Effect of β -glucanase and xylanase supplementation of barley- and rye-based diets on caecal microbiota of broiler chickens

1. The aim was to investigate the effect of grain type (barley or rye) and exogenous enzymes (β-glucanase or xylanase) on the composition of chicken caecal microbiota as examined by classical culturing and molecular techniques (fluorescent in-situ hybridisation (FISH) and terminal-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (T-RFLP)). 2. Plate counting revealed higher total numbers of anaerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts in caecal contents of birds fed with rye-based diets than in birds fed with barley-based diets. 3. As assessed by FISH analysis, the most abundant bacterial groups in the broiler caeca were Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale followed by Bacteroides sp., Lactobacillus sp./Enterococcus sp., Bifidobacterium sp. and Enterobacteriaceae. For both cereal types, the enzyme supplementation significantly decreased the relative amount of Enterobacteriaceae. 4. The T-RFLP profiles indicated that the caecal microbiota of birds receiving rye-based diets was more diverse than that of birds fed on barley-based diets. 5. Irrespective of the method applied, the results indicate that the cereal type as well as the exogenous enzyme supplementation influence the microbiota in broiler chicken caeca, and may have the effect of reducing potentially pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae populations.     

Simultaneous selection for yield-related traits and susceptibility to Fusarium head blight in spring wheat RIL population

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the fungal plant pathogen Fusarium, is a fungal disease that occurs in wheat and can cause significant yield and grain quality losses. The present paper examines variation in the resistance of spring wheat lines derived from a cross between Zebra and Saar cultivars. Experiments covering 198 lines and parental cultivars were conducted in three years, in which inoculation with Fusarium culmorum was applied. Resistance levels were estimated by scoring disease symptoms on kernels. In spite of a similar reaction of parents to F. culmorum infection, significant differentiation between lines was found in all the analyzed traits. Seven molecular markers selected as linked to FHB resistance QTLs gave polymorphic products for Zebra and Saar: Xgwm566, Xgwm46, Xgwm389, Xgwm533, Xgwm156, Xwmc238, and Xgwm341. Markers Xgwm389 and Xgwm533 were associated with the rate of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) as well as with kernel weight per spike and thousand kernel weight in control plants. Zebra allele of marker Xwmc238 increased kernel weight per spike and thousand kernel weight both in control and infected plants, whereas Zebra allele of marker Xgwm566 reduced the percentage of FDK and simultaneously reduced the thousand kernel weight in control and infected plants.     

A potential novel Brucella species isolated from mandibular lymph nodes of red foxes in Austria

The wild red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a known indicator species for natural foci of brucellosis. Here, we describe phenotypic and molecular characteristics of two atypical Brucella strains isolated from two foxes hunted 2008 in Eastern Austria. Both strains agglutinated with monospecific anti-Brucella A serum and were positive in ELISA with monoclonal antibodies directed against various Brucella lipopolysaccharide epitopes. However, negative nitrate reductase- and negative oxidase-reaction were atypical traits. Affiliation to the genus Brucella was confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and by detection of the Brucella specific insertion element IS711 and gene bcsp31 using real-time PCR. Both fox strains showed identical IS711 Southern blot profiles but were distinct from known brucellae. The number of IS711 copies detected was as high as found in B. ovis or marine mammal Brucella strains. Molecular analyses of the recA and omp2a/b genes suggest that both strains possibly represent a novel Brucella species.     

Assessment of genetic effects on important breeding traits in reciprocal DH populations of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)

Here we present a study on the genetic effects of agronomic and seed quality traits in double haploid (DH) populations, which were developed by microspore culture from reciprocal F₁ hybrids produced between cultivar Californium and DH W-15. Each of the populations consisted of 25 DH lines. The field experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications during three growing seasons. Field observations were recorded on seed yield and its structure: the number of branches and pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod, the 1000-seed weight, the content of fat in the seeds, and three unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, linolenic) in the seed oil. In order to investigate the influence of cross direction on the studied traits, parental effects were evaluated on the basis of differences between reciprocal DH populations. The maternal effect was revealed on the number of seeds per pod and the effect of the paternal form on linolenic acid content. The occurrence of transgression effects also depended on the direction of crossing and this was particularly noticeable in terms of the number of seeds per pod. The use of multivariate statistical methods allowed for the simultaneous characterization and grouping of tested lines in terms of several traits. Graphic images of the distribution of DH lines in the space of the two first canonical variates showed a great variation between the two reciprocal populations, both in terms of yield and its components, as well as fat and those unsaturated fatty acids.     

