Field Seasons Research Articles

Seasonal Dynamics of Various Scab-Causing Streptomyces Genotypes Among Potato Fields on Prince Edward Island.

Potato common scab is an important bacterial plant disease caused by numerous Streptomyces species and strains. A better understanding of the genetic diversity and population dynamics of these microorganisms in the field is crucial to develop effective control methods. Our research group previously studied the genetic diversity of scab-causing Streptomyces spp. in Prince Edward Island, one of Canada's most important potato-growing provinces. Fourteen distinct Streptomyces genotypes were identified and displayed contrasting aggressiveness toward potato tubers. To better understand the distribution and occurrence of these genotypes over time under field conditions, the population dynamics were studied in nine commercial potato fields throughout a growing season. A comparative genomic-driven approach was used to design genotype-specific primers and probes, allowing us to quantify, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the abundance of each of the 14 genotypes in field soil. Thirteen of the previously identified genotypes were detected in at least one soil sample, with various frequencies and population sizes across the different fields under study. Interestingly, weakly virulent genotypes dominated, independent of time or location. Among them, three genotypes accounted for more than 80% of the genotypes' combined population. Although the highly virulent genotypes were detected in lower relative abundance than the weakly virulent ones, an increase in the highly virulent genotypes' population size was observed over the growing season in most fields. The results will ultimately be useful for the development of targeted common scab control strategies.

Prehistoric Stone Ornaments from Phromtin Tai, Central Thailand: New Perspectives on Workshop Traditions through the Study of Drilling Methods

abstract: The multi-component site of Phromtin Tai, Thailand is notable for its long occupation from the Late Bronze Age (ca. 700–500 b.c.e.) through early historic periods (ca. c.e. 500–900). Multiple field seasons of excavation in burial and habitation areas at the site have recovered a large number of glass and stone beads. Here we present the study of 57 stone beads from the site using qualitative and quantitative methods that demonstrate the presence of multiple stone ornament workshop traditions. Examination of perforations from beads and pendants made from regionally available raw materials of marble, nephrite, serpentine, and other undetermined stone have identified the use of metal drills with abrasives and diamond drills. These drilling techniques along with the distinctive shapes of some finely made beads, as well as the reworking of older broken beads suggests the presence of different scales and organization of local production in Southeast Asia. The different shapes and production processes of carnelian and banded agate beads also may represent various workshop traditions. Some of these latter beads may have originated in South Asia, while others may have been made in different regions of Southeast Asia. This study demonstrates that careful examination of ornament production techniques, and especially bead perforation technology, can be used to identify the presence of different workshop traditions allowing for more fine-grained consideration of inter- and intra-regional bead exchange networks in Southeast Asia. The presence of many semi-precious stone beads of different materials and having morphologically and technologically distinct features at Phromtin Tai demonstrate the active consumption of the beads by social elites at the site. These diversified and exotic status markers represent an intensification and acceleration of the economy and social complexity at Phromtin Tai.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH AT THE TASTAK CEMETERY IN 2023 (ABAI REGION, URZHAR DISTRICT)

The article introduces for the first time the results of archaeological research at the Tastak cemetery in the field season of 2023, located in the southern foothills of the Tarbagatai Range. The mentioned region in archaeological terms is a little-studied region. In the process of field stationary works, recon-naissance of the area was carried out and a topographic plan of the cemetery was taken. Two kurgans (no. 7 and no. 11) were investigated during this period. According to the planographic arrangement of the sites, the structure of the overmound and intra-mound construction, as well as the position and orientation of the burials corresponds to the classical Saka period. Some constructive features of the structure were revealed: stone shell, grave fence. The noted constructive features of the construction can be connected with ancient migration processes in this period. In the course of comparative-typological analysis, which includes a versatile characterisation of the archaeological source, identification of dated analogies, as well as 14C radiocarbon AMS dating, the investigated sites are generally placed in the IV century BC. Despite the fact that the burials were looted earlier, the materials we obtained during the study of the site will certainly make a great contribution to the study of material and spiritual culture of the Saka tribes of East Kazakhstan.

Genome-wide association study reveals 18 QTL for major agronomic traits in a Nordic-Baltic spring wheat germplasm.

