Suitable Environmental Conditions Research Articles

Registration of “Ebbisa” a Newly Released Fenugreek Variety for Bale Mid Lands, Ethiopia

Ethiopia has suitable environmental condition for fenugreek production. However, the productivity of fenugreek is very low as compared with world average due to lack of stable, high yielding, and disease resistant genotypes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the promising genotypes and verify the most stable, high yielding and disease resistant fenugreek genotype for midlands of Bale. For the study, the experiment was carried out at three locations from 2009 to 2011production season using 16 genotypes including local and standard checks. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used for the experiment. One of the experiments was conducted at the research farm of Sinana Agricultural Research Center, Oromia Agriculture Research Institute, Sinana and the others at the farmers’ field, Goro and Ginnir. The study found that the Ebbisa (AC-TR-7) variety had above average yield performance in most test environments, out yielded the Chala and Hunda’ol varieties. The average seed yield of Ebbisa over locations and over years is about 13.8 qt/ha. It has also better yield stability than checks. Ebbisa is, therefore, released in 2012/13 for production for all fenugreek growing environments in the midlands of Bale and other similar agro-ecologies.

A Comprehensive Entomological, Serological and Molecular Study of 2013 Dengue Outbreak of Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

BackgroundAedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus play a fundamental role in transmission of dengue virus to humans. A single infected Aedes mosquito is capable to act as a reservoir/amplifier host for dengue virus and may cause epidemics via horizontal and vertical modes of dengue virus (DENV) transmission. The present and future dengue development can be clarified by understanding the elements which help the dissemination of dengue transmission. The current study deals with molecular surveillance of dengue in addition to ecological and social context of 2013 dengue epidemics in Swat, Pakistan.MethodsHerein, we reported dengue vectors surveillance in domestic and peridomistic containers in public and private places in 7 dengue epidemic-prone sites in District Swat, Pakistan from July to November 2013. Using the Flaviviruses genus-specific reverse transcriptase (RT) semi nested-PCR assay, we screened blood samples (N = 500) of dengue positive patients, 150 adult mosquito pools and 25 larval pools.ResultsThe 34 adult and 7 larval mosquito pools were found positive. The adult positive pools comprised 30 pools of Ae. aegypti and 4 pools of Ae. albopictus, while among the 7 larval pools, 5 pools of Ae. aegypti and 2 pools of Ae. albopictus were positive. The detected putative genomes of dengue virus were of DENV-2 (35% in 14 mosquito pools & 39% in serum) and DENV-3 (65% in 27 mosquito pools & 61% in serum). The higher vector density and dengue transmission rate was recorded in July and August (due to favorable conditions for vector growth). About 37% of Ae. aegpti and 34% Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were collected from stagnant water in drums, followed by drinking water tanks (23% & 26%), tires (20% & 18%) and discarded containers (10% & 6%). Among the surveyed areas, Saidu was heavily affected (26%) by dengue followed by Kanju (20% and Landikas (12%). The maximum infection was observed in the age group of <15 (40%) followed by 15–45 (35%) and >45 (25%) years and was more in males (55.3%) as compare to females (44.7%). The increase in vector mosquito density and the subsequent viral transmission was determined by a complex interplay of ecological, biological and social factors.ConclusionThe suitable environmental conditions and discriminable role of Aedes through trans-ovarial transmission of DENV is indispensable in the recent geographic increase of dengue in Pakistan. Climate change affects the survival and dispersion of vectors as well as the transmission rates of dengue. Control of Aedes mosquitoes (vectors) and elimination of breeding sources must be emphasized and prioritized. Such actions may not only reduce the risk of dengue transmission during epidemics, but also minimize the chances of dengue viruses establishment in new (non endemic) areas of the region.

