Feeding habitats of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) during winter and spring in Helan Mountains, China

The feeding habitat selection of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) was studied by direct observation method in the Helan Mountains, China during winter (from November to December) and spring (from April to June) from 2003 to 2004. We established 25 line transects to collect information on feeding habitats used by blue sheep. Blue sheep in the study area preferred mountain savanna forests, a habitat dominated by Ulmus glaucescens, with medium tree density (<4 individuals / 400 m²), moderate tree height (4–6 m), higher shrub density (> 5 individuals / 100 m²), higher shrub (> 1.3 m), higher food abundance (> 50 g), moderate distance to human disturbance (< 500 m), and mild distance to bare rock (< 2 m). Such habitats characterized by 12 ecological factors were preferred as feeding areas by blue sheep during winter. Similar to habitat selection by the species during winter, blue sheep also showed a preference for mountain savanna with tree dominated by Ulmus glaucescens and medium tree density (< 4 individuals / 400 m²) during spring. Nevertheless, blue sheep preferred medium tree height (< 6 m), moderate tree density (5–10 individuals / 100 m²), medium shrub height (1.3–1.7 m), higher food abundance (> 100 g), moderate altitude (< 2 000 m), moderate distance to water resource (< 500 m), and medium hiding cover (50%–75%) during spring. Selection of the feeding habitats by sheep showed a significant difference in vegetation type, landform feature, dominant tree, tree height, shrub density, distance to the nearest shrub, food abundance, slope direction, slope degree, distance to water resource, and hiding cover between winter and spring. Results of principal components analysis indicated that the first principal component accounted for 24.493% of the total variance among feeding habitat variance during winter, with higher loadings for vegetation type, dominant tree, tree height, distance to the nearest tree, shrub density, shrub height, altitude, distance to water resource, and distance to human disturbance. In spring, the first principal components explained 28.777% of the variance, with higher loadings for vegetation type, distance to the nearest tree, shrub height, distance to the nearest shrub, food abundance, altitude, and distance to human disturbance. Translated from Zoological Research, 2005, 26(6): 580–589 [译自: 动物学研究]     

Parasitism ofLeptinotarsa decemlineata [Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae] byEdovum puttleri [Hymenoptera: Eulophidae] in different cultivars of eggplant

Experiments were conducted to quantify parasitism of Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), by the egg parasitoid,Edovum puttleri Grissell, on 3 different cultivars of eggplant,Solanum melongena L. Levels of parasitism were higher (P<0.05) on ‘Black Pride’ than on other cultivars. The percentage of egg masses that were parasitized was 1.2-fold higher (P<0.05) on ‘Black Pride’ than on ‘Harris Special’ and ‘White’. The number of eggs per mass that were parasitized was 1.3- and 1.4- fold greater (P<0.05) on ‘Black Pride’ than on ‘Harris Special’ and ‘White’, respectively. The percentage of eggs that were parasitized per mass and percentage of emerged adult parasitoids did not differ (P>0.05) among cultivars; between 2.1- to 2.6- fold more females than males emerged from eggs on all cultivars during the growing season.Edovum puttleri suppressed the 2nd generation ofL. decemlineata on ‘Black Pride’ and ‘Harris Special’, but did not suppress populations on ‘White’.      

宁夏贺兰山国家级自然保护区岩羊(Pseudois nayaur)种群数量及结构

为了解宁夏贺兰山岩羊的种群现状,2020-2021年的8月和12-1月,在宁夏贺兰山国家级自然保护区运用样线法对岩羊（Pseudois nayaur）进行种群数量调查,利用R 4.0.1中的Distance 1.0.2对样线观测数据进行分析,估测保护区内岩羊的种群数量及密度,分析其种群结构。结果显示,夏季岩羊种群数量为5176（2554-10490）只,种群密度为2.674（1.320-5.420）只/km²;冬季岩羊种群数量为15752（7294-34017）只,种群密度为8.139（3.769-17.58）只/km²;多数观测距离样线垂直距离在0-200 m之内。岩羊主要集群形式：夏季为雌幼群（52.17%）;冬季为混合群（26.60%）。岩羊平均群大小：夏季为（6.261±8.023）只,冬季为（4.064±4.229）只,群大小在不同季节的差异显著（P=0.010）,集群大小多集中于1-5只之间,最大为47只。夏季调查中,雄性个体占比11.27%,雌性个体占比56.74%,幼体/亚成体占比31.99%;冬季调查中,雄性个体占比29.61%,雌性个体占比50.15%,幼体/亚成体占比20.24%;夏季和冬季岩羊组成成分之间差异极显著（P<0.001）。     

