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An increase in the establishment and spread of invasive alien plant species (IAPS) poses significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts. This study aimed to detect potential variations in the density, biomass, and fruit and seed production of Argemone mexicana L. IAPS along with land uses and agroecologies in south Wollo, Ethiopia. Using a stratified sampling method, eight kebeles, which are Ethiopia's small administrative divisions, were sampled. The data were collected from four land use types covering two agroecology. One-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test, and an independent t-test were used to examine the differences between land use and agroecology respectively. The associations of density, biomass, fruit, and seed density with slope and elevation were assessed using simple linear regression, using R4.2.1 program software. The mean A.mexicana ha−1 s' varied, significantly from 19,000 to 82,416 and 35,079 to 47,062, the aboveground dry biomass in kg m−2 was 0.032 to 1.59 and 0.1395 to 0.689, and the belowground dry biomass in kg m−2 was 0.048 to 0.506 and 0.0988 to 0.2408 between land use and agroecology respectively. The mean fruit per A. mexicana varied from 19 to 97 and 35 to 56, and seed per fruit of A. mexicana was 330 to 400 and 351 to 378 between land use and agroecology, respectively. As the slope and elevation increased, the values of all the measured variables decreased. Grazing land and highland agroecology had the lowest mean values, whereas farmlands and agroecology in the midlands had the highest values. Intervention should began in farmland and midland agroecology to prevent A. mexicana invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey plays a significant role in the world's greenhouse vegetable production. In Antalya Province, the leader of greenhouse production in Turkey, greenhouse cultivation in the highland area beside the coast has shown an outstanding increase. The current study, which was conducted to determine the pest and beneficial species in greenhouse cucumber cultivation in highland conditions, was carried out in three different locations in 2018–2019 two in Elmalı district and one in Korkuteli district. Using sticky traps and plant samplings, the pest species, population densities, and natural enemies were identified during weekly surveys of the greenhouses. According to the study results, 21 pest species belonging to 5 orders and 9 families and 25 beneficial species belonging to 7 orders and 13 families were identified. One pest species, Tetranychus solanacearum Çobanoğlu & Ueckermann, was reported for the first time on cucumber plants in the world in this study. The predators Lestodiplosis urticae Nijveldt, 1951 and Chrysoperla agilis Henry et al., 2003 were recorded for the first time in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria transmission dynamics and entomological indices on highlands have been a subject of interest due to their altitude. Until now, no data exist on malaria entomological indices for Mambilla Plateau; a highland region prone to malaria epidemics in Taraba, North-East Nigeria. We studied malaria entomological indices across five localities (Nguroje, Yelwa, Gembu, Kakara and Mayo Selbe) on the Plateau. Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using Pyrethrum Spray Catch method (PSC) from nineteen (19) households per locality. Anopheles mosquitoes collected were identified morphologically using standard keys. Members of Anopheles gambiae sl. were further identified molecularly. All samples were tested for Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). A total of 569 Anopheles mosquitoes comprising four species; An. gambiae, An. coustani, An. funestus, and An. pharoensis were collected. Mosquito abundance and species diversity reduced with increase in altitude. An. gambiae ss. (93.92%) was the most predominant sibling species of An. gambiae complex on the highland. The presence of sporozoites was detected in 24 (4.22%) samples and all the samples were An. gambiae sl. Man biting rate of Anopheles spp. ranged between 0.02 and 2.56. Entomological inoculation rate (EIR) decreased with increase in altitude with the lowest EIR at Nguroje (0.007 bites/person/night). Results revealed that malaria transmission is ongoing on Mambilla Plateau albeit at a low rate, therefore, efforts should be geared towards malaria vector control at this time when the entomological indices suggest low malaria transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promotion of sustainable maize production in Northern Thailand, the country's largest maize-producing region, is crucial to securing the supply of the nation's feed manufacturing, as well as protecting environmental resources, enhancing social welfare, and improving the livelihoods of farmers and communities. This study aimed to investigate the various sustainable practices of the smallholder highland maize farmers and determine their environmental perceptions of sustainable practices. Face-to-face interviews with local maize farmers in two northern villages of Thailand showed that the farmers performed more sustainable cultivation practices i.e., avoiding the use of prohibited chemicals, but less post-management practices, i.e., managing residues and disposing of agrochemical waste. In addition, the Chi-square test was employed to determine the correlation between various socio-demographic factors and the farming practices. The surveyed farmers perceived the positive environmental impacts of organic fertilizer application and alternative management methods of residues to