Mineral composition of wild relatives and introgressive forms in wheat selection

The study of seed mineral composition of wheat and its wild relatives revealed higher content of all elements in Aegilops ovata and Ae. triuncialis, as well as an overall increased background in relatives compared to modern varieties of Triticum aestivum (standards). By content of macro- and microelements, synthetic forms of wheat occupy an intermediate position between wild relatives and modern varieties. Transitional forms with the level of mineral composition typical of wild forms (Zhetysu x T militinae; Zhetysu x T kiharae; Bezostaya 1 x Ae. cylindrica) have been identified. All genotypes have been differentiated into 3 clusters. The first consists predominantly of introgressive forms, Ae. triaristata and the Komsomolskaya 1 variety, which has wild forms in its origin. The second cluster includes mainly varieties (parental forms), T. timopheevii and the introgressive form (Steklovidnaya 24 x T militinae). The third cluster consists largely of T. militinae, T. kiharae, Ae. cylindrica species and introgressive forms originated from them: Zhetysu x T militinae and Bezostaya 1 x Ae. cylindrica. Such division allows us to classify genotypes according to the level of metabolism: wild relatives (3rd cluster), varieties (2nd cluster) and an intermediate group - introgressive forms (1st cluster). In general, inclusion of cultural forms (backcrossing with varieties) to crosses with introgressive forms is usually accompanied by a decrease in the total metabolic level, but it varies in cultivars and wild species characterized by polymorphism. Sources of high content of elements have been revealed: wild relatives and introgressive forms, some of which are donors. According to the results of topcross breeding with testers - commercial common wheat varieties Steklovidnaya 24, Almali, Zhetysu - inheritance of this trait by progenies in F-2-F-3 generations has been revealed in two constant lines: (Bezostaya 1 x Ae. cylindrica) x T kiharae and Zhetysu x T kiharae

Evolving perspectives on tourism’s interaction with nature during the last 40 years

The aim of this retrospective is to evaluate the changing paradigms of tourism’s relationship with nature over the last four decades. It is presented as one interpretation of this relationship not a definitive fait accompli. The period is characterized by an evolution of the society-nature relationship in response to environmental challenges never previously experienced. This includes a reassessment of ʼnature’ as both a social construction and scientific reality and a subsequent re-evaluation of our relationship to it, reflected in new paradigms including sustainability and environmental ethics. The paradox of tourism’s relationship with the environment has simultaneously played out over the period, exemplified in its contemporary interpretations as a key sustainable industry of the green economy and a significant contributor to GHG emissions and global warming. The conflicting interpretations of tourism suggest that the principles and ethics of environmental discourse will be critical for evaluating the tourism and nature relationship. This connection will continue to evolve and tourism’s increasing popularity and global economic importance ensures that it will have consequences for nature whilst providing a window into society’s environmental values and attitudes

Water-sensitive urban design: opportunities for the UK

Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) is a concept that is gaining support as a means to manage urban water systems in an integrated way through the better positioning of the topic of water in urban planning and design processes. Water-sensitive urban design is emerging in the UK and this paper sets the scene and identifies the opportunities and constraints from a UK perspective. Recent developments in integrated water management, ecosystem services and multifunctional land use provide new opportunities for ‘getting more for less’. These can range from seeing all forms of water as a resource, exploiting opportunities to contribute to the green and blue infrastructure agendas, resilience to climate and other changes. This paper draws on international experience as to how water-sensitive urban design can deliver opportunities; mitigate the urban development challenges; implement and support institutional, regulatory and practical opportunities and demonstrate the benefits of taking a water-sensitive urban design approach in the UK. The key requirements for delivery are highlighted and a proposed vision for water-sensitive urban design in the UK outlined