Diversity loss of lichen pine forests in Poland

In Central Europe, deciduous forests are the dominant community type and lichen pine forests are restricted to certain areas with extremely nutrient-poor and xeric soil types. In recent decades, a retreat of vegetation of oligotrophic habitats has been observed in Central Europe. In this study, we assessed changes of lichen pine forests in Poland: within the main area of the range in Central Europe. We used two sets of data collected at a local and regional (nation-wide) scale. On the basis of data from semi-permanent plots, we examined changes in the structure and species composition of lichen pine forests over 33 years at the local scale (between 1975 and 2008). To compare trends at the regional scale, we used data collected in the Polish Vegetation Database (PVD). For identification of lichen pine forests we determined a group of co-occurring Cladonia species. We analyzed differences in species richness and vegetation structure at the regional scale in tree time periods (1) between 1951 and 1969, (2) 1970 and 1989, and (3) 1990 and 2011. We found that changes in lichen pine forests are primarily quantitative at both scales. Our results indicate that the abundance of Cladonia species is limited by strong competitors, i.e., vascular plants and bryophytes, which may be explained by eutrophication and climate warming. Only pine forests with a minor abundance of lichens have chances to persist in the vegetation of Central Europe, while the most valuable communities with high abundance of indicators will disappear. Though an assessment of the total decrease in the area of lichen pine forests is not possible with the available regional data, local observations indicate a large decline in the area of lichen pine forests in Central Europe. Their conservation seems to be a serious challenge, because it is difficult to provide optimal conditions for all indicators.     

Genotype-by-environment interaction of barley DH lines infected with Fusarium culmorum (W.G.Sm.) Sacc.

Infection of plants by pathogens is a biotic environmental stress. Barley plants are infected, among others, by Fusarium culmorum—a pathogen affecting seedling, head, root and stem. The infection can result in reduced yield and grain quality. The aim of the study was to compare the reaction of inoculated and non-inoculated barley doubled haploids (DHs) with F. culmorum in various environments. Thirty-four genotypes were inoculated with an isolate of F. culmorum. The experiment was carried out over 6 years. Kernel weight per spike, 1000-kernel weight and percentage of plump kernels were observed in control and inoculated plants. Genotype-by-environment (GE) interaction and its structure with reference to the environments and genotypes were analysed. Additional information about the sensitivity of healthy and infected genotypes to environments was determined by the regression analysis. Statistical computation was made using the SERGEN software. Lines were considered as unstable when their GE interaction was significant at P = 0.05. Unstable genotypes were classified as intensive or extensive according to the results of the regression analysis. It was found that infection with Fusarium decreased the stability of barley lines in different environments. Interaction of unstable infected genotypes with environments, most often, could not be explained by the regression—their response to various environmental conditions appeared to be unpredictable. Selection of lines less susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses was possible due to comparison of classification of healthy and infected lines, which was made based on their main effects and GE interaction.     

Gas-liquid chromatographic determination of sorbic acid and sodium benzoate in table sirup.

A gas-liquid chromatographic method is described for the simultaneous determination of sorbic acid and sodium benzoate in table sirup. The preservatives are extracted from acidified sirup with ethyl acetate and are analyzed on a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector and a glass column (4 ft X 4 mm id) containing 9% SP-1200 and 2% H3PO4 on Chromosorb W (AW). Coefficients of variation for sorbic acid and sodium benzoate are 0.62 and 0.41%, respectively. Analysis time is less than 20 min, with recoveries exceeding 90%.     

