Eco-geographic distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cicer isauricum</Emphasis> P.H. Davis and threats to the species

Wild Cicer species are considered as useful genetic resources for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses due to limited resistance in cultivated chickpeas. As a wild perennial species in the genus Cicer L., Cicer isauricum P.H. Davis is an endemic species to Turkey and endangered status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria. Here we report on its eco-geographic distribution and environmental stresses that affect the species, and advocate for its in situ and ex situ conservation. A new population of the species was discovered in Geyikbay?r?, Güllük Mountains in Antalya, Turkey. Cicer isauricum not only suffers from significant biotic stresses such as ascochyta blight [Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Labr.], pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner) and broomrape (Orobanche sp.), but is also subjected to drought and heat stress in its habitat. Infection with ascochyta blight in natural habitats was diagnosed by molecular techniques, and pod borer and broomrape were observed only phenotypically. PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region of genomic DNA from cultured fungal isolates, yielded sequences with 100% nucleotide identity with the corresponding sequence in GeneBank for Didymella rabiei Kovachevski (anamorph: A. rabiei). The pathogen may have co-evolved with C. isauricum in the newly discovered site. Because C. isauricum is exposed to drought and accompanying heat stress in its natural habitat, it appears able to tolerate heat stress up to 45 °C during podding stage and terminal drought in late summer from its woody, deep rooting. C. isauricum bears multiple flowers per axil, a potentially useful trait in cultivated chickpea. In conclusion, C. isauricum is a potential genetic source for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, in need of greater protection due to its endangered status.     

Effects of juniper essential oil on growth performance,some rumen protozoa,rumen fermentation and antioxidant blood enzyme parameters of growing Saanen kids

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of juniper essential oil on the growth performance, rumen fermentation parameters, rumen protozoa population, blood antioxidant enzyme parameters and faecal content in growing Saanen kids. Thirty‐six male Saanen kids (36 ± 14 days of age) were used in the study. Each group consisted of 9 kids. The control group (G1) was fed with a diet that consisted of the above concentrated feed and oat hay, whereas the experimental groups consumed the same diet but with the concentrated feed uniformly sprayed with juniper essential oil 0.4 ml/kg (G2), 0.8 ml/kg (G3) or 2 ml/kg (G4). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in live weight, live weight gain or feed consumption between the control and experimental groups. There was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in feed efficiency in the G3 group. There were no differences in the rumen pH, rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile or faecal pH of the control and experimental groups. The rumen NH₃N values were similar at the middle and end of the experiment, but at the start of the experiment, the rumen NH₃N values differed between the control and experimental groups (p < 0.05). The faecal score value was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the experimental groups. The addition of juniper essential oil supplementation to the rations caused significant effects on the kids’ antioxidant blood parameters. Although the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase values were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the experimental groups (G2, G3 and G4), especially group G4, the blood glutathione peroxidase (GPX) value significantly decreased in the experimental groups. The results of this study suggest that supplementation of juniper oil is more effective on antioxidant parameters than on performance parameters and may be used as a natural antioxidant product.     

Investigations on the role of cuticular wax in resistance to powdery mildew in grapevine

Cuticular wax on the plant epidermis inhibits or enhances prepenetration events of powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator Schwein). We examined the role of cuticular leaf and berry waxes as a resistance mechanism in four grapevine genotypes (Italia?×?Mercan-174, Gürcü, Isabella, Özer Karas?) resistant to powdery mildew after natural infection and inoculation. To understand cuticular wax properties, we determined the amount of wax and antifungal effects of thin layer chromatography (TLC) fractions from cuticular leaf and berry waxes, then assessed the chemical composition of fractions with different antifungal activities using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Susceptible genotypes Cabernet Sauvignon and Italia were used for comparison. Resistant and sensitive genotypes did not differ significantly in the total amount of wax on leaves and berries; however, 27 fatty acids, 26 alkanes, 6 terpenes, 4 indole derivatives and 4 ketones, and 3 amides, 3 phenols and 3 steroids were detected in fractions with high antifungal activity (≥75% inhibition of germination) in leaf and/or berry cuticular waxes of resistant genotypes only. These compounds may be evaluated as markers for powdery mildew resistance during genotype selection in a grapevine breeding program.     

Effect of thermal pretreatment on germination of seeds from different provenances of subalpine oriental spruce (Picea orientalis (L.) Link.) forest in Turkey

We examined the effect of thermal treatment at two temperatures (60 s of 90°C dry heat and 60 min in 40°C hot water) versus control conditions on the germination of oriental spruce (Picea orientalis (L.) Link.) seeds originating from different subalpine provenances. Cutting test results showed that there was wide variation (between 10% and 90%) in filled seed rates. The results revealed that highest germination yield was attained via the hot water treatment. The maximum germination percentages were observed in seeds from “tree 3” in the first tree collective of provenances 1 (85.33 ± 5.77 control; 88.67 ± 7.02 via the hot water treatment; 82.00 ± 10.58 via the dry heat treatment) and 3 (70.67 ± 17.24 control; 88.00 ± 4.00 via the hot water treatment; 86.67 ± 11.37 via the dry heat treatment). The mean germination percentages were significantly different (p-value < .05): percentage values were 32.57% in provenance 1, 23.22% in provenance 3, 12.25% in provenance 4, and 2.82% in provenance 2. Mean germination time of seeds from different provenances and experiencing various pretreatments showed significant variation. The best pretreatment increase in germination rates was achieved via the wet heat method (60 min in 40°C hot water).     

