Two microsatellite markers flanking a dominant gene for resistance to soybean cust nematode race 3

The purpose of this work was to identifymicrosatellite markers linked to a gene forresistance to Heterodera glycinesIchinohe (Soybean Cyst Nematode – SCN) insoybean cultivar Hartwig. ABC₁F₂ mapping population derivedfrom a cross between Hartwig (resistant)and the Brazilian soybean line Y23(susceptible) was used. About 200microsatellite or simple sequence repeat(SSR) primer pairs were tested in a bulkedsegregant analysis (BSA). Those thatshowed clear polymorphisms were amplifiedin the BC₁F₂ population, whichhad been previously inoculated andevaluated for resistance/susceptibility toSCN Race 3. Three SSR markers linked toSCN resistance were detected in thepopulation. Two of them, Satt 038 and Satt163, flanking a dominant resistant gene(d/a = –0.90), explained 37% of thephenotypic variance. This gene was mappedat the edge of molecular linkage group G. Broad and narrow sense heritabilities wereestimated to be 50.54% and 37.73%,respectively. A selection efficiency of91.18% was obtained with the simultaneoususe of the two markers. The identified SSRmarkers will be useful tools for assistingthe selection of homozygous genotypes andfor expediting the introgression of the SCNresistance locus from cv. Hartwig tosoybean elite cultivars.     

Shrub species affect distinctively the functioning of scattered Quercus ilex trees in Mediterranean open woodlands

A low tree stand density has been showed as necessary to thrive with summer drought in semiarid Mediterranean open woodlands. Shrub encroachment of these open woodlands is currently recommended to guarantee the persistence of the system, due to the nursery effect of shrubs on tree seedling. However, the increase in abundance and cover of a shrub understory in these water limited woodlands could bring consequences to tree overstory functioning. The present study analyzes the physiological status of scattered Quercus ilex L. trees in paired adjacent plots with and without the presence of a shrubby understory in CW Spain. Two contrasting shrub strategies were addressed in order to take into account possible species-specific effects: a dense-shallow rooting shrub (Cistus landanifer L.) and a sparse-deep rooting shrub (Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss). Leaf water potential (at predawn and midday), leaf gas exchange parameters (net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance), leaf nitrogen content and chlorophyll fluorescence transients (maximum photochemical efficiency and performance index, sensuStrasser et al., 2004) were measured during three consecutive summers. Trees growing with Cistus as understory showed significant lower leaf water potential, leaf gas exchange parameters, leaf nitrogen content and chlorophyll photochemical efficiency than trees growing without shrub competence. However, the presence of the legume Retama did not affect significantly the physiological state of Q. ilex. Thus, we conclude that the presence of a shrubby understory has the potential to modify the functioning of scattered trees, but these effects are species-specific.     

Identification and genetic characterization of an ethylene-dependent polygalacturonase from apricot fruit

During fruit ripening a loss of firmness occurs, which is a key factor limiting postharvest life. In apricot, Prunus armeniaca L., a wide range of fruit firmness at commercial maturity has been observed in different cultivars. Endopolygalacturonase (endoPG) activity has been reported to be associated with differences in firmness in many fruit species, but never in apricot. In this paper, we reported the identification of an apricot cDNA (PaPG) coding for an endoPG-like protein with 393 amino acids. Protein sequence comparison with known polygalacturonases (PGs) revealed that multiple features as conserved domains and functional residues and a predicted signal peptide were present in PaPG. Moreover, a phylogenetic analysis of this and other plant PGs placed PaPG into a clade containing endoPGs expressed in fruit, abscission and dehiscence zones without a propeptide sequence, very close to PRF5 from peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch). PaPG gene expression increased during postharvest storage of the fruit, correlating with fruit softening and ethylene release, and it responded to exogenous ethylene treatments. We localized the PaPG gene in apricot linkage group 4 after genetic mapping based on SNP analysis, in a position apparently syntenic to the PRF5 locus from peach. Results obtained offer genetic evidence supporting the hypothesis that PaPG and PRF5 are orthologous genes, and consequently position PaPG as a gene of interest for studies on fruit softening in apricot, and contribute to the development of molecular tools for breeding apricots with longer shelf life.     

A comparative study of apple and pear tree water consumption measured with two weighing lysimeters

