scholarly journals Student Project: Horticultural protocols for experimental studies of eyebrights (Euphrasia, Orobanchaceae)

2021 ◽  
pp. 23-38
Author(s):  
Max Brown ◽  
Hannes Becher ◽  
Giles Laverack ◽  
Alex Twyford
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dormancy ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Parasitic Plants ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Hemiparasitic Plants ◽  
Pot Trials ◽  
In The Wild

Parasitic plants are particularly challenging to cultivate as the growth conditions must be suitable for the parasite, the host, and their interaction. Here, we review our progress growing British native eyebrights (Euphrasia), a group of hemiparasitic plants found in diverse habitats in Britain and Ireland. We consider the protocols required to grow them under a range of conditions, including the laboratory, in pot trials, in cultivated fields, and in the wild. We highlight the need to use seed stratification to break seed dormancy, to replicate planting to overcome low seed viability, and to manage host plants to avoid competition. While Euphrasia can be successfully grown in different environments more work is required to develop reliable horticultural protocols for growing plants under natural conditions.

scholarly journals Mutability of demographic noise in microbial range expansions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
QinQin Yu ◽  
Matti Gralka ◽  
Marie-Cécilia Duvernoy ◽  
Megan Sousa ◽  
Arbel Harpak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Deletion ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Establishment Probability ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Demographic Noise ◽  
Single Gene Deletion

AbstractDemographic noise, the change in the composition of a population due to random birth and death events, is an important driving force in evolution because it reduces the efficacy of natural selection. Demographic noise is typically thought to be set by the population size and the environment, but recent experiments with microbial range expansions have revealed substantial strain-level differences in demographic noise under the same growth conditions. Many genetic and phenotypic differences exist between strains; to what extent do single mutations change the strength of demographic noise? To investigate this question, we developed a high-throughput method for measuring demographic noise in colonies without the need for genetic manipulation. By applying this method to 191 randomly-selected single gene deletion strains from the E. coli Keio collection, we find that a typical single gene deletion mutation decreases demographic noise by 8% (maximal decrease: 81%). We find that the strength of demographic noise is an emergent trait at the population level that can be predicted by colony-level traits but not cell-level traits. The observed differences in demographic noise from single gene deletions can increase the establishment probability of beneficial mutations by almost an order of magnitude (compared to in the wild type). Our results show that single mutations can substantially alter adaptation through their effects on demographic noise and suggest that demographic noise can be an evolvable trait of a population.

scholarly journals Search for Resistant Genotypes to Cuscuta campestris Infection in Two Legume Species, Vicia sativa and Vicia ervilia

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 738
Author(s):  
Eva María Córdoba ◽  
Mónica Fernández-Aparicio ◽  
Clara Isabel González-Verdejo ◽  
Carmela López-Grau ◽  
María del Valle Muñoz-Muñoz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Resistance Breeding ◽  
Parasitic Plants ◽  
Vicia Sativa ◽  
Common Vetch ◽  
Germplasm Collections ◽  
Bitter Vetch ◽  
Cuscuta Campestris ◽  
Resistant Genotypes

The dodders (Cuscuta spp.) are parasitic plants that feed on the stems of their host plants. Cuscuta campestris is one of the most damaging parasitic plants for the worldwide agricultural production of broad-leaved crops. Its control is limited or non-existent, therefore resistance breeding is the best alternative both economically and environmentally. Common vetch (Vicia sativa) and bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) are highly susceptible to C. campestris, but no resistant genotypes have been identified. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify in V. sativa and V.ervilia germplasm collections genotypes resistant to C. campestris infection for use in combating this parasitic plant. Three greenhouse screening were conducted to: (1) identify resistant responses in a collection of 154 accessions of bitter vetch and a collection of 135 accessions of common vetch genotypes against infection of C. campestris; (2) confirm the resistant response identified in common vetch accessions; and (3) characterize the effect of C. campestris infection on biomass of V. sativa resistant and susceptible accessions. Most common vetch and bitter vetch genotypes tested were susceptible to C. campestris. However, the V. sativa genotype Vs.1 exhibited high resistance. The resistant phenotype was characterized by a delay in the development of C. campestris posthaustorial growth and a darkening resembling a hypersensitive-like response at the penetration site. The resistant mechanism was effective in limiting the growth of C. campestris as the ratio of parasite/host shoot dry biomass was more significantly reduced than the rest of the accessions. To the best or our knowledge, this is the first identification of Cuscuta resistance in V. sativa genotypes.

