2,557 research outputs found

    Insights from Population Genomics to Enhance and Sustain Biological Control of Insect Pests

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    Biological control—the use of organisms (e.g., nematodes, arthropods, bacteria, fungi, viruses) for the suppression of insect pest species—is a well-established, ecologically sound and economically profitable tactic for crop protection. This approach has served as a sustainable solution for many insect pest problems for over a century in North America. However, all pest management tactics have associated risks. Specifically, the ecological non-target effects of biological control have been examined in numerous systems. In contrast, the need to understand the short- and long-term evolutionary consequences of human-mediated manipulation of biological control organisms for importation, augmentation and conservation biological control has only recently been acknowledged. Particularly, population genomics presents exceptional opportunities to study adaptive evolution and invasiveness of pests and biological control organisms. Population genomics also provides insights into (1) long-term biological consequences of releases, (2) the ecological success and sustainability of this pest management tactic and (3) non-target effects on native species, populations and ecosystems. Recent advances in genomic sequencing technology and model-based statistical methods to analyze population-scale genomic data provide a much needed impetus for biological control programs to benefit by incorporating a consideration of evolutionary consequences. Here, we review current technology and methods in population genomics and their applications to biological control and include basic guidelines for biological control researchers for implementing genomic technology and statistical modeling

    2011 Strategic roadmap for Australian research infrastructure

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    The 2011 Roadmap articulates the priority research infrastructure areas of a national scale (capability areas) to further develop Australia’s research capacity and improve innovation and research outcomes over the next five to ten years. The capability areas have been identified through considered analysis of input provided by stakeholders, in conjunction with specialist advice from Expert Working Groups   It is intended the Strategic Framework will provide a high-level policy framework, which will include principles to guide the development of policy advice and the design of programs related to the funding of research infrastructure by the Australian Government. Roadmapping has been identified in the Strategic Framework Discussion Paper as the most appropriate prioritisation mechanism for national, collaborative research infrastructure. The strategic identification of Capability areas through a consultative roadmapping process was also validated in the report of the 2010 NCRIS Evaluation. The 2011 Roadmap is primarily concerned with medium to large-scale research infrastructure. However, any landmark infrastructure (typically involving an investment in excess of $100 million over five years from the Australian Government) requirements identified in this process will be noted. NRIC has also developed a ‘Process to identify and prioritise Australian Government landmark research infrastructure investments’ which is currently under consideration by the government as part of broader deliberations relating to research infrastructure. NRIC will have strategic oversight of the development of the 2011 Roadmap as part of its overall policy view of research infrastructure

    Insect phenology: a geographical perspective

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    Comparative analysis between fixed and variable rate nitrogen applications in open-field borettana cultivation

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    openThis thesis presents a comparative analysis of fixed and variable rate nitrogen applications in open-field Borettana onion cultivation. The study integrates field surveys and remote sensing data, specifically NVDI maps obtained through drone imaging. Six sample collections were conducted at different stages of onion growth. By developing and applying variable rate algorithms, the research aims to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of precision farming techniques in optimizing nitrogen fertilizer prescriptions. The results provide valuable insights into the benefits and drawbacks of both fixed and variable rate nitrogen applications, contributing to the advancement of precision farming practices in open-field crop cultivation.This thesis presents a comparative analysis of fixed and variable rate nitrogen applications in open-field Borettana onion cultivation. The study integrates field surveys and remote sensing data, specifically NVDI maps obtained through drone imaging. Six sample collections were conducted at different stages of onion growth. By developing and applying variable rate algorithms, the research aims to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of precision farming techniques in optimizing nitrogen fertilizer prescriptions. The results provide valuable insights into the benefits and drawbacks of both fixed and variable rate nitrogen applications, contributing to the advancement of precision farming practices in open-field crop cultivation

    Economic and Environmental Assessment of Advanced Biofuels : Adoption Under Uncertainty, Farmer Willingness, and Land Use Implications

