than litter exclusion on soil chemical parameters, leading to lower pH and NH4+ values. Also, increases in soil total nitrogen, soil available phosphorus, and microbial phosphorus were found after fertilization. Scots pine showed overall lower fine root biomass, specific root length, and root tissue density than beech, presenting also very little response to treatments. On the other hand, beech showed higher biomass and specific root length, but, when soil fertility was enhanced, lower root tissue density was recorded. A negative beech effect over pine fine root biomass was observed, as pine root presence decreased when growing near beech trees in mixed areas. Beech trees not only demonstrated an elevated capability to compete for soil resources but also showed greater root plasticity than pine, enhancing beech potential to take advantage of new soil resources. Our results do not support a complementary niche partitioning but rather a competitive interaction in which European beech has an edge on colonizing the soil volume in the detriment of Scots pine.

Persistent functional and taxonomic groups dominate an 8,000-year sedimentary sequence from Lake Cadagno, Switzerland

Most of our knowledge of deep sedimentary life comes from marine environments; however, despite their relatively small volume, lacustrine sediments constitute one of the largest global carbon sinks and their deep sediments are largely unexplored. Here, we reconstruct the microbial functional and taxonomic composition of an 8,000-year Holocene sedimentary succession from meromictic Lake Cadagno (Switzerland) using shotgun metagenomics and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. While younger sediments (<1,000 years) are dominated by typical anaerobic surface sedimentary bacterial taxa (Deltaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Firmicutes), older layers with lower organic matter concentrations and reduced terminal electron acceptor availability are dominated by taxa previously identified as “persistent populations” within deep anoxic marine sediments (Candidatus Bathyarchaeia, Chloroflexi, and Atribacteria). Despite these dramatic changes in taxonomic community composition and sediment geochemistry throughout the sediment core, higher-order functional categories and metabolic marker gene abundances remain relatively consistent and indicate a microbial community capable of carbon fixation, fermentation, dissimilatory sulfate reduction and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium. As the conservation of these metabolic pathways through changes in microbial community compositions helps preserve the metabolic pathway connectivity required for nutrient cycling, we hypothesize that the persistence of these functional groups helps enable the Lake Cadagno sedimentary communities persist amidst changing environmental conditions.

Diverse approaches to modeling ambient temperature in Newton’s law of cooling, supported by temperature sensors

Abstract Our primary objective was to assess the significance of unconventional ambient temperature models in validating Newton’s law of cooling. To accomplish this, we employed temperature sensors and selected different time spans for the duration of our experiments. The findings of this study will offer valuable insights into the applicability of Newton’s law in scenarios characterized by fluctuating environmental conditions. This research aims to broaden the range of applications for the law and enhance the accuracy of temperature predictions.

An Integrated Model for Mass Transport, Corrosion Propagation, and Cracking in Offshore Reinforced Concrete Structures

The corrosion of steel reinforcements substantially degrades the longevity of reinforced concrete structures, particularly in marine settings. This investigation introduces a comprehensive model that simulates the processes involved in moisture and chloride ion transport, rebar corrosion, and the consequent cracking of concrete. The model reveals that the transport dynamics of chloride ions are primarily dictated by their penetration rates through the solution. The sensitivity of the steel to corrosion is a function of the concentrations of water and chloride ions, whereas the rate of corrosion predominantly depends on the availability of oxygen at the corrosive site. Oxygen diffusion is the rate-limiting step in the entire process of the electrochemical reactions of the rebar. And the peak corrosion rates are observed at the interface between the solution and the gas phase. The model calculates the stress and strain in the concrete resulting from volumetric expansion due to oxidization of the steel bars. By accurately reproducing the progression of corrosion-related damage, this model provides crucial insights for predicting the service life of offshore concrete structures and enhancing durability against aggressive environmental conditions.

The near-optimal adjustment of carbon and nitrogen allocations into different organs in early-season rice cultivars with drastically different yield components under nitrogen application