scholarly journals The application of life history information to the conservation management of Chrysoritis butterflies (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in South Africa

Koedoe ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R.F. Terblanche ◽  
H. Van Hamburg
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Life History ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Aesthetic Value ◽  
Wing Patterns ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
History Of ◽  
Voucher Specimens

Due to their intricate life histories and the unique wing patterns and colouring the butterflies of the genus Chrysoritis are of significant conservation and aesthetic value. Thisoverview probes into practical examples of butterfly life history research applicable to environmental management of this relatively well-known invertebrate group in South Africa. Despite the pioneer work on life histories of Chrysoritis in the past, more should be done to understand the life history of the butterflies in the wild, especially their natural host plants and the behaviour of adults and larvae. A system of voucher specimens of host plants should be introduced in South Africa. Although various host plant species in nature are used by the members of Chrysoritis, including the Chrysoritis chrysaor group, the choice of these in nature by each species is significant for conservation management and in the case of Chrysoritis aureus perhaps even as a specific characteristic.A revision of the ant genus Crematogaster will benefit the conservation management of Chrysoritis species since some of these ant species may consist of a number of specieswith much more restricted distributions than previously thought. Rigorous quantified tudies of population dynamics of Chrysoritis butterflies are absent and the introductionof such studies will benefit conservation management of these localised butterflies extensively.

scholarly journals Blooms of bryozoans and epibenthic diatoms in an urbanized sandy Beach (Balneário Camboriú - SC - Brazil): dynamics, possible causes and biomass characterization

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 678-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Rubi Rörig ◽  
Maevi Ottonelli ◽  
Ana Gabriela Itokazu ◽  
Marcelo Maraschin ◽  
João Vitor Heberle Lins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Adjacent Area ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Local Pollution ◽  
Organic Debris ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Environmental Health Problem

Abstract Balneário Camboriu (SC - Brazil) is a touristic city where the disordered growth of the urban population and the implementation of coastal works without proper evaluation generated environmental impacts and affected the sanitary quality of water and sediment of Camboriu River and marine adjacent area. One of the most recent and alarming phenomena observed are the blooms of invasive bryozoans (Arboscuspis bellula and Membraniporopsis tubigera) associated with epibenthic diatoms (Amphitetras antediluviana and Biddulphia biddulphiana). Several clues associate these phenomena, started in 2003, with the excess of nutrients and organic matter in the Camboriú cove and large coastal works such as dredging, landfills and construction of jetties, leading to changes in benthic ecological structure. Being an aesthetic and environmental health problem, the concern of the scientific community and government agencies intensified as the occurrences become more frequent and persistent. This research addresses this issue through environmental and experimental studies. Samplings of the benthic material collected by boat and diving, and blooms monitoring were the environmental approach. The laboratory work included the algal isolation and culture, in addition to growth conditions assessment and chemical biomass analysis. Monitoring data showed a seasonal trend in the blooms, with more conspicuous events in warmer months. Diatoms increase in abundance in colder months and bryozoans in the warmer ones. The diatom A. antediluviana, predominant in the blooms, grew satisfactorily in laboratory cultivation, showing better growth in media with higher concentrations of silicate and phosphate. Bryozoans showed slow growth in laboratory conditions. The deposited material collected in the environment showed low concentrations of saturated fatty acids, but the high biomass suggest a possible use for biofuels production. Biomass samples dominated by bryozoans showed moderate antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The explanation for the occurrence of these blooms are still inconclusive, but there is considerable evidence that it is a synergistic effect between the high concentration of bacteria and organic debris in the water related to local pollution and the elimination of natural competitors by coastal works.

scholarly journals Non-Deep Physiological Dormancy in Seed and Germination Requirements of Lysimachia coreana Nakai

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 490
Author(s):  
Saeng Geul Baek ◽  
Jin Hyun Im ◽  
Myeong Ja Kwak ◽  
Cho Hee Park ◽  
Mi Hyun Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Seed Dormancy ◽  
Germination Rate ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Cold Stratification ◽  
Dormancy Breaking ◽  
Viability Test ◽  
Physiological Dormancy ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Germination Requirements

