Adaptive Evolution of Digestive RNASE1 Genes in Leaf-Eating Monkeys Revisited: New Insights from Ten Additional Colobines

Pancreatic RNase genes implicated in the adaptation of the colobine monkeys to leaf eating have long intrigued evolutionary biologists since the identification of a duplicated RNASE1 gene with enhanced digestive efficiencies in Pygathrix nemaeus. The recent emergence of two contrasting hypotheses, that is, independent duplication and one-duplication event hypotheses, make it into focus again. Current understanding of Colobine RNASE1 gene evolution of colobine monkeys largely depends on the analyses of few colobine species. The present study with more intensive taxonomic and character sampling not only provides a clearer picture of Colobine RNASE1 gene evolution but also allows to have a more thorough understanding about the molecular basis underlying the adaptation of Colobinae to the unique leaf-feeding lifestyle. The present broader and detailed phylogenetic analyses yielded two important findings: 1) All trees based on the analyses of coding, noncoding, and both regions provided consistent evidence, indicating RNASE1 duplication occurred after Asian and African colobines speciation, that is, independent duplication hypothesis; 2) No obvious evidence of gene conversion in RNASE1 gene was found, favoring independent evolution of Colobine RNASE1 gene duplicates. The conclusion drawn from previous studies that gene conversion has played a significant role in the evolution of Colobine RNASE1 was not supported. Our selective constraint analyses also provided interesting insights, with significant evidence of positive selection detected on ancestor lineages leading to duplicated gene copies. The identification of a handful of new adaptive sites and amino acid changes that have not been characterized previously also provide a necessary foundation for further experimental investigations of RNASE1 functional evolution in Colobinae.

Characterization of the sleep architecture in two species of fruit bat

Bats (Chiroptera) are the second-most abundant mammalian order in the world, occupying a diverse range of habitats and exhibiting many different life history traits. In order to contribute to this highly underrepresented group we describe the sleep architecture of two species of frugivorous bat, the greater short-nosed fruit bat (Cynopterus sphinx) and the lesser dawn fruit bat (Eonycteris spelaea). Electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) data were recorded from multiple individuals (>= 5) by telemetry over a 72-h period in a laboratory setting with light/dark cycles equivalent to those found in the wild. Our results show that over a 24-h period both species spent more time asleep than awake (mean 15 h), less than previous reported for Chiroptera (20 h). C sphinx spent significantly more of its non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) and rapid eye movement sleep (REM) quotas during the light phase, while E. spelaea divided its sleep-wake architecture equally between both light and dark phases. Comparing the sleep patterns of the two species found that C. sphinx had significantly fewer NREM and REM episodes than E. spelaea but each episode lasted for a significantly longer period of time. Potential hypotheses to explain the differences in the sleep architecture of C. sphinx with E. spelaea, including risk of predation and social interaction are discussed. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Report of the NBFGR-BOBLME Indian mackerel genetics harmonisation training workshop, Kochi, India, 20-27 August, 2013

This workshop was held at the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources and followed on from the Indian mackerel Working group meeting in Colombo (28-29 May, 2012). Activities included; DNA extraction; PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for microsatellites; genotyping microsatellites; data analysis; emerging technologies; and an action plan

荞麦(Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.和F. esculentum Moench.)对紫外线B辐射的响应研究

