O presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a utilização de extratores providos de cápsulas cerâmicas no manejo da fertirrigação e no controle do processo de salinização em um cultivo de pimentão (Capsicum annuum L.), ocasionado pelo acúmulo de fertilizantes aplicados em excesso, a partir de um monitoramento da condutividade elétrica da solução do solo e de nutrientes específicos (potássio e nitrato) pelo uso de testes rápidos. Foram analisados os efeitos da técnica proposta no crescimento vegetativo e no rendimento obtido no cultivo de pimentão sob ambiente protegido. Utilizaram-se dois solos com texturas distintas, um franco arenoso e o outro franco argiloso, ambos contidos em vasos de 62 L e salinizados artificialmente a diferentes níveis de condutividade elétrica no extrato de saturação, variando de 1 até 9 dS m-1. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que com a técnica proposta pode-se monitorar a concentração iônica da solução do solo além de possibilitar a determinação dos íons potássio e nitrato com alta precisão, cálcio e magnésio com precisão satisfatória e que não é recomendado a determinação da concentração de enxofre e fósforo na solução do solo. Observou-se também que o controle dessa solução em níveis desejados proporcionou um efeito benéfico no cultivo do pimentão além de evitar desequilíbrios iônicos e salinização dos solos. Os íons nitrato e potássio podem ser determinados e monitorados ao longo do ciclo da cultura pelo uso de testes rápidos. Os níveis crescentes de salinidade inicial do solo ocasionaram para o solo franco-arenoso uma redução no rendimento da cultura, bem como, nas variáveis vegetativas e consumo hídrico. Entretanto, para o solo franco-argiloso ocorreu uma tendência de incremento das variáveis de crescimento e produção com o aumento da salinidade inicial do solo, fato esse, atribuído à redução do efeito da salinidade inicial sobre as plantas de pimentão, ocasionada possivelmente pela distribuição de sais no solo. Os manejos da fertirrigação não proporcionaram efeitos discrepantes nas variáveis relacionadas ao crescimento e produção do pimentão, em virtude da recomendação e marcha de absorção de nutrientes escolhidos para o manejo tradicional adaptar-se bem a extração de nutrientes pela cultura. / The objective of this study was evaluating the use of extractors provided of ceramic cups on fertigation management and on the control of salinization in cultivation of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), caused by excessive fertilization, by means of monitoring the electrical conductivity of soil solution and specific nutrients (potassium and nitrate) using quick tests. The effects of the proposed technique on vegetative development and yield of bell pepper in greenhouse were analyzed. Two soils with different textures were used, sandy-loam and clay-loam, both packed in pots of 62 L, which were artificially salinized in order to obtain electrical conductivities of the saturation extract varying from 1 to 9 dS m-1. Results showed that the proposed technique allows monitoring of ionic concentration of soil solution and permits the determination of the K and NO3 with high accuracy, Ca and Mg with satisfactory accuracy and are not recommended for determination of the S and P concentration in soil solution. Maintaining the nutrients concentration and electrical conductivity of the soil solution at desired levels provide many advantages for the cultivation of bell pepper in greenhouse besides avoiding ionic unbalances and soil salinization. NO3 and K concentrations may be determined and monitored along of crop season by quick test. The crescent levels of initial soil salinity decreased yield, vegetative variables and water uptake for the sandy loam soil. However, for the clay-loam soil an increasing tendency occurred for growing variables and yield with increasing initial soil salinity, probably because the low effect of initial soil salinity on crop development, which was caused by the salts distribution pattern in the soil. The different fertigation management did not produced disagreeing effects on variables related to crop growth and yield, because the chosen recommendation and uptake rate curve for the traditional fertigation management supplied the crop nutritional requirements.

A exposição das plantas a estresses bióticos e abióticos pode levar ao aumento dos níveis de espécies ativas de oxigênio (EAOs) nas células, gerando estresse oxidativo. Dentre os causadores de estresses abióticos mais estudados, estão a salinidade e o cádmio (Cd). A salinidade pode causar um desequilíbrio de íons nas células, resultando estresse osmótico. Já o Cd gera distúrbios nutricionais, estruturais e bioquímicos, levando ao aumento de EAOs. Para combater este excesso, as plantas desenvolveram um complexo sistema de defesa que inclui mecanismos enzimáticos e não enzimáticos de desintoxicação. Os hormônios vegetais, como o etileno, controlam importantes vias do metabolismo celular, fazendo com que as plantas respondam de diferentes maneiras às condições de estresse. Fatores de estresse distintos podem resultar em respostas diferenciadas por parte das células e dos diferentes tecidos das plantas. O presente trabalho utilizou o tomateiro cv. Micro-Tom e seu mutante hormonal para etileno Never ripe (Nr) cultivados em solução nutritiva e submetidos aos estresses por 100 mM de NaCl e 0,5 mM de CdCl2 em coletas distintas (sete, 20 e 36 dias). Neste trabalho, as respostas das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutationa redutase (GR), ascorbato peroxidase (APX) e guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) foram analisadas. Além disso, outros parâmetros importantes como quantificação de Cd e Na, peroxidação lipídica, peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2), análise do perfil protéico por SDS-PAGE e teor de clorofila foram avaliados. De acordo com os resultados, o Cd acumulou-se mais nas raízes, e o Na foi absorvido pela plantas e transportado até as folhas e frutos. O estresse provocado pelo Cd foi mais prejudicial ao desenvolvimento do MT, aumentando os níveis de H2O2 e MDA, assim como a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes. Alterações nos perfis protéicos dos tecidos submetidos aos tratamentos com Cd e Na também foram observadas. A absorção de Na pelos frutos foi elevada, alterando a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes. A enzima que mais apresentou aumento de atividade foi a GR, tanto em folhas quanto em raízes, nos três períodos analisados, sugerindo que essa enzima pode estar associada à síntese de fitoquelatinas (PCs) nos tecidos. Isso mostra que as enzimas antioxidantes agem de maneira particular, conforme o período de estresse ao qual as plantas estão submetidas, de maneira que a resposta antioxidante é dinâmica e particular a cada tecido da planta. / Plant exposure to abiotic and biotic stresses can lead to enhanced production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in cells, causing oxidative stress. Cadmium (Cd) and salt (NaCl) are among the most studied abiotic stresses. Salinity can cause ion disturb in the cell, resulting in osmotic stress. In the case of Cd, it can induce nutritional, structural and biochemistry changes, leading to increased ROS levels. Plants have developed efficient antioxidant systems to act against ROS, including a series of enzymatic and non-enzymatic detoxification mechanisms. Plant hormones, such as ethylene, can control important pathways, which may result in different manners for the plant to respond to stressful conditions. Different stress factors can result in different responses depending of plant cells and tissues. This work used the miniature tomato Micro-Tom and its hormonal mutant to ethylene counterpart, Never ripe (Nr), which were maintained in nutritional solution and submitted to 100 mM of Na Cl and 0.5 mM of CdCl2 for 7, 20 and 36 days. Antioxidant enzymes responses mainly by changes in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), gluthathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) were analyzed. Moreover, others important evaluation parameters such as Cd and Na quantification, lipid peroxidation, level of H2O2, SDS-PAGE and chlorophyll amount, were assessed. According to the results, Cd accumulated in roots while Na was uptaked and translocated to the leaves and fruits. The stress caused by Cd was the most damaging to MT plant development, increasing H2O2 and lipid peroxidation, as well as antioxidant enzymes activities. Alterations in SDS-PAGE protein profiles were also observed. The uptake of Na in fruits was high, modifying antioxidant enzymes activities. GR was the enzyme that exhibited the highest increase in activity in leaves and roots during all periods analyzed, suggesting that this enzyme can be related to phytochelatin synthesis (PCs) in tissues and/or increased glutathione synthesis. The results confirmed that the enzymes may respond differently depending on the tissue, organ, time length of exposure and concentrations of the stressful agent.

