We non-lethally investigated total PCB loads, congener specific PCB profiles, and songs of black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) along a historical PCB gradient at the Hudson River in New York State. Our results indicate that black-capped chickadees and song sparrows have higher total blood PCBs in regions with higher historic PCB contamination. The two bird species varied substantially in their congener-specific PCB profiles; within sites, song sparrows showed a significantly higher proportion of lower chlorinated PCBs, while black-capped chickadees

had higher proportions of highly chlorinated PCBs. In areas of PCB pollution, the species-specific identity signal in black-capped chickadee CYT387 song varied significantly, while variation in song sparrow trill performance was

best predicted by the mono-ortho PCB load. Thus, PCBs may affect song production, an important component of communication in birds. In conclusion, we suggest that the ramifications of changes in song quality for bird populations may extend RG-7112 solubility dmso the toxic effects of environmental PCB pollution.”
“Tolerance to low P soils is a desirable trait in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars grown in acid-weathered soils. Genetic variability in response to P-deficient soils exists in the Andean gene pool. G19833, a low P-tolerant indeterminate Andean landrace, has been evaluated for quantitative trait loci (QTL) and tolerance to low P in combination with Mesoamerican parents. Our goal was to expand our understanding of phenotypic traits and QTL from G19833 expressed in an Andean background. An F(5:7) recombinant inbred line (RIL) population developed from two Andean bean genotypes, G19833 and AND696, a determinate line susceptible to low P soils, was examined under low and high soil P levels in replicated field trials. Phosphorus uptake was reduced by 70% and yield by 60% in low P compared to high P treatments. A linkage map was developed with 11 linkage groups and a total length

of 1105 cM. Quantitative trait loci for root growth, seed yield, seed P content, and P use efficiency colocalized near the fin gene on linkage group B1. Quantitative trait loci for root growth click here traits, seed yield, and P uptake colocalized on B11. Quantitative trait loci for root length density (cm cm(-3)) and root surface area (cm(2)) did not colocalize with QTL for P uptake. This study indicates that root traits did not play an important role in tolerance to low P soil in an Andean x Andean cross, contrary to previous results with the same P-efficient Andean parent (G19833) crossed to a Mesoamerican bean genotype.”
“In this study, optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from the aerial root of Ficus microcarpa (FMPS) were investigated.