Two closely linked tomato HKT coding genes are positional candidates for the major tomato QTL involved in Na+/K+ homeostasis

The location of major quantitative trait loci (QTL) contributing to stem and leaf [Na⁺] and [K⁺] was previously reported in chromosome 7 using two connected populations of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of tomato. HKT1;1 and HKT1;2, two tomato Na⁺‐selective class I‐HKT transporters, were found to be closely linked, where the maximum logarithm of odds (LOD) score for these QTLs located. When a chromosome 7 linkage map based on 278 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was used, the maximum LOD score position was only 35 kb from HKT1;1 and HKT1;2. Their expression patterns and phenotypic effects were further investigated in two near‐isogenic lines (NILs): 157‐14 (double homozygote for the cheesmaniae alleles) and 157‐17 (double homozygote for the lycopersicum alleles). The expression pattern for the HKT1;1 and HKT1;2 alleles was complex, possibly because of differences in their promoter sequences. High salinity had very little effect on root dry and fresh weight and consequently on the plant dry weight of NIL 157‐14 in comparison with 157‐17. A significant difference between NILs was also found for [K⁺] and the [Na⁺]/[K⁺] ratio in leaf and stem but not for [Na⁺] arising a disagreement with the corresponding RIL population. Their association with leaf [Na⁺] and salt tolerance in tomato is also discussed.     

Animal movements in fire‐prone landscapes

Movement is a trait of fundamental importance in ecosystems subject to frequent disturbances, such as fire‐prone ecosystems. Despite this, the role of movement in facilitating responses to fire has received little attention. Herein, we consider how animal movement interacts with fire history to shape species distributions. We consider how fire affects movement between habitat patches of differing fire histories that occur across a range of spatial and temporal scales, from daily foraging bouts to infrequent dispersal events, and annual migrations. We review animal movements in response to the immediate and abrupt impacts of fire, and the longer‐term successional changes that fires set in train. We discuss how the novel threats of altered fire regimes, landscape fragmentation, and invasive species result in suboptimal movements that drive populations downwards. We then outline the types of data needed to study animal movements in relation to fire and novel threats, to hasten the integration of movement ecology and fire ecology. We conclude by outlining a research agenda for the integration of movement ecology and fire ecology by identifying key research questions that emerge from our synthesis of animal movements in fire‐prone ecosystems.     

Production of recombinant serpins in Escherichia coli

Expression systems based on Escherichia coli offer fast, cheap, and convenient means for the production of recombinant serpins. Over 30 active serpins from prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms have been produced in this way, using a variety of vectors, promoters, fusion partners, and host strains. Serpins forming insoluble inclusion bodies in E. coli can generally be solubilized and refolded. Here, we outline the general approaches and procedures to be considered when contemplating the use of E. coli for recombinant serpin production.     

Suppression of Embryogenesis and Hatching in Meloidogyne javanica by Thermal Stress

Embryogenes is and hatching of eggs of Meloidogyne javanica were suppressed by brief heat treatment (46 C for 10 min). The period of suppression or arrested development differs according to the stage of development of the nematode when heat treatment is applied. The effect on hatching is much more pronounced than on embryogenesis.     

Restoration approach influences carbon exchange at in-situ oil sands exploration sites in east-central Alberta

Wetlands Ecology and Management - Oil sands exploration activities across the Alberta boreal peatlands requires tree clearing and results in sites being left compressed and with altered understory...