Unveiling common responses of Medicago truncatula to appropriate and inappropriate rust species.

Little is known about the nature of effective defense mechanisms in legumes to pathogens of remotely related plant species. Some rust species are among pathogens with broad host range causing dramatic losses in various crop plants. To understand and compare the different host and nonhost resistance (NHR) responses of legume species against rusts, we characterized the reaction of the model legume Medicago truncatula to one appropriate (Uromyces striatus) and two inappropriate (U. viciae-fabae and U. lupinicolus) rusts. We found that similar pre and post-haustorial mechanisms of resistance appear to be operative in M. truncatula against appropriate and inappropriate rust fungus. The appropriate U. striatus germinated better on M. truncatula accessions then the inappropriate U. viciae-fabae and U. lupinicolus, but once germinated, germ tubes of the three rusts had a similar level of success in finding stomata and forming an appressoria over a stoma. However, responses to different inappropriate rust species also showed some specificity, suggesting a combination of non-specific and specific responses underlying this legume NHR to rust fungi. Further genetic and expression analysis studies will contribute to the development of the necessary molecular tools to use the present information on host and NHR mechanisms to breed for broad-spectrum resistance to rust in legume species.Financial support by Spanish AGL2011-22524 and Portuguese PEst-OE/EQB/LA0004/2011 grants is acknowledged. Maria Carlota Vaz Patto was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Incentivos 2014 program).Peer Reviewe

The genetics and mechanism of avoidance of rust infection in Hordeum chilense

Hordeum chilense is a perennial species occurring in Chile and Argentina. This wild barley species shows a very wide range of variation of morphological and agronomic characters and crosses easily with other members of the Triticeae tribe.H. chilense is one of the five wild barley species in which avoidance of rust fungi as been reported. The avoidance mechanism to rust fungi is characterised by stomata overgrowth by the fungal germ tube, with no appressorium formation or penetration of the stomata, resulting in early failure of the infection process. This avoidance is an interesting mechanism of defence against rust infection, especially when it could be transferred to cultivated cereal species.In this thesis the genetic basis of this avoidance mechanism and associations of avoidance with other characters in H. chilense were established.We tested the hypothesis that the avoidance character occurs in a certain morphologically and molecularly distinct ecotype of H. chilense . A H. chilense collection of 88 accessions was characterised for morphological and agronomic traits, level of avoidance of Puccinia hordei , habitat of origin and AFLP fingerprint. Cluster analysis using both morphological/agronomic and AFLP fingerprint data suggested three distinct clusters of accessions. High avoidance was typical to the accessions of one of these three clusters. The accessions in the cluster with the higher levels of avoidance had been collected in humid habitats. This putative subspecific taxon was further characterised by shorter and wider spikes, more erect culms, a shorter uppermost internode until flag leaf and a greater amount of stomata density on the abaxial leaf side. We conclude that H. chilense consists of at least three rather well defined morphologically and genetically distinct subspecific taxa, one of which has a very high level of avoidance of barley leaf rust.We studied the effect of the cuticular wax layer on the orientation of germ tube growth and on appressorium differentiation of P. hordei . Several orientation parameters and appressorium differentiation of P. hordei germ tubes were measured on H. chilense leaves with and without the wax layer.Removal of the cuticular wax layer did not result in poor and also not in better germ tube orientation. Evidence was obtained that epidermal cell junctions rather than the wax crystals provided the landmarks to guide germ tubes along the transverse axis of the leaf. On high avoidance accessions the removal of the wax layer allowed appressoria to develop over stomata that would otherwise be overgrown. This suggests that the overgrowth of stomata on H. chilense leaves by P. hordei germ tubes is mainly due to the wax covering of the stomatal apparatus.A molecular map of the wild barley H. chilense would greatly facilitate to map and efficiently transfer agronomic traits from H. chilense to cereal genomes. As a first step towards a map construction, we evaluated AFLP markers in H. chilense using diploid wheat ( Triticum monococcum ) and cultivated barley ( H. vulgare ) as references. H. chilense showed a higher percentage of polymorphisms than diploid wheat. It was remarkable that, based on AFLP markers generated by 12 Eco RI/ Mse I primer combinations, the cultivated barley was more similar to diploid wheat than to H. chilense . Even more surprisingly, the genetic distance between the interfertile H. chilense accessions (H1 and H7) was almost as large as the genetic distance between the non-crossable cultivated barley and diploid wheat. Eco RI/ Mse I AFLP fingerprints revealed more polymorphism than Pst I/ Mse I AFLP fingerprints for all species tested and were chosen for generating the first AFLP linkage map of H. chilense .The mapping population consisted of 100 F 2 plants derived from a cross between two genetically distinct H. chilense accessions that were contrasting for the level of avoidance, H1 and H7. The constructed map contained 443 AFLP markers, on nine long and ten shorter linkage groups, covering a genetic distance of 714 cM. Nine of these linkage groups were assigned to H. chilense chromosomes using a set of H. chilense in T. aestivum addition and substitution lines. Strong clustering of AFLP markers was observed at putative centromeric regions. A skeletal map with a uniform distribution of markers was extracted from this linkage map. This skeletal map was applied to detect and map QTLs underlying avoidance and stoma density on the abaxial leaf epidermis.Three QTLs were detected for avoidance and three other QTLs for stoma density. Both traits segregated independently in the F 2 .Avoidance on H. chilense is effective to barley leaf rust, wheat leaf rust and rye leaf rust. As H. chilense shows good crossability with several cultivated cereals avoidance of leaf rusts may be introgressed into these cultivated cereals, especially wheat. Addition and substitution lines of H. chilense in Chinese Spring wheat cv. are already available or being developed as a first step towards transfer of the genes governing the avoidance trait.</p

