Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

The lucky discovery of four-leaf clovers in the sub-arctic could prove valuable to future plant breeding research. Students in IBERS (Insitute of Environmental and Rural Sciences) in Aberystwyth made some lucky discoveries on a recent fieldtrip to the village of Abisko in the Swedish Lapland to study Arctic Ecology. In addition to seeing several Arctic-alpine plant species the students also found several red clover plants (Trifolium pratense L.). These were growing in disturbed areas near paths, houses and the rail road. On closer examination of the area, the students made the exciting discovery that a surprising number of plants had four, five and even six leaves. IBERS is an internationally recognised research and teaching centre and a world leader in grass and clover breeding and has an active red clover breeding programme that seeks to improve dry matter yield and resistance to pests and diseases. Abisko is a small village in northern Sweden, 200km north of the Arctic Circle. ...

Increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 and Ultra violet radiation may provide unexpected benefits to wild berry species according to a study in the Swedish sub-arctic conducted by scientists at Aberystwyth University. Such berries are an important food harvest for the people of Northern Europe during late summer and autumn. They also represent a vital source of nutrition to birds at high latitudes. In findings from a 20 year experiment just published in the journal Ambio, the team discovered that when plants were exposed to a combination of enhanced UV and elevated CO2, the antioxidant content of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) increased, together with the quantities of berries produced. UV radiation also increased levels of seed fertility. Enhanced levels of UV remain an environmental concern at high latitudes since the discovery of the ozone ‘hole’ in 1985. Atmospheric concentrations of CO2 continue to rise contributing to future climate warming. However, this study suggests pot...