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Simple Summary: The flat mite family Tenuipalpidae includes 41 genera and more than 1100 species worldwide, and is considered one of the most important families of phytophagous mites. The Ultratenuipalpus is a small genus with 25 known species present in almost all zoogeographic regions. Here, a new species Ultratenuipalpus parameekeri Castro, Ochoa & Feres sp. nov. is described from specimens collected on ferns from Brazil. It represents the first species of the genus described from the country. The type species of the genus Ultratenuipalpus meekeri (De Leon) is redescribed based on types and newly collected material from Mexico. Highly detailed low-temperature scanning electron image (LT-SEM) micrographs and DNA barcodes are provided for both species. The taxonomy of the genus Ultratenuipalpus and the ontogenetic additions of leg setae are discussed. Species of the genus Ultratenuipalpus bear a broad subquadrate propodosoma with many large, flattened, lanceolate to ovate dorsal setae. They also bear some plesiomorphic character states, such as the presence of three pairs of ventral ps setae. Here, we describe Ultratenuipalpus parameekeri Castro, Ochoa & Feres sp. nov. based on adult females, males, and immatures, collected on ferns from Brazil. We also re-describe Ultratenuipalpus meekeri (De Leon), the type species of the genus, based on types and newly collected material from Mexico, and include additional novel data (e.g., dorsal and ventral ornamentation, leg chaetotaxy, and setal measurements) in a standardized form. We include highly detailed images obtained using LT-SEM, accompanied by DNA barcodes, for both species. The ontogenetic additions of leg chaetotaxy are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass production represents a fundamental biological process of both ecological and agricultural significance. The genetic basis of biomass production is unknown but asssumed to be complex. We developed a full sib, [F.sub.1] mapping population of autotetraploid Medicago sativa (alfalfa) derived from an intersubspecific cross that was known to produce heterosis for biomass production. We evaluated the population for biomass production over several years at three locations (Ames, IA, Nashua, IA, and Ithaca, NY) and concurrently developed a genetic linkage map using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. Transgressive segregants, many of which exhibited high levels of heterosis, were identified in each environment. Despite the complexities of mapping within autotetraploid populations, single-marker analysis of vailance identified 41 marker alleles, many on linkage groups 5 and 7, associated with biomass production in at least one of the sampling periods. Seven alleles were associated with biomass production in more than one of the sampling periods. Favorable alleles were contributed by both parents, one of which is from the M. sativa subsp. falcata germplasm. Thus, increased biomass production alleles can be gleaned from unadapted germplasm. Further, the positive quantitative trait locus (QTL) alleles from the parents are partially complementary, suggesting these loci may play a role in biomass production heterosis.

Hybrids between Medicago sativa subsp, falcata and M. sativa subsp, sativa can result in high levels of heterosis for alfalfa forage production. However, commercially viable alfalfa cultivars also must have acceptable performance for other agronomic traits, including regrowth following harvest and appropriate autumn dormancy. In this study, we characterized an [F.sub.1] population derived from the cross of the two subspecies for the genetics of forage production, forage height, and forage regrowth at three harvests in two Iowa locations for 1 yr. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling these traits were mapped on a genetic linkage map developed from this population. Broad-sense beritabilities and genetic correlations among the traits were high. Marker alleles associated with QTLs for these traits were contributed by each parental genome, suggesting that both subspecies of cultivated alfalfa may contribute to the improvement of these traits. Multiple regression models accounted for between 11 and 44% of the trait variation. The most marker-trait associations were detected during the first harvest. Marker effects were generally similar across harvests. Markers associated with autumn regrowth tended to be different from those associated with regrowth earlier in the season, suggestive of the identification of autumn dormancy effects. The winter hardiness gene MsaciB is a candidate locus for yield and cegrowth, being associated with yield across three harvests and with autumn regrowth. A subset of alleles was associated with more than one of the traits. Major alleles for the three traits appear to reside primarily on linkage groups (LGs) 3, 4, 5, and 7.

