Analysing phenological diversity of tropical trees provides a potential tool to detect climate change effects and devise forest management options. In this study, the leaf phenological activity of 28 dominant tree species in a moist sub-tropical hill forest of north-eastern India was examined for a period of 2 years and related to functional traits (i.e. leaf mass per area (LMA) and wood density (WD)). The peak phase of leaf fall occurred in the cool dry period (November to January) with leaf flush peaking in the pre-monsoon period (February to March), but variation was found between species as influenced by their phenological strategy, i.e. evergreen, leaf-exchanging or deciduous (<4 months leafless). Photoperiod and minimum temperature were the environmental factors most strongly correlated with phenological activity, and the synchrony index within species for both phenophases was 0.81. LMA was less in the deciduous species compared with the evergreen species, whereas WD did not differ. LMA was negatively correlated with the length of deciduousness as well as timing of leaf flush and fall indicating that LMA may be more important than WD in influencing phenological patterns in this forest. The study revealed that the phenological diversity of tropical trees is related to changes in environmental variables and has implication for forest management under changing climate. Further study will help in understanding the phenological response of trees to climatic factors and their potential future changes.

Climate change is producing an increase on extreme weather events around the world such as flooding, drought and extreme ambient temperatures impacting animal production and animal welfare. At present, there is a lack of studies addressing the effects of climatic conditions associated with energy intake in finishing cattle in South American feed yards. Therefore, two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of environmental variables and level of metabolizable energy intake above maintenance requirements (MEI) on performance and carcass quality of steers. In each experiment (winter and summer), steers were fed with 1.85 or 2.72 times of their requirements of metabolizable energy of maintenance. A total of 24 crossbred steers per experiment were used and located in four pens (26.25 m2/head) equipped with a Calan Broadbent Feeding System. Animals were fed with the same diet within each season, varying the amount offered to adjust the MEI treatments. Mud depth, mud scores, tympanic temperature (TT), environmental variables, average daily gain, respiration rates and carcass characteristics plus three thermal comfort indices were collected. Data analysis considered a factorial arrangement (Season and MEI). In addition, a repeated measures analysis was performed for TT and respiration rate. Mean values of ambient temperature, solar radiation and comfort thermal indices were greater in the summer experiment as expected (P<0.005). The mean values of TT were higher in steers fed with higher MEI and also in the summer season. The average daily gain was greater during summer v. winter (1.10±0.11 v. 0.36±0.06) kg/day, also when steers were fed 2.72 v. 1.85 MEI level (0.89±0.12 v. 0.57±0.10) kg/day. In summer, respiration rate increased in 41.2% in the afternoon. In winter, muddy conditions increased with time of feeding, whereas wind speed and rainfall had significant effects on TT and average daily gain. We conclude that MEI and environmental variables have direct effects on the physiology and performance of steers, including TT and average daily gain, particularly during the winter. In addition, carcass characteristics were affected by season but not by the level of MEI. Finally, due to the high variability of data as well as the small number of animals assessed in these experiments, more studies on carcass characteristics under similar conditions are required.

Using the dengue surveillance program, we prospectively collected data on all the suspected and confirmed cases of dengue in Barbados from 2006 to 2015. Data were analysed for demographic, seasonal and temporal dynamics of this disease in this country. The overall mean annual incidence rate of suspected and confirmed dengue over the study period was 0.49% (range 0.15%–0.99%) and 0.16% (range 0.05%−0.48%), respectively. There was a significant correlation between the mean monthly number of confirmed cases, the mean monthly rainfall and the mean monthly relative humidity percentage. Dengue in this population is predominantly an infection affecting children and young adults. The median age of the patients with both, suspected and confirmed dengue was 25 years and the highest proportion of cases was seen in the age group 0–15 years. The annual incidence rates of both the suspected and the confirmed cases showed an upward trend during the study period and this upward trend was more pronounced among children.

Although viral acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) are a major public health problem in tropical low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and there is growing evidence showing their relationship with meteorological parameters, studies performed in these countries are scarce. In an analytical cross-sectional study, we determined which of the main meteorological parameters (temperature, absolute humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and solar radiation) predicted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in a population of hospitalized children with ALRI during a 5-year period, from January 2009 to December 2013. Out of a total of 4559 children included in the study (mean age 9·2 ± 8·5 months), 2953 (64·8%) presented RSV infection during the 3-month period from March to May. In the multivariate analysis, after controlling for absolute humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation, temperature [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 2·25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·11–4·53, P = 0·024], and rainfall (IRR 1·01, 95% CI 1·00–1·02, P = 0·044) were independently associated with the monthly number of RSV infections. In conclusion, in Bogota, the capital of a tropical LMIC lying slightly above the equator, RSV activity peaks in the 3-month period from March to May, the main rainy period of the year in the city. In addition, rainfall and temperature are the two most important meteorological parameters that are independently associated with RSV activity in hospitalized children with ALRI in the city.

