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PubMed2026

Have we entered a 'post-model' era in plant biology?

Models such as arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) have underpinned genomic and physiological research in plant science. Advances in genome sequencing, pangenomics, and genome editing have prompted claims of a 'post-model' era, with model-crops and crops such as rice and bread wheat combining agricultural relevance with experimental tractability. We argue that the 'simplicity-to-complexity' approach remains valid, although model systems have evolved. Arabidopsis remains indispensable for interpreting multi-omics data, testing developmental hypotheses, and generating mechanistic insights difficult to obtain in crops. Linking these strengths to model-crops adds translational value by bridging discovery and breeding, while niche models such as Brachypodium distachyon and legumes address grass cell wall biology and nitrogen fixation. Future progress depends on diverse species with complementary strengths across fundamental and applied plant biology.

arabidopsis↗
PubMed2005

Molecular biology of insect olfaction: recent progress and conceptual models.

Insects have an enormous impact on global public health as disease vectors and as agricultural enablers as well as pests and olfaction is an important sensory input to their behavior. As such it is of great value to understand the interplay of the molecular components of the olfactory system which, in addition to fostering a better understanding of insect neurobiology, may ultimately aid in devising novel intervention strategies to reduce disease transmission or crop damage. Since the first discovery of odorant receptors in vertebrates over a decade ago, much of our view on how the insect olfactory system might work has been derived from observations made in vertebrates and other invertebrates, such as lobsters or nematodes. Together with the advantages of a wide range of genetic tools, the identification of the first insect odorant receptors in Drosophila melanogaster in 1999 paved the way for rapid progress in unraveling the question of how olfactory signal transduction and processing occurs in the fruitfly. This review intends to summarize much of this progress and to point out some areas where advances can be expected in the near future.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

The NASA OCEAN project--an ocean-space analog

An advanced life support system (ALS) with bioregenerative components may one day be required for long-term, deep space exploration, in extended missions to Mars or in establishing long-term bases on the moon. Intensive research programs on such ALS systems have been ongoing throughout the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) since 1988. Notably, projects have been initiated at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Ames Research Center (ARC), and the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC). The KSC ALS work has been named the "Breadboard Project" because of its approach developing the components and combining them into a breadboard to understanding the bioregenerative ALS picture [also called a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS)] in smaller pieces, similar to an electronic "breadboard." The Breadboard Project has been involved for 7 years in the study of higher crops grown in a 113 m3 chamber--the longest operating and largest such closed, controlled growth chamber in the world. This chamber has proven itself to be very successful in growing a wide variety of crops from seedlings to harvest and in helping researchers understand the complex biological cycle of such edible plants in closed, environmentally controlled environments. Because the system's ultimate use will be a more challenging environment, moving a specially designed piece of the system into extreme conditions was an important test. Engineers at KSC developed a compact, portable, functional plant module for testing in the world's only fixed seafloor laboratory at Key Largo, FL. The laboratory, called MarineLab, is operated out of the facilities of the Marine Resources Development Foundation in a lagoon of some 10 m depth. The project was called the OCEAN project (Ocean CELSS Experimental Analog NASA).

Ecological Systems, Closed↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of growth, biomass and nutrient distribution in five promising clones of Populus deltoides under an agrisilviculture system.

Variations in growth, above- and below-ground biomass and nutrient distribution were examined in five clones (G3, G48, 65/27, D121 and S7C1) of Populus deltoides grown under agrisilviculture system in sub-humid tropics of Central India. The monoclonal blocks were planted at 4x5 m in a randomized block design with three replications. Diameter at breast height (dbh) and tree height were consistently higher in clone 65/27 and lowest in clone S7C1. Mean annual increments (MAI) in dbh and height were 1.6 and 1.3 times higher in clone 65/27 compared to clone S7C1. Total biomass varied from 48.5 to 62.2 Mg ha(-1) in six-year-old clones. In rank order, the total biomass of clones was: 65/27>D121>G48>G3>S7C1. Stem wood accounted 60.4-68.9% to total biomass followed by coarse roots (12.2-18.9%), branches (12.3-15%), leaves (3.02-6.9%) and fine roots (1.5-2.7%). Root-shoot ratio ranged from 0.2 to 0.35. It was highest in clone G48 and lowest in clone S7C1. In six-year-old clones, total N ranged from 184.3 to 266.3 kg ha(-1), P from 16.8 to 31.1 kg ha(-1) and K from 81.9 to 128.7 kg ha(-1). Total N and P were highest in clone 65/27, while K in clone G48. Nutrients were lowest in clone S7C1. In general, maximum nutrients (N, P and K) were allocated to above-ground components (leaves>stem>branches) than below-ground components. Available N, P and K in the soil improved significantly after six years of planting. It was higher in 0-20 cm and decreased with soil depth. At 0-20 cm soil depth, N increased from 14.9% to 24.1%, P from 17.2% to 23.3% and K from 3.1% to 5.1% under different clones. The yield of both soybean and wheat reduced under poplar clones. Yield losses in soybean ranged from 10.1% to 33% and wheat from 15% to 30.3% under different clones. The management strategies for reducing tree-crop competition and nutrient export from the site under P. deltoides based agrisilviculture system for achieving sustainable production are discussed.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2003