slash-and-burn, but they did not perceive the same positive impacts for proper agrochemical waste management on the environment. The results of the constraints to the environmental practices identified by the farmers suggested that additional tangible support from the government, such as agrochemical waste disposal facilities and engagement of policymakers and development practitioners, would result in more local-specific interventions that would promote a sustainable highland agriculture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psychoda sp. is often collected from patchy habitats such as sewers, drains and decomposing organic matters. The discovery of Psychoda sp. in forensic studies indicated that it might have noteworthy value in assisting death investigations. Purpose: This study reports on the first finding of Psychoda larvae collected from decomposing rabbit carcasses placed in Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. Methods: The larvae were first observed on rabbit carcasses and were collected using tweezers and carefully preserved in 70% ethanol. They were subsequently mounted on microscopy slides using Hoyer's medium and identified as Psychoda sp. morphologically. The identification was also confirmed through a DNA barcoding analysis. Results: Psychoda sp. larvae were collected on day-10 post-mortem where the rabbit carcasses were at the advanced decay stage of decomposition. The cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene sequences of the larvae had 90% similarity with the Psychoda spp. in the database. Conclusion: The finding of these larvae on carrion may provide additional valuable insights into forensic entomology and may assist in death investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The texture of Kimchi cabbage was investigated by determining the hardness variation of midribs by leaf order and midrib position and analyzing the hardness characteristic by probe type. The objective of this research was the development of assessment methods for hardness of Kimchi cabbages in cropping types of summer season production. The hardness of the midrib of Kimchi cabbage leaves varied depending on the degree of development of the internal and external epidermis and the vascular tissues. The midrib hardness of Kimchi cabbage leaves did not differ significantly among cultivation types and tended to be lower toward the inner leaf. Using the Volodkevich bite jaws probe or blade set probe to measure the cutting force proved to be a suitable approach for examining the texture characteristic of Kimchi cabbage. The peak force of hardness in volodkevich bite jaw probe test the smallest distance and the second and third peak force intervals distance showed shortest among all the tested probes. In addition, hardness force tests with inside and outside results pattern was similar. When measuring the cutting force of midrib by these probes, it is preferable to measure from the outer epidermis to the inner epidermis of the leaf midrib, at 40–50 mm from the leaf stalk, on the 2nd to 6th outer leaves of Kimchi cabbage head formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum æstivum L.) is an important East Africa highland crop but yields are low. Information is scarce for optimization of fertilizer use. Research was conducted to determine yield response functions for N, P and K, and to diagnose Mg-S-Zn-B deficiencies. The average grain yield increase in Rwanda due to N application was 1.5 Mg ha−1 with a mean economically optimal rate (EOR) of 68 kg ha−1 N. In Kenya and Tanzania, yield was increased by 29% with EOR N for two SY but unaffected by N rate for four other SY which on average had 50% of the soil organic C (SOC) as the N-responsive SY. Yield was increased, on average, with application of P and K by 0.47 and 0.23 Mg ha−1, respectively, at EOR in Rwanda but effects were inconsistent for other SY where soil test K was higher than in Rwanda. Application of Mg-S-Zn-B resulted in 0.46 Mg ha−1 more yield in Rwanda but did not affect yield at other SY where the average soil test values for these nutrients was 35% higher than in Rwanda. If the financially constrained farmer opts to apply the affordable fertilizer to twice as much land at 50% EOR compared with 100% EOR, the mean yield increase is reduced by 27% but production and PCR are increased by 43 and 72%, respectively. Nutrient effects were relatively consistent and positive in Rwanda, but less and less inconsistent elsewhere with generally less SOC, more K-Mg-S-Zn-B availability, and often lower yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the diet composition of two wild boar populations living in the Czech Republic, one living in a floodplain, broadleaved, forest (A) and the other in a highland mostly coniferous forest (B). Food consumed by A showed to be mostly of natural origin, while that of B was predominantly supplemented. The diet consisting of natural resources was significantly different than the diet including mainly supplemented food. All diversity indices of food volume were higher in lowland localities compared to highland in all season’s cumulative sample. Similarity of the relative volume and relative frequency gradually decreased from spring to winter. Significant differences were found in wild boar consumption of roots (higher in A), grasses (higher in A), seeds and fruits (higher in B) and cereal husks (higher in B). Differences were also found in body mass of the piglets in A, as piglets were dominant group in both localities. Food supply of the localities and population management by the wildlife managers (supplemented food) were the main factors influencing the diet