Phylogenetic analysis of Suid Herpesvirus 1 isolates from Argentina

Argentinean Suid Herpesvirus 1 isolates were compared with reference strains and sequences available at GenBank and phylogenetically analyzed. A short fragment of the gE gene of the immunodominant epitopes was used for preliminary grouping of isolates by phylogenetic analysis. The analysis of the partial gC gene provided more precise genetic typing and segregation into the main genotypes I and II. Results confirmed that the Argentinean genotype I isolates predominate in our country. The topology of the partial gC gene was similar to that previously reported. The Argentinean type I isolates belonged to one cluster and grouped together with NIA-3 and American and Brazilian genotype I strains. However, the results obtained by the algorithms allow inferring that the Yamagata S-81 and Mer (genotype II) strains are grouped together.     

Relationship between the oil and sugar content in olive oil fruits from Moraiolo and Leccino cultivars during ripening

In our previous work (Cherubini et al., 2009), sugar concentration was proposed as an accurate, reproducible index for technological ripening of olive oil fruits. During 2009 crop season, sugar and oil content of olive oil fruits from Moraiolo and Leccino cultivars were measured during ripening. The sugar content of olive oil fruits was determined both by titration and by using a portable refractometer.     

Assessing temporal variation of primary and ecosystem production in two Mediterranean forests using a modified 3-PG model

Context

Forest ecosystem carbon uptake is heavily affected by increasing drought in the Mediterranean region.

Aims

The objectives of this study were to assess the capacity of a modified 3-PG model to capture temporal variation in gross primary productivity (GPP), and ecosystem net carbon uptake (NEE) in two Mediterranean forest types.

Methods

The model was upgraded from a monthly (3-PG) to a daily time step (3-PG_day), and a soil water balance routine was included to better represent soil water availability. The model was evaluated against seasonal GPP and NEE dynamics from eddy covariance measurements.

Results

Simulated and measured soil water content values were congruent throughout the study period for both forest types. 3-PG_day effectively described the following: GPP and NEE seasonal patterns; the transition of forest ecosystems from carbon sink to carbon source; however, the model overestimated diurnal ecosystem respiration values and failed to predict ecosystem respiration peaks.

Conclusions

The model served as a rather effective tool to represent seasonal variation in gross primary productivity, and ecosystem net carbon uptake under Mediterranean drought-prone conditions. However, its semi-empirical nature and the simplicity inherent in the original model formulation are obstacles preventing the model working well for short-term daily predictions.     

Feeding high fibre diets changes luminal environment and morphology in the intestine of sows

Sows were fed three diets varying in type and level of dietary fibre (DF). The low fibre diet (LF; 17% DF) was based on wheat and barley. In the two high DF diets (HF1, high in soluble DF and HF2, high in insoluble DF;  44% DF), the cereal part of the diet was substituted with different co-products (sugar beet pulp, potato pulp, pectin residue, pea hull, brewer's spent grain, and seed residue). The diets were fed for a four-week period to 12 sows (4 for each diet). Sows were stunned 4 h post-feeding, and digesta and tissue samples were collected from various parts of the small and large intestines. The carbohydrate load to the large intestine was 538–539 g/d when feeding the high DF diets and 190 g/d when feeding diet LF. Feeding sows the high DF diet containing large proportion of soluble DF resulted in a lower dry matter content of digesta (23 contra 28%), a higher tissue weight (2.9 contra 2.0 kg), and a higher crypt depth (492 contra 330 μm) and area (23,201 contra 15,751 μm²) in the colon compared with the low DF diet. In conclusion, increasing the amount of DF in the diet for sows resulted in an increased amount of digesta entering the large intestine which influences the functional properties of digesta. Furthermore, a high DF diet with a high proportion of soluble DF increases tissue weight, crypt depth and crypt area in the midcolon compared to a low fibre diet.     

Opportunities to improve fisheries management through innovative technology and advanced data systems

Fishery‐dependent data are integral to sustainable fisheries management. A paucity of fishery data leads to uncertainty about stock status, which may compromise and threaten the economic and food security of the users dependent upon that stock and increase the chances of overfishing. Recent developments in the technology available to collect, manage and analyse fishery‐relevant data provide a suite of possible solutions to update and modernize fisheries data systems and greatly expand data collection and analysis. Yet, despite the proliferation of relevant consumer technology, integration of technologically advanced data systems into fisheries management remains the exception rather than the rule. In this study, we describe the current status, challenges and future directions of high‐tech data systems in fisheries management in order to understand what has limited their adoption. By reviewing the application of fishery‐dependent data technology in multiple fisheries sectors globally, we show that innovation is stagnating as a result of lack of trust and cooperation between fishers and managers. We propose a solution based on a transdisciplinary approach to fishery management that emphasizes the need for collaborative problem‐solving among stakeholders. In our proposed system, data feedbacks are a key component to effective fishery data systems, ensuring that fishers and managers collect, have access to and benefit from fisheries data as they work towards a mutually agreed‐upon goal. A new approach to fisheries data systems will promote innovation to increase data coverage, accuracy and resolution, while reducing costs and allowing adaptive, responsive, near real‐time management decision‐making to improve fisheries outcomes.     

The genetic background modulates the intensity of Rpv3‐dependent downy mildew resistance in grapevine

Grape varieties with resistance to downy mildew (DM) carry alien chromosome segments in Vitis vinifera backgrounds. We previously showed that the largest descent group shares a non‐vinifera haplotype at the locus Rpv3. Here, we performed a common garden experiment with 76 varieties to evaluate the level of field resistance across four years. All varieties exhibited effector‐triggered immunity (ETI)‐associated necrosis. On a scale of 1–9, the median OIV452 value for foliar resistance was 7.1 in the resistant lineage vs. 3.2 in vinifera controls. Genotype, year and their interaction significantly affected the level of resistance. Some resistant genotypes showed high mean values of OIV452 and low variance among years. Other resistant genotypes showed lower mean OIV452 and higher variance. They were capable of activating ETI, but the intensity was inadequate to restrict pathogen growth under highly conducive conditions. Rpv3‐dependent responses were stronger in highly native genetic backgrounds and tended to attenuate in late backcross generations. Genetic backgrounds donated by European winegrapes of the convarietas occidentalis provided on average higher levels of Rpv3 resistance than backgrounds of orientalis table grapes.