Suchergebnisse

Western Development is an important strategy of China Government. The ecological environment in the western region of China is very fragile, and any improper human activity or resource utilization will lead to irrecoverable ecological degradation. Therefore, the integrated ecosystem assessment in the western region of China is of great significance to the Western Development Strategy. This project, Integrated Ecosystem Assessment of Western China (MAWEC), will provide very important scientific foundations for both the central and local governments to make decisions on ecological construction, thus assuring the successful implementation of the Western Development Strategy. Meanwhile, MAWEC as one of the MA sub-global assessments is contributing to strengthen capability in boosting the development of the ecological science, interaction between different subjects, and combination between scientific research and practice, and pushing forward international cooperation in the relevant fields.

Globally, temperatures are rising, glaciers are melting, and sea levels are rising. All of the events will consequentially affect the reliability of global food production among other problems. However, some politicians, executives, and citizens still act surprised at these changing events and continue to emphasize the uncertainty of certain scientific hypotheses and information.

The aim of the Forum was to bring representatives from OECD and non-OECD country governments together with representatives from the research community, to identify and discuss key policy issues relating to greenhouse gas emissions trading and other project based mechanisms for GHG emission reduction, such as Joint Implementation and the Clean Development Mechanism. The Forum also aimed to promote dialogue between the various stakeholder groups, and discuss policy needs in the design and implementation of tradeable emissions schemes. Forum participants included representatives from OECD and non-OECD governments, as well as from the research community. Those from industry and other institutions involved with emissions trading, joint implementation and clean development mechanism projects such as the European Commission and the World Bank were also represented.

An Act making an appropriation for the state land disposal bank program; making an appropriation from the constitutional budget reserve fund under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date.

The overall system for supplying plantable stems of improved cassava varieties from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) was surveyed for Oyo State where IITA is situated. This study examined the relation of spread of adoption of these varieties during the period of 1976 through 1985 to the supply of planting materials. Based on completed questionnaires, reconnaisance visits to 21 of the 24 local government areas of Oyo State, coupled with official documents and personal communications, the team found that: (i) effective distribution of plantable stems to the majority of cassava farmers did not begin until the second half of the 1976–1985 decade, (ii) the required capacity for, and rate of multiplication of IITA cassava varieties was grossly inadequate, (iii) the varieties are yet to be introduced to some localities due to a poor stem supply system for these cassava varieties and (iv) a large potential exists for further adoption of IITA varieties if farmers can obtain more plantable stems. This study identified the short supply of plantable stems to farmers as the chief obstacle to a wider spread, adoption, and use of IITA improved cassava for meeting the food needs of cassava-dependent rural farm families in Oyo State. A greater catalytic role is recommended for IITA to ameliorate the stem supply situation. ; Peer Review

The natural 15N/14N isotope composition (δ15N) of a tissue is a consequence of its N source and N physiological mechanisms in response to the environment. It could potentially be used as a tracer of N metabolism in plants under changing environmental conditions, where primary N metabolism may be complex, and losses and gains of N fluctuate over time. In order to test the utility of δ15N as an indicator of plant N status in N2-fixing plants grown under various environmental conditions, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants were subjected to distinct conditions of [CO2] (400 vs. 700 μmol mol−1), temperature (ambient vs. ambient +4°C) and water availability (fully watered vs. water deficiency—WD). As expected, increased [CO2] and temperature stimulated photosynthetic rates and plant growth, whereas these parameters were negatively affected by WD. The determination of δ15N in leaves, stems, roots, and nodules showed that leaves were the most representative organs of the plant response to increased [CO2] and WD. Depletion of heavier N isotopes in plants grown under higher [CO2] and WD conditions reflected decreased transpiration rates, but could also be related to a higher N demand in leaves, as suggested by the decreased leaf N and total soluble protein (TSP) contents detected at 700 μmol mol−1 [CO2] and WD conditions. In summary, leaf δ15N provides relevant information integrating parameters which condition plant responsiveness (e.g., photosynthesis, TSP, N demand, and water transpiration) to environmental conditions. ; This work was supported by the Spanish Economy and Competiveness ministry (AGL-2012-37815-CO5-05, AGL2011-30386-C02-02 and Ramón y Cajal research grant) and by the Portuguese FCT (PTDC/BIA-ECS/122214/2010). IA was supported by a postdoctoral Fellowship from the Government of Navarra (Anabasid outgoing Programme) and by a postdoctoral Fellowship from the Portuguese FCT (SFRH/BPD/90436/2012).