Radiata Research Articles

Using the Non-Parametric Classifier CART to Model Wood Density

To identify the stand attributes that best explain the variability in wood density, Pinus radiata plantations located in the Chilean coastal sector were studied and modeled. The study area corresponded to stands located in sedimentary soil between the zones of Constitucion and Cobquecura. Within each sampling sector, individual tree variables were recorded and the most relevant stand parameters were estimated. Fifty trees were sampled in each sector, obtaining from each one six wood discs from different stem heights. Each disc was weighed in green and then dried to anhydrous weight, and its basic density was calculated. The profile identification to classify basic density according to stand characteristics was performed through regression trees, a technique based in the use of predictor variables to partition the database using recursive algorithms in regions with similar responses. The objective of the regression tree method is to obtain highly homogenous groups (branches), which are identified using pruning techniques that successively eliminate the branches that least contribute to the classification of the variable of interest. The results found that the stand attributes that contributed significantly to basic density classification were the basal area, the number of trees per hectare, and the mean height.

Impact of Pranic Agriculture on Germination and Protein Content of Green Gram (Vigna radiata)

Background: Pranic agriculture comprises the natural healing method of projecting the vital energy- prana to improve the quality and quantity of the crop. This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of pranic energy on germination and protein content of green gram against the control group. Methods: The germination rate, mean germination index, the water absorption rate, soaked fresh weight, sprouted fresh weight, radical length, radical diameter, seedling vigor index and protein content of green gram were measured after two days of germination. Result: The pranic treated green gram had increased the germination rate of 7.17% (p is less than .05), germination index of 8.07% (p is less than .01), water absorption rate of 26.50% (p is less than .01), soaked fresh weight of 21.62% (p is less than .05), sprouted fresh weight of 48.50% (p is less than .01), radical length of 39.45% (p is less than .05), a radical diameter of 19.15% (p is less than .001), seedling vigor index of 50.56% (p is less than .05) and protein content of 158.60% (p is less than .01) compared to the control group. Thus, pranic agriculture helped increase the germination and protein content of green gram. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the difference in the nutritional composition of pranic and control green gram seeds.

Little spatial and temporal segregation between coexisting lionfishes (Pterois miles and Pterois radiata) in the Red Sea

Spatial and temporal niche partitioning are common strategies to reduce competition between closely related species. While spatial partitioning is widely studied, temporal partitioning, especially in marine environments, is much less documented. The lionfish Pterois miles is common in the Red Sea and have recently established populations within the Mediterranean Sea. However, to date, the sympatric and closely related Pterois radiata has yet to become established outside its native range. In this study, we focus on describing spatio-temporal patterns of activity in P. miles and P. radiata within their native range. This may help understand their coexistence mechanisms and whether the presence of one species can influence the probability of the other species to become established. We used visual surveys across day and night to assess activity patterns and the tendency of the species to co-occur. We found that while P. miles is a flexible crepuscular, P. radiata is strictly nocturnal. However, we detected only slight spatio-temporal segregation between the species. Hence, the coexistence of these two species may not be related to habitat or temporal partitioning. However, we do find a more generalist behavior of P. miles in terms of activity duration, which adds to its known broad diet and habitat use patterns, and may jointly explain its introduction success.

IDENTIFICACIÓN Y EVALUACIÓN DE LA INCIDENCIA DE INSECTOS Y HONGOS BENÉFICOS ASOCIADOS A Diaphorina citri KUWAYAMA (HEMIPTERA: LIVIIDAE) EN PLANTAS TRASPATIO (Citrus spp. y Murraya paniculata) DEL CANTÓN CATAMAYO (LOJA - ECUADOR)