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) remains an important alternative to winter wheat cultivation at Northern latitudes due to high risk of overwintering or delayed sowing of winter wheat. We studied nine major agronomic traits in a set of 299 spring wheat genotypes in trials across 12-year-site combinations in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Norway for three consecutive years. The dataset analyzed here consisted of previously published phenotypic data collected in 2021 and 2022, supplemented with additional phenotypic data from the 2023 field season collected in this study. We combined these phenotypic datasets with previously published genotypic data generated using a 25K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array that yielded 18,467 markers with a minor allele frequency above 0.05. Analysis of these datasets via genome-wide association study revealed 18 consistent quantitative trait loci (QTL) replicated in two or more trials that explained more than 5% of phenotypic variance for plant height, grain protein content, thousand kernel weight, or heading date. The most consistent markers across the tested environments were detected for plant height, thousand kernel weight, and days to heading in eight, five, and six trials, respectively. No beneficial effect of the semi-dwarfing alleles Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b on grain yield performance was observed across the 12 tested trials. Moreover, the cultivars carrying these alleles were low yielding in general. Based on principal component analysis, wheat genotypes developed in the Northern European region clustered separately from those developed at the southern latitudes, and markers associated with the clustering were identified. Important phenotypic traits, such as grain yield, days to heading, grain protein content, and thousand kernel weight were associated with this clustering of the genotype sets. Interestingly, despite being adapted to the Nordic environment, genotypes in the Northern set demonstrated lower grain yield performance across all tested environments. The results indicate that spring wheat germplasm harbors valuable QTL/alleles, and the identified trait-marker associations might be useful in improving Nordic-Baltic spring wheat germplasm under global warming conditions.

Catbirds and crabholes: the 2023 field season at Marco Gonzalez, Belize

After lengthy delays owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, excavations at the Precolumbian Maya site of Marco Gonzalez in Belize resumed in summer 2023. This season represented the in-field commencement of a new multi-institutional collaboration. The implementation of novel approaches and methods included the incorporation of photogrammetry and 3D modelling as a first-line documentation method, a heightened emphasis on the importance of bioarchaeology as a source for constructing narratives about past life at Marco Gonzalez (through the ‘osteobiographical’ approach) and more extensive excavations than had been possible in previous seasons. These approaches and methods proved fruitful, with excavations uncovering seven new burials, as well as a particularly intriguing cache of what resembled grave goods without an associated individual. Moreover, excavations during this field season provided tantalising new evidence as to the scope of the extensive trade and exchange network within which Marco Gonzalez was a vital node, as well as new insights into the mechanics of the industrial-scale salt processing that was both central to life at the site for several centuries during the Late Classic period and seemingly integral to the formation of highly fertile anthropogenic soils (Maya Dark Earths) that are crucially important to a nuanced understanding of the long-term environmental impact of human activity.

РЕЦЕНЗИЯ НА МОНОГРАФИЮ «МОЛЕВ Е.А., МОЛЕВА Н.В. БОСПОРСКИЙ ГОРОД КИТЕЙ: МОНОГРАФИЯ. ЧАСТЬ III. – НИЖНИЙ НОВГОРОД: ИЗДАТЕЛЬСТВО НИЖЕГОРОДСКОГО ГОСУНИВЕРСИТЕТА, 2022. – 453 c.: С ИЛ., ТАБЛ.»

The review analyzes the monograph by Evgeny Alexandrovich Molev and Natalia Vladimirovna Moleva "The Bosporan city of Kitei: Monograph. Part III", dedicated to the results of excavations in the field seasons 2005-2012 and 2016-2017. The preparation and publication of the fundamental work were the result of many years of research into the ancient city of Kitei. At the time of publi-cation of the monograph, one of the authors of the work, Yevgeny Alexandrovich Molev, passed away. But the debt of memory and respect for the famous Russian archaeologist and antiquarian prompted his colleagues and associates, led by Alexander Valentinovich Makhlayuk, to complete the work and publish it. Evgeny Alexandrovich was a great friend of Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov. After the collapse of the USSR, the eminent Russian scientist made every effort to restore comprehensive ties between Lobachevsky Nizhny Novgorod State University and Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov. This was reflected in the par-ticipation of colleagues in international and all-Russian conferences, the opposition of candidate and doctoral dissertations, in performances as a leading organization, the preparation of reviews of dissertations, monographs and textbooks. For 15 years he was the chairman of the State Attestation Commission in the field of Histo-ry. His high competence and professionalism made it possible to objectively assess the quality of the training of graduate historians, to be on top of the requirements for modern specialists. Evgeny Alexandrovich published his articles in the electronic journal "Kavkazologiya" when he took his first steps. Therefore, we could not remain indifferent to the appearance of the latest monograph by E.A. Molev. The topic studied in the monograph is certainly relevant. For kavkazologists, it is in-teresting because it provides a new layer of knowledge about the interaction in the ancient era of the Greek cities of Bosporus and the Sinds and Meots, which is fully correlated with the identical studies of R.J. Betrozov in the Northwestern Caucasus. The structure of the work is clear and well-founded. The scientific content of the sections is relevant to existing academic standards. The publication deserves the highest appreciation and at-tention of the historical and archaeological community.