composition of the wild boar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many studies have been conducted on gene action of grain yield and yield related traits in maize, none of them focused on highland maize in Uganda. This study was conducted to establish the gene action controlling inheritance of yield and its related traits in highland maize hybrids. Thirty-six F hybrids generated from a 9 x 9 half diallel mating design, were planted with two local checks in three highland locations; Kalengyere, Kachwekano, and Buginyanya with two replications using a 2 x 19 alpha (0, 1) lattice design. Results showed that inheritance of ear length and anthesis-silking interval was controlled by both additive and non-additive gene action while the inheritance of days to anthesis, days to silking was mainly controlled by additive gene action. The inheritance of grain yield and other yield related traits was greatly influenced by environment and genotype x environment interaction. Considering the great influence of the environment and genotype x environment interaction on most of the traits including grain yield, further testing in additional locations over more seasons and broadening the genetic base of the parents is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral mapping of lunar surface is significant to understand the origin, crustal evolution, geological history and stratigraphy of the Moon. Advancements in orbital satellite sensor technology has allowed discriminating the minerals on lunar surface using hyperspectral data. The Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M) onboard Chandrayaan-1 provides unprecedented data of lunar surface to study about the Moon. In this paper, the minerals in and around Wegener crater on the lunar highland region was investigated using M data. For this purpose, we used spectral similarity mapping (SSM) and band shape methods to discriminate minerals in this region. In SSM, dimensionality of M data is reduced using Maximum Noise Fraction (MNF) and spectral end-members are extracted through Pixel Purity Index (PPI) algorithm. The mineralogical diversity is classified using Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) algorithm. In addition, different band shape algorithms such as band curvature (bc), band strength (bs), band tilt (bt) and band ratio (br) at crucial wavelengths are applied to recognise the minerals. Low-Ca pyroxene (LCP) minerals are identified in and around this region. The presence of LCP minerals may be attributed to magmatic differentiation or later stage layered mafic intrusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop models are suitable tools to assess the potential impacts of climate change on crop productivity. While the associated assessment reports have been focused on major rice production regions, there is little information on how climate change will impact the future rice crop production in mountainous highland regions. This study investigated effects of climate change on yield of paddy rice ( Oryza sativa) in mountainous highland terrains of Korea using the CERES-Rice 4.0 crop model. The model was first calibrated and validated based on observed data and then applied to simulations for the future projections of rice yield in a typical mountainous terrain which borders North and South Korea, the Haean Basin in Kangwon Province, Republic of Korea. Rice yield in the highland terrain was projected to increase by 2050 and 2100 primarily due to elevated CO concentration. This effect of CO fertilization on yield (+10.9% in 2050 and +20.0% in 2100) was also responsible for increases in water-use efficiency and nitrogen-use efficiency. With management options, such as planting date shift and increasing nitrogen application, additional yield gains were predicted in response to the future climate in this area. We also found that improving genetic traits should be another option to get further yield increases. All in all, climate change in mountainous highland areas should positively influence on paddy rice productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the species composition and prevalence of ixodid ticks infesting horses in three agroecological zones in central Ethiopia. For this purpose, a total of 1,168 horses were examined for tick infestation. An overall prevalence of 39.04% of tick infestation on horses was recorded. A total of 917 adult ticks were collected from infested horses. Amblyomma, Boophilus, Rhipicephalus, and Hyalomma genera with the respective prevalence of 3.2%, 1.8%, 29.2%, and 4.7% were identified. In the study, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi was encountered with the highest prevalence (15.8%) whereas Amblyomma gemma was with lowest prevalence (1.5%). From the highland, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes (3.1%), Hyalomma truncatum (1.0%), and Boophilus decoloratus (0.3%) were identified. From the midland, R. evertsi evertsi (27.5%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (18%), Amblyomma variegatum (3.6%), B. decoloratus (2.8%), H. marginatum rufipes (2.6%), H. truncatum (1.8%), and A. gemma (1.5%) were identified. R. evertsi evertsi, 107 (27.5%), was with the highest prevalence in the midland. From the lowland, R. pulchellus (22.3%), R. evertsi evertsi (20%), H. truncatum (3.6%), A. gemma (3.1%), B. decoloratus (2.3%), H. marginatum rufipes (2.1%), and A. variegatum (1.5%) were identified. In the lowland, R. pulchellus, 87 (22.3%), was the most abundant tick species. The overall prevalence of tick infestation on horses was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher both in the midland, 225 (57.8%), and the lowland, 