Third Week Of June Research Articles

Studies on the collection and evaluation of bael cultivars

The present investigation was carried out at Research Orchard of Department of Horticulture, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications and three cultivars. The plant height (5.82 m), stem girth (63.7 cm) and spread of plants (6.24 x 5.92 m) were found maximum in NB-7. The flowering started from 1st week of June to third week of June in cultivar NB-5 and Ist week to 2nd week of June in NB-7 and NB-9. The maximum fruit weight (2.50 kg) was observed in NB-7. Whereas minimum fruit weight (1.32 kg) was recorded in NB-5. Maximum TSS (30.2%) was recorded in NB-9 followed by NB-5 (29.7%). However, maximum yield (52 kg) was recorded in NB-7 and minimum (23 kg) in the NB-5.

Variability in flowering behaviour and physico-chemical traits of bael (Aegle marmelos) cultivars under subtropical conditions

Nine cultivars of bael (Aegle marmelos Correa.) were evaluated under subtropical conditions at Experimental Research Farm of ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow, in Randomized Block Design for two consecutive years, i.e. 2016 and 2017. The maximum terminal leaf length (13.50 cm) and breadth (8.40 cm) were recorded in cv. CISH-B-2, lateral leaf length (10.38 cm) in CISH-B-2 and lateral leaf breadth (6.54 cm) in NB-5. The flowering period started from 15th May and continued till 29th June with peak flowering observed during the second and third week of June. Fruit weight ranged 0.746 kg to 1.80 kg, fruit circumference from 37.5 to 50.01 cm and fruit length from 9.10–17.20 cm. Similarly, seeds/fruit varied from 82–156, number of seed sacs per fruit 11–18, seed percentage 0.36–1.08%, shell weight 0.150–0.548 g, shell percentage 14.46–21.54%, shell thickness 1.6–3.4mm. Pulp percentage varied from 57.63–82.39%. Rich variability was recorded in some biochemical traits of the fruits. The study exemplifes that ample variability is available in bael cultivars which may be utilized for improving production and productivity.

Projections for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and evaluation of epidemic response strategies for India

BackgroundThe World Health Organization on 11 March 2020, declared COVID-19 as a pandemic. India initiated social distancing measures to combat the epidemic of COVID-19. The course of the epidemic of COVID-19 for India was predicted using stochastic probability–based mathematical modeling. MethodsData synthesis for the top few countries affected was studied for various factors affecting the epidemic. For projections of infected cases for India, the modified susceptible-exposed-infectious-removed/recovered framework modified for the effect of social distancing (Rho) was used. Simulation was carried out for 10,000 runs using Python. Projections for infected cases and hospitalization requirement were estimated. ResultsThe epidemic curve will peak in the third week of June in India with 17,525,869 and 2,153,200 infected people with reproduction number of 1.8 and Rho of 0.7 and 0.6, respectively. Compared with the baseline scenario of no social distancing, for transmissibility with R0 = 1.8, the reduction in infections due to social distancing measure is 78% (Rho = 0.7) and 97% (Rho = 0.6). Similarly for R0 = 2.2 and 2.4, the reduction in infected numbers slightly lowers to 62% and 66% with Rho = 0.7 and 92% and 75% with Rho = 0.6, respectively. With R0 = 1.8 and Rho = 0.6, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed requirement is 107,660, whereas if transmissibility is high, the ICU bed requirement would increase to 1,994,682. ConclusionsThe social distancing measures seem to have been working for India in absence of treatment in sight for COVID-19. Although with the government's response strategy of social distancing, the peak of the epidemic is extended giving more months for preparedness to the country; however, the sustainability of these measures is uncertain.

