Extent and Pattern of Genetic Diversity for Morpho-agronomic Traits in Ethiopian Highland Pulse Landraces: I. Field Pea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pisum sativum</Emphasis> L.)

An experiment was conducted in 2001 at Holetta and Kulumsa, Ethiopia, to study the extent and pattern of genetic diversity in Ethiopian field pea (Pisum sativum L.) landraces. One hundred forty-eight germplasm accessions were grown in an alpha lattice design with 2 replications. Data on 12 traits were collected and analyzed. Differences among the accessions were significant for most of the traits (except number of seeds/ pod) at each location even though differences pooled over location were mostly non-significant. The accessions were grouped into five clusters of different sizes. Accessions from the southern part of the country (Arsi) distributed overall clusters while those from the northern half (North and South Wello, North Gonder and North Shewa) fell into clusters C₁ to C₃. Cumulative effects of a number of characters dictated differentiation of the accessions into clusters. There was no definite relationship between geographic diversity and genetic diversity as overlapping was encountered in clustering pattern among accessions from different parts of the country. Accessions from different regions might have similar genetic background and those from the same origin might also have different genetic background. Therefore, geographic diversity should not necessarily be used as an index of genetic diversity and parental selection should be based on a systematic study of genetic diversity in a specific population. Genetic distances among most of the clusters were significant that crosses between parents selected out of them are expected to generate desirable genetic recombination. Selection should also consider the special advantages of each cluster and each accession within a cluster. Future germplasm collection, conservation and breeding efforts should focus not only on inter-regional diversity but also on intra-regional diversity.     

Extent and Pattern of Genetic Diversity for Morpho-agronomic Traits in Ethiopian Highland Pulse Landraces II. Faba Bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia faba</Emphasis> L.)

A field experiment was conducted in 2001 at Holetta and Kulumsa, Ethiopia, to study genetic diversity in Ethiopian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) landraces. One hundred sixty random germplasm accessions were grown in an alpha lattice design with two replications. Data on 12 traits were collected and analyzed. Significant differences were observed among the accessions for most of the traits (except number of pods/podding nodes) at each location even though differences pooled over location were mostly non-significant. Cluster analysis distinguished seven diversity classes of different sizes. Accessions from the northern half of the country (North and South Wello, North Gonder and North Shewa) were closely related while those from the southern part of the country (Arsi) were highly diverse. Cumulative effects of a number of characters dictated differentiation of the accessions into clusters. Some overlapping were encountered between accessions from the northern and those from the southern parts of the country. The study revealed that accessions from different regions might have similar genetic background and those from the same origin might also have different genetic background. Therefore, geographic diversity should not necessarily be used as an index of genetic diversity and parental selection should be based on a systematic study of genetic diversity in a specific population. Genetic distances between most of the clusters were significant that crosses between parents selected out of them are expected to generate desirable progenies. Future germplasm collection, conservation and utilization strategies should put more focus not only on inter-regional diversity in the country as a whole but also on intra-regional diversity in Arsi.     

Promising genetic resources for resistance to wheat streak mosaic virus and the wheat curl mite in wheat-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Thinopyrum</Emphasis> partial amphiploids and their derivatives

Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), vectored by the wheat curl mite (WCM),Aceria tosichella Keifer, is one of the most destructive viral diseases of wheat found in many wheat producing areas of the world. Host resistance is the most effective method for controlling this disease and its vector. Symptomatological analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to characterize WSMV-resistance in wheat-alien partial amphiploid lines and their derivatives. The results showed that most of partial amphiploids derived fromThinopyrum ponticum andTh. intermedium were free of systemic symptoms with very low ELISA readings that were similar to that of the non-inoculated Chinese Spring control. While the partial amphiploid lines 693 and PWM706 were identified as new genetic resources of resistance to WSMV. The present study demonstrated that both symptomatological and ELISA methods efficiently assessed WSMV-resistance in the wheat-alien hybrids and systemic symptom incidence and ELISA absorbance readings were highly correlated (r ₂ = 0.8658–0.9323) over time following inoculation. The ELISA results also indicated that the virus did not buildup in the plant tissues of these virus-resistant partial amphiploids. Similar results were observed in chromosome translocation and substitution lines that have the geneWsm1 conferring WSMV resistance. However, the lines containing the geneWsm1 and all the partial amphiploid lines, except Agrotana, were susceptible to the WCM. One line derived from a cross of wheat and Agrotana, was effective in controlling the spread of WSMV and was highly resistant to the WCM. Another line and an accession ofTriticum dicoccoides (Koern.) Schweinf. were highly susceptible to WSMV and WCM. Early disease development was delayed in a new hard red winter cultivar McClintock. The partial WSMV-resistance of McClintock was demonstrated by initially low ELISA readings, and a lower percentage of infected plants than other WSMV-susceptible wheat. The use of the identified promising sources of resistance to WSMV and the WCM in wheat breeding is discussed.LRC Contribution No. 387-01061.     