A cytogenetic investigation was conducted on four historically putatively distinct nondormant alfalfa germplasm sources, African, Chilean, Peruvian, and Indian tetraploid alfalfa [Medicago sativa ssp. sativa (L.) L. & L.; 2n = 4x = 32]. C-banding, image analysis, and cluster analysis was used to test the hypothesis that chromosome structure differed among the four nondormant alfalfa populations. Cytogenetic analyses revealed polymorphisms for heterochromatic DNA in the number and location of constitutive heterochromatic DNA both within and among genotypes. However, this variability did not prevent recognition of homologous chromosomes. Karyotypes of Peruvian and Indian populations were developed. The reference African population was used to compare the karyotypes of Peruvian and Indian populations as well as the previously published Chilean population. In general, the number of heterochromatic DNA bands was similar for the African, Chilean, and Peruvian populations; however, the Indian population had significantly fewer heterochromatic bands than the other three. Cluster analysis based on all eight chromosomes yielded no clear separation of the nondormant alfalfa populations possibly because of the lack of chromosomal rearrangements, similar genetic backgrounds of the initial introductions, intercrossing of the different sources, genetic drift during maintenance, and/or common genetic backgrounds of the original parental germplasm sources., ALFALFA, the most important forage crop grown in the USA, is primarily harvested as hay for animal consumption but is also an important component of pastures. Nondormant alfalfa is particularly [...]

The flat mite genus Raoiella Hirst (Tenuipalpidae) has attracted considerable research interest due to the rapid spread of Raoiella indica Hirst which feeds most commonly on species of palms (Arecaceae). Raoiella are frequently observed with their stylets inserted into the leaf stomatal openings, suggesting they feed on this site. Herein, we use transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), low temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM) and light microscopy (LM) to describe the mouthpart organization and the feeding behavior found in R. indica and R. bauchani Beard & Ochoa. The feeding mechanism is also discussed based on their distinctive morphological aspects. The structure of the gnathosoma of Raoiella generally agrees with the organization previously observed in Brevipalpus and Cenopalpus. As in other tetranychoid mites, there is no anatomical connection between the inter-stylet tube and the food channel, corroborating the theory that the stylets are used to pierce plant tissue (and assumedly inject saliva) but play no role in sucking up fluid from damaged host cells. As in Brevipalpus, the adoral setae are mechanoreceptors that may help guide the mite to the site for feeding. The ultrastructure of supracoxal setae e remains enigmatic. We also present observations of possible epidermal feeding on Phoenix roebelenii O'Brien (Arecaceae) for R. indica. Raoiella indica were shown to penetrate both the guard cells of the stomata and the epidermis of P. roebelenii, suggesting that feeding via the epidermis could be possible on this host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single known specimen of the monotypic genus CaenonychusOudemans, 1902 was examined. No distinguishing characters could be found to justify the retention of SpeleorchestesTrägårdh, 1909 as a separate genus from Caenonychus. Grandjean (1939) suspected these genera were synonymous but retained Speleorchestes as valid because of a difference between the two genera in opisthosomal shape. An artifactual explanation for the difference in opisthosomal shape is herein accepted based on the effects of applying different pressures to the coverslip over the same specimen. Therefore, Speleorchestes is treated as a junior synonym of Caenonychus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Tarsonemidae (Acari: Prostigmata) exhibits a high diversity of feeding habits and morphological structures, which allow them to be successful in many habitats. In Costa Rica, the Mesoamerican forest is a biome that includes all tropical and subtropical natural plant formations with high biodiversity. In Brazil, Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae) is cultivated under the canopies of larger trees, in a shaded plantation system called cabruca. Two new Metatarsonemus species are described from Brazilian cabruca agroforest. New records for the genus from Mesoamerica, Atlantic Forest and cabruca agroforest are presented. A key to the species of Metatarsonemus of the world is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current and future legislation requiring the reduction of pesticides use, coupled with global initiatives for the promotion of soil health and conservation of soil biodiversity are creating opportunities for studies aimed at highlighting ecosystem services provided by functioning soil food webs in agricultural systems, including soil predatory mites. However, the key personnel for performing such studies are expert taxonomists, who are already spread very thin. To meet this demand, we propose an integrative approach where scientists (without expertise in taxonomy) play a significant role in supporting expert taxonomists. Soil samples were collected at the USDA ARS Farming Systems Project (FSP) at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, either incubated or not, followed by extraction of mites and nematodes. Improved modified Berlese funnels and an extraction protocol were utilized to improve sequencing success. Incubation dramatically enhanced the number of extracted individuals per sample whilst the daily freezing of extracted mites substantially