Опыт определения копромаркеров в отложениях археологических памятников (по материалам стоянки Сельунгур, Южный Кыргызстан)

Introduction. The article discusses the results of a study of ash layers from Holocene deposits at the Selungur (Surungur) Cave. Goals. So, the work attempts a practical evaluation of a method of identifying coprostanols in archaeological sediments. The investigation of Holocene deposits of the site was carried out in 2018 and 2021 field seasons. The study identifies a total of 7 Holocene layers that represent the typical ‘fumier’ facies of cave and rock shelter deposits connected to pastoralism and animal husbandry practices, and built up of stratified layers of burnt herbivore dung. The sequence contains a record of multiple earthquakes that disturbed the sediments and effected in water escape structures, plastic deformations, and faults. Nevertheless, the stratigraphy remains easily readable. Unfortunately, archaeological and paleofaunistic materials were never found but a series of ash-containing interlayers suggests that the cave was repeatedly visited by ancient humans. Materials. In the ash deposits, our micro charcoal analysis has identified areas of concentration of burnt dungs which was used for fire. Series of samples were taken throughout the section of Holocene deposits for gas mass spectrometry analysis. The research efforts have also included the analysis of modern dung from herbivores inhabiting the area, such as cows, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys, for the latter obtained data to serve as a reference collection. Results. Unfortunately, layer 7 of the Selungur Cave proved characterized by poor preservation of fire products, while layers 6–1 yielded somewhat rich data. The obtained results make it possible to identify coprosterols and determine that equine dung was used in layers 6-2 as a fuel, and goat dung — in the first layer. The most widespread distribution of equines in this region occurred during the existence of Dayuan (Parkan) state, in the third century BC and later in the Middle Ages. Most likely, during these periods the mountain corridor comprising the Selungur Cave could have been used as a pass of the Silk Road that connected the Fergana and Alay valleys. The accumulation of the upper layer, in our opinion, is associated with the modern era.

Development of regenerated plants of interspecific wheat hybrids using immature embryos as explants

Nowadays particular attention in winter wheat breeding is paid to the introduction of biotechnological methods. The culture of immature embryos in vitro is an alternative way to produce hybrids that often do not develop fully in vivo. The purpose of the current study was to estimate the ability of immature embryos of interspecific winter wheat hybrids for callus induction, morphogenesis, and plant regeneration on artificial nutrient media, as well as to select optimal conditions for obtaining full-fledged plants with all the botanical characteristics of the species. The research material included 5 hybrid combinations of interspecific crosses between durum (Triticum durum DESF.) and common (Triticum aestivum L.) winter wheat. The material was collected during one field season (2022). Immature embryos were used as explants. Culture media were according to Murashige-Skoog (MS), and they differed in the content of hormones and organic substances. There has been found that the hybrid combinations were characterized by a variety of morphogenic responses. The manifestation of callusogenesis was not high enough and averaged 22–32 % depending on the nutrient medium. Rhizogenesis averaged from 1–6.7 %, and ended with the formation of roots. The process of formation of embryoid- and hemmorizogenesis was best demonstrated by the hybrid combination No.1, and on two media. All processes of morphogenesis excepting ‘rhizogenesis’ varied greatly among hybrid combinations. The largest number of regenerated plants was obtained from hybrid combination No.1 (61 pcs., 54.5 %). After vernalization and acclimatization, 38 % of the plants survived from the number of planted embryos. The largest number of heads (79 pcs.) was formed according to hybrid combination No.1, on average 1.46 heads per plant. However, not all heads were fertile. The results of the correlation analysis made it possible to identify indicators that closely correlated with the amount of plant regeneration, namely, the high yield of embryoid- and hemmorizogenic structures ensured a high frequency of plant regeneration (r = 0.769).