Replacing methyl bromide in annual strawberry production with glucosinolate-containing green manure crops.

The use of biocidal green manure crops is an agronomic technique for amending soil with fresh organic matter containing volatile compounds active in controlling some soil-borne pests and diseases. Two new selections of the Brassicaceae family were cultivated, incorporated before planting strawberries and tested as an alternative to fumigation with methyl bromide. Two biocidal green manure crops (Brassica juncea L sel ISCI20, Eruca sativa Mill cv Nemat) containing glucosinolate-myrosinase systems, a conventional green manure (barley), untreated soil and a fumigated control were evaluated during two seasons. The effect of these soil management systems on subsequent strawberry performance was evaluated by monitoring yield and plant growth parameters. In both years, biocidal plant green manure treatments led to a fruit yield lower than with methyl bromide, but higher than with conventional green manure or untreated soil. These results confirm the good prospects for biocidal green manures, not only as an environmentally friendly alternative to methyl bromide in conventional agriculture, but also in organic agriculture as an alternative to conventional green manure crops.

Agriculture↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mechanism and potential applications of bio-ligninolytic systems in a CELSS.

A large amount of inedible plant material, generated as a result of plant growth in a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS), should be pretreated and converted into forms that can be recycled on earth as well as in space. The main portion of the inedible biomass is lignocellulosic material. Enzymatic hydrolysis of this cellulose would provide sugars for many other uses by recycling carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen through formation of carbon dioxide, heat, and sugars, which are potential foodstuffs. To obtain monosaccharides from cellulose, the protective effect of lignin should be removed. White-rot fungi degrade lignin more extensively and rapidly than other microorganisms. Pleurotus ostreatus degrades lignin effectively, and produces edible and flavorful mushrooms that increase the quality and nutritional value of the diet. This mushroom is also capable of metabolizing hemicellulose, thereby providing a food use of this pentose containing polysaccharide. This study presents the current knowledge of physiology and biochemistry of primary and secondary metabolisms of basidiomycetes, and degradation mechanism of lignin. A better understanding of the ligninolytic activity of white-rot fungi will impact the CELSS Program by providing insights on how edible fungi might be used to recycle the inedible portions of the crops.

Biomass↗
PubMed2001

The Swedish system for quality assessment of agricultural soils.

Soil quality assessment is based on the concept of soil functions. The performances of three soil functions, crop production, biological decomposition and matter exchange with the atmosphere and groundwater, are used as quality criteria. Soil properties that can be used as indicators for the degree of functional performance were identified. Each soil property selected was graded into five classes--from best (class 1) to worst (class 5). Grading was based biological on boundary conditions as well as on statistical distribution. The system outlined can be used to interpret the quality state of agricultural soils, provides for a relative comparison between soils, and may be helpful in an environmental monitoring program to assess trends in data.

Crops, Agricultural↗
PubMed1992

Small area pesticides data: multiplicity and variability of pesticide usage on southern row crops.

Epidemiologic studies of possible effects of agricultural environments upon human health suffer from lack of reliable pesticides usage data. The Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System has developed a method for estimating specific pesticides usage annually for sub-county regions, including amounts, application method, and months. This method is applied to 39 regions of 8 central Arkansas counties for 1980-82. The hugh variability of pesticides usage on individual crops demonstrates the inaccuracy likely if general survey estimates are employed. Annual usage of pesticides in a single sub-county region of 53,000 hectares (130,880 land acres) was greater than 1/2 million pounds (248,670 kg) of 60 pesticides, 40 of which were applied during a four month period. The multiplicity and variability of pesticides usage indicate the need for locally developed pesticides data for epidemiologic studies and for combined studies across regions with widely differing agricultural practices.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2001

Integration: farm and environment.

