Life Sciences Commons^™

Weed Control And Overstory Reduction Improve Survival And Growth Of Under‐Planted Oak And Hickory Seedlings, Luke B. Oliver, Jeremy Stovall, Chris E. Comer, Hans Williams, Matt E. Symmank

Faculty Publications

Weed control and overstory reduction are important silvicultural treatments for improving survival and growth of under‐planted oak and hickory seedlings. Mast‐producing trees in the bottomland forests of the blackland prairie and Post Oak Savannah ecoregions of Texas have declined in abundance. Oaks and hickories have been replaced by more shade‐tolerant species, including green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall) and sugarberry (Celtis laevigata Willd.), which do not produce significant hard mast for priority wildlife species. A split‐plot experiment design was installed on three sites at Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area in Freestone County, Texas, studying the effects of canopy coverage …

Arachidin-1 And Arachidin-3 Modulation Of Rotavirus-Infected Ma104 Cells, Caleb M. Witcher, Rebekah Napier-Jameson, Hannah N. Lockwood, Macie N. Mattila, Stormey B. Wisdom, Luanna L. Saade Ferreira, Josephine Taylor, Beatrice Clack, Fabricio Medina-Bolivar, Judith M. Ball, Rebecca D. Parr

Faculty Publications

Rotavirus (RV) causes severe life-threatening diarrhea in young children and immunocompromised individuals. There are several licensed attenuated vaccines for young children, but there are no vaccines or antiviral therapeutics for immunocompromised patients of any age. Previously, our laboratory demonstrated that arachidin 1 (A1) and arachidin 3 (A3) decreases the number of infectious simian RV particles and RV non-structural protein 4 (NSP4) in a human intestinal cell line which suggests effects on RV replication. This study examined the effects of the arachidins on the human RV (Wa)-infected African green monkey kidney cell line, MA104. The addition of either A1 or A3 …

Surface And Subsurface Tillage Effects On Mine Soil Properties And Vegetative Response, H. Z. Angel, Jeremy Stovall, Hans Michael Williams, Kenneth W. Farrish, Brian P. Oswald, J. L. Young

Faculty Publications

Soil compaction is an important concern for surface mine operations that require heavy equipment for land reclamation. Excessive use of rubber-tired equipment, such as scraper pans, may cause mine soil compaction and hinder the success of revegetation efforts. However, information is limited on management strategies for ameliorating the potential compacting effects of scraper pans, particularly during site preparation for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations. Three forms of tillage and one control were replicated five times on surface mined land in the west Gulf Coastal Plain: no tillage (NT), disking (D), single-ripping + disking (R+D), and cross-ripping + disking …

The Effects Of Ultraviolet Light On Anthocyanin Accumulation In The Adventitious Roots Of Sedum Wrightii (Crassulaceae), Lila D. Kerr, Dennis A. Gravatt, Robert J. Wiggers

Faculty Publications

Several studies have supported the idea that anthocyanin accumulation may be a possible protection mechanism in plants against DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UV). This study explored the accumulation of anthocyanins in the adventitious root tips of Sedum wrightii using the following treatments: UVA, UVA+low UVB, and UVA+high UVB. Following exposure to UV radiation, samples were analyzed for anthocyanin accumulation using an ethanol extraction procedure. Using ELISA, additional root samples were analyzed for indicators of DNA damage: cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone dimers (6-4 PPs). The anthocyanin concentrations were significantly higher in the UVA + high …

Seed Yield Prediction Models Of Four Common Moist-Soil Plant Species In Texas, Daniel P. Collins, Warren C. Conway, Corey D. Mason, Jeffrey W. Gunnels

Faculty Publications

Seed production by moist-soil plant species often varies within and among managed wetlands and on larger landscapes. Quantifying seed production of moist-soil plants can be used to evaluate wetland management strategies and estimate wetland energetic carrying capacity, specifically for waterfowl. In the past, direct estimation techniques were used, but due to excessive personnel and time costs, other indirect methods have been developed. Because indirect seed yield models do not exist for moist-soil plant species in east-central or coastal Texas, we developed direct and indirect methods to model seed production on regional managed wetlands. In September 2004 and 2005, we collected …

Loblolly Pine Growth Patterns On Reclaimed Mineland: Allometry, Biomass, And Volume, Jeremy Priest, Jeremy Stovall, Dean Coble, Brian Oswald, Hans Williams

Faculty Publications

Surface lignite coal mines in east Texas are commonly reforested using loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) following mining and reclamation activities. Due to the nature of such an extreme disturbance, altered growth patterns, growth rates, and productivity could be expected. We destructively sampled above- and belowground tissue to develop prediction equations specific to these sites. These prediction equations differed statistically from those found in the literature regarding unmined land. At the stand level, biomass and volume productivity appeared similar with young stands on reclaimed mineland performing slightly poorer than similarly managed unmined sites. Allometric partitioning of above- and belowground biomass …