近二十多年来，基于对臭氧层衰减、紫外线B（UV-B）增强的担心，研究者希望了解到紫外线辐射对不同作物的影响情况，增强UV-B辐射条件下是否对作物的生长发育、产量质量构成威胁。在本试验中，我们首先探讨了双子叶作物黄瓜（Cucumis sativus）和大豆（Glycine max）对不同紫外波段的生物效应[分别为B-UVA（315-400 nm），N-UVA（315-340 nm），B-UVB（275-400 nm）和N-UVB（290-340 nm），UV-（>400nm）作对照]。我们观察到所有的UV波段处理都使黄瓜和大豆的生长受到抑制，并且细胞受到不同程度的氧化伤害；UV波段处理的作用效果与不同波段的紫外有效生物辐射剂量有关。处理差异在UV-B波段内部和UV-A波段内部同样存在。植物生长UV辐射公式（BSWF）能很好的预测本试验UV-B波段内的平均植物效应，但不能预测UV-A波段的植物效应。短波UV-A的生物作用强于长波UV-A。光合色素的变化与UV波谱差异和种间差异有关。在高的紫外/可见光背景下，UV-A处理同UV-B同样导致光合色素的降低，但黄瓜类胡萝卜素/叶绿素比例升高。与其他研究者的试验结果比较后，我们认为紫外线B辐射的生物效应一致性很高，但紫外线A波段的生物学效应存在较大争议。因此我们在本试验的基础上仅进行荞麦[苦荞(Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.)和甜荞(Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.)]对紫外线B波段的响应研究。 我们对苦荞品种-圆籽荞进行了连续两个生长季节的大田半控制试验以观察UV-B辐射对苦荞生长、发育、产量及叶片色素的影响；试验小区进行降低UV-B、近充足UV-B和增强UV-B辐射处理。我们的试验表明在不同强度UV-B辐射下苦荞的生长、地上部生物量积累及最终产量都有所下降，但苦荞的发育加快；当前条件下的日光紫外线B辐射对植物生长和产量也造成负面影响。植物光合色素被日光及增强UV-B辐射降低；UV化合物及卢丁含量在中低剂量的UV-B辐射强度下显著升高，但在高剂量的增强UV-B辐射下短期升高后迅速下降。我们的试验表明苦荞是一个对UV-B高度敏感的作物。苦荞对UV-B的敏感性与UV-B剂量、外界环境因素及生长季节有关。 单个苦荞品种的试验结果使我们认识到外界UV-B辐射已经对苦荞生长发育构成逆境条件，未来全球气候变化条件下增强紫外线B辐射可能使其处于更不利的生长环境中。因此我们有进行了多个种群进行UV-B响应观察并筛选耐性种群。我们对15个苦荞种群进行增强UV-B辐射处理（6.30 kJ m2 UV-BBE，模拟当地25%的臭氧衰减），我们观察苦荞UV-B辐射效应存在显著的种内差异，UV-B辐射对多数种群具有抑制作用，但对一些种群还有刺激作用。我们采用主成分分析方法与作物UV-B响应指数（RI）来评价苦荞作物UV-B辐射耐性。我们发现作物的UV-B耐性不仅与其原产地背景UV-B强度有关，而且与作物相对生长效率、次生代谢产物含量（如卢丁）及其他因素有关。我们观察到苦荞伸展叶总叶绿素变化与UV-B耐性成正相关；室内苦荞幼苗的UV-B辐射致死试验表明：苦荞种群死亡率与其UV-B耐性成负相关。 此外，我们对甜荞的UV-B辐射响应也进行了初步研究。选取美姑甜荞、巧家甜荞和云龙甜荞进行5个梯度的增强UV-B辐射室外模拟试验。我们观察到UV-B辐射显著降低了甜荞的生长、生物量及产量；并严重影响了甜荞的生殖生长，降低了花序数、种子数和结实率；并且UV-B辐射对甜荞的抑制作用存在显著的剂量效应。三种甜荞品种存在显著的种内差异，其中美姑品种UV-B耐性最强，且膜脂受UV-B辐射氧化伤害最小，这与该品种UV-B辐射下较高的GR酶活性、APX酶活性和PPO酶活性、以及含量更高的抗坏血酸有关。甜荞的次生代谢也受到增强UV-B辐射的影响，其香豆酰类化合物在UV-B辐射下升高显著，而槲皮素含量也在高剂量UV-B辐射下有所增加；卢丁含量依赖UV-B辐射剂量而变化，中低剂量UV-B辐射下其卢丁含量逐渐升高，但在高剂量辐射下逐渐下降。 通过对生长在高海拔地区的荞麦作物(苦荞和甜荞)进行的室外研究，我们认识到作物不同品种存在很大的耐性差异，这就为UV-B耐性育种创造了有利条件。进一步加大荞麦种质资源筛选力度并深入认识荞麦抗性机理，在此基础上通过杂交或其他基因融合手段培育抗性品种，对高剂量UV-B辐射地区的荞麦产量的提高将起到重要推动作用，并使荞麦生产能有效应对未来全球气候变化条件下UV-B辐射可能升高的威胁。 During last few decades, due to concern of ozone layer depletion and enhancement of ultraviolet B radiation（UV-B, 280-315 nm), the agronomist want to know the responses of different crop species to UV-B. In the first experiment of our study, the effect of different UV band [B-UVA（315-400 nm), N-UVA（315-340 nm), B-UVB（275-400 nm), N-UVB（290-340 nm）and UV-（>400nm, as control)] on the cucumber（Cucumis sativus）and soybean（Glycine max）were investigated in growth room. Spectra-dependent differences in growth and oxidation indices existed within UV-A bands as well as UV-B bands. The general biological effects of different band were UV- ＜ B-UVA＜ N-UVA＜N-UVB＜B-UVB. The plant growth biologically spectra weighting function（BSWF）matched well with average plant response in UV-B region, but not in UV-A region. Shorter UV-A wavelength imposed more negative impact than longer UV-A wavelength did in both species. The effect on photosynthetic pigment was related to different UV bands and different species. The photosynthetic pigment content was decreased by UV-A spectra as well as UV-B spectra. In comparison with the results of previous studies, we found that the wavelength-dependent biological effect of ultraviolet B radiation has high consistency, but the biological effect of ultraviolet-A radiation was inconsistent. We narrow our following study on the effect of ultraviolet B radiation on the buckwheat（tartary buckwheat and common buckwheat). The tartary buckwheat（Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.）cultivars Yuanziqiao was grown in the