En los últimos años, la citricultura mundial se ha encontrado amenazada por la presencia del psílido asiático de los cítricos, Diaphorina citri, un insecto perjudicial por ser portador de la bacteria “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (las)”, causante de la enfermedad Huanglongbing (HLB), que ha provocado la devastación de plantaciones y la reducción de la producción de cítricos en todo el mundo. En el año 2017 se reportó la presencia de D. citri en plantas traspatio del cantón Catamayo, en la provincia de Loja, por lo que la presente investigación tuvo por objetivo identificar los enemigos naturales (depredadores, parasitoides y hongos) asociados a D. citri, y evaluar su incidencia en campo. Para ello, se realizaron muestreos en plantas traspatio (Citrus spp. y Murraya paniculata) del cantón Catamayo. Los muestreos se efectuaron a una altura de 1,5 m de las plantas en los cuatro puntos cardinales de la misma. Se colectaron larvas y adultos de depredadores, ninfas parasitadas y adultos de parasitoides, y adultos de D. citri para el aislamiento de hongos. Como resultado de la identificación en el laboratorio, se determinó la presencia de 11 especies depredadoras (principalmente Cheilomenes sexmaculata y Chrysopa spp.), dos especies de parasitoides (Diaphorencyrtus sp. y Tamarixia radiata) y cuatro especies de hongos (Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp. y Alternaria sp.). Diaphorencyrtus sp. tuvo una tasa de parasitismo del 7,76 %. Estas especies podrían utilizarse para establecer programas de control biológico, aprovechando su potencial como reguladores de poblaciones de ninfas de Diaphorina citri.

Optimising Energy Recovery in Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Radiata Pine and Kraft Mill Black Liquor

The aim of this paper is to develop a heat exchanger network for hydrothermal liquefaction that is co-located with an existing Kraft pulp mill. Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) is an energy-intensive process that operates at high temperature and pressure. Process Modelling and Pinch Analysis are used to develop a mass and heat integration system considering Total Site Integration with the Kraft pulp. The HTL process is simulated using Aspen Plus to extract and calculate the thermodynamic properties of the process. Stream data is then extracted and Pinch Analysis is applied to calculate the utility and heat recovery targets. Process data are varied to further maximise the heat recovery targets. Mass integration of compatible water-based flows is considered in this process to reduce the complexity of the Heat Exchanger Network, which is initially designed with the aid of SuperTargetTM. The result showed that the procedure simplified the Heat Exchanger Network from 15 to 6 heat exchangers.

SSR marker based profiling and diversity analysis of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] genotypes

The evaluation and characterization of germplasm of mungbean are considered to be essential prerequisites for a rational use of its genetic resources. Accordingly in the present study, genetic diversity in 18 mungbean genotypes was assessed using a panel of 40 microsatellite based primer pairs. Out of 40 primers initially tested, only 24 showed distinct polymorphism and consequently only these primers were utilized for the purpose of genome profiling of the entries. Altogether, 183 allelic variants were detected with an average of 4.95 polymorphic fragment per primer. The number of amplified loci varied from 4 (CEDG 15) to a maximum of 12 (CEDG 92 and CEDG 172) with an average of 4.95 polymorphic fragment per primer. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.440 to 0.928 with an average of 0.822 per SSR primer pair. The lowest polymorphism percent was observed for primer CEDGAG001 (16.67) while the primer CEDG 154 gave the maximum polymorphism percent (63.64). The primer pairs CEDG 008, CEDG 068 and CEDG 154 among the total primer pairs were found to be highly informative. Dice's similarity coefficient ranged from 0.03 to 0.58. Dendrogram based on SSR data grouped the mungbean genotypes into seven clusters. The pattern of clustering was also reiterated by the results of principal component analysis (PCA). The SSR primer based analysis allowed unique and unambiguous genotyping of the entries. The genetic diversity observed in the present study could be useful to know the phylogenetic links among the cultivars and for the selection of suitable parents to be further used in breeding programmes and genetic mapping studies.

Effect of a two-year defoliation episode on the photosynthesis and growth of Pinus radiata : does the lower half canopy matter?

Effect of a two-year defoliation episode on the photosynthesis and growth of Pinus radiata : does the lower half canopy matter?

