Genetic diversity and population structure of burbot Lota lota in Germany: Implications for conservation and management

The genetic structure of the gadiform fish species, burbot Lota lota L., was investigated across Germany to derive management options for facilitating the preservation of genetic diversity. Sequence analysis of the mitochondrial control region (n = 244) and microsatellite analysis (n = 861) of specimens from 20 sites revealed genetic structuring between major river basins, and particularly between lake and river habitats. The admixture zone between the Eurasian and West European phylogenetic clades in Lake Constance was confirmed and expanded to include the drainage basins of the rivers Rhine and Schlei/Trave. Haplotype distribution and private haplotypes in single river basins indicated population differentiation and imply that German burbot constituted an important part of the entire species' diversity. The derived genetic structuring has implications for future stocking programmes and the preservation of the adaptive potential of burbot, a guiding species for oligotrophic lakes in Europe.     

Identification of pathogenic fungi and preliminary screening for resistance in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jatropha curcas</Emphasis> L. germplasm

Sexual reproduction in fungi is controlled by mating type genes, which are located at the MAT locus. In this study, we investigated the structure of this locus in the phytopathogenic fungus Phyllosticta citricarpa, the causal agent of citrus black spot disease. Despite intensive study, its sexual state has never been observed in single-spore culture. Through analysis of the genome sequences of two individual P. citricarpa isolates, the sequence of the DNA lyase gene was identified and, as previously reported in the literature, the mating type genes were located in the 3′ flanking region of this gene. The results suggested that P. citricarpa is heterothallic, owing to the exclusive presence of the MAT1–1 or MAT1–2 gene in individual strains. In order to characterize the MAT locus, we designed primers to amplify this region. P. citricarpa was found to have complete and apparently functional copies of MAT genes, containing α-1 and HMG domains, present in different isolates. In addition to MAT1–2-1 and MAT1–1-1 genes, the MAT1–1-4 gene was located in the 5′ flanking region of the MAT1–1-1 gene and the MAT1–2-5 gene was located in 5′ flanking region of the MAT1–2-1 gene. A multiplex PCR protocol was also developed to differentiate P. citricarpa idiomorphs, which can be used in distribution and incidence studies of mating type strains, in order to determine the occurrence of sexual reproduction and to facility crossing studies. Furthermore, in Brazil, the two idiomorphs occur in a 1:1 ratio, which is expected in sexually reproducing populations.     

Fate of Silver Nanoparticles in Constructed Wetlands—a Microcosm Study

Water, Air, & Soil Pollution - Elevated radium (Ra) concentrations have been observed in aquifers with high naturally occurring salinity. The flux of radon (Rn) gas from the decay of Ra out of...     

Common vole (Microtus arvalis) ecology and management: implications for risk assessment of plant protection products

Common voles (Microtus arvalis) are common small mammals in some European landscapes. They can be a major rodent pest in European agriculture and they are also a representative generic focal small herbivorous mammal species used in risk assessment for plant protection products. In this paper, common vole population dynamics, habitat and food preferences, pest potential and use of the common vole as a model small wild mammal species in the risk assessment process are reviewed. Common voles are a component of agroecosystems in many parts of Europe, inhabiting agricultural areas (secondary habitats) when the carrying capacity of primary grassland habitats is exceeded. Colonisation of secondary habitats occurs during multiannual outbreaks, when population sizes can exceed 1000 individuals ha^?1. In such cases, in‐crop common vole population control management has been practised to avoid significant crop damage. The species' status as a crop pest, high fecundity, resilience to disturbance and intermittent colonisation of crop habitats are important characteristics that should be reflected in risk assessment. Based on the information provided in the scientific literature, it seems justified to modify elements of the current risk assessment scheme for plant protection products, including the use of realistic food intake rates, reduced assessment factors or the use of alternativee focal rodent species in particular European regions. Some of these adjustments are already being applied in some EU member states. Therefore, it seems reasonable consistently to apply such pragmatic and realistic approaches in risk assessments for plant protection products across the EU. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry