Locations In Indiana Research Articles

The St. Meinrad Coal Member (Pennsylvanian)—Reference Sections from Spencer County, Indiana

The purpose of this study is to (a) specify locations in Indiana that can serve as reference sections for the St. Meinrad Coal Member (Pennsylvanian) and (b) acquire more data to better correlate this coal with its equivalents in the Illinois Basin. The work focused on 1) a core from Indiana Geological and Water Survey drill hole (SDH) 537, latitude 38.180721 N, longitude 86.83895 W); and 2) an outcrop of the St. Meinrad Coal Member (latitude 38.147652 N, longitude 86.808903 W), both in Spencer County, Indiana. The borehole was drilled in November 2023 and the core is archived at the Indiana Geological and Water Survey Core Research and Teaching Repository, Bloomington, Indiana, USA. The St. Meinrad Coal Member was encountered at a depth of 44.25 to 48.45 ft (13.49 to 14.77 m), with a total coal thickness of 4.20 ft (1.28 m). On a whole-seam basis, the coal has an ash yield of 1.27 wt % and is 3.92 wt % in total sulfur. Petrographically, the coal consists of moderate amounts of vitrinite (77.12 vol %), liptinite (15.84 vol %) and inertinite (7.04 vol %). Palynologically, the coal is dominated by lycopsid tree spores (74.12 vol %), with reduced amounts of small lycopsid (13.4 vol %) and tree fern (6.14 vol %) spores. Small fern (0.9 vol %) and calamite (4.17 vol %) spores are uncommon to rare, as is cordaite pollen (0.96 vol %). The outcrop location has a coal thickness of 3.15 ft (96 cm). In outcrop, the coal is relatively clean in the middle part and is enriched in mineral matter at the top and bottom parts of the seam. The coal is underlain by claystone. Palynologically, the coal has similar spore assemblage to that documented from the core. The common occurrence of Endosporites globiformis and other stratigraphically diagnostic taxa in both locations warrant assignment of the St. Meinrad Coal Member to the early Atokan NG (Microreticulatisporites nobilis - Endosporites globiformis) miospore zone of the Illinois Basin, which correlates with the early Duckmantian strata of western Europe and Middle-Late Bashkirian strata worldwide. The palynologic data also indicate that, within the Illinois Basin, the St. Meinrad Coal Member is coeval with the Hawesville and Bell coal beds in western Kentucky.

Using Organic Contaminants to Constrain the Terrestrial Journey of the Martian Meteorite Lafayette.

A key part of the search for extraterrestrial life is the detection of organic molecules since these molecules form the basis of all living things on Earth. Instrument suites such as SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals) onboard the NASA Perseverance rover and the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer onboard the future ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover are designed to detect organic molecules at the martian surface. However, size, mass, and power limitations mean that these instrument suites cannot yet match the instrumental capabilities available in Earth-based laboratories. Until Mars Sample Return, the only martian samples available for study on Earth are martian meteorites. This is a collection of largely basaltic igneous rocks that have been exposed to varying degrees of terrestrial contamination. The low organic molecule abundance within igneous rocks and the expectation of terrestrial contamination make the identification of martian organics within these meteorites highly challenging. The Lafayette martian meteorite exhibits little evidence of terrestrial weathering, potentially making it a good candidate for the detection of martian organics despite uncertainties surrounding its fall history. In this study, we used ultrapure solvents to extract organic matter from triplicate samples of Lafayette and analyzed these extracts via hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS). Two hundred twenty-four metabolites (organic molecules) were detected in Lafayette at concentrations more than twice those present in the procedural blanks. In addition, a large number of plant-derived metabolites were putatively identified, the presence of which supports the unconfirmed report that Lafayette fell in a semirural location in Indiana. Remarkably, the putative identification of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (or vomitoxin), alongside the report that the collector was possibly a student at Purdue University, can be used to identify the most likely fall year as 1919.

