Locations In Southwest Research Articles

A growth-effective age-based periodic site-index for the estimation of dynamic forest site productivity under environmental changes

Key messageA novel periodic site index is introduced for the quantification of dynamic forest site productivity. The measure is age-independent, sensitive to environmental changes and efficient for the estimation and prediction of stand height and stand volume increment.ContextAccurate and up-to-date prediction of site productivity is crucial for the sustainable management of forest ecosystems, especially under environmental changes.AimsThe aim of this study was to introduce a novel concept: a periodic site index based on growth-effective age for the quantification of dynamic forest site productivity.MethodsThe growth-effective age based periodic site index is estimated from repeated or multi-temporal measurements of stand dominant height. Furthermore, a recursive procedure to update the underlying site index model is presented by using repeated measurements of stand dominant height. The database used in this study comprised repeated measurements of 945 Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) experimental plots at 508 different locations in Southwest Germany.ResultsThe evaluation shows that periodic site index is statistically superior to the conventional site index, based on chronological stand age, for estimating stand height and stand volume increment. The analysis of temporal differences between growth-effective stand age and chronological stand age and between periodic site index and conventional site index in the period 1900 to 2020 reveals trends referring to stand age and site productivity, which corroborate earlier regional studies on forest growth trends due to environmental changes.ConclusionsThe periodic site index is a better indicator for site productivity than conventional site index. Under conditions of environmental changes, conventional site index is biased, whereas the growth-effective age based site index provides an unbiased estimate of stand height development. With the more widespread application of remote sensing techniques, such as airborne laser scanning, the availability of multi-temporal stand height data will increase in the near future. The novel concept provides an adaptive modeling approach perfectly suited to these data for an improved estimation and prediction of forest site productivity under environmental changes and can straightforwardly be applied also to uneven-aged and multi-species stands.

Evaluation of Hub‐Height Wind Forecasts Over the New York Bight

ABSTRACTAs offshore wind energy development accelerates in the United States, it is important to assess the accuracy of hub‐height wind forecasts from numerical weather prediction models over the ocean. Leveraging approximately 2 years of Doppler lidar observations from buoys in the New York Bight, we evaluate 80‐m wind speed forecasts from two weather models: the High‐Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) atmospheric model and the Global Forecast System (GFS) coupled atmosphere‐ocean model. These models have different horizontal grid spacing, vertical layering, initialization methods, and parameterizations of boundary layer mixing and surface–atmosphere interactions. Despite these differences, the models demonstrate similar and highly skillful short‐term forecasts at three measurement sites. At the Hudson Southwest location that provides a full year of data, their performance is statistically indistinguishable: root mean square error (RMSE) = 2.1 m/s and the Pearson correlation coefficient for 24‐h forecasts of both models, and RMSE = 2.6 m/s and 0.83 for 48‐h forecasts. Twenty‐four‐hour forecasts also exhibit skill in predicting quiescent winds and winds associated with maximum turbine power. By Day 10, GFS forecasts on average have almost no skill. The short‐term forecast skill by the HRRR and GFS does not strongly depend on season or time of day, yet we find some dependence of the models' performance on near‐surface stability. Additionally, 4‐ to 14‐day forecasts by the GFS exhibit lower RMSE during summer relative to other seasons. The high skill of the HRRR and GFS short‐term forecasts establishes confidence in their utility for offshore wind energy maintenance and operation.

Diagnostic challenges of neurosarcoidosis in non-endemic areas.

Neurosarcoidosis (NS) is a challenging diagnosis, particularly when cases occur in low-prevalence, non-endemic geographic regions. In the United States, the highest incidence is in the Midwest and Northeast, compared to our Southwest location. While it is well known that NS may clinically and neuroradiographically mimic meningeal carcinomatosis, autoimmune or infectious pachymeningitis, neurosyphilis, or tuberculosis, diagnosis may be particularly challenging if systemic signs of sarcoidosis are lacking or unconfirmed or if dural-based masses are present. We reviewed our Colorado experience with NS cases, focusing our study on cases where NS represented the first histological confirmation of disease. A search of departmental databases was conducted with the search term "neurosarcoidosis" to identify cases 1-2008 to 12-2019, inclusive of the given case numbers. Patients were only included if their clinical and neuroimaging features were unusual and only when a biopsy of the central nervous system (CNS) represented the first confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidosis. A total of 17 cases were identified, of which the biopsy of the CNS was used for the initial confirmation of the disease in 9 of them. The most unusual findings were two patients with dural-based masses, one of which had pure NS as the cause of meningioma-like lesions and the second of which had coexistent meningioma and intimately admixed non-necrotizing granulomas of NS. NS with unusual features, especially in non-endemic areas, continues to yield diagnostic challenges for neurologists, neuroradiologists, and pathologists.

