Feeding selectivity of Aphelenchoides besseyi and A. pseudogoodeyi on fungi associated with Florida strawberry

Aphelenchoides besseyi and A. pseudogoodeyi are foliar nematodes associated with commercial strawberry production in Florida, USA. The reproductive and feeding habits of these two nematode species were assessed on Florida isolates of the fungi Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Neopestalotiopsis spp. pathogenic to strawberry, and the non-pathogenic isolates of Fusarium oxysporum and Monilinia fructicola grown on PDA in petri dishes. Each culture was inoculated with six specimens with mix life stages of either A. besseyi and A. pseudogoodeyi and incubated at 24°C under axenic and non-axenic conditions 23 and 31 days after inoculation, respectively. Aphelenchoides besseyi reproduction rates were significantly higher on strawberry pathogenic isolates of B. cinerea, C. gloeosporioides, and Neopestalotiopsis rosae than on the non-pathogenic isolates of F. oxysporum and M. fructicola. In contrast, reproductive rates of A. pseudogoodeyi did not significantly vary across the fungi cultures. For both nematode species, Macrophomina phaseolina was a poor host because it did not produce mycelium on the media used. Our findings indicate that A. besseyi is more selective in its fungal-feeding preference than A. pseudogoodeyi. Additionally, A. pseudogoodeyi eggs and juveniles were significantly higher than adults. Yet, for A. besseyi, adult stages were more common. Fungi aid in the maintenance of soil-dwelling populations of these two nematode species. Removing fungi-infected strawberry plant residues is both a desirable and effective management practice to limit A. besseyi in central Florida commercial strawberry fields.

Zona pellucida in the process of fertilization and mammal embryonal development

In mammals, oocytes, fertilized eggs and pre-implantation embryos are surrounded by an acellular zona pellucida (zona pellucida – ZP). This structure has a fibro-spongy character but it undergoes constant modifications throughout its existence depending on many internal and external factors. ZP consists of glycoproteins marked as ZP1, ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4, the presence of which is species different. ZP1 and probably ZP4 molecules stabilize the fibrillary skeleton of the zona pellucida formed of ZP2 and ZP3 protein polymers which are ligands for specific spermatozoid receptors. The oligosaccharide chains of ZP3 are responsible for the primary attachment of the male gamete which induces the acrosomal reaction. ZP2 enhances this connection by secondary binding to an acrosome-free spermatozoid. Additionally, oviductal specific glycoprotein 1 which plays a role in interspecific oocyte-sperm interactions, appears around the postovulatory oocyte surrounded by ZP. In addition, this protein modifies the resistance of ZP to the action of proteases released as a result of the cortical reaction during polyspermia block. After fertilization, ZP not only protects the egg and then the embryo until implantation, but also has an embryotrophic effect. Understanding the molecular basics of the structure and properties of ZP can significantly improve animal fertility as well as reproductive rates.

Effect of Different Temperatures on the Life Table Parameters of Rhyzobius Lophanthae Blaisdell (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The purple scale predator, Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is known as coccidophagous ladybird predator, and effective against scales’ insects. The present study aimed to evaluate the optimum temperature for the species to be more efficient. In this study, the life table parameters of R. lophanthae were determined on different temperatures at 4, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 °C and 60% RH, by calculations using RmStat-3 software according to Euler-Lotka equation. The results showed that the intrinsic rates of increase (rm) were 0.016, 0.022, 0.030, 0.052, 0.056, 0.068, 0.120, 0.142, 0.132, 0.021 females/females/day, respectively, while the net reproductive rates (R0) were 7.082, 9.514, 11.960, 50.906, 54.150, 49.525, 56.883, 80.944, 31.149, 1.882 females/females/generation, respectively. The mean generation times (T0) were 125.966, 104.602, 84.009, 75.742, 71.511, 57.568, 33.801, 30.866, 25.978, 30.759 days, respectively. Total productivity rates (GRR) were 34.865, 39.210, 48.216, 201.990, 209.469, 166.207, 177.779, 303.751, 105.751, 12.622 egg/female, respectively. The study concluded that 26-30 °C was the optimum temperature range for the efficient role of R. lophanthae under laboratory conditions. From the results, it is still needed to do more studies on the interactions of pests, predators with environmental conditions.