This study aimed to determine the type of seed dormancy and to identify a suitable method of dormancy-breaking for an efficient seed viability test of Lysimachia coreana Nakai. To confirm the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) on seed germination at different temperatures, germination tests were conducted at 5, 15, 20, 25, 20/10, and 25/15 °C (12/12 h, light/dark), using 1% agar with 100, 250, and 500 mg·L−1 GA3. Seeds were also stratified at 5 and 25/15 °C for 6 and 9 weeks, respectively, and then germinated at the same temperature. Seeds treated with GA3 demonstrated an increased germination rate (GR) at all temperatures except 5 °C. The highest GR was 82.0% at 25/15 °C and 250 mg·L−1 GA3 (4.8 times higher than the control (14.0%)). Additionally, GR increased after cold stratification, whereas seeds did not germinate after warm stratification at all temperatures. After cold stratification, the highest GR was 56.0% at 25/15 °C, which was lower than the GR observed after GA3 treatment. We hypothesized that L. coreana seeds have a non-deep physiological dormancy and concluded that 250 mg·L−1 GA3 treatment is more effective than cold stratification (9 weeks) for L. coreana seed-dormancy-breaking.

scholarly journals The Geometric Framework for Nutrition: New Insights Into How What We Eat Affects How We Age

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 845-845
Author(s):  
Alan Cohen ◽  
David Raubenheimer
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Caloric Restriction ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Geometric Framework ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Nutritional Needs ◽  
Biology Of Aging

Abstract The geometric framework for nutrition (GFN) is an approach to understanding the effect of nutrition considering multiple nutrients simultaneously. Originally developed in experimental studies of insects to model how nutritional needs evolve depending on ecological context, and since extended to many taxa including non-human primates in the wild, the technique is increasingly applied to understand human health and aging. Here, we invite four varied talks showcasing the flexibility and potential of this approach from the basic biology of aging to observational human studies and clinical trials. D. Raubenheimer will give an overview of the method, its history, and its applications in aging and human health. D. Wahl will present results showing how GFN can help develop diets that recapitulate caloric restriction and its effects on brain aging. S. Das will show how GFN can be used to improve the feasibility of caloric restriction in humans without compromising its effects. Finally, A. Cohen will present results showing how GFN can be deployed in an epidemiological context and used to characterize complex interactions among large numbers of nutrients in determining health. Together, these results show that a simplistic conception of nutrition as calories is far from sufficient to understand its effects on health and aging. Evolution has shaped the nutritional needs of each species for its environment, with appropriate levels of flexibility. GFN provides an approach to capture the relevant nuance, with the results presented at this symposium but scratching the surface. Nutrition Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

scholarly journals Diversity of Myxomycetes in arid zones of Peru part II: the cactus belt and transition zones

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 083
Author(s):  
Carlos Lado ◽  
Diana Wrigley de Basanta ◽  
Arturo Estrada-Torres ◽  
Steven L. Stephenson ◽  
I. Treviño
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Statistical Evaluation ◽  
Arid Zones ◽  
Arid Areas ◽  
Endemic Plants ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Transition Zones ◽  
Coastal Desert ◽  
One New Species

The results obtained from a second survey for Myxomycetes in the arid areas of Peru are reported. A total of 37 localities from the cactus belt (‘cardonal’), between 1500 and 3000 m a.s.l., were sampled over six years. This survey is based on 601 identifiable collections of myxomycetes, developed in the field under natural conditions or those that were recovered from moist chamber cultures. In total, 84 taxa representing 19 genera were recorded. One new species, Cribraria spinispora Lado & D.Wrigley sp. nov., is described, three species new to South America and 22 additional new species for Peru are reported as well. Endemic plants, expecially cacti, had a particular relevance as myxomycete substrates. The predominance of the order Physarales T.Macbr. in arid areas is reinforced. Comments are included on some collections, as well as SEM micrographs of several species. A statistical evaluation of the diversity of myxomycetes in the cardonal area and a comparison of this area with the dry coastal desert of Peru and other Neotropical xeric environments are also included. Results show that the arid areas are rich in myxomycetes, and that each area has a unique assemblage. The differences appear to be related to the host plants.

scholarly journals Role of Sigma Factors in Controlling Global Gene Expression in Light/Dark Transitions in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803

2007 ◽  
Vol 189 (21) ◽  
pp. 7829-7840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina C. Summerfield ◽  
Louis A. Sherman
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Global Gene Expression ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Regulation Of Transcription ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Altered Gene ◽  
Pcc 6803