Orientador: Hung Kiang Chang / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecanica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-25T21:45:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DeGasperi_Andre_M.pdf: 15227160 bytes, checksum: cda675b39721b02912e8e36afd9ff03e (MD5) Previous issue date: 1999 / Resumo: Neste trabalho foram modelados numericamente a salinização da água de formação e a migração secundária e acumulação dos hidrocarbonetos que preenchem os reservatórios do Membro Carmópolis, da Formação Muribeca, na Bacia de Sergipe. O modelo geológico-geoquímico que serviu de base para a modelagem numérica da salinização foi reproduzido utilizando um simulador de difusão iônica construído para este fim. A simulação considerou a infiltração de água meteórica em porções localizadas nas bordas da bacia, a dissolução de sal da unidade sobreposta e a difusão iônica lateral, como os principais processos controladores da salinização da água de formação. A modelagem da migração secundária e acumulação de hidrocarbonetos na área foi realizada utilizando um simulador de escoamento comercial. A simulação exigiu duas fontes distintas de hidrocarbonetos, configurando duas rotas de migração. Este processo ocorreu inicialmente por migração vertical, através de zona de falha, seguido por deslocamento lateral focalizado, através das rochas carreadoras, até o óleo acumular nas estruturas ou escapar para superfície, nas bordas da bacia / Abstract: In the present study, formation water salinity and secondary migration and accumulation of hydrocarbon in reservoir rocks of Carmópolis Member, Muribeca Formation, were numerically modelled. The geologic-geochemical model of formation water salinity evolution was successfully modelled using an ionic diffusion simulator developed for the present work. The model considered meteoric water infiltration in the basin borders, dissolution of overlying salt beds and lateral ionic diffusion. Secondary migration and accumulation in the study area were modelled using a commercial flow simulator, which required two hydrocarbon sources and two distinct migration pathways. This process occurred initially by vertical migration of hydrocarbon through fault zone, followed by focused lateral migration in the carrier beds, reaching the traps or seeping to the surface / Mestrado / Mestre em Engenharia de Petróleo

Submitted by Ubirajara Cruz (ubirajara.cruz@gmail.com) on 2017-02-06T12:46:43Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_tatiana_rossatto.pdf: 1330856 bytes, checksum: c7449fcbe2b6e3a3ac2eb87128462c56 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2017-02-08T15:55:34Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 dissertacao_tatiana_rossatto.pdf: 1330856 bytes, checksum: c7449fcbe2b6e3a3ac2eb87128462c56 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-08T15:55:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 dissertacao_tatiana_rossatto.pdf: 1330856 bytes, checksum: c7449fcbe2b6e3a3ac2eb87128462c56 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-05 / Sem bolsa / A cultivar de arroz BRS AG, desenvolvida pela Embrapa Clima Temperado, é a primeira cultivar destinada a outros fins, que não o consumo humano, podendo ser utilizada na produção de etanol e ou alimentação animal. No entanto, são poucas as informações sobre esta nova cultivar e desta forma é importante conhecer o seu comportamento frente à salinização do solo e da água que afetam cerca de 20 % da terra cultivada e quase metade das terras irrigadas do planeta. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a resposta da cultivar BRS AG, durante o desenvolvimeno inicial, à diferentes concentrações salinas, através de análises fisiológicas, bioquímicas e moleculares. As plantas foram cultivadas in vitro em meio de cultivo com cinco concentrações de NaCl (32, 68, 102, 136, 170 mM) e o controle (0 mM). Avaliações de germinação ocorreram aos 7 e aos 14 dias e as análises de massa seca e massa fresca da parte aérea e raiz; comprimento de raiz e parte aérea, número de folhas e número de raiz foram realizadas aos 21 dias. Para as análises enzimáticas da catalase (CAT), superóxido dismutase (SOD), ascorbato peroxidase (APX) e glutationa redutase (GR), expressão gênica, espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs), peroxidação lipídica (MDA) e concentração de prolina foi utilizada a concentração de 136 mM de NaCl e o controle. As coletas foram realizadas aos 5, 10, 15 e 20 dias. Os resultados indicam que a germinação da cv. BRS AG começa a ser prejudicada a partir da concentração de 170 mM de NaCl e a partir da concentração de 136 mM de NaCl é possível observar danos causados pelo estresse salino no crescimento. O acúmulo de prolina nas plantas estressadas foi superior ao encontrado nas plantas que não receberam estresse, o que está diretamente relacionado ao aumento da expressão dos genes envolvidos na biossíntese de prolina em cada um dos tempo de estresse. A atividade das enzimas SOD, CAT, APX e GR parecem ser efetivas na proteção dessas plantas contra o estresse oxidativo. Embora tenha havido aumento de EROs, não houve aumento nos níveis de MDA. O aumento na transcrição de todos os genes avaliados, exceto OsAPX6 que manteve-se estável, contribuíram para o aumento ou a manutenção da atividade das enzimas. De acordo com os resultados in vitro as plantas de arroz, cultivar BRS AG, suportam concentrações de até 136 mM de NaCl. / The rice cultivar BRS AG developed by Embrapa Clima Temperado, is the first cultivar intended for other purposes, that isn't human consumption, and can be utilized in ethanol production and/or animal feeding. However, there are few informations about this new cultivar and, thus, is important to know your behavior to salinization of soil and irrigation water affecting about 20% of cultivated land and almost half of the irrigated land in the world. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the BRS AG, cultivar answer during the initial development, subjected to different salt concentrations, through physiological, biochemical and molecular analyzes. The plants were grown in vitro through culture with five concentrations of NaCL (32, 68, 102, 136, 170 mM) and control (0 mM). Evaluations of germination occurred at 7 and 14 days and analysis the dry weight and fresh weight of shoot and root; length of root and shoot, number of leaves and number of root were performed at 21 days. To the enzymatic analysis catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) and expressions gene, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (MDA) and concentration of proline it was used the concentration of 136 mM of NaCl and control. The collections were performed at 5, 10, 15 and 20 days. The results indicate that the germination of cv. BRS AG starts to be impaired at concentrations of 170 mM NaCl and from the concentration of 136 mM NaCl can be observed damage caused by salt stress on growth. Proline accumulation in stressed plants was higher found in plants the plants that didn’t receive damage, which is directly related to increased expression of genes involved in proline biosynthesis in each of the times of stress. The activities of SOD, CAT, APX and GR they seem to be effective to protect these plants against oxidative stress, although there was an increase of EROs, there was no increase in MDA levels. The increase of in the transcription of all genes evaluated, except OsAPX6 that remained stable, contributed to the increase or maintenance of enzyme activity. According to the results in vitro, the BRS AG cultivar rice plants support concentrations up to 136 mM NaCl.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:59:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_natalia_silveira_correa.pdf: 869927 bytes, checksum: f8d3f9ea4fe21d4621b0f0ce5ce25231 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-03-12 / Salts are prejudicial to growth by toxic effect and osmotic effects, i. e., physiological drought. To some crops as vegetables in general, the problem is more drastic due to great salinity effects. This research had as objective analyze the influence of salt on physiological behavior of onion (Allium cepa L.) seeds. The experiment was realized on two stages, the first determined the effects of several concentrations of sodium chloride (0; 40; 80; 120 and 160 mM NaCl) on seeds physiological quality and seedlings growth in three cultivars (Fepagro 27, Madrugada and Petroline). Tests were conducted using 4 subsamples of 50 seeds for each cultivar, for each treatment, with 3 replications, being evaluated through of the follow tests: germination, first count of germination, germination rate index, emergence, length of shoot and roots, seedlings total dry matter, and electrical conductivity. In general, for all tests applied, the onion seeds showed more sensible when NaCl concentrations were up to 80 mM, indicating that the increase of NaCl diminished the viability and vigor of onion seeds. The second stages the assay was done in order to quantify the chemical composition, comprehending the follow measured: total soluble proteins, total soluble sugars, starch and the determination of -amilase activity. The results indicated that salt concentration affected negatively all variables, decreasing amilase activity, as well as the starch break, consequently the sugar production and restraining the embryo growth. / Os sais são prejudiciais ao crescimento, tanto pela toxicidade quanto pelo efeito osmótico, ou seja, a seca fisiológica. Algumas culturas como as hortaliças em geral, o problema é mais drástico em virtude de possuírem mais sensibilidade aos efeitos da salinidade. Deste modo, o trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influencia do sal no desempenho fisiológico de sementes de cebola . O experimento foi realizado em duas etapas, a primeira avaliou o desempenho de diferentes concentrações de cloreto de sódio (zero; 40; 80; 120 e 160 mM de NaCl) na qualidade fisiológica de sementes e no crescimento de plântulas de três cultivares de cebola (Fepagro 27, Madrugada e Petroline). Os testes foram efetuados com 3 repetições de 4 sub amostras de 50 sementes de cada cultivar, sendo avaliados os testes de germinação, primeira contagem da germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, índice de velocidade de emergência, emergência, comprimento de parte aérea e raiz , massa seca total da plântula e condutividade elétrica. De modo geral, em todos os testes aplicados, a concentração de NaCl em que a cebola se mostrou mais sensível foi a partir de 80 mM, indicando que com o acréscimo de cloreto de sódio ocorre a diminuição da viabilidade e do vigor das sementes de cebola. Na segunda etapa do experimento foi determinado a composição química, abrangendo o teor das proteínas solúveis totais, o teor de açúcares solúveis totais, o teor de amido e a determinação da atividade da enzima α-amilase. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que as concentrações de NaCl afetam negativamente todas as variáveis, dificultando assim a atividade da α-amilase, consequentemente a quebra do amido a conversão deste em açúcar, prejudicando o crescimento do embrião.

