Selecting models of apple flowering time and understanding how global warming has had an impact on this trait

Summary

This study aimed to improve the modelling of flowering time in fruit trees and to understand to what extent global warming has affected this trait since the end of the 1980s. The onset of flowering time (F1 stage) in apple trees has advanced by 7 – 8 d in France since the late 1980s. In this context, a sequential model composed of a chilling sub-model and a heat sub-model was considered. The input data consisted of F1 dates for ‘Golden Delicious’ apple in three French cropping areas from the North-West to South-East over the period 1976 – 2002 (81 F1 dates). A user-oriented software package, called ‘Pollenoscope’, automatically optimised combinations between seven chilling and three heat temperature functions. This was achieved by maximizing the R² values between the observed and simulated flowering dates. The study provided comparative information for assessing the respective effects of temperature functions commonly used for modelling flowering time in temperate trees. Three selected models explained 82 – 86% of the observed variability in flowering. Their fitness for an accurate prediction of the F1 date was validated using independent flowering datasets. All three models simulated similar time-course changes in the duration of the chilling effect at all three locations [i.e., a mean increase in the duration of this effect (by 3 – 5 d) since the end of the 1980s]. Consequently, it suggested that the duration of the heat effect had decreased (10 – 13 d) to explain the advance in flowering time. Hence, our results support the idea that global warming has, simultaneously, exerted two opposing effects in France between 1976 – 2002: (i) a slower mean rate of completion for the chilling requirement, and (ii) a higher mean rate of completion for the heat requirement. A more marked effect on completion of the heat requirement may have resulted from more pronounced warming from January to April, corresponding to the active growth phase of floral primordia, than from October to January, corresponding to the dormancy-breaking phase.     

Spatiotemporal variations of albedo in managed agricultural landscapes: inferences to global warming impacts (GWI)

Landscape Ecology - Albedo can be used to quantify ecosystem and landscape contributions to local and global climate. Such contributions are conventionally expressed as radiative forcing (RF) and...     

Implications of future climate- and land-change scenarios on grassland bird abundance and biodiversity in the Upper Missouri River Basin

Landscape Ecology - Over the past decades, numerous threats from climate- and land-use change to ecosystems have been identified. Grassland ecosystems are among the most endangered in the world and...     

Fine temporal resolution satellite sensors with global coverage: an opportunity for landscape ecologists

Landscape Ecology - Open data policies and accessible computation platforms allow efficient extraction of information from remote sensing data for landscape research. Landscape ecology is strongly...     

设施栽培土壤中盐分积累的测定

通过对通辽市农业科学研究院温室土壤进行室内分析,结果表明：（1）通辽市农业科学研究院温室设施栽培土壤普遍存在酸化现象,其中1号温室土壤酸化已接近蔬菜出现生理障碍的临界水平;（2）所调查温室中土壤均呈现出不同程度的盐化现象,积盐分中阳离子以Ca^2＋为主,而阴离子以SO4^2-和NO3^-为主;1号、4号温室盐化现象严重,其中4号棚中Cl^-含量出现异常,可能与长期施用的某种肥料有关。     

营口市设施果业发展规划

营口市设施果树起步较早,特别是设施桃、葡萄、李子、杏的发展处于全国领先地位。具有栽培品种多,降温早,冬季温室不用升温或升温简便等优势。     

Combining exploratory scenarios and participatory backcasting: using an agent-based model in participatory policy design for a multi-functional landscape

While the merits of local participatory policy design are widely recognised, limited use is made of model-based scenario results to inform such stakeholder involvement. In this paper we present the findings of a study using an agent based model to help stakeholders consider, discuss and incorporate spatial and temporal processes in a backcasting exercise for rural development. The study is carried out in the Dutch region called the Achterhoek. Region-specific scenarios were constructed based on interviews with local experts. The scenarios are simulated in an agent based model incorporating rural residents and farmer characteristics, the environment and different policy interventions for realistic projection of landscape evolution. Results of the model simulations were presented to stakeholders representing different rural sectors at a workshop. The results indicate that illustration of the spatial configuration of landscape changes is appreciated by stakeholders. Testing stakeholders’ solutions by way of model simulations revealed that the effectiveness of local interventions is strongly related to exogenous processes such as market competition and endogenous processes like local willingness to engage in multifunctional activities. The integration of multi-agent modelling and participatory backcasting is effective as it offers a possibility to initiate discussion between experts and stakeholders bringing together different expertise.     

Quality of lemons sealed in high-density polyethylene film during long-term storage at different temperatures with intermittent warming

Storage of lemons is designed to extend the marketing of fruit throughout the year, from the main harvest season in the winter until late summer, which is a period of short supply in the market. This work was concerned with physiological and chemical attributes of stored lemons either seal-packaged in high-density polyethylene plastic film (HDPE), or left unwrapped, during storage at 13, 8 and 2°C. Intermittent warming (IW) was used to prevent chilling injury at the lower temperatures. Differences between fruit subjected to the two treatments which produced longest storage (sealed at 13°C and non-sealed at 2°C with IW) are discussed. Both treatments are recommended for adoption in commercial practice.     