Images of the Homeland in the Cultural Landscape of Northeast China

The article is based on the results of the 2023 field season in Northeast China. Three stories in the history of westernization of Manchuria are examined: the construction of railroads, the activities of Catholic missionaries, and the greening of the Liaodong Peninsula. It is concluded that the Jesuits managed to introduce the main architectural symbol of Western civilization, the Gothic cathedral, into the Chinese cultural landscape. Ideology proved to be more effective than faith in technical progress, which consistently guided both the Russians and the Japanese in their exploration of Manchuria.

Pyramiding of transgenic immune receptors from primary and tertiary wheat gene pools improves powdery mildew resistance in the field.

Introgression of resistance genes from wild or related species is a common strategy to improve disease resistance of wheat cultivars. Pm17 is a gene that confers powdery mildew resistance in wheat. It encodes an NLR type of immune receptor and was introgressed from rye to wheat as part of the 1RS chromosome arm translocation several decades ago. So far it has not been possible to separate Pm17 from its co-introgressed rye genes due to suppressed recombination. Here we tested in the field transgenic Bobwhite wheat overexpressing Pm17 without any other rye genes. Four transgenic events showed high levels of PM17 protein accumulation, strong powdery mildew resistance, and no pleiotropic effects during three field seasons. We used a combined approach of transgene insertion and cross-breeding to generate lines co-expressing Pm17 and Pm3, or Pm17 and Pm8. Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici infection tests confirmed additive, race-specific resistance of the two pyramided transgenes in lines Pm17+Pm3b and Pm17+Pm8. Furthermore, pyramided lines showed strong powdery mildew resistance during three field seasons. We conclude that the combination of overexpressed NLR genes from the extended gene pool broadens and diversifies wheat disease resistance.

Decision making processes and power dynamics in timber production co-management: A comparative analysis of seven Brazilian Amazonian community-based projects

Power asymmetries are a major obstacle to inclusive and robust decision making in collaborative management (or co-management), whereby multiple actors, principally government and local communities, jointly make decisions to achieve natural resource management goals. We compared seven community-based timber projects under different co-management arrangements within three Brazilian Amazonian extractive reserves to illuminate how decision making was organized (structure) and how it actually operated (function) with respect to power dynamics among multiple actors. Over a 15-month field season, we conducted participant observation and 52 semistructured interviews, systematically analyzed over 30 key timber management decision-making meetings, and employed Q-methodology to ascertain diverse actor perspectives of power dynamics. Our overall analysis revealed that decisions across all seven timber projects were gradually made through multiple meetings at community, extractive reserve, and beyond extractive reserve levels – a positive approach that can lead to continuous problem-solving. The 16 Q-sorters perceived decision making in these meetings to be participative, respectful of all actors' rights to speak, and allowed for some knowledge exchange, suggesting that unequal power dynamics (as observed in our study) does not necessarily prevent the opportunity to voice one's opinion. This participation also decentralized decision-making processes, boosting chances that community-level actors used their crucial local knowledge and advocated for their interests. Still, in one reserve, community members were ill prepared to make informed decisions, lacking sufficient technical training and trusted long-term support from non-governmental external actors. Furthermore, some Q-sorters noted insufficient community-level actors in decision-making processes, because deliberative spaces were beyond their physical reach. Yet in two reserves, innovative logistical strategies were developed to compensate and accommodate this challenge. In the third reserve, however, in the absence of intentional and creative solutions to geographical and cultural distances, there were limited interactions among the communities and external actors, giving rise to minimal information flow and weakened representation of community interests in decision making. We also demonstrated that actors in power (government forest administration officers) or those with perceived power (financial or forest technical providers, community leaders), sometimes acted strategically over other actors, particularly those perceived as without power (community residents), to alter their behavior, constrain their choices, and influence their expectations regarding decision outcomes. We conclude that power asymmetries can be overcome in natural resource co-management decision making, using deliberate, thoughtful, and creative participatory approaches.

