Life Sciences Commons^™

Field Observations On The Biology Of Mimulus Guttatus Dc. In Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Barbara L. Rice

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The response of Mimulus guttatus DC. to its unusual thermal habitat in Yellowstone Park is described. Although populations within the park are usually observed in thermal areas, no evidence indicates that they are restricted to thermal soils. The median temperature for soils of natural populations is about 26 C. Populations are distributed in both acidic and basic thermal areas. Success of the species in the thermal soils is facilitated by rapid vegetative growth, allowing fluctuation in population size or position with changes in soil temperature. Water availability is a critical limiting factor in distribution and lack of water tends to …

Polymerization Of Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Fabian Crespo V.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An organic chemical condensing reagent, 1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinoethyl)-carbodiimide metho-p-toluene sulfonate (CMC) was tested for effectiveness in inducing polymerization of short lengths of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) nucleoprotein particles isolated from systemically infected Turkish tobacco leaves. It appeared that the chemical induced the formation of phosphodiester linkages between the viral RNA helices in the joining nucleoprotein fragments. Because the polymerization reaction liberates a hydroxyl ion with each joining event the kinetics of the polymerization can be followed with time using a pH meter. The number of hydroxyl ions liberated is equal to the number of polymerizations. Physical evidence of polymerization was obtained by …

Low Temperature Modification Of Cell Ultrastructure In Hardy And Nonhardy Grass Species, Steven L. Kimball

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Studies were conducted to determine the influence of different temperatures (25, 10, 0, or -5 C) upon plant growth and cell ultrastructure, and to determine if physical changes within cells might block growth activities even though individual biochemical processes were potentially active.

Secale cereale L. was found to be most hardy, followed by Cynodon dactylon (L) Pers. and Paspalum notatum Flugge, whose responses were quite similar. Secale grew normally at 25 and 10 C, with reduced activity at 0 C and a slight delay before resuming normal growth when placed at 25 C again. All three species were killed at …

Investigations Of Unusual Curly Top Symptoms In Grafted Tomato Plants And Early Leafhopper Feeding Effects Upon Tomato Seedlings, Donald Eldon Gardner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

To determine possible unusual effects of resistant plants upon symptom expression of curly top disease in susceptible tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), tops of susceptible plants were grafted to lower stems and roots of resistant plants and inoculated. The resistant plants used were wild relatives of L. esculentum: L. peruvianum var. dentatum Dun. and L. peruvianum var. humifusum C. H. Mul. Reciprocal grafts, in which tops of dentatum plants were grafted to lower stems and roots of L. esculentum, were also made and inoculated.

External symptoms in the grafted plant tops were observed and compared with those of nongrafted, …

An Electrophysiological Study Of The Oral Plate Sensory Organs Of The Honey Bee (Apis Mellifera L.), Rodney R. Seeley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The oral plate sense organs of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L., have been investigated employing an electrophysiological technique which allows simultaneous stimulation and recording.

The results of the study present evidence that the four bipolar sense cells innervating the sensory papillae on the oral surface of the hypopharynx are chemoreceptors. The sensory papillae respond to cations, glucose, water, and amino acids. Evidence for the absence of a mechanosensory cell is presented. The data concerning the sensory structures agree with the current theories of chemoreception.

Effects Of Dmso And Propham On Mitosis In Root Tips Of Secale Cereale, Max Rosequist

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and propham (isopropyl carbanilate) were investigated to determine their effect singly and in combination on mitoses in rye (Secale cereale) root tip cells. Root tips were prepared for observation by the paraffin and aceto-carmine squash methods. Results showed DMSO caused the following abnormalities: arrested metaphases, multipolar spindles, multinucleate cells, stickiness, shortened chromosomes, and mitotic inhibition. Cells from propham treated root tips exhibited the same abnormalities as those treated with DMSO. In addition, propham treatments resulted in polyploid cells and chromosome granulation. In combination, DMSO and propham caused all the abnormalities mentioned above except polyploidy. In …

Isolation And Characterization Of Autosomal Male Sterile Mutants In Drosophila Melanogaster, Lynn J. Romrell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In order to study the genetic control of spermiogenesis, recessive, male-sterile, autosomal mutants of Drosophila melanogaster were induced with ethyl methanesulfonate. A total of 31 mutants were recovered, 15 of which were located on the second chromosome and 16 on the third chromosome. Eight second- and 6 third-chromosome mutants demonstrating sterility in all homozygous males were used for further analysis.