Evaluation of brief dietary questions to estimate vegetable and fruit consumption - using serum carotenoids and red-cell folate

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate responses to self-administered brief questions regarding consumption of vegetables and fruit by comparison with blood levels of serum carotenoids and red-cell folate. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study in which participants reported their usual intake of fruit and vegetables in servings per day, and serum levels of five carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin and lycopene) and red-cell folate were measured. Serum carotenoid levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and red-cell folate by an automated immunoassay system. SETTINGS AND SUBJECTS: Between October and December 2000, a sample of 1598 adults aged 25 years and over, from six randomly selected urban centres in Queensland, Australia, were examined as part of a national study conducted to determine the prevalence of diabetes and associated cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Statistically significant (P<0.01) associations with vegetable and fruit intake (categorised into groups: /=4 servings per day) were observed for alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin and red-cell folate. The mean level of these carotenoids and of red-cell folate increased with increasing frequency of reported servings of vegetables and fruit, both before and after adjusting for potential confounding factors. A significant association with lycopene was observed only for vegetable intake before adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that brief questions may be a simple and valuable tool for monitoring vegetable and fruit intake in this population.     

Sample size and power determination for detecting interactions in mixtures of chemicals

In the analysis of mixtures of drugs/chemicals it is often of interest to test for the presence of interaction. If the hypothesis of no interaction (additivity) is not rejected, then the analyst may reasonably claim additivity if and only if the study is powered to a desired (e.g., biologically meaningful) level. The objective of this article is to address the sample size and power issues related to testing the hypothesis of additivity at specified mixture points. The study of disinfectant by-products (DBPs) found in drinking water, described in earlier literature, is used to illustrate the procedures for estimating power and sample sizes for detecting interactions at specified mixtures. The four trihalomethanes used in the study are bromodichloromethane (BDCM), chlorodibromomethane (CDBM), chloroform (CHCl₃), and bromoform (CHBr₃)     

Temporal change in soil macropores measured using tension infiltrometer under different land uses and slope positions in subtropical China

Purpose

Soil macropores play a principal role in water infiltration but they are highly variable. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the temporal change in macropores of an Ultisol as affected by land use and slope position and (2) to analyze contribution of macropores to water infiltration.

Materials and methods

Water infiltration was measured at upper and lower slopes in citrus orchard and watermelon field once every 2 months for 1 year using tension infiltrometers at a successive pressure head from ?12, ?6, ?3, to 0 hPa.

Results and discussion

Hydraulic conductivity (K) was significantly affected by land use and slope position except at 0 hPa pressure head, showing a significant temporal variation. Effective macroporosity, derived from the increment of hydraulic conductivity between ?3 and 0 hPa, showed a significant temporal variation. Such temporal variation was land use (P?<?0.05) and slope position (P?<?0.001) dependent. Despite of low proportion in total soil volume (averaged 3.5 cm³ m^?3), the macropores contributed 47 % of water flux on average. The macroporosity was more stable and higher in the citrus orchard (2.43 cm³ m^?3, coefficient of variance (CV)?=?75 %) than in the watermelon field (1.72 cm³ m^?3, CV?=?117 %) and contributed more to infiltration in the citrus orchard (60 %, CV?=?16 %) than in the watermelon field (33 %, CV?=?43 %) as well, because tillage was operated only in the watermelon field.

