scholarly journals Reproductive Biology and Pollination Ecology of Berberis lycium Royle: A Highly Valued Shrub of Immense Medicinal Significance

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1907
Author(s):  
Susheel Verma ◽  
Ishfaq Ahmad Wani ◽  
Sajid Khan ◽  
Supriya Sharma ◽  
Priyanka Kumari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Pollen Viability ◽  
Pollination Ecology ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Pollination Syndrome ◽  
Western Himalayas ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
The North ◽  
Reproductive Variance ◽  
Berberis Lycium

Study of reproductive biology and pollination ecology helps in understanding the life history patterns of species. Such a study brings to light the bottlenecks, if any, on account of which the individuals of the species are not able to reproduce in nature and ultimately helps in planning appropriate conservation strategies for the species under threat. The present study was aimed at examining the morphological and reproductive variance in Berberis lycium, a threatened ecological specialist growing within shrubberies and open hillsides of the North-Western Himalayas in India. B. lycium displays three different variants. Flowering period ranges from February to September. Pollen viability as reported on fluorescein diacetate and acetocarmine treatments was highest for variant I, while maximum pollen output was obtained for variant III. Pollen pistil interaction is brought by the movement of anther towards stigma. Fluorescence microscopy of hand pollinated club shaped stigma shows that the germinating pollen form a ring over the receptive adaxial surface. Pollination syndrome is entomophily. Variant II attracts a significantly large number of pollinators from diverse insect families. Breeding experiments reflect that plants are self-compatible and cross fertile. Reproductive output (% fruit set) was highest for variant II followed by III and I, respectively. This investigation helped to understand the effect of different biotic and abiotic constraints on the phenology and reproductive biology of the plant. The information generated so will enable conservationists to design appropriate strategies for its long-term survival and sustenance in nature.

scholarly journals Reproductive biology and diet composition of Rhynchobatus laevis (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) (Rhinopristiformes:Rhinidae) from the northern Indian Ocean

2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. B. Purushottama ◽  
S. G. Raje ◽  
Thakurdas ◽  
K. V. Akhilesh ◽  
Shoba Joe Kizhakudan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Northern Indian Ocean ◽  
Dietary Analysis ◽  
North West ◽  
Weight Relationship ◽  
The North ◽  
Management Plans

Large sized batoids particularly wedgefishes are highly vulnerable to fishing and yet very few studies have been published on their biology. The reproductive biology and feeding habit of the Rhynchobatus laevis (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) collected off the north-west coast of India, Arabian Sea, northern Indian Ocean is presented. A total of 328 individuals, in the size range from 44.0 to 290 cm total length (TL), 300 to 94000 g total weight (TW) were used for the study. The length-weight relationships were significantly different between the sexes (p<0.001). Co-efficients ‘a’ and ‘b’ of the length-weight relationship were estimated as 0.009412 and 2.830218 (r2 =0.979) for females and 0.004032 and 3.031303 (r2 =0.974) for males, respectively. The length-at-maturity (Lm) for females and males was estimated to be 190.0 and 140.0 cm TL, respectively. Number of embryos ranged from 4 to 10 and the size at birth was estimated to range between 44.0 and 50.0 cm TL. Overall sex ratio favoured females (Female:Male = 1.73:1). There was no significant correlation between maternal TL and no. of embryos produced. Dietary analysis of stomach contents (%IRI) revealed that R. laevis fed primarily on teleosts (83.4%) and crustaceans (15.1%). This study provides the detailed biological observation on size, sex composition, lengthat-maturity (Lm), length-weight relationship and diet of R. laevis from northern Indian Ocean which can be used as essential inputs to formulate effective management plans and conservation strategies for this species in the region.

scholarly journals Genome-wide SNPs redefines species boundaries and conservation units in the freshwater mussel genus Cyprogenia of North America