Promotional Strategies as Determinant of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises productivity in South-West, Nigeria

This study examined the promotional strategies as determinant of small and medium scale enterprises productivity in South- West, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the views of SME owners in South-West Nigeria on: promotional strategies and small and medium scale enterprises productivity. Also, the effect of location on productivity of SMEs in South-West, Nigeria. This study adopted the descriptive survey research design. This design allowed the researcher to collect information from owners and managers of Small and Medium Enterprises that were considered being a true representation of the population of the study. The total population for the study comprised 26,744 business owners/managers of registered small and medium scale businesses in six states (Lagos -11,663; Ogun - 1,794; Osun - 7,987; Ekiti - 1,029; Ondo -2,272 and Oyo - 1,999) in South West, Nigeria (National Bureau of Statistics, 2015). A sample of 1,446 business owners/managers was used for the study (this comprises 1,363 small enterprises owners and 83 medium enterprises owners). This study had revealed that there was a significant effect on small and medium scale enterprises productivity in South-West, Nigeria. There was a significant difference in SMEs productivity based on locations in South-West, Nigeria. Based on the outcome of this research, this study recommended that owners/managers of small and medium scale enterprises should endeavor to utilize various promotional strategies that is best applied to their environment in order to enhance productivity.

Trends and Disparities in Treatment Utilization for Early-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Veteran Population.

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has substantially increased over the last two decades within the Veteran Affairs Health System (VAHS). This study aims to describe the temporal trend of early-stage HCC (ES-HCC) treatment in the VAHS and identify patient/hospital factors associated with treatment disparities. VA Corporate Data Warehouse was used to identify patients diagnosed with ES-HCC (stages I/II) from 2001 to 2015. Initial course of therapy was categorized as curative treatment (CT), noncurative treatment (NCT), or no treatment (NT). Univariate logistic regression and stepwise multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with receipt of treatment (CT/NCT) versus NT and receipt of CT versus NCT. Our study included 9504 patients (15% CT, 51% NCT, and 34% NT). During the study period, the rate of overall treatment increased, while the rate of CT decreased (p < 0.001). Stage II, age > 65 years, presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Child-Pugh C, higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, platelets < 100,000/mm3, low hospital complexity score, and Southwest location were significantly associated with higher rates of NT (all p < 0.05). Factors significantly associated with decreased utilization of CT included Hispanic race, lower hospital complexity score, and treatment in the Midwest, West, or Southeast regions (all p < 0.05). There is a significant trend toward increased overall treatment utilization with decreased use of curative-intent approaches for ES-HCC in the national veteran population, and significant hospital and regional disparities exist. Further characterization and investigation of these factors may facilitate implementation of interventions to improve treatment utilization for the veteran population with HCC.

Comparative Analysis of Off-grid Small Hydro-Solar PV-Diesel Hybrid System in South-west, Nigeria

Reliable, efficient, and affordable power supply system is a necessary tool for rapid socio-economic development of any country. Power supply in Nigeria is grossly inadequate and inefficient. This work presented a comparison analysis of Off-Grid Small hydro-Solar Photovoltaic-Diesel Generator hybrid system in three selected locations in South-west, Nigeria. The selected locations are Molete (Oyo state), Abeokuta (Ogun state) and Ede (Osun state). The hydro data for the three locations were collected from their respective River Basin Development Authorities, while the solar data were obtained from National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s global satellite database. The hybrid components consisting of Small hydropower (SHP), Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Battery (BB) and Diesel Generator (DG) were modelled and run using Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable software with the stream flow, the solar radiation, load and the system components costs as inputs. The work also carried out a comparative analysis based on economic parameters-return on investment and simple payback period different from the conventional use of net present cost, cost of energy(COE) and operating cost. The optimal hybrid combinations for these areas were compared with the usage of autonomous DG. The most optimal hybrid combination for Molete and Ede is PV-BB-SHP System with COEs of $0.347/kWh and $0.161/kWh respectively. The most optimal configuration for Abeokuta is PV-DG-BB-SHP with COE of $0.290/kWh. The results obtained (based on economic and technical considerations) showed that the hybrid system is viable for these areas. The outcome of the research will serve as guide for the government and prospective investors in formulating effective policies towards rapid development of renewable energy technologies in these areas.

