The “sun-effect”: microclimatic alterations predispose forest edges to bark beetle infestations

Bark beetle dispersal and host selection behaviour are a complex and poorly understood process, resulting in specific spatio-temporal infestation patterns in forests. Aerial images from the Bavarian Forest National Park (Germany) provide a high-resolution, that is, tree-scale data set for the period 2001–2010, including information about Ips typographus (Col., Curculio., Scolytinae) infestation, the application of sanitary logging, natural forest edges and the area of living spruce susceptible to bark beetle infestation. We combined methods of GIS and image analysis to investigate the infestation probabilities at three types of forest edges under spatial and temporal aspects and compared them to the corresponding probabilities at the stand interior. Our results showed a pronounced infestation predisposition of such edge trees delimiting infestation patches cleared by sanitary logging measures, in particular at the south-facing edge sector. In contrast, edges adjacent to non-cleared infestation were revealed as less attractive for subsequent infestations, but nonetheless more attractive than permanent forest edges or the stand interior. Additionally, we measured near-bark surface air temperature to determine microclimatic differences at those edge- or non-edge sites and related them to predisposition results. Finally, our study emphasized favourable microclimatic conditions—summarized as the “sun-effect”—as a decisive factor enhancing the local infestation probability at recent forest edges in multiple ways. Both insect- and host tree-related reactions to suddenly altered microclimate are supposed to bias arbitrary colonization behaviour at patch and tree level, thereby mainly explaining observed infestation patterns. From the forester’s point of view, our results may contribute to precise bark beetle risk assessment and thus facilitate decision making in forest management.     

Small nuclear ribonucleoprotein remodeling during catalytic activation of the spliceosome

Major structural changes occur in the spliceosome during its activation just before catalyzing the splicing of pre-messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs). Whereas changes in small nuclear RNA (snRNA) conformation are well documented, little is known about remodeling of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) structures during spliceosome activation. Here, human 45S activated spliceosomes and a previously unknown 35S U5 snRNP were isolated by immunoaffinity selection and were characterized by mass spectrometry. Comparison of their protein components with those of other snRNP and spliceosomal complexes revealed a major change in protein composition during spliceosome activation. Our data also suggest that the U5 snRNP is dramatically remodeled at this stage, with the Prp19 complex and other factors tightly associating, possibly in exchange for other U5 proteins, and suggest that after catalysis the remodeled U5 is eventually released from the postsplicing complex as a 35S snRNP particle.     

Taxonomy and evolution of cultivated plants: Literature review 1982/1983

Summary Important papers on taxonomy and evolution of cultivated plants published in 1982 and 1983 were compiled and briefly discussed.

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Taxonomie und Evolution der Kulturpflanzen: Literaturübersicht 1982/1983

Zusammenfassung Wichtige Arbeiten über Taxonomie und Evolution der Kulturpflanzen aus den Jahren 1982 und 1983 wurden zusammengestellt und kurz kommentiert.

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: 1982–1983

, 1982 1983 . .

     

Attenuation of allergic contact dermatitis through the endocannabinoid system

Allergic contact dermatitis affects about 5% of men and 11% of women in industrialized countries and is one of the leading causes for occupational diseases. In an animal model for cutaneous contact hypersensitivity, we show that mice lacking both known cannabinoid receptors display exacerbated allergic inflammation. In contrast, fatty acid amide hydrolase-deficient mice, which have increased levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide, displayed reduced allergic responses in the skin. Cannabinoid receptor antagonists exacerbated allergic inflammation, whereas receptor agonists attenuated inflammation. These results demonstrate a protective role of the endocannabinoid system in contact allergy in the skin and suggest a target for therapeutic intervention.     

Sandwich immunoassays for the determination of peanut and hazelnut traces in foods

People suffering from food allergies are dependent on accurate food labeling, as an avoidance diet is the only effective countermeasure. Even a small amount of allergenic protein can trigger severe reactions in highly sensitized patients. Therefore, sensitive and reliable tests are needed to detect potential cross-contamination. In this paper two fast sandwich immunoassays are described for the determination of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and hazelnut (Corylus avellana) traces in complex food matrices. Mouse monoclonal antibodies were used as capture antibodies, and labeled rabbit polyclonal antibodies were used as detection antibodies in both assays. The assay time was 30 min in total, and cross-reactivities against a variety of fruits and seeds were found to be in the low 10(-4)% (ppm) level or in some cases not detectable. The recoveries in all tested food matrices ranged from 86 to 127%, and the limits of detection were in the range of 0.2-1.2 mg/kg (ppm) in food for both peanut and hazelnut, respectively.     

