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Brassicaceae plants are generally considered non-mycorrhizal; however, recent studies have challenged this non-host status, suggesting occasional colonization during reproductive stages or by overlooked fungi such as Mucoromycotina Fine Root Endophytes (MFRE). To re-evaluate the non-host status of Brassicaceae, we cultivated five Brassicaceae species, including rapid life cycle Brassica rapa (Fast plants) using field soil containing both Glomeromycotina Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (G-AMF) and MFRE. To ensure inoculum potential, a co-planting system with lettuce (Lactuca sativa) as a nurse plant was employed. While lettuce roots were rapidly colonized by both G-AMF and MFRE, no mycorrhizal colonization was observed in any Brassicaceae roots throughout their entire life cycle, from vegetative growth to flowering and seed maturation in Fast plants. Furthermore, co-planting with Brassicaceae did not significantly affect the mycorrhizal colonization or shoot phosphorus concentrations of the neighboring lettuce. These results demonstrate that Brassicaceae plants maintain a robust non-host status against both G-AMF and MFRE. Moreover, they function as "neutral non-hosts" that do not disrupt the symbiotic networks of neighboring plants. This characteristic reinforces the value of Brassicaceae in sustainable crop rotation systems.
This study uses drone imagery and orthomosaic analysis to document three large-scale fortification complexes in Central Mongolia's Khangai range, located near a known 13th-century military encampment associated with Khubilai Khan. Building upon observations first recorded by Russian explorer P.K. Kozlov in the 1920s, we present detailed mapping of these features, revealing their scale, geometric properties, and spatial organization. The complexes, each covering areas between 198,000 and 720,000 square meters, exhibit distinct square layouts adapted to hilly terrain, with regularly spaced pit structures, stone-demarcated trenches, and varying entrance configurations suggesting sophisticated planning and construction. Our research contextualizes these findings within the broader framework of Inner Asian military architecture, drawing comparisons with fortified sites across Mongolia from multiple periods. The results offer a foundation for future investigations into the chronology, function, and regional significance of these complexes.
A novel virus belonging to the genus Marafivirus was identified from the male Oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) cultivar ‘Kumemaru’. The complete genome of persimmon marafivirus (PerMaV) is 6,397 nucleotides in length and encodes a single large polyprotein containing conserved domains typical of viruses in the genus Marafivirus. Phylogenetic and sequence identity analyses indicate that PerMaV represents a new species in the family Tymoviridae.
This study aimed to evaluate the associations of diarrhea frequency on intestinal permeability, plasma glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) concentration, and growth performance in dairy calves. Twenty-two Holstein calves were monitored from birth to postweaning and classified into high (H) and low (L) diarrhea groups based on the number of days with diarrhea (top and bottom 25%, respectively: n = 6). Fecal consistency was scored on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 to 3, and diarrhea was defined as a fecal score ≥ 2, with total days of diarrhea ranging from 19 to 36 d in the H group and from 3 to 5 d in the L group throughout the 66 d experimental period. To evaluate the intestinal permeability, chromium-EDTA (Cr-EDTA) test was assessed by orally administration of Cr-EDTA followed by blood sample collections at 28, 42, and 63 d of age. At 0, 1, 5, 28, 42, 49, 56, and 66 d of age, blood GLP-2 concentrations were measured. Although no differences in intestinal permeability were detected between groups, plasma GLP-2 concentrations were consistently higher in the L group throughout the observation period. In addition, despite no differences in solid feed intake between groups, average daily gain was greater in the L group than in the H group. These findings suggest that plasma GLP-2 concentrations may be associated with postweaning average daily gain (ADG), even in the absence of detectable changes in intestinal permeability.
IntroductionThis study evaluated the decision-making structure that influence pig farmers to implement biosecurity measures to prevent classical swine fever (CSF) outbreaks and identified sociological factors affecting implementation in order to explore effective intervention strategies.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among pig farmers in Japan to collect data on farm and farmer characteristics, the implementation of biosecurity measures, and farmers’ awareness of and motivation to carry out such measures. Questionnaires were distributed to 516 farms across 15 prefectures, and the analysis was conducted using data from 228 farms with valid responses. Structural equation modeling was applied to quantitatively analyze the decision-making process based on the knowledge, attitude, practice, and capacity (KAP-C) and the protection motivation theory (PMT) frameworks. In addition, relationships between farm characteristics and biosecurity measure implementation, as well as factors derived from nudge theory, were evaluated.ResultsAs a result, the latent variable Capacity was not identified in the KAP-C model, and Knowledge was associated with Attitudes (β = 0.99), which was also with Practice (β = 0.83). Similarly, in the PMT model, Threat (β = 0.43) and Coping (β = 0.56) appraisals were associated with Action. In both models, risk and threat perceptions were associated with Practice. In contrast, farms with higher capacity, such as large-scale farms (p < 0.001) and those managed by younger owners (p = 0.050), had higher rates of biosecurity implementation. Farms with a history of CSF outbreaks also demonstrated higher implementation rates (p < 0.001). Guidance from veterinary clinicians (ρ= 0.24, p < 0.001) and Livestock Hygiene Service Centers (LHSCs; ρ = 0.16, p = 0.014), integrating measures into routine farm work positively affected biosecurity practices, and commitment such as goal setting (ρ = 0.46, p < 0.001) and community-based engagement (ρ = 0.35, p < 0.001) positively influenced the implementation of biosecurity measures.DiscussionFarmers may respond effectively to messages in which veterinary clinicians and LHSCs collaborate to clearly present effective biosecurity measures and disease threats, foster concern for pigs, and encourage participation in biosecurity practices at the community level.
