Assessing impact of climate change on forest cover type shifts in Western Himalayan Eco-region

Climate is a critical factor affecting forest ecosystems and their capacity to produce goods and services. Effects of climate change on forests depend on ecosystem-specific factors including dimensions of climate (temperature, precipitation, drought, wind etc.). Available information is not sufficient to support a quantitative assessment of the ecological, social and economic consequences. The present study assessed shifts in forest cover types of Western Himalayan Eco-region (700?4500 m). 100 randomly selected samples (75 for training and 25 for testing the model), genetic algorithm of rule set parameters and climatic envelopes were used to assess the distribution of five prominent forest cover types (Temperate evergreen, Tropical semi-evergreen, Temperate conifer, Subtropical conifer, and Tropical moist deciduous forests). Modelling was conducted for four different scenarios, current scenario, changed precipitation (8% increase), changed temperature (1.07°C increase), and both changed temperature and precipitation. On increasing precipitation a downward shift in the temperate evergreen and tropical semi-evergreen was observed, while sub-tropical conifer and tropical moist-deciduous forests showed a slight upward shift and temperate conifer showed no shift. On increasing temperature, an upward shift in all forest types was observed except sub-tropical conifer forests without significant changes. When both temperature and precipitation were changed, the actual distribution was maintained and slight upward shift was observed in all the forest types except sub-tropical conifer. It is important to understand the likely impacts of the projected climate change on the forest ecosystems, so that better management and conservation strategies can be adopted for the biodiversity and forest dependent community. Knowledge of impact mechanisms also enables identification and mitigation of some of the conditions that increase vulnerability to climate change in the forest sector.     

Microalgal bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture and their interactions with soil biotic and abiotic components: A review

Modern agricultural practices have posed a detrimental impact on the environment due to their intensive use to meet the food demands of an ever-increasing population. In this context, microalgal bioinoculants, specifically cyanobacteria and green microalgae, have emerged as sustainable options for agricultural practices to improve soil organic carbon, nutrient availability, microbial quality, and plant productivity. An overview of current and future perspectives on the use of microalgal bioinoculants in agriculture practices is presented in this review, along with a discussion of their interactions with soil biotic and abiotic factors that affect soil fertility, plant health, and crop productivity. The benefits of microalgal bioinoculants include releasing agronomically important metabolites (exopolymers and phytohormones) as well as solubilizing soil nutrients. Furthermore, they function as biocontrol agents against soil-borne pathogens and facilitate the establishment of rhizosphere communities of agricultural importance. So far, very few studies have explored the basic mechanisms by which microalgal bioinoculants interact with soil biotic and abiotic factors. In recent years, advanced molecular techniques have contributed to a better understanding of these interactions.     

Effects of embryonic exposure to α‐lipoic acid or ascorbic acid on hatching rate and development of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

This study investigates the effects of embryonic exposure to two different antioxidants on growth and development in fish. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos (100 per group) were exposed to lipoic acid (LA, 6–12 μM) or ascorbic acid (AA, 100–200 μM) and the hatching rate, standard lengths (SL) at hatching, development and growth post‐hatching monitored. The SLs at hatching were increased (P<0.05) in both antioxidant‐exposed groups relative to the controls, with no effect on yolk reserves. This enhanced development persisted up to 15 days post hatching. At hatching, cell proliferation rates (P<0.0005) and basic fibroblast growth factor (P<0.001), were greater in the antioxidant‐exposed fish than in the controls (0 μM antioxidant); no oxidative DNA damage was detected (P>0.05). Activity of the endogenous antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase was greater (P<0.001) in LA‐treated fish than in the controls. The results suggest that embryonic treatment of zebrafish with LA or AA during embryogenesis enhanced cell proliferation, leading to increased somatic growth in the larval stages, persisting into the juvenile stage. The findings support the treatment of embryonic fish with antioxidants for enhanced results in aquaculture.     

海洋细菌生物膜用于生物修复陆地生态系统中土壤多环芳烃污染

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) in soil retain for a quite long period due to their hydrophobicity and aggregation properties. Biofilm-forming marine bacterial consortium(named as NCPR), composed of Stenotrophomonas acidaminiphila NCW702,Alcaligenes faecalis NCW402, Pseudomonas mendocina NR802, Pseudomonas aeruginosa N6P6, and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes NP103, was used for the bioremediation of PAHs in a soil microcosm. Phenanthrene and pyrene were used as reference PAHs. Parameters that can affect PAH degradation, such as chemotaxis, solubility of PAHs in extracellular polymeric substances(EPS), and catechol2,3-dioxygenase(C23O) activity, were evaluated. P. aeruginosa N6P6 and P. pseudoalcaligenes NP103 showed chemotactic movement towards both the reference PAHs. The solubility of both the PAHs was increased with an increase in EPS concentration(extracted from all the 5 selected isolates). Significantly(P 0.001) high phenanthrene(70.29%) and pyrene(55.54%) degradation was observed in the bioaugmented soil microcosm. The C23O enzyme activity was significantly(P 0.05) higher in the bioaugmented soil microcosm with phenanthrene added at 173.26 ± 2.06 nmol min~(-1) mg~(-1) protein than with pyrene added at 61.80 ± 2.20 nmol min~(-1) mg~(-1) protein. The C23O activity and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analyses indicated catechol pathway of phenanthrene metabolism. However, the metabolites obtained from the soil microcosm added with pyrene revealed both the catechol and phthalate pathways for pyrene degradation.     