内蒙古贺兰山冬春季岩羊种群现状及保护

为调查内蒙古贺兰山国家级自然保护区内岩羊（Pseudois nayaur alashanicus）的种群现状,通过样线法在2017、2018年冬季,2018、2019年春季进行了调查,利用R 4.0.3中的Distance 1.0.2对样线观测数据进行分析,估测保护区内岩羊的种群数量及密度,分析其种群结构。结果显示,调查共观测到岩羊6299只,其中,2018年冬季种群数量最高,约为2654（2230-3161）只（括号内为95%数量置信区间）,种群密度为3.921（3.293-4.668）只/km²。与2003年同季节的调查数据对比发现,保护区内岩羊的种群数量在15年间增长迅速,岩羊的种群密度累计增长了约53.17%,年平均增长3.54%。岩羊集群形式：混合群（88.03%,80.95%）为岩羊冬、春最主要的集群形式,且混合群的数量冬季多于春季,独羊出现的次数最低（1.99%,2.86%）,不同的集群类型在不同的季节的差异极显著（P<0.001）;岩羊平均群大小：春季为（13.439±12.085）只,冬季为（9.011±8.610）只,调查季节中集群大小多为1-10只,岩羊的不同季节的群大小差异极显著（P<0.001）。种群成体与幼体比在不同季节的变化范围为1.411-2.673,雌雄比在不同季节的变化范围为0.934-1.469,种群结构的季节性差异极显著（P<0.001）。集群类型、群大小及群组成的调查表明,不同季节间岩羊种群结构差异明显。     

Enhancement of marennine production by blue light in the diatom <Emphasis Type="Italic">Haslea ostrearia</Emphasis>

The marine diatom Haslea ostrearia Simonsen produces a blue pigment, marennine, which is used for greening oysters. This microalga is cultured industrially indoors with artificial light. The influence of light quality on marennine production by cultures of H. ostrearia was investigated in the laboratory and at a semi-pilot scale (300 L tanks). In the first series of experiments in the laboratory, a clone of H. ostrearia was cultured under light of different colors (white, blue, green, yellow, and red) and at two irradiances (‘low’ and ‘high’, 20 and 100 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively). Compared to the white light controls, growth was increased in blue light at the ‘low’, but not at the ‘high’ irradiance, and marennine production at the end of the exponential phase was the highest in cells grown under blue light, regardless of the light quality or intensity during growth. Increased marennine production during growth was also observed, whichever color of light (blue or white) was used during the acclimation phase. In a second series of experiments, intraclonal differences were studied by comparing marennine production in seven clones differing with regard to their mean cell size. The total marennine expressed either per cell or per culture volume, was higher in blue light for all the clones. Complementary experiments carried out under semi-industrial conditions confirmed this effect of blue light, which could be relevant for the industrial, indoor production of marennine.     

Changes in the population structure,growth and mortality of striped weakfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cynoscion guatucupa</Emphasis> (Sciaenidae,Teleostei) of southern Brazil between 1976 and 2002