A habitat suitability model for Chinese sturgeon determined using the generalized additive method

Summary The Chinese sturgeon is a type of large anadromous fish that migrates between the ocean and rivers. Because of the construction of dams, this sturgeon’s migration path has been cut off, and this species currently is on the verge of extinction. Simulating suitable environmental conditions for spawning followed by repairing or rebuilding its spawning grounds are effective ways to protect this species. Various habitat suitability models based on expert knowledge have been used to evaluate the suitability of spawning habitat. In this study, a two-dimensional hydraulic simulation is used to inform a habitat suitability model based on the generalized additive method (GAM). The GAM is based on real data. The values of water depth and velocity are calculated first via the hydrodynamic model and later applied in the GAM. The final habitat suitability model is validated using the catch per unit effort (CPUE d ) data of 1999 and 2003. The model results show that a velocity of 1.06–1.56 m/s and a depth of 13.33–20.33 m are highly suitable ranges for the Chinese sturgeon to spawn. The hydraulic habitat suitability indexes (HHSI) for seven discharges (4000; 9000; 12,000; 16,000; 20,000; 30,000; and 40,000 m 3 /s) are calculated to evaluate integrated habitat suitability. The results show that the integrated habitat suitability reaches its highest value at a discharge of 16,000 m 3 /s. This study is the first to apply a GAM to evaluate the suitability of spawning grounds for the Chinese sturgeon. The study provides a reference for the identification of potential spawning grounds in the entire basin.

Soil aeration, water deficit, nitrogen availability, acidity and temperature all contribute to shaping tree species distribution in temperate forests

AbstractAimKnowledge about suitable ecological conditions for tree species remains largely incomplete. We aim to quantify and compare suitable environmental conditions for some of the most common tree species in Europe using a modelling approach and a large array of predictors that describe the different dimensions of the environmental niche.LocationFrance.MethodsUsing a large database of 46 768 plots distributed across France (550 000 km2), we compared the performance of 61 physiologically relevant predictors that describe temperature, soil nutrient supply, soil water availability and aeration at fine spatial resolution to model the distribution of 32 tree species. To allow some comparisons between species along the same gradients, the most efficient predictors were determined and used to characterize the species requirements.ResultsMean annual temperature, soil water deficit, soil pH, C/N and temporary and permanent waterlogging gave the best performances. The efficiency of species distribution models based on these six variables was comparable to models calibrated with 61 variables. For the first time, those models provide a unique quantitative framework of homogeneous information concerning the requirements for a large number of tree species.ConclusionsOur results highlight the importance of soil descriptors to shape plant distribution and allow each species to delineate areas inside the climate envelope with favourable nutritional and moisture conditions. These results emphasize a gap between existing studies on species distribution, mainly based on large‐scale climatic predictors, and empirical knowledge or existing practices where soil is recognized as a main driver.

