Inter and intra population phenotypic variability of Lippia integrifolia(Verbenaceae) and its natural situation in the west-center of Argentina

The species Lippia integrifoliais an aromatic, sub-woody shrub, distributed from Northwest and Central Argentina to Bolivia. It is among the most important native aromatic species. It presents medicinal properties, some of which have been scientifically proven. As an alternative to harvesting, the process of domestication of the species was initiated. The objective of this work was to assess the phenotypic variability based on botanical-taxonomic and morpho-agronomic descriptors and the use of indicators to evaluate its natural situation in the west-center of Argentina. We worked in five wild populations, registering morphological variables, phenology, natural regeneration, herbivory and presence of diseases. L. integrifoliapresents a wide morphological variability, which can be explained with three morphological descriptors. Natural regeneration ́s rate is very low to zero, in four of the sites. The results obtained are of importance to make decisions related to the sustainable use in situ, and to begin a program of domestication of the species.

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High intraspecific genetic and morphological variation in the pioneer lichen Cladonia rei colonising slag dumps

Open Life Sciences ◽

10.2478/s11535-014-0286-1 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 579-591 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Piotr Osyczka ◽

Kaja Rola ◽

Anna Lenart-Boroń ◽

Piotr Boroń

Keyword(s):

Natural Regeneration ◽

Phenotypic Variability ◽

Full Range ◽

Morphological Variability ◽

Single Population ◽

Anthropogenic Habitats ◽

Rdna Sequences ◽

Geographical Regions ◽

Outgroup Species

AbstractThis study investigates the genetic and morphological variability of the lichen Cladonia rei inhabiting strongly contaminated postsmelting slag dumps in southern Poland. Altogether, 27 C. rei samples were analysed, including 17 from a single population in one dump. The phylogenetic analysis includes samples of C. rei, outgroup species, and external sequences of Cladonia section representatives from GenBank. Comparative analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequences revealed the presence of 19 C. rei haplotypes overall, including several of the most frequent, of which 11 are represented by single individuals only. As many as 12 haplotypes were recorded within a single population. Three strongly supported monophyletic clades comprised of specimens from different geographical regions were recovered. Morphometric analysis showed great phenotypic variability within particular clades. Apart from a full range of previously known morphological forms of the species, an additional specific morphotype was recognised in the dumps; however, its representatives do not create a monophyletic group. High genetic variability within a single population suggests that C. rei has a great potential for colonising anthropogenic habitats. This attribute emphasises the role of this lichen as an essential pioneer in the early stages of natural regeneration of such sites.

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Usefulness of Discriminant Analysis in the Morphometric Differentiation of Six Native Freshwater Species from Ecuador

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11010111 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 111

Author(s):

Ana Gonzalez-Martinez ◽

Carmen De-Pablos-Heredero ◽

Martin González ◽

Jorge Rodriguez ◽

Cecilio Barba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Discriminant Analysis ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Development Program ◽

Freshwater Species ◽

Hydrographic Basin ◽

Wilks Lambda ◽

Morphological Variables ◽

Morphometric Differentiation ◽

Discriminant Power

The aim of this research was to find out the morphometric differentiation of six native freshwater species in the Guayas Hydrographic Basin (Ecuador) by means of discriminant analysis. A total of 1355 mature fishes (Cichlasoma festae, Andinoacara rivulatus, Dormitator latifrons, Bryncon dentex, Hoplias microlepis and Leporinus ecuadorensis) were captured and 27 morphometric measurements and 20 landmarks were used. Two-way analysis of variance with species and sex as fixed factors and discriminant analysis were applied. The selection of the most discriminant variables was made applying the F of Snedecor, Wilks’-Lambda and the 1-Tolerance. While sex within species had no significant effect on the morphology, differences among species were significant. Twenty-seven morphological variables showed highly significant differences among six native freshwater species. Nine biometric variables with high discriminant power were selected. The six species analyzed were discriminated by the morphometric models generated, thus showing that discriminant analysis was useful for differentiating species. The morphometric differentiation by discriminant analysis is a direct, simple and economic methodology to be applied in situ in rural communities. It favors the implementation of a livestock development program and it could be used with other native freshwater species in the Guayas Hydrographic Basin.