Heavy Metal Levels in Muscle Tissues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solea solea</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mullus barbatus</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sardina pilchardus</Emphasis> Marketed for Consumption in Mersin,Turkey

Edible muscle tissues of Solea solea, Mullus barbatus, and Sardina pilchardus marketed in Mersin were analyzed for their Cr (total), Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As (total), Cd, Sn, and Pb levels. Metal levels of the tissues were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrophotometric (ICP-MS) methods. Muscle levels of Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sn, and Pb were determined as 0.19–2.80, 0.08–3.88, 0.93–25.76, 0.03–0.63, 0.01–1.96, 1.28–45.95, 0.49–25.26, 0.14–4.03, and 0.02–1.37 mg kg^?1 w.w., respectively. Cadmium levels were below detection limits in all the muscle samples taken. Mean metal levels of the tissues were compared with the provisional tolerable daily (PTDs) and weekly (PTWIs) intake limits. Mean metal levels taken by the consumption of analyzed tissues were below PTDs and PTWIs; hence, the fish species studied do not pose any risk for human consumption from the point of heavy metals.     

Gene effects of Cicer reticulatum on qualitative and quantitative traits in the cultivated chickpea

The gene effects of Cicer reticulatum on both double‐podding as qualitative traits and yield criteria as quantitative traits in interspecific hybridization with cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum) have not yet been elucidated, despite the easy acquisition of hybrid progeny between two species. This study sought to answer three questions concerning qualitative and quantitative traits in reciprocal crosses between C. arietinum and C. reticulatum. (i) Is there a similarity in the gene effects of flower colour, pigmentation and double‐podded traits in reciprocal interspecific crosses? (ii) What are the expressivity and penetrance of the double‐podded trait in interspecific crosses? (iii) Which heterosis predicts the occurrence and the extent of transgressive variation? The materials for this study were F₁, F₂ and F₃ progeny derived from a reciprocal cross between C. arietinum and C. reticulatum. As qualitative traits, purple flower colour, pigmentation and single‐podded traits in C. reticulatum were governed by a dominant single gene. Purple flower colour and pigmentation were detected to be linked traits as all progeny had the same phenotypes. As quantitative traits, yield criteria in progeny which were double‐podded had higher values than the single‐podded counterparts. Expressivity and penetrance of the double‐podding trait were superior in progeny derived from C. reticulatum × C. arietinum. The results showed that fruitful heterosis was more useful than residual heterosis in F₃ as residual heterosis was mostly negative and fruitful heterosis was suggested in self‐pollinated species such as chickpea that lacks inbreeding depression. Interspecific transgression was significant with respect to chickpea improvement because it represented a potential source of novel genetic variation.     

Transgressive segregations for yield criteria in reciprocal interspecific crosses between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cicer arietinum</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. reticulatum</Emphasis> Ladiz.

Wild Cicer species are considered to be more resistant for biotic and abiotic stresses than that of the cultivated chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Alien genes conferring resistance for biotic and abiotic stresses can be transferred from wild Cicer species to the cultivated chickpea but success in interspecific hybridizations has already been achieved with only two wild Cicer species. The current study was undertaken to compare fruitful heterosis in F₂ and F₃ for yield and yield criteria and to identify transgressive segregation in F₂ and F₃ in reciprocal interspecific crosses between C. arietinum and C. reticulatum Ladiz. We define fruitful heterosis as a useful parameter that can be used instead of residual heterosis. Considerable fruitful heterosis in F₂ and F₃ was found for number of seeds, pods per plant, biological yield, and seed yield. Maximum values of most of the characteristics in F₂ and F₃ were higher than that of the best parent indicating that superior progeny could be selected for yield from transgressive segregation. Progeny selection should be based on number of seeds, pods per plant, and biological yield since these characteristics had the highest direct effect on seed yield. The narrow sense heritability was found to be the highest for 100-seed weight. It was suggested that the cultivated chickpea could be used as female parent in interspecific hybridization to increase yield and yield criteria since progeny in F₂ and F₃ had better performance when it was used as female. In conclusion, interspecific hybridization of wild and cultivated chickpea can be used to improve yield and yield components and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses as well.     