硝态氮异化还原机制及其主导因素研究进展

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 硝态氮异化还原机制及其主导因素研究进展 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201407181464 作者: 作者单位: 中国科学院水库水环境重点实验室，中国科学院重庆绿色智能技术研究院，西南大学地理科学学院,中国科学院水库水环境重点实验室，中国科学院重庆绿色智能技术研究院,中国科学院水利部成都山地灾害与环境研究所中国科学院山地表生过程与生态调控重点实验室,西南大学地理科学学院,南京师范大学地理科学学院,中国科学院水库水环境重点实验室，中国科学院重庆绿色智能技术研究院,中国科学院水库水环境重点实验室，中国科学院重庆绿色智能技术研究院 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 中国科学院西部行动计划项目(KZCX2-XB3-14); 重庆市基础与前沿研究项目(cstc2013jcyjA0302);中国科学院水库水环境重点实验室开放基金(RAE2014BA06B) The synergetic and competitive mechanism andthe dominant factors of dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes: a review Author: Affiliation: Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Science;School of Geography Science, Southwest University,,Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Science,Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources;Key Laboratory of Mountain Environment Evolvement and Regulation,Chinese Academy of Sciences,School of Geography Science, Southwest University,College of Geography Science, Nanjing Normal University,Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Science,Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Science Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:硝态氮(NO3-)异化还原过程通常包含反硝化和异化还原为铵(DNRA)两个方面,是土壤氮素转化的重要途径,其强度大小直接影响着硝态氮的利用和环境效应(如淋溶和氮氧化物气体排放)。反硝化和DNRA过程在反应条件、产物和影响因素等方面常会呈现出协同与竞争的交互作用机制。综述了反硝化和DNRA过程的研究进展及其二者协同竞争的作用机理,并阐述了在NO3-、pH、有效C、氧化还原电位(Eh)等环境条件和土壤微生物对其发生强度和产物的影响,提出了今后应在产生机理、土壤环境因素、微生物学过程以及与其他氮素转化过程耦联作用等方面亟需深入研究,以期增进对氮素循环过程的认识以及为加强氮素管理利用提供依据。 Abstract:The nitrate ion (NO3-), an important form of inorganic soil nitrogen, is susceptible to reduction under anaerobic conditions, and its reduction consists of both assimilatory and dissimilatory processes. The dissimilatory nitrate reduction process-of great significance in nitrogen transformation-includes denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA). Such reduction processes can directly affect the transformation of nitrates and the environmental consequences (such as NO3- leaching and N2O emission). During the processes of denitrification and DNRA, NO3- is utilized as a substrate, while N2O is generated synchronously. Nonetheless, there are significant differences between denitrification and DNRA, such as metabolic processes, the transformation mechanism, reductases, and the final products. For DNRA, the final product is ammonium (NH4+), which can continue to participate in other soil nitrogen transformation processes, such as crop uptake and nitrification. In agroecosystems, DNRA can consume 3.9%-25.4% of NO3-; this process can decrease NO3- leaching and N2O emissions in comparison with denitrification.Both reducing pathways show a synergistic and competitive mechanism among the reaction conditions, products, and dominant regulators. The synergistic mechanism of denitrification and DNRA manifests itself as the similar suitable environmental conditions, the shared nitrate reductase (Nar), and an intermediate product (N2O), along with the similar soil parameters. Thus, according to the synergistic effect, the dissimilatory nitrate reduction process can be greatly enhanced without limiting factors such as the soil water regimen, temperature, and soil substrates. As for the competitive mechanism, it mainly involves competition for a substrate and energy supplies between denitrification and DNRA. In contrast, the direct competition for NO3- exists ubiquitouslybetween denitrification and DNRA. Nevertheless, regulation of soil parameters (such as available carbon,oxidation-reduction potential (Eh)) changes the concentration of NO3- accordingly; thus, the competition for NO3- between denitrification and DNRA should be rebalanced subsequently. Moreover, soil microorganisms that are related to denitrification and DNRA can compete for a carbon source for their growth and proliferation. The dissimilatory nitrate reduction process is influenced by a great number of factors, mainly environmental conditions and microorganisms. Sufficient soil NO3- and available carbon can significantly enhance the dissimilatory nitrate reduction process, whereas soil pH and Eh have their own suitable ranges for different dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes. The competition between denitrification and DNRA is regulated by these factors. With the changes in available carbon, soil pH, and Eh, the two pathways show different levels of activity. Bacteria can exist in the form of an advantageous microbial population during the dissimilatory nitrate reduction process. Nevertheless, different populations and genes are involved in denitrification and DNRA, and the diversity of soilmicroorganisms is in turn influenced by soil environmental factors. This review summarizes the synergistic and competitive mechanisms and the factors influencing denitrification and DNRA, for example, soil environmental conditions (soil NO3-, soil pH, available carbon and Eh) and microorganisms (population, diversity and genes). The mechanism of formation, soil environmental factors, microbiological processes, and the correlation with other nitrogen transformation processesurgently need further research on dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes. In DNRA, the mechanism of formation and analysis of N2O emissions, populations, diversity, and genes of a microorganism have not been established yet. In addition, the interactions of nitrogen transformation processes in soils-e.g., between denitrification and DNRA or between anaerobic ammonium oxidation and denitrification-should be investigated holistically. The knowledge about synergistic and competitive mechanisms and the factors influencing denitrification and DNRA should improve the understanding of the regulation of nitrogen transformation in soils; this knowledge is also necessary for the development of effective countermeasures and policies on soil nitrogen management. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Combining environmental suitability and population abundances to evaluate the invasive potential of the tunicate Ciona intestinalis along the temperate South American coast.

