Validity and Systematic Position of Rana altaica(Rana:Ranidae):Results of a Phylogenetic Analysis

In order to evaluate the phylogenetic position and validity of Rana altaica,we investigated the phylogeny of brown frogs in Eurasia by Bayesian Inference and Maximum Parsimony analyses of a fragment from the mitochondrial DNA gene Cytochrome b.Both analyses resolved R.altaica as nesting deeply within R.arvalis.Most samples of the nominal R.altaica from the Altai region and specimens from Central Siberia shared a haplotype with R.arvalis based on the network analysis.The matrilineal relationships suggested that R.altaica should be considered as a junior synonym of R.arvalis.Furthermore,our study suggested that the species group division of Chinese brown frogs should be re-evaluated within a phylogenetic context.

Study on Rational Breeding of High-Yield Avermectin Industrial Strain

[Objective] Strain Biok Av-023 used as the control was employed on screening of high-avermectin yield mutants by rational screening.[Method] With Biok Av-023 as the original strain,the positive mutation strain was firstly screened by routine UV mutagenesis,and then the high-yield avermectin producing strain was selected by the breeding way inferred by L-Ile induction.[Result] UV mutation and L-Ile directional screening had showed that the best L-Ile screening concentration was 0.5%,and the high-yield mutation strain AV60s-32 after re-screening reached the highest titer of 4520 IU/ml,which increased by 23.4% compared with the original strain.[Conclusion] The production of avermectin can be effectively enhanced by the combined way of UV mutation and L-Ile rational breeding.

Zooplankton Research in Indian Seas:A Review

To promote long-term studies on the distribution and diversity of marine zooplankton in Indian seas,a comprehensive review has been carried out based on the available literature.Zooplankton studies in Indian waters started in the early 1900 s,and a plethora of literature has accumulated dealing with various aspects of zooplankton,especially from the Bay of Bengal,Arabian Sea and their associated estuaries and backwaters.From this review,a comprehensive description is offered on the species composition and distribution of zooplankton in the Indian Seas.Emphasis is given to reflect the existing knowledge on the variations in zooplankton species composition in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.Copepods emerge as the most dominant component in all of these marine waters,as is the case worldwide.Copepods are more diverse in the Bay of Bengal than in Arabian Sea.

Higher Species Diversity Occurs in More Fertile Habitats Without Fertilizer Disturbance in an Alpine Natural Grassland Community

Are there some relationships among species diversity and soil chemical properties of high altitude natural grasslands? Plant community composition and chemical properties of soil samples were compared to investigate the relationship between soil and species diversity, and the richness in Tibetan alpine grasslands. Results showed that species diversity was significantly positively related to soil organic matter(SOM), total nitrogen(TN),available nitrogen(AN), total phosphorus(TP),available phosphorus(AP), and available potassium(AK) in the high alpine grasslands. Margalef's species richness index was also significantly positively related to SOM, TN, AN, and TP. Most soil chemical properties showed significantly positive correlation with species diversity and Margalef's richness index.Our results suggested that higher plant species richness index and diversity occurred in more fertile soil habitats in high altitude natural grassland community. In practice, fertilization management for the restoration of degraded grassland should be conducted with reference to the nutrient levels ofnatural grassland without the additional artificial fertilizer and with higher species-diversity and richness index.

Agyrius watanabeorum Ishikawa, a New Record Genus and Species from China and Vietnam(Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

The little known harpactorine species, Agyrius watanabeorum Ishikawa, 2002, is redescribed based on the material from China and Vietnam. The characters of phallus are reported for the first time. The dorsal habitus, head, male genitalia and other diagnostic morphological features are illustrated. The genus Agyrius St?l, 1863 and A. watanabeorum Ishikawa, 2002 are new records to China and Vietnam. This is the northernmost distributional record of the genus and the species.