The Presence of Whitefly Bemisia tabaci, and Thrips Thrips tabaci on Different Cucumber Plant Hybrid Varieties in the Field Conditions

The study was conducted to determine the susceptibility of different cucumber hybrid varieties (Jumbo Green, Ghazeer, Nefer, and Sahem) to sucking insect pests, onion thrips Thrips tabaci Lind., and tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci Genn., during the summer of 2018 season in the experimental fields of College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad, Iraq. The results showed that the infestation of cucumber varieties with sucking pests onion thrips T. tabaci and tobacco whitefly B. tabaci occurred on all varieties during the entire month of July. Nefer and Sahem varieties were more susceptible to high infestation by the whitefly adult, where the average was 5.21 and 5.05 adults per leaf, respectively, compared with the Ghazeer and Jumbo Green varieties, where the average was 4.06 and 4.02 adults per leaf, respectively. At the same time, the nymph average of whitefly was 55.80 and 55.20 nymphs per leaf on Ghazeer and Jumbo Green, respectively, followed by Sahem and Nefer varieties, which were 47.80 and 38.10, respectively. The average of thrips nymphs was recorded on all varieties, which were 4.52, 3.57, 3.06, and 2.96 nymphs per leaf on Sahem, Nefer, Ghazeer, and Jumbo Green, respectively. During July and early August, the green lacewing Chrysoperla sp., parasitoids Ahidius sp., and coccinellids like ladybird Coccinella sp. were found to be linked with whitefly and thrips pests on all varieties.

Modulation of seed amylose content in durum wheat through mutagenesis of starch synthase IIa (SSIIa) and its effect on milling and semolina quality

The elimination of Starch Synthase IIa (SSIIa) in durum wheat seeds increases amylose and protein but decreases starch and seed size. To mitigate the negative impact of increased amylose upon seed size we identified partially functional SSIIa alleles and combined them with SSIIa null alleles. The first step was to mutagenize durum with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and select SSIIa-A1 and SSIIa-B1 missense alleles and combine them by crossing with SSIIa null alleles. Segregating lines possessing a SSIIa null mutation in one genome and a missense mutation in the other genome were compared to single SSIIa null mutant sister lines over two field seasons. Lines that carried one SSIIa null and one missense allele showed elevated amylose compared to single null sister lines and controls. In most SSIIa haplotypes tested, increased amylose content was negatively correlated with seed size and starch content. However, two SSIIa missense alleles were identified that increased amylose to 34 % when combined with a SSIIa null allele. Thus, moderate amylose increases are possible if a small amount of SSIIa activity remains in developing wheat seeds without negatively impacting seed size or starch.

Late Triassic–Early Jurassic continental vertebrates and their environmental context from the Junggar Basin, Xinjiang, NW China

Abstract Vertebrate assemblages from the Junggar Basin in Xinjiang, China, are the only ones known from palaeo-Arctic continental strata of Late Triassic and Early Jurassic age. Here we present a preliminary description of these new assemblages, focusing on the underappreciated Arctic palaeolatitude and winter freezing of this coal-bearing sequence. Mostly collected during NIGPAS-led stratigraphic studies in the 2016–17 field seasons, new assemblages include: (1) small to large sculptured palaeonisciform cranial elements and scales, small associated palaeonisciforms, a sauropterygian tooth, large-dinosaur bioturbation and additional unidentified small vertebrate bones from the Haojiagou Formation (?upper Norian–Rhaetian); (2) a medium-sized brontozoid dinosaur footprint and a previously described possible Anomoepus track from the Badaowan Formation (Hettangian–?Pliensbachian); and (3) a hybodont shark egg case of the form taxon Palaeoxyris (only the third reported from Early Jurassic age strata of China), numerous associated and fragmentary small palaeonisciform remains (including one partial skull and several small skeletons), and another possible Anomoepus track and associated dinoturbation from the Sangonghe Formation (?Pliensbachian–Toarcian). A possible ash associated with the aforementioned lower Sangonghe fish skull has produced a laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry age of roughly 186 Ma, consistent with a Pliensbachian age. We are optimistic that there will be many additional discoveries from early Mesozoic age strata of the Junggar Basin, the importance of which for understanding Earth system processes cannot be overemphasized.