ABSTRACT We report on differential gene expression in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 after light-dark transitions in wild-type, ΔsigB, and ΔsigD strains. We also studied the effect of day length in the presence of glucose on a ΔsigB ΔsigE mutant. Our results indicated that the absence of SigB or SigD predominately altered gene expression in the dark or in the light, respectively. In the light, approximately 350 genes displayed transcript levels in the ΔsigD strain that were different from those of the wild type, with over 200 of these up-regulated in the mutant. In the dark, removal of SigB altered more than 150 genes, and the levels of 136 of these were increased in the mutant compared to those in the wild type. The removal of both SigB and SigE had a major impact on gene expression under mixotrophic growth conditions and resulted in the inability of cells to grow in the presence of glucose with 8-h light and 16-h dark cycles. Our results indicated the importance of group II σ factors in the global regulation of transcription in this organism and are best explained by using the σ cycle paradigm with the stochastic release model described previously (R. A. Mooney, S. A. Darst, and R. Landick, Mol. Cell 20:335-345, 2005). We combined our results with the total protein levels of the σ factors in the light and dark as calculated previously (S. Imamura, S. Yoshihara, S. Nakano, N. Shiozaki, A. Yamada, K. Tanaka, H. Takahashi, M. Asayama, and M. Shirai, J. Mol. Biol. 325:857-872, 2003; S. Imamura, M. Asayama, H. Takahashi, K. Tanaka, H. Takahashi, and M. Shirai, FEBS Lett. 554:357-362, 2003). Thus, we concluded that the control of global transcription is based on the amount of the various σ factors present and able to bind RNA polymerase.

scholarly journals Seed germination at different stratification temperatures and development of Phytelephas macrocarpa Ruiz & Pavón seedlings

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidney Alberto do Nascimento Ferreira ◽  
Daniel Felipe de Oliveira Gentil
Keyword(s):  
Seed Germination ◽  
Seed Dormancy ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
Seedling Development ◽  
Development Stages ◽  
Plastic Bags ◽  
Alternating Temperature

Abstract: Phytelephas macrocarpa (ivory palm) is an Amazonian palm vulnerable to exploitation pressure, as its seeds are widely used in regional handicrafts. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of different stratification temperatures in overcoming seed dormancy and to analyze the seedling development stages of this species. In germination under stratification, the seeds were placed in plastic bags containing moistened vermiculite, and maintained at the constant temperatures of 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C, and an alternating temperature from 26 to 40 °C. In the study about the development of seedlings, seeds were sown in vermiculite under plastic cover (growing house), and the evolution of the seedling was evaluated, from the formation of germinative button to the complete blade expansion of the first eophyll. Stratification at alternating temperatures (26 to 40 °C) helped overcoming seed dormancy. Stratification at 25 °C kept the seed viability for nine months. Germination, characterized by the formation of the germinative button took an average of 114 ± 24 days, and the seedling development until the first extended eophyll lasted 244 ± 57 days.

scholarly journals A willow drawing from 1786: the earliest depiction of intraspecific trait variation in plants?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich E Stegmann
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
18Th Century ◽  
Elevation Gradient ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Fourth Century ◽  
Trait Variation ◽  
Intraspecific Trait Variation ◽  
Bavarian Alps ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Unidentified Species

Abstract Background and Aims The study of intraspecific trait variation (ITV) in plants has a long history, dating back to the fourth century BC. Its existence was widely acknowledged by the end of the 18th century, although systematic and experimental studies commenced only a century later. However, the historiography of ITV has many gaps, especially with regard to early observations and visual documents. This note identifies an early depiction of plant ITV. Methods The botanical works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832), a German writer and naturalist, were subjected to close reading. This included all publications and unpublished sources related to botany between 1785 and 1832 (e.g. notes, drafts, diaries, letters, drawings). This material is accessible in the multi-volume historical-critical edition of Goethe’s studies in natural science (Leopoldina-Ausgabe). Key Results A diary entry from 9 September 1786 described changes in leaf morphology along an elevation gradient in the Bavarian Alps. The leaves of an unidentified species of willow (Spix sp.) and gentian (Gentiana sp.) were said to become narrower with increasing elevation; leaves also stood further apart on twigs, and the latter became thinner. A crude drawing of two willow twigs illustrated the differences. Goethe conjectured that the differences were due to environmental conditions. Conclusions Goethe’s notes were anecdotal, and it is unclear whether the observed plant individuals actually belonged to the same species. Nevertheless, the notes represent an early and clear articulation of the hypothesis that changes in environmental conditions can cause ITV in a natural plant population. The drawing may be the earliest visual record of environmentally caused plant ITV in the wild.

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