The Relationship between Diseases Index of Septoria Leaf Blotch, Leaf Rust and Yield Losses in Bread Wheat Cultivar in Albania

Both grain yield and disease performance are important factors to consider for winter wheat （Triticum aestivum） cultivar selection. However, disease index and yield data are often presented separately, making it difficult to compare values across multiple environments. Two-year investigations （2009-2010）, in which eight common wheat lines/genotypes were included to test their susceptibility against wheat LR （leaf rust） Puccinia triticina f. sp. tritici Roberge ex Desm., and the SLB （SeptoriaJStagonospora leaf blotch） complex Septoria tritici Desm. and Stagonospora nodorum, were carried out in the experimental field of ATTC （Agriculture Technology Transfer Centre） of Lushnje （Albania）. The objective of this study was to use a rank-based method to compare cultivars based on yield and disease performance combined across multiple environments. Analysis of variance revealed the presence of an important and significant variability in the experimental materials used to evaluate the susceptibility and the resistance of common wheat lines against SLB and LR. There were high negative correlations between yieldS, tritici （0.6683） and yield--P, recondita f. sp. tritici （0.5261）. The negative effects of two pathogens have shown ＂the parallel＂/similar negative influences on yield trait and there was a high positive correlation （0.7631） between S. tritici and P. recondita f. sp. tritici. According to study results the lines Regina × L-776, IKB-P6 and Bullgar 3 × KB 703 have shown good results of resistance （R） level against S. tritici and P. recondita f. sp. tritici.

Evaluation the Effect of Diurnal Temperature Fluctuations on Seed Germination of Pistacia vera L.

This experiment was carried out in order to investigate the effect of diurnal temperature fluctuations on seed germination of Pistacia vera L. The seeds of Badami-e-Zarand and Sarakhs cultivars were treated with the following temperatures： T1 = 24 hr at 25℃, T2= 16 hr at 25 ℃ ＋ 8 hr at 10 ℃, T3= 12 hr at 25 ℃ ＋ 12 hr at 10℃ and T4= 8 hr at 25℃ ＋ 16 hr at 10℃. The germination percentage was increased by diurnal temperature fluctuations, however all of treatments extended MTG compared to control （T1）. Temperature affected the quality of roots, in a matter that high constant temperature resulted in dichotomous （forked） roots during seed germination of pistachio. The response of cultivars was different in this case, so that, Badami-e-Zarand had higher dichotomous root percentage. This disorder can be decreased by diurnal temperature fluctuation.

Interspecific Variation of Micromorphology of Glandular Trichomes between two Salvia Species in South Albania

Micromorphology of glandular hairs on the leaves of Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia triloba L. was investigated by light microscopy. We noticed similiarity and variation between the two species regarding morphology of glandular trichomes. Two main types of glandular trichomes were identified on both species： peltate and capitate. Peltate trichomes consisted of a basal cell, one stalk cell and a large multisecretory head in S. officinalis L. In S. triloba L. peltate trichomes posses a basal cell, a short unicellular stalk, and a large secretory head with 8 secretory cells. In Salvia officinalis L., four types of capitate trichomes have been distinguished. Five types of capitate trichomes have been found in Salvia triloba L. The fifth type of capitate trichome, called digitiform trichome was found in S. triloba L. This determined interspecific diversity between the two Salvia species.

Composition and Thermal Behavior of Oils from Native Seeds and Fruits of Argentina and Uruguay