The tunicate Ciona intestinalis is an opportunistic invader with high potential for causing economic losses in aquaculture centers. Recent phylogenetic and population genetic analysis support the existence of a genetic complex described as C. intestinalis with two main dominant species (sp A and B) occurring worldwide. In Chile, the species has been observed around 30°S of latitude, but no official reports exist for the presence of C. intestinalis in southern regions (above 40°S), where most of the mollusk aquaculture centers are located. Here, we used occurrences from multiple invaded regions and extensive field sampling to model and validate the environmental conditions that allow the species to persist and to find the geographic areas with the most suitable environmental conditions for the spread of C. intestinalis in the Chilean coast. By studying the potential expansion of C. intestinalis southward in the Chilean Coast, we aimed to provide valuable information that might help the development of control plans before the species becomes a significant problem, especially above 40°S. Our results highlight that, by using portions of the habitat that are apparently distinguishable, the species seem to be not only genetically distinct, but ecologically distinct as well. The two regional models fitted for sp A and for sp B showed disagreement on which sections of Chilean coastline are considered more suitable for these species. While the model for sp A identifies moderately to highly suitable areas between 30° and 40°S, the model for sp B classifies the areas around 45°S as the most appropriate. Data from field sampling show a positive linear relationship between density of C. intestinalis and the index of suitability for sp A in aquaculture centers. Understanding the relation of the distinct species with the surrounding environment provided valuable insights about probable routes of dispersion in Chile, especially into those areas considered suitable for aquaculture activities but where the species has not yet been recorded. We discuss the implications of our findings as a useful tool to anticipate the invasion of such harmful invasive species with regard to the most relevant environmental variables.

Reducing Noise Polution Generated by the Gas Compresor Compressco Cj 360 in a Residential Area

Noise – as a risk factor in the environment – in case it exceeds the intensity limits it becomes a biological aggression factor, a medical and social contaminant with implications of prime importance in terms of health, work capacity and comfort.This research is an objective analysis of noise level and frequency spectrum emitted by gas compressor Compressco CJ 360 in order to identify and develop solutions for noise protection required for the establishment of the environmental conditions in accordance with legal regulations in the area desired by the beneficiary. The research proposes a technical solution for closing the compressor with sound insulation prior to placing it in the desired place, in suitable environmental conditions.

Conditioning of broodstock of tiger grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, in a recirculating aquaculture system

Closing the cycle of commercial species of fish in a recirculating aquaculture system is gaining importance for a number of practical advantages. Founder broodstock originating from the wild population is conditioned to live in hatchery tanks under suitable environmental and feeding conditions and is induced to breed. The juveniles are grown to maturity and facilitated to spawn in captivity to close the life cycle in the hatchery. This experiment was carried out on tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus). After preliminary observations, it was possible to identify appropriate environmental conditions in terms of water quality parameters, volume of broodstock tanks and ration. Growth was nearly isometric (growth exponent=2.9185) and the condition factor=1.86. This reflected good management conditions. Cues that trigger sex reversal in this protogynous fish in the hatchery were different from those that operate in nature. It appears that the differentiation of some individuals of a cohort into male sex is linked to socio-demographic cues as well as internal condition of the fish because it related to age and physiological condition. This view was reinforced by a lack of response in young fish to similar cues. The information generated through this study defines what is required for optimum conditioning of tiger grouper broodstock and explains the cues involved in sex differentiation.

Dispersal and establishment filters influence the assembly of restored prairie plant communities

Community assembly filters, which in theory determine the suite of species that arrive at and establish in a community, have tremendous conceptual relevance to restoration. However, the concept has remained largely theoretical, with a paucity of empirical tests. As such, the applicability of assembly filters theory to ecological restoration remains incompletely known. We tested the relative strengths of dispersal and establishment filters by comparing the plant species composition, measured by species' presence/absence, in 29 restored prairies with the seed mixes used to restore each prairie. We found that both establishment and dispersal filters limited prairie similarity to the seed mix. Sown species responded differentially to filters, with a few species limited only by dispersal (seed density), many others limited only by establishment conditions (i.e. organic matter and sand content of soils, land use history, and fire frequency), and others limited by both dispersal and establishment filters. A few species, typically those sown most often, were not restricted by dispersal or establishment filters, likely because they were sown in high enough densities and all sites had suitable environmental conditions. Finally, one group of species established poorly, but we could not attribute this to either dispersal or establishment filters. This information can help land managers select species likely to establish in restorations when sown at sufficient densities. These results illustrate that dispersal and establishment filters limit the establishment of species in restored communities and these filters are species‐dependent. Identifying the most limiting filter(s) for species will inform strategies to increase their establishment success.

