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Optimising Root and Grain Yield Through Variety Selection in Winter Wheat Across a European Climate Gradient
Get PDFEnsuring food security through sustainable practices while reducing greenhouse gas emissions are key challenges in modern agriculture. Utilising genetic variability within a crop species to identify varieties with higher root biomass carbon (C) could help address these challenges. It is thus crucial to quantify and understand intra-specific above- and belowground performance under varying environmental conditions. The study objectives were to: (a) quantify root biomass and depth distribution in different winter wheat varieties under various pedoclimatic conditions, (b) investigate the influence of variety and pedoclimatic conditions on the relationship between above- and belowground biomass production, and (c) assess whether optimised winter wheat variety selection can lead to both greater root biomass C and yield, boosting C accrual. Root biomass, root distribution to 1 m soil depth and root-to-shoot ratios were assessed in 10 different winter wheat varieties grown at 11 experimental sites covering a European climatic gradient from Spain to Norway. Median root biomass down to 1 m depth was 1.4 ± 0.7 Mg ha−1. The primary explanatory factor was site, accounting for 60% of the variation in root biomass production, while the genetic diversity between wheat varieties explained 9.5%. Precipitation had a significantly negative effect on total root biomass, especially in subsoil. Significant differences were also observed between varieties in root-to-shoot ratios and grain yield. The difference between the variety with the lowest root biomass and the one with the highest across sites was on average 0.9 Mg ha−1 which is an increase of 45%. Pedoclimatic conditions had a greater influence than variety, and determined the relationship's direction between root biomass and grain yield. A site-specific approach is, therefore, needed to realise the full potential for increased root biomass and yield offered by optimised variety selection.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Bald disease in a natural population of the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus of the Mediterranean Sea: From spines to tissues
Get PDFRecently, unusual mortality outbreaks have been reported in the echinoderm populations over broad geographic regions. The present work used different diagnostic approaches to unravel the Bald Sea Urchin Disease (BSUD) causes in a natural population of Paracentrotus lividus from the Gulf of Naples sampled in 2021. Symptomatic individuals displayed the typical signs such as test discoloration and ulceration, loss of spines and pedicellariae and visceral hyperpigmentation. Scanning electron microscopy of diseased individuals (stage 2 and stage 3) revealed a bare exoskeleton with multiplying bacteria penetrating the damaged test, and histopathology revealed inflammatory lesions and phagocytosis only in stages 2 and 3, with Gram negative and positive bacteria at stage 3. Metagenomics revealed an increase in DNA virus and Proteobacteria during disease progression. Microbial community analyses failed to reveal a single putative pathogen associated with symptoms, but microbiome analysis showed higher diversity in asymptomatic individuals compared to the symptomatic. Different Vibrio spp. belonging to the Splendidus clade were also isolated, with V. crassostreae as the most represented in advanced stages of disease. We cannot confirm that the observed microorganisms were associated with tissue damage and their contribution to the disease outcome remains unclear as they could be just opportunistic in the lesions. This preliminary study on a wild population highlights the importance of morphological analysis (histopathology and SEM) coupled with microbiome and metagenome analyses in sea urchin disease investigations. Moreover, we suggest also performing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), experimental challenges and in situ hybridization methods (ISH) to provide morphological evidence of potential infective agents. Future studies should also include histopathology of the test.The study was funded by the project “National Biodiversity Future Center – NBFC,” project code: CN_00000033, Concession Decree No: 1034 of June 17, 2022 adopted by the Italian Ministry of University and Research. The authors thank Dr. Sergio Sorbo of the CeSMA, Section of Microscopy LaMMEC, University of Naples Federico II, and Dr. Antonella Giarra, Chemistry Department of the University of Naples Federico II, for technical support in electron microscopy.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Molecular Epidemiology of Travel-Associated and Locally Acquired Dengue Virus Infections in Catalonia, Spain, 2019
