Hydrogen isotope ratios as a Larix detector in archaeological wood samples

Identifying wood species in archaeological specimens is important for the evaluation of timber structures and the conservation of historic buildings. Microscopic wood anatomy is the most commonly used technique for species identification. However, its application is problematic for the analysis of deteriorated wood. In addition, a particular challenge is the distinction of Picea from Larix due to their similar microscopic features. Recently, an analysis of stable isotopes of cellulose has shown that Larix is characterized by significantly more depleted deuterium values compared to Picea as well as other conifers from the Alpine region. To verify if this fact can be used in archaeological studies, we obtained 36 specimens, most of which were not clearly identified as larch or spruce. The cellulose could be extracted from 20 of them. We identified Larix and non-Larix species (Picea) without ambiguity from the deuterium content, except for one sample with an intermediate value. In conclusion, the evaluation of deuterium content is a valuable tool for the study of archaeologic wood

Züchtung auf Resistenz gegen Anthraknose bei Weisser Lupine

1. Hintergrund 2. Lupinen: Potential und Probleme 3. Anthraknose bei Lupinen 4. Resistenzzüchtung: Stand international 5. FiBL – Lupinenprojekt: Ziele, Massnahmen, erste Ergebnisse, Ausblic

Pushing forward white lupin as a local source for protein and nitrogen in Central Europe

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a promising leguminous crop. Europe is fully dependent on protein and nitrogen fertilizer imports. This has tremendous negative effects both in Europe and the producing countries, such as loss of terrestrial biodiversity, pollution of freshwater, increase of greenhouse gases and soil acidification. Diverse crop-rotations with a substantial amount of pulses are a proven solution. The protein composition and yield potential of white lupin suggest that it could become the ‘Soy of the North’. Currently, the seed-borne pathogen Colletotrichum lupini is substantially impeding the cultivation of white lupin in Central Europe. We developed a DNA-based diagnostic test to identify and quantify the fungal pathogen in plants and seeds. This technique will allow us to improve our understanding of the Colletotrichum lupini life cycle and, thereby, lay the basis for an advanced resistance breeding approach

Mining at the Fringes. High-Altitude Prehistoric Copper Mining in the Oberhalbstein Valley (Grisons, Switzerland)

The mining region of Oberhalbstein, to date sparsely studied, has been the subject of archaeological research since 2013. Two mining areas which lie well above the forest line were studied in the summer of 2017. The Avagna-Ochsenalp site includes multi-phased heap features, of which the earliest phase has been dendrochronologically dated to the 11th century BC. In Cotschens, mining traces in an area of approximately 0.1 km2 from an unknown time period have been observed. Here, the flooded mine 1 was studied in more detail. After the cavity had been drained, 66 wood objects were revealed, including mining tools from the 1st century BC. 14C dating further confirms Late Bronze Age and Early to Late Iron Age activity. Stone tools from the adjacent heap also confirm prehistoric on-site ore processing, a unique find so far in the Oberhalbstein region

A qPCR Assay for the Fast Detection and Quantification of Colletotrichum lupini

White lupin (Lupinus albus) represents an important legume crop in Europe and other parts of the world due to its high protein content and potential for low-input agriculture. However, most cultivars are susceptible to anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lupini, a seed- and air-borne fungal pathogen that causes severe yield losses. The aim of this work was to develop a C. lupini-specific quantitative real-time TaqMan PCR assay that allows for quick and reliable detection and quantification of the pathogen in infected seed and plant material. Quantification of C. lupini DNA in dry seeds allowed us to distinguish infected and certified (non-infected) seed batches with DNA loads corresponding to the disease score index and yield of the mother plants. Additionally, C. lupini DNA could be detected in infected lupin shoots and close to the infection site, thereby allowing us to study the disease cycle of this hemibiotrophic pathogen. This qPCR assay provides a useful diagnostic tool to determine anthracnose infection levels of white lupin seeds and will facilitate the use of seed health assessments as a strategy to reduce the primary infection source and spread of this disease

dd+ - A new dendro software for large data sets and for institutions with archives

Most dendro software packages lack features that are of great importance to long-standing dendro-institutions with large numbers of samples in their archives and with numerous datasets on their hard drives. Among these essential features are (i) context information and metadata for each sample and measurement, (ii) detailed information on the structure and content of every mean curve, (iii) data consistency, (iv) the definition of subsamples as dynamic or static, (v) ability to crossdate using thousands of measurements, (vi) provide output tables for external use such as GIS-systems, (vii) defining roles and rights for different users, (viii) provide flexible vector graphic export options; and several others. The new software dd+ covers all these issues. However, it is not meant as an all-in-one software for dendro studies. Many numeric analyses are better done in R. It rather aims at providing stability, transparency and consistency for large datasets together with high performance crossdating tools. dd+ is a Microsoft server SQL database with in-built dendro features. A SQL querybuilder allows to define subsets and groups based on a wealth of attributes. These groups can be saved either as dynamic or static list and form the base for browser based management, editing, correlation or the production of database-tables for external use such as GIS. There are two browsers for wood samples and two for mean curves, all of which can be used independently by applying SQL queries or manually picking samples and mean curves. Calculation procedures are optimised for large datasets. Crossdating 851 vs 1204 series in all possible synchronous positions takes less than 3 min. Crossdating is assisted by direct visual presentation of individual pairs which can be set to visible or hidden. dd+ enforces data consistency by checking your crossdating decisions. Mean curve construction and dating is only possible if all single crossdating positions are consistent. By now, dd+ uses the Heidelberg-format and excel-files for import and export. Knowing about the weaknesses of these formats, they seem helpful for overcoming the many problems of backward-digitalisation. Once data are entered, the data model opens new 212 possibilities. Future development aims at a xml format for data exchange. The latest version 2.6 covers an csv-export in long format for import into R. Meanwhile, the standardisation of meta data aids in the exchange between labs. Taking part: dd+ is not open source, but it aims at an open data policy and common data standards. It has been programmed by professionals in cooperation with the Zurich lab. It comes without licensing fees, but it is not free of costs: Whoever wants to use dd+, joins the user community "ArGe dd+" by a contract. All users share the costs of support by a fixed amount per year. The community decides by simple majority on further development and improvement projects and the costs are shared. For the moment, dd+ has a focus on managing samples from historical and archaeological contexts. Future versions will add ecological aspects. If you are interested in dd+, please contact [email protected]

Pflanzenzüchtung für den Biolandbau

Pflanzenzüchtung für den Biolandbau: Herausforderungen, Warum braucht es eine spezielle Biozüchtung?, Ziele, neue Konzepte