At a time when GM crops are being planted all around the globe, Europe appears to favour a more primitive and less productive agricultural system. Is the abandonment of 50 years of agricultural development the way forward or is there a rational alternative?

Agriculture↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Safety assessment and public concerns for genetically modified food products: the Japanese experience.

The recombinant DNA (rDNA) technique is expected to bring about great progress in the improvement of breeding technology and the development of new plant varieties showing high quality and high yield, such as those with excellent pest and disease resistance, those with environmental stress tolerance, and so forth. In the United States and Canada, many genetically modified (GM) crop plants were commercialized as early as 1994. In Japan, 35 transgenic crop plants, such as herbicide tolerant soybean, cotton, and canola, and insect-resistant corn, cotton, and potatos, were authorized and considered marketable until April 2001. The general public, however, is not familiar with rDNA technology, and some people seem to feel uncomfortable with biotechnology, frequently because of the difficulty of the technology and lacking of sufficient information. New labeling systems were initiated in April 2001 in Japan to provide information regarding the use of GM crops as raw material.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Paraquat and sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable agriculture is essential for man's survival, especially given our rapidly increasing population. Expansion of agriculture into remaining areas of natural vegetation is undesirable, as this would reduce biodiversity on the planet. Maintaining or indeed improving crop yields on existing farmed land, whether on a smallholder scale or on larger farms, is thus necessary. One of the limiting factors is often weed control; biological control of weeds is generally of limited use and mechanical control is either often difficult with machinery or very laborious by hand. Thus the use of herbicides has become very important. Minimum cultivation can also be important, as it reduces the power required to work the soil, limits erosion and helps to maintain the organic matter content of the soil. This last aspect helps preserve both the structure of soil and its populations of organisms, and also sustains the Earth's soil as a massive sink for carbon, an important consideration in the light of global warming. The introduction of the bipyridinium herbicide paraquat in the early 1960s greatly facilitated weed control in many crops. Paraquat has the unusual property of being active only by direct spray onto plants and not by uptake from soil in which strong binding deactivates it. Together with its rapid action in light in killing green plant tissue, such properties allow paraquat to be used in many crops, including those grown by low-tillage methods. This paper reviews the ways in which agricultural systems have been and are being developed to make use of these properties, and provides a risk/benefit analysis of the world-wide use of paraquat over nearly 40 years.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2006

Prey-mediated effects of transgenic canola on a beneficial, non-target, carabid beetle.

Transgenic plants producing insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can control some major insect pests and reduce reliance on sprayed insecticides. However, large scale adoption of this technology has raised concerns about potential negative effects, including evolution of pest resistance to Bt toxins, transgene flow from Bt crops to other plants, and harm to non-target beneficial organisms. Furthermore, concern has also been expressed over the effects this technology may have on biodiversity in general. Ecologically relevant risk assessment is therefore required (Risk = Hazard x Exposure). Transgenic plants that produce Bt toxins to kill insect pests could harm beneficial predators. This might occur directly by transmission of toxin via prey, or indirectly by toxin-induced reduction in prey quality (Hazard). To test these hypotheses, we determined the effects of Bt-producing canola on a predatory ground beetle (Pterostichus madidus) fed larvae of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) that were either susceptible or resistant to the Bt toxin. Survival, weight gain, and adult reproductive fitness did not differ between beetles fed prey reared on Bt-producing plants and those fed prey from control plants. Furthermore, while Bt-resistant prey was shown to deliver high levels of toxin to the beetle when they were consumed, no significant impact upon the beetle was observed. Subsequent investigation showed that in choice tests (Exposure), starved and partially satiated female beetles avoided Bt-fed susceptible prey, but not Bt-fed resistant prey. However, in the rare cases when starved females initially selected Bt-fed susceptible prey, they rapidly rejected them after beginning to feed. This prey type was shown to provide sufficient nutrition to support reproduction in the bioassay suggesting that Bt-fed susceptible prey is acceptable in the absence of alternative prey, however adults possess a discrimination ability based on prey quality. These results suggest that the direct effects of Bt-producing canola on predator life history was minimal, and that predators' behavioural preferences may mitigate negative indirect effects of reduced quality of prey caused by consumption of Bt-producing plants. The results presented here therefore suggest that cultivation of Bt canola may lead to conservation of non-target predatory and scavenging organisms beneficial in pest control, such as carabids, and may therefore provide more sustainable agricultural systems than current practices. In addition, minimal impacts on beneficial carabids in agro-ecosystems suggest that Bt canola crops are likely to be compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) systems.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sap flow measurements of lateral tree roots in agroforestry systems.