Get PDFDengue virus (DENV) is the most important arbovirus worldwide. In 2019, a significant increase in dengue cases was reported worldwide, resulting in a peak of imported cases in some European countries such as Spain. We aimed to describe travel-associated and locally acquired DENV strains detected in 2019 in the Catalonia region (northeastern Spain), a hotspot for dengue introduction in Europe. Through sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the envelope gene, 75 imported viremic cases and two local strains were described. Autochthonous transmission events included an infection of a local mosquito with an imported dengue strain and a locally acquired human dengue infection from a locally infected mosquito. Overall, all four DENV serotypes and up to 10 different genotypes were detected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed transcontinental circulations associated with DENV-1 and DENV-2 and the presence of DENV-4 genotype I in Indonesia, where few cases had been previously described. A molecular study of the autochthonous events determined that local Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were infected by an African DENV-1 genotype V strain, while the locally acquired human case was caused by a DENV-3 genotype I of Asian origin. These findings underline the wide variability of imported strains and the high risk of DENV introduction into this territory, emphasizing the importance and usefulness of molecular characterization and phylogenetics for both local and global surveillance of the disease.This research was partially supported by Societat Catalana de Malalties Infeccioses i Microbiologia Clínica [grant Agustí Pumarola 2020 to J.N.C).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Variable-Rate Nitrogen Application in Rainfed Barley: A Drought-Year Case Study
Get PDFThis study explores the potential of Precision Agriculture (PA) to optimize top-dressing nitrogen (N) fertilization in rainfed barley under drought conditions in Central Catalonia (Spain). Efficient N management is critical in Mediterranean dryland winter cereal systems, where water scarcity and environmental regulations limit fertilization strategies. Two plots (2.93 ha and 1.80 ha) were zoned using soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and elevation data obtained with the VERIS 3100 ECa soil surveyor. An on-farm experimental design tested four N dose rates (0 kg N/ha, 32 kg N/ha, 64 kg N/ha, and 96 kg N/ha) across two management zones per plot. Yield data were collected using a combine harvester equipped with a yield monitor and were mapped using geostatistical methods. A linear model (ANOVA) was used to analyze barley yield (kg/ha at 13% moisture), with nitrogen rate and soil zone (management class) as explanatory factors. Results showed low average yields (~1200 kg/ha–1300 kg/ha) due to severe water stress during the 2022–2023 season. Non-fertilized plots (N0) and those receiving moderate (N64) or high fertilization (N96) achieved the best performance, with the latter likely enhancing crop N uptake during the post-stress recovery period. In contrast, low fertilization (N32) proved less effective. Marginal return analysis supported variable-rate N application only in one plot, whereas under drought conditions, a no-fertilization strategy proved more suitable in the other. Ultimately, additional trials conducted under more favourable climatic scenarios are necessary to assess and validate the effectiveness of Precision Agriculture-based fertilization strategies in rainfed barley.This research received no external funding.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Pyrrolizidine alkaloid intoxication outbreaks in fattening pigs associated with drought-related feed contamination
Get PDFBackground
Pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) intoxication is a well-documented condition in livestock, resulting from the ingestion of forage and grain contaminated with PA-producing plants. These phytotoxins primarily affect the liver and can lead to severe clinical and pathological disorders, particularly in highly susceptibility species such as pigs. Although sporadic cases of chronic PA toxicosis have been reported in swine, extensive outbreaks affecting large geographic areas have not been previously documented. This report describes a large-scale PA intoxication event affecting multiple intensive fattening pig farms in central Spain.
Case presentation
Between September and December 2023, 21 pig production companies, representing more than 200,000 fattening pigs in Castilla y León and Castilla-La Mancha autonomous communities (central Spain), reported up to 80% of animals showing prostration, apathy and, occasionally, dark-coloured urine. Mortality during this period ranged 20–40% of affected pigs. At necropsy, animals exhibited variable discoloration of the livers and bleeding gastroesophageal ulcers. Microscopically, hepatic lobes showed an intense interstitial fibrosis and hepatocyte changes including megalocytosis, karyomegaly and canalicular cholestasis. These findings were compatible with chronic toxic hepatopathy. Toxicological analyses ruled out mycotoxins, heavy metals, and pesticides. However, PA contamination was confirmed in a high proportion of compound feed samples associated with contaminated barley with Europine-N-oxide, Heliotrine-N-oxide, and Lasiocarpine-N-oxide. Preventive measures such as changing the source of cereals, reformulating the feed, and using a toxin binder and detoxifying additives allowed resolution of the outbreak.