Cortical Anarthria in An Arabic Speaking Unilingual: A Case Report

A 59-year-old, Arabic, right handed female with history of hypertension and ischemic heart disease presented with sudden onset anarthria associated with right arm weakness. Language examination showed Anarthira with inability to produce more than rare unintelligible single syllables. Comprehension was intact. She correctly wrote but could not verbalize object names nor read aloud. She wrote easily but made spelling mistakes with long sentences. Motor exam only revealed slight hyper-reflexia and weakness of right upper extremity. Imaging showed a lesion in the left corona radiata and bilateral subcortical white matter hyper intensities. She was diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and received routine antithrombotic treatment. Within two days, she started producing single words, with slow, effortful and abnormal long vowels. This report describes the clinical and radiological aspects of a case of cortical anarthria in an Arabic-speaking subject.

Performance of different Vermicomposts on yield and yield components of Mungbean {Vigna radiata L.) in major soils of Bundelkhand region, India

Sustainable agriculture is one in which the goal is permanence, achieved through the utilization of renewable resources. This leads to development of concept of organic natural farming. Vermicomposting is one of the important aspects of organic farming. Vermicompost plays a major role in improving growth and yield of different field crops, vegetables, flower and fruit crops. Present study was carried out in major soil group (black soil and red soil) of Bundelkhand region with addition of different vermicompost and their effects on performances of Vigna radiata L. GonA/th and yield parameters were measured 30 days and 60 days after sowing. Significant performances were found in cowdung based vermicompost in black soil in compare to red soil. The result of our experiment showed the application of vermicompost had significant positive effects on growth performances and yield of plant as compare to control

Diffusion tensor imaging study on white matter structure in children with autism spectrum disorder

Objective To explore the white matter microstructural change between autism spectrum disorder(ASD) children and the healthy controls and it's correlation with the age and the clinical symptoms. Methods Thirty-three patients with ASD and thirty-three healthy controls (HC) matched for sex-, age- and handedness underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans. Use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule(ADOS)and the Neuropsychological Development Inventory for Children Aged 0-6 Years Old (SLAS) to assess the clinical symptoms. Use tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) based on fiber skeleton to analyze the fractional anisotropy (FA) of the whole brain DTI then to identify the differentiated brain regions.And analyze the correlation with age and clinical symptoms. Results (1) FA value of the body of corpus callosum(BCC)(x=-10, y=11, z=26; P=0.0012), left posterior limb of internal capsule(LPLI)(x=-23, y=-11, z=12; P<0.01), left anterior corona radiata(LACR)(x=-28, y=28, z=16; P<0.01), lift superior corona radiata(LSCR)(x=-27, y=-1, z=21; P=0.0017) was significantly lower in ASD group .(2) There was a positive correlation between the FA value of LPLI and the LACR、LSCR with age among the ASD group(r=0.436, P=0.012; r=0.443, P=0.010; r=0.475, P=0.005). There was a negative correlation between the FA value of the BCC, LPLI and the LACR, LSCR with the age among the HC children. (3) There was a correlation between the LPLI with the score of ADOS (communication: r=0.406, P=0.025; communication+ social behavior: r=0.377, P=0.039; restrictive interests and repetitive behaviors: r=0.375, P=0.041) and SLAS(gross motor: r=-0.409, P=0.024), There was a correlation between the LSCR with the score of the SLAS (gross motor: r=-0.539, P=0.002, adaptive capacity: r=-0.373, P=0.041, mental age: r=-0.388, P=0.034) . Conclusion The brain white matter microstructure change of BCC, LPLI, LACR, LSCR may be the pathophysiological basis of ASD.The development trend of brain white matter structure varied with age in ASD children is different from that of normal children. Brain white matter microstructure of the LPLI, LSCR is correlation with ASD symptoms. Key words: Autism spectrum disorder(ASD); Diffusion tensor imaging(DTI); Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS)

Diplodia scrobiculata : a latent pathogen of Pinus radiata reported in northern Spain

Pinus radiata is a species native to the Central Coast of California and Mexico. Plantations in the northern Spain showing Diplodia shoot blight were studied aiming to confirm its casual agents. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic trees were sampled. Isolates obtained were morphological and molecularly characterized confirming their identity. Diplodia scrobiculata was detected on samples from asymptomatic trees. Pathogenicity to Pinus radiata was proved under controlled conditions. This is the first report of virulent Diplodia scrobiculata in asymptomatic Pinus radiata in Spain.

Oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) from Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary of West Bengal, India

An annotated checklist of oribatid mite taxa from Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary of West Bengal, India, is presented on the basis of a faunistic survey carried out inside the sanctuary from January, 2011 to December, 2012. A total of 44 oribatid species, belonging to 37 genera in 24 families, have been identified. The present study has also documented nine species as the new records from India. The most frequent species of this sanctuary are Protoribates (P.) magnus (Aoki, 1982), Lamellobates (L.) molecula (Berlese, 1916), Perscheloribates (P.) albialatus (Hammer, 1961) , Lamellobates (Paralamellobates) bengalensis Bhaduri & Raychaudhuri, 1968, Tectocepheus velatus sarekensis Tragardh, 1910, Multioppia radiata Hammer, 1961, and Hoplophorella cuculata (Ewing, 1909). Additionally, the most species rich families of the study area are Oppiidae Sellnick, 1937 and Scheloribatidae Grandjean, 1933.

Modelo de ahusamiento por tipo de suelo para Pinus radiata en las regiones del Biobío y la Araucanía, Chile

Se presenta un nuevo modelo de ahusamiento generalizado en Pinus radiata en algunos tipos de suelo. Este es un modelo no lineal ajustado con datos de 264 árboles con edades entre 15 y 31 años, cosechados en 27 rodales localizados en 11 comunas de las regiones del Biobío y la Araucanía, Chile, en tres diferentes tipos de suelos (arenas volcánicas, cenizas volcánicas y sedimentos de origen marino). La generalización del modelo se logró incorporando variables de estado del rodal, y la posterior simplificación del mismo, incorporando la variabilidad del sitio de manera implícita en sus parámetros. La función de volumen obtenida de la integración numérica del modelo de ahusamiento predice más de 97 % de la variación del volumen del fuste sin corteza estimado mediante la fórmula de Smalian, en los tres tipos de suelo.

Potencial de las plantaciones de Pinus radiata para el aprovechamiento de los residuos de cosecha en suelos característicos del centro-sur de Chile

Dada la demanda creciente sobre los residuos de cosecha para la generación de energía en plantaciones forestales de Pinus radiata en la zona centro-sur de Chile, resulta necesario disponer de modelos que permitan la estimación sitio-específico de la producción de residuos. En este estudio se realizó el ajuste de modelos alométricos de estimación de la biomasa potencial de residuos de cosecha para plantaciones de P. radiata, en suelos de arenas volcánicas, cenizas volcánicas recientes y sedimentarios, considerando gradientes de manejo y productividad, en sitios característicos del centro-sur de Chile. Los modelos ajustados permitieron la estimación de factores de conversión, y modelos de estimación a nivel de árbol individual y rodal. Los resultados sugieren que los factores de conversión de biomasa fustal a biomasa potencial de residuos tienen una relación exponencial negativa con el tamaño de los individuos. Los modelos ajustados para la estimación a nivel de árbol individual, a partir de las variables diámetro y altura, sugieren que los modelos dependen del origen del suelo, mientras que para el caso de las estimaciones a nivel de rodal, el modelo ajustado resulta independiente del origen del suelo, gradiente de manejo y su productividad.

Responses of wild Vigna species/sub-species to yellow mosaic disease viruses, detected by a PCR-based method.