Conclusions

No-tillage increased water conducting macropores but did not increase hydraulic conductivity irrespective of slope position.

     

Sustainability of in situ remediation of Cu- and Cd-contaminated soils with one-time application of amendments in Guixi,China

Purpose

In situ immobilization of heavy metal-contaminated soils with the repeated incorporation of amendments can effectively reduce the bioavailability of soil heavy metals. However, the long-term application of amendments would lead to the destruction of soil structure and accumulation of soil toxic elements, ultimately affecting food security and quality. Thus, the sustainability of the amendments in a heavy metal-contaminated soil was evaluated from 2010 to 2012.

Materials and methods

Batch field experiments were conducted in the soils, which were amended with apatite (22.3 t ha^?1), lime (4.45 t ha^?1), and charcoal (66.8 t ha^?1), respectively. The amendments were applied only one time in 2009, and ryegrass was sown each year. Ryegrass and setaria glauca (a kind of weed) were harvested each year. Concentrations of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) were determined by batch experiments. Five fractions of Cu and Cd were evaluated by a sequential extraction procedure.

Results and discussion

Ryegrass grew well in the amended soils in the first year, but it failed to grow in all the soils in the third year. However, setaria glauca could grow with higher biomass in all the amended soils. The treatment of apatite combined with plants was more effective than lime and charcoal treatments in removing Cu and Cd from the contaminated soils by taking biomass into account. Apatite had the best sustainable effect on alleviating soil acidification. The Cu and Cd concentrations of CaCl₂-extractable and exchangeable fractions decreased with the application of amendments. Moreover, apatite and lime could effectively maintain the bioavailability of Cu and Cd low.

Conclusions

Apatite had a better sustainable effect on the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils than lime and charcoal. Although all the amendment treated soils did not reduce soil total concentrations of Cu and Cd, they could effectively reduce the environmental risk of the contaminated soils. The findings could be effectively used for in situ remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils.

     

Characterisation of agricultural drainage ditch sediments along the phosphorus transfer continuum in two contrasting headwater catchments

Purpose

This study investigated the phosphorus (P) source, mobilisation and transport potential of ditch bed sediments as well as surrounding field and bank soils in two agricultural headwater catchments with contrasting soil drainage capacities. This information is important for discerning the potential for ditches to attenuate or augment transfers of P from upstream sources and thus for developing appropriate management strategies for these features.

Materials and methods

Phosphorus sources were characterised using the Mehlich3-P, water-soluble P and total P tests. Phosphorus mobilisation potential was characterised using the Mehlich3-AL/P, Mehlich3-Ca/P and DESPRAL P tests. Phosphorus transport potential was characterised using data collected on the presence/absence of surface water in ditches during field surveys and downstream turbidity data.

Results and discussion

Ditch sediments had similar P source contents (Mehlich3-P, water-soluble P and total P) to the surrounding field soils and higher P contents than bank soils. However, calcium contents of sediments in the poorly drained catchment reflected the deep sub-soils rather than the surrounding field and bank soils. Mehlich3-Al/P and Mehlich3-Ca/P contents of ditch sediments in the well (non-calcareous) and poorly (calcareous) drained catchments respectively indicated potential for P retention (above thresholds of 11.7 and 74, respectively). However, sediments were less aggregated than field soils and may mobilise more particulate P (PP) during rain events. Nevertheless, the majority of surveyed ditches dried out from March to September 2011; thus, their potential to mobilise PP may be less important than their capacity to attenuate soluble and PP during this time.

Conclusions

In these and similar catchments, soluble P attenuation and particulate P mobilisation should be maximised and minimised, respectively, for example, by cleaning out the sediments before they become saturated with P and encouraging vegetation growth on ditch beds. This study also highlighted the influence of deep sub-soils on soluble P retention in ditches and thus the utility of characterising soils below depths normally included in soil classifications.

     

Characterization of suspended particulate matter in the Moselle River (Lorraine,France): evolution along the course of the river and in different hydrologic regimes

Purpose

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) plays an important role in the transport and fate of contaminants in the environment. To better understand the relationships between contaminants and SPM, SPM properties, and their variations with flow regime, river size, land use, and season should be considered.