Interference of morningglories (Ipomoea spp.) with ‘Fascination’ triploid watermelon

AbstractMorningglories (Ipomoea spp.) are among the most troublesome weeds in cucurbits in the United States; however, little is known about Ipomoea spp. interference with horticultural crops. Two additive design field studies were conducted in 2020 at two locations in Indiana to investigate the interference of ivyleaf morningglory (Ipomoea hederacea Jacq.), entireleaf morningglory (Ipomoea hederacea Jacq. var. integriuscula A. Gray.), and pitted morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa L.) with triploid watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai]. Immediately after watermelon was transplanted, Ipomoea spp. seedlings were transplanted into the watermelon planting holes at densities of 0 (weed-free control), 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 plants 27 m−2. Fruit was harvested once a week for 4 wk, and each fruit was classified as marketable (≥4 kg) or non-marketable (<4 kg). At 1 wk after the final harvest, aboveground biomass samples were collected from 1 m2 per plot and oven-dried to obtain watermelon and Ipomoea spp. dry weight. Seed capsules and the number of seeds in 15 capsules were counted from the biomass sample to estimate seed production. Ipomoea spp. densities increasing from 3 to 24 plants 27 m−2 increased marketable watermelon yield loss from 58% to 99%, reduced marketable watermelon fruit number 49% to 98%, reduced individual watermelon fruit weight 17% to 45%, and reduced watermelon aboveground biomass 83% to 94%. Ipomoea spp. seed production ranged from 549 to 7,746 seeds m−2, greatly increasing the weed seedbank. Ipomoea spp. hindered harvest due to their vines wrapping around watermelon fruits. The most likely reason for watermelon yield loss was interference with light and consequently less dry matter being partitioned into fruit development due to less photosynthesis. Yield loss was attributed to fewer fruits and the weight of each fruit.

Mapping Agricultural Drainage Extent in the U.S. Corn Belt: The Value of Multiple Methods

Highlights A new 30 m resolution drainage extent dataset is explorable through an online web interface. Alternative methods of mapping drainage extent have advantages in different locations. Multiple drainage extent datasets provide tools for improved hydrology assessment in the Corn Belt. Abstract. Artificial drainage is essential to agricultural productivity in much of the Midwest, and has an important impact on hydrology and water quality. Planners, engineers, resource professionals, and others who are interested in Corn Belt hydrology would benefit from increased understanding of existing drainage installations. The objective of this work is to increase access to and understanding of options for estimating subsurface/surface drainage extent and the advantages and disadvantages of different methods to benefit data users who need to know what products are appropriate for their specific application. This includes creating an online accessible drainage estimate data layer for the entire Corn Belt region; comparing three different drainage extent products for this region and investigating the various applications of these three products in four case study locations in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota. Results show how different drainage datasets can be utilized depending on the nature of the research question and conditions of the investigation. Keywords: Agricultural drainage extent, Geospatial analysis, Tile drainage.

Characterization of stem volume and form tradeoffs in a northern red oak (Quercus rubra) breeding population in early stages of selection

Quercus rubra half sib progenies (N = 93) expressed high levels of variance for both growth and stem form traits in three locations in Indiana, USA at age 11 or 12. Height, diameter, and volume were measured and sweep, branch angle, forking, and branch retention were rated using a (+ / −) system. Families selected for volume showed no unfavorable increases in sweep or branch angle and only a slight increase in branch retention. Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is the most planted hardwood in the central USA. Red oak seeds from sources with improved growth and form are unavailable in the Central Hardwood Region, in part because the absence of agreed methods for stem form evaluation diminishes the effectiveness of selection. To identify red oak families improved for growth and to determine if a simple + / − rating system could identify red oak families with improved form. We evaluated 93 open-pollinated families of 11 or 12-year-old red oak growing in three sites in central Indiana (USA) for height, diameter, volume, and four traits rated as + / − : sweep, branch angle, forking, and branch retention. Family × location effects were significant for all quantitative traits but not for any binary traits; differences among families were significant for all traits at all sites. Heritabilities for most traits were high. Selection of the top 20 families for volume at each site resulted in no change in population means for sweep or branch angle and only a small increase in the retention of large limbs. A + / − rating system to evaluate hardwood form can help breeders deliver improved red oak to landowners when more complex systems are impractical.

