Adrian C. Newton

Bio: Adrian C. Newton is an academic researcher from James Hutton Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Hordeum vulgare & Biodiversity. The author has an hindex of 74, co-authored 453 publications receiving 21814 citations. Previous affiliations of Adrian C. Newton include Seattle Children's Research Institute & University of Peradeniya.

Field testing of IPM-based cropping systems: a diversity of experimental approaches in Europe

Abstract: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emphasizes physical and biological regulation strategies to control pests while reducing the reliance on pesticides It is often based on combinations of control measures, because each available alternative measure might have a moderate efficiency Field experiments are required to analyse the interactions between control measures, and to evaluate the sustainability of IPM-based cropping systems (CS) A network of European agronomists managing field experiments at the CS level was set recently, aiming at sharing data and expertise to enhance our knowledge on IPM Comparing methodologies highlighted a diversity of approaches in CS design and experimental layouts This diversity is partly related with the research context and objectives Some experiments intend to explore really innovative strategies and gain scientific knowledge about how such innovative CS behave, while others aim at providing quickly adoptable solutions for local farmers In some research programs, the experiment is part of the CS design process, and tested CS are regularly revised, while in other cases CS are kept stable across years so as to be able to evaluate cumulative long term effects The concept of CS itself is viewed differently across scientists, and this affects protocols: some consider each CS as a sequence of techniques, which has to be similar across repetitions, others define a CS as a set of decision-making rules that allows a flexibility in the actual sequences of techniques The main difference among experiments differentiates factorial layouts from systemic approaches: factorial experiments make it possible to quantify the effects of each IPM factor, and to analyse the interactions, without particular attention for the consistency among components constituting each CS On the contrary, system approach focuses on the overall evaluation of CS designed with a great attention paid to their consistency, hence maximizing the chance to meet the system objectives (in the case of IPM, to use little amount of pesticide while maintaining the CS sustainability) Such field experiments are costly, so preliminary reflections defining the experimental strategy have a critical importance Networking at the European level may constitute a useful exchange platform with potential scientific added value

Evaluating Variation in Germination and Growth of Landraces of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Under Salinity Stress

Abstract: Ongoing climate change is resulting in increasing areas of salinity affected soils, rising saline groundwater and droughts resulting in irrigation with brackish water. This leads to increased salinity stress in crops that are already grown on marginal agricultural lands, such as barley. Tolerance to salinity stress is limited in the elite barley cultivar pools, but landraces of barley hold potential sources of tolerance due to their continuous selection on marginal lands. This study analyzed 140 heritage cultivars and landrace lines of barley, including 37 Scottish Bere lines that were selected from coastal regions, to screen for tolerance to salinity stress. Tolerance to salinity stress was screened by looking at the germination speed and the early root growth during germination, and the pre-maturity biomass accumulation during early growth stages. Results showed that most lines increased germination time, and decreased shoot biomass and early root growth with greater salinity stress. Elite cultivars showed increased response to the salinity, compared to the landrace lines. Individual Bere and landrace lines showed little to no effect of increased salinity in one or more experiments, one line showed high salinity tolerance in all experiments—Bere 49 A 27 Shetland. A Genome Wide Association Screening identified a number of genomic regions associated with increased tolerance to salinity stress. Two chromosomal regions were found, one associated with shoot biomass on 5HL, and another associated with early root growth, in each of the salinities, on 3HS. Within these regions a number of promising candidate genes were identified. Further analysis of these new regions and candidate genes should be undertaken, along with field trials, to identify targets for future breeding for salinity tolerance.

Defining the green economy and the potential role of green tourism

Abstract: This chapter presents an examination of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka and the factors that are likely to impact upon its ability to adopt a green economy approach. It begins with a brief discussion of the green tourism economy concept followed by the methods section. The tourism industry in Sri Lanka had, been stifled by the long-running civil war between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The growth in tourism is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits including increased foreign currency earnings and increased employment opportunities. However, the challenge for the government and the industry is to ensure that its expansion does not result in adverse environmental, social and economic impacts. Sri Lanka receives many of its tourists from India and, to a lesser extent, China and the Middle East. These countries, with large populations, are experiencing high levels of economic growth resulting in rapidly expanding middle classes with high levels of discretionary spending.

The Theory of Island Biogeography

Abstract: Preface to the Princeton Landmarks in Biology Edition vii Preface xi Symbols Used xiii 1. The Importance of Islands 3 2. Area and Number of Speicies 8 3. Further Explanations of the Area-Diversity Pattern 19 4. The Strategy of Colonization 68 5. Invasibility and the Variable Niche 94 6. Stepping Stones and Biotic Exchange 123 7. Evolutionary Changes Following Colonization 145 8. Prospect 181 Glossary 185 References 193 Index 201

The Design and Analysis of Experiments

Abstract: THE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTS. By Oscar Kempthorne. New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1952. 631 pp. $8.50. This book by a teacher of statistics (as well as a consultant for \"experimenters\") is a comprehensive study of the philosophical background for the statistical design of experiment. It is necessary to have some facility with algebraic notation and manipulation to be able to use the volume intelligently. The problems are presented from the theoretical point of view, without such practical examples as would be helpful for those not acquainted with mathematics. The mathematical justification for the techniques is given. As a somewhat advanced treatment of the design and analysis of experiments, this volume will be interesting and helpful for many who approach statistics theoretically as well as practically. With emphasis on the \"why,\" and with description given broadly, the author relates the subject matter to the general theory of statistics and to the general problem of experimental inference. MARGARET J. ROBERTSON

Ecosystems and human well-being: a framework for assessment

Abstract: This first report of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the conceptual framework that is being used in the MA. It is not a formal assessment of the literature, but rather a scientifically informed presentation of the choices made by the assessment team in structuring the analysis and framing the issues. The conceptual framework elaborated in this report describes the approach and assumptions that will underlie the analysis conducted in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. The framework was developed through interactions among the experts involved in the MA as well as stakeholders who will use its findings. It represents one means of examining the linkages between ecosystems and human well-being that is both scientifically credible and relevant to decision-makers. This framework for analysis and decision-making should be of use to a wide array of individuals and institutions in government, the private sector, and civil society that seek to incorporate considerations of ecosystem services in their assessments, plans, and actions.