Changes in large-scale patterns of plant biodiversity predicted from environmental economic scenarios

In the industrialized world large sums of money are spent on measures to preserve biodiversity by improving environmental quality. This creates a need to evaluate the effectiveness of such measures. In response we devel oped a model, NTM, that links plant biodiversity to abiotic variables that are under human control. These vari ables are: vegetation management, and the soil variables groundwater level, and nitrogen availability. We used species richness and the criteria of the Red Lists, i.e., the rarity and decline per species as measure for potential changes in biodiversity. NTM uses a statistical approach, and models potential plant biodiversity based on the above criteria as a non-linear function of the three soil variables. The regression model is calibrated on a data set consisting of 33,706 vegetation relevés. Because field data of vegetation combined with measurements of soil variables are insufficiently available, we used the average of Ellenbergs indicator values of the species in each relevé as a proxy. NTM was subjected to both validation and uncertainty analysis. The validation was car ried out by comparison with an independent data set. The uncertainty analysis showed that uncertainty in abso lute biodiversity values is large, but that comparative scenario studies can be carried out with an acceptable uncertainty. As an example we show the evaluation of the impact of three European economic scenarios on po tential plant biodiversity in the Netherlands. Although there were differences per vegetation type and per region, potential plant biodiversity had a tendency to increase, with the highest increase for the scenario with the highest reduction in atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and acidity.This revised version was published online in May 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of DADLE on lung injury in rats with acute global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

AIM：To observe the effects of δ opioid receptor agonist DADLE on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by acute global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. METHODS：SD rats (n=30) were randomly divided into sham group, model (I/R) group and DADLE treatment group. Global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model was established by a modified 2-vessel occlusion plus hypotension. DADLE (5 mg/kg) treatment was performed via the left jugular injection before reperfusion. After 120-min reperfusion, the pathological changes of the lung tissues were observed under light microscope and electronic microscope. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were detected. The partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) was also measured. RESULTS：In I/R group, widened alveolar septum, capillary dilatation and congestion, endovascular and perivascular cells in the lung with neutrophil infiltration, and significantly reduced type II epithelial cell surface microvilli, alveolar lumen cavity and trachea with serous exudate were observed. SOD activity decreased, but the MDA level increased. Compared with I/R group, the SOD activity increased and MDA level decreased in DADLE treatment group, with significantly reduced lung congestion, the degree of lung injury, and the infiltration of neutrophils. Compared with I/R group, the PaO2 and oxygenation index in DADLE treatment group were increased. CONCLUSION：Various degrees of pulmonary injury were observed in acute global cerebral ischemia reperfusion model. DADLE might have a protective effect on lung tissues of ALI in rats.     

桂北设施栽培厚皮甜瓜品种比较试验

通过植株生育期、田间主要性状、果实外观和内质等性状的比较,筛选出适合桂北生态区设施栽培的优质厚皮甜瓜品种,2010年对13个厚皮甜瓜引进品种进行品比试验,结果表明,翠甜、天仙2个品种综合性状较好,果实外观与果肉品质口感俱佳,抗病性强,适合在桂北生态区推广种植;橙露可作为晚熟品种于夏秋茬采用嫁接苗、无土基质方式栽培;京玉5号、白流星、京玉月亮品质较好,外观美丽,可作为高档礼品甜瓜、观光采摘及个性化栽培;天蜜肉质特别柔软,不适合桂北地区大多数消费者的口感习惯,建议根据不同销售市场需要有选择栽培。其余品种含糖量较低、口感偏淡,不太适合桂北生态区栽培。     

外行视角看我国设施食用菌发展

概述食用菌产业在我国园艺产业及在脱贫致富、乡村振兴中的地位,从产量、产值、品种构成、区域特色、生产模式等方面阐述我国食用菌产业的发展现状,指出产业存在的主要问题,提出食用菌设施工程发展的道路与目标、设施类型选择、发展重点,以及设施环境与工程领域的5项重点任务。     

高职设施园艺课程教学改革和教学效果探索

根据我国设施园艺的技术特点,在宁夏回族自治区发展特色优势农业的利好区情下,在高职设施园艺课程的教学中,以市场需求为导向,运用现代化教学手段与模块教学、现场教学、理论结合实践等,全面培养学生的实践应用操作能力,为社会提供实用的专业技能人才。     

Yield of greenhouse-grown tomato in substrates containing coir and parboiled rice or burnt rice hulls

Substrate components produced in the sub-tropics or tropics were combined in various proportions as substrates for the greenhouse production of ‘Big Beef’ tomato. Coir was mixed with parboiled rice hulls (PBH) or burnt rice hulls (BRH) at 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% volume. Fruit fresh weights at equal proportions of BRH or PBH in coir were similar, with the greatest fruit yields achieved with 50 to 100% coir (0 to 50% PBH or BRH). Compared to 100% coir, PBH in coir decreased substrate container capacity and increased air porosity, while BRH in coir increased container capacity and decreased the air porosity. Pre-plant fertilisation of the PBH + coir substrates (superphosphate, gypsum, trace elements, calcium nitrate, and surfactant) increased fruit yield significantly. Substrates containing 50 to 100% coir with BRH or PBH yielded greater fruit fresh weights than was achieved in in 70% BRH + 30% gravel (a typical substrate used in the Dominican Republic), and reusing the 70% BRH + 30% gravel led to a 36% increase in fruit fresh weight. Fruit fresh weights in 100% coir or 75% coir plus 25% PBH or BRH were similar to those achieved in a commercial peat-lite. Herein we report on substrates made from tropical components that perform similarly to a peat-based substrate in the production of greenhouse-grown tomatoes.     