Decomposition Of Three Common Moist-Soil Managed Wetland Plant Species, Daniel P. Collins, Warren C. Conway, Corey D. Mason, Jeffrey W. Gunnels

Faculty Publications

Moist-soil wetland management is used to precisely control delivery, duration, and timing of water addition to, and removal from, managed wetlands with targeted responses including germination and growth of desirable moist-soil plant species. Similarly, water delivery and removal drives decomposition of moist-soil plants as well as nutrient cycling within these systems, which is a key driver of productivity in such managed wetlands. Through deployment of litter bags, we examined rate of mass loss and decay coefficients of three locally abundant moist-soil annual species that are potentially valuable wintering-waterfowl food sources (nodding smartweed Persicaria lapathifolia, red-rooted flatnut sedge Cyperus erythrorhizos …

Shrub Evaluation At Stephen F. Austin Gardens (Abstract), David Creech

SFA Gardens Publications

No abstract provided.

Synergistic Effects Of The Invasive Chinese Tallow (Triadica Sebifera) And Climate Change On Aquatic Amphibian Survival, Daniel Saenz, Erin M. Fucik, Matthew Kwiatkowski

Faculty Publications

Changes in climate and the introduction of invasive species are two major stressors to amphibians, although little is known about the interaction between these two factors with regard to impacts on amphibians. We focused our study on an invasive tree species, the Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), that annually sheds its leaves and produces leaf litter that is known to negatively impact aquatic amphibian survival. The purpose of our research was to determine whether the timing of leaf fall from Chinese tallow and the timing of amphibian breeding (determined by weather) influence survival of amphibian larvae. We simulated a …

Small Flowering Trees Deserving Greater Use, David Creech

SFA Gardens Publications

Small flowering trees are gaining in popularity for several reasons. First, small 3 to 6 m (10 to 20 ft) trees fit modern landscapes where yards are small. Secondly, there is a growing and somewhat justified fear of urban trees that get huge with time. In an age of hurricanes, tornadoes, wild weather and predictions by climatologists of more of the same, it is only reasonable to embrace a little fear of large trees. Part of climate change ― is violence. Crushed homes, vehicles, and power lines are becoming nightly fare on our national news. Small flowering trees suddenly look …

National Center For Pharmaceutical Crops, Wei Yuan, Shiyou Li, Zushang Su, Ping Wang

NCPC Presentations

The mission of the National Center for Pharmaceutical Crops is to develop crops for the production of pharmaceutical and other bioactive compounds. The NCPC, located in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, is the only one of its kind in the U.S. and it seeks to improve human health, revitalize rural economies and enhance U.S. security in strategic pharmaceuticals. This poster provides a background to the department, its functions and activities and notable achievements.

Occurrence Of Anisophylly And Anisoclady Within The Amaranthaceae [Abstract], Donald B. Pratt, Lynn G. Clark

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Sfa Gardens Scrapbook 2005-2009, Sfa Gardens, Stephen F. Austin State University

SFA Gardens Scrapbooks

No abstract provided.

Soil And Plant Characteristics Compared Between Abandoned Natural Gas Drill Pads And Adjacent Areas, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Adam J. Miller, Hans Michael Williams, Kenneth W. Farrish, Brian P. Oswald, Daniel Unger

Faculty Presentations

Natural gas demand is projected to continue to rise. To meet this demand an increase in exploration and drilling will occur. This paper identifies some long term ecological impacts that remain following the plug and abandonment of the drill pads.

2c Dna Content Values In Amaranthus (Amaranthaceae) [Abstract], Donald B. Pratt, Shalini N. Jhangiani, Robert J. Wiggers

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Development And Characterization Of Microsatellite Markers For The Grain Amaranths [Abstract], Melanie A. Mallory, Rozaura V. Hall, Andrea R. Mcnabb, Donald B. Pratt, Eric N. Jellen, Peter J. Maughan

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Influence Of Four Salinity Treatments On Growth And Leaf Nutrient Content Of Three Taxodium Genotypes, Lijing Zhou, David Creech

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Influence Of A Modified Pot-In-Pot Production Strategy On Root Temperature And Growth Of Rhododendron × ‘Mrs. G.G. Gerbing’ In Full Sun, Brennan Whitehead, David Creech

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Selection For Salt Tolerance In Tidal Freshwater Swamp Species: Advances Using Bald Cypress As A Model For Restoration (Chapter 14), David Creech

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of Genetic Diversity In The Usda And Cip-Fao International Nursery Collections Of Quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa Willd.) Using Microsatellite Markers [Abstract], S. A. Christensen, Donald B. Pratt, C. Pratt, P. T. Nelson, M. R. Stevens, Eric N. Jellen, C. E. Coleman, D. J. Fairbanks, A. Bonifacio, Peter J. Maughan

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Ultrastructure Of Teliospores And Promycelium And Basidiospore Formation In The Four-Spored Form Of Gymnoconia Nitens, One Of The Causes Of Orange Rust Of Rubus, C. W. Mims, E. A. Richardson, Josephine Taylor