Impacto da temperatura na biologia reprodutora e condição fisiológica do francelho e rolieiro: implicações para a adaptação às alterções climáticas

Tese de mestrado. Biologia (Ecologia e Gestão Ambiental). Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2014Nos últimos anos, surgiram provas categóricas que demonstram o impacto das alterações climáticas na fenologia, distribuição, biologia reprodutora e dinâmica populacional das aves. No sul de Portugal, cenários climáticos prevêem para o período 2080-2100 um aumento na temperatura média máxima no Verão de 6-7 ºC, um incremento significativo na ocorrência de ondas de calor e uma redução na precipitação. Este estudo pretendeu contribuir para a identificação dos impactos e riscos associados ao aumento da temperatura sobre a biologia reprodutora e condição fisiológica de crias de Francelho (Falco naumanni) e Rolieiro (Coracias garrulus), propondo algumas medidas de adaptação face às alterações previstas. O microclima do ninho desempenhou um papel fundamental na condição fisiológica e crescimento das crias de ambas as espécies. A colocação de caixas-ninho de madeira artificiais na área de estudo contribuiu nos últimos anos para o aumento da população nidificante de Francelhos e Rolieiros. No entanto este estudo demonstrou que presentemente as caixas-ninho de madeira atingem temperaturas que afectam a sobrevivência das crias de Francelho e o crescimento das crias de ambas as espécies. O estudo revelou ainda que o aumento da temperatura do ninho afecta a razão de heterófilos sobre linfócitos (H/L) em crias de Francelho. As crias de Francelho sujeitas a temperaturas mais elevadas apresentaram um índice de stress H/L superior às restantes. Face ao aumento da temperatura previsto nos cenários climáticos futuros para o Mediterrâneo torna-se fundamental substituir este tipo de ninho na área de estudo por outros com condições térmicas mais favoráveis ao sucesso reprodutor de ambas as espécies.In recent years, compelling evidence has been found for the impact of climate change on geographical distribution, phenology, breeding biology and population dynamics of many bird species. In Southern Portugal, climate scenarios predict an increase in average maximum summer temperature of 6-7 °C for the period 2080-2100, a significant increase in the occurrence of heat waves and a reduction in precipitation. This study aims to contribute to the identification of impacts and risks associated with the increase in temperature on the breeding biology and physiological condition of Lesser Kestrels and European Rollers chicks and to provide recommendations for management adaptation in the face of predicted global warming. The microclimate of the nest played a key role in physiological and growth of offspring of both species. In the last decade, the provisioning of artificial nest-sites in the study area lead to an increase in the breeding populations of kestrels and rollers. However, this study demonstrated that provided wooden nest-boxes reach very high temperatures that affect chick survival of lesser kestrels and chick growth of both species. The study also showed that high temperatures inside the nest impacted the physiological response to stress in lesser kestrel chicks, as measured by the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratios. The impact of high temperatures on lesser kestrels and rollers highlight a need for actions to modify and adapt conservation efforts and future planning to account for climate change. In the future, wooden-nest boxes should be avoided and new materials should be tested to reduce inside temperatures

Análise da qualidade de vida em áreas urbanas usando mapeamento cognitivo neutrosófico e a técnica dematel

