Activation of Defense Pathways: Synergism between Reactive Oxygen Species and Salicylic Acid and Consideration of Field Applicability

Treatment of tobacco with a mixture containing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and salicylic acid (SA) provided greater protection of tobacco against infection by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci than either treatment alone. Synergism in expression from the promoter of the defense gene PR-1a was also observed. Although the ROS hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid were poor inducers alone, they enhanced the level of -glucuronidase (GUS) activity expressed from the PR-1a promoter when applied with SA to a transgenic plant bearing a PR-1a::GUS fusion. PR-1a expression was not correlated with increased cell death as determined by Evans blue staining. There was no effect on the timing at which expression was increased by the mixture compared with the separate treatments. The mixture of hydrogen peroxide and SA partially mimicked the effect of a commercial product Oxycom that has field efficacy in improving plant performance. Repetitive applications of Oxycom enhanced expression from the PR-1a promoter and the production of the PR-1 protein. Enhanced activity occurred systemically both from aerial applications to single leaves and from root drenches. Root application strongly promoted veinal expression for the PR-1a promoter compared with confluent production in leaves of sprayed seedlings. Application methods and timing may aid in the success of activators of systemic acquired resistance in field conditions.     

The effect of timing of post-harvest foliar urea sprays on nitrogen absorption and partitioning in peach and nectarine trees

Summary

The effects of timing of autumn foliar urea-N sprays on nitrogen absorption and partitioning were studied in mature peach and nectarine trees. A 10% ¹⁵N enriched urea solution was applied by either dipping individual shoots in 1995 or spraying whole tree canopies in 1996. Trees whose canopies were sprayed during the post-harvest period with a 10% w:v urea solution in 1996 were excavated in the dormant season, and ¹⁵N contents and distribution were determined. Peach leaves rapidly absorbed urea-N irrespective of application date, and transport of urea-N to perennial tree parts occurred primarily within 4–7 d after application. Between 48 and 58% of the urea-N applied was recovered in abscinded leaves and perennial organs. Leaves exported ≥60% of the foliar-applied urea-N following application in early autumn (September or October), but <50% export occurred when applied shortly before leaf fall (November). Of the urea-N translocated, most was recovered in roots (≥38%) following application in September or October. Urea-N applied in November, however, remained largely in the current year wood (ca. 45%). Thus, export and translocation of foliar applied urea-N diminished during the final stages of leaf senescence. Foliar application of urea in September or October supplied the equivalent of about 20% of crop nitrogen content, but only 14% (i.e. ca. 30% lower) when applied shortly before leaf senescence in November.     

Improved solution for vitrification of Prochilodus lineatus embryos based on the reduction in risk factors: Toxicity,osmotic responses and ice‐nucleation

The objective of our work was to describe a low toxicity cryoprotectant solution that allowed vitreous solid formation. Embryos of Prochilodus lineatus were submitted to sensitivity evaluations of six internal cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulphoxide – Me₂SO, dimethyl acetamide – DMA, dimethyl formamide – DMF, methanol – MET, glycerol – GLY and 1,2‐propanediol – PROP) at concentrations of 1–6 M; and two external cryoprotectants (sucrose – SUC and glucose – GLU) at concentrations of 0.1–1 M for 20 min. The capacity of the cryoprotectant solutions to exchange heat with the medium and to form glassy solids was evaluated by immersing 10 μl of cryoprotectant in liquid nitrogen. The PROP had a high survival rate at all concentrations evaluated, and was the only substance that allowed a vitreous solid formation. Thus, it is concluded that the PROP‐6 M was the most adequate solution for embryonic vitrification processes, because heat exchange between the system (PROP 6 M/embryos/liquid nitrogen) was faster than for other cryoprotectants and combinations thereof; has low toxicity, promote high rates of dehydration in short periods, and reach the vitreous state, being a good candidate to be used in the tests of embryonic vitrification.     

Spatio-temporal distribution of mutton snapper and dog snapper spawning aggregations in the South-west Atlantic

1. Sites and periods of spawning aggregations of two important fishery resources, the mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis, and the dog snapper, Lutjanus jocu, were identified and validated along the Brazilian north-east coast (latitude 8–15°S) using exploratory analysis of catch per unit effort (CPUE) data, gonadosomatic index analysis, and gonad histology.
2. The CPUE analysis for both species allowed the identification of outliers and far outliers, representing fisheries with exceptional catches, which were used as proxies of possible aggregation.
3. The presence of pre-spawning and recent spawning signs (hydrated oocytes and post-ovulatory follicles) in the ovary of females caught at sites with recurrent records of high CPUE allowed the validation of spawning activity at those specific sites for each species. All aggregation sites identified in this study were located on the outer shelf, close to the shelf break, a region that has been declared an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area.
4. Comparison of two subregions showed significant differences in size structure of the fish sampled during landings, suggesting a fishing depletion effect in the north region.
5. For both species, reproduction peaked twice in all regions studied, with a more marked peak during summer. However, spawning activity was observed in almost every month of the year, suggesting that seasonal closures could be more effective if combined with spatial measures.
6. In the northern part of the study range, spawning grounds were found to lie just outside the boundaries of one of Brazil's largest marine protected areas. Inclusion of those grounds in the marine protected area would increase protection of these species and also mean increased protection of an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area, encompassing mesophotic reefs.
7. The identification of these spawning aggregations sites on the north-east coast of Brazil was conducted in collaboration with local fishers that traditionally use bottom handline. Co-management approaches are suggested in view of the importance of these fishing sites for traditional fishing communities that may also face threats due to encroachment of mobile fleets.

     

Bird species abundance–occupancy patterns and sensitivity to forest fragmentation: Implications for conservation in the Brazilian Atlantic forest

Developing a predictive theory for species responses to habitat fragmentation is a large, complex challenge in conservation biology, and meeting this challenge likely requires tailoring predictions to specific habitats and taxa. We evaluate the effects of fragmentation on forest birds living in three distinct forest ecosystems found in Brazilian Atlantic forest: seasonal semi-deciduous forest (SF), mixed rain forest (MF), and dense rain forest (DF). We test the hypotheses that (1) bird species most prevalent in SF (relative to other habitat types) will be least vulnerable to population declines in fragmented SF, and (2) species with stronger affiliations with DF or MF will be relatively more sensitive to fragmentation in SF. Using an exploratory statistical technique called “Rank Occupancy–Abundance Profiles (ROAPs),” we compared distribution and abundance of birds among large “continuous” areas of each forest type, then compared abundances in continuous SF forests with patterns of abundance in small fragments of SF, where edge effects could play a marked role in population dynamics. Overall, 39 species showed substantially lower local abundance, occupancy, or both in SF fragments versus continuous SF. As predicted, a higher proportion of bird species associated with DF appeared sensitive to fragmentation in SF; by contrast, species most abundant in SF and MF were similarly abundant in fragmented SF. Our study demonstrates how quantifying distribution and abundance in diverse habitats may enhance managers’ ability to incorporate species-specific responses to human disturbances in their conservation plans, and points out ways that even small reserves may have significant conservation value.     

Preliminary study on testicular germ cell isolation and transplantation in an endangered endemic species Brycon orbignyanus (Characiformes: Characidae)

Fish Physiology and Biochemistry - We aimed to develop a simplified protocol for transplantation of Brycon orbignyanus spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) into Astyanax altiparanae testes. Brycon...     

Priority knowledge needs for management of migratory fish species in Cambodia

Despite their economic and ecological importance, migratory fishes of the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) remain understudied, which hampers effective management to sustain valuable fisheries and address serious threats such as habitat degradation, development and overharvest. From a list of potential knowledge needs, a group of fisheries professionals most frequently identified six top priorities for managing migratory fishes in Cambodia: (1) population abundances and trends, (2) life cycles and life history, (3) migration timing and triggers, (4) migration routes and distances, (5) locations of key habitats and spawning areas, and (6) environmental and habitat requirements. These needs are discussed along with nine relevant methodologies for addressing them, including fisheries-dependent and fisheries-independent sampling, reproductive techniques and captive studies, otolith and genetic analysis tools, and tagging and imaging techniques. A suggested research framework is also presented to inform adaptive management of migratory fishes. While emphasis is given to Cambodia, the analysis is also applicable to other LMB countries, given that migratory fishes occur throughout the basin and migrate across borders. It is suggested that a robust research and monitoring agenda is required to prioritise knowledge needs and select appropriate methodologies to answer questions vital to inform sustainable migratory fish management in Cambodia.