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This work summarizes the roles of various plant promoting (PGP) microorganism on several types of plant hosts. In particular, rhizosphere dwelling bacteria and fungi that increase plant growth, protect plants from pathogens, and increase tolerance to abiotic stresses are presented. These traits are due, in part, to the production of enzymes, hormones, and a plethora a various metabolites produced by rhizosphere microorganisms that directly or indirectly benefit the plants. The impact of selective grazing by bacterivorous protozoa on plant growth promotion is also examined. In addition to reviewing research from other investigators, this paper introduces a recently isolated Pseudomonad bacterium that has demonstrated growth promotion and protection of heirloom tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in the face of both abiotic and biotic stresses. Our findings indicate that the novel Pseudomonas koreensis strain could serve as an agricultural inoculant to induce plant growth and protection. The potential to create effective bioinoculum using rhizosphere microorganisms is discussed.

Human activities have caused massive losses of natural populations across the globe. Like many groups, amphibians have experienced substantial declines worldwide, driven by environmental changes such as habitat conversion, pollution, and disease emergence. Each of these drivers is often found in close association with the presence of roads. Here we report a novel consequence of roads affecting an amphibian native to much of North America, the wood frog (Rana sylvatica). Across 38 populations distributed from southern to central New England, we found that adult wood frogs living adjacent to roads had higher incidence and severity of oedema (indicated by obvious bloating caused by subcutaneous fluid accumulation) during the breeding season than frogs living away from the influence of roads. This effect was best explained by increased conductivity of breeding ponds, probably caused by runoff pollution from road salt used for de-icing. Oedema severity was negatively correlated with locomotor performance in more northerly populations. Interestingly, northern populations experience more intense winters, which tends to result in more de-icing salt runoff and increased energetic demands associated with overwintering cryoprotection needs. Thus, this emerging consequence of roads appears to impose potential fitness costs associated with locomotion, and these effects might be most impactful on populations living in regions where de-icing is most intense. Together, our findings reveal a novel set of impacts of roads and runoff pollution on wood frog physiology and performance, which seem likely to contribute to population decline. Given the global prevalence of roads and increasing salinisation of freshwater habitats, oedema and related impacts could be widespread consequences faced by amphibian populations across much of the planet's temperate zones. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

1. The effects of temperature acclimation on electrical properties of earthworm axons (Lumbricus terrestris) were studied using intracellular stimulating and recording techniques. 2. Cold acclimation, compared to warm acclimation, was associated with decreased action potential duration and cable input resistance and increased maximum rate of rise and decline of the action potential and increased excitation threshold. In each case the direction of change occurring during acclimation to 5° C was opposite to that occurring immediately after cooling to 5° C, i.e., the acclimation changes were compensatory. 3. The significance of these changes is discussed with regard to their influence on over-all nerve function after thermal acclimation. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.

A total of 243 bats belonging to six species were collected in the tropical zone of west central Colombia. Three individuals of Artibeus lituratus (2 males and 1 female) from Melgar, Colombia, harboured Paracoccidioides brasiliensis; cultures being taken directly from the intestinal tract. To our knowledge this is the first report of recovery of P. brasiliensis from animals. © 1965 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.

A total of 28 Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) and 30 Red-tailed Hawk (B. jamaicensis) nests were found in Cache Valley. Utah, during the summers of 1992 and 1993. All nests were in trees, but only Red-tailed Hawks nested in dead trees (30%). In the intensive study area, nesting densities were 0.10 nests/km2 for Swainson's Hawk and 0.08 nests/km2 for Red-tailed Hawk. Nearest-neighbor nest distances were significantly shorter among Swainson's Hawks (1.74 km) than among Red-tailed Hawks (2.83 km). Congeneric nearest- neighbor distances were significantly shorter than conspecific distances for Red-tailed Hawks (1.59 vs. 2.83 km) but not for Swainson's Hawks (1.52 vs. 1.74 km). GIS analysis of habitat types was made for 2-km radii around nest sites. Cropland was the dominant land cover type of nest sites of both species and no significant difference was found between species. Swainson's Hawk nest sites contained significantly more pasture, whereas Red-tailed nest sites contained significantly more juniper, maple, and sagebrush. Only Red- tailed Hawk nests (n=8; 27%) were found on the periphery of the valley at the base of foothills of the Cache Mountains. This preference resulted in a significantly higher elevation for Red-tailed Hawk nest sites. Swainson's Hawk nests occurred only on the valley floor on level terrain. Distance to the nearest paved road and building was very similar for both species, implying that little difference exists in tolerance levels for human activities. Overall, multivariate niche overlap for habitat was high (0.89), indicating a lack of habitat partitioning between these 2 Buteos in Cache Valley.