Post-stocking condition of endangered pallid sturgeon released at age 0

Condition indices are commonly used to assess fish population status and are well suited for endangered species given that length and weight data collection is noninvasive. In the Missouri River, endangered age-0 pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus are typically released during autumn, but 2 experimental summer stockings of 53-56 or 41-42 day-old individuals occurred during consecutive weeks in July 2018. Captures during subsequent field seasons provided a rare opportunity to assess condition of known-age individuals that spent most of their lives in the wild. By the end of 2022, 115 unique pallid sturgeon were captured at age 1 or older, which is a high capture rate (1.35%) compared to autumn age-0 stockings. Most individuals yielded condition values in the normal category with median values for both stockings near 1. Despite different mean fork lengths at stocking (118 or 80 mm), condition values of captured individuals were not significantly different between stockings. Additionally, the percentage of individuals in low, normal, and robust condition were not significantly different compared to published long-term datasets from the lower and upper Missouri River basins. We conclude that pallid sturgeon captured from these experimental stockings have fared well in the wild, which highlights the potential benefits of stocking relatively young individuals during summer. Similar experimental stockings in the future would provide additional data for evaluating a potential shift in age-0 stocking strategy.

Multiclass weed identification using semantic segmentation: An automated approach for precision agriculture

Accurate identification and categorization of numerous weed species are critical for implementing effective control measures and management methods in precision agriculture. Manual weed treatment is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and poses risks of human pesticide exposure. Therefore, the development of automated weed management systems is highly desirable. This study aims to propose an automated approach for multiclass weed identification using semantic segmentation, with the goal of improving weed control techniques, reducing pesticide usage, and enhancing crop yields in a sustainable manner. To address the research objective, we created a novel multiclass weed dataset, focusing on two weed categories found in a brinjal farm located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India during the 2022 field seasons. The dataset covers various developmental phases and was captured under ambient lighting conditions. Leveraging transfer learning, we evaluated four advanced deep learning models to establish a benchmark for weed identification. Among the evaluated models, the U-Net-based Inception-ReseNetV2 achieved the highest F1-score of 96.78%, while the other three models attained F1-scores above 91.0%. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach in accurately identifying and categorizing weeds in agricultural fields. The results of this research provide a foundation for further investigations on weed detection and localization in field environments. The use of semantic segmentation for multiclass weed identification can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of weed management operations, resulting in reduced pesticide usage and improved crop yields. By adopting automated weed management systems, farmers can minimize labor requirements, save time, and mitigate the risks associated with human pesticide exposure.

The Palamas Archaeological Project. A preliminary report of the 2022 fieldwork conducted by the ongoing Greek–Swedish archaeological field programme in Palamas, region of Karditsa, Thessaly

This paper presents the preliminary results from the 2022 fieldwork of the Palamas Archaeological Project, an ongoing Greek–Swedish collaboration in the region of Karditsa, Thessaly. Working over the course of two separate field seasons, the project team conducted aerial, architectural, fieldwalking, and geophysical surveys at a number of sites within the survey area, including at the important multi-phase fortified settlements at Metamorfosi and Vlochos. Limited excavations were also conducted at the latter site, producing new evidence for the Hellenistic and Early Byzantine phases of the ancient city, including a probable cemetery. The work continues to add to the knowledge of the archaeology of the region, highlighting the long and dynamic history of human habitation in western Thessaly.

Evaluating quantum yield and ultraviolet–visible reflectance in baby pumpkins: Implications for oviposition behavior of pumpkin fruit flies

AbstractFrugivorous insects utilize both olfactory and visual cues to locate their host plants. Although volatiles have been extensively studied for detecting infested fruits, the role of visual cues in oviposition site selection remains mostly unknown among frugivorous insects. To investigate physiological changes in a host plant, we measured the quantum yield and reflectance of three wavelengths of light (350, 450 and 520 nm) after puncturing the surfaces of commercially grown pumpkins using insect pins during two different seasons outdoors. Quantum yields did not show significant differences between undamaged and simulated oviposition sites. Two wavelengths within the visual spectrum were similar between the two treatments. However, photon counts at 350 nm, in the ultraviolet range, were 1.76 fold higher in simulated oviposition sites than in undamaged sites, which was consistently observed across three field seasons. Considering that frugivorous insects and other phytophagous insects recognize the 350 nm wavelength for host identification and oviposition, we conclude that the disparities in ultraviolet reflectance can serve as a baseline for assessing the actual oviposition response of fruit flies. This finding contributes to the role of visual cues in the oviposition behavior of frugivorous insects and the development of a nondestructive detection method for pumpkin fruit flies.

