Evaluation of restoration of vegetation infested with cat's claw creeper vine (Dolichandra unguis-cati): soil seed bank response to herbicide and physical removal

Cat’s claw creeper vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) L.G.Lohmann (formerly known as Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) A.H.Gentry), a Weed of National Significance (WoNS), is a structural woody parasite that is highly invasive along sensitive riparian corridors and native forests of coastal and inland eastern Australia. As part of evaluation of the impact of herbicide and mechanical/physical control techniques on the long-term reduction of biomass of the weed and expected return of native flora, we have set-up permanent vegetation plots in: (a) infested and now chemically/physically treated, (b) infested but untreated and (c) un-infested patches. The treatments were set up in both riparian and non-riparian habitats to document changes that occur in seed bank flora over a two-year post-treatment period. Response to treatment varied spatially and temporally. However, following chemical and physical removal treatments, treated patches exhibited lower seed bank abundance and diversity than infested and patches lacking the weed, but differences were not statistically significant. Thus it will be safe to say that spraying herbicides using the recommended rate does not undermine restoration efforts.

Reducing seed viability of flaxleaf fleabane, feathertop Rhodes grass and awnless barnyard grass

In the sub-tropical grain region of Australia, cotton and grains systems are now dominated by flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist), feathertop Rhodes grass (Chloris virgata Sw.) and awnless barnyard grass (Echinochloa colona (L.) Link). While control of these weed species is best achieved when they are young, previous studies have shown a potential for reducing seed viability and minimising seed bank replenishment by applying herbicides when plants are reproductive. Pot trials were established over two growing seasons to examine the effects of 2,4-D, 2,4-D + picloram, glyphosate and glufosinate which had been successful on other species, along with paraquat and haloxyfop (grasses only). Herbicides were applied at ¾ field rates in an attempt not to kill the plants. Flaxleaf fleabane plants were sprayed at two growth stages (budding and flowering) and the grasses were sprayed at two stages (late tillering/booting and flowering). Spraying flaxleaf fleabane at flowering reduced seed viability to 0% (of untreated) in all treatments except glyphosate (51%) and 2,4-D + picloram (8%). Seed viability was not reduced with the first and second regrowths with the exception of 2,4-D + picloram where viability was reduced to 20%. When sprayed at budding only 2,4-D + picloram reduced seed viability in both trials. Spraying the grasses at late tillering/booting did not reduce viability except for glufosinate on awnless barnyard grass (50%). Applying herbicides at flowering resulted in 0% seed viability in awnless barnyard grass from glufosinate, paraquat and glyphosate and 0% viability in feathertop Rhodes grass for glufosinate. These herbicides were less effective on heads that emerged and flowered after spraying, only slightly reducing seed viability. These trials have shown that attempts to reduce seed viability have potential, however flaxleaf fleabane and feathertop Rhodes grass are able to regrow and will need on-going monitoring and control measures.

Early recovery signs of an Australian grassland following the management of Parthenium hysterophorus L

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is believed to reduce the above- and below-ground plant species diversity and the above-ground productivity in several ecosystems. We quantified the impact of this invasive weed upon species diversity in an Australian grassland and assessed the resulting shifts in plant community composition following management using two traditional approaches. A baseline plant community survey, prior to management, showed that the above-ground community was dominated by P. hysterophorus, stoloniferous grasses, with a further high frequency of species from Malvaceae, Chenopodiaceae and Amaranthaceae. In heavily invaded areas, P. hysterophorus abundance and biomass was found to negatively correlate with species diversity and native species abundance. Digitaria didactyla Willd. was present in high abundance when P. hysterophorus was not, with these two species, contributing most to the dissimilarity seen between areas. The application of selective broad leaf weed herbicides significantly reduced P. hysterophorus biomass under ungrazed conditions, but this management did not yet result in an increase in species diversity. In the above-ground community, P. hysterophorus was partly replaced by the introduced grass species Cynodon dactylon L. (Pers.) 1 year after management began, increasing the above-ground forage biomass production, while D. didactyla replaced P. hysterophorus in the below-ground community. This improvement in forage availability continued to strengthen over the time of the study resulting in a total increase of 80% after 2 years in the ungrazed treatment, demonstrating the stress that grazing was imposing upon this grassland-based agro-ecosystem and showing that it is necessary to remove grazing to obtain the best results from the chemical management approach.

