Potential Application In Management Research Articles

Larval Fish Assemblages in Coastal Waters of Bangladesh: Spatial and Seasonal Dynamics

The distribution of fish larvae in estuaries is crucial for comprehending the functioning of these ecosystems and their role as nursery grounds for marine fish species. Data regarding larval fish assemblages in the coastal waters of Bangladesh are currently scarce. This study examines the spatial and seasonal dynamics of larval fish communities in these waters using a two-year sampling effort with a bongo net. This study investigates the diversity, abundance, and distribution of larval fishes at four sites (Bakkhali River Estuary, Moheshkhalipara, Naf River Estuary, and Rezu Khal Estuary) on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. A total of 10,387 fish larvae representing 25 families were identified. Clupeidae (42.9%), Engraulidae (35.5%), Ambassidae (10.1%), Myctophidae (2.1%), and Gobiidae (1.9%) were the five most dominant families based on the larval catch composition. Marked seasonal differences in the larval fish abundance were observed. However, these differences were not observed when comparing the four sampled sites. Additionally, the correlation between environmental variables and the larval abundance indicated that salinity negatively influences (p < 0.001) the larval fish abundance. This is the first comprehensive investigation of larval fish assemblages in the coastal waters of Bangladesh. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the nursery habitat requirements for the early development stages of both migratory and resident species in subtropical coastal waters, providing valuable information for potential applications in management and conservation efforts.

Hydrothermally prepared phytofabricated magnetite nanoparticles for its potential antimicrobial application in disease management of agricultural crops

The present study explores the antimicrobial properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles synthesized by chemical and green routes using hydrothermal methods. In this respect, the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) bark extract was used as a green source to utilize the advantage of the phytochemicals present in it. The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, HR-TEM, DLS, XRD and FTIR. The average particle size of chemically synthesized and phytofabricated NPs was ∼ 23 nm and ∼ 6 nm, respectively. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of different phytochemicals like phenols, amines, aromatic, amides and carboxylic groups in the phytofabricated Fe3O4 NPs. Further, its antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method against phytopathogens: Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris Xcc –C7, Bacillus subtilis DTBS-5 and Pseudomonas fluorescens DTPF-3 (PSfl) under in vitro conditions. The antifungal property of NPs was studied by poison food agar assay against mycopathogens, i.e., Fusarium graminearum and Phytophthora spp. The phytofabricated Fe3O4 NPs showed bactericidal action against Xcc and inhibited the fungal growth as well. The outcome of this study will be beneficial for its potential application in the management of bacterial and fungal plant pathogens during crop cultivation in agriculture.

Carbon emissions from Australian Sphagnum peatlands increase with feral horse (Equus caballus) presence

Peatlands are globally significant carbon sinks, but when disturbed, have the potential to release carbon back to the atmosphere as greenhouse gases. Feral horse populations in the Australian Alps degrade Sphagnum peatlands, which are highly sensitive to disturbance. However, the link between this degradation and peatland carbon cycling is not understood. Here, we compared the autumn daytime carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes of 12 alpine and subalpine Sphagnum peatlands in Kosciuszko National Park, Australia. The presence of feral horses at these sites was correlated with higher carbon loss: sites with horses were losing carbon to the atmosphere (4.83 and 8.18 g CO2-e m−2 d−1 in areas of Sphagnum moss and bare soil, respectively), whereas sites without horses were removing carbon from the atmosphere (−6.39 g CO2-e m−2 d−1). Sites with feral horses also had higher soil bulk density, temperature, and electrical conductivity (EC), and higher water pH, EC, and turbidity, than sites without horses. Our findings suggest that excluding feral horses from peatland areas could reduce rates of carbon loss to the atmosphere, in addition to improving overall site condition, peat soil condition, and water quality. We discuss potential management applications, further research, and restoration opportunities arising from these results.

