Evaluation of attractants for non-invasive studies of Iberian carnivore communities

2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Monterroso ◽  
Paulo Célio Alves ◽  
Pablo Ferreras
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Carnivore Species ◽  
Detection Probabilities

Context The estimation of population parameters for mammalian carnivore species is a challenging task because of their low densities and large home ranges, which make detection probabilities very low. Several factors, such as the species abundance, habitat structure or the use of an attractant affect carnivore detection probabilities; however, attractants are the most easily manipulated. Some previous research suggests that the use of effective attractants can significantly increase detection probabilities. Aims To assess the effectiveness of several attractants for Iberian carnivores, and to evaluate their usefulness for non-invasive survey methods. Methods The responses of seven carnivore species to six potential attractants were evaluated through cafeteria-like experiments with captive specimens. A selectivity index was applied to assess the relative attractiveness of each tested substance. The enclosure tests were followed by field trials with camera-trapping, using the most promising attractants for field evaluation of their efficiency. Key results Enclosure trials revealed that lynx urine was the most effective and generalist attractant because it successfully attracted six of the seven species tested. Rubbing behaviour was also induced in the greatest number of species by lynx urine. Field tests using a combination of lynx urine and valerian extract solution induced investigative behaviours in over 50% of all detection events in all species, with the exception of the Eurasian badger. Conclusions No single attractant is effective for all species. Nevertheless, a combination of lynx urine and valerian solution should efficiently attract the majority of species present in Iberian carnivore communities. Furthermore, some species exhibit a rubbing behaviour when they come in contact with the attractants. Regardless of the generalist efficiency of the lynx urine, other tested substances revealed promising results for single-species monitoring. Implications Our results provide a baseline for selecting attractants in survey and monitoring programs that focus on carnivore species. The rubbing behaviours exhibited by several of the species tested suggest the use of these attractants could improve the efficiency of field studies that rely on rub-pads for the collection of biological samples.

scholarly journals Managing Bees for Delivering Biological Control Agents and Improved Pollination in Berry and Fruit Cultivation

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heikki M. T. Hokkanen ◽  
Ingeborg Menzler-Hokkanen ◽  
Marja-Leena Lahdenpera
Keyword(s):  
Crop Protection ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Dissemination Activity ◽  
Grey Mold ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
Disease Pressure

<p>Targeted precision biocontrol and improved pollination were studied Europe-wide in the EU ERA-NET CORE ORGANIC 2 project BICOPOLL (Biocontrol and Pollination). A case study was conducted on the management of strawberry grey mold <em>Botrytis cinerea</em>, with the biocontrol fungus, <em>Gliocladium catenulatum</em>, vectored by honey bees or bumble bees. A joint field trial carried out in five countries targeted strawberry cultivations in open field, and included four treatments: untreated control, chemical fungicide, entomovectored biocontrol, and chemical and biocontrol combined. In organic fields, no pesticide treatments were included. The proportion of moldy berries, and/or the marketable yield of healthy berries were recorded from each treatment, along with other parameters of local interest. A pilot study was started in Finland in 2006, and, by 2012, large commercial farms were using entomovectoring. In 2012, field trials were started in Estonia and in Italy, and in 2013-14, these experiments were expanded to Slovenia and Turkey. In total, 26 field tests were conducted using entomovectoring and <em>Gliocladium catenulatum</em> (Prestop<sup>®</sup> Mix) on strawberry, with five additional trials on raspberry. Efficacy results have been excellent throughout the field studies. The results show crop protection equalling or exceeding that provided by a full chemical fungicide program, under all weather conditions, and over a wide geographical range (from Finland to Turkey). Under heavy disease pressure, entomovectoring provided on average a 47% disease reduction, which was the same as multiple fungicide sprays. Under light disease pressure, biocontrol decreased grey mold by an average of 66%, which was greater than fungicide sprays. The concept has proven to be effective on strawberries, raspberries, pears, apples, blueberries, cherries, and grapes. A conservative estimate for Finland is that over 500 ha of strawberry cultivation currently use the technique (≈15% of the strawberry growing area). To make full use of the entomovectoring technique, organic berry and fruit growers are encouraged to (i) keep bees, or to hire the service from local beekeepers for entomovectoring; and (ii) manage vegetation within and around the target crop to support the activity of bees and other pollinators, which can help to disseminate the beneficial microbial populations within the crop. Beekeepers are encouraged to (i) market pollination and biocontrol services to fruit and berry growers, and (ii) ensure that all operations are effective in mananging bees and their microbe dissemination activity. Biocontrol product manufacturers are encouraged to further develop products and their formulations specifically for entomovectoring, because current formulations are suboptimal as they are initially optimized for other uses (e.g., mixing into the soil).</p>

scholarly journals An assay validation framework to compare and evaluate targeted environmental DNA assays for routine species monitoring