Siphonophores are exclusively marine cnidaria and their predatory role in plankton food-webs is well recognised. In this study, we analyse the structure and the spatial extent of siphonophore assemblages in relation to changes in freshwater outflows and food availability in the southern Gulf of Mexico during a high (October) and a low (April) outflow periods. A total of 149 samples were collected using a 505 μm multiple closing net at 1–6 levels (0–100 m) of the water column, depending on the bathymetry. Data on siphonophore species biovolumes (ml 100 m⁻³) were treated by means of the Bray-Curtis Dissimilarity Index, and two distinctive assemblages were identified: the ‘inner’ and the ‘outer’ assemblages, located over the inner and outer shelves. Temperature, salinity, zooplankton biomass, and siphonophore species were included in a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify the factors associated with each assemblage. Geographical distribution of the assemblages practically remained the same during both seasons and its cross-shelf variability was stronger than the vertical one. Seasonally, diversity values were higher in October, when the highest river discharges occur. Spatially, the lowest diversity and mean siphonophore biovolumes values were registered in the ‘inner assemblage’, where the highest and lowest salinity values were recorded. We suggest that even when extreme salinity values (>36.5 or <34) might depress siphonophore populations in the coastal area, enough food availability in the concerned areas might mitigate the negative effect of salinity, since a positive and significant (p < 0.05) relationship was found between siphonophores biovolume and zooplankton biomass. Bassia bassensis, Diphyes dispar and Enneanogum hyalinum, present in both assemblages during both seasons, were able to survive in a wide range of salinity values, following perhaps, their prey. All the 23 species here registered were found in the ‘outer assemblage’; however, Abylopsis eschscholtzi, Chelophyes appendiculata and Diphyes bojani were more associated with the ‘outer’ group according to the PCA results. Enneagonum hyalinum was the only species frequently encountered and abundant in the ‘inner assemblage’ during both seasons and, supporting previous observations, this species might be considered as an indicator of nearshore waters. Handling editor: K. Martens     

Ovarian and Uterine Ultrasonography in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aotus azarai infulatus</Emphasis>

We evaluated the uterus and ovaries of owl monkeys (Aotus azarai infulatus) via gynecological ultrasound examination. We evaluated the subjects in 2 different time periods. The first period (P1) was characterized by the absence of mating, with daily examinations, during 4 mo (n = 10). At the end of P1, we paired the subjects for 30 d, but without ultrasonographic evaluation. The second period (P2) was characterized by the presence of mating, with examinations once a week, during 7 consecutive months (n = 9). We evaluated the uterus and ovaries in sagittal and transverse scans, using a 5–12 MHz linear array probe. The uterine volume (UV) was directly proportional to the number of previous parturitions. The right ovary volume (RtOV) is greater than the left (LtOV) in P1 and P2. There is a positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the females’ mass, RtOV (r = 0.28) and LtOV (r = 0.16).     

Identification of the proteins related to cytochrome P450 induced by fenvalerate in a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichoplusia ni</Emphasis> cell line

In order to reveal the metabolic reaction to the presence of fenvalerate mediated by P450 in insects, we used the trypan blue exclusion technique and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay to assess the vitality of Trichoplusia ni (Tn) cells treated with fenvalerate, and observed dose- and time-dependent changes in total cellular P450s. In addition, two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) were used to identify the proteins involved in the fenvalerate reaction process. Finally, the cDNA of P450 fragments was cloned and real-time RT-PCR was performed. Our data showed that at the 0–15 μmol/L challenge concentration of fenvalerate, at which the vitality of Tn cells was not affected (p > 0.05), there was a tendency toward a dose- and time-response of total cellular P450s, which peaked at the 9 h (p < 0.05) and 12 h (p < 0.01) time points following 12.5 μmol/L stimulation with fenvalerate. The 2-DE assay detected more than 1300 protein spots in each two-dimensional gel, of which 33 spots displayed significant differences. Among the changed spots, three isoforms of P450 were identified. One of the three P450 cDNA fragments (CYP4L4) was cloned and sequenced, and its expression in treated Tn cells increased significantly (p < 0.01). It was found that fenvalerate induced the expression of P450s in insect cells. This suggests that fenvalerate could be metabolized by CYP4L4 through a hydroxylation reaction in insect cells.     

Rhizodeposition and C-partitioning of Lolium perenne in axenic culture affected by nitrogen supply and defoliation

This study investigated the effects of N-supply and partial defoliation on C-partitioning, root morphology and soluble rhizodeposition, for Lolium perenne grown in axenic sand culture systems percolated with nutrient solution. Plants were grown for 36 d in nutrient solutions with differing N concentrations (4 mM or 0.02 mM NH₄ ⁺NO₃ ^-), and effects of repeated defoliation to 4 cm were determined. The ‘low N’ supply reduced (P < 0.05) dry matter accumulation, with proportionately increased partitioning to the root systems. Root morphology was also altered at ‘low N’, with development of a finer root system, manifest as increased (P < 0.05) specific root length. Concurrent with these effects on growth of L. perenne, ‘low N’ increased (P < 0.05) exudation of C-compounds from roots on a per g root basis. Defoliation was found to increase exudation (P < 0.05) of soluble compounds for periods of 3-5 d following each cut, at both N-supply rates. The effects of N-supply and defoliation are of importance in understanding the coupling of plant productivity to nutrient cycling in soils with differing N availabilities and for grassland systems which are subject to grazing. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Movements of brown smoothhounds, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mustelus henlei</Emphasis>, in Tomales Bay,California