Species-specific responses to habitat and livestock management call for carefully targeted conservation strategies for declining meadow birds

In recent decades, upland hay-meadows underwent large transformations due to the modernization of livestock husbandry system. Such changes impacted on biodiversity, but their consequences on the upper levels of the food web (e.g. birds) are largely unknown. Grassland specialists could respond differently to landscape structure and management practices, and such potentially different responses should be integrated into conservation and management strategies.To elucidate the effect of meadow characteristics on avian grassland specialists, we considered three declining bird species regularly found in European meadowlands.We compared their mean densities at 63 landscape plots in the Italian Alps with that reported from other studies and analysed their environmental preferences in relation to landscape (composition and structural elements), management (meadow fertilization and mowing calendar), topographic (slope and elevation), and spatial predictors. Shedding light on their ecological requirements, we identify possible causes of long-term decline as well as conservation strategies for grassland specialists.Mean territory density of ground-nesting species (whinchat, 0.75 territory/10 ha, and tree pipit, 0.42 territory/10 ha) resulted lower than most other estimates obtained in the Alps; conversely, the density of the shrub-nesting red-backed shrike (1.97 territory/10 ha) was comparable to that of many other Alpine areas. Meadow conversion into other crops and the modern livestock husbandry (i.e. first mowing performed before the end of the third week of June, made possible by meadow overfertilization) have likely contributed to regional depletion of whinchat and tree pipit populations, especially below 900–1000 m asl.Heterogeneous landscapes dominated by grassland, with large extents of unimproved meadows, close to meadows interspersed with isolated trees, hedgerows and ecotones, could accommodate the ecological preferences of multiple grassland specialists. As such landscapes have become increasingly rarer, the remaining ones must be preserved via integrated plans for sustainable mountain development.

The Effectiveness of Phytochemical Components and Climatic Factors on Population Fluctuation of the Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch on Sweet Pea and Pea Crops

Studies were conducted to define the level infestations of sweet pea and pea crops to the infestation of the spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, and its predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) during two successive seasons (2016-2017 and 2016-2017) at El- Ayyat - Giza Governorate. Results appeared that the infestation of two cultivars by T. urticae was begun in the first week of October under greenhouse conditions. Progressively increased till its peaks in the third week of June for (sweet pea) and in the first week of February for (pea) during the two successive seasons. Through two consecutive seasons, sweet pea cultivar was the most highly sensitive than pea, arranged in a descending order as follows: sweet pea (75.58, 74.37 and 74.19%), (76.30, 75.87 and 74.95%) and pea (24.41, 25.62 and 25.80%), (23.96, 23.51 and 25.04%). Subsequently, sweet pea cultivar highly susceptible (36.62±3.236), (47.75±4.395) and (45.73±4.193) adult, immature and egg, respectively in season 2017-2018 and the lowest infested are pea cultivar (10.71±1.249) (13.66±1.632 ) and (14.61±1.729) adult, immature and egg, respectively in season 2016-2017. Cultivars (sweet pea and pea) contain remarkable rates of the predatory mite, A. swirskii through two successive seasons. Phytochemical contents were evaluated in uninfested and infested leaves at peak infestation and the final season of 2017. In addition, there is a positive relationship between mite infestation levels and total carbohydrates and nitrogen in sweet pea and pea leaves, however a negative relationship found with total phenolic compounds. Infested leaves of sweet pea and pea cultivars contained a low concentration of phosphate and potassium (1.065, 2.165) & (0.54, 1.17) at the late season.

Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) Germination Pattern and its Impact on Control Strategies1

Abstract Field trials were conducted by Virginia Master Naturalists to determine the germination period for Japanese stiltgrass and its impact on timing of postemergence herbicide applications. Germination rates declined from April to June, with no germination seen after mid-June. Glyphosate applications in early May significantly reduced Japanese stiltgrass cover that month, but post-treatment germination resulted in approximately 25% cover by October, with 78% cover seen in untreated plots. However, no Japanese stiltgrass was observed in October when glyphosate was applied in either the third week of June or the third week of July. A single application of glyphosate was effective for Japanese stiltgrass control if applications are made in June after new germination had ceased, verified by multi-year herbicide field trials. Field trials conducted by Virginia Tech showed preemergence applications of prodiamine reduced Japanese stiltgrass stand from 30 to 94%, depending on rate and timing, but even in the most effective treatment there was still at least 19% cover by August. Prodiamine treatments that utilized May applications were more effective for crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) control than for Japanese stiltgrass, supporting the earlier germination pattern for Japanese stiltgrass. Inclusion of this work in this paper provides a more complete picture of the treatment options for Japanese stiltgrass. A timed postemergence herbicide application may be a better control option for this weed than use of a preemergence herbicide application. Index words: herbicide application, invasive plants, weed control. Chemicals used in this study: Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine)], prodiamine (2,6-Dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-benzenediamine). Species used in this study: Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A Camus.).