Fish in Burial Practice of the Sargat Culture Population of the Early Iron Age of the Baraba Forest-Steppe (According to the Materials of the Mound No. 51 of the Ust-Tartas Burial Ground)

Purpose. The Sargat culture fish remains are still given very little attention. The purpose of this work is to present materials that testify to the use of fish in the burial practice of the Sargat population of Baraba.Finds (artefacts). In the field season of 2022, the Toguchin team of the IAET SB RAS explored the mound no. 51 of the Ust-Tartas burial ground of the Sargat culture. Among the various artifacts found on the mound territory there were objects containing animal bones, and objects containing fish remains, as well as objects containing both animal bones and fish remains.Methods. Preparation of the osteological collection of fish remains was carried out in 2022–2023 using a cameral processing method. The collection contains mainly scales, bones of the visceral part of the skeleton of the head, bones of the skull. Fragments of the axial skeleton (vertebrae, Weberian apparatus, urostyle) and pharyngeal teeth appear in a smaller number. In the pocess of the collection formation, it was found that the best preservation of samples is ensured by materials that have not been preliminary washed and cleaned: the bone structures are less brittle. Therefore, fragments of the fish skeleton were separated from the soil in the laboratory.Results. For the most part, accumulations of fish remains are represented by large specimens of older age groups (from 7+ years, mostly 10+ and more). The identified species composition of fish in samples of the Early Iron Age includes representatives of the family Cyprinidae (ide Leuciscus idus, goldfish Carassius gibelio) and family Percidae (perch Perca fluviatilis). In addition to the listed species, remains of the family Acipenseridae (sterlet Acipenser ruthenus) and the family Cyprinidae (golden crucian carp C. Carassius) were noted in the earlier objects. Object 10 stands out: it is a butt containing not only tools and animal bones, but also fish remains. For the first time, the fact of fish use in the funeral rite of the Sargatians was revealed. The fish remains in the mound testify that the population of the Sargat culture who created this site practiced fishing along with their main occupation – cattle breeding.Conclusion. Materials of the mound no. 51 of the Ust-Tartas burial ground, containing fish remains, are an example of the local population adaptation to the natural environment. The Tai tract was a natural oasis, which not only provided a forage base for livestock but also ensured an easy catch of fish. Human adaptation to the natural conditions in the Baraba region was quite successful, as evidenced by the fact that fish was a part of the funeral rite along with products of animal origin. It was often included in butts in some objects, which correlates with sacred actions.

Genetic analysis of basal stalk rot resistance introgressed from wild Helianthus petiolaris into cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) using an advanced backcross population.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a serious pathogen causing severe basal stalk rot (BSR) disease on cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) that leads to significant yield losses due to insufficient resistance. The wild annual sunflower species H. petiolaris, commonly known as prairie sunflower is known for its resistance against this pathogen. Sunflower resistance to BSR is quantitative and determined by many genes with small effects on the resistance phenotype. The objective of this study was to identify loci governing BSR resistance derived from H. petiolaris using a quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping approach. BSR resistance among lines of an advanced backcross population (AB-QTL) with 174 lines developed from a cross of inbred line HA 89 with H. petiolaris PI 435843 was determined in the field during 2017-2019, and in the greenhouse in 2019. AB-QTL lines and the HA 89 parent were genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing and a genetic linkage map was developed spanning 997.51 cM and using 1,150 SNP markers mapped on 17 sunflower chromosomes. Highly significant differences (p<0.001) for BSR response among AB-QTL lines were observed disease incidence (DI) in all field seasons, as well as disease rating (DR) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) in the greenhouse with a moderately high broad-sense heritability (H 2) of 0.61 for the tested resistance parameters. A total of 14 QTL associated with BSR resistance were identified on nine chromosomes, each explaining a proportion of the phenotypic variation ranging from 3.5% to 28.1%. Of the 14 QTL, eight were detected for BSR resistance in the field and six were detected under greenhouse conditions. Alleles conferring increased BSR resistance were contributed by the H. petiolaris parent at 11 of the 14 QTL.