Determinants of barley grain yield in a wide range of Mediterranean environments

Barley grain yield in rainfed Mediterranean regions can be largely influenced by terminal drought events. In this study the ecophysiological performance of the ‘Nure’ (winter) × ‘Tremois’ (spring) barley mapping population (118 Doubled Haploids, DHs) was evaluated in a multi-environment trial of eighteen site–year combinations across the Mediterranean Basin during two consecutive harvest years (2004 and 2005). Mean grain yield of sites ranged from 0.07 to 5.43 t ha⁻¹, clearly dependent upon both the total water input (rainfall plus irrigation) and the water stress index (WSI) accumulated during the growing season. All DHs were characterized for possessing molecular marker alleles tagging four genes that regulate barley cycle, i.e. Vrn-H1, Vrn-H2, Ppd-H2 and Eam6. Grain yield differences were initially interpreted in terms of mean differences between genotypes (G), environments (E), and for each combination of genotype and environment (GE) through a “full interaction” ANOVA model. Variance components estimates clearly showed the greater importance of GE over G, although both were much lower than E. Alternative linear and bilinear models of increasing complexity were used to describe GE. A linear model fitting allelic variation at the four genes explained genotype main effect and genotype × environment interaction much better than growth habit itself. Adaptation was primarily driven by the allelic constitution at three out of the four segregating major genes, i.e. Vrn-H1, Ppd-H2 and Eam6. In fact, the three genes together explained 47.2% of G and 26.3% of GE sum of squares. Grain yield performance was more determined by the number of grains per unit area than by the grain weight (phenotypic correlation across all genotypic values: r = 0.948 and 0.559, respectively). The inter-relationships among a series of characters defining grain yield and its components were also explored as a function of the length of the different barley developmental phases, i.e. vegetative, reproductive, and grain filling stages. In most environments, the best performing (adapted) genotypes were those with faster development until early occurrence of anthesis. This confirmed the crucial role of the period defining the number of grains per unit area in grain yield determination under Mediterranean environments.     

Beyond marine paper parks? Regulation theory to assess and address environmental non‐compliance

1. Many marine protected areas (MPAs) around the world are ‘paper parks’. A key factor contributing to their ineffectiveness is non‐compliance with the rules in place. 2. This paper contributes to the existing academic discussion on ‘paper parks’ by drawing on critical regulation scholarship to develop a theoretical framework to assess and address compliance gaps in MPAs. 3. The theoretical insights are then explored using a case study of the second largest Italian MPA (the ‘Penisola del Sinis‐Isola di Mal di Ventre’), employing a multidisciplinary perspective built on both biological and socio‐legal expertise. 4. The biological study consists of a review including existing unpublished data on biological resources in the MPA coupled with new analyses on the effects of sea urchin harvesting restrictions. The socio‐legal research consists of the analysis of primary qualitative research in the form of semi‐structured interviews conducted with key stakeholders at the local and regional level in 2014, followed by two workshops (one with stakeholders and one with the general public) in 2015 to discuss the research findings collectively. 5. The results show that the Sinis MPA is not achieving its conservation goals, primarily because of actors' non‐compliance with the rules. The interviews with key stakeholders reveal a number of interlinked social, normative and calculative motivations at the basis of non‐compliance. Policy solutions are then offered. 6. This study offers a novel analysis on ‘paper parks’ that may be applicable to other MPAs experiencing similar compliance issues. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fish to 2030: The Role and Opportunity for Aquaculture

Seafood sector can contribute to the global food supply in an important way, and provide an important source of animal protein. Based on observed regional trends in seafood production and consumption and using a global, partial-equilibrium, multi-market model, this study investigates what the global seafood market may look like in 2030. The model projects that the total fish supply will increase from 154 million tons in 2011 to 186 million tons in 2030, with aquaculture entirely responsible for the increase. The fastest aquaculture growth is expected for tilapia and shrimp, while the largest expansion is expected in India, Latin America and Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Fast-growing seafood demand in China and elsewhere represents a critical opportunity for global fisheries and aquaculture to improve their management and achieve sustainable seafood economy.     

