Crop responses to sulfonylurea residues in soils of the subtropical grain region of Australia

Crop response following applications of sulfonylurea herbicides can vary considerably across the grain region of subtropical Australia. The aim of the study was to develop recommendations for safe re-cropping following chlorsulfuron, triasulfuron, and metsulfuron-methyl specific for the different soils and climates of this region. Seedling dry matter (SDM) and grain yield were measured at 17 sites over 4 seasons. Soils were ferrosols (pH 5.5-6.8), sodosols (pH 6.6-7.1), and vertosols (pH 7.8-9.0). Sorghum and sunflower were sown at plant-backs between 2 and 20 months, and chickpea at 10-13 months, after applications of sulfonylurea herbicides. Seedling response of the summer crops to these herbicides was substantially different for the 3 soils. Crop response in the ferrosols was largely unaffected by plant-back, soil, or climatic factors after a minimum of 2-3 months. In contrast, response of summer crops in the vertosols and sodosols was strongly affected by plant-backs for up to 10 months, and SDM was more affected in sodosols than in vertosols. Predictive relationships between SDM and plant-back, cumulative temperature, and measured chlorsulfuron residues were developed for sowing summer crops in these soils. In ferrosols and vertosols, chickpea was unaffected by any treatment following plant-back of 10-12 months. These findings indicate that shorter re-cropping is possible in this region than currently recommended. However, the decision should be based not only on plant-back, but on soil type, cumulative temperature, and possibly even residue level in soil. These more specific recommendations will improve the safety and flexibility of re-cropping following applications of sulfonylurea herbicides in this region

Annotated checklist of eels (orders Anguilliformes and Saccopharyngiformes) from Taiwan

An annotated checklist of eels, orders Anguilliformes and Saccopharyngiformes, occurring in Taiwanese waters is presented. The checklist is the result of a series of systematic studies conducted by the authors in the past few years. The eel fauna of Taiwan is one of the richest in the world with a total of 206 species in 74 genera and 13 families in Anguilliformes and a single species in Saccopharyngiformes. The most species-rich families are the Muraenidae with 71 species, followed by the Ophichthidae with 60 species, the Congridae with 29 species, and the Synaphobranchidae with 17 species. Moreover, three genera and 42 species have been described based on at least one type specimen collected from Taiwan. Of these, 36 species are recognized as valid and 23 species are known only from Taiwanese waters at present. Historical records of all Taiwanese eel species are reviewed by examining the original descriptions and figures, vouchers, as well as the recently collected specimens, where available. This represents the first detailed checklist of eels from Taiwanese waters

Locomotion, fin coordination and body form of the living coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae

Locomotion and fin coordination of the only living crossopterygian fish Latimeria chalumnae were studied with submersibles in the fish's natural habitat at around 200 m depth off Grand Comoro, western Indian Ocean. Latimeria is a highly specialized predatory fish adapted for nocturnal drift hunting with good fast start capability. Twelve different forward movements and manoeuvres were found and described. The movements of the paired and unpaired fins were analysed. Propulsion was accomplished with downstrokes of the pectoral fins and right-left or left-right strokes of the unpaired lobed fins. The paired fins were not used for walking on the bottom. Swimming velocity, stroke amplitudes and stroke duration were analysed from films and videos taken in the wild. Stroke duration of the paired and unpaired lobed fins was similar and varies between 1.9 to 5.8 sec. Paired fins alternated synchronously. The coordination at approximately ø = 180° between opposite paired fins is stable and independent of locomotory pattern and velocity. A phase deviation of about 90°–100° exists between paired and unpaired fins. A model is developed that describes the functional implication of this deviation as a method of producing a steady swimming performance which smooths recoil movements and prevents rotation of the body. The novel slow and fast swimming mode of Latimeria is named in accordance with Breder's (1926) descriptive nomenclature as ‘coelacanthiform’. This study indicates a primary swimming function for the primitive sarcopterygian fin and confirms earlier evolutionary assumptions of a more open-water life style of coelacanth fishes. Paleoethological models of the walking habits of Latimeria have to be rejected. Synchronous alternation of paired fins originating from hydrodynamic demands could be a pre-adaptation and a shared derived character in sarcopterygian fishes that facilitated the fish-tetrapod transition