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Thalinger ◽  
Kristy Deiner ◽  
Lynsey Harper ◽  
Helen Rees ◽  
Rosetta Blackman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Single Species ◽  
End Users ◽  
Specific System ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Assay Validation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Detection Probabilities ◽  
User Friendly

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis utilises trace DNA released by organisms into their environment for species detection and is revolutionising non ‐ invasive species and biodiversity monitoring. However, this technology requires rigorous validation along the whole workflow – from field sampling to statistical analysis – to ensure appropriate and meaningful interpretation of results. Targeted eDNA assays are often validated within a specific system and with particular aims, but without fulfilling predefined criteria. Consequently, their applicability beyond initial development often remains undetermined. Additionally, there tends to be poor understanding of the uncertainties and limitations associated with already published assays and thus potentially inappropriate interpretation of the results they produce. The lack of a “gold standard” limits the incorporation of targeted eDNA assays into species monitoring and policy making by end-users and is therefore key for the future implementation of eDNA-based surveys. Here, we present a framework (https://edna-validation.com/) and user-friendly criteria for the classification of assays, which is based on previous validation efforts. A 5 ‐ level assay validation scale (“incomplete” to “operational”) was defined by reviewing the current eDNA literature and conducting a meta-analysis on sampling, laboratory practices, detection limits, and detection probabilities. The so far published single species eDNA assays were reviewed for their performance in this new framework and we identified steps within the validation process that often remain untouched. Finally, we provide guidance for end ‐ users as to which criteria are most important for validation and suggest how results obtained from assays at different levels of the validation scale should be interpreted.

A PNEUMATIC SYSTEM FOR HERBICIDE GRANULE INCORPORATION INTO SOIL WITH A DISCER

1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-259
Author(s):  
R. L. KUSHWAHA ◽  
W. B. REED
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
No Reduction ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Pneumatic System ◽  
Pneumatic Conveying ◽  
Simultaneous Application ◽  
Crop Injury ◽  
Bio Assay

In an effort to minimize the effect of wind on the placement of herbicide granules during simultaneous application-incorporation while seeding with a discer, a pneumatic conveying and dispersion system was designed, fabricated and tested. Nozzles designed for the system produced a uniform granule distribution pattern over a width of 300 mm. The system was mounted on a 2.8-m-wide discer for field evaluation. Field tests were conducted to determine the uniformity of incorporation at different soil depths under windy conditions. Bio-assay field trials were conducted over a period of 2 yr to evaluate crop injury and weed control with the pneumatic system. It was compared with other currently used methods of granular and liquid triallate application. The pneumatic system provided good weed control, no apparent crop injury and no reduction in crop yield. Key words: Pneumatic application, discer, herbicide granules

scholarly journals Response of Bell Pepper Cultivars Near-isogenic for the N Gene to Meloidogyne incognita in Field Trials

HortScience ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 1394-1396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy A. Thies ◽  
Richard L. Fery ◽  
John D. Mueller ◽  
Gilbert Miller ◽  
Joseph Varne
Keyword(s):  
Meloidogyne Incognita ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Nematode Resistance ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Bell Pepper ◽  
N Gene ◽  
Root Knot Nematode ◽  
High Level ◽  
Fresh Root

Resistance of two sets of bell pepper [(Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum (Grossum Group)] cultivars near-isogenic for the N gene that conditions resistance to root-knot nematodes [Meloidogyne incognita (Chitwood) Kofoid and White, M. arenaria (Neal) Chitwood races 1 and 2, and M. javanica (Treub) Chitwood] was evaluated in field tests at Blackville, S.C. and Charleston, S.C. The isogenic bell pepper sets were `Charleston Belle' (NN) and `Keystone Resistant Giant' (nn), and `Carolina Wonder' (NN) and `Yolo Wonder B' (nn). The resistant cultivars Charleston Belle and Carolina Wonder were highly resistant; root galling was minimal for both cultivars at both test sites. The susceptible cultivars Keystone Resistant Giant and Yolo Wonder B were highly susceptible; root galling was severe at both test sites. `Charleston Belle' had 96.9% fewer eggs per g fresh root than `Keystone Resistant Giant', and `Carolina Wonder' had 98.3% fewer eggs per g fresh root than `Yolo Wonder B' (averaged over both test sites). `Charleston Belle' and `Carolina Wonder' exhibited a high level of resistance in field studies at both sites. These results demonstrate that resistance conferred by the N gene for root-knot nematode resistance is effective in field-planted bell pepper. Root-knot nematode resistant bell peppers should provide economical and environmentally compatible alternatives to methyl bromide and other nematicides for managing M. incognita.