Beitrag zum Qualitäts- und Ertragspotenzial stress- und trockenheitstoleranter Sorten für Silo- und Energiemais bei optimaler Reife

Maize production trials carried out in eastern middle of Germany from 1999–2007 were used for statistical analysis of the optimum date for silage maize ripeness, quality and yield potential as well as choice of cultivar under drought conditions for silage and energy maize. The Silage maize Ripeness Index (the ratio of dry matter content of maize grains to dry matter content of stover) is more suitable for the determination of harvest date, yield maximum and silage maize quality as the dry matter content of the plant. The analysis is cheaper as well as not so material and time-consuming in comparison to the dry matter content of the silage maize of different hybrid maize populations and environments. Ensilage optimum and yield maximum correspond almost with the physiological ripeness of silage maize and are close to the grain dry matter content of 60 to 65%, to the dry matter content of stover under 24% and a ripeness index from 2,5 and higher. Only under these conditions it is possible to reach the optimal ripeness of 30 to 35% in the whole plant silage maize. In dependence on the Silage maize Ripeness Index (SRZ) parameters of silage and energy maize were created differential ripeness optimum, quality and yield potential. The aims of silage and energy maize are similar. The vitality of stover has a greater importance for energy maize. The Silage maize Ripeness Index (SRI) is, for whole plant maize, better than the Whole Plant Maize Ripeness Index (SRZ) for the choice of a hybrid in Germany. The dry matter content of grain in interaction with the dry matter of stover are better than dry matter content of the whole plant maize as ripeness indicator in the production of silage and energy maize for the harvesting time. SRI is also suitable for use as a standard in scientific trials and for better characteristic of cultivar types and environmental influence.     

Der Einfluss der Reifedifferenz von Korn zu Restpflanze auf den optimalen Erntezeitpunkt und die standortgerechte Sortenwahl von Energie- und Silomais

Maize production trials carried out in eastern middle of Germany from 1999–2008 were used for statistical analysis of the optimum date for silage maize ripeness. The Knowledge about difference in ripeness between grain and residual plants at the harvest were used for exactly choice of cultivar under drought conditions for silage and energy maize. The Silage maize Ripeness Index (the ratio of dry matter content of maize grains to dry matter content of residual plants) is more suitable for the leading of plant development, the determination of harvest date and the choice of cultivar as the dry matter content of the plant. The analysis is cheaper as well as not so material and time-consuming with a better financially results in food-, milk- and methane production in comparison to the dry matter content of the silage maize of different hybrid maize populations and environments. Ensilage optimum and yield maximum correspond with the physiological ripeness of silage maize and are close to the grain dry matter content of 64%, to the dry matter content of starch of 33% and a ripeness index from 2.55 to 2.9 for parameter of quality and quantity. Only under these conditions it is possible to reach the optimal ripeness of 33 to 35% in the whole plant silage maize. But under suboptimal conditions the harvest is carried out, if SRI had a maximal value. In dependence on the Silage maize Ripeness Index (SRZ) and (SRI) parameters of silage and energy maize were predicted differential development of ripeness and yield. The aims of silage and energy maize are similar. The Silage maize Ripeness Index (SRI) is, for whole plant maize, better than the Whole Plant Maize Ripeness Index (SRZ) for the choice of a hybrid in Germany. The dry matter content of grain in interaction with the dry matter of residual plants are better than dry matter content of the whole plant maize as ripeness indicator in the production of silage and energy maize at the harvesting time. SRI is also universal suitable for use as a standard in scientific trials and for better characteristic of cultivar types and environmental influence.     

Dynamisches Reife- und Analyse (DRA)-System im Maisanbau

The Dynamic Ripeness and Analysis (DRA)-System in maize cultivation describe with the phenological ripeness, stress and selection indicator, the Silage maize Ripeness Index (SRI), the differentiated ripening development in the whole maize plant in addressing the most dominant ripening, growing and environmental conditions at the time of harvest period. The SRI is the quotient of ripeness of grain and residual plant. In addition to fix the correct optimum or agro-eco-efficiently harvest time. The SRI is also capable of the location suitability of the variety to characterize the ripeness specific type of variety as well as the environmental and cultivation conditions to quantify. The consistent use of the DRA-System by the maize growers leads to the desired momentum of ripeness, harvest and choice of varieties parameter. Only few environmentally stable maize varieties with the greatest variety and resistance performance for all utilization from the supposed varieties oversupply reach a consensus economic and ecological if the genotype for sowing corresponds to the phenotype for harvest. When the reference point of ripeness (SRI 2.8), there are only minor, ripeness-specific differences between the types of use (gas, fattening, grain and milk). Associated with the ripeness difference decrease the ripeness degree, better plant health, higher palatability and structure activity in the dairy cow feeding receiving maximum amounts of absolute ground fodder (healthy residual plant), which ultimately leads to a maximum milk production at a lower metabolic load of animals.