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    The production of biofuels offers the prospect of enhancing a country’s energy security by limiting petroleum imports and supporting domestic economic activity by bolstering agricultural and allied sectors. Additionally, advanced biofuels can reduce the reliance on food-grain based first generation ethanol, replace a part of our fossil fuel consumption, and potentially reduce environmental impacts through greenhouse gas emission reductions. However, the cellulosic biofuel industry has not developed as anticipated due to slow advancements in the technology for converting feedstock to fuel, improvements in vehicular efficiency, which has muted fuel demand, and lack of an assured year-round supply of feedstock that has hindered commercial viability of cellulosic biofuel production. Against this backdrop, this dissertation explores the development of switchgrass based bioenergy from economic, environmental, and policy perspectives. We evaluate switchgrass adoption under uncertainty by developing a discrete-time binomial framework to model output prices. This approach allows us to incorporate the time-to-establishment attributes of switchgrass cultivation into the modeling framework. We analyze the economic viability of investments in switchgrass cultivation under various price transitions, evaluate the relationship between risk and profitability, and estimate the value of flexible decision-making. Understanding the perceptions of the farming community about producing crops used in biofuel production, and whether they will adopt switchgrass cultivation, is a crucial part of the bioenergy feedstock supply puzzle. To our knowledge, our study undertook the first survey of farmers in Missouri to delineate their perceptions and preferences around bioenergy production since the new administration assumed office. Therefore, our survey results are timely and provide valuable insights regarding the potential for switchgrassbased bioenergy. We unravel the influence of a host of factors on farmer willingness to cultivate switchgrass. Finally, we study the role of farmer perceptions around the suitability of switchgrass for their operations and assess their initial land allocation decisions. We find that land allocated for switchgrass cultivation is more likely to come from lands under hay or under other uses. Our research contributes to the body of knowledge about energy crop cultivation and has important implications for designing policies that consider financial incentives, risk management, and future land use perspectives

    PROGRAM REVIEW 1993: Self Study Report Department of Biometry

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    The CSRS review team applauds the statistical expertise of the Biometry Department which began as the statistical Laboratory in 1957 and culminated with the current academic Department of Biometry. This enhancement has been highlighted by a significant increase in the number of faculty and staff, the initiation of a Master of Science program, and the provision of graduate assistant stipends. With the presence of seven faculty, the imminent increase from seven to fifteen graduate students, the establishment of statistical consulting with numerous IANR faculty, and the diverse research and teaching expertise of the faculty, the department is poised to provide greater service to the University. Future goals may include: (1) establishment of a statistical department worthy of national recognition by joining the faculties of the Department of Biometry and the Division of statistics from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and (2) the formation of a PhD program in Statistics that encompasses biometry and theoretical statistics. It is apparent that the faculty is capable of conducting statistical research of a more theoretical nature. However, securing research grants as principal investigators or as co-investigators with other UNL faculty is required to fully support those research endeavors. With successful grant activity a greater portion of research results should be published in statistical journals. Based on discussions, consultations on experimental design and data analysis are appropriate and much appreciated by IANR faculty. While personal consultations have been highly beneficial, the initiation of a Help Desk provides rapid and accurate response to straightforward statistical questions; thereby relieving the Biometry faculty for personal ·consultation on more complex statistical issues. The help desk provides valuable and real world training for graduate students. Courses taught as a service to undergraduate and graduate IANR students appear to be appropriate in number and content. With a master\u27s program successfully started, more formal policies for recruitment, selection, advising, and placement should be initiated. Further attention is required to provide space, computers, and advisers for graduate students. Faculty expressed an appreciation for the strong support provided to Biometry by the administration from the Head, Deans, and Vice Chancellor. The team however, notes several management concerns including: the lack of faculty meetings; inadequate communications among Head, faculty, and graduate students; the need for continual curriculum improvement; and the lack of sufficient office and laboratory space. Concern is also raised about the potential over-commitment to international consulting at the expense of performing departmental functions. The team is reluctant to recommend the immediate initiation of a PhD program in the Biometry Department. Establishment of a successful master\u27s program before pursuing the doctoral program appears prudent. The merger of the two UNL statistical groups into one department would position UNL for a strong PhD program
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