scholarly journals Dark Earths and manioc cultivation in Central Amazonia: a window on pre-Columbian agricultural systems?

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Fraser ◽  
Charles Roland Clement
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Dynamics ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Population Pressure ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Terra Preta ◽  
Anthropological Study ◽  
Central Amazonia ◽  
Madeira River ◽  
New Research

Many commentators highlight the fertility of Anthropogenic Dark Earths (ADE), emphasizing their potential for sustainable agriculture. Some scholars believe that terra mulata (the less fertile, more extensive form of ADE) was created by means of agricultural practices used by large settled populations of pre-Columbian farmers. But what was it that these Amerindian farmers were growing? Until recently, scholarly consensus held that manioc does not perform well on ADE. New research on the middle Madeira River is showing, however, that this consensus was premature. In this region, the most common crop in ADE fields is bitter manioc. Farmers there have various landraces of manioc that they believe yield particularly well on ADE, and logically plant more of these varieties on ADE. Aspects of the behaviour and perception of manioc cultivation among 52 farmers at the community of Barro Alto were measured quantitatively on four terra firme soil types (Terra Preta, Terra Mulata, Oxisols and Ultisols). These farmers plant different configurations of landraces in different soils, according to their perception of the suitability of particular landraces and their characteristics to certain soil types and successional processes. This, in turn, shapes selective pressures on these varieties, as new genetic material incorporated from volunteer seedlings is more likely to contain traits present in the most prevalent landrace(s) in each soil type. Owing to localized population pressure at Barro Alto, manioc is under more intensive cultivation systems, with shorter cropping periods (5-10 months) and shorter fallow periods (1-2 years). The outcome of these processes is different co-evolutionary dynamics on ADE as opposed to non-anthropogenic soils. Further anthropological study of manioc swiddening in one of the richest agricultural environments in Amazonia can fill a gap in the literature, thus opening an additional window on the pre-Columbian period.

scholarly journals High genetic diversity among and within bitter manioc varieties cultivated in different soil types in Central Amazonia

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 468-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Alves-Pereira ◽  
Nivaldo Peroni ◽  
Marcelo Mattos Cavallari ◽  
Maristerra R. Lemes ◽  
Maria Imaculada Zucchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Central Amazonia ◽  
Bitter Manioc

scholarly journals Moving forward from “biochar revolution” to “biochar evolution”: Shaping a promising mitigation tool demands future research efforts

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia I. Kammann
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Future Research ◽  
N Leaching ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Radiative Balance ◽  
C Storage ◽  
Terra Preta ◽  
The Cost

In February 2013, the 2nd Nordic Biochar Seminar was successfully held in Helsinki, Finland. The fruitful meeting, well organized by Priit Tammeorg, offered a broad kaleidoscope of new insights into the novel interdisciplinary research topic of biochar. The papers in this issue clearly show that biochar use in agriculture can deliver benefits such as reductions in N2O emissions or N leaching (Kettunen and Saarnio), in addition to soil C storage without negative effects (Karer et al. , Anders et al. ). However, they also demonstrate that just one biochar addition does not turn each temperate fertile soil into a fertility miracle. In Terra preta sites, the pyrogenic carbon was likely an important ingredient, but it was combined with organic waste inputs and not used pure. Thus, yield-increasing pure-biochar effects in temperate soils are likely not a low-hanging fruit to be harvested without further ado. Rather, problematic soils should be the primary target; combined biochar-organics usage also deserves further research. However, considering the lack of political efforts to restore our planet's radiative balance, or tackle the challenges associated with soil degradation and resource consumption, no emerging chances should be missed. "Biochar" is such a chance – not more, but also not less. Shaping "biochar use in agriculture" into a safe, sustainable and economically feasible tool will only come at the cost of good hard research efforts; but it offers the unique chance to turn agricultural practices from being part of the problem into being part of the solution.

scholarly journals Identification of multiple TAR DNA Binding Protein retropseudogene lineages during the evolution of primates

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Opazo ◽  
Kattina Zavala ◽  
Luis Vargas-Chacoff ◽  
Francisco Morera ◽  
Gonzalo Mardones
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Evolutionary Dynamics ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Dna Binding Protein ◽  
Functional Protein ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Regulatory Functions ◽  
Rule Out

The TAR DNA Binding Protein (TARDBP) gene has gained attention in biomedicine after the discovery of several pathogenic mutations. The lack of knowledge about its evolutionary history contrasts with a large number of studies in the biomedical area. This study aimed to investigate the retrotransposition evolutionary dynamics associated with this gene in primates. We identified retropseudogenes that originated in the ancestors of anthropoids, catarrhines, and lemuriformes, i.e. the strepsirrhine clade that inhabit Madagascar. We also found species-specific retropseudogenes in the philippine tarsier, Bolivian squirrel monkey, capuchin monkey and vervet. Although retropseudogenes are not able to produce a functional protein, we can not rule out that they may represent genetic material upon which evolution acts on, especially with regulatory functions.

