Germplasm screening of Myrtus communius Var. Italica l. for cultivar development from dir lower (Malakand Division), Pakistan

Habb-ul-Aas is a commercial drug obtained from Myrtus communis L and widely used for abdominal disorders in Pakistan. This sclerophyllous shrub is commonly found in the Lower Dir, Malakand Division, Pakistan. This plant is used as crude drug in herbal as well as pharmaceutical industry due to presence of aromatic oil obtained from various parts of the plant. Two varieties viz., italic and baetica of the plant exist in the world; however, no study reported before about the existence of this species up to the varietal level from Pakistan. The current study was undertaken to characterize the existing germplasm by using certain morphometric parameters in relation to physiognomic features. They exhibit high variability among characters, especially for characteristics useful in selecting cultivars for commercial production. Among the various ecotypes, MBT3 possessed high shoot length (29.96cm), leaf area (2.3cm), fruit volume (0.97ml) & fruit weight (0.88g) and pulp (0.87g) and therefore recommended for the cultivar development.

Resistance of different ecotypes of Gastrodia elata to tuber rot / 中国中药杂志

Tuber rot has become a serious problem in the large-scale cultivation of Gastrodia elata. In this study, we compared the resistance of different ecotypes of G. elata to tuber rot by field experiments on the basis of the investigation of G. elata diseases. The histological observation and transcriptome analysis were conducted to reveal the resistance differences and the underlying mechanisms among different ecotypes. In the field, G. elata f. glauca had the highest incidence of tuber rot, followed by G. elata f. viridis, and G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca×G. elata f. elata showed the lowest incidence. Tuber rot showcased obvious plant source specificity and mainly occurred in the buds and bottom of G. elata plants. After infection, the pathogen spread hyphae in host cortex cells, which can change the endophytic fungal community structure in the cortex and parenchyma of G. elata. G. elata f. glauca had thinner lytic layer and more sugar lumps in the parenchyma than G. elata f. elata. The transcription of genes involved in immune defense, enzyme synthesis, polysaccharide synthesis, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, hydroxylase activity, and aromatic compound synthesis had significant differences between G. elata f. glauca and G. elata f. elata. These findings suggested that the differences in resis-tance to tuber rot among different ecotypes of G. elata may be related to the varied gene expression patterns and secondary metabolites. This study provides basic data for the prevention and control of tuber rot and the improvement of planting technology for G. elata.

Identification of a historic horse ecotype analyzing speech content in central Brazil / Resgate de um ecótipo equino histórico mediante análise de conteúdo de discurso no Brasil central

This study represents a first attempt to rescue germplasm of a traditional domestic equine cited in early Iberian and South American literature as Curraleiro horse. As an effort to identify and possibly characterize this type of horse we accessed traditional knowledge in strategic rural areas. Most areas were configured by hinterland settlements founded by runaway slave communities from the sixteenth century. Twenty interviews were conducted and analyzed using classical Speech Content Analysis. As a result, five response categories were recognized: 1) Identification and location of Curraleiro horses; 2) Characterization of Curraleiro horses; 3) Historical aspects; 4) Curraleiro horse conservation prospects and 5) Sanitary and productive aspects of Curraleiro horse breeding. We concluded that although scarce, the Curraleiro horse, cited in literature, still exists and showed phenotypical features which allow fine discrimination from any officially recognized breed in Brazil. Our findings may open the door for the recognition of a genuine animal resource which could play a role in rural development for specific regions and traditional communities. Speech Content Analysis was effective for in loco identification and characterization of rare traditional livestock. Thus, we encourage the usage of this tool as an alternative to subsidize identification and genetic conservation programs worldwide.(AU)

Esse estudo representa uma primeira tentativa de resgate de germoplasma em um equino doméstico tradicional citado em literatura precoce Iberiana e Sul Americana como um cavalo Curraleiro. Num esforço de identificar e possivelmente caracterizar esse tipo de cavalo, acessamos conhecimento tradicional em diversas áreas rurais estratégicas. A maioria consistia em assentamentos rurais fundados por comunidades escravas foragidas no século dezesseis. Vinte entrevistas foram conduzidas e analisadas utilizando análise de conteúdo de discurso clássico. Como resultado, cinco categorias de resposta foram reconhecidas: 1) Identificação e localização de cavalos Curraleiros; 2) Caracterização de cavalos curraleiros; 3) Aspectos históricos, 4) Perspectivas de conservação, e 5) Aspectos sanitários e produtivos da criação de cavalos Curraleiros. Concluímos que, apesar de escasso, o cavalo Curraleiro, citado na literatura, ainda existe e apresenta características fenotípicas que permitem discriminação de raças oficialmente reconhecidas no Brasil. Nossos achados podem abrir alas para o reconhecimento de um recurso animal genuíno que pode ter um papel no desenvolvimento rural em regiões específicas e comunidades tradicionais. Análise de conteúdo de discurso foi eficaz para identificação e caracterização in loco de criação tradicional rara. Desta forma, encorajamos o uso dessa ferramenta como alternativa para subsídio de identificação e programas de conservação genética ao redor do mundo.(AU)