Ultrasonic telemetry was used to analyze the effects of environmental variables on movement directions and movement rates of brown smoothhounds, Mustelus henlei, in Tomales Bay, California. Ultrasonic transmitters were surgically implanted in the peritoneal cavities of one male and five female brown smoothhounds and tracked during the period of 29 June to 15 July 2004. Coarse-scale tracking consisted of locating all tagged individuals multiple times during a single session, while fine-scale tracking consisted of following a single individual continuously during a session. Coarse-scale tracking suggested movement toward the inner bay with incoming and high tides and toward the outer bay with outgoing and low tides (P = 0.01), whereas the diel cycle had no apparent effect on their movement directions. Mean shark movement rate was 0.09 m s⁻¹ (range: 0.01–0.34 m s⁻¹), with diel and tidal cycles both having significant effects on their rates of movement (P = 0.02 and P < 0.01), respectively. We tracked two female sharks on a fine scale over three tracking sessions in July 2004. Both individuals exhibited higher rates of movement during the night compared to the day (P < 0.01). While one shark’s rate of movement was not significantly affected by tidal stage, the other’s was (P < 0.001).     

Prey preference of large carnivores in Anamalai Tiger Reserve,India

Prey preferences of large carnivores (tiger (Panthera tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus) and dhole (Cuon alpinus)) in the tropical forest of Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) were evaluated. This was the first study in ATR to estimate the density of prey and the food habits of these large carnivores. The 958-km² intensive study area was found to have a high mammalian prey density (72.1 animals per square kilometre) with wild boar (20.61 animals per square kilometre) and chital (20.54 animals per square kilometre) being the most common species, followed by nilgiri tahr (13.6 animals per square kilometre). When the density figures were multiplied by the average weight of each prey species, a high biomass density of 14,204 kg km⁻² was obtained for the intensive study area. Scat analysis and incidental kill observation were used to determine the dietary composition of these predators. During the study from the period of March 2001 to April 2004, 1,145 tiger scats, 595 leopard scats and 2,074 dhole scats were collected and analysed. Kill data were based on direct observation of 66 tiger kills and 39 leopard kills. Sambar, with a density of 6.54 kg km⁻² was the preferred prey for these carnivores. Sambar constitutes 35% of the overall diet of tiger, whereas it constitutes 17% and 25% in leopard and dhole diets, respectively. Chital was utilized less than sambar in the range of about 7%, 11% and 15% by tiger, leopard and dhole, respectively. Predator diet was estimated more accurately by scat analysis, which reveals 30% of smaller prey species in leopard’s diet, which was not observed by kill data. This study reveals that ATR harbours high prey density, and these large carnivores seem mostly dependent on the wild prey rather than on domestic livestock as in some other areas in the subcontinent. These factors make ATR a potential area for long-term conservation of these endangered carnivores.     

Long-term study of somatic embryogenesis from anthers and ovaries of 12 grapevine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis</Emphasis> sp.) genotypes

Summary Anthers and ovaries of six grapevine cultivars (three Vitis vinifera L., two V × Labruscana L. H. Bailey, and one complex hybrid) were extracted from flower buds over 2 yr and cultured on three media reported to promote somatic embryogenesis in Vitis tissues. The highest percent embryogenesis from the hybrid ‘Chancellor’ and V. vinifera ‘Chardonnay’, ‘Merlot’, and ‘Pinot Noir’ occurred on medium C [Nitsch and Nitsch, 1969, basal medium with 3.0% (w/v) sucrose, 0.01% (w/v) inositol. 0.3% (w/v) Phytagel, 2.5 μM 2.4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2.5μM β-naphthoxyacetic acid, 5.0μM N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea, and 0.05% (w/v) glutamine]. Regardless of the media, the labrusca cultivars ‘Concord’ and ‘Niagara’ produced soft non-embryogenic callus that was sometimes mixed with well-developed somatic embryos. Nine vinifera genotypes were further tested for several different years on medium C. Embryogenic cultures suitable for transformation were obtained from all genotypes in more than 1 yr. The average percent embryogenesis from ovaries was 7-fold higher than from anthers. There was significant annual variation in percent embryogenesis, demonstrating the need for media comparisons to be replicated for more than one season. Suspension cultures suitable for use in genetic transformation were initiated from ‘Chardonnay’, ‘Merlot,’ and ‘Pinot Noir’ pro-embryogenic masses. ‘Chardonnay’ suspension cultures plated and grown under conditions developed for recovery of plants after biolistic transformation yielded approximately 500 non-transformed embryos per plate after 4 mo. of culture, with 68.6% of the embryos converting to plants. This is the first reported protocol for embryogenesis from ‘Concord,’ ‘Cabernet Franc,’ and ‘Pinot Noir’ grapevines.     