scholarly journals Starvation-induced cell fusion and heterokaryosis frequently escape imperfect allorecognition systems in an asexual fungal pathogen

BMC Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasileios Vangalis ◽  
Ilya Likhotkin ◽  
Michael Knop ◽  
Milton A. Typas ◽  
Ioannis A. Papaioannou
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Evolutionary Dynamics ◽  
Genetic Recombination ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Protective Function ◽  
Parasexual Cycle ◽  
Somatic Incompatibility ◽  
Self Recognition ◽  
Different Strains

Abstract Background Asexual fungi include important pathogens of plants and other organisms, and their effective management requires understanding of their evolutionary dynamics. Genetic recombination is critical for adaptability and could be achieved via heterokaryosis — the co-existence of genetically different nuclei in a cell resulting from fusion of non-self spores or hyphae — and the parasexual cycle in the absence of sexual reproduction. Fusion between different strains and establishment of viable heterokaryons are believed to be rare due to non-self recognition systems. Here, we investigate the extent and mechanisms of cell fusion and heterokaryosis in the important asexual plant pathogen Verticillium dahliae. Results We used live-cell imaging and genetic complementation assays of tagged V. dahliae strains to analyze the extent of non-self vegetative fusion, heterokaryotic cell fate, and nuclear behavior. An efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated system was developed to investigate the involvement of autophagy in heterokaryosis. Under starvation, non-self fusion of germinating spores occurs frequently regardless of the previously assessed vegetative compatibility of the partners. Supposedly “incompatible” fusions often establish viable heterokaryotic cells and mosaic mycelia, where nuclei can engage in fusion or transfer of genetic material. The molecular machinery of autophagy has a protective function against the destruction of “incompatible” heterokaryons. Conclusions We demonstrate an imperfect function of somatic incompatibility systems in V. dahliae. These systems frequently tolerate the establishment of heterokaryons and potentially the initiation of the parasexual cycle even between strains that were previously regarded as “incompatible.”

scholarly journals Renovation of the historic building after damage connected with foundations subsidence - case study

2018 ◽  
Vol 174 ◽  
pp. 03006
Author(s):  
Janusz Ukleja
Keyword(s):  
Soil Types ◽  
Historic Building ◽  
The Real ◽  
Probability Of Occurrence ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Future ◽  
New Research ◽  
Historical Periods ◽  
Large Floods

The paper delineates the study of a historic building renovation. It was built in 1900 and completed in 1939. Its both parts consist of different constructions. The old part was founded very deeply whereas the level of the younger part foundations was higher than the old one. After large floods, the walls started to crack, elements of the ceilings and roof under the extended part of the building slipped. It was expected that in the future a construction disaster would pose a serious probability of occurrence. In the study it was necessary to recognize the entire construction with a thorough investigation of the underground, old part of it and also the soil types density were examined. The main objective of the new research was to define the real reasons of the damage and to determine the possibility of repairing this building. The elaboration of the study results revealed a conception of supporting the walls of the building. The results indicated that the need to verify the reasons of the occurring damage in a complex and thorough way is tremendous, especially when a monument is concerned which was developed in stages in various historical periods.

Impact of pesticide exposure in childhood

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-227
Author(s):  
Antonio Pascale ◽  
Amalia Laborde
Keyword(s):  
Pesticide Exposure ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Pesticides Residues ◽  
Delayed Effects ◽  
Intentional Ingestion ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Multiple Routes ◽  
Pesticides Exposure ◽  
High Doses ◽  
New Research

AbstractPesticides represent a wide variety of chemicals presented as different formulations and concentrations and used in different settings: agriculture, animal sanitary bath, domestic use, and vector control. Lack of awareness, poor agricultural practices, and inappropriate disposal of containers will increase the exposure and risk of health effects during childhood. The concern about children’s exposure to pesticides is based on their toxic properties and the special vulnerability to the exposure, which may occur in different stages, from the prenatal period to infancy. Pesticide related diseases may manifest during the infancy, adolescence, or adulthood. Children may be exposed by multiple routes of exposure, in different scenarios. In domestic settings, insecticides and rodenticides are usually stored within the reach of children, or may be transferred to non-original containers, leading to acute non intentional ingestion. Exploratory behavior increases the risk for exposure to pesticides present on the ground. Gardens and playgrounds may have pesticides residues. Children may be in contact with domestic animals that have been treated with pesticides. In rural settings, children can be exposed to pesticide residues in areas where they have been applied, or by contamination of work equipment and parents clothing. Families dedicated to rural activity have higher levels of exposure, through ingesting contaminated fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and water. Several studies confirmed pesticide exposure in children by biomonitoring. Higher levels of organophosphate metabolites have been reported in children compared to adult populations. Toxic effects of pesticides depend on their intrinsic toxic properties as well as on the dose, duration, and life period of exposure. Acute poisonings are related to high doses exposure, while chronic, subtle and delayed effects are often related to low levels/doses exposure. Epidemiologic, animal, and clinical studies suggest an association between chronic, low-level exposures and alterations in growth and development (particularly impaired neurobehavioral development), cancer and increased susceptibility to infections. New research presents evidence that some pesticides are a risk factor of a wide range of acute and chronic diseases. Better practices and public health policies are needed to prevent and protect children from pesticides exposure.