Comparative proteomic analysis of kernel proteins of two high amylose transgenic durum wheat lines obtained by biolistic and Agrobacterium-mediated transformations

In this work, we compared the proteome of mature and immature kernels of transgenic and untransformed durum wheat lines in which genes of the starch branching enzymes of class II (SBEIIa) were silenced by RNA interference using two different methods of genetic transformation. The comparative analysis of granule bound and metabolic protein fractions of Svevo and Ofanto and their derived transgenic lines highlighted twenty four and thirty three differentially accumulated spots, respectively, in the line MJ16-112 (obtained by biolistic transformation of Svevo) and in the line A431_4p1a (obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Ofanto).     

New records of the distribution and conservation status of the endangered limpet Patella ferruginea in Sardinia (Italy,W Mediterranean)

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Absorption,translocation and distribution of lindane and DDT in the corn plant

Summary Data are given on the translocation and distribution of lindane and DDT in corn plants, and on their accumulation in corn kernels.The studies were conducted between 1966 and 1968, using emulsifiable products containing lindane and DDT formulated according to the same formulation. The insecticides were introduced in the plant by absorption from the soil and by injection.A part of the internodes of the 5 plants, representing a variant, were analysed. From the data obtained it results that insecticide absorption in the plants varies in terms of the date of application, and the rate of plant development.Following plant injections, DDT accumulated in larger amounts than lindane and, conversely, by absorption from the soil lindane was absorbed in larger quantities.It was found that both lindane and DDT are able to translocate and accumulate in corn plants and kernels. This translocation is higher for lindane and less so for DDT. In the case of lindane, an accumulation at the level of the physiologically active plant centers was established.Compound accumulation in a larger or smaller proportion is also a function of the water regime,, and their localization in various zones of the plant probably is governed by some physiological factors.

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Zusammenfassung Daten über Translokation und Verteilung von Lindan und DDT in der Maispflanze sowie über Anreicherung in den Maiskörnern werden mitgeteilt.Die Forschungsarbeiten wurden in den Jahren 1966–1968 durchgeführt. Als Versuchspräparate dienten emulgiertes Lindan und nach der gleichen Formulierung hergestellte DDT-Emulsion.Die Insektizide wurden der Pflanze auf zwei verschiedenen Wegen zugeführt, und zwar durch Bodenabsorption und durch Injektion.Die Internodien der 5 Pflanzen, die eine Variante bildeten, wurdern auf Rückstände analysiert.Auf Grund der erzielten Resultate wird festgestellt, daß die Insektizidaufnahme durch die Pflanze von ihrem Entwicklungsstadium und von dem Behandlungstermin abhängig ist.Von den injizierten Insektiziden wurden in der Pflanze größere DDT-Mengen gespeichert, während durch Bodenabsorption größere Mengen Lindan von der Pflanze aufgenommen wurden.Es wird weiterhin festgestellt, daß sowohl Lindan als auch DDT in der Maispflanze bis in die Körner weitergeleitet und gespeichert werden kann. Bei Lindan ist die Translokation intensiver als bei DDT.Größere Lindananreicherungen wurden im Bereich der physiologisch aktiven Pflanzenzentren festgestellt.Größere oder geringere Anreicherungen von Insektiziden in der Pflanze hängen auch von ihrem Wasserhaushalt ab, während die Lokalisierung in den einzelnen Pflanzenzonen von bestimmten physiologischen Faktoren abhängig ist.

