Restoring forests: regeneration and ecosystem function for the future

Conventions and policies for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation state the need for increased protection, restoration and climate change adaptation of forests. Much degraded land may be targeted for large-scale forest restoration, yet challenges include costs, a shortage of regeneration material and the need for restored forests to serve as a resource for communities. To ensure ecosystem function for the future, forest restoration programs must: (1) learn from the past; (2) integrate ecological knowledge; (3) advance regeneration techniques and systems; (4) overcome biotic and abiotic disturbances and (5) adapt for future forest landscapes. Historical forest conditions, while site-specific, may help to identify the processes that leave long-term legacies in current forests and to understand tree migration biology/population dynamics and their relationship with climate change. Ecological theory around plant–plant interactions has shown the importance of negative (competition) and positive (facilitation) interactions for restoration, which will become more relevant with increasing drought due to climate change. Selective animal browsing influences plant–plant interactions and challenges restoration efforts to establish species-rich forests; an integrated approach is needed to simultaneously manage ungulate populations, landscape carrying capacity and browse-tolerant regeneration. A deeper understanding of limiting factors that affect plant establishment will facilitate nursery and site preparation systems to overcome inherent restoration challenges. Severe anthropogenic disturbances connected to global change have created unprecedented pressure on forests, necessitating novel ecological engineering, genetic conservation of tree species and landscape-level approaches that focus on creating functional ecosystems in a cost-effective manner.

     

Are oestrogen receptors and protein tyrosine kinases involved in phytoestrogen-modulated steroid secretion by porcine adrenocortical cells?

The phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein had been found to affect the function of some tissues via oestrogen receptors (ER). In addition, genistein, but not daidzein, is considered to be a protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor. Thus, the involvement of oestrogen receptors and PTK in phytoestrogen action on adrenocortical porcine steroidogenesis was examined in this study. The aims of the experiment were to test the effects of (i) ICI 182, 780 (ICI), an ER antagonist, on genistein- and daidzein-modulated cortisol and androstenedione (A4) secretion by adrenocortical cells isolated during the luteal and follicular phases of the porcine oestrous cycle; (ii) tyrphostin AG 957 (TAG), a nonsteroidal PTK inhibitor, on cortisol and A4 secretion by the cells and (iii) the phase of the porcine oestrous cycle on the mechanism of phytoestrogen action. Adrenals were harvested during the luteal (n = 5 animals) and follicular (n = 5 animals) phases of the oestrous cycle from locally slaughtered crossbred gilts. The isolated adrenocortical cells were incubated for 8 h (37 °C, 95% air, 5% CO2) with genistein (5 or 10 μM) or daidzein (5 or 10 μM) in the presence or absence of ICI (0.5 μM) or TAG (5 or 10 μM). Genistein and daidzein inhibited cortisol secretion and stimulated A4 secretion by porcine adrenocortical cells harvested during both the luteal and follicular phases of the oestrous cycle. The ER antagonist ICI did not eliminate phytoestrogen-induced changes in steroidogenesis. In contrast to genistein, TAG reduced the secretion of A4 and did not affect cortisol secretion. There was no observable effect due to the phase of the cycle. It is suggested that the mechanism of genistein and daidzein action in the adrenocortical cells of pigs is independent of ER and PTK. It is possible that PTK are involved in A4 secretion by porcine adrenocortical cells.     

Quantity, motility and fertility of tench Tinca tinca (L.) sperm in relation to LHRH analogue and carp pituitary treatments

The spermiation of tench males was stimulated with Supergestran containing mammalian LHRHa lecireline at the following doses: 5, 10, 20 and 40 g kg⁻¹ b.w.; then with carp pituitary suspension (CPS) at a dose of 2 mg kg⁻¹ b.w. and with a control of saline physiological solution. The following days, meaning 24, 48 and 72 h after injection, sperm was collected to evaluate volume and the number of sperm per male per kg body weight (B.W.) The percentage of motile sperm and velocity of spermatozoa were measured 48 h after hormonal injection, and 72 h after hormonal injection the sperm was evaluated for fertilization and hatching ability. All 42 males in experimental groups were diploid. Live weight did not differ significantly among experimental groups. The strongest stimulation of spermiation was achieved with LHRHa in dosage of 20 and 40 g kg⁻¹ b.w. and CPS compared to males of the control group and lower dosage of LHRHa. Analysis of variance showed no significant influence of the treatment on the velocity and percentage of motile spermatozoa. The effect of different treatment on the fertilization capacity (the number of spermatozoa per egg was equilibrated) was significant. Significantly the highest quality of sperm collected 72 h after injection expressed by percentage of fertilization and hatching (62–65% fertilization and 61–64% hatching rates, respectively) was found for LHRHa in dosage of 20 and 40 g kg⁻¹ b.w. Significantly the lowest parameters of fertilization and hatching were found for the control group, on the 12% level.     