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) species on economically important fruit crops in Sri Lanka

Canavalia brasiliensis has a great potential as green manure in Brazilian Savanna. The species gives nitrogen to subsequent crops and produces excellent dry matter. On the other side, even under suitable environment conditions, several seeds don’t germinate due to the impermeable seed coat. This trial aimed to identify different treatments for dormancy breaking. Some scrub methods were tried: a) manual removal of distal portion of the seed, with or without distilled water soaking; 19 seed immersion on boiling water for 30, 60, 180, 300 and 600 seconds; e) seed immersion on H 2 SO 4 for 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes; d) thermal impact (24 h at 25 0C followed by 24 h at 5°C or 40°C, then returning to 25°C); e) alcohol immersion for 5, 15, 30 and 60 min.; f) control. Treatments that provided better germination were: removal of distal portion with and without water soaking (99.6 and 99.2% germination, respectively), H 2 SO 4 for 60 min. (95.9%) and boiling water for 60 and 30 sec (97.7 and 94.8% germination, respectively). KEY-WORDS: Green manure; savanna; leguminosae .

Identification of taxonomic status of spiny lobster species in Sri Lanka Using DNA barcoding and its implications on fisheries and conservation programs

Lobster fishery is one of the most economically important marine coastal fishing activities. However, genetic identification and taxonomic status of available lobster species are poorly understood in Sri Lanka. The DNA barcoding based on the amplification of partial mitochondrial Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene region provides an effective approach for the rapid identification of species status and evaluation of species richness. The present study attempted to collect genetic information of barcoding region for five spiny lobster species that are available in the southern coast of Sri Lanka and to estimate the phylogenetic relationships with the data available for relevant spiny lobsters of other geographic locations. For this purpose, additional sequences were downloaded from the NCBI Genbank and phylogenetic trees were constructed using Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Neighbour Joining methods. Identical tree topologies were resulted from the three methods, and three major clades could be identified. The first clade consisted of Panulirus penicillatus + P. longipes. Panulirus homarus + P. versicolor + P. ornatus were grouped into the second clade whereas the third clade included P. homarus + P. penicillatus + P. longipes. It is important to observe that P. homarus samples collected from southern Sri Lanka grouped with both sub species P. h. homarus and P. h. megasculpta indicating their availability in the sampling regions. Although three subspecies are available in P. longipes the samples from southern Sri Lankan grouped only with P. l. longipes. High intra-specific nucleotide diversity was reported in for Sri Lankan samples. This indicates that habitats around southern coast of Sri Lanka possess suitable environmental conditions to inhabit diverse Panulirus populations. These results would be highly useful to plan management and conservation strategies for Panulirus populations in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 25 (1): 96-108 (2013)

A New Perspective on Understanding the Reduced Spring Dust Storm Frequency in Inner Mongolia, China

Spatiotemporal patterns of dust storms are affected by climate change through changes in convective instability, regional meteorological characteristics, and local sediment supply. Linking dust storm dynamics to climate change helps the understanding of what controls the initiation of dust storms, and assists the prediction of future dust storm occurrence. This study examines the temporal dynamics of spring dust storms in Inner Mongolia, a major dust source area in East Asia. We found that severe spring dust storms have significantly declined from 1954 to 2007. Four dust storm types showed similar decreasing trends from 2001 to 2012. This change in spring dust storm dynamics is attributed to the shift in vegetation green-up dates based on the analysis of a satellite derived vegetation index. Earlier vegetation green-up has a dampening effect on spring dust storms. Suitable environmental conditions for vegetation green-up hinder the emergence of dust storms. This study expands our understanding of the dynamics of spring dust storms in the changing climate through a new perspective on vegetation phenology in the spring.

Ecological Model to Predict Potential Habitats of Oncomelania hupensis, the Intermediate Host of Schistosoma japonicum in the Mountainous Regions, China.

