The Acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium x A. auriculiformis, Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) has created considerable interest for plantations because of its adaptability and growth performance when compared to the parental species. This study concentrated on sexual reproduction, and seed and seedling quality using light and electron microscopy, histochemistry, and seed and seedling tests. Two peak flowering periods in the hybrid appear to coincide with high rainfall and temperature, whereas two fruit-maturation periods occur during a windy dry season. The hybrid is andromonoecious. A floral spike consists of about 150 loosely arranged flowers. Flowers are cream colored and fragrant and have no floral nectaries. The pistil has a solid style with a smooth, wet stigma and amphitropous ovules with immature integuments at pollination. The flowers are weakly protogynous. Anthesis is complete at 0500-0600 h but peak female receptivity begins at 0200-0300 h and is completed that day. The stigmatic exudate is of the lipophilic type and is secreted from the stigmatic cells by a holocrine mechanism. Pollen is the main floral reward for the insect pollinators. There are several floral characteristics which facilitate pollen transfer from anthers to the stigmas. Apis mellifera and Ceratina sp. are the most effective pollinators. They are the most common insect visitors and carry a heavy load of hybrid polyads. However, their behavior in foraging for pollen in the same tree may promote self-pollination. The 16-pollen polyads have the highest viability at anthesis (over 80%) but lose viability within 3 days. In vivo pollen germination occurs within a few hours and pollen tubes grow up to 16 μm/min, reaching the ovarian chamber 7 to 8 hr after pollination. In vivo pollen tube growth is supported by the stylar secretion that may be stimulated by pollination and an ovarian secretion which is independent of pollination. Abnormalities of pollen tube growth were observed and probably result from self-pollination. There is no evidence of pollen-tube competition and pollen tube penetration of the ovules appears to occur randomly. Fertilization in the hybrid occurs within 3 days after pollination. One of the two synergids is the site of pollen tube penetration and its degeneration is triggered by the pollen tube penetration of the nucellus. Endoplasmic reticulum is likely involved in the polar nuclear fusion but not in the fusion of sperm nuclei with the egg and polar nuclei. Because no sperm-cytoplasmic fusion occurs during karyogamy, the hybrid, therefore, possesses maternal cytoplasmic inheritance. The hybrid zygote is metabolically inactive and has a two-month dormant period due to delays in embryo nutrition. Proembryo cell divisions are of the Trifolium variation of the Onagrad type without formation of a suspensor. Endosperm formation is of the nuclear type. The breakdown of stored products, abundant in the central cell and nucellus, provides nourishment to the developing endosperm through many nutrient pathways. The endosperm then becomes the main nutrient source for the embryo. Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins are the main seed storage products. The hybrid has very low reproductive success (0.0054). Low fruit set in the hybrid (2%) was attributed primarily to insufficient pollination (65% of total) and early fruit abortion (33% of total). Low seed set (24%) is mainly caused by failure of pollen tube penetration of the ovules (over 70%). The seed treatment of soaking seeds in boiling water for 1 min gives high germination percentages (over 80%) and is practical. The F2 hybrid seedlings possess features intermediate between the parental species. At 3 months, the F2 seedlings have a high survival rate (90%) and their height and diameter growths vary significantly among parental trees but are superior to those of the parental species. / Graduate

Animal pollination is responsible for the majority of the human food supply. Understanding pollination dynamics in agricultural systems is thus essential to help maintain this ecosystem service in the face of human disturbances. Surprisingly, our understanding of plant–pollinator interactions in widely distributed smallholder agricultural systems is still limited. Knowledge of pollination dynamics in these agricultural systems is necessary to fully assess how human disturbances may affect pollination services worldwide. In this study, we describe the structure of a plant–floral visitor network in a smallholder Cucurbitaceae agricultural system. We further identify the main floral visitors of these crops and tested their importance by simulating how their extinction affected network structure and robustness. The observed network was highly connected and generalized but it was neither nested nor compartmentalized. Our results suggest that the structure of agricultural plant–pollinator networks could be inherently different from those in natural communities. These differences in network structure may reflect differences in spatial distribution of floral resources between agricultural and natural systems. We identified Augochlora nigrocyanea and Peponapis limitaris as the two most frequent floral visitors. However, removal of these species did not affect network structure or its robustness, suggesting high levels of interaction rewiring. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to describe the structure of a plant–floral visitor network in diverse agricultural systems in the tropics. We emphasize the need for more studies that evaluate network structure in agricultural systems if we want to fully elucidate the impact of human disturbances on this key ecosystem service.

Thesis (Sc.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography, 1981. / Microfiche copy available in Archives and Science. / Vita. / Bibliography: leaves 140-145. / by Frank Decatur Marks, Jr. / Sc.D.

No description available.