Disaster Management Dynamics – An Analysis of Chaos from the Flash Flood (2013) in the Fragile Himalayan System

Abstract Managing a disaster is a very complex issue in which both the people and the affected region of the particular country are involved. In disasters, the vision of reality entails proper understanding of complexity, uncertainty and instability in the backdrop of nonlinear dynamics. Decision making in case of disasters is a nonlinear thread which has to wind its way through various rhythms and systems that range from ground reality to management operations. The Uttarakhand disaster of 2013 is not a simple straight line extension of a house fire or an automobile accident. It is a mixed web of complexity, nonlinearity, instability and chaos. Maintaining hierarchy in decision making and managing a disaster of such magnitude in public domain has been found to be ineffective in operations. The theory of chaos and the science of complexity can lead to better disaster management options. In fact, chaos theory provides viable framework for management of natural disasters. Chaos theory describes how the human society influences the reality. Indeed, in some degrees, the society relevant for the region creates it. In the Indian Himalayas in Uttarakhand state, during the third week of June 2013, intermittent and unprecedented precipitation covering large area led to flash floods and landslides. They carried away everything resulting in colossal loss of life and property. Incoherencies in management occurred mainly because of lack of understanding of nonlinear dynamics and deterministic chaos in natural phenomena and a fixed approach i.e. ‘mode lock-in’ approach in decision making. In this article, the disaster situation is established to have been initiated due to forces of deterministic chaos. On this basis, some suggestions are formulated where help of the chaos theory may prove congenial to decision making.

Toward the next Common Agricultural Policy reform: Determinants of avian communities in hay meadows reveal current policy's inadequacy for biodiversity conservation in grassland ecosystems

AbstractSemi‐natural grasslands are among the richest European ecosystems in terms of biodiversity. However, they have been severely affected by farming intensification and land abandonment, which have been both exacerbated by the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The most recentCAPincluded a “greening” measure dedicated to grassland conservation, presumed to be beneficial to biodiversity; however, scientific evidence about its effectiveness is still scarce.In the Alps, hay meadows have undergone dramatic management changes in recent decades. We used a comprehensive community ecology approach to highlight how the multi‐scale and interacting effects of such changes impact birds, with the aim of providing knowledge to support improvements to theCAP.Birds were surveyed at 63 landscape units in northeast Italy, equally subdivided into areas dominated by (a) extensive hay meadows, (b) intensive hay meadows, and (c) areas formerly dominated by meadows but partially converted into other agricultural land use. This environmental gradient mirrors in space the temporal gradient of the agricultural changes that have recently occurred in the Alps.Community composition, species richness, and the number of meadow‐specialist species were analysed according to environmental predictors (i.e. landscape, meadow management, and topography), and to spatial factors. We aimed to disentangle the exclusive and joint fraction of variation explained by each of them.Meadow conversion, allowed by theCAPin force, created a shift in community composition towards assemblages dominated by generalist species at the expense of meadow specialists. The cover of intensive meadows was negatively correlated with species richness, whereas the number of meadow specialists was negatively correlated with the cover of early‐mown (i.e. within the third week of June) meadows. Mowing date was, in turn, related to elevation, with meadows at higher elevations mown later in the season, and to meadow intensification (the use of external inputs, in particular liquid manure, leads to earlier and more frequent cuts per year).Policy implications. Our study confirms the concerns about effectiveness of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy greening grassland measure in conserving biodiversity in those ecosystems. We suggest rethinking the Common Agricultural Policy environmental prescriptions to account for the importance of meadow management in determining bird diversity patterns in Alpine hay meadows. Finally, we highlight market‐based conservation strategies as complementary approaches for preserving grassland biodiversity.