sheltered field plots for two consecutive seasons under reduced, near-ambient and two supplemental levels of UV-B radiation. The crop growth, photosynthetic pigments, total biomass, final seed yield and thousand-grain weight were decreased by near-ambient and enhanced UV-B radiation, while crop development was promoted by enhanced UV-B radiation. Leaf rutin concentration and UV-B absorbing compound was generally increased by UV-B with the exception of 8.50 kJ m-2 day-1 supplemental levels. Our results showed that tartary buckwheat is a potentially UV-B sensitive species. Study on one cultivars showed that ambient solar radiation had present a stress to tartary buckwheat. This makes it necessary to observe the UV-B response of many cultivars and screen tolerant cultivars. Fifteen populations of tartary buckwheat were experienced enhanced UV-B radiation simulating 25% depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer in Kunming region, and plant responses in growth, morphology and productivity were observed. Principal components analysis（PCA）was used to evaluate overall sensitivity of plant response to UV-B as well as response index. The different populations exhibited significant differences in responses to UV-B. The photosynthetic pigments of young seedlings were also affected significantly under field condition. On the other hand, the healthy seedlings of different populations were exposed to the high level of UV-B radiation in growth chambers to determine the plant lethality rate. The plant tolerance evaluated by multivariate analysis was positively related to total plant chlorophyll change, but negatively related to lethality rate. In other hand, the UV-B responses of the other important cultivated buckwheat species, common buckwheat（Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.), were also studied preliminarily. Three widespread cultivated variety（Meigu, Qiaojia and Yunlong cultivars）were provided with five level of enhanced UV-B radiation outdoors. We observed that the crop growth, development and production were significantly decreased, and reproductive production, like anthotaxy number, seed number and seed setting ratio, was also decreased. Dose-dependent inhibition effect caused by enhanced UV-B radiation also existed in common buckwheat. Significant intraspecific difference existed in those three cultivars. The Meigu cultivars with dwarfed growth and lower production have highest UV-B tolerance as well as lowest damage in cell membrane, this could be associated with profound enhancements of glutathione reductase（GR）activity, ascorbate peroxidase activity and polyphenol oxidase activity as well as higher ascorbic acid concentration. The secondary metabolism was also affected by UV-B radiation, with profound elevation of coumarin compound and moderate increase of quercetin concentration. Rutin concentration was peaked in 5kJ m-2 UV-B. The contrasting effect of UV-B radiation on different populations indicated that there existed abundant genetic resources for selecting tolerant populations of common and tartary buckwheat. Much effort needed be pose on screening of buckwheat germplasm and clarification of mechanism of buckwheat tolerance to UV-B. On this base the tolerant cultivars could be bred by hybridization and other gene transfusion method, this would help increase buckwheat yield in high ambient UV-B region and counteract the effect of possible enhanced UV-B radiation in future.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus

Lutjanus argentimaculatus, also called mangrove red snapper, is a commercially important fish in East Asia. A proper understanding of population structure is primarily linked with the management of genetic resources in exploiting marine fisheries. Herein, seven microsatellite loci, which showed high polymorphism (observed heterozygosity per locus ranging from 0.3571 to 0.7857 and expected heterozygosity per locus ranging from 0.6236 to 0.8821), were isolated and characterized from L. argentimaculatus. Cross-species amplifications also indicate that primers designed for these loci may be useful for further studies about other closely phylogenetic species of the family Lutjanidae.

An efficient methodology for cryopreservation of spermatozoa of red seabream, Pagrus major, with 2-mL cryovials

The aim of this study was to optimize the cryopreservation protocols for the sperm of red seabream, Pagrus major. The 2-mL cryovials and programmable freezer were employed for cryopreservation. Six extenders, six cryoprotectants in various concentrations ranging from 6 to 20% (v/v), four cooling rates, and three thawing temperatures were evaluated by postthaw sperm motility and fertility. The ratio of sperm to egg for postthaw sperm fertilization trials was experimentally standardized and was optimal at 500:1. The best motility of postthaw sperm (79.4 +/- 4.7% to 88.6 +/- 8.0%), fertilization rates (89.6 +/- 2.9 to 95.6 +/- 1.9%), and hatching rates (85.3 +/- 5.1% to 91.4 +/- 4.3%) were achieved when Cortland extender, dimethyl sulfoxide (15, 18, and 20%) or ethylene glycol (9, 12%) as cryoprotectants, 20 C/min as the cooling rate, and 40 C as the thawing temperature were employed. Moreover, the results on embryonic development were not significantly different between cryopreserved sperm and fresh sperm during incubation process. In conclusion, these methods of cryopreservation of red seabream sperm are suitable for routine aquaculture application and preservation of genetic resources.

Identification of putative markers of triclabendazole resistance by a genome-wide analysis of genetically recombinant Fasciola hepatica

Despite years of investigation into triclabendazole (TCBZ) resistance in Fasciola hepatica, the genetic mechanisms responsible remain unknown. Extensive analysis of multiple triclabendazole-susceptible and -resistant isolates using a combination of experimental in vivo and in vitro approaches has been carried out, yet few, if any, genes have been demonstrated experimentally to be associated with resistance phenotypes in the field. In this review we summarize the current understanding of TCBZ resistance from the approaches employed to date. We report the current genomic and genetic resources for F. hepatica that are available to facilitate novel functional genomics and genetic experiments for this parasite in the future. Finally, we describe our own non-biased approach to mapping the major genetic loci involved in conferring TCBZ resistance in F. hepatica.

Influência de fatores ambientais na condição corporal e produção de leite da cabra serrana – ecótipo ribatejano

A cabra Serrana destaca-se, no panorama das raças autóctones, pela sua considerável distribuição geográgica, expressão numérica e desempenho produtivo. A preservação destes recursos genéticos em sistemas produção rentáveis, requer um aprofundamento do conhecimento sobre os fatores que influenciam o seu desempenho produtivo. Observaram-se 51 animais de raça Serrana, ecótipo Ribatejano, inscritos no Registo Zootécnico, em 4ª ou 5ª lactação, provenientes de seis explorações, recolhendo-se dados realativos à idade ao parto, condição corporal e grau de parasitismo (estrongilídeos gastrintestinais, oocistos e larvas de primeiro estadio de estrongilídeos pulmonares). Utilizou-se a informação do contraste leiteiro das cabras, disponibilizada pela Associação de Criadores de Caprinos e Ovinos do Ribatejo e Oeste. A condição corporal foi analisada considerando os efeitos do criador, mês e tipo de parto, e como covariável, o efeito linear da produção de leite, eliminação parasitária e os efeitos linear e quadrático da idade ao parto. Os fatores ambientais idade ao parto, produção de leite e a eliminação de estrongilídeos gastrintestinais, influenciaram significativamente (p<0,05) a condição corporal. A condição corporal registou valores superiores em cabras com idades compreendidas entre 50 e 60 meses de vida, e foi influenciada negativamente pela elevação da produção de leite e pelo nível de estrongilídeos gastrintestinais. The Serrana stands out among autochthonous goat breeds for its wide geographical distribution, large inventory and considerable productive performances. The preservation of animal genetic resources of this kind requires a better knowledge of the factors affecting productive performance. Data has been collected on 51, 4th and 5th lactation registered Serrana goats of the Ribatejano ecotype, from six different herds. Parameters examined were age at kidding, body condition score and parasitic infection level (gastrointestinal strongyles, oocysts and first stage larvae of pulmonary strongyles). Lactation data from the official milk recording service have been supplied by the Associação de Criadores de Caprinos e Ovinos do Ribatejo e Oeste. Body condition score was analysed for the discrete effects of herd, kidding month and number of kids born per kidding, the covariant linear effects of milk yield and parasitic infection and the linear and quadratic effects of age at kidding. Age at kidding, milk yield and gastrointestinal strongyle fecal egg counts have significantly affected body condition scores (p<0,05). Body condition scores were higher for 50 to 60-month old goats, and were negatively influenced by milk yield and gastrointestinal strongyle infection level.

