Evaluation of a phenological model for strategic decisions for hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) biomass production across European sites

The optimal combination of yield and quality of hemp fibres from field grown crops is around flowering. Therefore prediction of flowering time would support in planning production and optimization of the cultivar choice for different agro-ecological zones. In the current paper the validation of a recently published model (Amaducci et al., 2008a) is carried out for four varieties across a wide range of sites and thus of air temperature-photoperiod combinations. The model was evaluated by comparing its output to field observations of the duration between emergence and 50% flowering. The model output and observed times from emergence to 50% of flowering generally corresponded well, but some discrepancies were apparent. The biggest discrepancies between estimates and actual data were observed at extreme latitudes. The level of accuracy of the model predictions is satisfactory for strategic decision regarding sowing and harvesting time and cultivar choice, but tactical decisions (e.g. time of harvest based on flowering time) cannot be accurately supported.     

Effects of cryopreservation on the mitochondrial bioenergetics of bovine sperm

This study evaluated the bioenergetic map of mitochondria metabolism in cryopreserved bovine sperm. The detected oligomycin-sensitive basal respiration supported ATP production; frozen–thawed spermatozoa were found to have a coupling efficiency higher than 0.80. Cell respiration, however, was not stimulated by the protonophoric action of FCCP, as its titration with 1, 2, 4 and 6 μM did not stimulate the uncoupling activity on oxidative phosphorylation as highlighted by unresponsive oxygen consumption. The unusual effect on the stimulation of maximal respiration was not related to fibronectin- or PDL-coated plates used for cellular metabolism analysis. Conversely, irradiation of frozen–thawed bovine sperm with the red light improved mitochondrial parameters. In effect, the maximal respiration of red-light-stimulated sperm in PDL-coated plates was higher than the non-irradiated. In spite of this, red-light irradiation had no impact on membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity evaluated by epifluorescence microscopy.     

Characterization of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and A. ovis infection in a naturally infected sheep flock with poor health condition

Anaplasma species are transmitted by ticks and cause diseases in humans and animals. These pathogens infect sheep, an economically important domestic animal worldwide. The current study was designed to characterize in 200 animals the infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma ovis and the genetic diversity of A. ovis strains collected from a naturally infected sheep flock with poor health condition. Sheep had 98% seroprevalence to Anaplasma spp. antibodies. PCR results confirmed the presence of A. phagocytophilum and A. ovis DNA in 11.5% and 37% of the sheep, respectively. Concurrent infections were detected in 6.5% of the sheep. Seventy-one adult ticks were collected from 45 sheep with infestations ranging from one to 15 ticks per animal. The analysis of A. ovis msp4 sequences demonstrated a previously unreported polymorphism for this pathogen with 17 different haplotypes in infected sheep. These results demonstrated that, although A. ovis msp4 haplotypes may be less variable when compared with Anaplasma marginale and A. phagocytophilum strains on a global scale, genetic polymorphisms occur in this locus in strains obtained from an infected sheep flock with poor health condition.     

Pinger affects fish catch efficiency and damage to bottom gill nets related to bottlenose dolphins

There is some evidence that the presence of Tursiops truncatus in fishing areas represents a real economic threat to fishermen due the dolphin feeding on the entangled fish, damaging the nets and reducing the fish catch. We have carried out experiments to assess the efficiency of a pinger in decreasing the interaction between the dolphins and fishing nets, in a fishing area off the coast of southern Italy, where Tursiops truncatus is frequently observed to interact with bottom gill nets. Two identical monofilament bottom gill nets (900 m long), one equipped with pingers and the other without, were used to measure the effect of these pingers on the abundance of the catch and net damage. For each haul (58 in total), data on dolphin sightings near the nets, damage judged to have been done by dolphins, weight and species composition of the catch were collected. All damage to the nets were recorded at the end of each haul. Dolphins in the fishing area were sighted 11 times out of 29 fishing activities (38%). The net equipped with pingers contained 28% more fish (biomass) than the net without pingers (t test, P < 0.04) and was less damaged (−31%, t test, P < 0.01). To assess whether the efficacy of these pingers remain constant over long period, long-term experiments should be carried out.     

Biomass and grain oil yields in Cynara cardunculus L. genotypes grown in a Mediterranean environment

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) is a Mediterranean perennial plant. Studies were conducted on cardoon for biomass production, in order to assess the plant as an alternative low input management crop in a Mediterranean environment. The grain oil has similar composition to sunflower or saffron oils and can be easily extracted. In this work, the results of cardoon biomass and grain oil production under Sicilian (South Italy) low input conditions are shown. In a completely randomized block, during 1998–2001, 14 genotypes of C. cardunculus L., five cultivated cardoons and nine wild cardoons, were evaluated for lignocellulosic biomass production, grain yield and chemical composition of the grain. The results showed, on average for the genotypes, a 3-year cumulative aboveground biomass of 47.4 t ha⁻¹ DM, the 6.3% of which was grain. Differences within the 3 years of cultivation were observed, due to varying water availability (rainfall differences) and age of the crop. The results showed some genotypes are very promising for biomass, grain and oil production. Moreover, the good range of variability observed among genotypes is important for developing cultivars suitable for varying cropping systems in breeding programs.     

Exploiting the diversity of barley landraces in Ethiopia

The paper describes a methodology to incorporate the collection of barley landraces available in the Plant Genetic Resources Centre of Ethiopia (PGRC/E), as well as future collections, in the Ethiopian barley breeding program. Six hundred pure lines extracted from thirty Ethiopian barley landraces were evaluated and selected, along with the original populations, between 1989 and 1993. Three lines were identified which significantly outyielded the local landrace in some of the testing sites and had a higher average yield across sites and seasons. The yield of these lines was similar to the best improved variety also developed from a landrace population. Despite the relatively small number of landrace-lines (600) in the original population, the exploitation of the diversity existing within Ethiopian barley germplasm has produced in only five years promising lines for yield at low input conditions and for disease and insect resistance. Some lines had a yield potential comparable with the best breeding lines produced earlier, and one is under multiplication for release.