Frequência e severidade de desfolhação em ecótipos de Brachiaria brizantha sob lotação intermitente / Frequency and severity of defoliation in Brachiaria brizantha ecotypes under intermittent grazing / Frecuencia y severidad de defoliación en ecotipos de Brachiaria brizantha bajo siembra intermitente

O entendimento da dinâmica da desfolhação é essencial na análise da resposta da vegetação e da resposta animal em diferentes sistemas de produção e deve ser parte fundamental nos estudos sobre o manejo do pastejo. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar o padrão de desfolhação em pastos de Brachiaria brizantha, com estruturas distintas, sob lotação intermitente. O experimento foi conduzido na área experimental pertencente à Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária ­ Gado de Corte, Campo Grande ­ MS. Os tratamentos foram pastos de Brachiaria brizantha ecótipo B4, BRS Paiaguás e cv. Xaraés. O período experimental foi dividido em épocas do ano (águas e secas). As avaliações da frequência e severidade de desfolhação de perfilhos individuais foram realizadas antes da entrada dos animais nos piquetes e durante todo o período de rebaixamento. Não foi verificado efeito da época do ano na frequência de severidade desfolhação lâmina foliar e perfilho estendido. Na época seca, ocorreu aumento na severidade de desfolhação por categoria de folha. A desfolhação de perfilhos individuais acompanhou o ajuste na densidade de lotação, apresentando poucas variações entre os pastos estudados. À medida que avançava o período de ocupação, o animal explorava os extratos inferiores do dossel forrageiro em proporções diferentes. As variações nas características estruturais do dossel forrageiro implicaram em poucas diferenças na dinâmica de desfolhação nos pastos de B. brizantha. O ajuste na densidade de lotação apresentou pouca influência na remoção de lâminas foliares entre os pastos de B. brizantha. À medida que avança a idade das lâminas foliares, reduz a desfolhação.(AU)

Comprender la dinámica de la defoliación es esencial en el análisis de la respuesta de la vegetación y de la respuesta animal en diferentes sistemas de producción y debe ser una parte fundamental en los estudios sobre el manejo del pastoreo. De esta forma, el objetivo ha sido evaluar el estándar de defoliación en los pastizales de Brachiaria brizantha, con estructuras distintas, bajo siembra intermitente. El experimento se llevó a cabo en el área experimental perteneciente a la Empresa Brasileña de Investigación Agropecuaria ­ Ganado de Corte, Campo Grande - MS. Los tratamientos fueron Brachiaria brizantha ecotipo B4, BRS Paiaguás y cv. Xaraés. El período experimental se dividió en épocas del año (lluvioso y seco). Las evaluaciones de la frecuencia y la gravedad de la defoliación de los macollos individuales se realizaron antes de la entrada de los animales en los corrales durante todo el período de descenso. No se observó ningún efecto de la época del año en la frecuencia de la defoliación de la lámina foliar y macollo extendido. En la estación seca hubo un aumento en la severidad de defoliación por categoría foliar. La defoliación de los macollos individuales siguió el ajuste en la densidad de siembra, presentando pocas variaciones entre los pastos estudiados. A medida que avanzaba el período de ocupación, el animal exploraba los extractos inferiores del dosel forrajero en diferentes proporciones. Las variaciones en las características estructurales del forrajero implicaron pocas diferencias en la dinámica de defoliación en los pastos de B. brizantha. El ajuste en la densidad de población mostró poca influencia en la remoción de láminas foliares entre los pastos de B. brizantha. A medida que avanza la edad de las láminas foliares, reduce la defoliación.(AU)

Understanding the dynamics of defoliation is essential in the analysis of vegetation and animal response in different production systems and should be a fundamental part of the studies on grazing management. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the defoliation pattern in Brachiariabrizantha pastures, with distinct structures, under intermittent grazing. The experiment was carried out in the area belonging to the Brazilian Agricultural and Livestock Research Corporation (Embrapa) ­ Beef Cattle, Campo Grande - MS. The treatments used Brachiariabrizantha ecotypes B4, BRS Paiaguás and cv. Xaraés. The experimental period was divided according to the seasons (rainy and dry). The frequency and severity of defoliation of individual tillers were evaluated prior to the entry of the animals into the paddocks and throughout the grazing period. No seasonal effect was observed on the frequency of leaf blight defoliation and extended tiller disease. In the dry season, an increase in leaf defoliation severity by leaf category could be observed. The defoliation of individual tillers followed the adjustment in the grazing density, presenting little variation among the pastures studied. As the period of occupation progressed, the animal explored the lower extracts of the forage canopy in different proportions. The variations in the structural characteristics of the forage canopy implied in few differences in the dynamics of defoliation in the B. brizantha pastures. The adjustment in grazing density showed little influence in the removal of leaf blades among the B. brizantha pastures. As the age of leaf blades advanced, defoliation was reduced.(AU)