214 (54.87%), than the highland, 17 (4.4%). This suggests that horses in midland and lowland are at higher risk of tick infestation than those horses in the highland. Further studies on the role of ticks in transmission of diseases to equines and the importance of horses as alternative hosts in different parts of Ethiopia are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents a geospatial knowledge transfer framework by accommodating precipitation maps for the Eastern Nepalese Highland (ENH) across an area of about 100,000 km2. For this remote area, precipitation–elevation relationships are not homogeneously distributed, but present a chaotic gradient of correlations at altitude ranges. This is mainly due to impervious orography, extreme climate, and data scarcity (most of the rain gauges in Himalaya are located at valley bottoms). Applying geostatistical models (e.g. multivariate geospatial approaches) is difficult in these zones. This makes the ENH an interesting test area where we obtained monthly precipitation spatial patterns for a 30-year period (1961–1990). The aim was to both capture orographic meso- α spatial regimen (~30 km) and local pattern variability (~10 km). Data from 58 FAO raingauges were used plus data from an atmospheric weather station (AWS Pyramid) operating at 5,050 m a.s.l., used to compensate the gap of precipitation pattern presents in the area surrounding the Mount Everest. In these complex orographically remote areas of the Himalayas, monsoon precipitation systems exhibit important topographical interactions and spatial correlations, depending on the scale at which the primary variable (e.g., precipitation) and co-variables (e.g., elevation) are recorded and analysed. Precipitations were assessed for months—May, July and September—representative of the monsoon season. For the rainiest month (July), cokriging indicated a range of precipitation values from ~100 mm over the Tibetan Plateau to ~500 mm in the southern part of Nepal, up to ~900 mm towards the pre-Himalayan range. For July, cokriging precipitation map also showed correspondence with the map of vegetation pattern, and therein lies the clue to using multivariate geostatistical models as flexible approaches for estimating precipitation spatial patterns in remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the performance of the horticultural industry in Jordan. Irrigated horticulture (IH), which depends mostly on underground water and dams, is very popular in the country. IH is based on the production of diverse crops which enables Jordan to be self-sufficient and an exporter of horticultural crops. To further improve the horticultural sector, the government is exploring new water resources.

Cameron Highlands is a mountainous region with steep slopes. Gradients exceeding 20∘ are common. The climate is favourable to the cultivation of tea, sub-tropical vegetables and flowers (under rain-shelter). Crop production is sustained by high fertiliser and manure applications. However, agriculture in this environment is characterised by high levels of soil erosion and environmental pollution. A study on the sustainability of these agro-ecosystems was conducted. Results indicated that soil loss was in the range of 24–42 ton/ha/yr under vegetables and 1.3 ton under rain-shelter. Sediment load in the vegetable sub-catchment reached 3.5 g/L, 50 times higher than that associated with flowers under rain-shelter and tea. The sediments contained high nutrient loads of up to 470 kg N/ha/yr. The N, P and K lost in runoff from cabbage farms was 154 kg/season/ha, whereas in chrysanthemum farms it was 5 kg. In cabbage farms, the N, P, and K lost through leaching was 193 kg/season/ha. The NO3–N concentration in the runoff from the cabbage farms reached 25 ppm but less than 10 ppm in runoff from rain-shelters. Inorganic pollution in the rivers was within the acceptable limit of 10 ppm. The sustainability of the agro-ecosystems is in the order of tea { > } rain–shelter ≫ vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used the natural abundance of 15N in soils in forests,pastures and cultivated lands in the Menagesha and Wendo-Genet areasof Ethiopia to make inferences about the N cycles in these ecosystems. Since we have described the history of these sites based on variations in 13C natural abundance, patterns of delta15N and delta13C values were compared to determine if shifts of 15N correlate with shifts of vegetation. At Menagesha, a > 500-yr-old planted forest, we found delta15N values from -8.8 to +3.5 in litter, from -3.5 to +4.5 in 0-10 cm soil layer, and from -1.5 to +6.8 at >20 cm soil depth. The low delta15N in litter and surface mineral soils suggests that a closed Ncycle has operated for a long time. At this site, the low delta13C of the surface horizon and the high delta13C of the lower soil horizons is clear evidence of a long phase of C4 grass dominance or cultivation of C4 crops before the establishment of the forest >500 years ago. In contrast, at Wendo-Genet, high delta13C of soils reveals that most of the landhas been uncovered by forests until recently. Soil delta15N was high throughout (3.4-9.8), and there were no major differences between forested, cultivated and pasture soils in delta15N values of surface mineral soils. The high delta15N values suggest that open N cycles operate in the Wendo-Genet area. From the points of view of soil fertility management, it is interesting that tall forest ecosystems with relatively closed N cycling could be established on the fairly steep slopes at Menagesha after a long periodof grass vegetation cover or cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]