Comparative Analysis of Off-grid Small Hydro-Solar PV-Diesel Hybrid System in South-west, Nigeria

Reliable, efficient, and affordable power supply system is a necessary tool for rapid socio-economic development of any country. Power supply in Nigeria is grossly inadequate and inefficient. This work presented a comparison analysis of Off-Grid Small hydro-Solar Photovoltaic-Diesel Generator hybrid system in three selected locations in South-west, Nigeria. The selected locations are Molete (Oyo state), Abeokuta (Ogun state) and Ede (Osun state). The hydro data for the three locations were collected from their respective River Basin Development Authorities, while the solar data were obtained from National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s global satellite database. The hybrid components consisting of Small hydropower (SHP), Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Battery (BB) and Diesel Generator (DG) were modelled and run using Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable software with the stream flow, the solar radiation, load and the system components costs as inputs. The work also carried out a comparative analysis based on economic parameters-return on investment and simple payback period different from the conventional use of net present cost, cost of energy(COE) and operating cost. The optimal hybrid combinations for these areas were compared with the usage of autonomous DG. The most optimal hybrid combination for Molete and Ede is PV-BB-SHP System with COEs of $0.347/kWh and $0.161/kWh respectively. The most optimal configuration for Abeokuta is PV-DG-BB-SHP with COE of $0.290/kWh. The results obtained (based on economic and technical considerations) showed that the hybrid system is viable for these areas. The outcome of the research will serve as guide for the government and prospective investors in formulating effective policies towards rapid development of renewable energy technologies in these areas.

Patch-Burning Buffers Forage Resources and Livestock Performance to Mitigate Drought in the Northern Great Plains

Summer droughts in North America's northern Great Plains are expected to increase in frequency and duration as precipitation shifts toward spring and fall. Two rangeland experimental stations in North Dakota experienced drought in 2017 relative to 25-year averages. The southwest location had a 170-mm deficit from the 360-mm normal rainfall and was grazed by cattle (Bos taurus L.) and sheep (Ovis aries L.); the south-central location had 109 mm below the 403-mm normal rainfall and was grazed by cattle. We evaluated patch-burn grazing as a drought resilient land management strategy in the northern Great Plains by comparing average daily gains, fecal density, available forage biomass, and forage crude protein content. At the southwest location, livestock performed better during the drought season compared with animals on the same pastures in the previous year, which had near-normal rainfall but no fire. At the central location, cows on patch-burned pastures performed better than cows on continuously-grazed, unburned pastures in the same year under drought conditions; all cows were nursing calves and calf gains did not vary between treatments. In both locations, the burned patches had higher fecal density and lower available forage biomass than patches not yet burned throughout the grazing season, indicating grazer attraction to burned areas. Despite drought, burned patches maintained grazer attraction and animal performance was maintained or even improved, which contrasts with the expected relationship between animal performance and precipitation. This study indicated that prescribed patch-burning might mitigate drought by buffering forage resources (crude protein content and availability) and maintaining animal performance (average daily gains).

Population genetics of the Mediterranean corn borer (Sesamia nonagrioides) differs between wild and cultivated plants.