BackgroundSchistosomiasis japonica is a parasitic disease that remains endemic in seven provinces in the People’s Republic of China (P.R. China). One of the most important measures in the process of schistosomiasis elimination in P.R. China is control of Oncomelania hupensis, the unique intermediate host snail of Schistosoma japonicum. Compared with plains/swamp and lake regions, the hilly/mountainous regions of schistosomiasis endemic areas are more complicated, which makes the snail survey difficult to conduct precisely and efficiently. There is a pressing call to identify the snail habitats of mountainous regions in an efficient and cost-effective manner.MethodsTwelve out of 56 administrative villages distributed with O. hupensis in Eryuan, Yunnan Province, were randomly selected to set up the ecological model. Thirty out of the rest of 78 villages (villages selected for building model were excluded from the villages for validation) in Eryuan and 30 out of 89 villages in Midu, Yunnan Province were selected via a chessboard method for model validation, respectively. Nine-year-average Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) as well as Digital Elevation Model (DEM) covering Eryuan and Midu were extracted from MODIS and ASTER satellite images, respectively. Slope, elevation and the distance from every village to its nearest stream were derived from DEM. Suitable survival environment conditions for snails were defined by comparing historical snail presence data and remote sensing derived images. According to the suitable conditions for snails, environment factors, i.e. NDVI, LST, elevation, slope and the distance from every village to its nearest stream, were integrated into an ecological niche model to predict O. hupensis potential habitats in Eryuan and Midu. The evaluation of the model was assessed by comparing the model prediction and field investigation. Then, the consistency rate of model validation was calculated in Eryuan and Midu Counties, respectively.ResultsThe final ecological niche model for potential O. hupensis habitats prediction comprised the following environmental factors, namely: NDVI (≥ 0.446), LST (≥ 22.70°C), elevation (≤ 2,300 m), slope (≤ 11°) and the distance to nearest stream (≤ 1,000 m). The potential O. hupensis habitats in Eryuan distributed in the Lancang River basin and O. hupensis in Midu shows a trend of clustering in the north and spotty distribution in the south. The consistency rates of the ecological niche model in Eryuan and Midu were 76.67% and 83.33%, respectively.ConclusionsThe ecological niche model integrated with NDVI, LST, elevation, slope and distance from every village to its nearest stream adequately predicted the snail habitats in the mountainous regions.

Geographic exploration within a highly niche-conserved moth in the Hawaiian archipelago

For any lineage, colonization of a new habitat is dictated by the combined constraints of geography, or the ability to reach the new area through dispersal; the presence of other organisms; and the physiological ability to adapt to novel environmental conditions. Many studies have shown the importance of niche conservatism, although, in most of these, the geographical impediments have been relatively minor. Here, we examine the interplay between dispersal, biotic interactions, and adaptation in shaping the biogeography of a lineage in which both geography and environmental conditions in particular present substantial filters. Thyrocopa is a genus of generalist wood-feeding moths endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Within the group, species are generally restricted to either wet forest, or dry, rocky, windy habitats. We sampled Thyrocopa from throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and performed phylogenetic analyses, likely ancestral area reconstruction, estimation of dates of divergence, and an ecological niche modeling analysis. We show that within the ‘windswept’ clade of Thyrocopa, species diversified between suitable habitats in the southeastern islands long after the northwestern Hawaiian Islands eroded to their current dry, rocky, windy state. Later, Thyrocopa back-colonized the northwestern islands despite having to cross long distances over open ocean. Dates of diversification are independently supported by two methods of dating nodes (a molecular clock as well as estimates based on calibration points). Our results suggest that, for Thyrocopa, neither dispersal ability nor biotic interactions play a major role in limiting present distributions. Instead, niche conservatism associated with the availability of suitable environmental conditions in a habitat appears to dictate the distribution of these moths.

Assessing the Global Risk of Establishment of Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) using CLIMEX and MaxEnt Niche Models.