Faculty Publications

Orange rust of Rubus is an interesting disease because of the fact that it can be caused by three different rust fungi that produce virtually identical symptoms. One is Gymnoconia peckiana (Howe in Peck) Trotter, which is a demicyclic species, while the other two are endocyclic forms historically referred to as Gymnoconia nitens (Schwein.) Kern & H.W. Thurston. Although the spores produced on infected Rubus leaves by these latter two forms are morphologically identical to the aeciospores of G. peckiana, they actually function as teliospores. However, the teliospores of one of the forms gives rise to two-celled promycelia that …

The Malagasy Endemic Dendroportulaca (Portulacaceae) Is Referable To Deeringia (Amaranthaceae): Molecular And Morphological Evidence [Abstract], Wendy L. Applequist, Donald B. Pratt

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Antifungal Activity Of Camptothecin, Trifolin, And Hyperoside Isolated From Camptotheca Acuminata, Shiyou Li, Zhizhen Zhang, Abigail Cain, Bo Wang, Melissa Long, Josephine Taylor

Faculty Publications

Leaf spots and root rots are major fungal diseases in Camptotheca acuminata that limit cultivation of the plant for camptothecin (CPT), a promising anticancer and antiviral alkaloid. Bioassays showed that pure CPT and flavonoids (trifolin and hyperoside) isolated from Camptotheca effectively control fungal pathogens in vitro, including Alternaria alternata, Epicoccum nigrum, Pestalotia guepinii, Drechslera sp., and Fusarium avenaceum, although antifungal activity of these compounds in the plant is limited. CPT inhibited mycelial growth by approximately 50% (EC₅₀) at 10−30 μg/mL and fully inhibited growth at 75−125 μg/mL. The flavonoids were less effective than CPT …

Blackspot Disease Of Roses [Abstract], Robert J. Wiggers, Josephine Taylor, J. A. Margoitta, S. G. Pandalai

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Amaranthus Rudis And A. Tuberculatus, One Species Or Two? [Abstract], Donald B. Pratt, Lynn G. Clark

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Pycnothyrium Ultrastructure In Tubakia Dryina [Abstract], Josephine Taylor

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

'Texas Maroon’ Bluebonnet, Wayne A. Mackay, Jerry M. Parsons, Greg Grant, Steve George, Tim D. Davis, Larry Stein

SFA Gardens Publications

The Texas state flower, the bluebonnet, encompasses all six of the Lupinus species native to Texas. The most widespread and popular bluebonnet, Lupinus texensis Hook., is a winter annual that produces violet-blue [violet-blue group 96A, Royal Horticultural

Society (RHS), 1982] racemes in early to midspring and is predominately self-pollinating.

The Texas Dept. of Transportation uses this species widely for floral displays along roadsides throughout much of the state (Andrews, 1986). Rare white and even rarer pink variants exist in native populations, and a breeding project was initiated in 1985 to develop bluebonnets with novel flower colors for use as bedding …

A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study Of The Infection Of Water Oak (Quercus Nigra) By Taphrina Caerulescens, Josephine Taylor, Dale O. Birdwell

Faculty Publications

The fungal pathogen Taphrina caerulescens was isolated from leaves of water oak (Quercus nigra) exhibiting symptoms of oak leaf blister. Healthy leaves were inoculated with a suspension of cells from pure culture in order to examine the infection process. Scanning electron microscopy was used to monitor budding of T. caerulescens cells, formation of germ tubes, and indirect penetration of leaf tissue through stomata, which occurred within 48 h post-inoculation. Direct penetration was not observed.

Conidial Germination And Infection By Diplocarpon Rosae On Susceptible And Resistant Rose Species, Robert J. Wiggers, J. G. West, Josephine Taylor

Faculty Publications

Conidial germination and infection by Dipplocarpon rosae, the causal organism of rose blackspot, were examined on two resistant species of roses, Rosa roxburghii and R. wichuraiana and two susceptible hybrid tea roses (R. hybrid cv. Chicago Peace and Garden Party). Fungal conidia germinated and gave rise to subcuticular mycelium that formed haustoria within epidermal cells of all four roses tested. On the resistant rose species, epidermal cells associated with the infection site became necrotic, indicating that a hypersensitive response is involved in conferring their resistance D. rosae.

Infection And Fungal Development Of Tubakia Dryina On Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua), Josephine Taylor, Shane Clark

Faculty Publications

Infection and fungal development of Tubakia dryina were investigated on leaves of sweet gum using a combination of microscopic techniques. Conidia of T. dryina adhered to the leaf surface and formed septate germ tubes. Germ tubes terminated in small appressoria that formed directly over epidermal cells. Intra- and intercellular hyphae ramified extensively throughout the leaf tissue. Host cells associated with the infection site became necrotic and collapsed, resulting in macroscopic disease symptoms.