improved the sequencing success rate compared to previous studies. Taken together, this led to the addition of records for eight Mesostigmata and ten Oribatida BINs to BOLD (Barcode of Life Datasystem). Fifteen species of Mesostigmata species were found, with three dominant species, Cycetogamasus diviortus (Athias-Henriot, 1967) (Parasitidae), Lasioseius youcefiAthias-Henriot 1959 (Blattisociidae) and a new species of Gamasellodes (Ascidae). LTSEM imaging followed by molecular identification contributed further details to the published descriptions of C. diviortus and L. youcefi. In line with our general aim, collecting, extracting, identification to morpho-species, sample preparation for DNA barcoding and uploading relevant information to BOLD was performed by trained personnel, but without taxonomic expertise. Whereas our skilled taxonomists focused on the morphological identifications using light microscopy, expanding on existing descriptions using LTSEM images and in a subsequent manuscript the description of a new species. We believe this division of tasks and labor will set the stage for further collaborative integrated studies between ecologists, biocontrol specialists and expert taxonomists for the identification, evaluation, and description of known and novel soil acarine biological control agents (BCAs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamasellodes garybauchani sp. nov. Rueda-Ramírez & Santos is described based on specimens collected at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) (Maryland, USA). Twenty-one specimens were used for the description, of which five were subjected to low temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM), followed by DNA extraction for genetic analysis and subsequent slide mounting. The remaining 16 specimens were subjected to only DNA extraction for genetic analysis and subsequent slide mounting. Morphological characters of the new species observed both in the images obtained in LTSEM and in the observation of the mounted specimens are detailed. Molecular information available on the Barcode of Life Datasysetm (BOLD) is presented. An update to the recent key to the Gamasellodes species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cytogenetic investigation was conducted on the tetraploid alfalfa [Medicago satira subsp. sativa (L.) L. & L.] Chilean germplasm source PI 536534 using the combined techniques of C-banding and image analysis. Cluster and multiple correspondence analyses were utilized to compare the C-banding patterns of the Chilean germplasm source and the previously published African germplasm source. Cytogenetic analyses revealed polymorphisms for heterochromatic DNA in the 19 plants observed in detail. Abundant variability in the number, intensity, and location of constitutive heterochromatic DNA was noted; however, this variability was not sufficient to preclude recognition of homologous chromosomes. Five out of the 50 plants studied were aneuploids (2n = 4x + 1 = 33 or 2n = 4x - 1 = 31) because of the presence or absence of a chromosome with a satellite. The Chilean karyotype resembled the reference tetraploid African alfalfa karyotype; however, a reduction in the total amount of heterochromatic DNA was observed. Cluster analysis and multiple correspondence analysis based on all eight alfalfa genome chromosomes yielded no clear separation of Chilean and African germplasms. However, the analysis of C-banding patterns of Homolog 1 of Chromosome 8 in Chilean and African germplasms was effective in separating the two germplasm sources with the exception of two individuals from each germplasm source which clustered together., ALFALFA IS THE MOST important forage legume crop grown in North America and the third most widely grown crop in the USA (Barnes et al., 1988). Alfalfa is primarily harvested [...]

A reference karyotype of tetraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa subsp. sativa, 2n = 4x = 32) African Population germplasm source (PI 536539) was constructed using the combined techniques of C-banding and image analysis. The image analysis system is a method of obtaining enhanced images of chromosomes in which morphological data can be obtained for the development of karyotypes. In addition, C-banding is a diagnostic tool for distinguishing the homologous chromosomes of alfalfa. Chromosome analysis of tetraploid alfalfa revealed that alfalfa has four similar series of chromosomes based on their chromosome morphology and C-banding. The karyotype of African Population alfalfa germplasm consists of one set of chromosomes with satellites (SATs, Chromosome 8), four sets of submetacentric chromosomes (Chromosomes 1-4), and three sets of metacentric chromosomes (Chromosomes 5-7). All of the chromosomes have centromeric bands and a terminal band on the short arm, with the exception of the SAT. Interstitial bands were observed on the short arm of each of the chromosomes, with the exception of Chromosome 7. Chromosomes 1, 2, and 3 have interstitial bands on their long arms. There exists considerable variability in the number, intensity, and location of the constitutive heterochromatic DNA; however, this variability is not sufficient to preclude recognition of the homologous chromosomes. The chromosome banding pattern of the African Population germplasm resembles the distribution of heterochromatic DNA C-bands of diploid M. sativa subsp. caerulea (Less. ex Ledeb.) Schmalh. The African Population karyotype of alfalfa developed in this study is suggested as the reference for the development of additional chromosome maps of diverse alfalfa populations., ALFALFA, a tetraploid (2n = 4x = 32), is the most important perennial forage crop grown in North America. It is recognized as a widely adapted agronomic crop, an effective [...]