Accurate assessment of insect pest establishment risk is needed by national plant protection organizations to negotiate international trade of horticultural commodities that can potentially carry the pests and result in inadvertent introductions in the importing countries. We used mechanistic and correlative niche models to quantify and map the global patterns of the potential for establishment of codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.), a major pest of apples, peaches, pears, and other pome and stone fruits, and a quarantine pest in countries where it currently does not occur. The mechanistic model CLIMEX was calibrated using species-specific physiological tolerance thresholds, whereas the correlative model MaxEnt used species occurrences and climatic spatial data. Projected potential distribution from both models conformed well to the current known distribution of codling moth. None of the models predicted suitable environmental conditions in countries located between 20°N and 20°S potentially because of shorter photoperiod, and lack of chilling requirement (<60 d at ≤10°C) in these areas for codling moth to break diapause. Models predicted suitable conditions in South Korea and Japan where codling moth currently does not occur but where its preferred host species (i.e., apple) is present. Average annual temperature and latitude were the main environmental variables associated with codling moth distribution at global level. The predictive models developed in this study present the global risk of establishment of codling moth, and can be used for monitoring potential introductions of codling moth in different countries and by policy makers and trade negotiators in making science-based decisions.

Efeito do uso de sistema de resfriamento adiabático evaporativo sobre a produção de leite no estado do Paraná

The aim of this study was evaluate the use of adiabatic evaporative cooling system (AECS) of air as an alternative to improve the thermal environment, aiming the milk production (MP) of cows with production levels of 15 and 35 kg day-1. The climatological data of air temperature and relative humidity used to estimate Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) and MP were collected in the IAPAR (Instituto Agronomico do Parana) meteorological field stations from Parana State. The use of AECS of air provides a significant reduction in the THI values, in all locations and periods of the years, which resulted in improvements in MP. For the East, North and West Regions, from December to February, were observed loss of MP to high producing animals (35 kg day-1) however, after simulation using AECS of air, there was an increase in estimated production milk of 6.3%, 9.5% and 9.4%, respectively. The lower efficiency of using AECS for the East Regions can be related to the high values of relative humidity observed, which reduce the efficiency of air AECS. Thus, the most suitable environment conditions provided by AECS justify its use, since observed each local condition, month and animal category.

Phylogeography of Thlaspi arvense (Brassicaceae) in China Inferred from Chloroplast and Nuclear DNA Sequences and Ecological Niche Modeling.

Thlaspi arvense is a well-known annual farmland weed with worldwide distribution, which can be found from sea level to above 4000 m high on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). In this paper, a phylogeographic history of T. arvense including 19 populations from China was inferred by using three chloroplast (cp) DNA segments (trnL-trnF, rpl32-trnL and rps16) and one nuclear (n) DNA segment (Fe-regulated transporter-like protein, ZIP). A total of 11 chloroplast haplotypes and six nuclear alleles were identified, and haplotypes unique to the QTP were recognized (C4, C5, C7 and N4). On the basis of molecular dating, haplotypes C4, C5 and C7 have separated from others around 1.58 Ma for cpDNA, which corresponds to the QTP uplift. In addition, this article suggests that the T. arvense populations in China are a mixture of diverged subpopulations as inferred by hT/vT test (hT ≤ vT, cpDNA) and positive Tajima’s D values (1.87, 0.05 < p < 0.10 for cpDNA and 3.37, p < 0.01 for nDNA). Multimodality mismatch distribution curves and a relatively large shared area of suitable environmental conditions between the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) as well as the present time recognized by MaxEnt software reject the sudden expansion population model.

