A nutrient requirement mapping system for new crop introduction

A procedure for mapping nutrient requirement for introduction of a new crop to an area has been developed. The procedure makes use of the US Soil Taxonomy for grouping soils into homogeneous fertility areas. Subsoil chemical properties are used for nutrient estimation. The Hawaii Natural Resource Information System was adapted to produce sample phosphorus requirement maps for the island of Oahu.     

In vitro effects of the ionophore lysocellin on ruminal fermentation and microbial populations.

Batch and continuous culture techniques were used to evaluate the effect of the ionophore lysocellin on ruminal fermentation and microbial populations. In batch culture, .5 and 1 ppm (of the fluid) lysocellin markedly decreased (P less than .01) the acetate:propionate ratio without affecting fiber digestion, ammonia concentration, or culture pH. Greater concentrations of lysocellin had negative effects (P less than .05) on fiber digestion and increased (P less than .05) culture pH. In continuous culture, a low level of lysocellin (33 ppm of the diet DM or about .7 ppm of the fluid) decreased pH (P less than .05) and methane (P less than .05) production but had no effect on fiber digestion. Lysocellin tended to increase (P less than .05) OM digestion in corn-based diets but decreased OM digestion in barley-based diets (starch source x lysocellin interaction, P less than .05). In addition, the molar proportion of propionate was increased more in barley- than in corn-based diets. Total anaerobes and amylolytic and lactate-utilizing microorganisms were not affected by the ionophore. In continuous culture, cellulolytic and lactate-producing organisms were insensitive to lysocellin, but, in lysocellin-treated media, cellulolytic organisms were resistant, whereas lactic acid producers were sensitive to lysocellin at 4 ppm. In summary, the ionophore lysocellin alters ruminal fermentation by decreasing ruminal methane production and increasing the molar proportion of propionate; however, effects varied depending on whether corn or barley served as the primary starch source.     

Resistance to Pseudomonas solanacearum in the potato: I. Effects of sources of resistance and adaptation

Summary F1 hybrid true potato seed progenies with multiple sources of specific resistance to Pseudomonas solanacearum and adaptation were evaluated under tropical greenhouse conditions for resistance to a race 1 isolate of P. solanacearum. Results indicated that genes for adaptation are involved in conferring resistance to bacterial wilt. The effect of a particular resistant parent clone on the resistance level of its progeny depended on the resistance, adaptation or the combination of both characteristics of its mate. A heat tolerant parent gave a higher frequency of resistant offspring in combination with an ascertained source of resistance. Combining ability was an apparent feature of resistance to bacterial wilt and resistance was highest in the majority of the crosses that had a wide genetic background for both resistance and adaptation. The possible genetic nature of the resistance to bacterial wilt is discussed.     

Coastal development threatens Datan area supporting greatest fish diversity at Taoyuan Algal Reef,northwestern Taiwan

1. Taoyuan Algal Reef is a biodiverse coralline algal reef in north-west Taiwan, that is currently threatened by coastal development and industrial waste runoff.
2. As the reef lies in an exposed area that is frequently disturbed by monsoons, it is difficult to survey using traditional methods. Knowledge of the reef is therefore limited, and has until recently, long been regarded as a barren environment.
3. However, recent studies have revealed that the reef is inhabited by a diverse array of organisms, particularly at Datan, where a natural gas receiving terminal is planned for construction. Due to challenging environmental conditions, otolith assemblage and soundscape analyses were used to supplement traditional sampling methods including clove oil, netting, and pole-and-line fishing in order to assess the diversity of the fish community at Taoyuan Algal Reef.
4. Several fish species that had not been recorded by previous surveys were observed. Fish diversity and the average size of commercially targeted species were greatest at Datan G2. Predatory reef fishes such as groupers (Serranidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae), as well as several small endangered scalloped hammerhead sharks Sphyrna lewini were recorded at G2, where otolith assemblage analysis also indicated increased predatory activity. However, fewer individuals and species were recorded from tidal pools across all sites compared to previous surveys, suggesting a loss of biodiversity.
5. If construction work resumes at Datan, it will be likely to have adverse consequences for the reef itself, the species that inhabit it, and by extension, the local fishermen that rely upon it. Halting additional coastal development, reducing industrial and domestic pollution, as well as improving the management of traditional fisheries is recommended to protect this unique reef ecosystem from further degradation.

     

Identification of Bphs,an autoimmune disease locus,as histamine receptor H1

Bphs controls Bordetella pertussis toxin (PTX)-induced vasoactive amine sensitization elicited by histamine (VAASH) and has an established role in autoimmunity. We report that congenic mapping links Bphs to the histamine H1 receptor gene (Hrh1/H1R) and that H1R differs at three amino acid residues in VAASH-susceptible and -resistant mice. Hrh1-/- mice are protected from VAASH, which can be restored by genetic complementation with a susceptible Bphs/Hrh1 allele, and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis and autoimmune orchitis due to immune deviation. Thus, natural alleles of Hrh1 control both the autoimmune T cell and vascular responses regulated by histamine after PTX sensitization.     

True potato seed research and development in Vietnam

Quality tuber planting material is unavailable in the Red River Delta (RRD). The use of True Potato Seed (TPS) was considered as an alternative planting material. During the 1985–86 and 1986–87 seasons, 21 and 40 kilos of open pollinated TPS, respectively, were collected in the southern highlands and distributed to over 40 cooperative groups of farmers in the RRD. Fifty-two hectares (1985-86) and 120 hectares (1986-87) of potatoes were produced from transplants in the two years of on-farm production. Approximately 50% of the farmers were successful in both years. Lack of experience and too wet or too dry growing conditions caused most of the failures. Yields from transplants ranged from 5 to 13 t/ha with 150 to 300 seedling tubers/m². Seedling tubers can be stored for eight months with low storage losses and when replanted give substantially higher yields than those obtained from locally grown, degenerated seed tubers.