Forty-eight accessions of wild Vigna species/sub-species were grown to verify their reactions to yellow mosaic disease (YMD), under field conditions in New Delhi (India) during 2012 and 2013. Symptoms of YMD that developed on wild Vigna were similar to those observed on cultivated species. Symptomatic plants produced few flowers and pods with reduced seed size. The infection coefficient was in the range of 0–71%. The causal virus was identified by PCR using species-specific primers to detect all the four viruses responsible for YMD in pulse crops. All the YMD-affected wild Vigna species/sub-species accessions were infected by Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV), with positive amplification of the targeted DNA fragment, except one accession of V. hainiana (IC331450) which was infected with Mungbean yellow mosaic virus . This indicated that MYMIV is the predominant virus causing yellow mosaic in wild species/sub-species of Vigna at New Delhi. Eight accessions belonging to V. synthetic allotetraploid, V. umbellata , V. mungo var. mungo , V. trilobata , V. trinervia var. bourneae , V. radiata var. sublobata and V. dalzelliana were completely free from YMD and gave negative PCR results with primers specific to all the four viruses. This confirms resistance to YMD in these wild Vigna species.

Evaluation of different treatment on the occurrences of seed borne fungi of Mungbean Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek seed

The efficacy of different treatment measures viz., corbendazim, Benomyle, Vitavax, Neem, Garlic, Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride were evaluated for the occurrences of seed borne fungi viz., Aspergillus spp, Penicillium spp, Alternaria alternata, Rhizopus and Fusarium spp which were isolated from two genotype of Mungbean viz., HUM-4 and HUM-12, from, 180 and 360 days period of storage. Both genotypes were taken from the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Science, B.H.U Varanasi. All treatments were found to significantly reduce the incidence of seed borne fungi but did not completely control it. The results showed that the incidence of seed borne fungi was found to be significantly declined when seeds were treated with different treatments but did not completely control it. Seed treated with mungbean seed showed least incidence. Due to an increase in storage period, efficacy of different treatment against seed borne fungi was found to be declined. After 180 days period of storage, effect of treatment was found to be intermediate. Least effect of treatment was shown at 360days period of storage due to an increase in the number of fungal population. Among all treatment, Benomyle, Corbendazim and Vitavax showed minimum occurrences against all fungi followed by Neem, Garlic and T. harzianum. Key words: seed borne fungi, Pulses, mungbean.

A Wild Boar Hunting: Predation on a Bonnet Macaque by a Wild Boar in the Bandipur National Park, Southern India

A ‘predator’ is defined as ‘an animal that naturally preys on others’1. Wild boars Sus scrofa are generally not recorded as natural predators of bonnet macaques, Macaca radiata. We report here an adult wild boar hunting and eating an adult bonnet macaque in the Reception area of the Bandipur National Park, Karnataka on 5 December 2013.