Assessing the effects of applying landscape ecological spatial concepts on future habitat quantity and quality in an urbanizing landscape

This study develops a quantitative approach to evaluate the application of design concepts that link landscape ecology theory to landscape planning. Landscape ecology principles were used to develop spatial concepts for creating an armature of open space in areas subject to rapid urbanization. It focuses on the predicted urban expansion of Damascus, Oregon, as a case study. An alternative futures study was used to test three open space spatial concepts for patches, corridors and networks contrasted with compact and dispersed urban development patterns. Eight scenarios of land use and land cover, over 50 years, were defined based on different spatial design concepts to evaluate their effects on habitat quantity and quality and analyze the tradeoffs between urban development and conservation of three focal wildlife species: red-legged frog, western meadowlark, and Douglas squirrel. Open space spatial concepts highly influenced habitat quantity and quality differences among scenarios. Development patterns showed lower influence on those variables. Scenarios with no landscape ecological spatial concept provided the most land for urban development but reduced habitat quantity and quality. Greenway scenarios presented increases of habitats, but failed to provide sufficient habitats for western meadowlark. Park system scenarios also presented an increase on the amount of habitats, but high-quality habitats for western meadowlark and red-legged frog decreased. Network scenarios presented the best overall amount of habitats and increase of high-quality habitats for the three species, but constrained urban development options.     

Landscape and local correlates with anuran taxonomic,functional and phylogenetic diversity in rice crops

Context

Deforestation is a major driver of biodiversity loss, mainly due to agriculture. As rice is among the world’s most important crops, determining how agricultural communities are shaped is imperative. However, few studies have addressed the factors that alter community assembly in human-modified landscapes. We aim to quantify taxonomic, functional, trait and phylogenetic diversity of an anuran community from rice crops on a biodiversity hotspot.

Objectives

Identify local and landscape characteristics responsible for variations in multiple dimensions of anuran diversity in rice crops.

Methods

This study was performed in Tocantins, Brazil. We chose 36 lentic waterbodies on rice fields for anuran sampling. We quantified taxonomic diversity (TD), functional diversity (FD) and phylogenetic diversity (PD) for each waterbody. We also estimated the mean functional differences among species for each trait separately. To evaluate how local and landscape scale features affect anurans, we performed generalized linear mixed models in 500, 1000 and 1500 m buffers around each waterbody.

Results

We found increased PD and FD in waterbodies closer to many other waterbodies and large forest patches. Anuran biomass decreased with increasing distance to the closest waterbody. Trait diversity varied with waterbody abundance and closeness, percentage of bare ground and marginal vegetation.

Conclusions

Our study emphasizes the importance of waterbody and forest patch networks for maintaining high anuran FD and PD in agricultural landscapes. As both metrics are known to be related to ecosystem resilience, understanding these patterns is pivotal for biodiversity management, especially in the tropics, where agricultural expansion is unrelenting and biodiversity is especially unique.

     

The effects of root-zone warming on the yield and quality of roses grown in a hydroponic system

Rose cvs Ilona, Mercedes and Sonia, budded onto R. multiflora rootstock, were grown using the nutrient film technique. A root-zone temperature of 25°C was compared with ambient root temperatures at three night-time air temperatures of 18°, 12° and ambient (9°C), and in two other experiments at 18°, 14° and 10°C. Bloom yield and stem length and diameter were recorded for a 22-week winter/spring period and for shorter periods in the following summer. In Experiment 1 Sonia responded to root zone warming (RZW) by giving 44% more blooms and a 26% increase in stem length compared with ambient root temperature. Ilona gave a yield response only at a night temperature of 12°C, but RZW resulted in 22% longer stems. Mercedes gave 22% more blooms from RZW. Plants from Experiment 1 were used for a second year in Experiment 2. Mercedes produced 113% more blooms from RZW, Sonia 61% and Ilona 42%. Stem lengths were all increased by 6-7%. Experiment 3 used first-year plants. The pattern of yield response to RZW was similar to the other experiments. Mercedes gave 61%, Sonia 24% and Ilona 18% more blooms. Ilona showed the largest increase in stem length (24%). RZW increased the amplitude of the growth flushes, but their frequency was unaffected. Yields during the subsequent summer, when temperature differences between RZW and ambient temperatures were small, indicated residual effects of the winter treatments. Sonia (Experiment 1), and Mercedes and Sonia (Experiment 2) gave significantly higher yields from the RZW treatments. There was no evidence for a decrease in yield caused by RZW, only Ilona in Experiment 3 giving a lower yield in the summer.