Synthesis and antifungal activity of 2‐azetidinonyl‐5‐(2‐benzoylphenoxy)methyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles against seed‐borne pathogens of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn

BACKGROUND: Finger millet is a major food crop as well as feed and fodder for livestock, especially in regions of southern India. A sturdy crop to fluctuating environmental conditions, it can be cultivated in all seasons of the year. Leaf, neck and finger blast caused by Pyricularia grisea Sacc. and Bipolaris setariae (Saw.) Shoem, as well as leaf spot disease, Bipolaris nodulosa (Berk & M.A.Curtis) Shoem, are major production constraints in southern India. Apart from environmental conditions, the use of harvested seeds by farmers is a major reason for disease prevalence. Benzophenone analogues have been investigated for controlling phytopathogenic fungi. In addition, the most important applications of azetidin‐2‐ones are as antibiotics. Based on this information, the present study was conducted to explore the antifungal activity of integrated 2‐azetidinonyl and 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles moieties into a benzophenone framework. RESULTS: A simple high‐yielding method for the integration of heterocyclic rings, namely 2‐azetidinonyl, at the benzophenone nucleus has been achieved, starting from substituted 2‐hydroxybenzophenones under mild conditions on a wet solid surface using microwave irradiation. In the present study, an array of newly synthesised compounds, 2‐azetidinonyl‐5‐(2‐benzoylphenoxy)methyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles, were screened for their antifungal property against blast and leaf spot causing fungi associated with the seeds of finger millet, cv. Indof‐9. CONCLUSION: Two of the newly synthesised compounds showed promising effects in depleting the incidence of seed‐borne pathogenic fungi of finger millet. The suppression of Pyricularia grisea and Bipolaris setariae resulted in enhanced seed germination and seedling growth. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

DNA-based detection of Leptospira wolffii,Giardia intestinalis and Toxoplasma gondii in environmental feces of wild animals in Korea

Leptospira, Giardia intestinalis and Toxoplasma gondii infections are reported in humans and animals worldwide, but molecular surveillance of these pathogens in Korean wildlife is still limited. Here, we examined the prevalence of these pathogens in environmental feces of Eurasian otters, leopard cats and raccoon dogs using nested PCR followed by DNA sequencing. G. intestinalis was detected in all of three animals, while T. gondii was detected only in leopard cats. Leptospira wolffii was detected in raccoon dog and Eurasian otter. Our results suggest that these animals can act as a reservoir of these zoonotic pathogens. Consistent monitoring of these pathogens in wildlife is needed to prevent from their infections in humans and livestock in Korea.     

Temporal Dynamics of Antioxidant Defence System in Relation to Polyamine Catabolism in Rice under Direct-Seeded and Transplanted Conditions

Six rice cultivars viz. PR120, PR116, Feng Ai Zan, PR115, PAU201 and Punjab Mehak 1 under the direct-seeded and transplanted conditions were used to investigate the involvement of antioxidative defence system in relation to polyamine catabolism in temporal regulation of developing grains. Activities of ascorbate peroxidase(APx), guaiacol peroxidase(GPx), catalase(CAT), superoxide dismutase(SOD), polyamine oxidases(PAO) and contents of ascorbate, α-tocopherol, proline and polyamines increased gradually until mid-milky stage and then declined towards maturity stage under both planting conditions. The transplanted condition led to higher activities of antioxidative enzymes(APx, GPx and CAT) and contents of ascorbate, α-tocopherol and proline whereas the direct-seeded condition had elevated levels of PAO and SOD activities and contents of polyamines, lipid peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Cultivars Feng Ai Zan and PR120 exhibited superior tolerance over other cultivars by accumulating higher contents of ascorbate, α-tocopherol and proline with increasing level of PAO and SOD activities under the direct-seeded condition. However, under the transplanted condition PR116 and PAU201 showed higher activities of antioxidative enzymes with decreasing content of lipid peroxide. Therefore, we concluded that under the direct-seeded condition, enhancements of polyamines content and PAO activity enabled rice cultivars more tolerant to oxidative stress, while under the transplanted condition, antioxidative defence with decreasing of lipid peroxide content was closely associated with the protection of grains by maintaining membrane integrity during rice grain filling. The results indicated that temporal dynamics of H2O2 metabolic machinery was strongly up-regulated especially at the mid-milky stage.     

Indicators of piglet survival in an outdoor farrowing system

Pre-weaning piglet mortality continues to be a major welfare and economic concern. In outdoor farrowing systems, there is a particular need to broaden breeding goals by incorporating selection for piglet survival to improve both productivity and welfare. This study aimed to identify behavioural and physiological survival indicators that are influential in outdoor systems and that could provide additional information for use when selecting for piglet survival. Data were collected from 511 piglets from Large White × Landrace × Duroc sows and Generalised Linear Mixed Models determined which indicators were most important for piglet survival in an outdoor system. With respect to prenatal mortality (surviving vs. stillborn piglets) high ponderal index (P < 0.001) or body mass index (P < 0.001) in conjunction with being born earlier in the farrowing birth order (P < 0.001) were the most important survival indicators. Birth weight (P < 0.001) and rectal temperature 1 h after birth (P = 0.032) were the most significant postnatal survival indicators. However survival indicators identified as important in indoor, conventional farrowing crates, such as landmark behaviours (latency to reach the udder, a teat and to suckle colostrum), were not influential in this system. These results highlight the importance of studying potential indicators of survival in alternative farrowing systems to the farrowing crate.