Development of EST-SSR in foxtail millet (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Setaria italica</Emphasis>)

The development of EST-SSR in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) for polymorphism and transferability study was reported here. From 1213 EST sequences, 30 SSRs were obtained and primers were designed for 26 SSRs. Among them, four pairs of SSR primers amplified polymorphic products in 12 foxtail millet cultivars and one accession of Setaria viridis, a wild relative of foxtail millet, with 10 alleles detected for the four loci and 2.5 alleles per locus. In addition, ten SSR markers could be transferred to other nine Gramineae species. The putative functions of 11 ESTs containing polymorphic and transferable SSRs were also identified.     

Near-infrared spectroscopy for analysis of chemical and microbiological properties of forest soil organic horizons in a heavy-metal-polluted area

In industrial areas, heavy metals may accumulate in forest soil organic horizons, affecting soil microorganisms and causing changes in the chemical composition of the accumulated organic matter. The objectives of this study were to test the ability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to detect heavy metal effects on the chemical composition of forest soil O horizons and to test whether NIRS may be used to quantitatively determine total and exchangeable concentrations of Zn and Pb (Zn_t, Pb_t, Zn_ex, Pb_ex) and other chemical and microbial properties in forest soil O horizons polluted with heavy metals. The samples of O horizons (n = 79) were analyzed for organic C (C_org), total N and S (N_t, S_t), Zn_t, Pb_t, Zn_ex, Pb_ex, basal respiration (BR), microbial biomass (C_mic) and C_mic-to-C_org ratio. Spectra of the samples were recorded in the Vis-NIR range (400–2,500 nm). To detect heavy-metal-induced changes in the chemical composition of O horizons principal components (PC1–PC7) based on the spectral data were regressed against Zn_t + Pb_t values. A modified partial least squares method was used to develop calibration models for prediction of various chemical and microbial properties of the samples from their spectra. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between PC3 and PC5 (r = −0.27 and −0.34, respectively) and Zn_t + Pb_t values, indicating an effect of heavy metal pollution on the spectral properties of the O horizons and thus on their chemical composition. For quantitative estimations, the best calibration model was obtained for C_org-to-N_t ratio (r = 0.98). The models for C_org, N_t, and microbial properties were satisfactory but less accurate. NIRS failed to accurately predict S_t, C_org-to-S_t, Zn_t, Pb_t, Zn_ex, and Pb_ex.     

Spatial patterns of diversity and genetic erosion of traditional cassava (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Manihot esculenta</Emphasis> Crantz) in the Peruvian Amazon: An evaluation of socio-economic and environmental indicators

This study evaluates quantitatively the suitability of the use of site-specific socio-economic and environmental data as indicators to rapidly assess patterns of diversity and genetic erosion risk in cassava. Socio-economic data as well as farmers’ estimation of genetic erosion were collected in the study area, the Ucayali region of the Peruvian Amazon, through interviews with 285 cassava farmers in 50 communities, while diversity was assessed based on agromorphological characterization of 295 cassava accessions. Using multivariate regression analyses, 50 and 45% of the variation in respectively diversity and genetic erosion estimation could be explained by a selected set of socio-economic and environmental indicators. In both regression models four out of the total of 38 variables proved to contribute significantly (at p < 0.10 level). Additionally, the study revealed that farmers are a good direct source of information on the diversity present at community level, which can contribute to the development of methodologies to assess diversity more rapidly. The results of this study are valuable for the development of models to rapidly assess diversity dynamics in large areas.     

Genetic diversity of potato landraces from northwestern Argentina assessed with simple sequence repeats (SSRs)

Andean potato varieties are cultivated in the northwest of Argentina and constitute the most important staple food for the local farmers. The genetic diversity of 155 accessions conserved at the Genebank of Balcarce (INTA) was tested using four microsatellites. Three commercial potato varieties of Tuberosum group and one accession of Curtilobum group were used as outgroups. The presence of bands was scored for each microsatellite and for each accession and the data were analysed by principal coordinate analysis. The polymorphism information content was obtained for each molecular marker from banding patterns. Analysis of molecular variance was carried out with a variable number of accessions for each landrace, from different departments and sites within departments. More than one genotype was detected in the majority of the potato landraces. Some accessions within each landrace did not differentiate. AMOVA revealed that most of the genetic variation occurred among sites within departments and among local varieties. These findings are discussed considering the agricultural practices carried out in the Andean farming system.     

Factors influencing the occurrence and severity of farm accidents: comparing work-related and nonwork-related events

Economic incentives are emerging as useful preventive approaches to motivating farmers to adopt safer farming and managerial practices. The effectiveness of these programs and incentives will be enhanced by focusing resources on factors that play a critical role in contributing to farm accidents and the injury severity. A primary objective is to identify and assess the relative impact of factors that jointly influence the probability of work-related farm accidents relative to nonwork-related accidents and the severity of farm accidents. The model uses survey data on producer characteristics, farm organization, and work routines from the Georgia Healthy Farmers Project (GHFP). A probit model describing the factors that influence the probability of a work-related accident is estimated jointly with an ordered probit model for farm accident severity. The probit model indicates that older farmers and hired farm workers have higher probabilities of experiencing work-related accidents relative to nonwork-related events. Significant variables that influence the severity of farm accidents are more difficult to identify from the ordered probit models for both work-related and nonwork-related farm accidents.     