Les microbialites sont des roches organo-sédimentaires dont les processus de formation restent mal compris. L'objectif central de cette thèse est de mieux comprendre les conditions environnementales permettant le développement de microbialites actuels provenant de 10 lacs volcaniques mexicains. Une grande diversité de compositions minéralogiques des microbialites a été observée, comprenant divers carbonates et la quasi omniprésence de silicates de magnésium authigènes. A partir de cette étude nous proposons une valeur minimale d'alcalinité permettant le développement des microbialites. De plus, une corrélation positive entre l'alcalinité et la teneur en sodium des lacs est apparue. Cette corrélation pourrait s'expliquer par des niveaux différents d'évaporation des lacs et/ou des degrés différents d'altération des silicates alentours. L'étude plus particulière des silicates de magnésium a révélé que ces phases sont faiblement cristallisées, semblables à la kérolite et ont un fort potentiel de fossilisation des microorganismes et de la matière organique. Ces silicates de magnésium sont parfois associés à du fer dont l'origine pose question dans ces environnements alcalins et oxygénés. Nous avons mis en évidence la présence de différents types de phases porteuses du fer : des hydroxydes doubles lamellaires (hydrotalcites), des oxy(hydroxy)des, des silicates de magnésium et des sulfures. Nous proposons plus spécifiquement que l'hydrotalcite pourrait être issue de l'altération des basaltes par la circulation de fluides souterrains et plus généralement que cette phase pourrait être un précurseur des silicates de magnésium abondamment observés dans les microbialites actuels. / The processes leading to the formation of microbialites, which are organo-sedimentary rocks, are not well understood. The main goal of this thesis is to better understand the environmental conditions allowing the development of modern microbialites. Here we performed geochemical analyses of water solutions and mineralogical analyses of microbialites in 10 Mexican volcanic lakes. We found a large diversity of microbialites in terms of mineralogical composition, with occurrence of diverse carbonate phases as well as the frequent presence of authigenic magnesium silicate phases. From this study, we infer a minimum alkalinity value for the formation of lacustrine microbialites. Moreover, we observe a positive correlation between the alkalinity and the sodium content of the lakes. This may relate to variations in evaporation intensity and/or various degrees of weathering of the surrounding silicates. The study of Mg-silicates revealed that this phase is similar to kerolite, a poorly crystalline hydrated talc phase, and has a strong potential for the fossilization of microorganisms and organic matter. These silicates are sometimes associated with iron, the origin of which remains uncertain in these alkaline and oxidized environments. By the mineralogical study of several microbialites, we found several phases bearing iron: layered double hydroxides (hydrotalcites), Mg-silicates, oxy(hydroxi)des and sulfides. We propose more specifically that hydrotalcite could be the by-product of basalts weathering by groundwater. We propose more generally that hydrotalcite could be a precursor phase of Mg-silicates abundantly observed in modern microbialites.