Use of lysozyme for treatment of bacterial contamination in <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> shoot cultures of fruit plants

Summary Use of lysozyme was tested for treatment of bacterial contaminations in in vitro shoot cultures of quince (Cydonia oblonga) ‘BA 29’ and the hybrid (Prunus persica × P. amygdalus) rootstock ‘GF 677’. Shoots which had been contaminated for about 1 yr by Bacillus circulans and Sphingomonas paucimobilis were treated in liquid culture, at pH 4.5, with 9–36 mg ml⁻¹ egg white lysozyme (EWL), and compared to each other and to untreated cultures for their growth, proliferation, and number of bacterial colony-forming units in the tissues. EWL did not negatively affect shoot growth up to 18 mg ml⁻¹; furthermore, the proliferation rates of EWL-treated shoots were sometimes higher than those of controls. In contrast, the concentration of 36 mg ml⁻¹ had some deleterious effect on the regrowth capacity and shoot production of ‘GF 677’ at the first subculture to solid medium after EWL, treatments. EWL had a simple bacteriostatic effect against Sphingomonas paucimobilis; in contrast, it was effective at 18 mg ml⁻¹ in eliminating Bacillus circulans in both ‘BA 29’ and ‘GF 677’ cultures, after optimal treatment duration.     

First Quantitative Study of Rove Beetles in Oklahoma Winter Wheat Fields

Adult rove beetles (Staphylinidae) were sampled every 7–14 days from one winter wheat field located in each of the four major wheat growing regions of Oklahoma during the 1999–2000 and 2000–2001 growing seasons. The number of cereal aphids per tiller, wheat plant growth stage, and wheat tiller density also were estimated. A total of 12 genera representing 13 species of beetles were collected from the field. The density of rove beetles was generally low, ranging from 0.003 beetles per m² in fall to 0.106 beetles per m² in spring. Rove beetle communities differed among seasons. After accounting for the effect of season, there was no statistically significant association between rove beetle community structure and field location, aphid density, wheat plant growth stage, or wheat plant density. Most rove beetle species showed no association with a particular season, however, Aleochara notula Erichson, Lathrobium sp., and Oxypoda sp. were present predominantly in fall, while Bisnius inquitus Erichson was associated with winter. Oxypoda sp. was the most abundant rove beetle in winter wheat fields in spring and was relatively abundant in winter, but was not collected from wheat fields in fall. Tachyporus jocosus Say was present in wheat fields during all seasons. T. jocosus was the most abundant rove beetle species in the winter wheat fields in fall and winter and was the second most abundant species during spring.     

Home ranges of raccoon dogs (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Nyctereutes procyonoides</Emphasis>, Gray, 1834) in Southern Brandenburg,Germany

The raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides, a medium-sized canid, is a representative of the East Asian fauna and has been introduced to Europe during the years 1928–1953. Today, this alien carnivore is a widespread species in Eastern Europe, Finland and Germany. In our study, we determined home range sizes of raccoon dogs in an agricultural landscape in Northeast Germany between 2001 and 2004 by very high frequency radio tracking. Those data are useful for estimation of predator densities in respect to conservation of biodiversity and also to develop models for disease and parasite transmission. Yearly average home range sizes were calculated as 95% fixed kernel: 1.83 km² ± 1.54 and as 50% fixed kernel (=core areas): 0.50 km² ± 0.49. We documented seasonal differences in home range sizes as well as overlapping of home ranges from 0.65% up to 67%. Some individuals’ home ranges recorded during the same season showed a clear shifting between different years. Abandoned badger dens, located in the core areas of raccoon dogs home ranges, were important during the whole year and particularly used in the winter period. Therefore, distribution of those dens had some influence on the spatial distribution of raccoon dogs in the study area. Based on mean annual home range size, we estimated the mean local population density during winter as 1.1 individuals per square kilometre and during summer as 4.90 individuals per square kilometre.     