The ecology and evolution of the Monito del monte, a relict species from the southern South America temperate forests

The arboreal marsupial Monito del Monte (genus Dromiciops, with two recognized species) is a paradigmatic mammal. It is the sole living representative of the order Microbiotheria, the ancestor lineage of Australian marsupials. Also, this marsupial is the unique frugivorous mammal in the temperate rainforest, being the main seed disperser of several endemic plants of this ecosystem, thus acting as keystone species. Dromiciops is also one of the few hibernating mammals in South America, spending half of the year in a physiological dormancy where metabolism is reduced to 10% of normal levels. This capacity to reduce energy expenditure in winter contrasts with the enormous energy turnover rate they experience in spring and summer. The unique life-history strategies of this living Microbiotheria, characterized by an alternation of life in the slow and fast lanes, putatively represent ancestral traits that permitted these cold-adapted mammals to survive in this environment. Here we describe the ecological role of this emblematic marsupial, summarizing the ecophysiology of hibernation and sociality, actualized phylogeographic relationships, reproductive cycle, trophic relationships, mutualisms, conservation and threats. This marsupial shows high densities, despite presenting slow reproductive rates, a paradox that is explained by the unique characteristics of its three-dimensional habitat. We finally suggest immediate actions to protect these locally abundant but globally threatened species.

Rotenone Use and Subsequent Prey Loss Lowers Osprey Fledging Rates Via Brood Reduction

ABSTRACT Fisheries managers used the fish toxicant rotenone to eradicate an undesirable brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) population and all other fish species at Hyatt Reservoir, Oregon, on 12 October 1989. This 4-yr study (1988–1990, 1992) compared effects of that rotenone project on Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) nesting at Hyatt Reservoir and nearby Howard Prairie Reservoir (untreated reference)—the latter a reservoir where both brown bullheads and hatchery-released rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) prospered. Because Hyatt Reservoir was treated after Osprey fall migration in 1989, the first 2 yr (1988 and 1989) yielded pretreatment information: number of Osprey pairs was unchanged and reproductive rates were similar and consistent at the two reservoirs. Yearling fish (200–250 mm) were restocked at Hyatt Reservoir in the spring of 1990 and Ospreys returned each year following rotenone treatment, with no decline in the number of occupied or active nests. The negative effect of the rotenone treatment on Ospreys was short-term, resulting in reduced reproductive rates (young/occupied nest, young/active nest, and young/successful nest) during the first nesting season posttreatment, although hatching rates were not affected. Osprey dive success and prey delivery rates declined sharply in 1990, leading to competition for food among siblings and brood reduction. Osprey reproductive rates and prey delivery rates at Hyatt Reservoir in both 1990 and 1992 remained below the extremely high pretreatment rates, but within the range required for population stability. Serious adverse effects of the fish loss on Osprey reproduction were minimized by: (1) the delay of the rotenone application until after breeding season, (2) the restocking of the treated reservoir in the following spring with some larger (yearling) fish (though the timing was late), (3) the maintenance of a supplemental feeding program for a nesting pair of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), which minimized kleptoparasitism on Ospreys, and perhaps most important (4) the presence of nearby water bodies, where Osprey obtained some fish in the 1990 and 1992 breeding seasons.

Effect of Retained Placenta And Clinical Mastitis On Reproduction Parameters, Immune Response And Steroidogenic Receptors Gene Expression In Postpartum Crossbred Crossbreed Dairy Cows

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of retained placenta (RP) and clinical mastitis (CM) on the reproductive efficiency of crossbred dairy cows during the postpartum period and to investigate the effect of them in some innate immune system indicators. For this, in the first experiment a total of 232 crossbred dairy cows were evaluated and divided into three groups as: healthy control, RP and CM. The incidence of RP and CM was evaluated after parturition until 30 days postpartum (DPP) and reproductive rates were measured. In experiment 2, 30 crossbred dairy cows were divided into three groups as in Experiment 1. Between 40 and 50 DPP, clinical, gynecological examination and endometrial cytobrush were performed to evaluate subclinical endometritis and gene expression of interleukin- 1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), chemokine ligand -5 (CCL5), estrogen α (ESR1) and progesterone (PGR) receptors by qRT-PCR analysis. In Experiment 1, the conception rate at 1st AI was lower in RP and CM groups and pregnancy rate at 150 days decreased in cows with CM. Calving-to-1st AI interval and days open were shorter in healthy cows. In Experiment 2 the occurrence of subclinical endometritis was 26.7% and was higher in cows with RP and CM. The expression of IL-1β was increased in RP and CM groups, while IL-6 was less expressed in RP group. The chemokine CCL5, ESR1 and PGR were similar between groups. In conclusion, cows with RP and CM had their reproductive efficiency negatively affected and had they initial pro-inflammatory response improved by the increase of IL-β, while, IL-6 was lower in animals with RP probably because it was evaluated later in the postpartum.