This study aimed to determine which meteorological conditions are associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) isolates in a population of children hospitalized with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in Bogota, Colombia. In an analytical cross-sectional study, links were examined between the number of monthly RSV infections and monthly average climatic variation (temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind speed, solar radiation) between 1 January 2010 and 30 April 2011 in a population of hospitalized children aged <3 years with ALRI caused by RSV. Out of a total of 1548 children included in the study (mean age 9·2 ± 8·5 months), 1194 (77·1%) presented RSV infection during the 3-month period from March to May. In the multivariate analysis, after controlling for wind speed, relative humidity, and solar radiation, monthly average temperature [incident rate ratio (IRR) 3·14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·56–6·30, P = 0·001] and rainfall (IRR 1·008, 95% CI 1·00–1·01, P = 0·048) were independently associated with the monthly number of RSV infections. In conclusion, in Bogota, a tropical Latin American city, average temperature and rainfall are the meteorological variables most strongly associated with RSV isolation in children hospitalized with ALRI in the city.

Introduction. Wines produced in cool climate regions may be competitive with wines obtained in traditional wine-producing countries. The aim of this paper was to conduct a quality analysis of the chemical composition of selected varieties of cool-climate grapes and to assess the enological parameters of wines obtained from them. Materials and methods. The chemical composition of 11 varieties of grapes as well as the basic enological parameters, profile of volatile components, and antioxidant and sensory properties of wines obtained from selected varieties were assessed. Results and discussion. The extract content of the assessed varieties of grapes varied within the range of 128.5–218.5 g×kg–1. The fruit was characterised by similar acidity but significantly heterogeneous antioxidant activity. The basic quality parameters of wines were in accordance with the EU regulations. Antioxidant activity and polyphenol content in red wines were approximately 5–7 times higher than those in white wines. In the sensory assessment the wines obtained high grades. Conclusion. Wines from the cool climate regions fulfil the EU normative requirements and are characterised by original sensory features. They may compete with products from traditional wine-producing countries.

Introduction. In São Paulo State in Brazil, there is a demand for pear tree varieties that present fruit complementary characteristics and high adaptation for a subtropical-tropical climate. Thus, our study aimed at evaluating variety selections with better fruit quality and mainly adapted to the different areas of the São Paulo State. Materials and methods. Crosses among Asian [Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai] and European (P. communis L.) pear cultivars were made in Brazil from 1992 to 1998 aiming at finding new pear types for subtropical areas of the country. The first interspecific hybrids of the IAC pear breeding program were planted in various regions of São Paulo State, at latitudes from 21° 11’ S to 24° 11’ S and (11 to 200) chilling units (CU). About 20 phenological characteristics were evaluated. The hybrids and their parents were genetically characterized through RAPD markers. Results and discussion. In the progeny of ‘Okusankichi’ × ‘D'água’, the mean age for the first bearing and fruit development period (FDP) were 3.8 years and 137 days, respectively. The fruit characters early ripening, rounded shape, russet-brown skin and crisp flesh were dominant in all crosses of Asian × Asian and Asian × European pear trees. Twenty-six hybrids were selected, of which twelve are still being tested in a subtropical-tropical climate (0–80 CU). Their main characteristics are fruit with rounded, oblate, oblong or pyriform shapes, russet-brown or green skin, and crisp or soft flesh, and plants with medium-high vigor, an upright-spreading form and a fruit development period of from (110 to 160) days. Conclusion. The precocity of hybrids is highly dependent on the parental characteristics and the environmental conditions. A fruit development period close to that of the earliest parent was obtained. In F1 generations from crossings among Asian and European pears, certain characteristics were dominant. The RAPD analysis was efficient at identifying cultivar genotypes, selections and hybrids of pear from different botanical groups.

Introduction. ‘Orange Red’ is an apricot cultivar released in the United States and characterised by large fruit of very good quality for both the fresh market and processing. For this reason, this cultivar is greatly appreciated in Europe, especially in France. However, its production is erratic under Mediterranean climate conditions. Materials and methods. The influence of two rootstocks (‘Manicot’ apricot and ‘GF31’ Myrobolan plum) on the productive behaviour of ‘Orange Red’ was studied under Mediterranean conditions in Murcia (Southeast Spain). Results and discussion. ‘Orange Red’ grafted onto ‘GF31’ Myrobolan flowered slightly later than those grafted onto ‘Manicot’ apricot. However, differences in the date of ripening of fruits were small. On the other hand, the percentage of flower bud retention and levels of floral fertility were higher when ‘Orange Red’ was grafted onto ‘GF31’ than onto ‘Manicot’, resulting in higher yields and fruits with a smaller weight. The increase in flower bud retention of ‘Orange Red’ grafted onto the rootstock ‘GF31’ was the main factor responsible for the increase in yield observed with this rootstock. Conclusion. Interaction between the cultivar and rootstock is presented as an interesting strategy for cultivar adaptation to different climatic areas.