Complementation tests showed that 2 of the 8 second chromosome mutants (and none of the 6 third chromosome mutants) were noncomplementing, indicating that two of the mutants produced were alleles of the same locus. Mapping of the second chromosome mutants …

Ribose 5'-Phosphate Aminotransferase Of Salmonella Typhimurium, Gulamnabi Y. Vahora

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Ribose-5 '-phosphate aminotransferase, an alternate first enzyme in the purine de novo pathway, has been purified about 800-fold from Salmonella typhimurium (pur D-55 ). The enzyme is distinct from ribosylpyrophosphate-5'-phosphate amidotransferase (E C 2.4.2.14), has an approximate molecular weight of 229,000, and requires ribose-5'-phosphate, ATP and either ammonium ion, carbamyl phosphate or L-glutamine, to synthesize 5'-phosphoribosylamine (PRA). A coupled assay system, employing a S. typhimurium (pur G-310) extract as the coupling-agent source, was used to measure the enzyme. PRA production in this system was inhibited by higher ribose-5' -phosphate concentrations and longer (over 10 minutes) incubation periods. It …

A Study Of The Biology Of The Species Of Protocalliphora In The Northern Wasatch Range, Terry L. Whitworth

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A total of 733 bird nests, representing 55 species from 23 habitats, was examined. Forty-nine percent of the nests of 39 bird species were infested with 16 species of Protocalliphora.

Infestation of bird nests by Protocalliphora is believed to be related to a number of factors, which are discussed. Loosely constructed nests, nests heavily saturated with feces, and nests occupied early in the season had low rates of infestation. Nests of colonial birds were more frequently infested than those of solitary birds. Nests of some birds were rarely or never infested.

Sixteen species of Protocalliphora are differentiated and their …

Some Effects Of The Under Snow Environment On Growth And Carbohydrate Content Of Claytonia Lanceolata Pursh, Bryce D. Bennett

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Studies were conducted in a mountain habitat to determine the effects of altered light and temperature upon the natural growth and/or carbohydrate cycles of Claytonia lanceolata during the period of winter snow cover. Treatments included natural control, light exclusion, and temperature alteration by insulation and by heating for a brief period. Monthly measurements were made of soil temperature (upper 12 cm), shoot development, soluble sugar, and soluble starch. The quantity and quality of light penetrating the snow cover was also determined.

About 0.0052% of the available visible light (400-750 nm) penetrated 70 cm of snow and 0.02% penetrated 50 cm …

The Effect Of Chromosomal Position On Dosage Compensation And Ontogenic Expression Of The V+ Gene In D. Melanogaster, Jack E. Tobler

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Two manifestations of gene regulation-- dosage compensation and ontogenic regulation--were examined in normally positioned and relocated v⁺ genotypes in Drosophila melanogaster to determine the role of gene position in these control functions. Enzyme assays, used as criteria of gene activity, were performed on various genotypes containing different doses of v⁺ in normal and relocated positions in male and female flies. The results indicate that although differently positioned v⁺ genes may specify different tryptophan pyrrolase activities, they still show dosage compensation. In each case, the enzyme activity associated with each gene, either on the X, Y, or third …

Water In Relation To The Establishment Of Chukar Partridge In Utah Deserts, James R. Messerli

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effects artificial watering devices (guzzlers) have on chukar (Alectoris graeca) populations were studied in Juab County, Utah.

The effect of water was determined by a comparision of chukar populations near guzzlers with water to guzzlers without water. The closure of two guzzlers had a pronounced effect on the distribution of chukars and the number of chukars decreased significantly at the two guzzlers after their closure.

Water concentrated the chukars, therefore, influencing their activities. During the water-critical period, between 1 July and 1 October, frequent, possibly daily, trips were made to water by chukars.