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Deconstructing and reconstructing joint hypermobility on an evo-devo perspective

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/keab196 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Marco Castori

Keyword(s):

Evolutionary Biology ◽

Phenotypic Variability ◽

Morphological Variability ◽

Complex Trait ◽

Joint Hypermobility ◽

Integration Model ◽

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome ◽

Evo Devo ◽

Derivatives Of ◽

Continuous Traits

Abstract Joint hypermobility is a common characteristic in humans. Its non-casual association with various musculoskeletal complaints is known and currently defined “the spectrum”. It includes hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). hEDS is recognized by a set of descriptive criteria, while HSD is the background diagnosis for individuals not fulfilling these criteria. Little is known about the aetiopathogenesis of the spectrum. It may be interpreted as a complex trait according to the integration model. Particularly, the spectrum is common in the general population, affects morphology, presents extreme clinical variability and is characterized by marked sex bias without a clear Mendelian or hormonal explanation. Joint hypermobility and the other hEDS systemic criteria are intended as qualitative derivatives of continuous traits of normal morphological variability. The need for a minimum set of criteria for hEDS diagnosis implies a tendency to co-vary of these underlying continuous traits. In evolutionary biology, such a co-variation (i.e. integration) is driven by multiple forces, including genetic, developmental, functional and environmental/acquired interactors. The aetiopathogenesis of the spectrum may be resolved by a deeper understanding of phenotypic variability, which superimposes on normal morphological variability.

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A new hypothesis for the origin of Amazonian Dark Earths

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-020-20184-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lucas C. R. Silva ◽

Rodrigo Studart Corrêa ◽

Jamie L. Wright ◽

Barbara Bomfim ◽

Lauren Hendricks ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Indigenous Peoples ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Mineral Elements ◽

High Fertility ◽

Natural Processes ◽

Plant Cultivation ◽

In Situ Deposition ◽

Amazonian Dark Earths ◽

Landscape Formation

AbstractAmazonian Dark Earths (ADEs) are unusually fertile soils characterised by elevated concentrations of microscopic charcoal particles, which confer their distinctive colouration. Frequent occurrences of pre-Columbian artefacts at ADE sites led to their ubiquitous classification as Anthrosols (soils of anthropic origin). However, it remains unclear how indigenous peoples created areas of high fertility in one of the most nutrient-impoverished environments on Earth. Here, we report new data from a well-studied ADE site in the Brazilian Amazon, which compel us to reconsider its anthropic origin. The amounts of phosphorus and calcium—two of the least abundant macronutrients in the region—are orders of magnitude higher in ADE profiles than in the surrounding soil. The elevated levels of phosphorus and calcium, which are often interpreted as evidence of human activity at other sites, correlate spatially with trace elements that indicate exogenous mineral sources rather than in situ deposition. Stable isotope ratios of neodymium, strontium, and radiocarbon activity of microcharcoal particles also indicate exogenous inputs from alluvial deposition of carbon and mineral elements to ADE profiles, beginning several thousands of years before the earliest evidence of soil management for plant cultivation in the region. Our data suggest that indigenous peoples harnessed natural processes of landscape formation, which led to the unique properties of ADEs, but were not responsible for their genesis. If corroborated elsewhere, this hypothesis would transform our understanding of human influence in Amazonia, opening new frontiers for the sustainable use of tropical landscapes going forward.

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Sustainable use of wildlife in western New South Wales: Possibilities and problems.

The Rangeland Journal ◽

10.1071/rj0000088 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 88 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

DB Croft

Keyword(s):

Arid Zone ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Animal Products ◽

Wildlife Tourism ◽

South Wales ◽

Wild Progenitors ◽

Ecologically Sustainable ◽

New Evidence

Sustainable use of wildlife has become equated with exploitation of animal products (meat, skin or feathers) and/or removal of wild progenitors into the pet trade. This consumption of the wildlife is therefore largely ex situ and so removes nutrients and energy from the rangelands. Demand for lethal or a removal action is often driven by the severity of the perceived conflict between the wildlife and other enterprises, especially agriculture, rather than for the resulting products. Such uses also raise community concerns about humane treatment of animals and a valuing of the natural heritage. Wildlife-based tourism, as part of the valuable and growing nature-based or ecotourism industry in Australia, is an in situ use that may be a more ecologically sustainable and economically twble option for use of rangeland wildlife. This paper examines these possibilities and their problems with a focus on the commercial kangaroo industry and the use of arid-zone mammals, birds and reptiles for pets. It provides new evidence that wildlife-tourism based on free-living kangaroos in the rangelands is both feasible and in demand. This industry should be given advocacy in the on-going debate on the management and future of the rangelands. Key words: kangaroos, wildlife management, wildlife tourism, game harvesting