The purpose of this work was to study the thermal characterization of oils extracted from native seeds and fruits of the Argentina, Uruguayan region. This is important because it＇s necessary to find new applications for food industry. Uruguayan wild cardoon seed, Argentinian wild papaya seeds, Argentinian avocado pulp, Argentinian cherimoya seeds, Argentinian grapeseeds and four commercial brands of chia oils were studied. The thermal behaviors of the oils were analyzed on a differential scanning calorimetry （DSC）, TA Instrument, Q20 model equipped with an intercooler. These oils＇ thermal profiles presented differences, which are related to the compositions of fatty acids and triacylglycerols. The thermogram for the chia oil, with a high content of linolenic acid, presented a very important peak at about -40 ℃; whereas, the papaya oil with an oleic acid content of 74%, showed a peak at about -3 ℃. When comparing the thermal behaviors of these oils to commercial brand oils, it was found that the chia oil is similar to the flaxseed oil, the papaya similar to the olive oil and the avocado similar to the rice bran oil. The avocado oil, in particular, presents high solid content at cold store or winter temperatures, which would make its use in those conditions difficult （for example, a cosmetic cream or gourmet oil）. In conclusion, the thermal behavior of one oil sample as determined by DSC provides valuable information with regards to the possible use of new oils of American origin as replacement of usual commercial others.

Estimated Breeding Value in Iranian Buffaloes

This study was conducted from 1992-2002 on 65,534 individual milk records and fat percentage in 473 herds, in six provinces of Khuzestan, Mazndaran, W. Azerbaijan, E. Azerbaijan, Ardabil and Gilan. The data was analyzed by SAS sotfware using GLM procedure. The heritability and breeding value of 1,195 animals were calculated by DFRML procedure. The average milk yield per lactation, days of lactation, fat percentage and LSM of fat percentage were 1,513 kg, 202 days, 5.04 and 6.77, respectively. The estimated heritability of milk was 0.16. The LSM of average milk production in the provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, E. Azerbaijan, W. Azerbaijan, Khuzestan and Ardabil were： 1,452, 1,586, 1,382, 1,183, 2,135 and 1,189 kg, respectively. These results indicated that Khuzestan province has the highest potential in the field of milk production. The top five highest breeding value bulls have been introduced to artificial insemination＇s station in the city of Uremia.

Evaluation and Selection of Date Palm Varieties from Seedling Progeny in Saudi Arabia

A survey was conducted in 2011 in the major date growing regions of Saudi Arabia to identify and evaluate date palms with fruit characteristics preferred by the producers and consumers. The regions in the Kingdom surveyed for this purpose were Al-Zulfi, Al-Hassa, Najran, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah and AI-Qassim. Seventy palms from seedlings were initially identified for the study based on the following fruit characteristics, i.e., fruit length, breadth, weight, color, taste, texture, sugar content, external appearance and also the market value. Subsequently, 12 palms （Al-Afiah, Duhiba, Adbah, Aliah, Shamshula, Masifat Al-Asedy, Suwaid, Batlyah, AI-Nassar, Hussan, Sukariyat Al-Zulfi and Al-Hamat） mainly from the Zulfi and Riyadh regions were found to meet the required standards with potential for commercial date farming. Among these, fruits of Adbah had the highest total sugars of 72.9% followed by Duhiba with a total sugar content of 71.9%. Fruit length was maximum （49.1 mm） in the variety Allah, while the fruits of the variety Hussan recorded the maximum weight of 19.5 g. Furthermore, it is pertinent to mention that fruit size of the 12 selected cultivars was generally large and comparable to Majdool, a well-known date palm cultivar of North Africa. The fruits of the selected cultivars were also tasty and can be stored separately.

The Contribution of the Dromedary in the Spontaneous Plant Seeds Transfer in the Northern Algerian Sahara

The current study focuses on the contribution of the dromedary in the preservation and increase of spontaneous flora through seeds transfer by endozoochory. Thus dromedary faeces have been collected in selected area of region of Ghardaia （Northern Algeria Sahara）, since it is one of the three known cameline rangelands during the four successive seasons of the years 2009-2010, in order to examine their seed contents. Our investigation allowed us to invento 1,832 seeds representing 33 different types varying according to the seasons of harvest. The biggest density of seeds was present in summer with 986 seeds, against 424 seeds in winter, 366 seeds in fall and 56 seeds in spring, and of the same way, the biggest number of types was present in summer with 30 types, consistent of the fall season with 26 types, and arrived then the season of winter with 20 types and the one of spring with five types. The gotten results allowed us to appreciate the ecological role of this animal in the desertic ecosystem in the dissemination and the proliferation of the seeds of the spontaneous flora in its fragile and hostile desert environment to the survival of the seeds enveloped in its faeces.