Interference and management of parthenium: The world's most important invasive weed

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is one of the most aggressive herbaceous weeds of the Asteraceae family. It is widely distributed, almost across the world and has become the most important invasive weed. Comprehensive information on interference and control of this devastating species is required to facilitate better management decisions. A broad review on the interference and management of this weed is presented here. Inspite of its non-tropical origin, parthenium grows quite successfully under a wide range of environmental conditions. It is spreading rapidly in Australia, Western Africa, Asia, and Caribbean countries, and has become a serious weed of pastures, wastelands, roadsides, railwaysides, water courses, and agricultural crops. The infestations of parthenium have been reported to reduce grain and forage yields by 40–90%. The spread of parthenium has been attributed to its allelopathic activity, strong competitiveness for soil moisture and nutrients, and its capability to exploit natural biodiversity. Allelochemicals released from parthenium has been reported to decrease germination and growth of agronomic crops, vegetables, trees, and many other weed species. Growth promoting effects of parthenium extracts at low concentrations have also been reported in certain crops. Many pre- and post-emergence herbicides have been evaluated for the control of parthenium in cropped and non-cropped areas. The most effective herbicides are clomazone, metribuzin, atrazine, glyphosate, metsulfuron methyl, butachlor, bentazone, dicamba, and metsulfuron methyl. Extracts, residues, and essential oils of many allelopathic herbs (Cassia, Amaranthus, and Xanthium species), grasses (Imperata and Desmostachya species), and trees (Eucalyptus, Azadirachta, Mangifera species, etc.) have demonstrated inhibitory activities on seed germination and seedling growth of parthenium. Metabolites of several fungi, e.g., Fusarium oxysporun and Fusarium monilifonne, exhibit bioherbicidal activity against seeds and seedlings of this weed. Intercropping, displacement by competitive plant species like Cassia species, bisset bluegrass, florgen blugress, buffelgrass, along with the use of biological control agents like Mexican beetle, seed-feeding and stem-boring weevils, stem-galling and leaf-mining moth, and sap-feeding plant hopper, have been reported as possible strategies for the management of parthenium. An appropriate integration of these approaches could help minimize spread of parthenium and provide sustainable weed management with reduced environmental concerns.

Integrated weed management approach to improve weed control efficiencies for sustainable rice production in dry-seeded systems

Weed management is the major challenge to the success of dry-seeded rice (DSR). A field study was conducted during the dry seasons of 2013 and 2014at the International Rice Research Institute to evaluate the performance of herbicides combined with mechanical weeding in DSR. The lowest weed density and biomass were found in the treatment oxadiazon followed by (fb) fenoxaprop+ethoxysulfuron fb 2,4-D fb mechanical weeding (MW) at 42 days after sowing (DAS). However, this treatment had similar weed density and biomass to the treatments oxadiazon fb bispyribac-sodium fb fenoxaprop+ethoxysulfuron fb 2,4-D,oxadiazon fb bispyribac-sodium fb 2,4-D, and oxadiazon fb MW (28 DAS) fb MW (42 DAS). The highest weed density and biomass were recorded in the treatment oxadiazon fb MW (28 DAS) and oxadiazon fb 2,4-D. Higher grain yield (5.3-5.8tha-1) was produced in the plots that received oxadiazon fb fenoxaprop+ethoxysulfuron fb 2,4-D fb MW(42 DAS) and oxadiazon fb bispyribac-sodium fb fenoxaprop+ethoxysulfuron fb 2,4-D. The results of this study provide sustainable weed management options to farmers growing DSR.