IntroductionOptimized photosynthesis and transport of photosynthate from the upper three leaves in a rice plant is critical for yield formation in rice.MethodsIn this study, we selected two high-yielding early-season rice cultivars, i.e. a large-panicle inbred rice Zhongzao39 (ZZ39) and a plural-panicle hybrid rice Lingliangyou268 (LLY268) with high effective panicle number, to study the translocation of photosynthate from the flag and the basipetal 2nd leaves to the other organs under different nitrogen application scenarios. 13CO2 labeling was study the proportion of newly assimilated carbon partitioned into different organs.ResultsResults demonstrate that the ratio that 13C assimilated in the flag leaves and the basipetal 2nd leaves, and the distribution ratio 13C in the organs of ZZ39 and LLY268 cultivars were not affected by nitrogen application. However, at the booting stage, the translocation rate of photosynthate was slower under N150 compared with CK in both flag and the basipetal 2nd leaves labeled with 13C. At the grain filling stage, an average of 51% of photosynthetic products labeled with 13C was translocated to the panicle in both cultivars under CK treatment; in contrast, only 43% of leaf photosynthate was translocated to panicles in the N150 treatment. At maturity, the photosynthate labeled with 13C distribution ratio in the panicle was greater in the basipetal 2nd leaves than in the flag leaves for ZZ39, whereas the opposite was observed in LLY268. These different photosynthate allocation patterns and their responses to nitrogen application were linked with their corresponding tiller number and number of grains per panicle.DiscussionThis study shows that early-season rice has the ability to flexibly adapt their carbon and nitrogen allocation patterns to gain optimized yield components for higher yield under different nitrogen status. Early season rice can be used as a model system to study the growth strategy selection of plants to changing environment conditions.

Cytogenetic impact of gamma radiation and its effects on growth, yield and drought tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract Maize is the third most important grain crop worldwide after wheat and rice; it is a vital global crop, serving as a key source of food, animal feed, and industrial products, making it essential for food security and economic stability in many countries. Drought stress adversely affects water uptake and can stunt growth, reducing the overall productivity of maize. So, this study was carried out to investigate the cytogenetic effects of gamma radiation and drought stress on maize SC131 genotype, focusing on chromosomal aberrations in seedling root meristems induced by varying doses of gamma irradiation (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 Gray) and drought stress imposed by 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG). The present study also aims to evaluate the impact of these treatments on growth parameters under a controlled pot experiment. Additionally, molecular polymorphism induced by both gamma irradiation and drought stress was analyzed using Real-Time quantitative PCR techniques for DREB2, ERF, and EF transcription factors. Also, under a field condition experiment, maize plants were subjected to the same gamma irradiation doses and drought stress by reducing the number of irrigations, with subsequent evaluations of yield attributes to assess the overall impact of treatments on plant performance. The study also investigates the sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) banding patterns of proteins in grains yielded under the influence of gamma radiation and drought treatments. Findings of the current investigation indicate that the low dose of gamma radiation (50 Gray) not only induces cytogenetic changes but also enhances drought tolerance and improves yield characteristics, suggesting that targeted gamma irradiation could serve as a viable strategy to bolster maize resilience in challenging environmental conditions.

Wood Anatomical and Hydraulic Traits of Tamarix Species Across a Large Eurasian Gradient Show a Stronger Climatic Than Phylogenetic Signal

ABSTRACTAimTamarisk (Tamarix) is the predominant but taxonomically complex genus of the Tamaricaceae. The morphologically similar shrub or tree species grow in arid, salt‐influenced habitats of Eurasia and Africa. We sampled woody shoots of seven species at the eastern margin (NW China; T. ramosissima) and the centre (Uzbekistan; T. hispida) of the Indo‐Turanian region as well as at the eastern (Israel; T. aphylla, T. negevensis, T. nilotica) and western margin (southern Spain; T. boveana, T. gallica) of the Mediterranean region, the two diversity centres of the genus. To explore the drivers of intrageneric trait variability, we investigated whether differences in the anatomical‐hydraulic wood traits among the species are related to climate or phylogeny.LocationEurasia.TaxonTamarix L. (Tamaricaceae).MethodsWe determined features of wood anatomy and calculated the hydraulic conductivity (kt) and the water potential at 50% loss of hydraulic conductance (P50). We related these traits to climate variables and to the phylogenetic distances among the species.ResultsTamarix nilotica, T. negevensis and T. ramosissima exhibited large conduit areas, large hydraulic diameters and high kt, whereas the Spanish species T. gallica and T. boveana displayed high wood densities and a small fraction of large conduits. The phylogenetically distant species T. aphylla and T. hispida took intermediate positions. Tamarix ramosissima, which grows in regions with cold winters and hot‐dry summers, exhibited the most negative P50 values, indicative of a low susceptibility to a failure of the water‐conducting system. Trait differences among the species were unrelated to the species' phylogenetic relatedness but correlated with climate variables.Main ConclusionsDespite strong similarity in morphology and habitat preferences, Tamarix species displayed significant differences in their anatomical‐hydraulic traits. These differences were related to climate conditions rather than phylogeny and are indicative of specific local adaptations to environmental conditions.