Heritability estimates for processing and quality traits in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using a molecular pedigree

Heritability estimates with a microsatellite parentage assignment based pedigree are of special interest in common carp cultured under traditional pond conditions. This method reduces common environment effects as all families can be grown immediately after hatching mixed in the same pond. We applied this method to study genetics of growth and processing traits in common carp at market size (1.5 kg and more). The experimental progeny was established by crossing 147 two-year old males and 8 females (six to eight-year old) of Hungarian synthetic mirror carp population. The fish grew up through three vegetation seasons and at the end a sample of 331 fish was examined for biometrical traits (standard length, body weight, relative head length, relative body height, relative body width), percent fat and processing traits (% processed body, % fillets with skin, % fillets without skin). It was shown that sex had a significant effect on most traits: females were larger and fatter than males, and they had both higher percent processed body and percent fillet with skin. Standard length, body weight, percent fat and relative head length had a high heritability (> 0.5), while relative body height, relative body width, percent processed body and fillet yields had a medium heritability (0.2–0.5). We found relatively high positive genetic correlations between body size (standard length and body weight) and percent fat (0.71 and 0.59, respectively), favourable genetic correlations between body size and percent processed body (0.69 for standard length and 0.74 for body weight) and between body size and fillet yields (0.50–0.77). Genetic correlations between body size and body shape (relative head length, relative body height and relative body width) were weak to moderate, thus selection for better growth should have little impact towards more rotund shape. Relative head length had strong negative correlation (− 0.7 to − 0.9) with percent fat, percent processed body and percent fillet yields. This means that indirect selection for reduced relative head length should be effective in improving of fillet yield.     

Two fiber genes of nearly equal lengths are a common and distinctive feature of Fowl adenovirus C members

The complete genome or the genome region containing the two fiber genes of two reference strains and one field isolate representing both serotypes of Fowl adenovirus C were sequenced. Two fiber genes were revealed in the genomes of all three isolates. Fiber-1 and fiber-2 genes of several Fowl adenovirus C isolates were sequenced as well. Both serotypes 4 and 10 have two fiber genes. The genome region containing the fiber gene was also sequenced for the reference strain of Fowl adenovirus B. Just one fiber gene was revealed in this strain. Predicted amino acid sequences were compared to already published fiber sequences of different adenovirus isolates and one amino acid substitution within fiber-2 was detected in all of the Fowl adenovirus C isolates that were isolated from chickens with hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome in comparison to apathogenic isolates. Phylogenetic analyses provided insights about the evolution of fiber genes in avian adenoviruses and their genetic relationships.     

Nitrous oxide and methane emissions from long-term tillage under a continuous corn cropping system in Ohio

