Assessment of genetic relationships among 29 introduced and 49 local sweet cherry accessions in Turkey using AFLP and SSR markers

Summary

The characterisation of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) genetic resources in Turkey may help to increase their use in breeding programmes worldwide, as Turkey is the centre of origin of sweet cherry. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were therefore used to analyse genetic diversity among a total of 78 local and introduced sweet cherry cultivars. Four AFLP primer combinations, and six SSR primer pairs for sweet cherry were used for genetic diversity analysis. A genetic similarity matrix was calculated using the combined data from AFLP and SSR analyses with simple matching coefficient. Genetic similarities among the sweet cherry genotypes studied were higher than 42%. No two accessions had an identical AFLP and SSR marker profile, indicating that all 78 genotypes were unique. An UPGMA dendrogram, based on the similarity matrix, revealed 18 separate Groups at or above the 70% similarity level. While some Groups consisted of both introduced and local genotypes, other Groups had only local genotypes. This result suggests that there was broad genetic diversity among the local Turkish sweet cherry genotypes, which was not present in the introduced sweet cherry accessions. The genetic variation present in local Turkish sweet cherry genotypes may be useful for future breeding programmes. We found that the use of both SSR and AFLP marker systems was effective for distinguishing between genetically-close sweet cherry genotypes. These marker systems can be used to complement pomological and morphological markers during the characterisation and identification of sweet cherry genotypes.     

Morphometric analysis of the mandible of Bardhoka autochthonous sheep in Kosovo

Kosovo, one of the countries in the Balkan Peninsula, has a long tradition in sheep farming, and sheep breeds share triple purpose breed characteristics: milk, meat and wool. Bardhoka sheep, also with triple productive profile, is an important sheep breed because of its economic value with its milk production. In this study, 24 mandibles of adult Bardhoka sheep (12 male and 12 female) aged between 2 and 5 were used. The sheep were acquired from slaughterhouse around Kosovo, and the mandibles were selected without any deformities from healthy sheep. After cleaning the mandibles, a total of 12 morphometric measurements were taken from each sample using digital calliper. The difference between female and male was statistically significant (p < .05) for measurement 11 (height of mandible level of alveolar edge of 3rd molar tooth). The mean value of measurement 11 in male individuals was 42.26 ± 3.96, and it had a higher value than in female individuals (39.37 ± 2.57). In the literature, knowledge related to mandible morphometry of Bardhoka sheep was insufficient. The aim of this study was to determine mean values from osteometric measurements of Bardhoka sheep mandible and obtain references with the values acquired.     

Determination of Energy Use Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions of Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Production in Adıyaman Province

The purpose of this research is to perform the energy use efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of pistachio production. This research was performed for 2016 and 2017 production season in Ad?yaman province of Turkey in dry conditions in 2017. The data supplied from research were collected from 152 different farms by face to face surveys with simple random sampling method. The agricultural input energies and output energies used in pistachio production were computed to determine the energy use efficiency. According to the research findings, the energy inputs in pistachio production were computed respectively as 4561.11?MJ ha^?1 (35.50%) diesel fuel energy, 3206.24?MJ ha^?1 (24.96%) chemical fertilizers energy, 2420.93?MJ ha^?1 (18.84%) machinery energy, 1020.06?MJ ha^?1 (7.94%) human labour energy, 715.69?MJ ha^?1 (5.57%) animal labour energy, 656.95?MJ ha^?1 (5.11%) farmyard manure energy and 266.16?MJ ha^?1 (2.07%) chemicals energy. Total input energy was computed as 12,847.14?MJ ha^?1. Energy values of pistachio yield were computed as 15,008.65?MJ ha^?1. Energy use efficiency, specific energy, energy productivity and net energy computations were computed respectively as 1.17, 22.32?MJ kg^?1, 0.04?kg MJ^?1 and 2161.51?MJ ha^?1. The consumed total energy input in pistachio production can be classified as 49.01% direct, 50.99% indirect, 18.62% renewable and 81.38% non-renewable. Total GHG emission was computed as 1123.72?kg CO_2?eqha^?1 for pistachio production with the greatest portions for human labour (32.42%). The human labour followed up chemical fertilizers usage (23.21%), diesel fuel consumption (19.89%), machinery usage (15.30%), farmyard manure usage (5.65%), chemicals usage (3.25%) and animal labour usage (0.27%), respectively. Additionally, GHG ratio value was computed as 1.95 kgCO_2?eqkg^?1 in pistachio production.