Qualidade de vida é uma temática importante. Tem vindo a sofrer alterações em todo o mundo, não só devido à crescente densidade demográfica e à intervenção humana, mas, também, devido a crises e pandemias. Com a tendência exponencial das populações para viver em áreas urbanas, assistese a uma preocupação crescente em fazer uma correta análise da qualidade de vida dos indivíduos, com vista a poderem ser realizadas intervenções que favoreçam não só as gerações atuais, mas também as gerações futuras. Tendo em conta que fazer uma análise correta neste domínio é uma tarefa desafiante, devido à subjetividade e complexidade intrínsecas ao tema, a presente dissertação propõe um modelo multicritério de suporte à tomada de decisão sustentado numa lógica construtivista e de complementaridade. Este modelo, concebido através da combinação de mapeamento cognitivo neutrosófico com a técnica DEcision MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), surge para colmatar algumas falhas de estudos anteriores, objetivando a estruturação da problemática e a identificação e perceção dos determinantes/fatores que devem ser foco de análise ao terem maior impacto no sistema. Assim, com o apoio de um painel diversificado de especialistas na área da qualidade de vida urbana, e através da conjugação metodológica adotada (i.e., mapeamento cognitivo e DEMATEL em ambiente neutrosófico), advém um sistema de análise que contempla situações de incerteza no processo de decisão, originando um modelo holístico, realista e completo para apoiar na tomada de decisões conscientes a nível urbano. As implicações práticas e as vantagens do sistema proposto são também objeto de análise.Quality of life is an important topic. It has been changing all over the world, not only because of human population density, growth and intervention, but also because of crises and pandemics. At the same time, with the exponential tendency of populations to live in urban areas, there is a growing concern to carry out correct analyses of the quality of life in these areas, allowing for practical interventions that favor both current and future generations. Bearing in mind that a correct analysis in this context is a challenging endeavor, due to the subjectivity and complexity intrinsic to the topic, this study proposes a multicriteria model that assumes a constructivist and complementarity logic and, additionally, allows assessments of quality of life in urban areas to be carried out. By combining neutrosophic cognitive mapping and the DEcision MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique, the evaluation system developed in this study allows previous studies’ limitations to be addressed, increasing the perception of what determinants/factors should be analyzed in assessments of quality of life in urban areas. In addition, it contemplates situations of uncertainty in the decision-making process, allowing for a holistic, realistic and complete model to support conscious decision making at the urban level. The practical implications and advantages of the proposed system are also discusse

Estudo envelhecer na Covilhã: apresentação de um estudo interdisciplinar

El objetivo de este estudio es examinar, de forma integrada, los diferentes aspectos relacionados con el envejecimiento, que pueden mejorar nuestro conocimiento sobre el Proceso de adaptación y la promoción de un envejecimiento exitoso. Se disponía de una muestra de 226 participantes elegidos al azar, con referencia a la población que vive en las parroquias urbanas del municipio de Covilhã - Portugal, con edades comprendidas entre los 65 y 96 años, con una edad media de 74,67 años (SD = 6,76). Se evaluaron las dimensiones relacionadas con el envejecimiento, mediante la aplicación de una adaptación de la ESAP - La Encuesta Europea sobre el Envejecimiento Protocolo (versión en Inglés de Paúl, Fonseca, Cruz y Cerejo, 1999). Siendo el objetivo de este artículo informar sobre el proyecto en Covilha. Siendo esta una fase de análisis de datos, aún no son visibles ni adecuadamente sistematizados los hallazgos, pero sí algunas conclusiones parciales. A este respecto hay que señalar los resultados mostrados por A. Moreira (2012) que señalan el reconocimiento de la importancia de las variables psicosociales, incluyendo la percepción del control personal en su relación significativa con la dependencia funcional y las actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria.The aim of this study is to examine, in an integrated way, the different aspects of their relationship with aging, can improve our knowledge of the inherent adaptation process and promoting successful aging. He was just a sample of 226 randomly selected participants, with reference to the population living in urban parishes of the municipality of Covilhã - Portugal, aged between 65 and 96 years, with a mean age of 74.67 years ( SD = 6.76). The European Survey on Aging Protocol (English version of Paul, Fonseca, Cruz and Cerejo, 1999) - dimensions related to aging, by applying an adaptation of the ESAP were evaluated. As the purpose of this article report on the project in Covilha, and this being a data analysis phase, are still not visible properly systemized the findings, but some partial conclusions. In this regard it should be noted the results shown by A. Moreira (2012) indicating the recognition of the importance of psychosocial variables, including the perception of personal control in their significant relationship with functional dependence and instrumental activities of daily living .O objetivo deste estudo consiste em analisar, de forma integrada, diferentes aspetos que pela sua relação com o envelhecimento, poderão melhorar a nossa compreensão acerca do proceso adaptativo inerente e a promoção do envelhecimento bem-sucedido. Contou com 226 participantes, que constituíram uma amostra extraída aleatoriamente, tendo por referência a população residente nas freguesias urbanas do concelho da Covilhã - Portugal, com idades compreendidas entre 65 e os 96 anos, sendo a média de idade de 74,67 anos (DP=6,76). Foram avaliadas dimensões relacionadas com o envelhecimento, através da aplicação de uma adaptação do ESAP – The European Survey on Aging Protocol (versão Portuguesa de Paúl, Fonseca, Cruz & Cerejo, 1999). Sendo objetivo deste texto dar a conhecer o projeto Envelhecer na Covilhã, e estando este numa fase de análise de dados, não são ainda visíveis conclusões devidamente sistematizadas, sendo no entanto já conhecidas algumas conclusões parciais. Neste sentido merecem destaque os resultados evidenciados por A. Moreira (2012) que apontam no sentido do reconhecimento da importância das variáveis psicossociais, nomeadamente da perceção de controlo pessoal, na sua relação significativa com a dependência funcional e com as atividades instrumentais de vida diária.peerReviewe