Comparison of insecticide toxicity in adult and larval stages of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hünber) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Larvae of Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera frugiperda are important pests of agricultural commodities and while chemical control targeting larvae of these pest species is widely adopted, suppression of populations by bisexual attract-and-kill strategies which target adults also have potential applications in management. This study investigated the relative toxicity of insecticide groups registered as mixing partners for attract-and-kill agents in Australia. Contact and ingestion toxicity in adult and larval stages of H. armigera and S. frugiperda was tested by administering methomyl and spinosyn insecticides topically and orally in laboratory bioassays. Methomyl was generally the least toxic insecticide and larvae of both species were less sensitive to methomyl than adults. Adult mortality induced by methomyl was stable from 24 to 72 h after treatment in S. frugiperda whereas mortality of adult H. armigera increased from 24 to 72 h. Spinosyns were slower acting in both H. armigera and S. frugiperda with increases in adult mortality from 24 to 72 h after treatment. Spinetoram was the most toxic insecticide on adults and larvae both H. armigera and S. frugiperda with higher insecticidal activity on larvae compared to adults of both species. Spinosad was also more toxic on larvae of S. frugiperda compared to adults. This was in contrast to H. armigera larvae which were less sensitive to spinosad than their adult counterparts. A between-species comparison of insecticide toxicity showed larvae of both species were equally sensitive to spinosyns while adults of H. armigera were more sensitive to all three insecticides than adults of S. frugiperda. These results suggest that spinosyns could be effective options for strategies that target adult life stages of both H. armigera and S. frugiperda.

Pharmacological Targets of Asundexian Relevant to its Therapeutic Efficacy in Treating Cardiovascular Diseases

Background: Oral anticoagulant which don’t interfere with haemostasis physiology have potential application in management of acute cardiovascular events. Asundexian is once such oral anticoagulant, which is reported to be beneficial by minimising the rate of ischemic events. This study examined the pharmacological basis for cardiovascular benefits of asundexian. Materials and Methods: All potential targets of asundexian in humans were identified by in silco screening in the Swiss Target Prediction server and analysed. Results: Unexpectedly factor XI or XIa was not observed to be targeted by Asundexian in this study. However factor XII and thrombin were observed to be targeted by Asundexian. In addition several GPCR’s, ion channels, enzymes and kinases relevant to positive modulation of cardiovascular physiology were observed to be targeted by Asundexian. Conclusion: The anticoagulant effects of asundexian is likely to be by indirect inhibition of factor XI or XIa by interfering with factor XII and/or thrombin. The cardiovascular benefits of asundexian is likely mediated by broader relevant off target effects.

The impact of disclosing emotions on ratings of interpersonal closeness, warmth, competence, and leadership ability.

Increasingly, business leaders and other professionals are called upon to be vulnerable and authentic in the workplace, which often includes disclosing emotions to others. While sharing emotions is known to enhance closeness, several questions remain underexplored. Specifically, disclosing personal facts about oneself and disclosing emotions have often been studied together, making it difficult to determine the effects of disclosing emotions per se. Moreover, not enough is known about factors that may influence effects of disclosing emotions, including recipients' attitudes toward emotion-sharing, the sharer's gender, and whether one considers the disclosure to be similar to one's own experiences. We examined the impact of disclosing positive and negative emotion on ratings of closeness, warmth, competence, and leadership ability. 119 participants (95 female) in the United States were shown headshots of individuals who were introduced in the first person in written format. For half of the pictures, an autobiographical fact about the individual's past was disclosed. For the other half, an autobiographical fact and an associated emotion were disclosed. We found that sharing both positive and negative emotions increased feelings of closeness above and beyond the effects of autobiographical sharing alone. Sharing positive emotions also increased ratings of warmth, competence, and leadership ability. Male and female sharers benefited equally from disclosing emotions and effects were largely robust to recipients' attitudes toward emotional expression. Having something in common with the disclosed fact or emotion further increased all ratings. These findings indicate that disclosing emotions may improve interpersonal interactions, with potential management applications in business.

Potential utility of liquid biopsies in the management of patients with biliary tract cancers: A review.

Biliary tract cancer, comprising gallbladder cancer, cholangiocarcinoma and ampullary cancer, represents a more uncommon entity outside high-endemic areas, though global incidence is rising. The majority of patients present at a late stage, and 5-year survival remains poor. Advanced stage disease is incurable, and though palliative chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival, further diagnostic and therapeutic options are required in order to improve patient outcomes. Although certain subtypes of biliary tract cancer are relatively rich in targetable mutations, attaining tumour tissue for histological diagnosis and treatment monitoring is challenging due to locoregional anatomical constraints and patient fitness. Liquid biopsies offer a safe and convenient alternative to invasive procedures and have great potential as diagnostic, predictive and prognostic biomarkers. In this review, the current standard of care for patients with biliary tract cancer, future treatment horizons and the possible utility of liquid biopsies within a variety of contexts will be discussed. Circulating tumour DNA, circulating microRNA and circulating tumour cells are discussed with an overview of their potential applications in management of biliary tract cancer. A summary is also provided of currently recruiting clinical trials incorporating liquid biopsies within biliary tract cancer research.