To be or not to be horned—Consequences in cattle

In cattle, both males and females of horned breeds have permanent horns which are directly connected with the frontal sinuses of the skull and are growing during their entire life. To date a large proportion of cattle is disbudded or dehorned, or increasingly bred for polledness. This review explores the possible consequences of cattle having horns or not, both for the cattle themselves and for the farmers. During natural selection horns may have provided advantages concerning predator defence or in competition for mates and resources. Additionally, there are indications that horns serve as honest signals in mate selection, as they reflect individual health. Presence or absence of horns will likely affect quality and quantity of social interactions as well as social relationships in a herd. It clearly affects the way of cattle fighting. Only few studies deal with social behaviour in horned herds in comparison to hornless herds, and they rely on single herd observations or need to be interpreted with caution because of confounding factors. However, it appears that horned cattle attempt to keep greater inter-individual distances and resort less to physical interactions than hornless cattle, leading to more stable social relationships under suitable environmental conditions and management. Cattle may, furthermore, use horns for self-grooming of body regions which are otherwise out of reach. Even less is known on possible physiological functions of horns. While there is good evidence regarding a thermoregulatory function, other claimed functions, e.g. concerning digestion, have not been scientifically investigated yet. Although farmers in favour of keeping horned cattle, for instance for ethical reasons, are able to reduce the increased risk of animal injuries and human accidents by providing improved housing and management conditions and maintaining a good human–animal relationship, it may be economically advantageous to keep hornless cattle. If disbudding/dehorning is carried out, the consequences in terms of stress and pain can be alleviated by a combination of local anaesthesia and anti-inflammatory treatment, as well as sedation of animals insufficiently used to handling. However, possible negative side effects of sedation should be addressed in future studies. Furthermore, the possibility of longer lasting pain after disbudding/dehorning is not sufficiently investigated yet. Finally, it is an open question whether the removal of horns alters the social behaviour of the animals, or is a mere symptomatic measure to adjust them to husbandry conditions that are insufficiently adapted to the species-specific needs of cattle.

Adsorption and transport of methane in landfill cover soil amended with waste-wood biochars

The natural presence of methane oxidizing bacteria (MOB) in landfill soils can stimulate the bio-chemical oxidation of CH4 to CO2 and H2O under suitable environmental conditions. This mechanism can be enhanced by amending the landfill cover soil with organic materials such as biochars that are recalcitrant to biological degradation and are capable of adsorbing CH4 while facilitating the growth and activity of MOB within their porous structure. Several series of batch and small-scale column tests were conducted to quantify the CH4 sorption and transport properties of landfill cover soil amended with four types of waste hardwood biochars under different levels of amendment percentages (2, 5 and 10% by weight), exposed CH4 concentrations (0–1 kPa), moisture content (dry, 25% and 75% water holding capacity), and temperature (25, 35 and 45 °C). The linear forms of the pseudo second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model were used to determine the kinetics and the maximum CH4 adsorption capacity of cover materials. The maximum CH4 sorption capacity of dry biochar-amended soils ranged from 1.03 × 10−2 to 7.97 × 10−2 mol kg−1 and exhibited a ten-fold increase compared to that of soil with 1.9 × 10−3 mol kg−1. The isosteric heat of adsorption for soil was negative and ranged from −30 to −118 kJ/mol, while that of the biochar-amended soils was positive and ranged from 24 to 440 kJ/mol. The CH4 dispersion coefficients for biochar-amended soils obtained through predictive transport modeling indicated that amending the soil with biochar enhanced the methane transport rates by two orders of magnitude, thereby increasing their potential for enhanced exchange of gases within the cover system. Overall, the use of hardwood biochars as a cover soil amendment to reduce methane emissions from landfills appears to be a promising alternative to conventional soil covers.

Analysis of the expression of genes related to oxylipin biosynthesis in fusarium verticillioides and maize kernels during their interaction

Fusarium verticillioides is a pathogen that, nevertheless often asymptomatic, may cause ear and stalk rot in maize. F. verticillioides produces, under suitable environmental conditions, large amount of fumonisins, which is potential carcinogenic to humans and animals being classified as IARC2B. Recent studies demonstrated that the pathogen and the host exchange an oxylipin-based cross talk during their interaction. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether environmental conditions, namely water activity at 0.90 and 20°C, which are limiting for the pathogen development, may affect maize/fungal oxylipin genes expression profile during their interaction. Herein we showed that fungal Fvlds1-3, Fvlox, Zmlox3 and the maize defense-related ZmPR1 significantly changed their expression after infection at 0.90 aw and 20°C. Moreover, the expression of the maize genes peaked subsequently the peak of fungal genes expression. We suggest that, under these experimental conditions, the plant and the pathogen coordinated reciprocally oxylipin genes expression. This kind of modulation of fungal and plant gene expression was suggestive of the “zig zag model” as proposed for other plant-pathogen interaction system.