Embankments are key elements in the infrastructural development of structures such as dams, bridges, and roads. Residual soils are generally used as fills in the construction of embankments in areas were residual soils such as laterite is the dominant soil types. Laterite soils have the characteristics of losing its shear strength with time and in fully saturated conditions and its properties varies from region to region. The soil property is influenced by the chemical composition and the environment. The binding agent iron oxide in such soils changes its composition with time and in the presence of moisture. Sudden failures of embankments founded of laterite soils which were, otherwise, checked and found to be safe with high factor of safety, have been observed. This study is performed to investigate the stability of embankments with sudden loss of strength with time and when it is fully saturated. The research includes an investigation of the properties of laterite soils around the world, with particular emphasis on Nigeria. Initially, information is gathered from different sources about the strength-based properties of such soils. Previous research in Nigeria is used as a basis for obtaining real-world soil data. Next, stability analyses are performed using SLOPE/W with shear strength parameters for total stress (short-term), effective stress (long-term), and fully saturated soil conditions. A probability analysis is conducted for the fully saturated conditions because of the variability in the input parameters. Three slope configurations (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1) are considered. The study revealed that the laterite soils embankments lose most of its stability over time period and in full saturation soil conditions. Both these conditions significantly compromise the strength of the soil and the related stability of slopes. To consolidate all information, a database of the properties of laterite soils in some localities of Nigeria was created on the geographic information system (GIS), in order provide a quick access to information on laterite soils in Nigeria.

Modeling is a very important tool for developing nonpoint source (NPS) pollution control plans. Current NPS models were developed for temperate conditions and, thus, do not appropriately represent tropical conditions. The objective of this research was to develop or adapt a nonpoint source pollution model to simulate transformations and losses of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in leachate and runoff from crop fields under humid tropical conditions. An extensive literature synthesis identified appropriate relationships for representing hydrologic and NPS processes in the tropics, as well as soil and climate conditions that differ from temperate conditions and impact NPS pollution. The GLEAMS model was selected for adaptation. Changes to the model included calculation of potential evapotranspiration (ET); changes in initial and default values of N and P pools, C:N ratio of soil organic matter, and soil P sorption; changes in simulation of transformations between N and P pools, along with the effect of temperature; and inclusion of a nitrate retardation factor (Ncrit) and pH in the calculation of N transformation and movement. The adapted model, called TROPGLEAMS, was evaluated through model verification, application, and sensitivity analysis. Model verification comprised a mass balance of nutrients and analysis of the variation of variable values in time. Model validation included application of the GLEAMS and TROPGLEAMS to three sites in Brazil: a set of lysimeters planted with sugarcane in Piracicaba, SP; a set of plots planted with sugarcane in Piracicaba; and a set of plots planted in a wheat-soybean rotation in Lages, SC. Model sensitivity to temperature, Ncrit and pH were evaluated in the sensitivity analysis. Model evaluation indicated that TROPGLEAMS is more accurate than GLEAMS in simulating fate and transport of nutrients under tropical conditions. Prediction of actual ET, effect of tillage on losses of N and P in runoff, and N and P kinetics was improved with TROPGLEAMS compared to GLEAMS. However, based on data from the Lages study, TROPGLEAMS did not simulate losses of nutrients in runoff well. Improvements in the model, especially related to losses in runoff, and application of TROPGLEAMS to different areas of the humid tropics are recommended. / Ph. D.

Life-history strategies are adaptations in behavior, physiology, and anatomy that influence survival and reproductive success. Variation in life-history strategies is often determined by adaptations to environmental conditions and trade-offs with sexually-selected signals. One of the aspects controlling life-history trade-offs is the endocrine system. Testosterone is a hormone that mediates several key aspects of male reproduction, yet little is known about the causes and consequences of variation in testosterone. Using rufous-collared sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis), a Neotropical songbird with a wide distribution, I explored geographical patterns of variation in testosterone levels and infection by haemosporidians, a type of blood parasite. I found that testosterone did not vary with elevation, nor predict haemosporidian infection, but males in breeding condition were more likely to be infected (Chapter I). High levels of testosterone have been associated with an increased number of sexual contacts and can suppress the immune response, thus it may increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections. By studying the communities of bacteria that reside in the cloaca of birds, I found that they were different depending on testosterone levels, and that high-testosterone males had higher relative abundance of Chlamydiae, a class of intracellular pathogens (Chapter II). During the breeding season there is an increase in physical contacts among individuals, testosterone levels increase in males, and there are additional energetic demands, all of which can increase exposure to bacteria or facilitate infection. I compared the cloacal microbiome of the same individuals between breeding and non-breeding seasons, and found that in males, but not in females, bacterial richness and phylogenetic diversity increased when birds were in reproductive condition. This suggested that the cloacal microbiome in birds is dynamic and responsive to breeding condition and sex of the host (Chapter III). Lastly, I synthesized the most relevant findings and suggested directions for future work (Chapter IV). I conclude that variation in testosterone is not always associated with immune suppression, and that the links among reproductive physiology, behavior, and the microbiome can provide insight into the evolution of life-history strategies. / Ph. D.