Comparative study on anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation of different Isatidis Radix strains growing in Gansu Province / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation effects of different ecotype from Isatidis Radix growing in Gansu province.@*METHODS@#Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (=11)and used the auricular swelling and paw edema to observe the anti-inflammatory effects of Isatidis Radix; Mice were randomly divided into 7 groups (=11) and through the gasbag synovitis model to observe the anti-inflammatory effects of Isatidis Radix; Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (=11), the immunosuppressed model were established by injection of cyclophosphamide (CTX) to study the effects of Isatidis Radix on index of thymus, blood routine and cytokines.@*RESULTS@#Gansu different ecotype from Isatidis Radix could reduce the swelling of the mice auricle, paw edema and total protein, leukotriene B(LTB)and malonaldehyde(MDA) in airbag synovitis exudates, and upgrade serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD); Degrade the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and upgrade the index of thymus, the number of red and white corpuscles, the level of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) (<0.05, 0.01) of mice immunosuppressed model; Above the research of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation, there were no significant differences between Isatidis Radix of Gansu different ecotype and tetraploid.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Different ecotype of Isatidis Radix has obvious functions in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation, but there are no significant differences between Gansu different ecotype and tetraploid.

Quality variation and ecotype division of Panax quinquefolium in China / 药学学报

Quality variation and ecotype classification of Chinese herbal medicine are important scientific problems in Daodi herbal medicine research. The diversity of natural environmental conditions has led to form unique multi-Daodi, multi-product areas that produce particular Chinese herbal medicine. China is one of three big American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) producing areas worldwide, with over 300 years of application and 40 years of cultivation history. Long-term production practice has led to the formation of three big advocate produce areas in China: Northeast province, Beijing and Shandong. P. quinquefolium L. grown under certain environmental conditions will develop long-term adaptations that will lead to more stable strains (different ecotypes). P. quinquefolium L., can vary greatly in quality; however, the ecological mechanisms causing this variation are still unclear. Root samples were collected from four-year-old cultivated P. quinquefolium L. plants in the three major genuine (Daodi) American ginseng-producing areas of Northeast province, Beijing and Shandong province, China. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography was used to analyze the contents of eight ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Rg2). Data for nine ecological factors, including temperature, moisture and sunlight, were obtained from the ecological database of Geographic Information System for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Soil samples from the sampling sites were collected. Effective boron and iron, available nitrogen and potassium, as well as other trace elements and soil nutrients, were determined by conventional soil physicochemical property assay methods. Analytical methods of biostatistics and numerical taxonomy were used to divide ecotypes of the three main Panax quinquefolium L. producing areas in China based on ginsenoside content, climate, soil and other ecological factors. To our knowledge, this is the first time that ecological division of P. quinquefolium L. producing areas in China has ever been conducted. The results show that there are two chemoecotypes of P. quinquefolium L. in China: ginsenoside Rb1-Re from outside Shanhaiguan, and ginsenoside Rg2-Rd from inside Shanhaiguan. Similarly, there are two types of climatic characteristics: inside Shanhaiguan (Beijing, Shandong) and outside Shanhaiguan (Northeast). This suggests that the formation and differentiation of chemoecotypes of P. quinquefolium L. is closely related to variability of the climatic and geographical environment. Additionally, ecological variation of the three main producing areas, characteristics of two climatic ecotypes, and soil characteristics are also discussed and summarized. These results provide experimental scientific evidence of the quality variation and ecological adaptation of P. quinquefolium L. from different producing areas. They also deepen our understanding of the biological nature of Daodi P. quinquefolium L. formation, and offer novel research models for other multi-origin, multi-Daodi Chinese herbal medicines ecotypes. In addition, the results demonstrate the critical need for improving quality, appropriate ecological regionalization and promoting industrialized development of P. quinquefolium L.

Mosquito biting activity on humans & detection of Plasmodium falciparum infection in Anopheles stephensi in Goa, India.