     

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici races and their genetic discrimination by molecular markers in West Mediterranean region of Turkey

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) races and F. oxysporum f. sp. radicis lycopersici (FORL), the causal agents of root rot and crown rot diseases, respectively, cause serious economic losses in tomato greenhouses where production is intensive in the West Mediterranean region of Turkey. The isolates were collected from West Mediterranean region of Turkey and were characterized by specific primers based on three races (r1, r2, r3), besides pathogenicity tests in in vivo conditions Additionally, a scheme was developed using newly tested ISSR and SRAP markers to a genotyping database and to determine the possible origin of these pathogens. The present study provided new information on these pathogens based on their races and their dominant existence in this region that has not been reported before. Genetic diversity detected in the same races of the pathogen may be associated with difficulties in controlling the pathogen and a possible resistance formation effort exerted by the pathogen to chemicals used in plant protection in tomato greenhouses. Molecular analyses indicated genetic diversity in pathogen isolates identified as r3, r2 and FORL, which may be associated with abiotic stress to which the pathogens were exposed.     

Design of Neural Network Predictor for the Physical Properties of Almond Nuts

In this study, an adaptive neuro fuzzy interface system (ANFIS) based predictor was designed to predict the physical properties of four almond types. Measurements of the dimensions, length, width and thickness were carried out for one hundred randomly selected samples of each type. With using these three major perpendicular dimensions, some physical parameters such as projected area, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, volume, shape index and aspect ratio were estimated. In in a various Artificial Neural Network (ANN) structures, ANFIS structure which has given the best results was selected. The parameters analytically estimated and those predicted were given in the form of figures. The root mean-squared error (RMSE) was found to be 0.0001 which is quite low. ANFIS approach has given a superior outcome in the prediction of the Physical Properties of Almond Nuts.     

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of danofloxacin in chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) following intravenous,intramuscular, subcutaneous,and oral administrations

The aim of the present study was to determine the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and bioavailability of danofloxacin in chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) following intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), and oral (PO) administrations at a dose of 10 mg/kg. A total of eight clinically healthy chukar partridges weighing 480 ± 45 g were used for the investigation. The study was performed in a crossover design (2 × 2 × 2 × 2) with a 15‐day washout period between two administrations in four periods. The plasma concentrations of danofloxacin were determined using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Noncompartmental PK parameters were also estimated. No local or systemic adverse drug effects were observed in any of the chukar partridges. The mean elimination half‐life ranged between 8.18 and 12.08 hr and differed statistically among administration routes. The mean peak plasma concentrations of danofloxacin following IM, SC, and PO administrations were 8.05, 9.58, and 3.39 μg/ml at 0.5, 1, and 4 hr, respectively. Following IM, SC, and PO administrations, the mean bioavailability was 86.33%, 134.40%, and 47.62%, respectively. The mean total clearance and volume of distribution at steady‐state following IV administration were 0.13 L hr^?1 kg^?1 and 0.96 L/kg, respectively. These data, including favorable PKs and the absence of adverse drug effects, suggest that danofloxacin is a useful antibiotic in chukar partridges.     