Effect of cereal rye and canola on winter and summer annual weed emergence in corn

AbstractField experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 at two locations in Indiana to evaluate the influence of cover crop species, termination timing, and herbicide treatment on winter and summer annual weed suppression and corn yield. Cereal rye and canola cover crops were terminated early or late (2 wk before or after corn planting) with a glyphosate- or glufosinate-based herbicide program. Canola and cereal rye reduced total weed biomass collected at termination by up to 74% and 91%, in comparison to fallow, respectively. Canola reduced horseweed density by up to 56% at termination and 57% at POST application compared to fallow. Cereal rye reduced horseweed density by up to 59% at termination and 87% at POST application compared to fallow. Canola did not reduce giant ragweed density at termination in comparison to fallow. Cereal rye reduced giant ragweed density by up to 66% at termination and 62% at POST application. Termination timing had little to no effect on weed biomass and density reduction in comparison to the effect of cover crop species. Cereal rye reduced corn grain yield at both locations in comparison to fallow, especially for the late-termination timing. Corn grain yield reduction up to 49% (4,770 kg ha–1) was recorded for cereal rye terminated late in comparison to fallow terminated late. Canola did not reduce corn grain yield in comparison to fallow within termination timing; however, late-terminated canola reduced corn grain yield by up to 21% (2,980 kg ha–1) in comparison to early-terminated fallow. Cereal rye can suppress giant ragweed emergence, whereas canola is not as effective at suppressing large-seeded broadleaves such as giant ragweed. These results also indicate that early-terminated cover crops can often result in higher corn grain yields than late-terminated cover crops in an integrated weed management program.

Parthenocarpic Cucumber Cultivar Evaluation in High-tunnel Production

Fresh-consumed parthenocarpic cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are a popular and high-value crop sold in local food markets. The parthenocarpic plant characteristics and climbing growth habit make cucumbers an ideal crop for high-tunnel production. Major types of parthenocarpic cucumbers include Beit alpha and mini, Dutch greenhouse, American slicer, and Japanese. Information regarding yield performance, plant growth, and disease resistance of the four types grown in high-tunnel conditions is limited. In this study, 16 parthenocarpic cucumber cultivars from the four major types were evaluated in high tunnels at three locations in Indiana and Illinois during Spring 2018. Plants were pruned to a single stem that was supported on a string. At all locations, the cultivars that had the most total yields were Beit alpha and mini, although their total yields were not always significantly higher than that of all the others. However, Beit alpha and mini cucumbers had high percentages of unmarketable fruit, mainly because of insect feeding damage and mechanical injuries on the skins that led to scarred fruit. Dutch greenhouse cultivars had relatively lower marketable yields at two of the three locations where there was a high percentage of misshaped fruit. ‘Tasty Green’ Japanese cucumber consistently had the lowest yields at all three locations. This cultivar also produced the most side shoot growth and, therefore, more pruning waste. The Japanese types ‘Tasty Jade’ and ‘Taurus’ had yields comparable to those of other cultivars, and they were more tolerant to two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae). However, ‘Tasty Jade’ was the cultivar most susceptible to powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii and Golovinomyces cichoracearum). ‘Corinto’ American slicer cucumber had relatively high yields at two of the three locations. This cultivar also had the highest percentage of marketable fruit. Information provided in the study is readily useful for growers using high tunnels when selecting parthenocarpic cucumber cultivars. It is also valuable for seed companies wishing to breed new cultivars adaptive for high-tunnel production.