Effect of polymorphism in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma gene on litter size of pigs

The association of polymorphisms in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) gene with litter size was studied in Large White and Landrace pig. Three SNP loci (P1, P2 and P7) on PPARγ₂ gene were determined by PCR–SSCP and the results showed that there were A → G mutations at 220 and 324 bp in 5′-regulator region and at 147 bp in exon 6, respectively. Allele frequencies were analysed in two breeds. Information on 2341 litter records from 564 sows was used to analyse the trait total number born (TNB) and number born alive (NBA). In Large White, TNB and NBA of genotype BB for P2 locus were the lowest, and the TNB and NBA of third and following parities and all parities were 0.74 and 0.51 piglets per litter less (P < 0.001) than those of the highest genotype AB, respectively, but for P1 and P7 locus the beneficial genotype AA were more 0.4–0.8 piglets per litter (P < 0.05) than the inferior genotype AB. In landrace, TNB and NBA of the first parity of genotype BB for P1 locus were 2.0 piglets per litter higher than AA (P < 0.05), but for all parities the TNB and NBA of genotype BB were 0.66 and 0.97 piglets per litter (P < 0.05) higher than AA, respectively. At P2 locus, the TNB and NBA of the second parity of genotype AA were obviously higher than those of AB (P < 0.05). And at P7 locus, the TNB and NBA of each parity of genotype AA were both about 2 piglets per litter more than those of BB (P < 0.05). The results indicated that PPARγ gene was significantly associated with litter size in pigs.     

Effect of environment on multi-element grain composition of pigeonpea cultivars under farmers’ conditions

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) is often intercropped with maize (Zea mays L.) in eastern and southern Africa. The studies aimed at determining how different genotypes of pigeonpea responded in terms of grain element composition under farmers’ cropping conditions. Approx. 78 farmers participated. They came from four study sites in Tanzania (Babati and Gairo) and Malawi (Nyambi and Ntonda) that differed in terms of tradition for using pigeonpea as well as in environmental conditions. The individual grain weight of the pigeonpea crops from Malawi were 21% (P < 0.05) higher than those from Tanzania. However, only B, Cu, Mo, N, Ni, P and S were affected by grain weight (P < 0.05). Weak (r ² < 0.10) negative correlations existed between grain yield and the grains’ proportion of Ca, Mg, P, and Zn. The proportion of every element, with the exception of Cr, in the grain differed between sites (P < 0.05) but not between varieties (P > 0.05). The amounts of K, Mg, S and Fe accumulated per grain were slightly lower (P < 0.11) in ICEAP00040 compared to the more traditional varieties. Variations in DTPA-exchangeable Zn and Fe in the soil were not reflected in grain concentrations but grain P had a curvi-linear relation (r ² = 0.44) to the soil NaHCO₃^–-exchangeable P indicating P deficiency for several soils. The P and Zn content were correlated (r ² > 0.41) as the only two grain elements. Unique fingerprinting by multivariate statistics was possible for each site when using the element proportion of the grain dry matter with or without soil characteristics. In all cases, different elements contributed with varying weight to the discrimination between the sites. However, it was not possible to distinguish between the varieties when considering all four environments. Reducing the models to include Fe, K, Mg, P, S and Zn only, did however allow some distinction between the two genotypes, which indicates that genotypic variability is expressed in a fairly limited number of elements. In the cases of Gairo and Nyambi, it was possible to distinguish between varieties. In the case of Gairo, the models distinguished between ICEAP00068 and the others, i.e. ICEAP00040 and Babati White where ICEAP00068 was associated with a higher proportion of Fe, P, S, and Zn in the grain. In the case of Nyambi, the models distinguished between ICEAP00040 and ICP9145 where ICEAP00040 was associated with a lower proportion of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, P, S, and Zn and a higher proportion of Cr and Na in the grain. It is thus possible in some cases to separate varieties based on multi-element grain content across a relatively narrow environmental gradient but not generally across all environments. These findings should be included in breeding programmes focusing on the improvement of the nutritional value of our food crops.     