Development of Biology Teaching Material Supplements Based on the Potential of Gorontalo Karst Vegetation using a Biodiversity Literacy Approach

Vegetation is a community of plants of various species that live in a certain environmental condition and interactions occur in it. The fact of the vegetation analysis course material and has implications for students in vegetation analysis lecture activities. The development of teaching materials based on the potential of karst ecosystems can be carried out with a biodiversity literacy approach. The aims of this study to develop vegetation analysis materials supplements, by utilizing the results of vegetation analysis and their interaction with plant root microorganisms in karst ecosystems. The research mtheods used R&D method with the ADDIE model. The stages of research are analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. The results obtained showed that the form of supplement materials based on biodiversity literacy in the vegetation analysis course, had a validation result of 93.75% which was included in the range of 81% to 100%, in the aspect of design the supplement materials was 91.67% that indicated very good quality,with in the range 81% to 100%, the student response to the overall aspect in 94%, where this value is included in the very good category because it is in the range of 81 to 100%.

A review of accident models and incident analysis techniques.

This review article aims to provide an overview of accident models and incident analysis techniques in the context of radiation oncology. Accident models conceptualize the mechanisms through which accidents occur. Chain-of-event models and systemic models are two main categories of accident models and differ in how accident causation is portrayed. Chain-of-event models focus on the linear sequence of events leading up to an accident, whereas systemic models emphasize the nonlinear relationships between the components in a complex system. The article then introduces various incident analysis techniques, including root cause analysis (RCA), London Protocol, AcciMap, and Causal Analysis Based on Systems Theory (CAST), which are based on these accident models. The techniques based on the chain-of-event model can be effective in identifying causal factors, safety interventions, and improving safety. The other techniques based on the systemic models inherently facilitate an examination of how the influence of personal conditions, environmental conditions, and information exchange between different aspects of a system contributed to an accident. To improve incident analysis, it is essential to translate unsafe human behavior into decision-making flaws and the underlying contextual factors. Where resources allow, it is also crucial to systematically link frontline contributions to organizational and societal aspects of the system and incorporate expertise in safety science and human factors into the analysis team. The article also touches on related concepts such as Perrow's Normal Accident Theory (NAT), Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM), and Bowtie Analysis, which are not based on specific accident models but have been used for safety improvement in radiation oncology. Overall, different incident analysis techniques have strengths and weaknesses. Taking a systems approach to incident analysis requires a shift from linear thinking to a more nuanced understanding of complex systems. However, the approach also brings unique value and can help improve safety as radiation oncology further gains complexity.

Genome Scan Analysis for Advancing Knowledge and Conservation Strategies of Primitivo Clones (Vitis vinifera L.)

The success of the Primitivo variety underscores the critical need for the managing of clone genetic conservation, utilization, and improvement. By combining genomic and environmental data, breeders can better predict the performance of varieties, thereby improving breeding efficiency and enabling more targeted development of high-quality grapevine cultivars. In this study, 35 Primitivo clones were analysed, including selected and certified clones that have been propagated over several years in Apulia. Genetic variability among the Primitivo clones was assessed through genotyping by sequencing. Using 38,387 filtered SNPs, pairwise identity-by-state (IBS) analysis demonstrated the uniqueness of the 35 clones (IBS < 0.75), indicating a high degree of variability among the samples. Genetic diversity analysis revealed three primary groups, which were differentiated based on geographic origin. The clones from Gioia del Colle were grouped into two distinct clusters, which aligns with the observed variation in grape-related traits. The fixation index (FST > 0.50) identified numerous loci putatively associated with stress responses and developmental traits, including genes involved in key plant biological processes, stress response regulation, and adaptation to environmental conditions such as glutamate receptors, auxin, and ethylene signalling.

Numerical Study on the Dynamic Characteristics of a Coupled Wind–Wave Energy Device

A wind–wave coupled device integrating an offshore fixed wind turbine and an OWC (oscillating water column) wave energy device is proposed in this study. Its dynamic characteristics under extreme environmental conditions are analyzed for practical design and development using a numerical model established based on the commercial finite element method platform ANSYS-Workbench, which is then validated using experimental data for an offshore fixed wind turbine model. The modal analysis results indicate that installing the OWC system does not modify the basic dynamic characteristics of the original wind turbine. Under different extreme environmental conditions at different design water levels, stress concentration can be observed at different locations on the structures. Although the gap between the sub-chambers of the OWC system can be increased to reduce stress on the chamber and piles, an excessively large gap will enhance structural complexity and increase construction costs. An appropriate relative size for the gap between the sub-chambers is recommended for practical design.