Billbug (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae: Sphenophorus spp.) Seasonal Biology and DNA-Based Life Stage Association in Indiana Turfgrass

Eleven species of billbugs (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae: Sphenophorus spp. Schönherr) infest managed turfgrass in North America. However, the regional variation in species composition remains unresolved and the seasonal phenology of several species has not been well documented. The latter gap is largely due to the inability to identify the larval stage to species-a confounding problem with several sympatric insect species. We used field trapping (adults) and soil sampling (larvae and pupae) surveys along with a DNA-based life-stage association to characterize the biology of billbugs associated with turfgrass in the Midwestern United States. Pitfall trapping at four locations in Indiana revealed four billbug species: S. venatus Say, S. parvulus Gyllenhaal, S. minimus Hart, and S. inaequalis Say. Sphenophorus venatus was the most abundant species on warm-season turfgrass while S. parvulus was most abundant on cool-season turfgrass. Investigation of S. venatus seasonal biology revealed two overwintered life stages-larva and adult-which resulted in two overlapping cohorts and two larval generations. Degree-day models describing S. venatus activity were more accurate for first-generation adults and larvae than for overwintering life stages. Maximum-likelihood analyses provided the first molecular species identification of billbug larvae and direct evidence that S. venatus larvae are capable of overwintering above 40°N latitude. Findings clarify the utility of molecular markers (CO1, 18S, and ITS2) for describing billbug larval population dynamics and seasonal phenology in regions where several sympatric billbug species occur. These results support the development of sustainable management strategies based on billbug seasonal phenology in different regions of North America.

Law enforcement attitudes towards naloxone following opioid overdose training

ABSTRACTBackground: Opioid intoxication and overdoses are life-threatening emergencies requiring rapid treatment. One response to this has been to train law enforcement to detect the signs of an opioid overdose and train them to administer naloxone to reverse the effects. Although not a new concept, few studies have attempted to examine this policy. Methods: At 4 different locations in Indiana, law enforcement personnel were trained to detect the signs of an opioid-related overdose and how to administer naloxone to reverse the effects of the overdose. Pre and post surveys were administered at each location (N = 97). To examine changes in attitudes following training, the authors included items from the Opioid Overdose Attitudes Scale (OOAS), which measures respondents' competency, concerns, and readiness to administer naloxone. Results: Among the full sample, naloxone training resulted in significant increases in competency, concerns, and readiness. Examining changes in attitudes by each location revealed that the training had the greatest effect on competency to administer naloxone and in easing concerns that law enforcement personal might have in administering naloxone. Conclusions: This study adds to others in showing that law enforcement personnel are receptive to naloxone training and that the OOAS is able to capture these attitudes. This study advances this literature by examining pre-post changes across multiple locations. As the distribution of naloxone continues to proliferate, this study and the OOAS may be valuable towards the development of an evidence-based training model for law enforcement.

Impact of Foliar Fungicides on Gibberella Ear Rot and Deoxynivalenol Levels in Indiana Corn

Gibberella ear rot, caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum (Schawbe), can cause significant yield reductions in corn (Zea mays L.) as well as reduce grain quality. Field experiments were conducted at two locations in Indiana to assess the impact of commercially available fungicides on Gibberella ear rot severity and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation in hybrid corn grain. The experiments were arranged in a random complete block design with both inoculated and noninoculated treatments. Three fungicides—azoxystrobin + propiconazole, prothioconazole, and pyraclostrobin—were applied during silking (R1), and Gibberella ear rot severity, DON accumulation in grain, and corn yield were measured. Inoculated treatments had higher disease severity and DON and lower yield (P < 0.001) compared with noninoculated treatments. Fungicides reduced Gibberella ear rot severity in two location-years, but did not reduce DON in those experiments. All other fungicide treatments in all locations and years did not reduce disease severity or DON when compared with treatments not sprayed with fungicide. No fungicide increased DON levels in grain in any location or year. These results indicate that fungicide applications during the silking stage of corn may not consistently reduce DON levels in hybrid corn.