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) emitted by anthropogenic activities have been linked to the observed and predicted climate change. Conservation tillage practices such as no-tillage (NT) have potential to increase C sequestration in agricultural soils but patterns of N₂O and CH₄ emissions associated with NT practices are variable. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tillage practices on N₂O and CH₄ emissions in long-term continuous corn (Zea mays) plots. The study was conducted on continuous corn experimental plots established in 1962 on a Crosby silt loam (fine, mixed, mesic Aeric Ochraqualf) in Ohio. The experimental design consisted of NT, chisel till (CT) and moldboard plow till (MT) treatments arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. The N₂O and CH₄ fluxes were measured for 1-year at 2-week intervals during growing season and at 4-week intervals during the off season. Long-term NT practice significantly decreased soil bulk density (ρ_b) and increased total N concentration of the 0–15 cm layer compared to MT and CT. Generally, NT treatment contained higher soil moisture contents and lower soil temperatures in the surface soil than CT and MT during summer, spring and autumn. Average daily fluxes and annual N₂O emissions were more in MT (0.67 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ and 1.82 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) and CT (0.74 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ and 1.96 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) than NT (0.29 mg m⁻² d⁻¹ and 0.94 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹). On average, NT was a sink for CH₄, oxidizing 0.32 kg CH₄-C ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, while MT and CT were sources of CH₄ emitting 2.76 and 2.27 kg CH₄-C ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively. Lower N₂O emission and increased CH₄ oxidation in the NT practice are attributed to decrease in surface ρ_b, suggesting increased gaseous exchange. The N₂O flux was strongly correlated with precipitation, air and soil temperatures, but not with gravimetric moisture content. Data from this study suggested that adoption of long-term NT under continuous corn cropping system in the U.S. Corn Belt region may reduce GWP associated with N₂O and CH₄ emissions by approximately 50% compared to MT and CT management.     

Bacterial role in the decomposition of marine-derived material (penguin guano) in the terrestrial maritime Antarctic

Bacterial decomposition of Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) guano was followed during 42 days exposure in a rookery in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Bacterial abundance, both total counts (TC) determined by epifluorescence microscopy, and colony forming units (CFU) determined on nutrient media, was enhanced by an air temperature of between 7 and 11 °C, while temperatures above and below this negatively affected abundance. Optimal temperatures for guano decomposition ranged from 3 to 11 °C. Increasing wind velocity positively influenced photoautotrophic bacteria (TAC: total autotrophic bacteria count); photoautotrophs were enumerated during epifluorescence microscopy by their autofluorescence. Guano dry weight attained the lowest value of 74% of initial dry weight after 20 days in situ exposure. Changes in guano resulted from decomposition of the component fats, proteins, chitin, nitrogen and carbon, as well as of mineral recycling (Ca, P, Mg, and others). All transformations accompanied bacterial growth, with TC and CFU both attaining 10¹¹ cells g⁻¹ d wt of guano. Total bacterial biomass (TBB) increased from 594 μg C g⁻¹ dry weight in fresh guano, to 9101 μg C g⁻¹ dry weight after 42 days exposure in situ. Mean cell volume (MCV) also increased from 0.236 to 0.343 μm³. Photoautotrophic bacteria were numerically the smallest TC fraction throughout the incubation, with TAC to TC ratio ranging from 0.01 to 0.22%. Culturable bacteria abundance in guano increased dramatically from 0.28% of TC (in fresh guano) to 26% (3-h day), and 90% (42nd day) of TC. Within the total CFU population, copiotrophic bacteria were ca. two orders of magnitude more abundant than oligotrophic bacteria. Chitinolytic bacteria in guano were detected only late in the incubation; by 42 days, >40% of the initial chitin content remained. This material may comprise a significant fraction of the soil in the penguin rookery. Bacteria cultivated from the penguin guano displayed high morphophysiological diversity.     

Impact of fish size,water temperature,and MS‐222 concentration on inducing general anesthesia in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)

The aim of the study was to determine the optimum concentration of MS‐222 for given size groups of pikeperch and water temperatures. The study considered three size groups of pikeperch (body weight [BW] 8.56, 15.72, 52.91 g), an MS‐222 water solution (50, 100, and 150 mg/L), and two temperatures (20 or 23°C). It was revealed that the optimum MS‐222 concentration depended largely on the size of the pikeperch and on water temperature. For fish with a BW <10 g the recommended concentration is 100 mg/L but only at 23°C. For fish with a BW of 10–40 g at an immersion temperature of 20°C the safe MS‐222 concentration ranges from 100 to 150 mg/L. However, at a temperature of 23°C the recommended concentration of the anesthetic is 100 mg/L. Similarly for larger fish, that is, fish with a BW >40 g, the optimum MS‐222 concentration at a water temperature of 20°C is in the range of 100–150 mg/L, but at a temperature of 23°C is it approximately 100 mg/L. Additionally, when exposure to the anesthetic is shorter (several min), a concentration of 150 mg/L is also safe for juvenile pikeperch of this size.