Evaluation of Tomato Lines Derived from Landraces of ＂Tomate Platense＂ and a Commercial Hybrid in La Plata, Argentina

In the city of La Plata （Argentina） and the surroundings, there are tomato landraces, widely known as ＂tomate platense＂ and particularly prized because of their flavor. The objective was to evaluate seven promissory lines of ＂tomate platense＂ （TL） derived from local varieties and a commercial hybrid （CH） considering yield, fruit characters and their possible associations. Nine plants per treatment were arranged in a randomized complete block design （r = 4）. The following parameters were determined： diameter （cm）, height （cm）, diameter/height （D/H） ratio, weight per fruit （g）, number of locules, the average number of fruits per plant, the average weight of fruits per plant （kg/ptant）, the yield （ton/ha） and the survival percentage. ANOVA, Tukey＇s test and Pearson correlation coefficient were applied. The TL showed greater （P ≤ 0.01） diameter, D/H ratio and number of locules than CH. In all materials, both diameter and height were associated （P ≤ 0.05） with the weight per fruit. Six of TL had greater （P ≤ 0.01） weight per fruit than HC. Respect to number of fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant and yield, there were no significant differences among the materials. The survival for CH was lower （P ≤0.05） than that for TL. Although fruits with a smaller size and less flattened have been selected, the lines show enough similarity in these characters that identified their common origin. With the fruits smaller and more uniform, and having no joined fruits, these lines may be of interest to be cultivated under low-input system conditions and practical for low-income producers.

Trace Metals in Sediments, Macroalgae and Benthic Species from the Western Part of Algerian Coast

The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were measured in sediments and specimens of four marine organisms： green algae （Enteromorpha linza）, red algae （Corallina officinalis）, mollusc limpet （Patella ferruginea） and sea urchin （Paracentrotus lividus）. The samples were collected at four coastal stations located in two areas in the North-Western Algerian coast： Ghazaouet and Beni-saf. These areas are influenced by anthropogenic activities （harbour and industrial and urban wastes）. Metal concentrations measured in sediments and biota indicated that the area of Ghazaouet was the most polluted. We found high variability of metal bioaccumulation among the four species analysed. The highest concentrations were recorded in the algae whereas metal concentrations in sea urchin and limpet were more correlated with sediments metal concentrations.

Ecological Groups and Fauna of the Two Sub Species Mollusks in the Bank of Amu Darya

A brief information about two subspecies mollusks in the bank of Amu Darya river is collected according to the experience. As a result, we identified 9 types and 2 small types of two sub species mollusks live in Amu Darya river. Sinanodonta gibba, Sinanodonta orbicularis and Sinanodonta puerorum types for fauna were shown for the first time from the river.

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Oncaeidae in Chabahar Bay, Gulf of Oman

The spatial and temporal distribution patterns of the zooplankton of Chabahar Bay, Gulf of Oman were investigated. Zooplankton sampling was collected twice a season at five stations in Chabahar Bay. Sampling was done during July-August 2007 （SW-monsoon）, October-November 2007 （post-monsoon）, January-February 2008 （NE-monsoon）, and March-May 2008 （pre-monsoon）. Five stations were investigated throughout Chabahar Bay. Four species of Oncaeidae （Oncaea media, Oncaea minuta, Oncaea venusta and Oncaea clevei） were identified. The abundance of Oncaea media was maximum in the post-monsoon （〉 700 ind..m3） and disappeared in pre-monsoon while Oncaea minuta was maximum in post-monsoon （〉 130 ind..m3） and disappeared in NE-monsoon and pre-monsoon. Oncaea venusta showed the highest abundance in post-monsoon （〉 370 ind..m3） and the lowest in pre-monsoon （〈 55 ind..m-3）. The highest abundance of Oncaea clevei was in post-monsoon （〈 240 ind..m-3） and lowest in NE-monsoon. Overall, the highest abundance of Oncaeidae was observed in post-monsoon. The results showed that depth was the most important factor controlling abundance of the Oncaeidae. Spatially, the highest abundance of Oncaeidae species was found in off shore stations. Four species of this family showed positive correlation with depth. Also, O. venusta showed negative correlation with salinity that showed this species prefers low saline water.