The leaf miner Coelaenomenodera lameensis Berti & Mariau (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Hispinae) is the most serious pest of oil palm in West Africa. A study of mortality factors was carried out at 19 sites located in seven plantations of 3000–7000 ha, over a 2–4-year period in the early 1980s throughout the forest zone of Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. All life history stages of C. lameensis were found to be attacked by natural enemies. Fluctuations in numbers of egg parasitoids were related to climatic factors and host population dynamics and parasitism rates varied substantially among sites. High egg mortality in C. lameensis, related to parasitism, was directly linked to climatic factors, mainly relative humidity. Fluctuations in egg mortality not linked to parasitism were similar among plantations. There was also a negative correlation between beetle fecundity and egg mortality; climatic conditions favourable to an increase in fecundity also disfavoured egg mortality. This can be a major cause of population increase of larval C. lameensis. Different species of larval and pupal parasitoids and predators were observed. In addition, viruses, isolated from dead larvae in galleries, killed 55–60% of the larvae, probably playing an important role in limiting populations. The destruction of mines by several species of ants also eliminated about 25% of beetle larvae. Parasitoids played a smaller role (less than 10% of larval mortality is due to parasitoids). Mortality in larvae and pupae can exceed 90%, but varied widely from one plantation to another. Examples of mortality tables are given for clearly characterized situations and they help to explain the stability of populations and the occurrence of outbreaks on a plantation or sites scale. Mortality rates lower than 98.6% can lead to population instability and an outbreak in an area.

Morphological characters and growth rates of Ascophyllum nodosum were compared on fronds collected from different shore levels at one site in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. Both the bladders and axes of thallus tips were smaller and less variable on the upper shore than on the middle and lower shores, and the proportion of biomass invested in the production of bladders was smaller. The axes of upper shore plants were wider and flatter than on the lower shore, and the bladders were also relatively flat on the upper shore but more rounded on the lower shore. The maximum age of unbroken fronds, as estimated from the number of air bladders, was 6 years on the upper shore and 17 years on the lower shore, indicating the higher probability of breakage of plants caused by stress on the upper shore. In situ growth rates of individually marked plants along a vertical shore transect were monitored at 2- to 4-week intervals for 31 months. Length increase was highest (16 cm yr−1) in the middle of the Ascophyllum nodosum zone, and lowest (10 cm yr−1) on the upper shore. Growth was strongly seasonal with low (but not zero) growth rates during November and December, and highest growth rates in late spring and early summer. A decline in growth in mid-summer was observed at all shore levels. Growth was positively correlated with sunshine hours and total solar irradiance in winter and spring but there was no correlation with these factors during summer months. Maximum daily temperatures had a positive influence on growth in late spring, but no effect in the rest of the year. In transplantation experiments conducted in summer and winter, 80% of plants moved from the lower to the upper shore died within 3 months, whereas all transplants from the upper to the lower shore and all controls survived. Growth rates of surviving transplants at both shore levels were similar to those of control plants at the same shore level in the summer experiment. The pigment content and photosynthetic capacity of surviving plants acclimated to ambient conditions and, after 3 months, were not significantly different from those of control plants at the same shore level. It is suggested that the phenotypic acclimation of physiological characteristics and the genetic adaptation of morphological features contribute to the ability of this species to dominate such a wide band in the intertidal zone of sheltered rocky shores in the North Atlantic.

Two similar style experiments were carried out in a climate-controlled pig house to determine the effects of adverse climatic conditions and relocating and mixing on the health status and productivity of pigs. In both experiments, 120 pigs were used. The climate-controlled pig house consisted of two fully separated but identical rooms (experimental and control) with five pens each (12 pigs per pen). Pigs exposed to draught and low environmental temperature had lower daily gain (experiment 1: 45 g/day; experiment 2: 25 g/day) and higher food conversion (food: gain ratio) than pigs housed under optimal climatic conditions (control). Moreover, clinical disease signs (i.e. diarrhoea, coughing, sneezing and haemorrhagic ear lesions) were more pronounced in the experimental than in the control group. In experiment 1, pigs were relocated and mixed at 10 weeks of age either within or between the experimental and control room. Data showed clear negative effects on daily gain and clinical disease signs especially among pigs that were relocated to suboptimal climatic conditions. In experiment 2, pigs were either relocated and mixed between both rooms or they remained in their own pens. Data on daily gain and clinical disease signs revealed that the health of the pigs was strongly affected by mixing. Therefore, the present work emphasizes the importance of climatic environment and social factors in intensive pig production.

The effects of climate on the diurnal biting pattern of Simulium damnosum s.s. were measured at Jos Plateau, Nigeria. Rain in the hours prior to the catch inhibited morning activity by lowering the temperature and light intensity, and raising the humidity. Under shade there were no remarkable fluctuations in the light intensity, and no obvious peaks in activity; in sunny places, activity was bimodal, with a small morning peak and a pronounced afternoon one. The fastest changing climatic factor relative to an increase in the biting activity of flies was light intensity; followed by temperature.