Mathematical modeling of the thermal regime in solar photovoltaic thermal panel

Design of a combined solar photovoltaic thermal panel (PV/T) for the simultaneous generation of electrical and thermal energy was proposed in this study. The basis of the new design is a traditional solar panel with poly-Si solar cells. A flat channel with a heat transfer fluid is added to the front size of such a panel. This channel is bounded by cover glass. A non-stationary mathematical model was developed for determination of temperature regime in the PV/T panel. This model consists to the system of nonlinear ordinary differential equa-tions, which describes mutual influence of external and internal heat flows and temperatures. A Math-software was created based on the developed mathematical model. The numerical studies were conducted in in real-time mode for selected geographical location of the PV/T panel. Heat flux density from the Sun, wind speed and ambient temperature were determined based on data from open worldwide climate databases. As result of computer modeling, the typical temperature distributions in each layer of the PV/T panel during daylight hours were founded. It was determined that the heat transfer fluid moving in a transparent channel from the front side of the solar panel does not cool the solar cell. This heat transfer fluid ensures only their thermal stability at the corresponding value of the specific mass flow rate. With an increase of the specific mass flow rate of the heat transfer fluid, the growth of solar cells tem-perature is observed under unchanged environmental conditions. An the same time, the pro-posed design of the PV/T panel ensures a significant increase of the heat transfer fluid tem-perature. This makes it possible to use it in low-potential heat generation systems. This leads to an increase in the economic efficiency of solar panels, economy of occupied areas, optimi-zation of system of production, consumption and storge of thermal and electrical energy.

Electrocrystallization of Copper 7,7,8,8‐Tetracyanoquinodimethane Charge‐Transfer Complex on Flexible Substrates for Real‐Time Ammonia Gas Sensing

AbstractReal‐time monitoring of public safety, individual health, and environmental conditions relies on accurate continuous data collected by gas sensors, which provide users with cost‐effective insights to support informed decision‐making. This study presents an innovative approach that simplifies the manufacturing process of nanowire (NW)‐based gas sensors by enabling direct electrodeposition of NW crystals on various substrates, such as silicon wafers and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Copper 7,7,8,8‐Tetracyanoquinodimethane (CuTCNQ), a charge‐transfer complex, is electrodeposited directly onto photolithographically patterned interdigitated triangle‐tip electrodes and functions as a chemiresistive gas sensor that responds to ammonia gas through charge interactions. The sensor's performance can be precisely controlled using electrochemical techniques, allowing for tailored sensitivity across different concentration ranges. To enhance the practical application of this technology, a flexible, near‐field communication‐based passive tag is developed by integrating the CuTCNQ gas sensor with a flexible printed circuit board. This device enables on‐demand ammonia concentration analysis and operates battery‐free and wireless through mobile phone scanning. This capability is crucial for wearable or industrial devices and aligns with the increasing demand for robust environmental monitoring solutions. This approach represents a significant step forward in improving both human health and environmental protection through accessible and efficient gas sensing technology.

Hierarchical Bayesian quantification of aerodynamic effects on an offshore wind turbine under varying environmental and operational conditions

This paper proposes a hierarchical Bayesian model updating approach to quantify variability of aerodynamic stiffness and damping of an offshore wind turbine (OWT) under different environmental and operational conditions (EOCs) using in-situ vibration data and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) over two months of continuous monitoring. The considered OWT is a Haliade 150, 6 MW GE turbine on a jacket substructure located at the Block Island Wind Farm in Rhode Island, USA. The OWT has been instrumented with a continuous monitoring system including an array of accelerometers and strain gauges. The modal parameters of the OWT are extracted using an automated system identification approach. These parameters exhibit significant variations under varying EOCs. This variation is more significant in natural frequencies and damping ratios of the first fore-aft bending mode due to the aerodynamic effects. In this paper, a modeling approach is proposed by introducing a spring and a damper at the nacelle level in the fore-aft direction to account for the observed aerodynamic effects. A hierarchical Bayesian model updating is formulated and implemented to update parameters representing the effects of aerodynamic stiffness and damping, as well as their statistical properties such as mean and covariance matrix which are updated as hyperparameters. To account for the correlation between aerodynamic effects and EOCs, the updating parameters are assumed to be functions of EOCs such as rpm and wind speed. Two levels of hierarchical Bayesian model updating are performed and compared. In level 1, only modal parameters are used in model updating, while in level 2, the assumed correlation between EOCs and modal parameters are accounted for to reduce the uncertainty of aerodynamic effects in the model. In addition to hyperparameters, the proposed hierarchical Bayesian approach provides statistical properties of error function by collecting the residual uncertainties that have not been accounted for, e.g., modeling errors, measurement noise and random disturbances. The predicted modal parameters using two levels of hierarchical Bayesian approach are compared with their identified counterparts, and the results indicate that level 2 approach significantly reduces estimation uncertainty in aerodynamic effects and produces model predictions consistent with observed values of natural frequencies and damping ratios.