The recent elevated North Atlantic hurricane activity has generated considerable interests in the interaction between tropical cyclones (TCs) and climate change. The possible connection between TCs and the changing climate has been indicated by observational studies based on historical TC records; they indicate emerging trends in TC frequency and intensity in some TC basins, but the detection of trends has been hotly debated due to TC track data issues. Dynamical climate modeling has also been applied to the problem, but brings its own set of limitations owing to limited model resolution and uncertainties. The final goal of this study is to project the future changes of North Atlantic TC behavior with global warming for the next 50 years using the Nested Regional Climate Model (NRCM). Throughout the course of reaching this goal, various uncertainties and limitations in simulating TCs by the NRCM are identified and explored. First we examine the TC tracking algorithm to detect and track simulated TCs from model output. The criteria and thresholds used in the tracking algorithm control the simulated TC climatology, making it difficult to objectively assess the model's ability in simulating TC climatology. Existing tracking algorithms used by previous studies are surveyed and it is found that the criteria and thresholds are very diverse. Sensitivity of varying criteria and thresholds in TC tracking algorithm to simulated TC climatology is very high, especially with the intensity and duration thresholds. It is found that the commonly used criteria may not be strict enough to filter out intense extratropical systems and hybrid systems. We propose that a better distinction between TCs and other low-pressure systems can be achieved by adding the Cyclone Phase technique. Two sets of NRCM simulations are presented in this dissertation: One in the hindcasting mode, and the other with forcing from the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) to project into the future with global warming. Both of these simulations are assessed using the tracking algorithm with cyclone phase technique. The NRCM is run in a hindcasting mode for the global tropics in order to assess its ability to simulate the current observed TC climatology. It is found that the NRCM is capable of capturing the general spatial and temporal distributions of TCs, but tends to overproduce TCs particularly in the Northwest Pacific. The overpredction of TCs is associated with the overall convective tendency in the model added with an outstanding theory of wave energy accumulation leading to TC genesis. On the other hand, TC frequency in the tropical North Atlantic is under predicted due to the lack of moist African Easterly Waves. The importance of high-resolution is shown with the additional simulation with two-way nesting. The NRCM is then forced by the CCSM to project the future changes in North Atlantic TCs. An El Nino-like SST bias in the CCSM induced a high vertical wind shear in tropical North Atlantic, preventing TCs from forming in this region. A simple bias correction method is applied to remove this bias. The model projected an increase both in TC frequency and intensity owing to enhanced TC genesis in the main development region, where the model projects an increased favorability of large-scale environment for TC genesis. However, the model is not capable of explicitly simulating intense (Category 3-5) storms due to the limited model resolution. To extrapolate the prediction to intense storms, we propose a hybrid approach that combines the model results and a statistical modeling using extreme value theory. Specifically, the current observed TC intensity is statistically modeled with the General Pareto distribution, and the simulated intensity changes from the NRCM are applied to the statistical model to project the changes in intense storms. The results suggest that the occurrence of Category 5 storms may be increased by approximately 50% by 2055.

Studies were carried out in a lowland evergreen rain forest (LERF), on an ultisol, in the 'Reserva da Campina', 45 km north of Manaus, and in two facies of the highly distinct formation called heath forest, on spodosols. The spodosols had a layer of mor humus of thickness varying from nil in some parts in the smaller facies of heath forest (SHF) to 35 cm in the taller facies (THF). The overall aim was to investigate the forest soil biota and its role in nutrient turnover by comparing the SHF, THF and LERF. Microbial biomass, soil respiration and nitrogen transformation rates were measured in the three forest types in both wet and dry seasons. Field and laboratory fertilization experiments were made to investigate potential limiting nutrients for microorganisms and plants. The role of fine roots in decomposition and litter animal colonization was assessed in litter bag studies. SHF soils have a small microbial population with no net nitrification in any season. THF soils showed a variable microbial population adapted to high acidity, which immobilises nitrogen during the wet season, but which allows a net release during the dry season. LERF showed the most diverse population which causes mineralization and nitrification in both seasons. A bioassay with nutrient addition showed that the low pH, and nitrogen and sulphur supply were likely to be limiting nitrogen dynamics in all forest types, but especially in THF and LERF. The ingrowth bags showed that despite the lower values of fine root growth in the SHF (particularly when the white sand of the spodosol was used as the substrate), the roots showed in all plots an increased production with added calcium as carbonate or sulphate. In the decomposition bioassay to evaluate the role of roots in the nutrient turnover it was shown that in all forest types there was no effect of roots on the mass loss of Clitoria leaves but there was a significant effect on concentrations of some nutrients. In general, roots contributed to the accumulation of aluminium and iron and to a faster release and uptake of calcium, magnesium and zinc. A survey of the mycorrhizal associations in all forest types showed that both VAM and ECM fungi with some unknown VAM fungal species are common. VAM and ECM adaptation to low pH and high phenolic compounds in the soils may be important in the maintenance of these ecosystems.

No description available.