Successful extension of agroforestry to areas of the semi-arid tropics where deep reserves of water exist requires that the tree species be complementary to the associated crops in their use of water within the crop rooting zone. However, it is difficult to identify trees suitable for dryland agroforestry because most existing techniques for determining water uptake by roots cannot distinguish between absorption by tree and crop roots. We describe a method for measuring sap flow through lateral roots using constant temperature heat balance gauges, and the application of this method in a study of complementarity of water use in agroforestry systems containing Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. Sap flow gauges were attached to the trunks and roots of Grevillea with minimum disturbance to the soil. Thermal energy emanating from the soil adversely affected the accuracy of sap flow gauges attached to the roots, with the result that the uncorrected values were up to eightfold greater than the true water uptake determined gravimetrically. This overestimation was eliminated by using a calibration method in which nonconducting excised root segments, with sap flow gauges attached, were placed adjacent to the live roots. The power consumption and temperature differentials of the excised roots were used to correct for external sources and internal losses of heat within the paired live root. The fraction of the total sap flow through individual trees supplied by the lateral roots varied greatly between trees of similar canopy size. Excision of all lateral roots, except for one to which a heat balance gauge was attached, did not significantly increase sap flow through the intact root, suggesting that it was functioning at near maximum capacity.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

A mixed-model approach to association mapping using pedigree information with an illustration of resistance to Phytophthora infestans in potato.

Association or linkage disequilibrium (LD)-based mapping strategies are receiving increased attention for the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) in plants as an alternative to more traditional, purely linkage-based approaches. An attractive property of association approaches is that they do not require specially designed crosses between inbred parents, but can be applied to collections of genotypes with arbitrary and often unknown relationships between the genotypes. A less obvious additional attractive property is that association approaches offer possibilities for QTL identification in crops with hard to model segregation patterns. The availability of candidate genes and targeted marker systems facilitates association approaches, as will appropriate methods of analysis. We propose an association mapping approach based on mixed models with attention to the incorporation of the relationships between genotypes, whether induced by pedigree, population substructure, or otherwise. Furthermore, we emphasize the need to pay attention to the environmental features of the data as well, i.e., adequate representation of the relations among multiple observations on the same genotypes. We illustrate our modeling approach using 25 years of Dutch national variety list data on late blight resistance in the genetically complex crop of potato. As markers, we used nucleotide binding-site markers, a specific type of marker that targets resistance or resistance-analog genes. To assess the consistency of QTL identified by our mixed-model approach, a second independent data set was analyzed. Two markers were identified that are potentially useful in selection for late blight resistance in potato.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Application of classification-tree methods to identify nitrate sources in ground water.

A study was conducted to determine if nitrate sources in ground water (fertilizer on crops, fertilizer on golf courses, irrigation spray from hog (Sus scrofa) wastes, and leachate from poultry litter and septic systems) could be classified with 80% or greater success. Two statistical classification-tree models were devised from 48 water samples containing nitrate from five source categories. Model 1 was constructed by evaluating 32 variables and selecting four primary predictor variables (delta 15N, nitrate to ammonia ratio, sodium to potassium ratio, and zinc) to identify nitrate sources. A delta 15N value of nitrate plus potassium > 18.2 indicated animal sources; a value < 18.2 indicated inorganic or soil organic N. A nitrate to ammonia ratio > 575 indicated inorganic fertilizer on agricultural crops; a ratio < 575 indicated nitrate from golf courses. A sodium to potassium ratio > 3.2 indicated septic-system wastes; a ratio < 3.2 indicated spray or poultry wastes. A value for zinc > 2.8 indicated spray wastes from hog lagoons; a value < 2.8 indicated poultry wastes. Model 2 was devised by using all variables except delta 15N. This model also included four variables (sodium plus potassium, nitrate to ammonia ratio, calcium to magnesium ratio, and sodium to potassium ratio) to distinguish categories. Both models were able to distinguish all five source categories with better than 80% overall success and with 71 to 100% success in individual categories using the learning samples. Seventeen water samples that were not used in model development were tested using Model 2 for three categories, and all were correctly classified. Classification-tree models show great potential in identifying sources of contamination and variables important in the source-identification process.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Nitrate leaching in important crops of the Valencian Community region (Spain).