Evaluation of Agricultural Production Systems Simulator as yield predictor of Panicum virgatum and Miscanthus x giganteus in several US environments

AbstractSimulation models for perennial energy crops such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) can be useful tools to design management strategies for biomass productivity improvement in US environments. The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) is a biophysical model with the potential to simulate the growth of perennial crops. APSIM crop modules do not exist for switchgrass and Miscanthus, however, re‐parameterization of existing APSIM modules could be used to simulate the growth of these perennials. Our aim was to evaluate the ability of APSIM to predict the dry matter (DM) yield of switchgrass and Miscanthus at several US locations. The Lucerne (for switchgrass) and Sugarcane (for Miscanthus) APSIM modules were calibrated using data from four locations in Indiana. A sensitivity analysis informed the relative impact of changes in plant and soil parameters of APSIM Lucerne and APSIM Sugarcane modules. An independent dataset of switchgrass and Miscanthus DM yields from several US environments was used to validate these re‐parameterized APSIM modules. The re‐parameterized modules simulated DM yields of switchgrass [0.95 for CCC (concordance correlation coefficient) and 0 for SB (bias of the simulation from the measurement)] and Miscanthus (0.65 and 0% for CCC and SB, respectively) accurately at most locations with the exception of switchgrass at southern US sites (0.01 for CCC and 2% for SB). Therefore, the APSIM model is a promising tool for simulating DM yields for switchgrass and Miscanthus while accounting for environmental variability. Given our study was strictly based on APSIM calibrations at Indiana locations, additional research using more extensive calibration data may enhance APSIM robustness.

SURVEYING FOR RANAVIRUS IN GREEN FROGS (LITHOBATES CLAMITANS) AT FIVE LOCATIONS IN INDIANA

Ranaviruses are an emerging pathogen within the United States that infects amphibians, reptiles, and fish. A Frog Virus 3-like (FV3) ranavirus has been detected at only two locations in Indiana; however, there have been few attempts to broadly sample for ranaviruses to determine their distribution across the state. This knowledge is necessary for the continued management and conservation of native amphibian populations. Our objective was to assess the occurrence of FV3-like ranaviruses in larval Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) populations at five sites located in different regions of Indiana. Tissue samples were collected from 166 individuals and were assayed using both conventional and qPCR methods. We did not detect the presence of any FV3-like ranaviruses at any of the five sites with either PCR method, suggesting the possibility that at these sites, FV3-like ranaviruses may not be present. However, continued sampling should be carried out to monitor the status of the presence of ranaviruses in this portion of the Midwest.

Timing and Efficacy of Fungicide Applications for Diplodia Ear Rot Management in Corn

Diplodia ear rot, a corn (Zea mays L.) disease caused by the fungus Stenocarpella maydis (Berk.) B. Sutton, has been a persistent ear rot across the United States. Management options are currently limited. Field trials conducted under inoculated and non-inoculated conditions were established at two locations in Indiana from 2011 to 2013 to test the fungicides azoxystrobin plus propiconazole and prothioconazole against Diplodia ear rot. Fungicides were applied at three individual growth stages during each year. Fungicides did not consistently reduce Diplodia ear rot compared to non-fungicide-treated controls in any year. Applications also did not consistently increase yield at any timing under inoculated and non-inoculated plots compared with the non-fungicidetreated control. Fungicides were tested in an in vitro assay to determine the effective fungicide concentration at which 50% of mycelial growth or conidial germination of S. maydis was inhibited (EC50). Propiconazole and prothioconazole EC50 values indicated efficacy in reducing fungal growth under controlled conditions; however, current fungicide application methods and plant barriers to fungicide contact with the pathogen may prevent these products from effectively reducing Diplodia ear rot in a field setting. Accepted for publication 23 August 2015. Published 1 September 2015

Differences in the chemotype of two native spearmint clonal lines selected for rosmarinic acid accumulation in comparison to commercially grown native spearmint