Rising Temperatures Advance Start and End of the Breeding Season of an Alpine Bird.

Many bird species have advanced the start of the breeding season as a response to climate change. The duration of the breeding season and how it is affected by climate change are far less studied but are important for the re-nesting potential. Re-nesting includes both the replacement of a failed breeding attempt or breeding successfully multiple times within one season and can therefore impact fitness. Some species profit from an earlier start of breeding through a higher re-nesting potential, whereas other species also advance the end of breeding season as conditions for breeding deteriorate. Here, we explored how temperature, precipitation, and snow conditions influence the start, end, and duration of the breeding season of a cold-adapted high-elevation songbird. We fitted generalized additive models with more than 12,000 citizen science observations of white-winged snowfinches (Montifringilla nivalis) to estimate breeding phenology between 2006 and 2021. Our results indicate that higher prebreeding temperatures and reduced April precipitation were associated with an earlier start of breeding. However, later during the breeding season higher temperatures shortened the breeding season through an earlier end of the breeding season. Despite adjusting the timing of reproduction to prevailing environmental conditions, average temperatures during the breeding season increased over the 16-year study period. Therefore, snowfinches need to move to higher elevations in order to track the thermal conditions. This study highlights the complex relationship between phenology and environmental conditions and illustrates how much the breeding conditions are currently changing for high-elevation species.

A review: Breeding behavior and management strategies for improving reproductive efficiency in bulls.

This review focuses on bull breeding behaviors and management strategies to improve reproductive efficiency. Breeding soundness evaluations are utilized to classify a bull's physical ability and sperm quality, yet roughly 20 % of bulls fail to meet the minimum criteria. Furthermore, despite achieving the minimum criteria, few bulls in multi-sire breeding groups sire the majority of calves, indicating a need for better understanding of bull behavior that impact siring capacity, and thus, a bull's reproductive efficiency. Several factors influence bull libido such as age, breed, and environmental conditions. Although service capacity tests have been used to measure libido, standardization and repeatability, along with variability in age and breed, can be problematic. Management in collection facilities largely focuses on the pre-stimulation of bulls through behavioral cues for better sperm quality and quantity during collection, thus improving a bull's reproductive efficiency through fewer collections with increased breeding doses harvested. In management of multi-sire breeding groups, understanding social interactions, bull-to-female ratios, synchronization of females, and DNA testing to determine parentage, are techniques that can be utilized to improve reproductive efficiency. New research utilizing remote monitoring technology is being developed to better understand bull behavior without the constraints of direct observation. This technology may be used to predict siring capacity, better manage bulls based on social dynamics, and potentially detect lameness or injury in bulls that may impact siring capacity. A better understanding of developing management strategies of breeding behaviors should be further investigated to improve reproductive success of bulls.

The Plant Ionome as a Functional Trait: Variation across Bioclimatic Regions and Functional Groups.

Plant chemical composition is a trait gaining increasing importance in plant ecology. However, there is limited research on the patterns and drivers of its variation among different plant functional groups and bioclimatic regions. We conducted an analysis of ionomes utilising X-ray fluorescence on 83 plant species from four distinct functional groups (grasses, legumes, forbs and woody species); we marked plots across 15 sites located in both the desert and Mediterranean bioclimatic regions. The primary factors influencing variations in ionomes are predominantly attributed to bioclimatic factors rather than soil composition. Across all functional groups, plants from the Mediterranean region are characterised by greater association with calcium, whereas desert plants exhibit a higher affinity for strontium (Sr), suggesting its potential role in drought tolerance. Among functional groups, grasses uniquely exhibit distinct ionomic features, primarily due to their higher silicon (Si) concentrations. Plant species' affinities for certain elements and their interactions are likely driven by physiological constraints, whereas variations within a functional group are mostly driven by environmental conditions. We conclude that interactions among elements form physiological phenotypes shaped by natural selection under large-scale environmental variability, making plant ionome composition an important plant functional trait.