Cucurbitacin biosynthesis in cucurbit crops, their pharmaceutical value and agricultural application for management of biotic and abiotic stress: A review

The cucurbitaceae family comprises of economically important vegetable crops grown for food and medicine. Most cucurbit crops produce cucurbitacins in leaves, flowers, fruit, seed and roots which possess various pharmacological and pharmaceutical values. Cucurbitacins are toxic to pests and diseases, and allelopathic to noxious weeds thus providing opportunities for improving tolerance to biotic stresses. Further, cucurbitacins are responsive to environmental stimuli and can therefore enhance tolerance to abiotic stress. The objective of this review was to highlight the breeding value of cucurbitacins to develop cucurbitacins-enriched genotypes for food and medicine, and for management of biotic and abiotic stresses. The following themes were discussed: a comparative analysis of cucurbitacin concentrations in edible and non-edible plant parts; genetic control and associated quantitative trait loci and molecular markers associated with cucurbitacins; pharmacological and pharmaceutical values of cucurbitacins, and potential applications for management of biotic and abiotic stresses. Results of the present study will guide genetic improvement of cucurbitacins for use as food and medicine, and in the development of genotypes tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Vegetation classification for the management of large mammalian herbivores: a case study at Mushingashi Conservancy, Central Province, Zambia

The vegetation of Mushingashi Conservancy in central Zambia was classified and mapped to provide a template for wildlife management. Putative vegetation types were delineated using Landsat 8 imagery, then sampled with 73 plots for vegetation composition and structure, and topo-edaphic properties. Classification followed a four-stage process. Valley dambo and floodplain grasslands were first separated as landscape units from wooded plots. Hierarchical cluster analysis was then used to identify 13 vegetation types based on woody composition and structure. Convex hull plots on a principal component analysis biplot successfully delineated the topo-edaphic environment and woody structure of each type. Linear discriminant analysis confirmed differences in topo-edaphic environment among types. The main environmental gradient was from vertic clays, supporting open Acacia woodland, to sandy soils, supporting miombo woodland, but other gradients were also important. Of a total of 193 woody species recorded, 25 occurred only on large termitaria. An influence of environmental gradients independent of plant-available moisture and nutrients is emphasised. Total woody cover decreased conspicuously on clay-rich soils with increased water availability. A functional vegetation classification of this nature is considered an essential first step towards the informed management of rangeland for large herbivores. Potential applications for management are discussed.

William E. Walton 1956–2020

William E. Walton 1956–2020

Biogeographic distribution patterns of algal community in different urban lakes in China: Insights into the dynamics and co-existence

Urban lake ecosystems are significant for social development, but currently we know little about the geographical distribution of algal community in urban lakes at a large-scale. In this study, we investigated the algal community structure in different areas of urban lakes in China and evaluated the influence of water quality parameters and geographical location on the algal community. The results showed that obvious differences in water quality and algal communities were observed among urban lakes in different geographical areas. Chlorophyta was the dominant phylum, followed by cyanobacteria in all areas. The network analysis indicated that algal community composition in urban lakes of the western and southern area showed more variations than the eastern and northern areas, respectively. Redundancy analysis and structural equation model revealed that nutrients and pH were dominant environmental factors that affected the algal community, and they showed higher influence than that of iron, manganese and COD Mn concentration. Importantly, algal community and density exhibited longitude and latitude relationship. In general, these results provided an ecological insight into large-scale geographical distributions of algal community in urban lakes, thereby having potential applications for management of the lakes.