Comparative study of some fruit quality characteristics of two of <i>Annona cherimola</i> Mill. grown in southern Italy

This work aimed to analyse the differences between fruits obtained by different harvest dates in two cultivars Annona cherimola (Fino de Jete and Campas) planted in Southern Italy. The fruits selected at the fruit-set time were harvested when 1500 Degree Day were accumulated. Fruits were sampled from October to December when 1500 Growing Degree Days (DD) were accumulated from fruit-set. Fruit fresh weight and skin colour were measured at harvest and after storage. The following parameters were also measured: Fruit shape, pulp colour, pulp firmness, number of seeds, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total polyphenol content, total antioxidant capacity and fruit dry weight. An MFA was carried out. In the first phase of the MFA, a PCA was performed for each group of quantitative variables (PPCA). Then, the variables were divided into five groups: Carpological (CR), colourimetric (CL), maturation index (MI), nutraceutical (NU), and Environmental (Env). All relations between the variables and the formation of the factors were affected. The multifactorial factor analysis has allowed evaluating the role that the different groups of variables, taken into consideration, have in defining the time harvest. In order to have fruits of regular shape and size, the harvest must be carried out within the last ten days of October, involving the pollinated flower within the third week of June. About the size and regularity of the fruit, from the third week of June, it appears to be borderline, as the fruits are smaller in size, with fewer seeds, but still, guarantee size and shape that falls within the quality standards of the Annona cherimola. Between the two cultivars, Fino de Jete cultivar is more sensitive to temperature increases during the pollination period than the Campas cultivar.

Enhanced Surveillance of Heat-Related Illness in Pinal County

ObjectiveUsing a syndromic surveillance system to understand the magnitude and risk factors related to heat-related illness (HRI) in Pinal County, AZ.IntroductionExtreme heat is a major cause of weather-related morbidity and mortality in the United States (US).1 HRI is the most frequent cause of environmental exposure-related injury treated in US emergency departments.2 More than 65,000 emergency room visits occur for acute HRI each summer nationwide.3 In Arizona, HRI accounts for an estimated 2,000 emergency room patients and 118 deaths each year.4 As heat-related illness becomes increasingly recognized as a public health issue, local health departments are tasked with building capacity to conduct enhanced surveillance of HRI in order to inform public health preparedness and response efforts. In Pinal County, understanding the magnitude and risk factors of HRI is important for informing prevention efforts as well as developing strategies to respond to extreme heat.MethodsTo gain a better understanding of the magnitude of HRI in Pinal County, historical cases were reviewed from hospital discharge data (HDD) from 2010-2016. Cases were included if the discharge record included any ICD codes consistent with HRI (ICD-9 codes 992 or ICD-10 codes T67 or X30) and if the patient’s county of residence was Pinal County. Recent HRI cases during the summer of 2017 were identified using the National Syndromic Surveillance Program BioSense Platform. The ESSENCE syndromic surveillance tool within the BioSense Platform includes data reported by local hospitals. This data can be used to detect abnormal activity for public health investigation. HRI cases were identified in ESSENCE based on ICD-10 codes and chief complaint terms according to a standardized algorithm developed by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists.1 Both emergency department and admitted patients with a HRI were abstracted from HDD and ESSENCE. To assess HRI risk factors for the summer of 2017, a survey instrument was developed. Survey questions included the nature and location of the HRI incident, potential risk factors, and knowledge and awareness of HRI. Cases were identified in ESSENSE on a weekly basis from May 1, 2017-September 12, 2017, and follow up phone interviews were conducted with eligible cases. For HRI cases eligible for interview, three attempts were made to contact the patient by phone. Cases were excluded if the patient was incarcerated, deceased, or did not have a HRI upon medical record review. An exploratory analysis was performed for the data from HDD, ESSENCE, and interviews.ResultsPinal County Public Health Services District identified 1,321 HRI cases from 2010-2016, an average of 189 per year. Hospital discharge data suggest HRI cases are more likely to occur in males between the ages of 20-44 years old (27%). It is also notable that a sharp increase in HRI cases is observed each year in mid-to-late June, with an estimated 14% of annual cases occurring during the third week of June. Further analysis of HDD showed 31% of cases received medical treatment in Casa Grande in central Pinal County. Between May 1st and September 12th of 2017, 161 HRI cases were detected using ESSENCE. Of which 149 cases were determined to be HRI; 22 cases did not have contact information, and 4 cases were ineligible due to incarceration or death. A total of 31 HRI cases were interviewed out of the eligible 123 ESSENSE cases (25% response rate). Interview data indicated occupational exposure to extreme heat as a major risk factor for HRI. Additional risk factors reported during interviews included exposure to extreme heat while at home or traveling, although interview results are not representative due to a small sample size (n=31).ConclusionsSyndromic surveillance combined with interviews and a review of HDD provides an informative approach for monitoring and responding to HRI. Data suggest Pinal County should expect an increase in HRI cases by mid-June each year, typically coinciding with the first National Weather Service Extreme Heat Warning of the season. Preliminary results suggest that cases occur more frequently in working males ages 20-44 years old in occupations that expose workers to extreme heat conditions. Additional information is needed to assess risk factors for HRI among vulnerable populations in Pinal County who were not represented in this study, including individuals who are homeless, undocumented, elderly, or in correctional facilities. Future areas for improvement include improving the phone interview script to include English and Spanish language versions and performing medical record abstractions on all HRI cases. Enhanced syndromic surveillance is recommended to provide information on risk factors for HRI to inform prevention efforts in Pinal County.

