scholarly journals Strategies to breed sterile leucaena for Western Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-86
Author(s):  
Daniel Real ◽  
Yong Han ◽  
C. Donovan Bailey ◽  
Saipriyaa Vasan ◽  
Chengdao Li ◽  
...  

Keynote paper presented at the International Leucaena Conference, 1‒3 November 2018, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.Strategies to breed sterile leucaena for Western Australia include plant breeding and biotechnology tools to generate sterile lines at both the tetraploid and triploid ploidy levels. For tetraploids, the main target species is the commercial Leucaena leucocephala, that is well known for its potential as a high-quality, productive and persistent forage. Gene editing technologies (CRISPR) will be utilized to edit out flowering genes and develop a non-flowering L. leucocephala. For triploids, the strategy is to cross tetraploid species (L. leucocephala and/or L. diversifolia) with diploid species to generate sterile triploid hybrids. The diploid parents will include species that have good forage attributes such as L. collinsii, L. macrophylla, L. shannonii and L. pulverulenta. Several of these triploid crosses have already been created by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Perth, Western Australia) and will be evaluated in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia for their agronomic performance and sterility. Vegetative propagation will be required for the tetraploid gene-edited non-flowering L. leucocephala. Triploids can either be vegetatively propagated, once generated, or generated via a seed production nursery.

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clifford Bennison ◽  
J. Anthony Friend ◽  
Timothy Button ◽  
Harriet Mills ◽  
Cathy Lambert ◽  
...  

Context House mice (Mus domesticus) are present on Boullanger and Whitlock islands, Western Australia, and could potentially threaten populations of the dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis) and grey-bellied dunnart (Sminthopsis griseoventer) through competition for resources. A workshop in 2007 recommended a study to assess the feasibility of eradicating house mice from the islands by using poison baits and of the risk posed to non-target native species. Aim We aimed to assess the risk to non-target native species if poison baiting was used to eradicate house mice on Boullanger and Whitlock islands. Methods Non-toxic baits containing the bait marker rhodamine B were distributed on Boullanger Island and on the mouse free Escape Island to determine the potential for primary poisoning. Acceptance of baits by mammals was measured through sampling and analysis of whiskers, and by reptiles through observations of dye in faeces. To determine the potential for secondary exposure to poison, the response of dibblers to mouse carcasses was observed using motion-activated cameras. Bait acceptance was compared using two methods of delivery, namely, scattering in the open and delivery in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes. A cafeteria experiment of bait consumption by dibblers was also undertaken using captive animals held at the Perth Zoo. Ten dibblers were offered non-toxic baits containing rhodamine B in addition to their normal meals; consumption of bait and the presence of dye in whiskers were measured. Key results Bait acceptance on the islands was high for house mice (92% of individuals) and dibblers (48%) and it was independent of bait-delivery technique. There was no evidence of bait acceptance by grey-bellied dunnarts. Dibblers may consume mice carcasses if available; however, no direct consumption of mice carcasses was observed with movement sensor cameras but one dibbler was observed removing a mouse carcass and taking it away. During the cafeteria experiment, 9 of 10 captive dibblers consumed baits. Conclusions This investigation demonstrated that dibblers consume baits readily and island populations would experience high mortality if exposed to poison baits. Poison baiting could effectively eradicate mice from Boullanger and Whitlock islands but not without mortality for dibblers. Implications Toxic baits could be used to eradicate mice from Boullanger and Whitlock islands, provided that non-target species such as dibblers were temporarily removed from the islands before the application of baits.


2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 238 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. B. Smallwood ◽  
L. E. Beckley ◽  
N. R. Sumner

The Rottnest Island Reserve, located off southwestern Australia, is one of the most popular recreational fishing locations in Western Australia. In the reserve, standard Western Australian recreational fishing regulations apply and there are two small "no-take" conservation sanctuary areas. A roving creel survey of shore-based recreational angling in the reserve was conducted from January to December 2003. In total, 1 053 anglers were recorded which included individuals, families, school groups and angling club members. The total annual shore-based angling effort for Rottnest island was calculated to be 23 899 angler outings and the total catch estimated at 53 994 retained fish. Fishing effort was concentrated in the settlement area on the eastern side of the island and the highest levels of catch and effort were recorded in April, May and July. During the survey, 33 fish species were identified in the catch and the small, pelagic species Australian Herring dominated with 7.27 tonnes caught during the study. Shore-based anglers also caught and released a large number of non-target species. The survey has provided spatial and temporal data that can be used as a benchmark and to support decision making by the Rottnest Island Authority with respect to biodiversity conservation and the Department of Fisheries with regard to management of shore-based recreational angling in the Rottnest Island Reserve.