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a water soluble antioxidant present in many Lamiaceae species at varying levels, including spearmint (Mentha spicata L). Two proprietary spearmint clonal lines, KI110 and KI42, with elevated levels of RA (designated Hi-RA) are currently being grown in Indiana for the commercial extraction of RA. The two Hi-RA clonal lines were selected from a native spearmint genetic background and are distinct in their phytochemical composition relative to native spearmint that is commercially grown for purposes of extraction of volatile oils for flavoring applications (“commercial spearmint”). The aim of this study was to describe the major compositional chemotypic differences between the proprietary Hi-RA native spearmint clonal lines relative to a commercial native clonal line of spearmint grown in Indiana. Leaf tissue samples of KI110, KI42 and the commercial spearmint clonal line were collected from field locations in Indiana during June 2013 for RA quantitation and chemical profiling of the essential oil fraction. RA levels in KI110 and KI42 were significantly higher than the commercial spearmint samples. GC–MS analysis revealed major compositional differences between the Hi-RA and commercial spearmint oils. Carvone was the dominant molecule in the commercial spearmint oil, constituting 54% of its oil content. In contrast carvone was below the detection levels in the oils of the two Hi-RA clonal lines, KI110 and KI42. Limonene, another notable constituent of commercial spearmint, was found in lower amounts in the Hi-RA mint clonal lines. Mint lactone and α-cubebene, the predominant compounds in the oil fractions of Hi-RA clonal lines KI110 and KI42, respectively, were either absent or present in insignificant amounts in the commercial spearmint. Differential amounts of myrcene and 1,8-cineole were observed in the three mint oil samples. The chemical fingerprints of the Hi-RA spearmint clonal lines clearly differentiate them from commercial spearmint and they should therefore be considered distinct, clonal lines of spearmint (M. spicata) with potential heath-promotive properties associated with KI110 and KI42 plant extracts that contain higher level of rosmarinic acid.

Habitat connectivity for pollinator beetles using surface metrics

Measuring habitat connectivity in com- plex landscapes is a major focus of landscape ecology and conservation research. Most studies use a binary landscape or patch mosaic model for describing spatial heterogeneity and understanding pattern-process rela- tionships. While the value of landscape gradient approaches proposed by McGarigal and Cushman are recognized, applications of these newly proposed three dimensional surface metrics remain under-used. We created a gradient map of habitat quality from several GIS layers and applied three dimensional surface metrics to measure connectivity between 67 locations in Indiana, USA surveyed for one group of ecosystem service providers, flower longicorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Lepturinae). The three dimensional surface metrics applied to the landscape gradient model showed great potential to explain the differ- ences of lepturine assemblages among the 2,211 studied landscapes (between site pairs). Surface kurtosis and its interaction with geographic distance were among the most important metrics. This approach provided unique information about the landscape through four configuration metrics. There were some uniform trends of the responses of many species to some of surface metrics, however some species responded differently to other metrics. We suggest that three dimensional surface metrics applied to a habitat surface map created with insight into species requirements is a valuable approach to under- standing the spatial dynamics of species, guilds, and ecosystem services.

Agronomic Performance of Soybean Hybrids from Single, Three-Way, Four-Way, and Five-Way Crosses, and Backcross Populations

Male-sterility systems combined with insect-mediated cross-pollination in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] have been shown to produce large quantities of hybrid seed, which can be useful for studying heterosis and agronomic performance in different population types. The procedure was used to obtain large quantities of hybrid seed for replicated yield trials. The objective of our study was to evaluate agronomic performance of soybean single, three-way, four-way, and five-way crosses, and three backcross generations (BC1, BC2, and BC3) to estimate heterosis for yield and other agronomic traits. Parental genotypes were male-sterile, female-fertile lines, selected for excellent insect pollinator attraction, crossed to a group of male parents selected for their agronomic performance. In 2003, F1 seed of single crosses were evaluated in replicated experiments at two locations in Iowa and one location in Indiana. In 2004, three-way crosses and BC1 populations were evaluated at one location in Iowa. In 2005, hybrid seed of single, three-way, and four-way crosses, BC1, and BC2 populations of eight families were planted at one location in Iowa. In 2006, the five-way crosses and BC3 populations were planted at one location in Iowa. In all experiments, hybrids and parents were evaluated. Results showed a range in mid-parent heterosis values (MPH) for yield from −35% to +42%, and in high-parent heterosis (HPH) from −44% to +42%. For yield, backcross populations had higher heterosis estimates than the other population types. For seed protein content, mean MPH ranged from −1% to +7%, and mean HPH from −4% to +7%. For oil content, mean MPH ranged from −10% to +6%, and mean HPH from −13% to +3%. Negative heterosis values were observed, indicating that a large number of different parental combinations need to be evaluated to identify the superior heterotic combinations. These evaluations will determine the feasibility of hybrid soybean production for commercial purposes.