The social interactions of a wintering population of Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus) were studied in the Hackensack Meadowlands tidal marshes in New Jersey. Juvenile harriers were numerically dominant in the population and participated in hunting groups significantly more often than adult males or females. Group sizes varied from 2-4 birds (total groups observed = 66 duets, five trios and two quartets). The occasional inclusion of adults in a foraging group was usually the result of juveniles following the adult, presumably for the parasitic benefits of grabbing flushed prey or exploiting high yield foraging patches. Our observations suggested a non-territorial wintering harrier population documented by observations of 3-6 different individuals frequently hunting the same 12-ha area each day as well as random use of our study quadrats (3-ha) by individuals of all sexes and ages. Territorial defense was observed in only one adult female, which infrequently attempted to defend a territory. Overall, the prevalence of group-foraging behavior is consistent with the general lack of winter territory in this population.

We studied nest site and habitat characteristics associated with 75 Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) nests in Connecticut, northern New Jersey, and southeastern New York. Nest sites were categorized as either urban (30) or rural (45) and were compared to data from available habitat (24 random sites for microhabitat; 70 random sites for macro-habitat). Urban nest trees were significantly larger in diameter and taller than rural nest trees, and accordingly, nests were higher in urban nest trees as well. Urban nest sites were significantly different than random sites for all eight habitat variables, but rural nests were significantly different for only five variables. Urban nests were significantly different than rural nests for five of eight habitat variables. Only urban owl nests had significantly lower site basal area, higher conifer composition, and lower shrub cover. Both urban and rural owl nests showed lower canopy cover and closer proximity to forest edge, paved roads, human habitation, and water than random sites. Although both urban and rural Great Horned Owls demonstrated habitat selection (use different from availability), urban owls showed a stronger degree of selection, probably because of the greater complexity of habitats available in the urban landscape.

Because clients are demanding better health care for their pets, more advanced and quicker techniques for obtaining a diagnosis are essential. Veterinary endoscopy gives veterinarians and clients a noninvasive option for evaluating diseased tissue without surgical intervention. Although patients must be anesthetized, they often are released from the veterinary facility on the same day the procedure is performed. Technicians play a vital role in communication between veterinarians and clients and provide valuable procedural skills during the endoscopy.

Centroptilum ozarkensum, new species is described from distinctive adult males collected from springs within the Ozark National Scenic Rivers area of southeastern Missouri. The adult male of this species is similar to the widespread species C. album, hut is easily distinguished from it by color and morphological characters.

We investigated the response of the forest raptor community to broadcasts of all potentially occurring raptors in a New Jersey watershed. Raptors were systematically surveyed using high-volume broadcasts of conspecific and heterospecific calls during the breeding season at a total of 81 survey stations. Results showed 107 responses from 10 species of breeding raptors following 891 broadcasts of 11 species. Among responses that occurred during or after broadcasts, at least 50% of the forest raptor species responded to heterospecific calls. Response rates to conspecific or heterospecific broadcasts were significantly different between hawks (68% heterospecific) and owls (26% heterospecific), suggesting that hawks showed greater heterospecific conflict than members of the owl guild. The hawk guild had a higher species packing (six versus four species) which is thought to increase the likelihood of competition in the community. In addition, most hawks probably need to re-establish territories each spring because the vast majority of them will migrate south for the winter. In contrast, most of the owl guild members are permanent residents and territories may be more permanent. Overall, the prevalence of heterospecific response is an indicator that current competition exists and continues to shape present-day community structure among forest raptors.