The impact of parasitoids on diamondback moth in Europe: a life table approach

Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), was first recorded in North America from Europe about 150 years ago and can be a significant pest of canola in Western Canada. Because parasitism of P. xylostella in Canada is generally low, the introduction of one or more additional exotic parasitoids from Europe is being considered to increase the suppression of P. xylostella populations. Life table studies to determine the impact of parasitoids on diamondback moth populations in Europe were conducted in northwestern Switzerland in 2014–2016. Net reproductive rates were found to be less than one in seven out of eight life tables, suggesting that P. xylostella populations in Switzerland are mostly driven by immigration and recolonisation. In total, seven primary parasitoid species and one hyperparasitoid were associated with diamondback moth. Pupal parasitism by D. collaris reached up to 30%, but because generational mortality was mainly driven by abiotic mortality factors and predation of larvae, the overall contribution of pupal parasitism was low (< 6%). In regions of Canada, where P. xylostella may have increasing populations and low larval mortality, the addition of D. collaris may be a promising approach. Life table studies across Canada are necessary to determine the need for such intervention.

Longitudinal demographic data collection

Several long-term field studies are running worldwide on many taxa across the Tree of Life. These longitudinal studies involve several visits to the study population with repeated observations/measurements. Demographic data can be collected at the population level (e.g. time series of population counts) or at the individual level (e.g. monitoring of marked and/or georeferenced individuals throughout their life). These data are then used to estimate demographic parameters such as annual population abundances, survival, growth, and reproductive rates. This chapter introduces the reader to monitoring methods (including recent technologies) that can be implemented in the field to collect specific demographic data on mobile species (e.g. birds, mammals) at both the population and individual levels, while dealing with imperfect detection. It also presents the procedures and the type of demographic data that can be collected on sessile species (e.g. corals, plants) at both levels. Finally, the chapter concludes with new aspects, current biases, and arising challenges for future long-term field studies.

Reproductive Rates of Merino Ewes and Offspring Quality under AI Program

Reproductive wastage is a major economic burden in sheep production globally, especially within Australia as livestock production systems face increased pressure from climatic variability (e.g. prolonged droughts or flooding). Sheep are sensitive to acute changes in their environment such as heat stress, which if not adequately monitored will result in significant production losses such as reproductive failure, increased parasite and worm burden, morbidity and mortality risks. Through basic and applied research in the areas of stress and reproductive physiology our team has made significant advancements in the understanding of sheep behaviour and physiological responses to acute and chronic stressors. Using minimally invasive hormone monitoring technology in combination with field based assessment of sheep health and productivity traits, our team has delivered new knowledge on how sheep react to acute environmental stress and how it impacts on sheep reproduction. In this chapter, we evaluated the fertility rates and embryo quality of Merino ewes under AI breeding program. We discuss factors such as heat stress that can impact on ewe and offspring quality.

Motivations and attitudes of Brazilian dairy farmers regarding the use of automated behaviour recording and analysis systems

In this Research Communication we investigate the motivations of Brazilian dairy farmers to adopt automated behaviour recording and analysis systems (ABRS) and their attitudes towards the alerts that are issued. Thirty-eight farmers participated in the study distributed into two groups, ABRS users (USERS, n = 16) and non-users (NON-USERS, n = 22). In the USERS group 16 farmers accepted being interviewed, answering a semi-structured interview conducted by telephone, and the answers were transcribed and codified. In the NON-USERS group, 22 farmers answered an online questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was applied to coded answers. Most farmers were young individuals under 40 years of age, with undergraduate or graduate degrees and having recently started their productive activities, after a family succession process. Herd size varied with an overall average of approximately 100 cows. Oestrus detection and cow's health monitoring were the main reasons given to invest in this technology, and cost was the most important factor that prevented farmers from purchasing ABRS. All farmers in USERS affirmed that they observed the target cows after receiving a health or an oestrus alert. Farmers believed that they were able to intervene in the evolution of the animals' health status, as the alerts gave a window of three to four days before the onset of clinical signs of diseases, anticipating the start of the treatment.The alerts issued by the monitoring systems helped farmers to reduce the number of cows to be observed and to identify pre-clinically sick and oestrous animals more easily. Difficulties in illness detection and lack of definite protocols impaired the decision making process and early treatment, albeit farmers believed ABRS improved the farm's routine and reproductive rates.