Droits de propriété intellectuelle et protection des plantes: approches, limites et perspectives

Le droit de la propriété intellectuelle présente, depuis quelques années, un intérêt particulier à l'évolution de la recherche sur les plantes. Ceci s'est traduit, au plan international, par l'adoption de plusieurs instruments visant à assurer une meilleure protection des investissements consentis dans ce domaine. Il s'agit notamment de la Convention de l'UPOV, qui s'inscrit dans une logique de protection par la voie sui generis avec la possibilité de délivrance de certificat d'obtention végétale aux sélectionneurs; de l'Accord ADPIC, qui, en plus de recommander un système sui generis efficace, ouvre l'option de protection par brevet ou en définitive par le cumul des deux systèmes; de la Convention sur la Diversité Biologique (CDB) et du Traité de la FAO portant sur les ressources phytogénétiques pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture, qui, favorables aux deux précédentes formes de protection, demandent que soient prises en compte des considérations relatives aux droits souverains des pays sur leurs ressources végétales, au partage des bénéfices, etc. Au plan régional, on distingue, entre autres, l'initiative de l'Afrique, visant à assurer la protection des plantes suivant une logique partagée entre l'alignement sur les normes internationales existantes (Accord de Bangui) ou l'institution d'une autre législation originale qui reflète les réalités et préoccupations du continent (Loi modèle). Il apparaît donc qu'il existe plusieurs instruments pour cerner la même réalité. Ceci est forcément la source de quelques difficultés qui sont d'ordre conceptuel, socioéconomique, environnemental et juridique. Pour les pallier, il est important que certaines conditions soient satisfaites afin d'harmoniser les points de vue entre les différents acteurs concernés par la question et d'assurer une appropriation conséquente des instruments adoptés.

La pertinence de l’obligation de divulguer l’origine des ressources génétiques et des savoirs traditionnels dans les demandes de brevets

Le développement fulgurant noté dans le domaine des biotechnologies peut être attribué, sinon essentiellement du moins partiellement, à l’utilisation des ressources génétiques (RG) et des savoirs traditionnels (ST) acquis sur ces ressources. Ces ressources et ces savoirs sont, notamment, utilisés dans le cadre d’inventions biotechnologiques qui peuvent s’avérer concluantes et faire l’objet de demande de protection par brevet. Ce développement ne s’est tout de même pas réalisé sans heurts majeurs, il l’a été au prix de tumultueuses oppositions. En effet, la découverte progressive de la valeur commerciale et scientifique de telles ressources et de tels savoirs a fait naître des intérêts et attisé des rivalités qui ont fini par opposer fournisseurs et utilisateurs de ces matériels. Force est de constater que parmi leurs divergences, celle qui se rapporte au partage des avantages fait l’objet de discussions des plus âpres qui soient dans le domaine. Une solution qui a été, aussi, envisagée a porté sur les régimes d’accès et de partage des avantages. Ce partage des avantages, les pays fournisseurs espèrent le réaliser par le biais de l’obligation de divulguer l’origine des RG et des ST dans les demandes de brevets. L’application d’une telle exigence connaît des limites en ce sens qu’elle est d’application territoriale. C’est sur la base d’un tel constat que les pays fournisseurs envisagent d’en faire une obligation reconnue et applicable à un niveau international. Dans le cadre de cette étude, nous essaierons de démontrer que l’obligation de divulguer l’origine des RG et des ST dans les demandes de brevets, telle qu’elle est actuellement appliquée, ne constitue pas un moyen pertinent qui permettrait d’en arriver à un partage juste et équitable des avantages.