Weeds of Direct-Seeded Rice in Asia: Problems and Opportunities

Rice production symbolizes the single largest land use for food production on the Earth. The significance of this cereal as a source of energy and income seems overwhelming for millions of people in Asia, representing 90% of global rice production and consumption. Estimates indicate that the burgeoning population will need 25% more rice by 2025 than today's consumption. As the demand for rice is increasing, its production in Asia is threatened by a dwindling natural resource base, socioeconomic limitations, and uncertainty of climatic optima. Transplanting in puddled soil with continuous flooding is a common method of rice crop establishment in Asia. There is a dire need to look for rice production technologies that not only cope with existing limitations of transplanted rice but also are viable, economical, and secure for future food demand.Direct seeding of rice has evolved as a potential alternative to the current detrimental practice of puddling and nursery transplanting. The associated benefits include higher water productivity, less labor and energy inputs, less methane emissions, elimination of time and edaphic conflicts in the rice-wheat cropping system, and early crop maturity. Realization of the yield potential and sustainability of this resource-conserving rice production technique lies primarily in sustainable weed management, since weeds have been recognized as the single largest biological constraint in direct-seeded rice (DSR). Weed competition can reduce DSR yield by 30-80% and even complete crop failure can occur under specific conditions. Understanding the dynamics and outcomes of weed-crop competition in DSR requires sound knowledge of weed ecology, besides production factors that influence both rice and weeds, as well as their association. Successful adoption of direct seeding at the farmers' level in Asia will largely depend on whether farmers can control weeds and prevent shifts in weed populations from intractable weeds to more difficult-to-control weeds as a consequence of direct seeding. Sustainable weed management in DSR comprises all the factors that give DSR a competitive edge over weeds regarding acquisition and use of growth resources. This warrants the need to integrate various cultural practices with weed control measures in order to broaden the spectrum of activity against weed flora. A weed control program focusing entirely on herbicides is no longer ecologically sound, economically feasible, and effective against diverse weed flora and may result in the evolution of herbicide-resistant weed biotypes. Rotation of herbicides with contrasting modes of action in conjunction with cultural measures such as the use of weed-competitive rice cultivars, sowing time, stale seedbed technique, seeding rate, crop row spacing, fertilizer and water inputs and their application method/timing, and manual and mechanical hoeing can prove more effective and need to be optimized keeping in view the type and intensity of weed infestation. This chapter tries to unravel the dynamics of weed-crop competition in DSR. Technological issues, limitations associated with DSR, and opportunities to combat the weed menace are also discussed as a pragmatic approach for sustainable DSR production. A realistic approach to secure yield targets against weed competition will combine the abovementioned strategies and tactics in a coordinated manner. This chapter further suggests the need of multifaceted and interdisciplinary research into ecologically based weed management, as DSR seems inevitable in the near future.

Efficacy and phytotoxicity of different rates of oxadiargyl and pendimethalin in dry-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Bangladesh

A field study was established to evaluate oxadiargyl and pendimethalin during the wet seasons in Bangladesh in 2012 and 2013. The study evaluated the following treatments: oxadiargyl applied at 80, 120, and 160 g ai ha−1; pendimethalin at 800, 1200, and 1600 g ai ha−1; partial weedy; and weed-free. Rice plant density was greatly affected by weed control treatment. Lower density and lower uniformity of the rice plant stand occurred as a result of increased rates of herbicides. Increased rates of pendimethalin were more toxic than increased rates of oxadiargyl. Both herbicides effectively controlled Digitaria ciliaris, Echinochloa colona, and Phyllanthus niruri; however, they were unable to control Murdannia nudiflora. Oxadiargyl controlled Cyperus rotundus across rates by 31–55%, but pendimethalin was completely ineffective on it, and higher rates of both herbicides had no effect in controlling this weed. Both herbicides at higher rates reduced total weed biomass significantly. Among herbicide treatments, the highest yield (3.7–4.0 t ha−1) was recorded in plots treated with oxadiargyl at 160 g ai ha−1 and the lowest yield (2.4–2.8 t ha−1) was in plots treated with pendimethalin at 1600 g ai ha−1. Results from our study suggest that a higher rate of oxadiargyl can increase yield by suppressing weeds in dry-seeded rice systems. Similar to the results of oxadiargyl, pendimethalin at higher rates also greatly suppressed weeds; however, yield decreased due to phytotoxicity to rice seedlings.

Growth analysis and biomass partitioning of Cyperus iria in response to rice planting density and nitrogen rate