Apparent diffusion coefficient in quantitative analysis of brain injury in term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Objective Applying diffusion weighted image (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to analyze brain injury caused by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in term neonates.Methods From June 1,2010 to January 5,2011,thirty-eight full term neonates with HIE were hospitalized in the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University.Those with nervous system diseases were excluded.The 38 cases were divided to mild HIE group (n=24) and moderate-to-severe HIE group (n=14).The control group included 10 normal full term neonates without history of asphyxia.All babies were scanned by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Spin echo-echo planar imaging sequence was used for DWI images.ADC values of nine regions (frontal lobe gray matter,frontal white matter,parietal gray matter,parietal white matter,corona radiata,caudate nucleus,putamen,posterior limb of the internal capsule and thalamus) were measured.MRI and DWI images were compared.ADC values were compared by analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls test.Results ADC values of the nine indicated regions (frontal lobe gray matter,frontal white matter,parietal gray matter,parietal white matter,corona radiata,caudate nucleus,putamen,posterior limb of the internal capsule and thalamus) were (1.37±0.07),(1.81±0.12),(1.35±0.10),(1.84±0.09),(1.23±0.11),(1.28±0.09),(1.18±0.08),(1.05±0.07) and (1.15±0.08) ×10-3 mm2/s in control group,(1.28±0.11),(1.60±0.15),(1.27±0.09),(1.59±0.20),(1.19±0.15),(1.19±0.13),(1.11±0.09),(0.97±0.11) and (1.06±0.12) ×10-3 mm2/s in mild HIE group,and (1.18±0.14),(1.51±0.22),(1.19±0.09),(1.56±0.19),(1.03±0.16),(1.08±0.07),(1.02±0.07),(0.87±0.09) and (0.96±0.12) × 10-3 mm2/s in moderate-to-severe HIE group.ADC values among the three groups had statistical difference (F=3.89,3.21,4.05,3.30,3.28,3.27,4.12,4.75and 4.72,all P＜0.05).ADC values of frontal lobe gray matter,frontal white matter,parietal gray matter,parietal white matter,putamen,posterior limb of the internal capsule and thalamus in mild HIE group were lower than those in control group (all P＜0.05).All of the ADC values of nine regions in moderate-to-severe HIE group were lower than those in control group (all P＜0.05).ADC value of frontal lobe gray matter,parietal gray matter,corona radiata,caudate nucleus,putamen,posterior limb of the internal capsule and thalamus in moderate-to-severe HIE group were lower than those in mild HIE group (all P＜0.05).Conclusion DWI and ADC values could reflect brain injury caused by HIE,and ADC values can be used to quantitatively analyze the degree of hypoxic-ischemic injury. Key words: Hypoxia-ischemia, brain; Infant, newborn; Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging

Comparative effect of two edible sea-food, P.palludosa and E.radiata on serum lipid profile and atherogenic indices in rats

Background : Pomacea palludosa (apple snail) and clams ( Ergeria radiate ) are staple edible mollusks, rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins and omega-3-fatty acids (involved in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases). Aim : The study was conducted to ascertain whether or not consumption of sea foods will predispose to dyslipidaemia. Materials and Methods: Rats were fed on Basal, reference casein, P. palludosa and E. radiate and plain soup diets. Results : Results revealed significant (p<0.05) decreases in serum total and LDL cholesterols in P. palludosa diet recipients, all the diets increased (p<0.05) HDL-c vs basal diet. P. palludosa diet also resulted in significant (p<0.05) lowering of cardiac risk ratio and atherogenic coefficient, while E. radiata diet reduced the atherogenic index of plasma. Conclusion : In conclusion, E. radiate and P. palludosa diet would not predispose to atherogenesis since it favored the good cholesterol (HDL-c). Nevertheless, P. palludosa has desirable influence on serum lipids, and protects better against atherogenesis than E. radiata. Key words : Diets, E. radiata, P. palludosa , lipid profile, atherogenic indices, rats.

First report of Groundnut bud necrosis virus infecting wild species of Vigna, based on NP gene sequence characteristics

Symptoms such as chlorotic and necrotic spots on leaves, necrosis of the stems and petioles, broadly resembling those induced by Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV) in cultivated species of Vigna were observed in twelve accessions of wild species/sub-species of Vigna ( V. umbellata, V. glabrescens, V. hainiana, V. mungo var. mungo, V. radiata var. radiata and V. radiata var. sublobata ) grown at the Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, India during August-November 2011. Disease incidence ranged between 7.13- 40.3%. The identity of the virus was confirmed on the basis of symptoms on diagnostic host (cowpea cv. Pusa Komal) and nucleocapsid protein ( NP ) gene sequence characteristics. Analysis of NP gene of intra-field isolates of GBNV revealed 1-4% diversity in nucleotide and 0-4% in amino acids. However, diversity among intra-field isolates and isolates from cultivated Vigna ranged 2-7% at nucleotide level and 0-6 at amino acids level. This paper reports for the first time GBNV infection in these wild species/sub-species of Vigna and analyze the intra-field diversity in the NP gene of 12 GBNV isolates.