Materials and methods

The grain size distribution, elemental composition, and mineralogy of SPM from different stations along the Moselle River (Lorraine, France) were investigated at the particle scale during different flow regimes. The resulting data were compared with the elemental composition of the dissolved compartment to understand the role of particles in element transport.

Results and discussion

The grain size distribution, elemental composition, and mineralogy of SPM along the Moselle River and during different flow regimes showed only slight variations, except for the Fensch and Orne tributaries, two rivers that were impacted by inherited steel-making industrialization and different land use. In the Moselle River, SPM mainly consisted of clay minerals, while in Fensch and Orne Rivers, SPM mainly consisted of multiple types of anthropogenic particles. The diffuse urbanization gradient was hardly recognized based on the Trace Metal Element (TMEs) content in the river SPM, while the rivers impacted by the steel industries had greater TME contents. Finally, the TME content in the Moselle SPM was more strongly influenced by water flow than by the position of sampling on the linear reach of the Moselle River. The partitioning of TMEs in the particles and water at the main Moselle station (Frouard) revealed that SPM predominantly contributed to TMEs transport.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that catchment geology greatly contributed to the SPM composition in the mean-sized rivers. In addition, the high anthropogenic pressure could be deciphered for small tributaries. Furthermore, this study allowed us to observe the high contribution of particles to TMEs and Rare Earth Element (REEs) transportation.

     

Interaction of contaminated sediment from a salt marsh with estuarine water: evaluation by leaching and ecotoxicity assays and salts from leachate evaporation

Purpose

Wastes from a former Portuguese steel plant were deposited between 1961 and 2001 on the riverbank of a tributary of the Tagus River creating a landfill connected to the river, posing a potential contamination risk to the Tagus estuary ecosystem. This study aims to assess the transfer of chemical elements from contaminated sediments to the estuarine water from cycles of sediment leaching so as to evaluate the ecotoxicity of the leachates, and to analyze the solid phases crystallized from those leachates.

Materials and methods

Landfill sediment and estuarine water samples were collected during low tide. Sediment samples were analyzed for pH, electric conductivity (EC), C_org, NPK, and iron oxides. Leaching assays (four replicates) were done using estuarine water (200 cm³/replicate) and 1.5 kg of sediment per reactor. Each reactor was submitted to four leaching processes (0, 28, 49, and 77 days). The sediment was kept moist between leaching processes. Sediment (total (acid digestion) and available fraction (diluted organic acid extraction-Rhizo)) elemental concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma–instrumental neutron activation analysis (ICP/INAA). Leachates, and estuarine and sediment pore waters were analyzed for metals/metalloids by ICP/mass spectrometry (MS) and carbonates/sulfate/chloride by standard methodologies. Ecotoxicity assays were performed in leachates and estuarine and pore waters using Artemia franciscana and Brachionus plicatillis. Aliquots of the leachates were evaporated to complete dryness (23–25 °C) and crystals analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD).

Results and discussion

Sediment with pH?=?8 and high EC and C_org was contaminated with As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn. The element concentrations in the available fraction of the sediment were low compared to the sediment total concentrations (<1 % for Rhizo extraction). The concentrations of potentially hazardous elements in the estuarine water were relatively low, except for Cd. Concentrations of hazardous elements in the leachates were very low. Calcium, K, Mg, Na, and chloride concentrations were high but did not vary significantly among the four leaching experiments. Total concentrations of carbonate were much higher in leachates than in estuarine water. Both estuarine water and leachates showed negligible toxicity. Crystals identified in the solids obtained from the leachates by evaporation were halite, anhydrite, epsomite, dolomite, and polyhalite.

Conclusions

The sediment showed the capacity to retain the majority of the potentially hazardous chemical elements. Remobilization of chemical elements from sediment by leaching was essentially negligible. The variation of total concentrations of Ca, carbonate, and sulfate in leachates indicates that the sediment contained reactive sulfides. Due to its composition, the sediment seems to be a dynamic system of pollution control, which should not be disturbed.