Cyperus iria is a weed of rice with widespread occurrence throughout the world. Because of concerns about excessive and injudicious use of herbicides, cultural weed management approaches that are safe and economical are needed. Developing such approaches will require a better understanding of weed biology and ecology, as well as of weed response to increases in crop density and nutrition. Knowledge of the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on crop-weed competitive interactions could also help in the development of integrated weed management strategies. The present study was conducted in a screenhouse to determine the effects of rice planting density (0, 5, 10, and 20 plants pot−1) and N rate (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha−1) on the growth of C. iria. Tiller number per plant decreased by 73–88%, leaf number by 85–94%, leaf area by 85–98%, leaf biomass by 92–99%, and inflorescence biomass by 96–99% when weed plants were grown at 20 rice plants pot−1 (i.e., 400 plants m−2) compared with weed plants grown alone. All of these parameters increased when N rates were increased. On average, weed biomass increased by 118–389% and rice biomass by 121–275% with application of 50–150 kg N ha−1, compared to control. Addition of N favored weed biomass production relative to rice biomass. Increased N rates reduced the root-to-shoot weight ratio of C. iria. Rice interference reduced weed growth and biomass and completely suppressed C. iria when no N was applied at high planting densities (i.e., 20 plants pot−1). The weed showed phenotypic plasticity in response to N application, and the addition of N increased the competitive ability of the weed over rice at densities of 5 and 10 rice plants pot−1 compared with 20 plants pot−1. The results of the present study suggest that high rice density (i.e., 400 plants m−2) can help suppress C. iria growth even at high N rates (150 kg ha−1).

Halosulfuron-methyl: A selective herbicide option for the control of the invasive 'Cyperus aromaticus' (Ridley) Mattf. and Kukenth (Navua sedge)

There are currently limited options for the control of the invasive tropical perennial sedge 'Cyperus aromaticus' (Ridley) Mattf. and Kukenth (Navua sedge). The potential for halosulfuron-methyl as a selective herbicide for Navua sedge control in tropical pastures was investigated by undertaking successive field and shade house experiments in North Queensland, Australia. Halosulfuron-methyl and adjuvant rates, and combinations with other herbicides, were examined to identify a herbicide regime that most effectively reduced Navua sedge. Our research indicated that combining halosulfuron- methyl with other herbicides did not improve efficacy for Navua sedge control. We also identified that low rates of halosulfuron-methyl (25 g ha-1 a.i.) were just as effective as higher rates (73 g ha-1 a.i.) at controlling the sedge, and that this control relied on the addition of the adjuvant Bonza at the recommended concentration (1% of the spray volume). Pot trials in the controlled environment of the shade house achieved total mortality under these regimes. Field trials demonstrated more variable results with reductions in Navua sedge ranging between 40-95% at 8-10 weeks after treatment. After this period (16-24 weeks after treatment), regrowth of sedge, either from newly germinated seed, or of small plants protected from initial treatment, indicated sedge populations can rapidly increase to levels similar to pre-application, depending on the location and climatic conditions. Such variable results highlight the need for concerted monitoring of pastures to identify optimal treatment times. Ideally, initial treatment should be done when the sedge is healthy and actively growing, with follow up-treatments applied when new seed heads are produced from regrowth.

Ecological consequences of genetic modifications - an invasion analysis approach

Biological invasions are considered as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, as they may lead to disruption and homogenization of natural communities, and in the worst case, to native species extinctions. The introduction of gene modified organisms (GMOs) to agricultural, fisheries and forestry practices brings them into contact with natural populations. GMOs may appear as new invasive species if they are able to (1) invade into natural habitats or (2) hybridize with their wild relatives. The benefits of GMOs, such as increased yield or decreased use of insecticides or herbicides in cultivation, may thus be reduced due the potential risks they may cause. A careful ecological risk analysis therefore has to precede any responsible GMO introduction. In this thesis I study ecological invasion in relation to GMOs, and what kind of consequences invasion may have in natural populations. A set of theoretical models that combine life-history evolution, population dynamics, and population genetics were developed for the hazard identification part of ecological risks assessment of GMOs. In addition, the potential benefits of GMOs in management of an invasive pest were analyzed. In the first study I showed that a population that is fluctuating due to scramble-type density dependence (due to, e.g., nutrient competition in plants) may be invaded by a population that is relatively more limited by a resource (e.g., light in plants) that is a cause of contest-type density dependence. This result emphasises the higher risk of invasion in unstable environments. The next two studies focused on escape of a growth hormone (GH) transgenic fish into a natural population. The results showed that previous models may have given too pessimistic a view of the so called Trojan gene -effect, where the invading genotype is harmful for the population as a whole. The previously suggested population extinctions did not occur in my studies, since the changes in mating preferences caused by the GH-fish were be ameliorated by decreased level of competition. The GH-invaders may also have to exceed a threshold density before invasion can be successful. I also showed that the prevalence of mature parr (aka. sneaker) strategy among GH-fish may have clear effect on invasion outcome. The fourth study assessed the risks and developed methods against the invasion of the Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata). I showed that the eradication of CPB is most important for the prevention of their establishment, but the cultivation of transgenic Bt-potato could also be effective. In general, my results emphasise that invasion of transgenic species or genotypes to be possible under certain realistic conditions and resulting in competitive exclusion, population decline through outbreeding depression and genotypic displacement of native species. Ecological risk assessment should regard the decline and displacement of the wild genotype by an introduced one as a consequence that is as serious as the population extinction. It will also be crucial to take into account different kinds of behavioural differences among species when assessing the possible hazards that GMOs may cause if escaped. The benefits found of GMO crops effectiveness in pest management may also be too optimistic since CPB may evolve resistance to Bt-toxin. The models in this thesis could be further applied in case specific risk assessment of GMOs by supplementing them with detailed data of the species biology, the effect of the transgene introduced to the species, and also the characteristics of the populations or the environments in the risk of being invaded.