The Role of Predators Insects in Regulating Population Densities of Certain Piercing Sucking Pests on Squash Plants in Egypt

Studieswere carried out at Diarb Negim, Sharkia governorate during two successiveseasons 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. Obtained results showed that in autumnplantation, there were two peaks of Aphis gossypii (Glover) on squashplants, one peak at last week ofNovember and other at third week of December in 2014 season. On the other hand,Bemisia tabci (Genn.) had three peaks, in second week of November, firstweek of December and third week of December in 2014 season and two peaks ofinfestation in fourth week of November and December in 2015 season of autumnplantation while, three peaks in summer plantation were obtained on fourth weekof (April &May) and second week of June in 2015 season respectively.Investigation revealed that, squash plants infested by few numbers of thripsduring autumn plantation throughout the two seasons. Statistical analysis ofthe obtained data cleared highly negative correlation between aphid&whitefly and temperature in autumn plantation in both seasons. Also, themean R.H showed a positive significant correlation on population density of A.gossypii in second season 2015 of autumn plantation. In summer plantation,the minimum R.H% showed a negative correlation with Orius spp.population and a positive significant correlation with C. carnea populationin the first season 2015. The predaceous insects found associated with pericingsucking pests were Orius spp., Coccinella undecimpuncta L.,Chrysoperla carnea Steph., Metasyrphus corolla F. and few number of Paederusalferii (Koch ) and true spider. Theresults revealed that Orius spp. had three peak in two season in autumnplantation, in first and third week of November, and third week of December inboth seasons respectively. Meanwhile there was two peaks in first week of Mayand third week of June in 2015 season of summer plantation. Chrysoperlacarnea had two peaks in autumn plantation during two seasons, third week ofNovember, second week in December in 2014 and fourth week of November, thirdweek of December in 2015 respectively. Also two peaks in summer plantationduring 2015 season in first week of April and second week of June.

Morphological Description and Evaluation of Six Newly- Introduced Grape Cultivars under Egyptian Conditions.