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Résumé On présente des données sur la translocation et la répartition du lindane et du DDT dans la plante de maïs, et sur leur accumulation dans les graines.Les recherches ont été effectuées de 1966 à 1968, en utilisant des produits émulsifiables contenant du lindane et du DDT, conditionnés selon la même formulation.Les insecticides ont été introduits dans la plante soit par absorbtion, soit par des injections.On a analysé partiellement les internodes des 5 plantes qui ont constitué une variante.Les données obtenues montrent que l'absorbtion des insecticides dans la plante varie en fonction du moment de l'application du traitement et en rapport avec le degré de développement de la plante.A la suite des injections, le DDT a été accumulé en plus grande quantité que le lindane et, au contraire, l'accumulation du lindane a été plus importante à la suite de l'absorbtion à partir du sol.On constate que le lindane et le DDT peuvent être transloqués et accumulés dans les plantes et les graines de maïs. Cette translocation est plus importante chez le lindane, et elle est moindre dans le cas du DDT. En ce qui concerne le lindane, on constate des accumulations au niveau des centres physiologiquement actifs de la plante.L'accumulation en une proportion plus ou moins grande est aussi conditionnée par le régime de l'eau, cependant que la localisation de ces substances dans diverses zones de la plante est déterminée par certains facteurs physiologiques.

     

Adaptation to iron deficiency and high pH in evergreen azaleas (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhododendron</Emphasis> spp.): potential resources for breeding

The growth of evergreen azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) can be altered by iron (Fe) chlorosis when plants are cultivated in a neutral-alkaline substrate. In this study, morphological and physiological responses to alkalinity and Fe deficiency were evaluated in five diploid Japanese azaleas to assess their potential as resources for breeding. R. obtusum ‘Kirin’, R. indicum ‘Shinsen’, R. × pulchrum ‘Sen-e-oomurasaki’, R. indicum ‘Osakazuki’, and R. ripense were pot cultivated in a peat-based substrate for 10 weeks, in acid and alkaline growing media with both adequate and inadequate Fe nutrition. Plant performance was generally affected by high pH of the substrate, while Fe deficiency by itself influenced few of the evaluated parameters, possibly due to the complex adaptive response mechanisms of these slow growing ornamental shrubs. According to the biochemical and physiological variations recorded on a long period of cultivation, R. indicum ‘Osakazuki’ reported the best performance. This azalea could be a valuable resource for breeders.     

Effect of storage conditions on prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen concentration on canine plasma samples

The present study was to assess the effect of storage conditions on prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and fibrinogen concentration in blood samples of healthy dogs. Thirty-five dogs of various breeds were included in the study. Citrated blood samples were obtained and plasma was divided into four aliquots to assess selected clotting parameters by means of a coagulometer. The first aliquot was analysed within 1 h after collection, while the remaining 3 were stored at 8℃ for 4, 8 and 24 h, respectively. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance documented a significant decreasing effect on PT at 24 h compared to 8 h and on fibrinogen concentration after 8 and 24 h compared to sampling time and at 4 and 24 h compared to 8 h post sampling. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that only fibrinogen appears prone to significant decrease. In fact, aPTT is not substantially affected by refrigeration for at least 24 h post sampling and PT showed a statistical difference that does not necessary indicate biological significance as the results obtained were within reference intervals for the dog.     

Antimutagenic and Antioxidant Activity of a Selected Lectin-free Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Two Cell-based Models

Legumes and particularly beans are a key food of Mediterranean diet representing an important source of proteins, fiber, some minerals and vitamins and bioactive compounds. We evaluated the antioxidant and anti-mutagenic effects of a new fermented powder of a selected lectin-free and phaseolamin-enriched variety of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), named Lady Joy. Lady Joy lysate (Lys LJ) was studied in human erythrocytes and in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells. The antioxidant and anti-hemolytic properties of Lys LJ, studied in an ex vivo erythrocytes system using the cellular antioxidant assay (CAA-RBC) and the hemolysis test, evidenced a dose-dependent antioxidant activity as well as a significant hemolysis inhibition. Besides, results evidenced that Lys LJ treatment significantly decreased the intracellular ROS concentration and mutagenesis induced by hydrogen peroxide in S. cerevisiae D7 strain. In conclusion, Lys LJ showed both an antimutagenic effect in yeast and a strong scavenging activity in yeast and human cells.