The population genetic structure of crop pest populations gives information about their spatial ecology, which helps in designing management strategies. In this paper, we investigated the genetic structure of the Mediterranean Corn Borer (MCB), Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), one of the most important maize pests in the Mediterranean countries, using microsatellite markers for the first time in this species. Insects were collected in twenty-five locations in southwest and southeast France from cultivated and wild host plants (Zea mays, Sorghum halepense and Typha domingensis). Contrary to what has been reported so far in France, we found that MCB populations could be locally abundant on wild poales plants. Analysis was carried out at 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Molecular variance was significantly determined by geography, then by host plant, with 17% and 4%, respectively, when considered as a major effect, and with 14% and 1%, respectively, when considered as a marginal effect in permutational analysis. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) and GENELAND Bayesian clustering suggested that populations infecting wild plants (T. domingensis and S. halepense) were more structured locally than those affecting cultivated maize. In S. halepense, significant Isolation By Distance (IBD) indicated that this factor could explain genetic differentiation of the moth populations. In T. domingensis, local population differentiation was strong but did not depend on distance. The implication of this absence of population structure in maize and the heterogeneity of population genetics patterns in wild plants are discussed in the context of the population dynamics hypothesis and population management strategies.

Modelling Toxin-Producing Algae in the Coastal Waters of Nigeria

This research describes the development and application of an empirical model for toxin-producing algae developed from time series of cell abundance coupled with concurrent measurements of environmental variables in Nigerian coast, Gulf of Guinea. A Generalized Linear Model was formulated to predict the population size of Cyanophyta, Oscillatoria, Dinophyta, total phytoplankton abundance and toxic algae, for four different months in a year, namely March (dry-wet period), July (wet period), October (wet-dry period) and January (dry period), using 12 input variables, namely pH, salinity, PO4, NO3, Fe, water temperature, DO, turbidity, Si, SO4 and location determined by Latitude and Longitude coordinates, with data collected from 53 locations. The interactive effects of silicate and iron were also modeled to elicit effect of these nutrients on the density and occurrence of toxic algae/phytoplankton and total phytoplankton abundance. The model gives a very good fit for the data and the results reveal the influence of season, location and nutrients on the variation in the abundance of total phytoplankton abundance and the toxic form abundance. In the wet season and dry seasons, surface and stem plots for total phytoplankton abundance and toxic algae abundance were noticeably dissimilar, with the Lagos axis of the Atlantic Ocean having significantly high total phytoplankton abundance in the wet season and abundant toxic algae in the south-south locations of Cross River and Akwa Ibom. Ondo and Ogun axes of the Atlantic Ocean had significantly high abundance of the toxic algae in the dry season. In the dry-wet and wet-dry seasons, the surface and stem plots for total phytoplankton abundance and toxic algae abundance were similar. There was significant abundance of toxic algae in the south-west locations. Specifically, Ondo and Ogun in the south-west had significantly high total phytoplankton and toxic algae abundance in the dry-wet season.

Pod yield performance and stability of peanut genotypes under differing soil water and regional conditions

ABSTRACTGenetic gains of cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) have increased harvest index and disease tolerance, resulting in improved yield potential and broad-range adaptability of peanut cultivars to United States (U.S.) peanut production regions. Although this strategy has been successful, future yield increases may require peanut cultivars specifically adapted to environmental and management systems of a particular production region. Irrigation is one major management factor that varies across U.S. production regions and influences yield stability. Therefore, peanut germplasm selection for developing specifically adapted cultivars depends on knowledge of genotypic (G) pod yield responses to irrigation (M) across contrasting environmental (E) conditions (G × E × M interaction). The objectives of this 2-year study were to characterize germplasm by: (i) examining genotypic pod yield response to irrigation at locations in Florida and Texas; and (ii) estimating the genotypic pod yield performance and stability using genotype plus genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplots. At the Florida location, genotypes New Mexico Valencia C (NMVC), COC 041, and Chico responded positively to increasing water application, whereas FloRun™ ‘107ʹ, C76 16, and FlavorRunner 458 responded negatively. Genotypes C76 16, ICGS 76, Chico, and ICGV 86015 had pod yields greater than the population mean. The genotype ICGS 76 had both high pod yields and stability. Pod yields of Chico were greater at the southwest locations, whereas ICGV 86015 had greater pod yields at the southeast locations. These results demonstrate a range in adaptability of distinct peanut genotypes that can be used in breeding programs for developing improved cultivars.Abbreviations: G × E: genotype-by-environment interaction; G × E × M: genotype-by-environment-by-management interaction; G × M: genotype-by-management interaction; NMVC: New Mexico Valencia C; TWRPET: total water received as a percentage of ETo

