A trait-based approach focuses on attributes of taxa that influence the structure and function of communities. Biofilm production is a common trait among microorganisms in a wide range of environmental, engineered, and host-associated ecosystems. Here, we used Pseudomonas aeruginosa to link biofilm production to moisture availability, a common stressor for microorganisms in soil. First, we demo...

Records of a White Leghorn Line from three generations were used to evaluate the genetic parameters (heritabilities and breeding values) for production traits in laying hens based on individual and group mean records, taking into account mortality in the data structure. Three different data structures of group mean records, which were Hen Housed Production (HHP), Hen Housed Production corrected...

N2O is a powerful greenhouse gas contributing both to global warming and ozone depletion. While fungi have been identified as a putative source of N2O, little is known about their production of this greenhouse gas. Here we investigated the N2O-producing ability of a collection of 207 fungal isolates. Seventy strains producing N2O in pure culture were identified. They were mostly species from th...

Probiotics are "live microorganisms which, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host". A number of attributes are highly sought after among these microorganisms, including immunomodulation, epithelial barrier maintenance, competitive exclusion, production of short-chain fatty acids, and bile salt metabolism. Bacteriocin production is also generally regarded as a pro...

Cost-benefit models of the evolution of mutualism predict that the current state of mutualism results from trade-offs between fitness costs of mutualist traits and the fitness benefits of association. We test the assumptions of such models by measuring patterns of natural selection on a mutualist trait, extrafloral nectar production in Chamaecrista fasciculata. Selection was measured on plants ...

Understanding the physiological processes associated with high yield traits in modern cropvarieties is essential to further increase grain yield and improve nutrient management strategies.Field trials were conducted to study the effects of fertilization and variety on the grain yield ofrice (Oryza sativa L.) with two fertilizer levels and 18 modern varieties. The objectives were toevaluate yiel...

Plant growth correlates with values of collinear (covarying) traits from the leaf economics spectrum. Environmental variation and differences in community composition may alter contributions these to plant production thereby limit consistency trait-based predictions among years communities. We tested effects interannual precipitation grassland (planted monoculture switchgrass, Panicum virgatum,...

Estimation of genetic parameters is the most important component of an organized selection program. With respect to economic traits, such as wool and mutton traits, production costs can be reduced through a suitable selection program focused on genetic improvement. This study aimed to evaluate genetic parameters of fleece and post-weaning growth traits in sheep. Greasy fleece weight at 6, 16, 2...