Washing agents from sewage sludge: efficiency of Cd removal from highly contaminated soils and effect on soil organic balance

Purpose

To compare Cd removal from different soils with three washing agents recovered from sewage sludge (dissolved organic matter (DOM), soluble humic-like substances (HLS), soluble humic substances (SHS)). Also, to investigate how washing with these agents changes soil organic-matter composition (OM).

Materials and methods

Sandy clay loam (S1) and clay (S2) highly contaminated with Cd (300 mg kg^?1) were washed with DOM, HLS, or SHS solutions at various pHs, and with various washing times and washing modes (single or double). Cd distribution and OM composition were determined (including content of humic substances (HS), fulvic fraction (FF), labile humic acids (L-HA), and stable humic acids (S-HA)).

Results and discussion

Cd removal proceeded with pseudo-second-order kinetics. Equilibrium was reached in 30 min (S1) and 60 min (S2). DOM, HLS, and SHS removed 75–82% of Cd from S1, and 80–87% from S2. The most mobile fraction of Cd was removed after one wash. S2 retained more OM, including HS, than S1. Although washing did not change the HA/FF ratio in most variants, washing with DOM and HLS increased the percentage of L-HA in both soils. Washing with SHS increased S-HA content in both soils, but the percent content of S-HA was similar to that in the unwashed soil.

Conclusions

DOM, HLS, and SHS derived from sewage sludge can effectively remediate clay and sandy clay soils highly contaminated with Cd. Washing with an SHS solution can increase the content of the most stable carbon forms (HA), which is beneficial for carbon sequestration in remediated soils.

     

Intraregional and inter‐regional variability of herbicide sensitivity in common arable weed populations

The question on intraregional versus inter‐regional variability in herbicide sensitivity for weed populations is of major importance, both in extrapolation of model parameters and in herbicide zonal approval procedures. We hypothesised that inter‐regional variability in herbicide sensitivity for field populations would be the same as intraregional variability for regions with similar climatic conditions. Seeds of field weed populations were collected in a Danish, German and Polish region. Herbicide sensitivity was tested in dose–response experiments in the glasshouse with flufenacet and iodosulfuron (Apera spica‐venti), florasulam and tribenuron (Tripleurospermum inodorum), diflufenican, diflufenican + flurtamone and pendimethalin (Viola arvensis). ED₅₀ values and variance components of the ED₅₀ values were estimated to describe the influence of region, year and population. The regions accounted for a maximum of 26% of the variance and always less than the variance accounted for by individual populations. Sensitivity indices (SI₅₀) were calculated as the ratio between ED₅₀ of the test population and a reference population. There was considerable intraregional variability in SI₅₀ values and SI₅₀ values from a single region did not consistently differ from other regions. The large intraregional variability in herbicide sensitivity between populations, with no evidence of resistance, is of interest both for zonal evaluation of herbicides and resistance research. For practical weed management, we conclude that dose–response functions can be transferred between the study regions, for example for the common use in decision support systems with proper insurance for the control of less sensitive populations.     

The influence of alternative plant propagation and stand establishment techniques on survival and growth of eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) clones

Four eastern cottonwood clones, including standard operational clone ST66 and three advanced clonal selections were produced and included in a test utilizing five different plant propagation methods. Despite relatively large first-year growth differences among clones, all clones demonstrated similar responses to the treatments and clone × cutting treatment interactions were generally non-significant. The effects of changing cutting lengths are consistent with previous studies which indicated the potential for increased plant survival and growth with increased cutting lengths. Differences in stored carbohydrate reserves alone do not appear to completely control first-year growth and development of cuttings. First-year growth of 51 cm long cuttings planted 30.5 cm deep was greater than the same cuttings planted 48 cm deep. Stem form of plants derived from whip-tip propagation did not differ from plants derived from standard, unrooted cuttings. This propagation method offers the potential of far greater production capacity from a cutting orchard and rapid bulk-up of new or limited clones. Stand uniformity assessments suggest that surviving trees of each individual cutting treatment exhibit similar levels of growth variation. Optimization of plantation establishment techniques has the potential to increase growth of young Populus plantations.