Diversity among landraces of Indian snapmelon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucumis melo</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">momordica</Emphasis>)

Diversity among 36 snapmelon landraces, collected from 2 agro-ecological regions of India (9 agro-climatic sub-regions), was assayed using RAPD primers, morphological traits of plant habit and fruit, 2 yield-associated traits, pest and disease resistance and biochemical composition (TSS, ascorbic acid, titrable acidity). Typical differences among accessions were observed in plant and fruit characteristics and snapmelon germplasm with high titrable acidity and possessing resistance to downy mildew, Cucumber mosaic virus, Zucchini yellow mosaic virus, Papaya ringspot virus, Aphis gossypii and Meloidogyne incognita was noticed in the collection. RAPD based grouping analysis revealed that Indian snapmelon was rich in genetic variation and region and sub-region approach should be followed across India for acquisition of additional melon landraces. Accessions of var. agrestis and var. momordica clustered together and there was a separate cluster of the accessions of var. reticulatus. Comparative analysis of the genetic variability among Indian snapmelons and an array of previously characterized reference accessions of melon from Spain, Israel, Korea, Japan, Maldives, Iraq, Pakistan and India using SSRs showed that Indian snapmelon germplasm contained a high degree of unique genetic variability which was needed to be preserved to broaden the genetic base of melon germplasm available with the scientific community. N. P. S. Dhillon and Ranjana contributed equally to this work and are considered the first authors.     

Sedimentary characterization of Tagus estuarine beaches (Portugal)

Background, Aim and Scope  The distribution of sediments in estuarine beaches is controlled by the interactions between sediment supply, hydrodynamic processes and human intervention. The main purpose of this study is to characterize the sediments of Tagus estuarine beaches in order to understand their origin and to contribute to a better knowledge of the Tagus estuary sediment budget. Methods  Surface sediment samples were collected across beach profiles and sand grain size analysis was performed by dry sieving. Grain size statistics for the median (d₅₀) and standard deviation (SDM) were obtained using the Moment method. This study was complemented by a qualitative evaluation of the sediment composition. Cross-shore topographic surveys were conducted for selected sampling sites. Results  Tagus estuarine beach sediments are mainly composed of quartz sand particles which are fine-grained and well sorted near the mouth of the estuary and medium to coarse-grained and moderately sorted in the inner domain. Compositional results show evidence of active anthropogenic sediment sources, especially in the coarser fractions. Discussion  The analysis of the textural and compositional characteristics of beach sediments in the inner estuarine domain is compatible with local sedimentary sources, while a marine signature is present at the mouth and inlet channel sediments. In the inner domain, differences in the sedimentary processes are represented by the textural characteristics of the sediments, such as the sorting degree and the gravel content. Sediment characteristics also reflect human intervention in the system, with the introduction of anthropogenic and allochthonous particles and the mixture of sediments from different sources. Conclusions  The sediments of the inner Tagus estuarine beaches are derived from local Plio-Pleistocene outcrops while inlet and outer estuary beaches reveal a dominant marine source. Beach textural variability observed in the inner domain is not related to wave forcing gradients, but mainly to variations in the sedimentary processes along the estuarine margins and to human intervention. Results show that the Tagus estuarine beaches depended, almost exclusively, on sediment input from local sources until the last century. With increasing human occupation, sediment transfers became dominated by anthropogenically related activities mainly connected with the occupation of estuarine margins and dredging. Recommendations and Perspectives  Further studies should extend the present level of knowledge in what concerns sand transport patterns through additional compositional and geochemical analysis, and the development of new techniques in order to allow the quantitative evaluation of the impact of human activities on the sediment budget.     

Composition and transformation of 1.4 nm minerals in cutan and matrix of alfisols in central China