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung Seok Kim ◽  
Kevin J. Roe
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Freshwater Mussel ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Conservation Units ◽  
Genetic Structuring ◽  
The North ◽  
Snp Data ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractDetailed information on species delineation and population genetic structure is a prerequisite for designing effective restoration and conservation strategies for imperiled organisms. Phylogenomic and population genomic analyses based on genome-wide double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-Seq) data has identified three allopatric lineages in the North American freshwater mussel genus Cyprogenia. Cyprogenia stegaria is restricted to the Eastern Highlands and displays little genetic structuring within this region. However, two allopatric lineages of C. aberti in the Ozark and Ouachita highlands exhibit substantial levels (mean uncorrected FST = 0.368) of genetic differentiation and each warrants recognition as a distinct evolutionary lineage. Lineages of Cyprogenia in the Ouachita and Ozark highlands are further subdivided reflecting structuring at the level of river systems. Species tree inference and species delimitation in a Bayesian framework using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) data supported results from phylogenetic analyses, and supports three species of Cyprogenia over the currently recognized two species. A comparison of SNPs generated from both destructively and non-destructively collected samples revealed no significant difference in the SNP error rate, quality and amount of ddRAD sequence reads, indicating that nondestructive or trace samples can be effectively utilized to generate SNP data for organisms for which destructive sampling is not permitted.

scholarly journals Is Hay for the Birds? Investigating Landowner Willingness to Time Hay Harvests for Grassland Bird Conservation

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1030
Author(s):  
Matthew Gruntorad ◽  
Katherine Graham ◽  
Nico Arcilla ◽  
Christopher Chizinski
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Bird Conservation ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Grassland Bird ◽  
The North ◽  
Hunting Activity

Birds in agricultural environments have exhibited steep global population declines in recent decades, and effective conservation strategies targeting their populations are urgently needed. In grasslands used for hay production, breeding birds’ nest success improves substantially if hay harvests are delayed until after mid-July. However, few studies have investigated private hay producers’ willingness to alter their harvesting practices, which is a critical factor for bird conservation where most land is privately owned, such as in the North American Great Plains. We surveyed Nebraska hay producers to examine whether livestock production, wildlife knowledge, and hunting activity affects their willingness to alter haying practices for bird conservation. The majority (60%) of respondents expressed willingness to delay harvesting hay to allow birds time to nest successfully. Livestock producers and those more knowledgeable about wildlife were more willing to delay hay harvests, whereas active hunters were less willing to do so. Our findings suggest that a majority of private producers show a high potential for engaging in grassland bird conservation activities. Landowners’ willingness to participate in bird conservation programs and actions could be further encouraged through extension and education efforts connecting hay producers with information, support, and funding for bird conservation.

scholarly journals Phenology, reproductive biology and growing degree days of the grapevine ‘Isabel’ (Vitis labrusca, Vitaceae) cultivated in northeastern Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 975-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. S. Nunes ◽  
A. V. Leite ◽  
C. C. Castro
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Pollen Viability ◽  
Floral Biology ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Growing Degree Days ◽  
Base Temperature ◽  
Vitis Labrusca ◽  
Degree Days ◽  
Inflorescence Development

Abstract Phenology and reproductive biology of cultivated species are important for the comprehension of the requirements for fruit and seed production and the management of pollinators. This study aimed to characterise the phenology, reproductive biology and growing degree days of the grapevine ‘Isabel’ (Vitis labrusca) in northeastern Brazil during January 2011 (P1), Augst 2011 (P2), April 2012 (P3) and August 2012 (P4). We recorded the duration (days) of the phenological stages, pruning (P), woolly bud (W), budburst (B), inflorescence development (ID), flowering (F), ripening (R) and harvest (H). We analysed the floral biology, the sexual system and the breeding system. We measured the growing degree days (GDD) required to reach the subperiods P-B, B-F and F-H. The periods P1, P2, P3 and P4 lasted for 116, 125, 117 and 130 days, respectively. The number of days of harvest were similar in the same dry (P1 and P3) and rainy (P2 and P4) periods. All the periods that we recorded were shorter than those observed in other regions of Brazil, which may be attributable to the mean temperature and carbohydrate metabolism. The flowers are green, hermaphroditic, with an odour of mignonette, low pollen viability and autogamous. The base temperature of 10°C was considered the most adequate for the subperiods as has been documented for other grape varieties in Brazil. Thus, temperature was also the most adequate for the cycles, presenting a smaller standard deviation (0.119, 0.147, 0.156 and 0.153 to P1, P2, P3 and P4, respectively) when compared to a base temperature of 12°C (0.122, 0.158, 0.165 and 0.160 to P1, P2, P3 and P4, respectively). The higher and the lower observed GDD were 1972.17 and 1870.05, respectively, both above the values recorded in other parts of Brazil for same variety. The phonological results, including knowledge of growing degree days, are important to the planning of cultures at the study site and in other regions that have similar climatic conditions and make it possible to pre-determine the harvest.