Distribution and genetic diversity of Dothistroma septosporum in Pinus brutia forests of south-western Turkey

Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) is a serious disease of the Pinaceae, mainly Pinus species, caused by the fungi Dothistroma septosporum and D. pini. Both species are regarded as invasive forest pathogens worldwide, with rising incidence in central and northern Europe over the last three decades. In this work, 29 sites were investigated between 2013 and 2015 in south-western Turkey. Morphological examination of needles confirmed DNB infection (i.e., Dothistroma conidiospores observed) at 18 sites, and a total of 108 Dothistroma sp. isolates were obtained from 11 of the sites. Host age seemed to be an important factor in both occurrence and severity of DNB in Pinus brutia forests. Continuous rainy days, especially in December, may increase severity of disease; however, extreme rain events may reduce available conidiospores on plant tissues or in the air. Species-specific mating type primers showed that all isolates were D. septosporum; D. pini was not detected. The mating type ratio was close to 1:1, indicating sexual recombination was occurring. Eleven microsatellite markers revealed 59 unique multilocus haplotypes (MLHs) among the 73 isolates originating from different conidiomata. The majority of MLHs were represented by a single isolate (n = 52) and only one MLH was shared between two localities. Analyses showed high genetic diversity, isolation-by-distance, and clear population clusters. These findings suggest that D. septosporum is well established in south-western Turkey and is probably not a recent introduction.     

Estimation of green bean yield, water deficiency and productivity using spectral indexes during the growing season

Field experiments were carried out in the 2004 and 2005 growing seasons on drip irrigated dwarf green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, humilis). Soil water content (SWC), spectral reflectance and yield were monitored. Based on these data crop evapotranspiration (ETc), soil water deficit index (SWDI), water use efficiency (WUE) and four separate spectral indexes were calculated. In order to determine use opportunities of spectral indexes for estimation of yield, SWDI and WUE, some statistical analyzes were made. Results showed that spectral indexes could be used for monitoring of yield, SWDI and WUE. Especially, Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) had the highest correlations with all three of the parameters. The estimation procedure which was given in this study has a potential use either during, or at the end of the growing season. Estimated values of WUE and SWDI were 3.2 (kg m^?3) and 0.12, respectively, through SAVI and the given procedure, indicates the optimal water use and yield conditions for dwarf green beans. At this situation, probably ETc was 580 mm and yield was 25.5 t ha^?1.     

Prevalence and economic significance of bovine hypodermosis in Afyonkarahisar province of Turkey

This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and economic losses due to in cattle of hypodermosis between May 2008 and April 2009 in Afyonkarahisar province of Turkey. A total of 6,598 cattle—3,498 in pasture and 3,100 in slaughterhouse—were examined for hypodermosis. One hundred ninety-five out of 6,598 cattle (2.96%) were found positive. Concerning this infestation rate, the prevalence of hypodermosis in field was 5.3%, whereas the prevalence was 0.3% in slaughter house. Hypoderma bovis and Hypoderma lineatum were recorded in slaughter house. First-stage Hypoderma spp. larvae weren’t found in cattle organs in slaughterhouse. The annual economic loss on skins is estimated to be about 18,288 TL (currency exchange rate is 1 USD:1.499 TL).     

Embryonic and larval development of black skirt tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi,Boulenger, 1895) under laboratory conditions

The embryonic and larval development of black skirt tetra, Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, are described under controlled laboratory conditions. In addition, major histomorphological changes and the allometric growth patterns during larval development have been described. The laboratory‐reared broodstock, that is 1 year of age, were spawned. Hatching occurred 20–21 h after spawning at 24 ± 0.5°C. The cleavage was finished in 2 h and the early blastula stage occurred at 2:04 hours after spawning. The gastrulation started at 3:20 hours and 30% epiboly was observed at 3:34 hours after spawning. Eight‐somite stage was observed at 08:33 hours. And embryonic developmental stage was completed at 21 h after spawning. The newly hatched larvae were 1442 ± 14.3 μm in mean total length (TL). The mouth opened at 3 days after hatching (DAH). The yolk sac had been totally absorbed and the larvae started to swim actively within 3–4 days. Notochord flexion began at 11 DAH. The metamorphosis was completed and the larvae transformed into juveniles at 32 DAH. In this paper, the full developmental sequence from egg to juvenile of G. ternetzi is described for the first time.