We studied the species richness and distribution of the forest raptor community in a New Jersey watershed in relation to urbanization. Raptors were systematically surveyed using high volume broadcasts of conspecific and heterospecific calls during the breeding season at a total of 81 survey stations. Ten habitat variables relevant to urbanization were measured at each survey station using topographic maps and aerial photographs. Results showed a community composed of 10 species of breeding raptors. Buteo lineatus, Accipiter gentilis and Strix varia showed a significant avoidance of suburban habitat, whereas B. jamaicensis and Bubo virginianus had a greater tendency to occupy such areas. Lowland habitat was significantly selected by S. varia, B. lineatus and A. cooperii, a habitat usually most susceptible to development in the study region. Raptor species richness showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.79, P < 0.01) with wilderness area size. No wilderness area less than 1000 ha had more than four raptor species while four to eight species were found in areas from 1000-8000 ha. Utilization of three increasing size classes of wilderness areas showed increasing trends for B. lineatus, A. gentilis and S. varia, and decreasing trends for B. jamaicensis and Bubo virginianus. © 1997 The Raptor Research Foundation, Inc.

The species Anthopotamus verticis is recorded for the first time in New England from the Housatonic River in western Connecticut. Notes on the larval habitat and observations on the sympatric occurrence of this species with A. distinctus are presented. New distribution records for A. distinctus are presented for Massachusetts and Vermont.

Brachycercus maculatus, a member of a rare group of mayflies, is now recorded for the first time from New York State in the upper Hudson River. An illustrated key to the Brachycercus larvae of northeastern North America is provided to spur further study of the genus in the region.

Space, futurism, exploration, and stardom are some of the themes at a summer camp inspired by Howard Gardner's theories.

The relative abundance and size distributions of juvenile winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, were compared in two areas; an anthropogenically altered marina basin and a natural intertidal flat habitat. Winter flounder were sampled from March through November 1990-95 with a 1.0 m beam trawl. No significant difference was observed in catch-per-unit-effort between areas but significant differences were found between seasons. Relative abundance (number of flounder/m2) increased from spring (0.007 marina and 0.011 intertidal flats) to summer (0.059 marina and 0.051 intertidal flats) and then declined slightly in the autumn (0.047 marina and 0.027 intertidal flats). Relative abundance was similar between areas from 1990-95 but differed between years. Length frequency distributions of winter flounder were similar between areas for all seasons but mean sizes were statistically different in summer. These results suggest that juvenile winter flounder are equally abundant in both natural intertidal habitats and marina basins, indicating that both could serve as nursery areas. However, more specific research is required to resolve the relative importance of marinas and the factors involved in utilization of each habitat.

Little is known about the life history of mayflies that inhabit temporary ponds. The purpose of this study was to observe and quantify life histories attributes of Siphlonurus typicus, which is known to reside in temporary ponds. Weekly samples of nymphs were taken from two temporary ponds in eastern Connecticut from March to June, 1999. Individuals were graded into 11 maturity classes, based on developmental characteristics, as a means of predicting population maturity rates. Head capsule widths (HCWs) were used to determine if growth occurred between maturity classes. Degree days were found to be an excellent predictor for population maturity (r2 = 0.963, p &lt; 0.0001). Nymphs that hatched earlier in the year had larger HCWs than nymphs that hatched later in the year, possibly because of different temperature regimes. The University of Connecticut Forest pond (UCF) population matured faster than the Merrow Meadows pond (MER) population, but both sexes of the UCF population tended to be smaller than their counter parts from the MER population. Sex ratios were female bias for the UCF population (1.35:1), but were not different for the MER population. Adult emergence and mating occurred from 27 May to 21 June. There was a positive relationship between number of eggs per female and female body length. Oviposition at both sites occurred directly on the ponds, pond inlets, and outlets, indicating that pond populations were the result of local migrants as well as permanent residents. Temperature was a determining factor of maturity and fecundity for Siphlonurus typicus.

Marks (2001) is critical of our study of nest-site selection in Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) because we compared our data from owl nests with data from random points rather than from unused stick nests. We argue that Great Horned Owls have so many options for nesting in eastern forests that there is little constraint on nest-site selection. Therefore, their choice of nest sites is determined largely by vegetation characteristics in the surrounding landscape, and comparison of owl nests with random points is the best way to assess nest-site selection. Furthermore, we believe that use of unused nests as controls, as advocated by Marks, is biased because control nests will have many of the same characteristics as nests used by owls.