Six newly-introduced grape cultivars nemely Arra 30, Arra 29, Arra 13, Arra 24, Arra 27, and Arra 15, were investigated in three successive seasons ( 2014, 2015 & 2016) for description and evaluation under Egyptian conditions.The cultivars were grown in a private vineyard situated at Birqash region – Giza governorate, Egypt. Vines were planted in sandy soil spaced 3X2 meters apart and irrigated by drip irrigation system and supported by Gable system. The study included time of bud burst, young shoots, young leaves, shoot, and time of bloom, flower, mature leaf, beside determining time of ripening, Bunch, berry, Tss, Acidity, Tss / acid ratio, and seed formation.The studied cultivars were characterized by good vegetative growth and good fruit quality. The tips of the studied cultivars were fully open Color of upper side of blade for the young leaf was green with anthocyanin spots in Arra 30, Arra 29, and Arra 24, but dark copper- red in Arra 13, and Arra 27, while light copper-red in Arra 15. The internode was long, thick and number of consecutive tendrils were less than three in all cultivars. The tip of tendril was tri-fid in Arra 29 & 15 while di-fid in Arra 13, it was di-tri in Arra 30,Arra 24 and Arra 27. The length of tendril was very long in Arra 30, Arra 29, and Arra15 and long in Arra 13, Arra 24 and Arra 27. Entire of cultivars had flowers with male and female parts fully stamens and developed gynoecium in all studied cultivars. The shape of blade was circular in Arra 27, and Arra 15, and pentagonal in the other cultivars. Depth of upper lateral sinuses was shallow in Arra 29 , Arra 27 and Arra 15 while was very deep in Arra 30 , Arra 13, and Arra 24. Arrangement of lobes of upper lateral sinuses was closed in Arra 27, and Arra 15, but slightly overlapped in the others . Petiole sinus slightly open at Arra 30, Arra 24, and Arra 15, wheaser half open in Arra 13, and Arra 27, and wide open in Arra 29. Petiole shape was u- shape in Arra 29, , Arra 13, and Arra 24, while it was v-u shape at the others. Length of petiole as compared to middle vein was moderately shorter as well as sinus limited by veins which was constantly absent in all cultivars. Anthocyanin pigment of main veins on the upper side of blades was strong in Arra 30, very low in Arra 29, low in Arra 24, and absent in the others. Yield / Feedan data showed that consequently for the studies cultivars were Arra 15> Arra 29 > Arra 30> Arra 27> Arra 24> Arra 13.Bunch weight of all studied cultivars was big, bunch shape was shouldered in Arra 30, Arra 27, and Arra 15, conical in Arra 29, and Arra 13, while winged in Arra 24. Berry shape in Arra 30, Arra 13, and Arra 15, was cylindrical and obtuse ovoid in Arra 29, And Arra 27, while broad ellipsoid in Arra 24. Berry color in Arra 30, and Arra 15, light green, while bright red in Arra 29, reddish black in Arra 24, dark red violet in Arra 13, and blue black in Arra 27. Formation of seeds was absent in Arra 29 and Arra 15, but rudimentary in the others (All cultivars seedless). Arra 24, ripened in the last week of May, Arra 30, and Arra 29, in the second week of June, Arra 13, in the third week of June while Arra 27, and Arra 15, in the third week of July. Woody shoot for the studied cultivar was yellowish brown expect Arra 13, which was dark brown and the relief surface for all cultivars was striate. Bud fertility lengthwise the cane increased gradually from the basal buds to middle buds than decreased gradually towards the distal buds, except with the variety Arra 13, as it increased at the basal buds then steadiness at middle and distal bud. It can be recommended to prune Arra 30, Arra 29, Arra 27, Arra 24, and Arra 15, to cane pruning system ( 8-10 buds / cane ) while Arra 13, to be pruned according to the spur pruning system ( 2 buds).