Background, Aims, and Scope  Hydroxy interlayered vermiculite (HIV) and vermiculite are commonly referred to as 1.4 nm minerals. In the subtropical soils of central China, the concentration of vermiculites decreased while that of HIVs increased gradually from north to south as the intensity of soil formation or eluviation increases in the same direction. The cutans in these soils closely interact with air, roots, microbes, water and dissolved ions in soils. Cutans may therefore be expected to exert an important influence on the formation of 1.4 nm minerals relative to the matrix soils. However, little is known about the transformation of 1.4 nm minerals in Alfisols in central China. Here, we investigate the compositional differences of 1.4 nm minerals in cutans and matrix soils, and the probable transformation of vermiculite to HIV or vice versa when sodium citrate and sodium acetate are added to matrix Alfisols. Methods  Cutans and matrix soils were separated from three soils in the northern subtropical zone in China. The samples were analyzed for Fe, Mn, exchangeable cations, organic matter(O.M.), pH, and clay minerals. To 10 mL of matrix soil, suspensions containing about 250 mg (oven-dry weight) of clay was added with 5 mL of 0.4 mol/dm³ or 2 mol/dm³ of sodium citrate or sodium acetate solution and 5 mL of 0.2 mol/dm³ mixed solutions of CaCl₂, Mg(NO₃)₂ and KCl. After its pH was adjusted to 6.0, the mixture was ‘incubated’ for 120 or 210 days (more than one season or half a year) during which period it was shaken for 1 hour every day. The clay mineral composition of the samples was determined after incubation. Results  Both vermiculites and HIVs were present in matrix soils, but only vermiculties were detected in cutans. The addition of organic ligands (citrate and acetate) promoted the transformation of HIV to vermiculite. This transformation was obvious for the matrix soils that had been incubated with 0.5 mol/dm³ sodium citrate for 210 days while sodium acetate was less effective in this regard. The promoting effect of organic ligands is dependent on type and concentration as well as incubation time. This would suggest the reverse transformation occurred in the formation of cutans compared with a vermiculite-to-HIV transformation in the subtropical soils of central China from north to south. Discussion  The position and environment of cutans in the B horizon together with the pH, organic matter and exchangeable base status in cutans seem conducive to the co-existence of vermiculite and HIV in the soils, but only vermiculite is found in cutans. The transformation of HIV to vermiculite in incubation experiments could be divided into two steps: 1) Cheluviation of organic matter to the interlayer hydroxy-aluminums from HIVs. 2) Rebasification of hydrated cations into the interlayers of vermiculites. Conclusions  The clay minerals in cutans can interact with organic ligands and nutrient elements excreted by roots. Under conditions of frequent wetting and drying and high pH, and when the concentrations of exchangeable bases, iron-manganese oxides, clays, and organic matter are high, the exchangeable cations can be incorporated into the interlayers of HIV, thereby promoting the partial transformation of HIV to vermiculite in rhizosphere soils. Recommendations and Perspectives  Cutan is at the interface of material and energy exchange involved in physical, chemical and biochemical reactions in the rhizosphere. These factors strongly affect the compositions of cutans. HIVs in (upper or adjacent) matrix soils may transform to vermiculites during cutan formation in these special soil environments. ESS-Submission Editor: Jizheng (Jim) He (jzhe@rcees.ac.cn)     

Assessment of genetic relationships between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhus</Emphasis> L. species using RAPD markers

Genetic diversity of seven Rhus L. species was assessed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs) markers. Initially, 90 primers were screened, of which 25 produced reproducible amplification products. These primers generated a total of 296 bands, with an average of 11.8 bands per primer. Out of 296 bands scored, 236 (80%) were polymorphic and 62 (20%) were monomorphic. Primers OPC-05 and OPD-05 generated 100% polymorphic bands. The resolving power of primers ranged from 9.4 to 26.8. Similarity matrix values ranged from 0.45 to 0.63. The dendrogram generated using Unweighted Pair Group Method using Arithmetic Averages (UPGMA) grouped all the species of Rhus in one major group with two sister groups, whilst R. pyroides Burch. and R. dentata Thunb. were outliers. R. gerrardii (Harv. ex Engl.) Diels, R. glauca Thunb. and R. pentheri Zahlbr. constituted one sister group, while R. natalensis Bernh. ex C. Krauss and R. gueinzii Sond. were included in the other. The degree of genetic diversity observed between seven species of Rhus with RAPD markers suggest that this approach could be used for studying the phylogeny of the genus.     

Responses of microbial biomass and respiration of soil to topography,burning, and nitrogen fertilization in a temperate steppe

Temporal dynamics of microbial biomass and respiration of soil and their responses to topography, burning, N fertilization, and their interactions were determined in a temperate steppe in northern China. Soil microbial indices showed strong temporal variability over the growing season. Soil microbial biomass C (MBC) and N (MBN) were 14.8 and 11.5% greater in the lower than upper slope, respectively. However, the percentage of organic C present as MBC and the percentage of total N present as MBN were 16.9 and 26.2% higher in the upper than lower slope, respectively. Neither microbial respiration (MR) nor metabolic quotient (qCO₂) was affected by topography. Both MBC and MBN were increased by burning, on average, by 29.8 and 14.2% over the growing season, and MR and qCO₂ tended to reduce depending on the sampling date, especially in August. Burning stimulated the percentage of organic C present as MBC and the percentage of total N present as MBN in the upper slope, but did not change these two parameters in the lower slope. No effects of N fertilization on soil microbial indices were observed in the first growing season after the treatment. Further research is needed to study the long-term relationships between changes in soil microbial diversity and activity and plant community in response to burning and N fertilization.