1989 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 569 ◽  
Author(s):  
DR King ◽  
DR King

The hazard posed to northern quolls, Dasyurus hallucatus, during aerial baiting programs for the control of dingoes was studied in a pastoral area of Western Australia. The incidence of mortality and the movements of the animals were studied by means of radiotelemetry. Minimum activity areas ranged from 5 to 1109 ha, and the longest movement recorded was 3.5 km over 7 days. All animals could have encountered baits. Mating occurred shortly before baits were laid. The animals subsequently lost condition and body weights were low at the time of baiting. No quolls died in the 2 weeks following the baiting. This suggests that northern quolls and other, theoretically less susceptible, non-target species of mammals in the pastoral areas of Western Australia are not at risk from 1080 aerial baiting programs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-48
Author(s):  
Giovanni Astuti ◽  
Sandro Pratesi ◽  
Lorenzo Peruzzi ◽  
Angelino Carta

AbstractIn the tetraploid Tulipa sylvestris we found larger and heavier seeds that germinated around 28 days earlier than those of the diploid ancestor Tulipa pumila. The faster germination of the tetraploid species is linked to the faster growth of embryos, which reached their final length much earlier than the embryos of the diploid species. In conclusion, we argue a cautionary approach when dealing with comparative studies on ploidy level and germination to avoid misinterpretation of results when set against the natural conditions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (40) ◽  
pp. 24771-24777
Author(s):  
Maartje Oostdijk ◽  
Conor Byrne ◽  
Gunnar Stefánsson ◽  
Maria J. Santos ◽  
Pamela J. Woods

Fishers with individual catch quota, but limited control over the mix of species caught, depend on trade and catch–quota balancing allowances to fully utilize their quota without discarding. However, these allowances can theoretically lead to overfishing if total allowable catches (TACs) are consistently exceeded. This study investigates usage of balancing allowances by the Icelandic demersal fleet over 2001–2017, for over 1,900 vessels. When a vessel’s demersal catch exceeds owned and leased quota for a given species, the gap can be bridged by borrowing quota from the subsequent fishing period or transforming unutilized quota in other species, restricted by limits. Conversely, excess quota can be saved or transformed into quota for species where there is a shortfall. We found evidence that balancing behavior is frequently similar across the fleet. Transformations are consistent with indicators of a general quota shortage and potential for arbitrage caused by differences in conversion ratios used for transformation and lease prices. Larger companies contribute more to these patterns. Nevertheless, TAC overages are generally modest especially in recent years—key reasons appear to be the tightening of vessel transformation limits and the central role of Atlantic cod, which is the main target species but cannot be persistently overfished due to a specific prohibition on positive transformations into the species. These results show how the tailored design of the Icelandic catch–quota balancing system has helped in balancing economic and ecological goals of management. We suggest policy changes that could further reduce ecological risks, e.g., prioritizing between-year transfers over transformations.


2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingjie Wang ◽  
Rachael Scarth ◽  
Clayton Campbell

The wild diploid species Fagopyrum homotropicum (2n = 2x = 16) has been used for buckwheat improvement, but, prior to this study, the tetraploid form (2n = 4x = 32) had not been hybridized with the cultivated species F. esculentum. The objective of this study was to hybridize F. esculentum with tetraploid F. homotropicum to increase the genetic variability. Forty-one interspecific F1 hybrids were obtained through ovule rescue in vitro, with hybridity confirmed using morphological characters, chromosome numbers (2n = 3x = 24) and DNA analysis. The F1 plants were mainly sterile. However, seven seeds were set spontaneously on two hybrid plants, and a large number of seeds were obtained after colchicine treatment. The F2 plants were divided into two groups based on chromosome numbers and morphology. The first group was hexaploid plants (2n = 6x = 48) or hypohexaploid plants (2n = 44–46), partially fertile with “gigas” features including increased height, dark green leaves, and large seeds with thick seed hulls. The second group of plants was diploid (2n = 2x = 16) (one plant had 17 chromosomes), with normal growth and fertility, and a combination of characters from both parents, indicating that genetic recombination had occurred during chromosome elimination. The diploid group was superior to the hexaploid group for use in buckwheat breeding programs due to the desirable characters and the ease of crossing. This is the first report of interspecific hybridization using different ploidy levels in the Fagopyrum genus. Key words: Buckwheat (F. esculentum; F. homotropicum), interspecific hybridization, breeding, tetraploid, diploid, hexaploid, fertility


2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 371 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Thomson ◽  
N. E. Kok