Use of Biomonitoring to Control Toxics in the United States

1988 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 101-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelson A. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Chronic Toxicity ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Toxicity Tests ◽  
Toxic Pollutants ◽  
Receiving Waters ◽  
Biological Field

A biomonitoring program has been developed in support of the National Policy for the Development of Water Quality-Based Permit Limitations for Toxic Pollutants. The program focuses on the use of laboratory toxicity tests on aquatic plants and animals to predict ecosystem impact caused by toxic pollutants. Both acute and chronic toxicity tests were developed to test effluents and ambient waters. Laboratory and biological field studies were conducted at nine sites. Single species laboratory toxicity tests were found to be good predictors of impacts on the ecosystem when two or more species were used. Biomonitoring can be undertaken either on effluents and/or on the receiving waters. In that toxicity related to seeps, leachates and storm sewers has often been found upstream from dischargers, it is beneficial to conduct both effluent and ambient biomonitoring.

scholarly journals Opportunities and limits of controlled-environment plant phenotyping for climate response traits

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Langstroff ◽  
Marc C. Heuermann ◽  
Andreas Stahl ◽  
Astrid Junker
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Plant Phenotyping ◽  
Controlled Environment ◽  
Climate Response ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Phenotypic Data ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Controlled Environments ◽  
Response Traits

AbstractRising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns will affect agricultural production substantially, exposing crops to extended and more intense periods of stress. Therefore, breeding of varieties adapted to the constantly changing conditions is pivotal to enable a quantitatively and qualitatively adequate crop production despite the negative effects of climate change. As it is not yet possible to select for adaptation to future climate scenarios in the field, simulations of future conditions in controlled-environment (CE) phenotyping facilities contribute to the understanding of the plant response to special stress conditions and help breeders to select ideal genotypes which cope with future conditions. CE phenotyping facilities enable the collection of traits that are not easy to measure under field conditions and the assessment of a plant‘s phenotype under repeatable, clearly defined environmental conditions using automated, non-invasive, high-throughput methods. However, extrapolation and translation of results obtained under controlled environments to field environments is ambiguous. This review outlines the opportunities and challenges of phenotyping approaches under controlled environments complementary to conventional field trials. It gives an overview on general principles and introduces existing phenotyping facilities that take up the challenge of obtaining reliable and robust phenotypic data on climate response traits to support breeding of climate-adapted crops.

Duplex DNA barcoding allows accurate species determination of morphologically similar limpets (Patella spp.) from non-destructive sampling

2016 ◽  
Vol 97 (7) ◽  
pp. 1479-1482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Ashton ◽  
Meriem Kayoueche-Reeve ◽  
Andrew J. Blight ◽  
Jon Moore ◽  
David M. Paterson
Keyword(s):  
Dna Barcoding ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Species Determination ◽  
Destructive Sampling ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Non Destructive

Accurate discrimination of two morphologically similar species of Patella limpets has been facilitated by using qPCR amplification of species-specific mitochondrial genomic regions. Cost-effective and non-destructive sampling is achieved using a mucus swab and simple sample lysis and dilution to create a PCR template. Results show 100% concurrence with dissection and microscopic analysis, and the technique has been employed successfully in field studies. The use of highly sensitive DNA barcoding techniques such as this hold great potential for improving previously challenging field assessments of species abundance.

scholarly journals Modified Humic Substances as Soil Conditioners: Laboratory and Field Trials

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Natalia A. Kulikova ◽  
Alexander B. Volikov ◽  
Olga I. Filippova ◽  
Vladimir A. Kholodov ◽  
Nadezhda V. Yaroslavtseva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Humic Substances ◽  
Soil Aggregates ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Soil Conditioner ◽  
Model Soil ◽  
Substrate Induced Respiration ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Survival Of Seedlings

The paper is devoted to the development and performance testing of a soil conditioner based on leonardite humic substances (LHS) modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The modified HS were obtained by adding APTES to LHS solution at different mass ratios of LHS and APTES, followed by the investigation of siloxane structures using 31Si NMR spectroscopy. The Urbic Technosol was used as a model soil. The size and amount of water-stable soil aggregates were estimated using wet sieving and laser diffraction, respectively. Toxicity was evaluated by monitoring microbial substrate-induced respiration (SIR) and seedling bioassay. Laboratory column experiments demonstrated an increase in water-stability of the 3–5 mm soil aggregates after LHS-APTES application. Field tests showed an increase in the average weighted diameter of micro aggregates (from 59 to 73 μm) and water-stable macroaggregates (from 1.6 to 2.9 mm) due to the LHS-APTES amendment. A substantial increase in SIR from 5 to 9 mg CO2 (kg h)−1 was detected. Better survival of seedlings was observed. The obtained beneficial results indicate that APTES-modified HS can be successfully used as a soil conditioner. The formation of extended siloxane networks was suggested as the main mechanism of the observed improvement in the structure of the amended soils.