L’objectif général de ce travail est de comprendre et d’évaluer le rôle des cultures, à fort développement racinaire et susceptibles de se développer en milieu salin et saturé, sur le processus de phytodésalinisation des Vertisols. L’étude est réalisée sur le périmètre irrigué de Kollo (Niger) dans la vallée du fleuve Niger et couple deux expérimentations : i) la première in situ teste la capacité de Echinochloa stagnina à dessaler les Vertisols durant 15 mois en comparaison avec le riz (Oriza sativa) et le sol nu submergé et ii) la deuxième, au laboratoire sur des colonnes du sol, étudie l’effet de E. stagnina sur les propriétés hydro-structurales des Vertisols durant 11 mois et vise à analyser et modéliser le processus de la phytodésalinisation des VertisolsLes résultats montrent que la porosité du sol croît progressivement sur le sol cultivé avec E. stagnina. La macroporosité totale est plus élevée sur le sol cultivé avec E. stagnina (6 à 10 %) que sur le sol nu (2 à 4 %). La salinité des Vertisols décroît significativement avec le temps du développement des cultures. A la fin de l’expérimentation in situ, le stock des sels dans la couche 0-60 cm a baissé de 33 à 36 % sous E. stagnina et seulement de 3 % pour le riz et le sol nu submergé. Au laboratoire, le stock des sels initial a baissé de 65 à 87 % sous E. stagnina et de 34 à 45 % sur le sol nu submergé. Il est nécessaire de comprendre davantage l’interaction entre les différents processus (fissuration, salinité, géochimie) intervenants pendant la période d’inter-culture. / The general objective of this study was to understand and to evaluate the role of crops, characterized by heavy root development and susceptible to growth in saline and flooded conditions, on phytodesalinization process of Vertisols.The study was conducted in the irrigated perimeter of Kollo (Niger) in Niger River valley and coupled two experimental approaches: i) a field study to test the capacity of Echinochloa stagnina to reclaim Vertisols salinity during 15 months in comparison with rice (Oriza sativa) and ponded bare soil and ii) a laboratory experimentation on soil columns to study the effect of E. stagnina roots on hydro-structural properties of Vertisols during 11 months and aims to analyze and modelling phytodesalinization processes of VertisolsThe results showed that the soil porosity progressively increased under soil cultivated with E. stagnina. The soil macroporosity was higher on soil cultivated with E. stagnina (6-10%) than bare soil (2-4%). The soil salinity of Vertisols significantly decreased with time of crop development. At the end of field study, the initial salt stock of 0-60 cm layer decreased by 33 to 36% under the E. stagnina crop and only by 3% under rice crop and ponded bare soil. In laboratory study, initial salt stock decreased by 65 to 87% under soil cultivated with E. stagnina and by 34 to 45% under ponded bare soil. It is necessary to understand the interactions between the different processes (cracking, salinity, and geochemistry) involved during the intercropping season

Agrobacterium is widely considered, when suitably modified, to be the most effective vector for gene transfer into plant cells. For a long time, many cereals crops (monocotyledonous plants) were recalcitrant species to genetic modification, mainly as a result of their recalcitrance to in-vitro regeneration and their resistance to Agrobacterium infection. However, recently Agrobacterium-mediated transformation has been used to transform monocot crops such as maize (Zea mays) but with severe restrictions on genotype suitability. This study was carried out to evaluate the transformation amenability of 2 Syrian maize varieties and 2 hybrids in comparison with the hybrid line Hi II by the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation technique using a callus induction based system from immature zygotic embryos IZEs. A. tumefaciens strains EHA101, harbouring the standard binary vector pTF102, and the EHA105 containing the pBINPLUS/ARS:PpCBF1 vector were used. The effects of genotypes and the size of IZEs explants on callus induction and development were investigated. Results showed that callus induction and subsequent callus growth were significantly affected by the initial explant size. Calli induction from IZEs explants sized 1.5-2.00mm was 76%. Callus weight however decreased to 8.2g, compared with 11.7g of callus derived from IZEs >2.00mm. Callus induction ranged between 73.6-78.9% for varieties and hybrids respectively. Calli derived from varieties weighed significantly more than those initiated from the hybrids. Results demonstrated that Syrian maize genotypes were efficiently transformed via the A. tumefaciens strains but there was variation in transformation frequency. A transformation frequency of 3.7-4.2% was achieved for hybrids and varieties respectively confirming that the transformation frequency was genotype-dependent. The transformation frequency averaged between 3.2-5.6% for the EHA105 and EHA101 respectively. Fertile transgenic plants were regenerated from mature somatic embryos with an average regeneration frequency of 59.2 and 17% respectively for varieties and hybrids. Transgenic seeds of R0 and R1 progenies were produced from 74% of the outcrosses attempted and more than 98% of transgenic plants were normal in morphology. Fertile transgenic maize plants carrying the transferred gene CBF were produced using the Agrobacterium EHA105/PpCBF1 and these plants were shown to be more salt tolerant. Transient expression of the GUS gene was confirmed in transgenic calli, shoots, leaves, roots and floral parts of transgenic R0 and R1 progenies using histochemical GUS assays. The presence of the introduced bar and CBF genes in the genomic DNA of the transformants was confirmed by the PCR amplification. Further, the stable expression of the CBF and bar transgenes in the maize genome of transgenic R1 progeny was confirmed by qRT-PCR. The transformation protocol developed using an A. tumefaciens standard binary vector system was an effective and reproducible method to transform Syrian maize with an anti-stress gene in which fertile salt-resistant transgenic plants were routinely produced. This approach has great potential for development of Syrian maize breeding programmes for abiotic stress resistance for application in many areas in Syrian maize production.