Influence of Weight of Male and Female Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Mating Behaviors

Abstract We evaluated the effect of weight, collection site, and age upon mating behaviors of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with multivariate analysis. Our laboratory study of D. virgifera revealed that female weight was positively associated with the likelihood of mating, although female weight was not associated with females' receptivity to aedeagus insertion. Furthermore, the relationship between male and female weight on mating was investigated at two field locations in Indiana, and evidence of nonrandom mating was found. The implications of these results for pest management are discussed, with particular focus upon using this information for the construction of robust viable resistance management systems in Bacillus thuringiensis corn, Zea mays L.

The Rowing Collection in the Free Library of Philadelphia OPAC

An evaluation of the Free Library of Philadelphia's (FLP) rowing collection by the checklist method is reported. A literature review demonstrates that the checklist method has been used for multiple purposes for over a century and a half, but no evaluations of library rowing collections by the checklist or any other method were identified. In this study, an ad hoc70-item list, compiled by a rowing expert, was checked against the FLP's OPAC from a remote location in Indiana. The FLP held 53% of the listed items and no fewer than 40% in any of six topical categories. A keyword search found that the FLP holds over 100 fiction and nonfiction rowing books. An analysis of those titles by publication date shows considerable depth in the FLP collection and a correspondence between its collecting patterns and broader trends in publishing and rowing. It is concluded that the FLP has an in-depth, high quality rowing collection. A number of problems encountered while searching the OPAC are discussed and questions for further research are proposed.

Characteristics and distribution of potential ash tree hosts for emerald ash borer

The emerald ash borer (EAB) ( Agrilus planipennis) is a recently discovered (July 2002) exotic insect pest, which has caused the death of millions of ash trees ( Fraxinus spp.) in Detroit, MI, USA and has also spread into other areas of Michigan, isolated locations in Indiana, Ohio, Maryland and Virginia, and nearby Windsor, Ont., in Canada. Ash trees occur in many different forest ecosystems in North America, are one of the more widely planted trees in urban areas, and are a valuable commercial timber species. If emerald ash borer populations are not contained and eventually eradicated, the ash resource in North America could be devastated. The destruction caused by EAB and its rate of spread are likely to be strongly influenced by the spatial distribution and status of the ash tree host, but general information regarding the abundance, health and distribution of ash trees is diffused throughout the literature. Here, we summarize what is currently known regarding the characteristics and potential spatial distribution of various species of Fraxinus in natural and planted ecosystems in North America and evaluate this information with specific regard to assessing the relative risk of ash populations to EAB.

Genetic variation in Batrachospermum helminthosum (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) among and within stream reaches using intersimple sequence repeat molecular markers

SUMMARY Intersimple sequence repeat molecular markers were utilized to investigate the genetic relationship among individual gametophyte thalli of the freshwater red alga Batrachospermum helminthosum among distant stream reaches and within a stream reach. Fifteen thalli per stream reach were sampled from 11 streams throughout the known distribution in eastern North America from three locations in Ohio, and one location in Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The pairwise φST analysis showed significant genetic differences (P<0.05) among all streams. The partitioning of genetic variation was almost equal within and among streams (45% and 55%, respectively). Genetic variation among populations did not reflect geographic distance, suggesting that long distance dispersal may be important in the distribution of this alga. Fifty-eight individuals from Five Mile Creek, Ohio, were investigated from three distinct segments of the stream (upstream, middle and downstream) to examine small-scale genetic variation within a stream reach. A much higher proportion of genetic variation was observed within a stream segment (79%) than among the three segments (21%). Among these stream segments within Five Mile Creek, the individuals were variously related, with genetic similarity and spatial distance uncorrelated. A similar result was obtained among individuals within other stream reaches, suggesting that genetic structure within a stream reach may be more complex than just reproduction among closely located individuals.