Reproduction and chick survival …

The Nitrogen Budget Of Two Salt Desert Shrub Plant Communities Of Western Utah, Richard S. Bjerregaard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The nitrogen budgets of Eurotia lanata (Pursh.) Moq. and Atriplex confertifolia (Torr. and Frem.) S. Wats salt desert shrub plant communities were investigated. In each, a complete biomass and organic nitrogen inventory was made. In addition, investigations of the nitrogen fixation potential of soil surface microflora and inorganic soil nitrogen relationships were carried out.

Greater total biomass and organic nitrogen was found in the above-ground portions, annual shoot productivity, and litter of the Atriplex community. However, the Atriplex community was exceeded by the Eurotia community in root biomass. Roots accounted for 74 and 87 percent of the plant biomass and …

Ecological Life History Of Rudbeckia Occidentalis Nutt, Juan Arturo Florez

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Phenological studies of coneflower on aspen range in Northern Utah showed that resumption of growth of mature plants begins at the time of snow melt and the initial or rosette stage is completed between mid-May and mid- June. The rate of growth in this stage is controlled by temperature, being greater at higher mean temperatures. The bolting stage is completed about 1 week after the initiation of stem elongation and the process of capitulum development is begun. Flowering is initiated between late July and mid- August. Cross-pollination is necessary for seed set which is completed by the end of August. …

The Suitability Of Newton Reservoir To Be Either A Coldwater Or A Warmwater Fishery, Jeffrey H. Johnson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Measurements were made of the water chemistry the distribution and relative abundance of net-plankton, and the reproduction, age and growth, and food habits of largemouth bass in Newton Reservoir, Newton, Utah.

Samples for chemical analysis were collected weekly from three sites and from several depths at each site. Plankton collections were made on a monthly basis. Data were compared with data in the literature and analyzed for possible ecological implications.

Physical and chemical investigations of the water indicated favorable conditions for a warmwater fishery.

The study of the surface net-plankton revealed a predominance of blue-green algae.

The substratum of the …

Selected Physio-Chemical, Microbiological, And Agronomical Studies On The Controlled Atmosphere Storage Of Sugarbeet (Beta Vulgaris) Roots, Vinod V. Karnik

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The post-harvest physiology of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris) roots was studied during controlled atmosphere (CA) storage at 35° and 50°F. Zero, 3, 6 and 10% carbon dioxide and 5% oxygen concentrations were employed to investigate the most beneficial concentrations of gases. Under the experimental conditions beets were stored successfully for 200 days. The maximum beneficial effects of CA were observed under 6% carbon dioxide and 5% oxygen at 35°F. Regardless of storage temperatures, sucrose retention was highest in the beets stored under CA, compared to conventional refrigeration (CR). Other beneficial effects include less hydrolysis of sucrose to reducing sugars …

Development Of A Whey-Based Lactic Culture Medium Capable Of Bacteriophage Inhibition, Chao Tung Cheng

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A whey product has been formulated for use as a lactic starter medium. Phosphate-treated whey medium (PWM) has been shown to support growth of lactic cultures and prevent phage proliferation. Comparisons were made of a commercial phage inhibitory medium (PIM), reconstituted non-fat dry milk (NDM) and PWM. PWM inhibited all phages tested and stimulated starter growth. PWM was not as stimulating as PIM but was better than NDM. Good Cheddar cheese has been made using PWM. PWM is more economical than PIM but NDM is the most economical one if cheese yield is considered.

Effects Of Controlled Atmosphere Storage On Specific Biochemical Changes In Apricot And Peach Fruits, Bartley Norman Wankier

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effects of controlled atmosphere storage vs conventional refrigerated storage on the metabolism of Moorpark and Large Early Montgamet apricot and Elberta peach fruits were studied. The controlled atmospheres studied were 0.0 percent CO₂-5.0 percent O₂; 2.5 percent CO₂-5.0 percent O₂; 5.0 percent CO₂-2.5 percent O₂; 7.5 percent CO₂-5.0 percent O₂; as compared to conventional refrigerated storage. Nitrogen percent was assumed to be the difference between the total CO₂ and O₂ content minus 100.