Growth and carrageenan quality of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kappaphycus striatum</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">sacol</Emphasis> grown at different stocking densities,duration of culture and depth

Kappaphycus striatum var. sacol was grown in two separate studies: (1) at two stocking densities, and (2) at four different depths, each for three different durations of culture (30, 45 and 60 days) in order to determine the growth rate of the seaweed and evaluate the carrageenan content and its molecular weight. The results demonstrated that stocking density, duration of culture and depth significantly (P < 0.01) affected the growth rate, carrageenan content and molecular weight of K. striatum var. sacol. Decreasing growth rate was observed at both stocking densities and at four depths as duration of culture increased. A lower stocking density (500 g m⁻¹line⁻¹) showed a higher growth rate for the shortest durations, i.e. 30 days, as compared to those grown at a higher density. Likewise, decreasing growth rate was observed as depth increased, except at 50 cm after 60 days of culture. A 45-day culture period produced the highest molecular weight at both stocking densities (500 g m⁻¹line⁻¹ = 1,079.5 ± 31.8 kDa, 1,000 g m⁻¹line⁻¹ = 1,167 ± 270.6 kDa). ‘Sacol’ grown for 30 days at 50 cm (1,178 kDa) to 100 cm (1,200 kDa) depth showed the highest values of molecular weight of carrageenan extracted. The results suggested that K. striatum var. sacol is best grown at a stocking density of 500 g m⁻¹line⁻¹, at a depth of 50–100 cm, and for a duration of 30 days in order to provide the highest growth rate, carrageenan content and molecular weight.     

Seasonal diet and prey selection of black‐backed jackals on a small‐livestock farm in South Africa

The extent to which black‐backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) selectively consume domestic sheep (Ovis aries) compared to wild prey is unknown. Using faecal analysis and prey surveys, we determined the seasonal diet and prey selection of jackals on a small‐livestock farm in South Africa. Sheep comprised 25–48% of the biomass consumed by jackals across seasons, and consumption peaked during the lambing seasons, indicating sheep often were the main food resource for jackals. Another main food resource was wild ungulates <50 kg, primarily springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) and steenbok (Raphicerus campestris), which comprised 8–47% of the biomass consumed. Other important food items were mammals 1–3 kg (4–16%), which included hares (Lepus spp.) and springhares (Pedetes capensis), and small rodents (10–14%). Compared to the biomass available, jackals selectively consumed mammals 1–3 kg over sheep across all seasons, whereas wild ungulates <50 kg were selectively consumed over sheep in most seasons. Our results showed that jackals selectively consumed different food items throughout the year and that wild prey were consistently selected over sheep.     

Protection induced in BALB/c mice by the high-molecular-mass (hMM) fraction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paracoccidioides brasiliensis</Emphasis>

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a granulomatous disease caused by a dimorphic fungus, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The present study investigated the protective activity of the P. brasiliensis high-molecular-mass (hMM) fraction (~380 kDa) in experimental murine PCM. In the first step, lymphocyte proliferation and production of IFNγ (but not IL-4) were observed in “in vitro” spleen cells (from female BALB/c mice infected (i.v.) with P. brasiliensis) that were stimulated with hMM fractions. In the second step, female BALB/c mice were previously immunized (s.c.) with hMM fraction (25 μg/protein = F-25 and 50 μg/protein = F-50), and the colony-forming units (CFU) of the lung and spleen, the histopathological characteristics of the granulomatous lesions, and plasmatic gp43 soluble antigens and anti-hMM IgG levels were analyzed at 28 and 56 days after infection. The lung and liver CFU were lower in mice previously immunized with the hMM fraction (P < 0.05). The granulomatous lesions revealed a greater degree of compaction and organization, with no dissemination of the fungus to other organs. Lower soluble antigen levels (P < 0.05) and higher IgG anti-hMM fraction (P < 0.05) were observed in immunized groups. The results for CFU, histopathology and antigenemia suggest that the hMM fraction has a protective effect in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis in BALB/c mice.