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Five tombs at Knossos

The Annual of the British School at Athens ◽

10.1017/s0068245400013769 ◽

1963 ◽

Vol 58 ◽

pp. 30-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

J. N. Coldstream

Keyword(s):

Good Condition ◽

Good Deal ◽

Lower Edge ◽

Water Pipe ◽

The West ◽

Light In August ◽

South West ◽

History Of ◽

The Temple

On the east slope of Lower Gypsades hill, about 100 metres west of the Temple Tomb, a chamber tomb came to light in August 1958, when a cutting for a new water pipe was driven through the area (A in Plate 9 a). In the course of this operation, part of a plain larnax (iii) was sliced off, and much earth removed from the west end of the collapsed chamber: at no point, however, had the municipal workmen penetrated to the tomb floor.The chamber was approached by a sloping dromos (Plate 9 a: length 2·80 metres; max. width 1 metre), roughly cut into the natural kouskouras rock: its walls were approximately perpendicular. Although the gradient varied a good deal, there was no suggestion of a stairway.The blocking wall was found in good condition. Of especial interest were the numerous fragments of larnakes that had been built into its fabric: some of them could be recognized as belonging to each of the three fragmentary larnakes (i, ii, v) whose scattered pieces were found below and around the two undisturbed burials in the chamber (iii, iv). We may thus distinguish two periods in the history of the tomb: larnakes i, ii, and v were evidently smashed up in order to make room for iv and iii, which must have been deposited in that order. The debris of v was found under iv, with a few adult bones in its wreckage. Part of i lay on the floor near the south-west corner, where two plain vases (2, 3) were found in situ, hence, also, came most of the fragments of the fine L.M. IIIA 2 stirrup vase (1), although its other pieces were scattered all over the floor of the tomb. This small group of offerings may belong to the disturbed adult skeleton, whose skull lay up against the lower edge of iii. Curiously, some fragments of i and ii were also found above the broken lid of iv (Plate 9 b): perhaps the lid of the later larnax was accidentally smashed at the time of the funeral, in which case the debris from earlier burials could have been piled up above it, as a rough and ready means of protection.

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Control of Tutaabsoluta using pheromone traps on tomato crops under greenhouse in Algeria

Tunisian Journal of Plant Protection ◽

10.52543/tjpp.16.1.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Mohamed Bellatreche ◽

◽

Saida Messgo-Moumene ◽

Atika Guendouz-Ben Rima ◽

Ikbal Chaieb ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Temporal Evolution ◽

Integrated Control ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Pheromone Traps ◽

The West ◽

Tomato Production ◽

Production Areas ◽

Remarkable Reduction ◽

Integrated Control System

The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of pheromone traps of adults of Tuta absoluta in 4 potential tomato production areas in Algeria: Tipaza (Center), Mostaganem (West), Jijel (East) and Biskra (South), during the 2012-2014 campaigns. Two tomato greenhouses were considered for each zone in which, one was protected by the setup of pheromone traps and the other as an insecticide sprayed control. Tomato leaf samples were taken from each greenhouse, each month of each year according to the areas of studies to calculate the rates of infestation. Higher infestation rates were recorded in the greenhouses with local agricultural practices (control) compared with those protected by pheromone traps. With the use of the pheromone traps, a remarkable reduction affected the infestation of the greenhouses in the 4 studied areas during the years 2012 to 2014. The southern area seemed to be the most infested and at a least degree the areas of the West, the Center and the East, respectively. The temporal evolution of infestation rates showed an increase since January until July with June and July showing the higher infestation rates. These results showed the efficacy of trapping of T. absoluta males and the importance of their sustainable use in the integrated control system against this devastating insect in Algeria.

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Sustainable Use of Fig Species Provides Nutrition and Medicine for Ethnic Minority Communities in the Southern Shan State of Myanmar

10.21203/rs.3.rs-30301/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Aye Mya Mon ◽

Yinxian Shi ◽

Pyae Phyo Hein ◽

Thaung Naing Oo ◽

Cory W. Whitney ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ethnic Groups ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Conservation Practices ◽

Use Value ◽

Ethnobotanical Knowledge ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Tropical Regions