Plant communities of field margins : the effects of management and environmental factors on species composition and diversity

Agri-environmental schemes have so far resulted in only minor positive implications for the biodiversity of agricultural environments, in contrast to what has been expected. Land-use intensification has decreased landscape heterogeneity and the amount of semi-natural habitats. Field margins are uncultivated areas of permanent vegetation located adjacent to fields. Since the number of these habitats is high, investing in their quality may result in more diverse agricultural landscapes. Field margins can be considered as multifunctional habitats providing agronomic, environmental and wildlife services. This thesis aimed at examining the plant communities of different types of field margin habitats and the factors affecting their species diversity and composition. The importance of edaphic, spatial and management factors was studied on regional, landscape and habitat scales. Vegetation surveys were conducted on regional and landscape scales and a field experiment on cutting management was conducted on a habitat scale. In field margin plant communities, species appeared to be indicators of high or intermediate soil fertility and moist soil conditions. The plant species diversity found was rather low, compared with most species-rich agricultural habitats in Finland, such as dry meadows. Among regions, land-use history, main production line, natural species and human induced distribution, climate and edaphic factors were elements inducing differences in species composition. The lowest regional species diversity of field margins was related to intensive and long-term cereal production. Management by cutting and removal or grazing had a positive effect on plant species diversity. The positive effect of cutting and removal on species richness was also dependent on the adjacent source of colonizing species. Therefore, in species-poor habitats and landscapes, establishment of margins with diverse seed mixtures can be recommended for enhancing the development of species richness. However, seed mixtures should include only native species preferably local origin. Management by cutting once a year for 5 years did not result in a decline in dominance of a harmful weed species, Elymus repens, showing that E. repens probably needs cutting more frequently than once per year. Agri-environmental schemes should include long-term contracts with farmers for the establishment, and management by cutting and removal or grazing, of field margins that are several metres wide. In such schemes, the timing and frequency of management should be planned so as not to harm other taxa, such as the insects and birds that are dependent on these habitats. All accidental herbicide drifts to field margins should be avoided when spraying the cultivated area to minimize the negative effects of sprayings on vegetation. The harmful effects of herbicides can be avoided by organic farming methods.

Estudio preliminar del comportamiento productivo y reproductivo de un hato criollo reyna bajo condiciones de confinamiento en Masatepe, Nicaragua

El presente trabajo se realizó con el objetivo de estudiar el comportamiento productivo y reproductivo de un hato criollo lechero Reyna, bajo condiciones de explotación en confinamiento, en la finca San José ubicada en Masatepe, Masaya, Nicaragua. Se analizaron 148 registros productivos y reproductivos correspondientes al período 1982 a 1989. Las características estudiadas fueron producción de leche total por lactancia (PLTOT), producción de leche ajustada a 305 días (PL305), duración de la lactancia (DL), intervalo entre partos (IEP) y edad al primer parto (EPP), además se evaluó el comportamiento de la curva de lactancia y se estimaron los parámetros que la caracterizan (a) parámetro que regula la producción inicial, (b) parámetro que regula el ascenso al pico y (c) parámetro que regula la declinación post pico, a partir de pico (RP), análisis se éstos se calcularon las variables rendimiento al tiempo al pico (TP) y la persistencia (S). En los utilizaron los métodos 1) Mínimos cuadrados (Harvey, 1987), 2) Iterativo de estimación no lineal (Mardquardt, 1968), 3) Modelo y ecuaciones propuestas por Wood, (1967) a través de procedimientos computarizados (Harvey, 1987 y SAS, 1987). Mediante análisis de varianza se estudió el efecto de los factores ambientales año de parto, época, número de partos y las interacciones año de parto por época y época por número de partos sobre PLT, PL305, DL, e IEP. Las medias de mínimos cuadrados obtenidas en este estudio fueron 1,577.65 ± 92.06 Kg, 1,560.64 ± 89.65 Kg, 264.23 ± 9.5 días, 425.96 ± 11.4 días y 1,401.08 ± 120 días para PLTOT, PL305, DL, IEP y EPP respectivamente. Los valores de a, b, c, RP, TP, y S fueron 4.19006 ± 0.5381, 0.221751 ± 0.0402, 0.005152 ± 0.00051, 7,73 Kg, 43.3 días y 6.43 % respectivamente. En el ANDEVA se encontró un efecto altamente significativo (P<0.01) del año de parto sobre las características estudiadas, resultando NS las otras fuentes de variación. Los valores y efectos antes señalados hacen notar que el criollo lechero no responde muy satisfactoriamente a condiciones de confinamiento, aunque es observable su ventaja productiva, respecto al promedio del hato nacional. Al caracterizar la curva de lactancia estimada para el hato y por número de partos ésta presentó valores sobre estimados de producción, respecto a la producción real, sin embargo no presentó atipicidad en su forma.