Biological controls over the abundances of terrestrial ammonia oxidizers

AbstractAimAmmonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) are the primary agents for nitrification, converting ammonia (NH4+) into nitrate (NO3−) and modulating plant nitrogen (N) utilization and terrestrial N retention. However, there is still lack of a unifying framework describing the patterns of global AOA and AOB distribution. In particular, biotic interactions are rarely integrated into any of the conceptual models.LocationWorld‐wide.Time period2005–2016.Major taxa studiedAmmonia‐oxidizing archaea and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria.MethodsA meta‐analysis and synthesis were conducted to obtain a general picture of global AOA and AOB distribution and identify the primary driving factors. A microcosm experiment was then conducted to assess effects of relative carbon to nitrogen availability for heterotrophic microbes on AOA and AOB in two distinct soils. A mesocosm experiment was further carried out to characterize the effects of plant roots and their arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on AOA and AOB abundances using hyphae‐ or root‐ingrowth techniques.ResultsOur meta‐analysis showed that soil carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios explained the most variance in AOA and AOB abundances, although soil pH had a significant effect. Experimental results demonstrated that high cellulose and mineral N inputs increased total microbial biomass and microbial activities, but inhibited AOA and AOB, suggesting microbial inhibition of AOA and AOB. Also, AMF and roots suppressed AOA and AOB, respectively.Main conclusionsOur study provides convincing evidence illustrating that relative carbon to nitrogen availability can predominantly affect the abundances of AOA and AOB. Our experimental results further validate that biotic competition among plants, heterotrophic microbes and ammonia oxidizers for substrate N is the predominant control upon AOA and AOB abundances. Together, these findings provide new insights into the role of abiotic and biotic factors in modulating terrestrial AOA and AOB abundances and their potential applications for management of nitrification in an increasing reactive N world.

IgG4/7 responses correlate with contraception in mares vaccinated with SpayVac

SpayVac® is an immunocontraceptive vaccine based on porcine zona pellucida (pZP) antigens and uses a patented liposome formulation (VacciMax™ or DepoVax®). It has delivered single-dose, long-lasting (4–10 years) immunocontraception in several species. Previous studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between levels of pZP antibodies produced and contraceptive effect; however, individual mares that were consistently infertile did not necessarily have the highest antibody titers. The objective of this study was to identify potential differences in specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotype responses among mares treated with SpayVac (VacciMax formulation) to improve our understanding of vaccine efficacy and potential management applications. We analyzed serum samples collected 1, 2 and 4 years post-vaccination from mares in another study that were continuously infertile or had foaled at least once during the 4-year period (n = 14 each). Additional samples from the continuously infertile mares were collected 5 years post-vaccination. A fluorescent bead-based assay was used to distinguish IgG isotype responses against pZP. IgG1 antibodies were generally higher in the infertile compared to the fertile mares, but only IgG4/7 antibodies were significantly higher in infertile mares during years 1 and 2 post-vaccination (p < 0.05). Interestingly, IgG4/7 isotype levels were significantly higher during year 5 compared to year 4 in the continuously infertile mares (p < 0.02). SpayVac's ability to preferentially stimulate IgG4/7 antibodies may contribute to its long-term immunocontraceptive efficacy, and measuring IgG4/7 isotypes may help differentiate effectively contracepted mares from those that may need additional vaccination.

Effect of long-term nitrite administration on browning of white adipose tissue in type 2 diabetic rats: A stereological study

IntroductionNitric oxide (NO) deficiency is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Nitrite, a NO donor, is considered as a new therapeutic agent in diabetes. This study aims at determining effects of long-term nitrite administration on browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) in type 2 diabetic rats. MethodsMale rats were divided into 4 groups: Control, control + nitrite, diabetes, and diabetes + nitrite. Sodium nitrite (50 mg/L in drinking water) was administered for 3 months. Body weight was measured weekly. Fasting serum levels of glucose and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) were measured monthly. Histological evaluations and measurement of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and NOx levels in adipose tissue were done at the end of the study. ResultsNitrite decreased serum glucose concentration and body weight gain in diabetic rats by 27.6% and 37.9%, respectively. In diabetic rats, nitrite increased NOx and cGMP levels in inguinal WAT by 95.7% and 33.1%, respectively. Numerical density in WAT of nitrite-treated diabetic rats was higher than in diabetic ones (995 ± 83 vs. 2513 ± 256 cell/mm3, P < 0.001); in addition, total surface area (4.84 ± 0.32 vs. 44.26 ± 9.7, mm2, P < 0.001) and volume of inguinal beige adipose tissue (7.2 ± 0.49 vs. 66.4 ± 14.51 mm3, <0.001) were higher in nitrite-treated diabetic rats compared to diabetic ones. ConclusionsFavorable effects of long-term nitrite administration in obese type 2 diabetic rats is, at least in part, due to browning of WAT and also associated with increased NOx and cGMP level in adipose tissue. These findings may have potential applications for management of diabesity.