Relationship between virulence factors, resistance to antibiotics and phylogenetic groups of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in two locations in Mexico

IntroductionEscherichia coli is the major causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTI), and virulence factors are responsible for the severity of these emerging infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between virulence determinants and antibiotic susceptibility with phylogenetic groups of E. coli isolates of UTI in two locations in Mexico. MethodsAn analysis was performed on 50 isolates of E. coli from the centre of the country and 57 from a town in the southwest. The isolates were characterised by phenotype (serotyping assays, in vitro adhesion, biofilm formation, production of haemolysin, and antibiotic susceptibility) and genotype (phylogenetic groups and virulence genes). ResultsIn the centre of the country location the phylogenetic group B2 (60%) and F (12%) were significantly more prevalent and had a higher frequency of genes, fimH (96%), iutA (66%), sat (36%), compared to the southwest location, where the group A (35%) and B1 (21%) were significantly predominant and had fewer virulence genes. About one-fifth (21.5%) of all isolates belonged to the O25-ST131 group. Haemolysin and biofilm producing strains were significantly higher in the southwest location. Resistance to ampicillin (92.5%), tetracycline (76.6%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (70.1%) were the most common in both groups. ConclusionThe phylogenetic group, virulence factors, and antibiotic susceptibility of the E. coli that causes UTI in the community, varies significantly among the Mexican populations studied. Phylogenetic groups A and B1 may be multidrug resistant and have the ability to produce UTI.

Relación entre factores de virulencia, resistencia a antibióticos y los grupos filogenéticos de Escherichia coli uropatógena en dos localidades de México

IntroductionEscherichia coli is the major causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTI), and virulence factors are responsible for the severity of these emerging infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between virulence determinants and antibiotic susceptibility with phylogenetic groups of E.coli isolates of UTI in two locations in Mexico. MethodsAn analysis was performed on 50 isolates of E.coli from the centre of the country and 57 from a town in the southwest. The isolates were characterized by phenotype (serotyping assays, in vitro adhesion, biofilm formation, production of haemolysin, and antibiotic susceptibility) and genotype (phylogenetic groups and virulence genes). ResultsIn the centre of the country location the phylogenetic group B2 (60%) and F (12%) were significantly more prevalent and had a higher frequency of genes, fimH (96%), iutA (66%), sat (36%), compared to the southwest location, where the group A (35%) and B1 (21%) were significantly predominant and had fewer virulence genes. About one-fifth (21.5%) of all isolates belonged to the O25-ST131 group. Haemolysin and biofilm producing strains were significantly higher in the southwest location. Resistance to ampicillin (92.5%), tetracycline (76.6%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (70.1%) were the most common in both groups. ConclusionThe phylogenetic group, virulence factors, and antibiotic susceptibility of the E.coli that causes UTI in the community, varies significantly among the Mexican populations studied. Phylogenetic groups A and B1 may be multidrug resistant and have the ability to produce UTI.

Sources of variability in livestock water quality over 5 years in the Northern Great Plains.

Concentrated dissolved minerals in naturally occurring water accessible to livestock grazing semiarid landscapes can negatively influence animal productivity and well-being. Twelve indicators of water quality (Ca, Cl, Fe, F, Mg, Mn, Na, nitrate N, pH, SO4, total dissolved solids [TDS], and temperature) were measured at 45 livestock water sites over 5 yr from 2009 through 2013 at the 22,257-ha USDA-ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory (Miles City, MT) to estimate variation. Water was sampled from 4 sources: 1) flowing surface water, 2) groundwater, 3) reservoirs, and 4) springs. The sampled area was classified by 3 cardinal compass bearings (locations): 1) north, 2) southeast, and 3) southwest of the Yellowstone River. Samples were collected twice yearly in 2 seasons, May (wet) and September (dry). Year, location, source, and season and their interactions were analyzed as a 5 × 3 × 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. A location × year interaction (P < 0.04) was found for Mg, Na, SO4, and TDS. The southwest location had the greatest concentrations in 2012 of Na, SO4, and TDS. A source × year interaction (P < 0.02) was found for Ca, Fe, F, Mg, Mn, Na, SO4, TDS, and temperature. Iron, Mg, and Mn had the greatest concentrations in flowing surface water in 2012. Greater and then lower precipitation in 2011 followed by below-average precipitation in 2012 was associated with elevated mineral concentrations in sources in the southwest location and flowing surface water sources demonstrating sources of water quality variability within time and space at the study site. Average concentrations of Ca, Cl, Mg, and nitrate N and pH levels across sources and locations did not exceed the upper maximum intake level for beef cattle. In contrast, concentrations of F, Fe, Na, SO4, and TDS at times exceeded the upper maximum level for beef cattle, indicating these minerals may negatively impact range beef cattle performance.