Patologías ováricas en equinos (Equus ferus caballus) de alto valor genético en ranchos de criadores de los departamentos de Managua, Masaya y Chinandega en el periodo Julio 2012- Julio 2013

En el presente estudio se analizó la prevalencia de patologías reproductivas y ováricas específicamente, en hembras equinas destinadas a la producción de pie de cría de alto valor genético, considerando los factores: edad, propietario, número de partos y raza sobre la presentación y desarrollo de patologías ováricas, también se realizó una evaluación del impacto financiero que representan dichos trastornos para el criador. Los datos se recopilaron de los antecedentes reproductivos y diagnósticos ultrasonográficos de distintos ranchos de los departamentos de Managua, Masaya y Chinandega, realizados en las hembras, en el periodo comprendido desde julio del 2012 hasta julio del 2013. Los datos fueron sometidos estadísticamente a análisis de varianza bajo un modelo general aditivo que resulto altamente significativo (P<0.0001) denotando que la suma de los factores considerados ejercen efecto sobre la presentación de patologías ováricas. Mediante el coeficiente de Pearson se determinó la existencia de asociación entre los factores considerados sobre la presentación de patologías ováricas y a través de la prueba de Duncan se estableció la diferencia entre medias para establecer el o los trastornos ováricos de mayor presentación. De un total de 51 ultrasonidos recopilados se encontró que del total de trastornos reproductivos (33.3%) prevalecen en mayor cantidad las patologías ováricas con un 88.23% con una prevalencia de 29.41% del total de la muestra. En tanto para las patologías ováricas analizadas se encontró que el cuerpo lúteo persistente es de mayor presentación con 26.66%, seguida por el tumor de las células de la granulosa (TCG) con un 20%, en tanto para las condiciones: ovarios multifoliculares (OMF), ovarios anéstricos (OAN) y ovarios luteinizados (OLU) fue de 13.33% en cada una; finalmente, ovarios hipoplásicos (OHP) y quistes lúteos (QUL) tuvieron el menor valor individual con un 6.66%. sobre la presentación de trastornos ováricos, ejerce alta influencia el propietario, quien responde al manejo que en general se brinda a las reproductoras en cada rancho, por otro lado se observó que las hembras jóvenes nulíparas tienden a presentar mayor prevalencia de este tipo de patologías respecto a las hembras adultas y experimentadas. El factor raza per se, no mostró inflluencia. Desde el punto de vista reproductivo, las pérdidas económicas generadas por las patologías ováricas son altas y representan un costo anual por yegua de aproximadamente $3,620.00 (C$90,717.20), en yeguas Iberoamericanas y $4,620.00 (C$115,777.20), en yeguas PRE.