A five-year experiment (2002–2006) was conducted to determine apple (cv ‘Golden Smoothee’) and pear (cv ‘Conference’) crop coefficients (Kc) using two large weighing lysimeters. Daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) were evaluated. Midday canopy light interception of both crops planted in hedgerows, 4 × 1.6 m, was determined on a weekly basis from bud-break until leaf fall from year 2002 (fourth after planting) to year 2006 of both plantations. Relationships between canopy light interception and calculated Kc (ETc/ETo) were evaluated from bud-break until harvest. There were differences in Kc values between apple and pear trees. When daily Kc values from bud-break until harvest were adjusted to hyperbolic functions each year, adjusted curves for pear trees were very similar regardless of year (maximum Kc around 1.0). In apple trees, the maximum values of Kc increased over time, from 0.49 in 2002 to 1.04 in 2006. Midday light interception in both apple and pear trees increased during the 5 years of experiment from 29.0 to 45.6% in apples and from 27.5 to 41.6% in pears in midsummer. Although there was a significant positive correlation between midday canopy light interception and Kc in apple and pear trees, in different times within a specific year, these relationships were different between crops. While the apple data fitted into the same equation regardless of the year, different equations were needed to fit the pear data in different years. This discrepancy may have been related to differences in the canopy properties between apple and pear trees. Pear canopies had higher porosity than apple canopies and thus improved light penetration. Apple trees were more vigorous and produced taller and denser canopies. Pear Kc values were greatly influenced by the evaporative demands of different years and consequently differences in midday canopy light interception did not adequately reflect the differences in Kc across the two species.     

Dampened behavioral and physiological responses mediate birds’ association with humans

The study of the mechanisms involved in phenotypic adaptations or plasticity to environmental stressors may serve to evaluate contemporary ecological and evolutionary dynamics in threatened or growing wildlife populations. By addressing human disturbance as a main stressor agent, we investigated antipredator response (flushing distance), social behavior (degree of gregarism), health (fecal pathogens), and endocrine status (fecal corticosterone levels) as potential mechanisms that permit birds to cope with anthropogenic impact in tourist areas. Our study models were species that are neither urbanized nor invasive, and that are typical of the high mountains of the Palearctic: the Alpine and the Red-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus and P. pyrrhocorax), and the surrounding alpine bird community. Both chough species showed habituation, reduced flushing distances, fewer parasites and lower corticosterone levels in tourist than in non-tourist sites, and a significant variation in gregarious behavior. Behavioral and physiological adjustments permitted these corvids to optimize resource exploitation depending on habitat quality and in conditions of continuous disturbance. Human-induced changes in chough social behavior had no effect on local avian species richness, a surrogate measure for community diversity. Irrespectively of chough aggregations, bird diversity decreased significantly in recreational areas, thus not all community members tolerated human impact as choughs did. Our findings suggest that species that manage to coexist with humans primarily adjust traits that influence ecological interactions (social, foraging or antipredatory responses) and that vary rapidly (learned behaviors and physiological mechanisms that promote homeostasis).     

Fruit thinning in ‘Conference’ pear grown under deficit irrigation: Implications for fruit quality at harvest and after cold storage

Fruit thinning in pear is feasible for mitigation of water stress effects. However, it is not well known how fruit quality at harvest and after cold storage is affected by pre-harvest water stress. Even less is known about the effects of fruit thinning on quality under these circumstances. To elucidate these, we applied deficit irrigation (DI) and fruit thinning treatments to ‘Conference’ pear over the growing seasons of 2008 and 2009. At the onset of Stage II (80 and 67 days before harvest in 2008 and 2009, respectively), two irrigation treatments were applied: full irrigation (FI) and DI. FI trees received 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). DI trees received no irrigation during the first three weeks of Stage II to induce water stress, but then received 20% of ETc to ensure tree survival. From bud-break until the onset of Stage II and during post-harvest, FI and DI trees received 100% of ETc. Each irrigation treatment received two thinning levels: no thinning leaving commercial crop load (∼180 fruits tree⁻¹), and hand-thinning at the onset of Stage II leaving a light crop load (∼85 fruits tree⁻¹). Under commercial crop loads, DI trees were moderately water-stressed and this had some positive effects on fruit quality. DI increased fruit firmness (FF), soluble solids concentrations (SSC) and acidity at harvest while no changes were observed in fruit maturity (based on ethylene production). Differences in FF and acidity at harvest between FI and DI fruit were maintained during cold storage. DI also reduced fruit weight loss during storage. But fruit size was reduced under DI. Fruit thinning under DI resulted in better fruit composition with no detrimental effect on fresh-market yield compared to un-thinned fruit. Fruit size at harvest and SSC values after five months of cold storage were higher in fruit from thinned trees than fruit from un-thinned trees. Fruit thinning increased fruit ethylene production, indicating advanced maturity. This may lead to earlier harvest which is desirable in years with impending drought. Fruit thinning is therefore a useful technique to enhance pear marketability under water shortage.     

Bio-efficacy of the Essential Oil of Oregano (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Origanum vulgare</Emphasis> Lamiaceae. Ssp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hirtum</Emphasis>)

The aim of this study was to investigate the bioactivity of the essential oil isolated from Origanum vulgare L. (EOv). We analyzed the in vivo anti-inflammatory properties in a mouse-airway inflammation model and the in vitro antimicrobial activity, genotoxicity over the anaphase-telophase with the Allium cepa strain and its cytotoxicity/viability in A549 culture cells. In vivo, EOv modified the levels of tumor necrosis factor -α and viable activated macrophages and was capable to mitigate the effects of degradation of conjugated dienes. In vitro, EOv reduced the viability of cultured A549 cells as well as the mitotic index and a number of chromosomal aberrations; however, it did not change the number of phases. We found that EOv presents antimicrobial activity against different Gram (?) and (+) strains, measured by disc-diffusion test and confirmed with a more accurate method, the AutoCad software. We postulate that EOv presents antibacterial, antioxidant and chemopreventive properties and could be play an important role as bioprotector agent.     