Fruits were periodically removed from the storage and …

Hereford And Holstein Steer Performance On High Grain Diets With And Without Corn Silage, Cyril Bruce Russell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A factorially designed experiment had 18 Hereford and 18 Holstein steers on individually fed, high-grain diets. One diet included 59% rolled barley, 30% CSF beet pulp, 5% protein, vitamin, mineral, and stilbestrol supplement, and 6% chopped hay and straw. The other diet had corn silage (11% air dry matter equivalent) substituted for the chopped roughage and 5% of the beet pulp. The Holsteins were heavier at the start, 752 lb. as compared to the Herefords 686 lb. average. The weight differential was maintained throughout the approximately 180-day trial. The Holstein's feed consumption and rate of gain, 23.4 and 2.71 lb. …

Economies Of Size Of Cattle Ranches And Wheat Farms And A Comparison Of Management Alternatives For Marginal Cropland In Utah, John P. Workman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Five long-run average cost curves were derived from questionnaire and interview data by connecting points corresponding to the per unit production costs and levels of beef output for four cattle ranch sizes (50, 150, 300, and 500 head of breeding cows). Analysis of the long-run average cost curves in combination with the 1968 weighted Utah beef price revealed that all four ranch sizes studied are capable of meeting cash costs. If the goal of the ranch operator is to meet both cash costs and depreciation, a cattle ranch supporting 105 breeding cows is the minimum size necessary. If provision is …

Changes In The Market Structure Of The Grocery Retailing Industry Of Four Selected Utah Retail Selling Areas, 1960-1969, Michael H. Salsibury

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An analysis of four Utah retail selling areas was made to determine the changes in the market structure of the retail grocery industry of these markets. The study markets were Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake, and Provo-Orem. This study was an ex tension of the National Commission Food Marketing study of the retail food marketing industry.

The major changes observed in the study markets were increasing population, dollar food sales, supermarket saturation levels and concentration ratios. The number of retail food outlets was decreasing. The barriers to entry in the study markets increased during the study period.

There was substantial economic …

An Investigation Of The Mode Of Action Of 2-Chloro-N-Isopropylacetanilide, Nirmal S. Dhillon

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings possessed a high degree of tolerance to growth inhibitory effects of pre-emergent application of 2-chloro-N-isopropylacetanilide (propachlor), squash (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) was intermediate in its response to the herbicide followed by oats (Avena sativa L.), lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) and redroot (Amaranthus retroflexus L.). Root growth was more severely retarded by lower concentrations of propachlor than was stem development.

Propachlor inhibited cell division in onion (Allium cepa L.) root tips. Aberrations in the mitotic behavior, such as contraction of chromosomes, was also induced. Cell elongation, in particular auxin …

A Study Of Insects Attacking Pinus Flexilis James Cones In Cache National Forest, Thomas Evan Nebeker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Six species of insects were found attacking limber pine cones from July 26, 1968, through October 4, 1969, in Cache National Forest. The three species considered of major importance are: Conophthorus flexilis Hopkins, Dioryctria abietella (D. & S.), and D. sp. near or disclusa Heinrich. The three minor species encountered are; Bradysia sp., Trogoderma parabile Beal, and Asynapta keeni (Foote). In addition to the major and minor cone pests three parasites, Apanteles sp. prob. starki Mason, Elacherus sp., and Hypopteromalus percussor Girault were found associated with the cone pests.

C. flexilis, which completely destroys the cone, was ranked as …

An Economic Analysis Of Contour Furrows And Gully Checks On The Frail Lands Of Southeastern Utah, Karl A. Simonson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The upper Colorado River drainage system yields approximately 104,000 acre-feet of silt annually to the Colorado River. In an attempt to reduce the silt load, federal land management agencies have installed numerous land surface treatments. A study was conducted to measure the economic benefits of the land treatments near Cisco, Utah, and to compare them to the treatment costs and to develop predictive criteria for estimating the optimum intensity of treatment.

The economic evaluation was done in a benefit-cost framework and the criteria for estimating optimum intensity of treatment was done in a production-function framework.