Non-toxic, dried meat baits (45 g) containing small radio-transmitters were laid on cleared sandplots in mixed farming and grain-growing areas in Western Australia. Baits were either buried, tethered by wire trace to a hidden peg, or simply laid untethered on the surface. Baits were exposed for 1 night only and new transects were established each day. Data were available on 1521 baits. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) visited 23% of plots and took baits from 64% of those visited. Unburied baits (both tethered and untethered) were taken significantly more frequently than the buried baits. Of all baits taken by foxes, 25% were cached. Foxes were more likely to cache buried baits than either tethered or untethered baits. Excluding baits taken to cubs, foxes cached baits 3–380 m (mean 87�m) from their original locations. Some baits were carried to cub dens up to 1.25�km away. The fate of 27�cached baits was monitored for varying periods. Of these baits, 59% were later eaten by foxes, most within 3�days. Non-target species took 3% of the baits on offer. Birds were the most common non-target animals to take baits, and in some cases dropped baits up to 400 m away. In terms of takes relative to visits, most takes by birds were of the untethered baits (88%, cf. 33% for tethered, 17% for buried baits). Compared with other baits, a significantly lower proportion of the untethered baits that were taken by birds was actually eaten. Baits cached by foxes and baits moved by birds represent a potential hazard to farm dogs and vulnerable fauna. Recommendations on bait presentation, distance restrictions, and likely risk to farm dogs and non-target species are discussed.


Genome ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 944-946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prem P. Jauhar

Evidence on the relationship of the J genome of diploid Thinopyrum bessarabicum and the E genome of diploid Thinopyrum elongatum (= Lophopyrum elongatum) is discussed. Low chromosome pairing between J and E at different ploidy levels, suppression of J–E pairing by the Ph1 pairing regulator that inhibits homoeologous pairing, complete sterility of the diploid hybrids (JE), karyotypic differentiation of the two genomes and differences in their biochemical organization as reflected in total content and distribution of constitutive heterochromatin, and marked differences in isozymes, 5S DNA, and rDNA indicate that J and E are distinct genomes. These genomes are homoeologous and not homologous. There is no justification for the merger of J and E genomes.Key words: chromosome pairing, Ph1 pairing regulator, C-banding, isozymes, 5S DNA, rDNA.


2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie E. Twigg ◽  
Tim Lowe ◽  
Gary Martin

The consumption of five non-toxic, grain-based baits, and the effectiveness of the preferred baits when treated with 1080 in reducing pig numbers, were determined for feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in several areas in the Mediterranean agricultural region of Western Australia. Fermented wheat with added blood and bone proved an effective attractant for feral pigs, and for determining areas of pig activity. Wheat and malted barley were the preferred baits, there was a variable response to lupins, and commercial pig pellets were consumed least. Malted barley, barley, and wheat treated with 1080 gave good reductions in pig numbers at the localised scale. Where pigs would eat lupins, 1080-treated lupins were usually effective in reducing pig abundance. In some instances, further evidence of feral pig activity was not seen on several sites for several months after poison-baiting occurred. The addition of a small amount of unpoisoned grain to mask the presence of 1080 did not increase the take of treated bait (P < 0.05). Although finding poisoned pigs was difficult owing to the terrain and the presence of bush remnants, the poisoned pigs found (n = 90) were often within 200 m of active bait stations. 1080-poisoned pigs included both adult (≥25 kg) and non-adult pigs of both sexes. Body mass of these pigs ranged from 4 to 90 kg. In all, 42% of poisoned adults found (n = 50) were 50 kg or more. There was minimal evidence of bait take by non-target species, and, where this occurred, it generally involved the consumption of the fermented wheat attractant by kangaroos (Macropus spp.) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Six foxes were known to have been poisoned with 1080-treated grain (4 with malted barley, 2 with wheat). Excluding foxes, no other non-target animals, including native species, were found dead during the intensive searches for poisoned pigs.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke M. D’Alberto ◽  
William T. White ◽  
Andrew Chin ◽  
Dharmadi ◽  
Colin A. Simpfendorfer

AbstractShark-like batoids (Order Rhinopristiformes) are normally taken as incidental catch in fisheries targeting other species, one exception is a poorly understood Indonesian tangle net fishery. Market surveys of Muara Angke landing port recorded landed catch for this fishery. Recent catch data from Indonesian Capture Fisheries (2017 – 2018) were also examined to provide contemporary information. During the market surveys, 1,559 elasmobranchs were recorded, comprised of 24 species of batoids and nine species of sharks. The most abundant were pink whiprayPateobatis faiand bottlenose wedgefishRhynchobatus australiae, the latter being the main target species. Catch composition differed between individual tangle net boat landings, likely reflecting different fishing grounds, seasonal variation and potential localised declines in species over time. The fishery is highly selective for larger size classes, but smaller size classes of target species are also caught in high numbers in other Indonesian fisheries such as trawl, small mesh gillnet, and hand- and long-line fisheries. As of July 2018, the tangle net fishery was still operating, but few wedgefish were caught and the main landed catch was stingrays. Evidence of substantial and rapid declines in landings of wedgefish species, raises concerns about the status of shark-like batoids and stingrays in Indonesia.


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