Comparison of Water and Gas Tracers Field Breakthrough

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsieh Chen ◽  
Sehoon Chang ◽  
Gawain Thomas ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Afnan Mashat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Gas Phase ◽  
Detection Method ◽  
Tracer Tests ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Breakthrough Curves ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Reservoir Conditions ◽  
Gas Tracer

Abstract We are developing new classes of barcoded advanced tracers, which, compared to present commercial offerings, can be optically detected in an automated fashion. The eventual goal for the advanced tracers is to deploy cost-effective, ubiquitous, long-term, and full-field tracer tests in supporting large-scale waterflooding optimization for improved oil recovery. In this paper, we compare model predictions to breakthrough data from two field tests of advanced tracers in a pilot during water alternating gas (WAG) cycles, where gas tracer tests have recently been performed as well. Two advanced tracer injections were performed at the test site. For the first injection, only a dipicolinic acid based advanced tracer (DPA) was injected. For the second injection, DPA and a phenanthroline- based advanced tracer, 4,7-bis(sulfonatophenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid (BSPPDA), was injected in conjunction with a commercially available fluorobenzoic acid-based tracer (FBA) to benchmark their performance. Produced water samples were collected weekly for tracer analysis. Both newly developed 2D-high performance liquid chromatography/time-resolved fluorescence optical detection method (2D-HPLC/TRF) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to construct the breakthrough curves for the advanced tracers. In parallel, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to detect FBA tracer. Gas tracer tests have been performed on the same field. Since DPA, BSPPDA and FBA tracers were water tracers as designed, they were expected to appear in between gas tracer breakthroughs, and we observed exactly that for BSPPDA and FBA. Unexpectedly, the DPA predominantly appeared along with gas tracer breakthroughs, suggesting its favorable compatibility with the gas phase. We suspect the presence of some gas components rendered the medium more acidic, which likely protonates DPA molecules, thereby alters its hydrophilicity. A wealth of information could be gathered from the field tests. First, all tracers survived not only the harsh reservoir conditions but also the irregular WAG injections. Their successful detection from the producers suggested robustness of these materials for reservoir applications. Second, the breakthrough curves of the BSPPDA tracers using optical detection method were very similar to those of FBA tracers detected by GC-MS, substantiating the competency of our in-house materials and detection methods to the present commercial offerings. Finally, even though DPA has passed prior lab tests as a good water tracer, its high solubility to gas phase warrants further investigation. This paper summarizes key results from two field trials of the novel barcoded advanced tracers, of which both the tracer materials and detection methods are new to the industry. Importantly, the two co- injected advanced tracers showed opposite correlations to the gas tracers, highlighting the complex physicochemical interactions in reservoir conditions. Nevertheless, the information collected from the field trials is invaluable in enabling further design and utilization of the advanced tracers in fulfilling their wonderful promises.

scholarly journals Using reliable predator identification to investigate feeding habits of Neotropical carnivores (Mammalia, Carnivora) in a deforestation frontier of the Brazilian Amazon

Mammalia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 415-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flávia P. Tirelli ◽  
Thales R.O. de Freitas ◽  
Fernanda Michalski ◽  
Alexandre R. Percequillo ◽  
Eduardo Eizirik
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Ecological Studies ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Predator Species ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Carnivore Species ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Critical Requirement ◽  
Better Than

Abstract Accurate identification of predator species is a critical requirement to investigate their diet using faecal samples. We used non-invasive sampling and two methods of predator identification to investigate the diets of sympatric carnivores in a highly deforested region of the Brazilian Amazon. Of 108 scats, 81 could be identified at the species level using DNA sequencing and/or trichology. The former performed better than the latter (81.5% vs. 54.3% of the identified samples), and results were quite congruent (89.7% concordance in the 29 samples that could be assessed with both approaches). Nine species were identified, out of which four (crab-eating fox, ocelot, puma and jaguar) presented a sufficient number of samples to allow dietary analyses. The crab-eating fox was the most generalist (BA=0.92); ocelots focused on small- to medium-sized prey; pumas fed mostly on medium-sized items; and jaguars mostly targeted large-sized prey. A considerable overlap was observed between ocelots and pumas in all estimations (O=0.47–0.83). The presence of jaguars in the same region could be driving pumas to select medium- and small-sized prey. The results of this study highlight the importance of reliable predator identification and the need for in-depth ecological studies in areas where carnivore species are sympatric.

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