The land treatments were found …

Hydrologic Effects Of Contour Trenching On Some Aspects Of Streamflow From A Pair Of Watersheds In Utah, Robert Dean Doty

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Streamflow from two drainages of the Davis County Experimental Watershed, Utah, was evaluated with respect to changes in distribution and volume following trenching of one of the drainages in 1964. Fifteen percent of the Halfway Creek drainage was trenched according to established U.S. Forest Service methods. Twelve years of records before trenching and four years of records after trenching were analyzed.

Analysis of the annual streamflow, the low streamflow period, and the spring streamflow period indicated no significant change in either volume or distribution of streamflow as a result of trenching. This conclusion was further substantiated by supplemental data of …

The Effects Of Formaldehyde On The Frequency Of Reversion Of The White-Ivory Mutant Of Drosophila Melanogaster, Ruth Ellen D. Wood

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study is an analysis of the effects of formaldehyde, a chemical which is both recombinogenic and mutagenic, on white-ivory (wⁱ) a highly mutable allele of the white locus of Drosophila. Formaldehyde is shown to significantly increase the reversion frequency of wⁱ. The results of this investigation differ from earlier observations in three respects: (1) there is a positive correlation between RNA (ribonucleic acid) concentration and reversion frequency in the presence of formaldehyde, but reversion does not appear to be totally RNA dependent; (2) female germ cells are more sensitive than those of the male; …

An Evaluation Of Factors Affecting Establishment And Survival Of Russian Wildrye (Elymus Junceus Fisch.) On Foothill Ranges In Utah, Dale Lynn Drawe

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Several factors affecting establishment and survival of Russian wildrye were studied in the greenhouse and in the field.

Greenhouse studies conducted at Utah State University examined (1) the effects of competition on vigor and production of Russian wildrye, (2) moisture use by Russian wildrye and four weeds, and (3) effects of moisture level on emergence and seedling vigor.

During 1967 and 1969 at Tintic Valley field experiments were initiated to study effects on germination and seedling establishment of (1) seasons, (2) methods, and (3) intensities of seeding Russian wildrye. In 1968 and 1969 studies were made of phenology and root …

Effects Of Sublethal, Cerebral X-Irradiation On Movement And Home-Range Patterns Of Black-Tailed Jackrabbits, Lewis Nelson Jr.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Effects of sublethal, cerebral irradiation on movement and home-range patterns of black-tailed jackrabbits were studied in Curlew Valley, Utah, using radio-telemetry. Irradiation of 70 captive animals indicated that the LD₅₀₍₃₀₎ was between 5,556 and 6,200 roentgens.

Nine wild, free-living experimentals were trapped in desert terrain, irradiated, transmittered, and released at the capture sites. Seven wild controls were treated similarly but were not irradiated. The field-irradiation dosage was 5,000 roentgens.

Tracking accuracy was determined by telemetering transmitters at fixed locations. Mean hourly movement was measured within 20-30 percent error and home ranges were measured with an error of less than …

A Mesoscale Radiation Study Of The Cache Valley, Nolasco G. Baldazo

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The radiation climate of Cache Valley was established from the continuous recordings of global and diffuse sky radiation at Utah State University campus from June 1968 to July 1969 and August 1968 to July 1969, respectively. The influence of topographic features during summer and winter conditions at seven representative locations running on an east-west direction across the valley were determined by making short term measurements on clear days.

A comparison of the clear day average global radiation on approximate dates of the same solar declination shows higher values during late winter and spring than the values during late summer and …

An Application Of Statistical Decision Theory To Farm Management In Sevier County, Utah, Suwaphot Lakawathana

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The major purpose of this study is to present selected empirical results of a study employing decision-making theory as a framework for considering decision making under risk. The particular problem involves choices between alternative crop rotations for Sevier County farmers. The study demonstrates the usefulness of the Bayesian theory that gives more than a point estimation.

A multiple regression model using two linear terms was employed to determine the influence of snow pack and reservoir storage on water availability for irrigation purposes during July, August, and September.

The Bayesian approach was employed. The optimal action or decision was first determined …