Conclusions
This report documents a large-scale outbreak of PA intoxication in swine, associated with the use of barley contaminated with PA-producing plants, most likely Heliotropium europaeum, in central Spain. Environmental factors, such as drought followed by humid conditions and reduced herbicide application, likely facilitated PA-containing weed growth and subsequent contamination of cereal crops. This case underscores the growing risk of toxicoses linked to climatic and agronomic factors, emphasizing the need for enhanced monitoring and control of feed sources.No specific funding was received to complete this study
Decir puede ser hasta fácil, transmitir, en absoluto
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Nasal Colonizers from Sows in the Federal District of Brazil Showed a Diverse Phenotypic Resistance Profile
Get PDFAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health concern influenced by antimicrobial use (AMU) in animal production systems. In swine, metaphylactic treatments may contribute to the emergence and dissemination of resistance genes. In this study, we isolated bacteria from the nasal cavities of 50 sows across 10 farms in the Federal District, Brazil. A total of 132 bacterial isolates were obtained and tested for phenotypic resistance to 23 antimicrobials using the disk diffusion method. Resistance was detected against all tested antimicrobials, with an overall resistance rate of 55.6% (1605/2888 tests). The highest resistance rates were observed for bacitracin (92.4%) and penicillin (79.2%), while lower resistance rates were found for aminoglycosides. Most isolates exhibited multidrug resistance to 7–9 classes of antimicrobials, including strains of Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella—all of which are relevant in the context of One Health. Actinobacillus suis showed the highest resistance levels among all identified species. AMR was positively correlated with both the duration and the number of antimicrobial agents used in feed, reinforcing the need for prudent AMU practices. The use of autogenous vaccines against Pasteurella multocida was associated with reduced lung lesions, underscoring the value of vaccination in disease control. AMR surveillance programs may benefit from including bacterial colonizers from the microbiota, though further studies are necessary to better understand the resistance dynamics of these commensals.This research was supported by Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa do Distrito Federal (FAPDF) under grant numbers 01/2021 and 01/2023. LR was supported by Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (PDSE Doctoral-Sandwich Program Abroad process number 88881.933625/2024-01)|Federal District Research Foundation (public announcement 01/2021 and 01/2023). POG is supported by a FPU fellowship (FPU19/02126) funded by MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 from the Spanish Government.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Resultats dels assaigs de soja en segona data de sembra. Campanya 2024
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Simultaneous Detection of Classical and African Swine Fever Viruses by Duplex Taqman Real-Time PCR Assay in Pigs Infected with Both Diseases
Get PDFThe increasing spread of African swine fever (ASF) in recent years and the presence of classical swine fever (CSF) subclinical forms in endemic countries suggests that the possibility of coinfection with ASF virus (ASFV) and CSF virus (CSFV) in pigs cannot be ruled out in areas where both diseases are prevalent. Thus, rapid and reliable diagnosis through molecular testing is essential for the timely implementation of control measures to prevent the spread of these devastating swine diseases. Here, we have coupled two of the most validated PCR assays for the detection of CSFV and ASFV in a single reaction tube. The combination of the two tests for the detection of two target nucleic acids did not affect the analytical sensitivity, and the duplex RT-qPCR assay was comparable with the standard molecular techniques. The detection limits for CSFV RNA and ASFV DNA were 0.12 TCID50/reaction and 0.25 TCID50/reaction, respectively. The test showed high repeatability and reproducibility, the coefficient of variation was below 2%, and excellent performance was demonstrated in clinical samples. The duplex assay shows great potential to become a robust diagnostic tool for the rapid and reliable detection and differentiation of CSFV and ASFV in areas where both viruses may be circulating.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation grant PID2021-125599OB-100. LC was supported by the Juan de la Cierva Program (2022), the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. AMA was supported by the ICA grant 001-2022. IRTA is supported by the CERCA program/Generalitat de Catalunya.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Les fortes ventades del 28 de juliol provoquen danys en alguns cultius
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