Ecological Studies on Cotton Mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: ‎ Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) on Eggplant at ‎ Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

Field experiments were conducted on cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) which infested eggplant at Hihhya distract, Sharkia Governorate during two successive seasons 2015 and 2016. The population density, activity periods, the effects of some weather factors, number of insect generations and preferable leaf surface of of P. solenopsis were considered. The obtained results revealed that the total numbers of a live stages had four peaks of activity during the first season. They were in third week of June, third week of July, fourth week of August and second week of September. While, during the second season, three peaks of activity were noticed in the last week of June, first week of August and second week of September. The total effects of some weather factors such as maximum and minimum air temperature (˚C) and relative humidity percentage (R.H.%) showed positive significant relationship with the cotton mealybug population. P. solenopsis had three generations during the first and second seasons the first generation was taken seven weeks. While, the second and third generations took sex weeks. The first generation was during the period extended from the third week of May till the end of June, the second one took place from the first week of July till the second week of August and the third one was during the period extended from the third week of August till the third week of September. The insect pest preferred the lower leaf surface than the upper one during the first and second seasons.

Living on the Edge: Contrasted Wood-Formation Dynamics in Fagus sylvatica and Pinus sylvestris under Mediterranean Conditions.

Wood formation in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) was intra-annually monitored to examine plastic responses of the xylem phenology according to altitude in one of the southernmost areas of their distribution range, i.e., in the Moncayo Natural Park, Spain. The monitoring was done from 2011 to 2013 at 1180 and 1580 m a.s.l., corresponding to the lower and upper limits of European beech forest in this region. Microcores containing phloem, cambium and xylem were collected biweekly from twenty-four trees from the beginning of March to the end of November to assess the different phases of wood formation. The samples were prepared for light microscopy to observe the following phenological phases: onset and end of cell production, onset and end of secondary wall formation in xylem cells and onset of cell maturation. The temporal dynamics of wood formation widely differed among years, altitudes and tree species. For Fagus sylvatica, the onset of cambial activity varied between the first week of May and the third week of June. Cambial activity then slowed down and stopped in summer, resulting in a length of growing season of 48–75 days. In contrast, the growing season for P. sylvestris started earlier and cambium remained active in autumn, leading to a period of activity varying from 139-170 days. The intra-annual wood-formation pattern is site and species-specific. Comparison with other studies shows a clear latitudinal trend in the duration of wood formation, positive for Fagus sylvatica and negative for P. sylvestris.

Modelling population densities of root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus thornei) from soil profile temperatures to choose an optimum sowing date for wheat in a subtropical region

The root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus thornei is widely distributed in many wheat growing countries and is particularly damaging to wheat in subtropical environments. This study aimed to investigate by simulation the effects of soil profile temperatures after different sowing dates on reproduction of P. thornei in susceptible and moderately resistant wheat cultivars in the subtropical grain region of eastern Australia. A quadratic regression model relating P. thornei population densities to thermal time was produced from experimental data for susceptible, intolerant wheat cv. Gatcher and moderately resistant, tolerant wheat cv. GS50a, and applied to soil profile temperatures after four sowing dates from 25 April to 24 July. Simulated final population densities of P. thornei throughout the soil profile to 60cm depth were least at 18 weeks after 25 May sowing. For Gatcher and GS50a, respectively, there were 5.7 and 3.5 times as many nematodes after 24 July sowing as after 25 May sowing, 2.0 and 1.6 after 24 June, and 1.4 and 1.3 after 25 April sowings. GS50a had 78% (May) to 86% (July) fewer nematodes in the soil profile than Gatcher. These simulations indicated that an optimum sowing date can be chosen to limit P. thornei reproduction in both susceptible and moderately resistant wheat cultivars. Gatcher had a 61% increase in measured grain yield and GS50a had an 8% increase from sowing in late May rather than in the third week of June. Sowing wheat at an optimum time in subtropical grain regions to ensure roots grow in cool soil can be a useful component of integrated management by reducing the rate of P. thornei reproduction and increasing grain yield.