Background & objectives: Knowledge of the bionomics of mosquitoes, especially of disease vectors, is essential to plan appropriate vector avoidance and control strategies. Information on biting activity of vectors during the night hours in different seasons is important for choosing personal protection measures. This study was carried out to find out the composition of mosquito fauna biting on humans and seasonal biting trends in Goa, India. Methods: Biting activities of all mosquitoes including vectors were studied from 1800 to 0600 h during 85 nights using human volunteers in 14 different localities of three distinct ecotypes in Goa. Seasonal biting trends of vector species were analysed and compared. Seasonal biting periodicity during different phases of night was also studied using William’s mean. Results: A total of 4,191 mosquitoes of five genera and 23 species were collected. Ten species belonged to Anopheles, eight to Culex, three to Aedes and one each to Mansonia and Armigeres. Eleven vector species had human hosts, including malaria vectors Anopheles stephensi (1.3%), An. fluviatilis (1.8%), and An. culicifacies (0.76%); filariasis vectors Culex quinquefasciatus (40.8%) and Mansonia uniformis (1.8%); Japanese encephalitis vectors Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (17.4%), Cx. vishnui (7.7%), Cx. pseudovishnui (0.1%), and Cx. gelidus (2.4%); and dengue and chikungunya vectors Aedes albopictus (0.9%) and Ae. aegypti (0.6%). Two An. stephensi of the total 831 female anophelines, were found positive for P. falciparum sporozoites. The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) of P. falciparum was 18.1 and 2.35 for Panaji city and Goa, respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: Most of the mosquito vector species were collected in all seasons and throughout the scotophase. Biting rates of different vector species differed during different phases of night and seasons. Personal protection methods could be used to stop vector-host contact.

[Investigation morphological characteristics and essential oil component of 2 ecotypes of watermint [Mentha aquatica L.]]

The Mentha spices can growth and adaptation with different climatology. This research was performed to investigate adaptation, suitable growth period, identification of suitable agronomy characters and identification of essential oil compounds of 2 ecotypes of water mint. This research was performed in Research Institute of Forest and Rangelands during 6 years in 1999 to 2004. Was conducted as a split plot at time by using of randomized complete block design [RCBD] with 3 replications. Main and sub factors were ecotype and year, respectively. There was difference significant between ecotypes on plant height, leaf long and total essential oil yield [alpha

Determinación de cantidades de aceites esenciales en fresco y seco en el ecotipo de orégano común (Origanum vulgare L) bajo cinco formas de secado en la región de Tacna / Determination of quantities of essential oils in fresh and dry in the ecotype of common oregano (Origanum vulgare L) under five forms of drying in the Tacna region

La investigación de la tesis titulada "Determinación de cantidades de aceites esenciales en fresco y en seco en el ecotipo de orégano común (Origanum vulgare) bajo cinco formas de secado en la región Tacna" se realizó en el C. E. A 111 Fundo "Los Pichones" de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas de la Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre GrohmannTacna, tuvo como objetivo determinar las cantidades de aceites esenciales en fresco y en seco bajo cinco formas de secado de orégano del ecotipo de orégano común Entre las conclusiones que se obtuvo de este experimento, podemos mencionar las siguientes: Los tratamientos T5 (100% sombra) y el T4 (75% de sombra) obtuvieron el mayor porcentaje de aceites esenciales en el primer corte con un promedio de 2,05 y 1,74 mi respectivamente. En lo que respecta al segundo corte los tratamientos T5 (100% sombra) y el T4 (75% de sombra) obtuvieron el mayor porcentaje de aceites esenciales con un promedio de 2,07 y 1, 72 ml respectivamente. En cuanto al porcentaje de humedad en el primer corte los resultados indican que los tratamiento T2 (25% sombra) y el T3 (50% de sombra) obtuvieron el mayor porcentaje de humedad con un promedio de 9,080 y 9,050% respectivamente. En lo que se refiere al segundo corte de porcentaje de humedad los resultados señalan que los tratamiento T1 (100% sol) y el T2 (25% de sombra) obtuvieron el mayor porcentaje de humedad con un promedio de 9,151 y 9,076% respectivamente.

ITS Primers with Enhanced Specificity to Detect the Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in the Roots of Wood Plants

With universal primer ITS1-F, the specific DHJ2 primer was developed to detect the Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) root tips in soil and to identify the species of ECM fungi, as based on DNA sequences of rDNA stored in GeneBank of NCBI. This primer was designed with the common sites of rDNA of Amanita and Boletus, and was also designed with several DNA programs provided by NCBI. The DNA fragments synthesized by PCR were calculated to be 1,000 to 1,200 bps of DNA located to 18s to 28s rDNA to contain two variable sites of ITS, indicating much diversities for specific species or ecotypes of ECM fungi. The primer DHJ2 reacted with the genomic DNA's extracted from the tissues of basidiocarp at the rate of 73 of 80 fungi collected produced single bands with a 1,100 bps length. The DNA fragment synthesized with the genomic DNA that extracted from eight ECM tips of Pinus densiflora was confirmed and analysized to the rDNAs of ECM in full sequences, and informed to be a ECM fungal species in the forest.