Trichoderma harzianum‐based novel formulations: potential applications for management of Next‐Gen agricultural challenges

AbstractFungi of the Trichoderma spp. genus, notably Trichoderma harzianum, are commonly used for biological management of deleterious seed‐ and soil‐borne pathogens. The global biopesticides market is booming with a major share of various commercial formulations of T. harzianum. However, there are some major drawbacks associated with these commercial formulations including short shelf life, low on‐field stability and irregular performance in different agro‐climatic regions. For effectively resolving these issues, new strategies are urgently required for efficient management of pathogens. The present review provides an overview of the use of Trichoderma spp., with special emphasis on T. harzianum, and discusses future trends for biological control. Technologies are described for the microencapsulation of fungi and for the biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles, with the aim of improving the biological control of pathogens and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry

Camel milk: alternative milk for human consumption and its health benefits

Purpose – Camel as a livestock plays an important role in desert ecosystem and its milk has potential contribution in human nutrition in the hot and arid regions of the world. This milk contains all the essential nutrients as found in other milk. Fresh and fermented camel milk has been used in different regions in the world including India, Russia and Sudan for human consumption as well as for treatment of a series of diseases such as dropsy, jaundice, tuberculosis, asthma and leishmaniasis or kala-azar. The present paper aims to explore the possibility of camel milk as an alternative milk for human consumption. Design/methodology/approach – Recently, camel milk and its components were also reported to have other potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and renoprotective potential; and for autism, and has been recommended to be consumed by children who are allergic to bovine milk. Findings – It has also been reported to alleviate oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in rats. Camel milk differs from bovine milk in composition. It contains low total solids and fat; however, proteins and lactose are in equal amount but of higher quality than cow milk. Because of the high percentage of β-casein, low percentage of α-casein, deficiency of β-lactoglobulin and similarity of the immunoglobulins, it become safer for persons who are allergic to bovine milk. It contains protective proteins in higher amount which contributes to its functionality. The fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis of camel protein produce different types of bioactive peptides which exerts different activity in in vitro and in vivo conditions. Originality/value – Because of its unique quality and functionality, this milk has potential application in management of different diseases and application in food industries.

Bifidobacteria possess inhibitory activity against dipeptidyl peptidase-IV.

The incretin hormones are extremely rapidly metabolized by the ubiquitous enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). Therefore, DPP-IV inhibitors which can prolong the incretin effect are the newest and promising drugs for management of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated whether Bifidobacteria colonizing the human gut possess DPP-IV inhibitory activity. Cell-free intracellular extracts of 13 Bifidobacterium strains isolated from breast-fed infant faecal samples were prepared and screened for DPP-IV inhibitory activity, and two Bifidobacterium strains-Bif.longum BBMN68 and Bif.lactis Bb12-were used as reference strains. Most of the strains showed varying levels of DPP-IV inhibitory property (7-27%). Strains of Bifidobacterium adolescentis IF1-11 and Bifidobacterium bifidum IF3-211 showed the greatest DPP-IV inhibitory activity (27 and 25%) as well as good invitro probiotic properties. This initial finding suggested that new beneficial function of Bifidobacteria is strain-dependent and the strains or their components may have the potential application for management of type 2 diabetes via inhibiting gastrointestinal DPP-IV activity. Further investigations into the isolation and identification of the bioactive components of Bifidobacteria are warranted. Our results show that Bifidobacteria isolated from breast-fed infants' faecal samples possess DPP-IV inhibitory activity. Strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum IF3-211 and Bifidobacterium adolescentis IF1-11, which showed excellent DPP-IV inhibitory properties as well as good invitro probiotic properties, are expected to be beneficial for application as anti-diabetic probiotics.