Caracterización y evaluación preliminar del Teocinte anual (Zea lexurians D.) recolectado en la zona norte de Chinandega, Nicaragua

Este trabajo trata sobre la caracterización y evaluación preliminar del posible ancestro del maíz, el teocintle anual (Zea luxurians Durie), el cual fue recolectado en la región Nor-occidental de Nicaragua (Villanueva, Chinandega). El experimento se llevó a efecto en el área experimental del Programa Recursos Genéticos Nicaragüenses (REGEN), adscrito a la Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA), ubicado en el Km 12 1/2 carretera Norte. Dicha investigación se realizó en el periodo comprendido de Enero a Octubre de 1995. los meses de Enero y Febrero no fueron evaluados debido al fuerte acame de las plantas, y el mes de Octubre no se evaluó debido al deficiente crecimiento y desarrollo. El diseño empleado fue un bifactorial en parcelas divididas con dos bloques. En las parcelas grandes se ubicaron los tratamientos épocas de siembra (meses), y en las parcelas pequeñas se realizó el control de malezas (con maleza y sin maleza en todo el ciclo de la planta. Se utilizaron 45 descriptores, de los cuales cuantitativos y 11 son cualitativos. Según el realizado se observó diferencia significativa 34 son ANDEVA en los caracteres cuantitativos, a excepción de los caracteres de grano. Las mayores alturas de plantas se obtuvieron en las primeras fechas de siembra, sobrepasando los 3m de altura y en cuanto al rendimiento los mayores promedios se presentaron bajo el tratamiento sin maleza. Esta especie responde al fotoperiodo, ya que la floración se produjo entre los meses de Noviembre y Diciembre para los meses de Enero hasta Septiembre y la época de siembra del mes de Octubre se registró entre Diciembre y Enero. De los resultados obtenidos se elaboró un catálogo (valores máximos,medios, mínimos, desviación estándar y coeficiente de variación para los descriptores cuantitativos) para los diferentes tratamientos.Debido a la importancia que esta especie representa se debe tomar en cuenta la caracterización In situ y declarar zona protegida el área de origen por riesgos de erosión genética.

Revelación, redención y recapitulación en los misterios de Cristo, según el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica

Introducción: Las motivaciones personales de este trabajo se podrían expresar así: Los fieles –y especialmente los sacerdotes y consagrados– cada día celebramos la obra de la salvación del mundo, realizada por “nuestro Salvador, Jesucristo”. Sobre todo en la sagrada Eucaristía, en la Liturgia de las horas y en otros actos litúrgicos nos encontramos con fórmulas –de la misma Biblia y de la tradición eclesial– que nos hablan de Cristo como Salvador divino, único y definitivo, en todos los misterios de su vida, pero muy particularmente en su misterio pascual. En esos misterios de Cristo se realizó “de una vez para siempre” el acontecimiento esencial del divino designio de salvación. Así rezamos, así lo celebramos en comunidad y así lo predicamos ante el mundo, porque así lo ha celebrado y vivido la Iglesia a través de los milenios. ¿Cómo no plantearse la cuestión de la coherencia, unidad real, convencida y convincente, entre lo que celebramos y lo que vivimos? Se hace evidente que la celebración sincera y digna de estos misterios nos exige “transfigurar” nuestra existencia concreta, revestirnos de nuestro Señor Jesucristo (cf. Rm 13, 14), compartir vivamente su camino pascual y dar, así, testimonio creíble de su misterio personal y de su obra redentora universal. Pero, al mismo tiempo, surge la necesidad de la armonía entre la razón y la fe. Es decir, no puedo contentarme con celebrar unos ritos que tal vez producen una fuerte emotividad religiosa y que ayudan a “sentirse bien”… pero que estarían vacíos de verdad. Lo que celebramos y rezamos responde a una realidad supremamente inteligible. La vida de fe, la oración y la celebración litúrgica, y toda la existencia cristiana, responden a un fundamento real, de máxima densidad ontológica y teológica. Es lógico, entonces, que busquemos alcanzar una más profunda inteligencia de la fe, para hallar nuevas luces que iluminen el encuentro de la razón con la verdad de Dios. La teología nace de la fe. La fe provoca a nuestra razón a investigar con entusiasmo la verdad revelada y creída, celebrada y vivida plenamente por los fieles (y los santos son los plenamente fieles). La teología –si es auténtica– no podrá llevarnos al vaciamiento de las fórmulas y de los ritos litúrgicos, ni podrá arrastrarnos al mundo de la ficción y de la doblez. Este trabajo nace, entonces, como la misma teología, del vivo interés por comprender más profundamente el misterio de nuestra salvación en Cristo y, simultáneamente, por alcanzar una síntesis más coherente y armoniosa entre lo que creemos y vivimos como católicos y lo que razonamos con rigor crítico como estudiosos de la Palabra, en la Iglesia...