Aquatic molluscs in high mountain lakes of the Eastern Alps (Austria): Species-environment relationships and specific colonization behaviour

Mountain lakes represent essential stages for aquatic species on their way colonizing habitats of more elevated regions. Despite extensive biological and chemical study, only little has been reported about the species number and density of freshwater molluscs in these waters. The article presented here elucidates the dispersal of aquatic gastropods and bivalves in 12 mountain lakes that are commonly situated in the Eastern Alps, Austria. Molluscs were recorded at 120 sample points, where a total of 13 species （8 gastropods and 5 bivalves） could be determined. Species distribution data as well as results from contemporarily conducted physico-chemical factor recording were subject to weighted average analysis. In addition, a global marginality coefficient indicating the particularity of a habitat inhabited by a focal species as well as a global tolerance coefficient expressing the width of a niche occupied by this species were computed. Species-environment relationships exhibited that species number and specific density decrease with increasing geographic altitude, declining water temperature, and decreasing amount of submerged vegetation. Whilst waters of the montane altitude level are partly charcterized by high number of mollusc species （〉 10）, lakes of the subalpine altitude level commonly bear 1 or 2 species with 〈〈1 ind./mz. As proposed by the results of statistics, 9 of the 13 mollusc species are characterized by a pronounced behaviour as specialists with respect to most environmental factors. The four remaining species, Pisidium casertanum, Galba truncatula, Radix labiata, and Radix balthica, act as generalists which increases their pioneering role in the long-term occupation of the Central-alpine region.

The Alpine Seed Conservation and Research Network–a new initiative to conserve valuable plant species in the European Alps

Safeguarding plants as seeds in ex situ collections is a cost effective element in an integrated plant conservation approach. The European Alps are a regional centre of plant diversity. Six institutions have established a regional network covering the European Alps which will conserve at least 500 priority plant species and which will improve the conservation status of plant species in grassland communities in the subalpine, alpine and nival altitudinal belts. Targeted research will expand the knowledge of the ecology of target speeies. Public engagement activities will raise the awareness for the importance of specific conservation actions in the European Alps.

Impact of Industrial Pollution on the Zooplankton Population Diversity of the Hammam Boughrara Dam

Works concerning zooplankton of freshwaters of the western area of Algeria are only very fragmentary and remain at an embryonic state. Remediating to this situation, it led a study of the biodiversity and zooplanktonic populations distribution in time and space in the Boughrara dam lake which remains subject to a strong pollution coming essentially from Morocco. The preliminary results of the faunistic analysis of the zooplanktonic populations enabled to highlight an important richness of zoological groups. The CFA （correspondences factorial analysis） and the AHC （ascending hierarchical classification） methods used both enabled to define the species distribution of both open waters and littoral ones, and also to perform existing affinities between them and the state of the used medium. Compared to other barrages, such as those of Bouhanifia and of Sarno, the zooplanktonic populations of both open waters and littoral populations appear to a great extent numerous in rain period. On the quantitative and qualitative level, the zooplanktonic populations strongly suffer from the pollution contamination coming from the Mouillah River especially in summer period. It is time to think about the protection of this fauna which is the second trophic chain link and this intending to preserve the ecosystems in an equilibrium state and to consider the exploitation of natural resources in the realization of an aquacultural farm.