DNA barcoding of feral tilapias in Philippine lakes

Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) was first introduced to the Philippines in 1950 for aquaculture. Since then, other species of tilapia have been introduced to the country and some of them (mainly Oreochromis niloticus) have become established in lakes and other water bodies. In this study, DNA barcoding using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was done to assess the reliability of morphological identification and the degree of introgression among feral tilapias (Oreochromis spp.) in seven major Philippine lakes, namely Laguna de Bay, Lake Lanao, Taal Lake, Lake Mainit, Lake Naujan, Lake Bato, and Lake Buhi. Specimens were also collected from a private hatchery in Sual, Pangasinan to serve as reference. Morphological traits, Nucleotide BLAST (BLASTn), and Translated BLAST (BLASTx) analyses were used to classify the specimens. A Neighbor-Joining tree was constructed using the Kimura 2-Parameter method, incorporating 66 COI sequences generated from the study and 20 additional reference sequences obtained from GenBank. Three Oreochromis clusters were obtained and were classified as the O. niloticus group, O. mossambicus group, and O. aureus group, with bootstrap support values of 99%, 74%, and 99%, respectively. The mean K2P genetic distances within each group were 0.008%, 0.959%, and 0.086%, respectively. The clustering of COI sequences generated from this study corresponded with the results of the BLASTn analysis. Oreochromis hybrids were also found in all the lakes. The study highlights the usefulness of DNA barcoding for molecular identification and detection of introgressed individuals, with potential applications in management of feral stocks.

Benthos distribution modelling and its relevance for marine ecosystem management

AbstractMarine benthic ecosystems are difficult to monitor and assess, which is in contrast to modern ecosystem-based management requiring detailed information at all important ecological and anthropogenic impact levels. Ecosystem management needs to ensure a sustainable exploitation of marine resources as well as the protection of sensitive habitats, taking account of potential multiple-use conflicts and impacts over large spatial scales. The urgent need for large-scale spatial data on benthic species and communities resulted in an increasing application of distribution modelling (DM). The use of DM techniques enables to employ full spatial coverage data of environmental variables to predict benthic spatial distribution patterns. Especially, statistical DMs have opened new possibilities for ecosystem management applications, since they are straightforward and the outputs are easy to interpret and communicate. Mechanistic modelling techniques, targeting the fundamental niche of species, and Bayesian belief networks are the most promising to further improve DM performance in the marine realm. There are many actual and potential management applications of DMs in the marine benthic environment, these are (i) early warning systems for species invasion and pest control, (ii) to assess distribution probabilities of species to be protected, (iii) uses in monitoring design and spatial management frameworks (e.g. MPA designations), and (iv) establishing long-term ecosystem management measures (accounting for future climate-driven changes in the ecosystem). It is important to acknowledge also the limitations associated with DM applications in a marine management context as well as considering new areas for future DM developments. The knowledge of explanatory variables, for example, setting the basis for DM, will continue to be further developed: this includes both the abiotic (natural and anthropogenic) and the more pressing biotic (e.g. species interactions) aspects of the ecosystem. While the response variables on the other hand are often focused on species presence and some work undertaken on species abundances, it is equally important to consider, e.g. biological traits or benthic ecosystem functions in DM applications. Tools such as DMs are suitable to forecast the possible effects of climate change on benthic species distribution patterns and hence could help to steer present-day ecosystem management.

Detection and quantification of three distinct Neotyphodium lolii endophytes in Lolium perenne by real time PCR of secondary metabolite genes

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is a widely used pasture grass, which is frequently infected by Neotyphodium lolii endophytes that enhance grass performance but can produce alkaloids inducing toxicosis in livestock. Several selected endophyte strains with reduced livestock toxicity, but that confer insect resistance, are now in common use. Little is known regarding the survival and persistence of these endophytes when in competition with common toxic endophytes. This is mainly because there are currently no assays available to easily and reliably quantify different endophytes in pastures or in batches of seeds infected with multiple strains. We developed real time PCR assays, based on secondary metabolite genes known to differ between N. lolii endophyte strains, to quantify two selected endophytes, AR1 and AR37, and a common toxic ecotype used in New Zealand. A duplex PCR allowed assessment of endophyte:grass DNA ratios with high sensitivity, specificity and precision. Endophyte specific primers/probes could detect contamination of AR37 seeds with other endophytes down to a level of 3–25%. We demonstrated that it is possible to quantify different endophyte strains simultaneously using multiplex PCR. This method has potential applications in management of endophytes in pastures and in fundamental research into this important plant-microbe symbiosis.