Reproductive Biology and Floral Phenologies of the Sympatric Species Leptospermum myrsinoides and L. continentale (Myrtaceae)

1993 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 527 ◽  
Author(s):  
SP Obrien ◽  
DM Calder
Keyword(s):  
Flowering Time ◽  
Genetic Control ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Pollen Viability ◽  
Sympatric Species ◽  
Anther Dehiscence ◽  
Floral Structure ◽  
Days After Anthesis ◽  
Degree Of Overlap

The reproductive biology and floral phenologies of co-occurring Leptospermum myrsinoides and L. continentale were investigated. Both species have similar floral structure and both are protandrous. Anther dehiscence is staggered over approximately 6 days and pollen viability remains high for at least 3 days. The styles of both species are short at anthesis but extend during the next 6 days to approximately the same height as the anthers. The stigmas of these species do not achieve maximum receptivity until at least 4 days after anthesis. Both species are self-compatible. At the three sites studied, L. myrsinoides and L. continentale have separate flowering times with L. myrsinoides always flowering first. Within populations of each species, plants reached first flower and peak flower in the same order in 1989 and 1990, implying genetic control over flowering time. It is suggested that protandry in these species enhances the likelihood of outcrossing and the staggered release of pollen coupled with the degree of overlap within flowering populations increases the number of potential mates available to each flower.

A Word on Kosovo’s First Ten Years

Südosteuropa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-281
Author(s):  
Robert C. Austin
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Brain Drain ◽  
Normal State ◽  
Mutual Recognition ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
The North ◽  
Short Term Survival

Abstract Kosovo celebrated ten years of fraught independence in February. While there were some good reasons to celebrate, Kosovo still hovers between a failed and a functioning state. Its main economic indicators are extremely bad with no signs of improving. Unemployment, particularly among its youth, is feeding an ongoing brain drain. The legacy of the United Nations Mission (UNMIK) and now the European Union Mission (EULEX) is mixed, but neither was successful in creating the conditions for Kosovo to function as a normal state. Agreements between Belgrade and Prishtina to provide more rights to the Serb communities especially in the north have undermined Kosovo’s sovereignty. Now, the buzz in Prishtina speaks of a territorial swap between Serbia and Kosovo that would pave the way for mutual recognition. The domestic elite have proven more interested in short term survival and profit than in making historic progress. A stale consensus prevails that maybe this is the best that can be hoped for.

scholarly journals Reproductive biology of four weedy Euphorbia species from Ile-Ife, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
A.O. Bolaji ◽  
M. Idowu-Aiye ◽  
H.O. Moronfade
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Pollen Viability ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Floral Structure ◽  
Euphorbia Prostrata ◽  
Spread Parameters ◽  
Reproductive Phases ◽  
Vegetative Phases ◽  
Explosive Mechanism

Euphorbia heterophylla Linn., Euphorbia hirta Linn., Euphorbia hyssopifolia Linn. and Euphorbia prostrata Linn. are four noxious, yet economically important weeds, useful as phytomedicine in some parts of the world and also in Nigeria. Studies were carried out on their reproductive biology with a view to understanding the mode of their spread. Parameters investigated include number of days to seedling emergence, germinationpercentage, number of days to flowering, period to anthesis, pollinators, pollen viability, pollen size, floral structure, fruits type, seeds type, average number of fruit per plant, average number of seeds per plant and mode of seed dispersal. Results obtained showed that the seedlings of the four Euphorbia species studied emerged within 3 to 5 days; numbers of days to 50% flowering took 44 to 58 days; while flowering and fruiting continuedthroughout the remaining part of the year; thus exhibited r-strategy, expending more time and allocation of resources on their reproductive phases than their vegetative phases. Also differences existed in their stigma shape, perianth colour, perianth texture, pollen sizes, pollen viability as well as ripened colour of seed which were all significant characters that could be useful in delimiting the species. Furthermore, the study revealed that thefour species were essentially insect pollinated and their seeds dispersed by means of explosive mechanism usually characteristic of their schizocarpic fruits. This ability as well as their tendency to exhibit r-strategy could probably account for their ability to spread and invade cultivated fields, waste lands and roadsides. Keywords: Explosive mechanism, r-Strategy, Seed dispersal, Pollen viability, Seed set

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