Estimation of endogenous protein and amino acid ileal losses in weaned piglets by regression analysis using diets with graded levels of casein

Background： Many studies have investigated endogenous loss of proteins and amino acids （AAs） at the ileal level in growing pigs. However, only a few studies have researched this subject in piglets. Knowledge regarding AA ileal digestibility in piglets would be helpful during the formulation of diets for weaning piglets, rather than just using coefficients obtained in growing pigs. Therefore, in this study, we sought to estimate endogenous protein and AA ileal losses in piglets. Furthermore, apparent and true ileal digestibility （AID and TID） of protein and AAs from casein were measured. Results： The average flow of protein was 20.8 g/kg of dry matter intake （DMI）. Basal protein loss, as estimated by regression, was 16.9 g/kg DMI. Glutamic acid, arginine, and aspartic acid （2.2, 1.4, and 1.2 g/kg DMI, respectively） were the AAs for which greater losses were seen. The AID of protein and AAs increased as the protein level in the diet increased. A higher increment in AID was observed between diets with 80 and160 g CP/kg of feed; this finding was mainly attributable to increases in glycine and arginine （46.1% and 18%, respectively）. The TID of protein was 97.8, and the TID of AAs varied from 93.9 for histidine to 100.2 for phenylalanine. Conclusions： The basal endogenous protein loss in piglets was 16.9 g/kg DMI. Endogenous protein was rich in glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and arginine, which represented 32.7% of endogenous protein loss in weaning piglets. The TID of casein was high and varied from 93.0 for histidine to 100.2 for phenylalanine.     

Thermal Stability of Selected Natural Red Extracts Used as Food Colorants

The color degradation of aqueous solutions of six natural red pigment extracts (elderberry, red cabbage, hibiscus, red beet, Opuntia fruits and red cochineal) used commercially as food colorants was investigated at temperatures between 50 and 90 °C. Color degradation was studied in respect to both spectral properties and visual color. The remaining absorbance at 535 nm as a function of the incubation time and temperature was used to quantify the degradation process. Red cochineal was the most thermoresistant extract with a remaining absorbance of 95 % after 6 h at 90 °C. Anthocyanin extracts (elderberry, red cabbage, hibiscus) showed remaining absorbance percentages of 63.8, 46.1 and 26.7, respectively. Betacyanin extracts (red beet, Opuntia fruits) were the most thermosensitive maintaining only 12.5 and 1.7 %, respectively, of the initial absorbance at 535 nm. Applying a first-order kinetic model to the degradation processes, reaction rate constants (k) and half-life periods (t _1/2 ) were calculated. The temperature dependence of the degradation rate constant obeyed the Arrhenius relationship, with activation energies (E _a ) ranging between 3.02 and 53.37 kJ?mol^?1. The higher activation energy values indicated greater temperature sensitivity. Changes in visual color attributes corroborated the high thermal stability of the red cochineal extract.     

Evaluation of the Local Analgesic Effects of a Commercial Aqueous Extract of Sarracenia purpurea and Ammonium Sulfate in the Equine Abaxial Sesamoid Block Model

Sarracenia purpurea is a carnivorous plant whose aqueous extracts have been proposed to exert analgesic effects by neurolytical action on peripheral nerves. The aim of this study was to determine the local analgesic effects of a commercially available aqueous extract solution of S. purpurea (P-Bloc, St. Joseph, Missouri) and a 1% ammonium sulfate solution, using the horse abaxial sesamoid block model. Twenty horses were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group (n = 10) was used to evaluate the effect of P-Bloc. The horses received a bilateral (medial and lateral) abaxial sesamoid block with 5 mL of P-Bloc in one random forelimb, while in the contralateral forelimb, they received either 5 mL of 2% lidocaine as a positive control (n = 5) or 5 mL of 0.9% NaCl as a negative control (n = 5). The second group (n = 10) was treated as the first but received 5 mL of 1% ammonium sulfate in NaCl (0.9% NaCl) solution instead of P-Bloc. The period of hoof withdrawal reflex latency (HWRL, in seconds) was measured using a custom-made heat projector lamp as a source of a noxious skin heating stimulus applied to the pastern. Lidocaine (2%) prolonged (P ≤ .05) the HWRL period, returning to the negative control basal values after 240 minutes. Neither the treatment with P-Bloc nor 1% ammonium sulfate modified the HWRL period. The lack of effect of these compounds in this model reinforces the results reported elsewhere and suggests a nonlocal anesthetic mechanism of action for the aqueous extract of S. purpurea in the horse.