Le mouvement du commerce équitable et la Convention sur la Diversité Biologique

Un des mouvements socio-économiques contemporains les plus anciens sur la scène internationale, le commerce équitable contribue à une meilleure prise en compte des conditions sociales des producteurs des pays en développement dans le commerce international. Au moment où la notion d’équité tend à devenir omniprésente dans nos sociétés, ce mouvement initié par la société civile semble méconnaître le principe de « partage juste et équitable » des ressources génétiques inclus dans la Convention sur la Diversité Biologique (CDB). Cet article étudie l’application différenciée des principes de la CDB par des acteurs du secteur privé, entreprises et labels, et du commerce équitable. Il conclus ainsi à l’opportunité d’une mise à jour des approches développées par le mouvement du commerce équitable qui prenne en compte les enjeux de la valorisation de la biodiversité et des savoirs traditionnels associés.

L’accès et le partage des avantages des savoirs traditionnels en Amérique latine : comment les droits de propriété intellectuelle peuvent empêcher la biopiraterie

Ce travail se situe dans la perspective des études sur la protection des savoirs traditionnels contre la biopiraterie commise par quelques industries pharmaceutiques et cosmétiques. Malgré le débat qui s’est déroulé à ce sujet après la signature de la Convention sur la diversité biologique, ces patrimoines culturels continuent d’être largement menacés. L’étude se propose d’analyser les mécanismes capables de protéger contre la biopiraterie les savoirs traditionnels associés à la biodiversité qui intéressent l’industrie pharmaceutique, et ce, par le biais des droits de propriété intellectuelle existants aussi bien à l’échelle internationale que dans le cadre des législations nationales. Ces mécanismes sont évalués quant à leur efficacité, en vue d’en identifier les plus intéressants, susceptibles d’être adoptés soit par des pays qui ne disposent pas encore de législation en matière de protection des savoirs traditionnels soit pour être utilisés dans le cadre international. Avec cet objectif, le présent travail dressera un panorama concernant la législation du Brésil, du Costa Rica et du Pérou. En outre, seront mises en exergue par la suite les différentes conventions en lien avec les savoirs traditionnels, à savoir la Convention sur la diversité biologique, le Protocole de Nagoya, le Comité intergouvernemental de la propriété intellectuelle relative aux ressources génétiques, aux savoirs traditionnels et au folklore de l’Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle. L’analyse menée a mis en lumière un certain nombre de dispositions assez efficaces pouvant être utilisées de façon optimale par des pays ne disposant pas de législation en matière de protection des savoirs traditionnels ou encore pouvant être intégrées dans des traités internationaux en la matière, afin de rendre lesdits traités plus efficaces sur le plan pratique. Bien plus, ladite analyse démontre que l’Accord sur les aspects des droits de propriété intellectuelle qui touchent au commerce est actuellement l’accord le plus coercitif et le plus contraignant lorsque l’on veut mener une lutte efficace contre la biopiraterie. Par ailleurs, en s’appuyant sur des fondements théoriques constructivistes, notre analyse essaye de démontrer que les pays du Sud, riches en biodiversité et en savoirs traditionnels, peuvent véritablement impulser un mouvement en faveur d’une législation internationale efficace en matière de protection des savoirs traditionnels

A note about Triticum in Oman

Little is known about the diversity of wheat (Triticum spp.) in Oman. Results of a survey conducted in two remote mountain oases of northern Oman indicate that there exists considerable morphological variation within and among the five traditional landraces of wheat cultivated. Within two of the landraces grown on irrigated terraces, 2 sized between 2 and 100 m , two new botanical wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum var. baladseetense and var. maqtaense) were identified of which the agronomic properties, in particular tolerance to drought and heat, and the nutritional value require further investigation.

Emmer (Triticum dicoccon Schrank) in Oman

Emmer (Triticum dicoccon ) was collected recently in northern Oman. The material was analyzed morphologically and phenologically. It belongs to the Asiatic emmers (subsp. asiaticum) and not to the Ethiopian ones (subsp. abyssinicum), distributed in Ethiopia and Yemen, as originally expected. The determination of the material resulted in var. haussknechtianum and var. aeruginosum.