Resistance assessment of grapevine leaves to downy mildew with sporulation area scoring

The use of resistant individuals obtained through a breeding program, aimed at decreasing chemical treatments, is one of the most promising strategies for control of downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola in grapevine. In this study, 869 hybrid grape individuals, obtained by crossing the resistant Regent grape cultivar with sensitive Alphonse Lavallée, were tested after artificial inoculation of detached leaves by drops of the pathogen inoculum. Sporulation severity, as visual evaluation of sporulation density including necrosis, and sporulation incidence were scored to assess resistance level, then the sporulation area (mm²) was measured for each individual. The criterium of sporulation incidence could not describe all resistance levels. Sporulation area made it possible to measure the entire area in detail for how the pathogen spread at the inoculation site. Sporulation area was not fully consistent with sporulation severity. In this context, a new scale for sporulation area was developed to determine resistance level to the pathogen by taking into account the distribution of sporulation area values within those obtained from sporulation severity scales. Six categories ranging from 0 to 0.05 mm² (extremely resistant-ER) to ≥15.1 mm² (extremely sensitive-ES) were defined. 43 of the 869 individuals tested through the three evaluation criteria, in which no sporulation was observed, and 18 additional individuals with sporulation area of <0.05 mm² were scored in the ER group. Microscopic analysis confirmed findings for the ER group and other resistance levels. The authors suggest that the scale of sporulation area will be useful for assessment of resistance to downy mildew on grapevine leaves.

     

Breed-related plasma disposition of ivermectin following subcutaneous administration in Kilis and Damascus goats

Many factors related with drug and animals affect the plasma disposition of endectocides including ivermectin (IVM). The aim of the present study was to investigate the breed differences in pharmacokinetics of IVM in goats following subcutaneous administration. Two different goat breeds (Kilis and Damascus goats) were allocated into two treatment groups with respect to breed. The injectable formulation of IVM was administered subcutaneously at a dose rate of 0.2 mg/kg bodyweight. Blood samples were collected before treatment and at various times between 1 h and 40 days after treatment and the plasma samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using fluorescence detection. The results indicated that the plasma disposition of IVM was substantially affected by breed differences following subcutaneous administration in goats. The last detectable plasma concentration (t_last) of IVM was significantly later in Kilis goats (38.33 days) compared with Damascus goats (22.50 days). Although, there were no significant differences on C_max (10.83 ng/ml vs. 10.15 ng/ml) and t_max (2.75 days vs. 2.33 days) values; the area under the concentration–time curve-AUC (110.26 ng.d/ml vs. 73.38 ng.d/ml) the terminal half-life-t_1/2λz (5.65 days vs. 3.81 days) and the mean plasma residence time-MRT (9.31 days vs. 6.35 days) were significantly different in Kilis goats compared with Damascus goats, respectively. The breed-related difference observed on the plasma disposition of IVM between Kilis and Damascus goats could be attributable to different excretion pattern or specific anatomical and/or physiological characteristics such as body fat composition of each breed.     

Effect of NaCl salinity in the genotypic variation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) during early vegetative growth

Twenty-five genotypes of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) were tested for salt-tolerance at the vegetative growth stage in pot in the greenhouse experiments at salinity levels of 0, 85, and 170 mM NaCl. Plant survival was the main criterion for classifying genotypes. Other criteria included the ion concentration (Na⁺ and Cl⁻) in root and shoot and biomass accumulation. Four local accessions (‘Paceño’, ‘Tardón’, ‘Sonorense’, and ‘Cuarenteño’), three accessions from California (‘CB46’, ‘CB27’, and ‘CB3’), and one accession from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) (‘IT82D-889’) survived at concentrations of both 85 and 170 mM NaCl and were classified as salt-tolerant, while ‘IT96D-666’, ‘IT89KD-288’, and ‘IT93K-734’ from IITA were classified as salt-sensitive. One local accession (‘Sesenteño’), three accessions from IITA (‘PEPH-V Wes-85’, ‘IT86D-719’, and ‘IT95K-1090-12’), and one accession from California (‘CB5’) were classified as moderately salt-tolerant. Eight accessions from IITA (‘IT96D-733’, ‘IT90K-277-2’, ‘IT91K-93-10’, ‘IT91K-118-20’, ‘IT90K-284-2’, ‘IT95K-1088-4’, ‘IT89KD-391’, and ‘IT94K-437-1’) and one from California (‘CB88’) were classified as moderately salt-sensitive. Biomass was affected by both 85 and 170 mM NaCl in all groups of genotypes, however, salt-tolerant and moderately salt-tolerant genotypes showed higher biomass than genotypes classified as moderately salt-sensitive and salt-sensitive. In all genotypes Cl⁻ concentration was higher in shoots than roots and increased as salinity increased. Similarly Na⁺ concentration increased with increasing salinity. However, in salt-tolerant and moderately salt-tolerant genotypes, Na⁺ concentration was more in roots than shoots, while in moderately salt-sensitive and salt-sensitive genotypes, Na⁺ was higher in shoots than roots.