Monitoring and testing different doses of disparlure for Indian gypsy moth, Lymantria obfuscata, in a temperate region of India (Kashmir Valley)

Pheromone traps with different doses of disparlure [(Z)-7,8-epoxy-2-methyloctadecane] were tested for a local strain of the Indian gypsy moth (Lymantria obfuscata) at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (India). Disparlure at 500 µg dose proved to be effective in trapping gypsy moth populations. The first adults were caught on the third week of June in 2007-2009 with peak catches a week later. Catches in disparlure-baited traps at all dosage levels (0.5, 50 and 500 µg) were significantly higher as compared to control traps. The regression equation revealed strong (99%) correlation between moth catches and applied doses. The accumulated degree day model predicted 65.31 to 117.97 heat units for larval hatch and 794.66 to 928.15 heat units for adult emergence. The principal component analysis showed significant variability between weather variables and adult L. obfuscata population.

The Ecology and Control of Potato Whitegrubs of India

Whitegrubs are the most destructive and troublesome soil insects, impeding potato production especially in hilly states of India. In hills, the potatoes are grown during the summer season as a rain-fed crop under long-day conditions on sloppy lands with light and loose-textured soils. There are nearly 20 species of whitegrubs which attack potato in different parts of India. The most widely distributed and destructive species in India are Brahmina coriacea, Holotrichia longipennis, Anomala dimidiata, Melolontha indica, Lepidiota mansueta and Holotrichia serrata. H. serrata is found throughout Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, whereas B. coriacea and H. longipennis are restricted to the northern parts of India. The economic importance of chaffers is primarily due to feeding activity of the third instar grubs. The infected tubers have scooped out holes or half-eaten tubers which are rendered unfit for marketing. The damage to potato tubers has been reported to vary from 8.5 to 75.0% especially in hilly regions of the country. In India, the biology of B. coriacea, H. longipennis, A. dimidiata, Anomala lineatopennis and H. serrata has been studied and all species complete a life cycle in 1 year. Some species like M. indica and L. mansueta are expected to require 2–3 years to complete their development. The whitegrubs are polyphagous, and no single method of control provides permanent solution for the whitegrub problem. Hand collection of adults at the time of emergence has been practised as a measure of control. The beetles can be conveniently killed by spraying the host trees with some potent contact insecticides when consistent beetle emergence is there. Soil application of chlorpyriphos 20EC at 2.5 kg a.i./ha and phorate 10G at 3.0 kg a.i./ha has been reported effective against whitegrubs. Applying the preventive insecticide around the third week in June will have the insecticide in place when eggs begin to hatch. The cultural practices to be followed in the integrated management of whitegrubs include repeated ploughing, hoeing and forking to expose the grubs and fall/spring ploughing to expose the pupae and hibernating adults.

Resident Greater Yellowlegs on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia

Resident Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) were monitored over a fiveyear period (2010-2014) at four sites within a selected 30 km by 30 km section on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada, to see if the sites are regular annual breeding territories. Three sites were occupied every year, while the fourth was only occupied in one year. There is evidence that adults arrive on site as bonded pairs, arriving as early as the third week of April, which is in advance of the peak in the seasonal continental migration. Brooding and chick rearing through May and early June enable fledgingby the third week of June. Adults leave by about mid-July; juveniles have remained on site until late August. Encroachment by forestry and recreational activities appears to have been accommodated by nesting pairs.

Foreword

In the third week of June, the Law Society and the Royal College of Psychiatrists jointly hosted a very well attended two-day conference on reform of mental health law (day one) and the law relating to mental incapacity (day two), entitled ‘Make up your mind’. What emerged both from the presentations and from questions and comments ‘from the floor’, was widespread and strong opposition to many of the mental health legislative reform proposals set out in the White Paper of December 2000, and equally widespread and strong support for long-awaited legislation in the field of mental incapacity. The following week the Draft Mental Health Bill was published.<br />However a Mental Incapacity Bill would still appear to be some way off.

El exilio incómodo: México y los refugiados judíos, 1933-1945

El exilio incómodo: México y los refugiados judíos, 1933-1945