In the Valencian Community there are many areas in which the nitrate content of groundwater is higher than the limit of 50 mg l(-1) established by the European Union. A recent survey of drinking water quality showed that around 8% of the Valencian Community population had water supplies with nitrate content above that limit. The Valencian Community has an intensive agricultural base that includes citrus trees, fruit trees, and vegetables. A summary of the available nitrate leaching results in vegetable fields and citrus orchards is presented. It is demonstrated in the main vegetables grown, that N inputs were much higher than the values recommended by some researchers, and that nitrate leaching values were in most cases within the range of 150-300 kg N ha(-1). Artichoke, early potato, and onion were the three crops with higher leaching rates than other crops, based on simulation studies made for several of the main vegetable growing areas of the Valencian Community. The mineral N content in the 0-60 cm layer at planting time in the vegetable fields is, in many cases, greater than 200 kg ha(-1); fertilizer application could be greatly reduced if some recommendation system similar to the N(min) system used in other European countries was adopted. A simplified N balance in onion and early potato crops showed that the lower limit for mineralization in the 0-60 cm soil layer during the crop period varied from 65 to 130 kg N ha(-1). In these two crops nitrate leaching varied from 240 to 340 kg N ha(-1), depending on the N fertilizer treatment, and representing about 66-70% of total N input in the onion crop, and from 38 to 65% in the potato crop. Nitrate leaching losses in citrus orchards were, in general, lower than 100 kg N ha(-1) year(-1), representing about 33% of the total N input. A comparison of these results with those obtained in other studies is made. Finally, prospects for improvements in the fertilizer practice of vegetable crops and citrus orchards in the Valencian Community are discussed.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2001

Soil, water and nutrient conservation in mountain farming systems: case-study from the Sikkim Himalaya.

The Khanikhola watershed in Sikkim is agrarian with about 50% area under rain-fed agriculture representing the conditions of the middle mountains all over the Himalaya. The study was conducted to assess overland flow, soil loss and subsequent nutrient losses from different land uses in the watershed, and identify biotechnological inputs for management of mountain farming systems. Overland flow, soil and nutrient losses were very high from open agricultural (cropped) fields compared to other land uses, and more than 72% of nutrient losses were attributable to agriculture land use. Forests and large cardamom agroforestry conserved more soil compared to other land uses. Interventions, like cultivation of broom grass upon terrace risers, N2-fixing Albizia trees for maintenance of soil fertility and plantation of horticulture trees, have reduced the soil loss (by 22%). Soil and water conservation values (> 80%) of both large cardamom and broom grass were higher compared to other crops. Use of N2-fixing Albizia tree in large cardamom agroforestry and croplands contributed to soil fertility, and increased productivity and yield. Bio-composting of farm resources ensured increase in nutrient availability specially phosphorus in cropped areas. Agricultural practices in mountain areas should be strengthened with more agroforestry components, and cash crops like large cardamom and broom grass in agroforestry provide high economic return and are hydroecologically sustainable.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2002

QTL analysis of genotype x environment interactions affecting cotton fiber quality.

Cotton is unusual among major crops in that large acreages are grown under both irrigated and rainfed conditions, making genotype x environment interactions of even greater importance than usual in designing crop-improvement strategies. We describe the impact of well-watered versus water-limited growth conditions on the genetic control of fiber quality, a complex suite of traits that collectively determine the utility of cotton. Fiber length, length uniformity, elongation, strength, fineness, and color (yellowness) were influenced by 6, 7, 9, 21, 25 and 11 QTLs (respectively) that could be detected in one or more treatments. The genetic control of cotton fiber quality was markedly affected both by general differences between growing seasons ("years") and by specific differences in water management regimes. Seventeen QTLs were detected only in the water-limited treatment while only two were specific to the well-watered treatment, suggesting that improvement of fiber quality under water stress may be even more complicated than improvement of this already complex trait under well-watered conditions. In crops such as cotton with widespread use of both irrigated and rainfed production systems, the need to manipulate larger numbers of genes to confer adequate quality under both sets of conditions will reduce the expected rate of genetic gain. These difficulties may be partly ameliorated by efficiencies gained through identification and use of diagnostic DNA markers, including those identified herein.

Adaptation, Physiological↗