이어도 기상 관측 자료를 활용한 장마 시작일 분석

The definition of onset date of Changma is revisited in this study using a quality controlled Ieodo ocean research station data. The Ieodo station has great importance in terms of its southwest location from Korean Peninsula and, hence, makes it possible to predict Changma period in advance with less impact of continents. The onset date of Changma using the Ieodo station data is defined by the time that meridional wind direction changes and maintains from northerly to southerly, and then the zonal wind changes from easterly to westerly after first June. This definition comes from a recognition that the establishment and movement of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) cause Changma through southwesterly flow. The onset data of Changma has been determined by large-scale dynamic-thermodynamic characteristics or various meteorological station data. However, even the definition based on circulation data at the Ieodo station has a potential for the improved prediction skill of the onset date of Changma. The differences between before and after Changma, defined as Ieodo station data, are also found in synoptic chart. The convective instability and conspicuous circulations, corresponding low-level southwesterly flow related to WNPSH and strong upper-level zonal wind, are represented during Changma.

Impact of Tablet Based Training in Empowering Remote Rural Community of South West Bangladesh to Acquire Disaster Preparedness Skills

Technology has shaped education practices in many ways. The computer, the internet, Smartphone and tablet devices have a great impact on learning and teaching practices. Technology assisted learning has the power to deliver cost effective useful learning experiences to technologically deprived developing or the least developed countries. There have been several projects (OLPC, OTPC, iRead1&2-Ghana) involving technology assisted learning which have indicated brighter prospects of such deployments. However, the use of technology assisted learning to educate people (not necessarily only children) on challenging issues like livelihood, finances, healthcare and disaster preparedness is still under explored in the developing countries. This paper will explore the possibility of using tablet based e-learning in remote locations to provide disaster preparedness training to the mass and will share lessons learned from a pilot study carried out in the rural South West location in Bangladesh. Focus of the paper will be on how the training has used non-formal and informal education to make local people educated and better aware of basic disaster preparedness issues that are often overlooked, such as creating emergency plan, making emergency kit and first aid. This paper will add significant value to existing knowledge by adding field experience of using tablet device in disaster preparedness training and suggesting a place for such training within non-formal and informal educational setting.

Can low-dormancy oilseed rape (Brassica napus) genotypes be used to minimize volunteer problems?

The potential of oilseed rape seeds from harvest losses to persist in the soil and to emerge later as volunteers in following crops is mainly driven by the ability of the seeds to go into dormancy under certain soil conditions. Using low-dormant oilseed rape cultivars could reduce volunteer problems considerably, but up to now there are unanswered questions as to whether (1) the trait is heritable and robust in different environments and whether (2) the variability in dormancy between and within cultivars allows for the selection of low-dormancy lines. Three field trials and one greenhouse trial were conducted from 2008 to 2010 at two locations in South West and Northern Germany to assess the effect of cultivar, location and year on dormancy characteristics of open-pollinated winter oilseed rape cultivars. A simple selection was performed in the field and in the greenhouse for low-dormant individual plants, and the offspring of these plants (potential volunteers) were tested for the stability of the trait under field conditions.Dormancy was mainly influenced by cultivar, and to a lesser extent by location, year and their interactions. There was also variation between cultivars depending on location and year between 1% and 90%, with a heritability of the trait ‘dormancy’ of h2=0.96. The dormancy values of the seeds from cultivars at both locations in both years were strongly correlated (R2=0.93). Individual plants within nearly every cultivar also varied significantly in their dormancy potential. The offspring of low-dormant individual plants, which had been selected from different cultivars, also produced seeds with a level of dormancy<5% under field conditions. In conclusion it seems feasible to use the trait ‘low dormancy’ in oilseed rape to successfully control volunteers in following crops in different environments. Variability of the dormancy trait between and within cultivars should enable breeders to select low-dormancy cultivars or individual plants to further develop low-dormant lines from nearly every open-pollinated cultivar.