scholarly journals Genomic Background Governs Opposing Responses to Nalidixic Acid Upon Megaplasmid Acquisition in Pseudomonas

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Baltrus ◽  
Caitlin Smith ◽  
MacKenzie Derrick ◽  
Courtney Leligdon ◽  
Zoe Rosenthal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer ◽  
Nalidixic Acid ◽  
Evolutionary Dynamics ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Horizontal Gene Transfer Event ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Fitness Costs ◽  
Transfer Event ◽  
Phenotypic Changes

AbstractHorizontal gene transfer is a significant driver of evolutionary dynamics across microbial populations. Although the benefits of the acquisition of new genetic material are often quite clear, experiments across systems have demonstrated that gene transfer events can cause significant phenotypic changes and entail fitness costs in a way that is dependent on the genomic and environmental context. Here we test for the generality of one previously identified cost, sensitization of cells to the antibiotic nalidixic acid after acquisition of a ∼1Mb megaplasmid, across Pseudomonas strains and species. Overall, we find that the presence of this megaplasmid sensitizes many different Pseudomonas strains to nalidixic acid, but that this same horizontal gene transfer event increases resistance of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to nalidixic acid across assays as well as to ciprofloxacin under competitive conditions. These phenotypic results are not easily explained away as secondary consequences of overall fitness effects and appear to occur independently of another cost associated with this megaplasmid, sensitization to higher temperatures. Lastly, we draw parallels between these reported results and the phenomenon of sign epistasis for de novo mutations and explore how context dependence of effects of plasmid acquisition could impact overall evolutionary dynamics and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance.ImportanceNumerous studies have demonstrated that gene transfer events (e.g. plasmid acquisition) can entail a variety of costs that arise as byproducts of the incorporation of foreign DNA into established physiological and genetic systems. These costs can be ameliorated through evolutionary time by the occurrence of compensatory mutations, which stabilize presence of a horizontally transferred region within the genome but which also may skew future adaptive possibilities for these lineages. Here we demonstrate another possible outcome, that phenotypic changes arising as a consequence of the same horizontal gene transfer event are costly to some strains but may actually be beneficial in other genomic backgrounds under the right conditions. These results provide new a new viewpoint for considering conditions that promote plasmid maintenance and highlight the influence of genomic and environmental contexts when considering amelioration of fitness costs after HGT events.

Using an advanced robotic chamber system to detect spatio-temporal short-term responses in measured CO2 exchange to soil manipulation and N fertilization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias Hoffmann ◽  
Shrijana Vaidya ◽  
Marten Schmidt ◽  
Norbert Bonk ◽  
Peter Rakowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Heterogeneity ◽  
Temporal Variability ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Chamber System ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Flux Dynamics ◽  
Spatio Temporal

<p>Improved agricultural practices sequestering additional atmospheric C within the soil are considered as one of the potential solution for mitigating global climate change. However, agricultural used landscapes are complex and their capacity to sequester additional atmospheric C differs substantially in time and space. Hence, accurate and precise information on the complex spatio-temporal CO<sub>2</sub> flux pattern is needed to evaluate the effects/benefits of new agricultural practices aiming towards increasing soil organic carbon.</p><p>To date, different approaches are used to measure and quantify CO<sub>2</sub> flux dynamics of agricultural landscapes, such as e.g. eddy covariance, as well as manual and automatic chamber systems. However, all these methods fail to some extend in either accounting for small scale spatial heterogeneity (e.g., eddy covariance and automatic chambers) or short-term temporal variability (e.g., manual chambers). Although, automatic chambers are in principle capable to detect small-scale spatial differences of CO<sub>2 </sub>flux dynamics in a sufficient temporal resolution, these systems are usually limited to only a few spatial repetitions which is not sufficient to represent small scale soil heterogeneity such as present within the widespread hummocky ground moraine landscape of NE-Germany.</p><p>To overcome these challenges, we developed a novel robotic chamber system. This system was used to detect small-scale spatial heterogeneity and short-term temporal variability of CO<sub>2</sub> flux dynamics in a full factorial experimental setup for a range of three different soil types, two N fertilization forms (2; mineral vs. organic) and two soil manipulation status, representing two different tillage practices. Here, we present measured CO<sub>2</sub> flux dynamics and cumulative emissions for the 3 repetitions of the 12 randomized treatments (36 subplots) directly following soil manipulation and N fertilization during summer 2020. Our results show distinct differences between the three measured soil types as well as a clear response of all three soil types to conducted soil manipulation, yielding in significantly lower ecosystem respiration (R<sub>eco</sub>) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) for manipulated vs. non-manipulated subplots. No clear difference, however, was obtained in case of N fertilization.</p>

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