Abstract Background: Fig trees are ecological keystone species in many tropical regions and play important roles in the spirituality, nutrition and health for many rural communities. Although the tropical forests in Myanmar contain many fig species, little ethnobotanical knowledge on their uses has been recorded.Information about the uses and conservation related actions of figswould be helpful in development ofstrategic policy for sustainable use and biodiversity conservation of the country. We showcase the rich ethnobotanical knowledge as well as the variety of collection and conservation practices related to figs among five ethnic groups in Southern Shan State. Methods: We performed both key informant and semi-structured interviews with 114 informants from five ethnic groups. Their uses for figs were categorized according to local practices and recipes. Informants were asked about trends in conservation status over the past 10 years and any conservation related customs and practices. Data were analyzed quantitatively by use report (UR) and use value (UV). Results: Informants reported the uses of eight fig species (Ficusauricularta，F.concinna, F. geniculata，F. hispida, F. racemosa, F. religiosa，F. semicordata, and F. virens).F. geniculata and F. virens were most useful (UR = 228) and were used by all five ethnic groups, corresponding to a high use value (UV = 2). Treatments for 16 diseases were reported from seven species. Household consumption, economic, and sacred uses were accompanied by sustainable practices of harvest and protection. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation were practiced especially for highly demanded species (F. geniculata and F. virens), and the sacred fig F. religiosa.Conclusion: Findings suggest that figs are useful for nutrition (all informants) and medicine (13.16% of the informants) in the study area. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation practices help to maintain sustainable utilization of locally important figs. This is an early contribution to the traditional knowledge of edible figs. Although similar uses have been reported in neighboring countries for seven of the fig species, the ethnobotanical use of F. concinna is novel.

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Techno-Economic Feasibility of In Situ Vegetable Residue Return in the Chinese Solar Greenhouse

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11091828 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 1828

Author(s):

Xiaoxuan Wei ◽

Yansu Li ◽

Xiaoguang Fan ◽

Chaoxing He ◽

Yan Yan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bulk Density ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Sustainable Use ◽

Economic Feasibility ◽

Remarkable Increase ◽

Rotation Pattern ◽

Solar Greenhouse ◽

Final Harvest ◽

Vegetable Cultivation

The tremendous scale of protected vegetable cultivation incidentally produces considerable vegetable residue, which refers to the remaining parts of plants after the final harvest. The low use rate of vegetable residue results in nutrient waste and environmental pressure in China. In this study, we put forward vegetable residue directly returned to the soil and investigated its feasibility. Residue return was steadily conducted 5 times in a Chinese solar greenhouse with the cucumber–tomato rotation pattern. Results showed that residue return increased the soil alkali-hydrolysed nitrogen and available potassium contents by 4.97–26.22% and 9.31–21.92%, respectively, along with slightly reduced soil pH and bulk density by 1.00–5.39% and 6.72–11.81%, respectively. Gemmatimonadetes, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota were the major phyla with noticeable changes when residue return was conducted 5 times. Fruit yield began to obtain remarkable increase by 5.81–9.26 t·ha−1 after residue return was conducted 3 times, bringing about additional profits of 5382.0–8519.2 USD·ha−1. Residue return could cut down the disposal expense of vegetable residues by 480.89 USD·ha−1. Moreover, residue return could supplement nutrients to soil, potentially contributing to reducing chemical fertilizer inputs. In conclusion, in situ vegetable residue return could be considered to be a feasible and sustainable use technique for vegetable residues in the Chinese solar greenhouse.

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Morphological variability of Quercus robur L. leaf in Serbia

Genetika ◽

10.2298/gensr1702529b ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 529-541

Author(s):

Branislava Batos ◽

Danijela Miljkovic ◽

Marko Perovic ◽

Sasa Orlovic

Keyword(s):

Leaf Area ◽

Analysis Of Variance ◽

Population Differentiation ◽

Quercus Robur ◽

Phenotypic Variability ◽

Morphological Variability ◽

Intraspecific Variability ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Interpopulation Variability ◽

Intrapopulation Variability

This paper presents the results of a study dealing with leaf morphological variability of Quercus robur L. 148 trees were sampled from 5 population across Serbia and 17 morphological traits were assessed. Interpopulation variability was confirmed by the results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA). A statistically significant (p <0.05) effect of population was obtained for most of the studied morphological characters. Intrapopulation variability was confirmed by statistically significant tree effects for all of the studied leaf characters (all p < 0.05). The results of the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) confirmed a significant population and tree share in the total phenotypic variability (all p <0.05). By applying the canonical discriminant analysis (CDA), the first discriminant function accounted for 63% of the variability between populations and the second accounted for 20% of the population variability. The leaf area (AREA), specific leaf area (SLA) and surface area to perimeter ratio (ARPE) had the greatest effect on population differentiation (CDA). It is assumed that different environmental conditions affect population differentiation and that high intrapopulation variability is due to intraspecific variability.

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