Registration of ‘Acala 1517–09R’ Cotton

‘Acala 1517–09R’ (Reg. No. CV‐127, PI 659506) was developed by the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 2010 as a new Roundup Ready Acala cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivar. This new cultivar was a single plant selection derived from a backcross BC3F2 between a Roundup Ready gene donor and ‘Acala 1517–99’ as the recurrent parent, and it possesses the superior fiber quality of Acala cotton and high yield potential. Acala 1517–09R was tested in 11 replicated field trials in New Mexico from 2004 to 2007, seven field tests in other southwest locations (eastern Arizona and the High Plains of Texas) in 2004–2007, and seven locations outside of the southwest arid region of the Cotton Belt in 2005. Acala 1517–09R had similar or higher (averaged 15.6% higher) lint yield than the standard, Acala 1517–99, across all the environments tested in New Mexico. Its yield was similar to or higher than that of Acala 1517–99, except for one test outside of the southwest. On average, Acala 1517–09R had longer and finer fibers than Acala 1517–99, with a slightly higher lint percentage but reduced boll weight and fiber strength. Acala 1517–09R is best adapted to the southwest arid region of the Cotton Belt, where the traditional Acala 1517 cultivars have been grown.

The Influence of Climate on Fruit Development and Quality of Four Low-chill Peach Cultivars

The effect of climate was observed on fruit quality of four low-chill peach cultivars (Flordaprince, Flordaglo, UFGold, and TropicBeauty). The cultivars were evaluated in three locations (north–central, central, and southwest Florida). Soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), SSC:TA ratio, fruit weight, blush, and fruit development period (FDP) were determined. Longer FDPs were observed at the north–central location than at the southwest location. Fruit development and the expression of quality attributes were affected by location during fruit growth with higher color and SSC and shorter FDP occurring under warmer conditions. Within locations, ‘UFGold’ had the shortest FDP except at the southwest location where its chilling requirement may not have been met. At the central and southwest locations, ‘UFGold’ also tended to have lower TA values and higher SSC;TA ratios than the other cultivars.

Wet deposition of mercury in the U.S. and Canada, 1996–2005: Results and analysis of the NADP mercury deposition network (MDN)

One of the most critical measurements needed to understand the biogeochemical cycle of mercury, and to verify atmospheric models, is the rate of mercury wet-deposition. The Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) operates sites across North America to monitor total mercury in wet-deposition. MDN's primary goal is to provide both spatial and temporal continental-scale observations of mercury wet-deposition fluxes to support researchers, modelers, policy-makers and the public interest. MDN represents the only continental-scale mercury deposition database with a >10-year record of continuous values. This study provides analysis and interpretation of MDN observations at 10 years (1996–2005) with an emphasis on investigating whether rigorous, statistically-significant temporal trends and spatial patterns were present and where they occurred. Wet deposition of mercury ranges from more than 25 μg m −2 yr in south Florida to less than 3 μg m −2 yr in northern California. Volume-weighted total mercury concentrations are statistically different between defined regions overall (Southeast ≈ Midwest > Ohio River > Northeast), with the highest in Florida, Minnesota, and several Southwest locations (10–16 ng L −1). Total mercury wet-deposition is significantly different between defined regions (Southeast > Ohio River > Midwest > Northeast). Mercury deposition is strongly seasonal in eastern North America. The average mercury concentration is about two times higher in summer than in winter, and the average deposition is approximately more than three times greater in summer than in winter. Forty-eight sites with validated datasets of five years or more were tested for trends using the non-parametric seasonal Kendall trend test. Significant decreasing mercury wet-deposition concentration trends were found at about half of the sites, particularly across Pennsylvania and extending up through the Northeast.