Coral reef biodiversity is threatened by rapidly changing anthropogenic activities and natural perturbations, leading to massive ecological and economic consequences ranging from the loss of fisheries to coastal erosion. It is necessary to understand corals responses to environmental changes in order to determine management programs on appropriate spatial and temporal scales to address these issues. Coral larvae are the product of sexual reproduction, have the potential to recruit to new areas, and are fundamental in maintaining genetic diversity. These larvae are subjected to variations in local environmental conditions until they settle, inducing specific larval molecular response patterns. One factor that influences coral health is salinity. Low salinities can alter cell homeostasis creating stress in cells. In the natural environment larvae may be exposed to low salinities due to heavy rainfall or run-off. This study investigated larvae responses to low salinity and characterized gene expression in the reef-building coral Porites astreoides using a coral stress-focused microarray. Nine batches of 250+ larvae from three different colonies were collected and immediately exposed in an acute hyposalinity experiment. Samples from two treatments of 25 and 30 ppt, and a control at 35 ppt were used in this study. After experimental exposure these samples were stored in RNAlater® and molecular analysis was performed. The RNA from the samples was extracted, purified and hybridized to a coral stress-focused microarray. Statistical analysis indicates 72 genes were differentially expressed across treatments (p<0.003, analysis of variance). The hierarchical cluster analysis groups together the larvae exposed to salinities of 30 and 35 ppt indicating both treatments induced similar patterns of gene expression. Larvae responses to 30 ppt are minimal, suggesting larvae can tolerate acute exposures to 30 ppt salinity levels. In contrast, the lower salinity (25 ppt) induced a strong response in both the coral and zooxanthellae. The coral larvae up-regulated stress response genes and down-regulated genes associated with normal cell functioning. Additionally, the zooxanthellae down-regulated genes associated with photosynthesis. These results suggest larvae may be vulnerable to bleaching, which may affect the ability of larvae to successfully undergo metamorphosis and survive at low salinities. However, this has yet to be confirmed with complementary techniques. Long-term studies are recommended to examine the effects of hyposalinity on larvae at different time scales and life history stages.

The reproductive success for pelagic spawning Baltic flounders is strongly linked to the hydrodynamics in the spawning areas. Egg survival is dependent upon the ability to achieve neutral buoyancy at a depth interval where temperature and oxygen concentrations are favourable for egg development. The main focus of this thesis was to compare egg survival probabilities of pelagic eggs from Baltic flounder in the Bornholm, Gdansk and Gotland basins, prior to and after the saline water inflow in December 2014. The results showed greatly enhanced survival probabilities in Bornholm basin 2015 (p&lt;0.01), as egg survival increased from 47% in 2014 to 100% the following year. In Gdansk basin the situation was similar, and survival probability increased from 13% to 100% (p&lt;0.01). In Gotland basin no difference in survival probability was identified, although the dominant cause of mortality shifted from sedimentation, i.e. due to low salinity conditions in 2014, to oxygen deficiency in 2015 (p&lt;0,01). / BONUS INSPIRE-project, the joint Baltic Sea research and development programme (Art 185), funded jointly by the European Union’s Seventh Programme for research, technological development and demonstration and the Swedish Research Council Formas