Studies of female genital structures have generally lagged behind comparable studies of male genitalia, in part because of an assumption of a lower level of variability, but also because internal genitalia are much more difficult to study. Using multiple microscopy techniques, including video stereomicroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) we examined whether the complex sperm transfer structures in males of Megalolaelaps colossus (Acari: Mesostigmata) are matched by similarly complex internal structures in the female. While both LT-SEM and CLSM are well suited for obtaining high-quality surface images, CLSM also proved to be a valuable technique for observing internal anatomical structures. The long and coiled sperm transfer organ on the chelicera of the males (spermatodactyl) largely matches an equally complex, but internal, spiral structure in the females in shape, size, and direction. This result strongly suggests some form of genital coevolution. A hypothesis of sexual conflict appears to provide the best fit for all available data (morphology and life history). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States National Plant Germplasm System contains 3159 accessions from 36 species of annual Medicago. Although there is increasing interest in the annual medics for use in sustainable agriculture, the U.S. collection is under utilized because of lack of agronomic information. Development of a core collection could facilitate easier access to the germplasm collection and enhance its use. The core collection should consist of a sample of accessions that represents the range of variability within the germplasm collection with minimum redundancies. To select a core collection of annual Medicago species, a subset of 1240 accessions was evaluated during the summer of 1990 for 16 agronomic and morphological traits. Accessions within species were grouped by cluster analysis utilizing an unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages. Intraspecific phenotypic diversity determined the number of accessions for that species selected for the core collection. One accession per cluster was selected for each species for the core collection. Accessions were chosen within a species to represent the greatest diversity in geographical regions. The selected core collection of 211 accessions was reevaluated during the summer of 1991. The core collection was found to represent the variability of the germplasm collection and to remain stable between the two evaluation years. This study can be used as a model method for selecting a core collection for multispecies germplasm collections.

Summary: Punctodera mulveyi n. sp. is described and illustrated from turf grass (Poa annua) in golf course greens with other fescues in Bandon, Coos County, Oregon, USA. Females and cysts are characterised by a saccate, globose to ovoid or pear-shaped body with a protruding neck. The cuticle has a lace-like pattern of ridges and heavy punctations on the subsurface. Cysts have distinctive vulval and anal circumfenestral patterns with heavy bullae scattered around the fenestral area, these being absent in young cysts. Second-stage juveniles (J2) vermiform, tapering to a long and cylindrical tail with a bluntly rounded to occasionally clavate tail terminus. Morphologically the new species resembles all known species of Punctodera using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations, but differs from the other species either by the J2 body and stylet length, shape of head, tail and tail terminus, female and male stylet or spicule length, and in having distinctive vulval and anal circumfenestral patterns in the cysts. Molecular analysis with sequence alignments and phylogenetic trees of ITS rDNA, nuclear heat shock protein 90 and mitochondrial COI sequences separated P. mulveyi n. sp. from P. matadorensis , P. punctata , P. stonei and P. chalcoensis , but 18S and 28S were relatively conserved with a few bp differences and there were insufficient Punctodera species sequences to give strong support to a new species designation. A morphologically most closely related species, P. stonei from Canada, further supported the status of P. mulveyi n. sp. An identification key to all five nominal species of Punctodera is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the first detection of orchid fleck virus (OFV) infecting three unreported hosts: Liriope muscari , cv. 'Gigantea' (Decaisne) Bailey, Ophiopogon intermedius Don and Aspidistra elatior Blume (Asparagaceae: Nolinoidaea) in Leon and Alachua Counties, FL. The orchid-infecting subgroup (Orc) of OFV infects over 50 plant species belonging to the plant families Orchidaceae, Asparagaceae (Nolinoidaea), and causes citrus leprosis disease in Citrus (Rutaceae). The only known vectors of OFV-Orc are the flat mites, Brevipalpus californicus (Banks) sensu lato (Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae). Florida has various plants in the landscape which Brevipalpus spp. feed on, which are susceptible to infection by OFV-Orc. Chlorotic ringspots and flecking were seen affecting Liriopogons (Liriope and Ophiopogon spp.) in Leon County, FL. Nearby A. elatior also appeared chlorotic. Local diagnostics returned negative for common plant pathogens, therefore new samples were sent to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and USDA-ARS for identification. Two orchid-infecting strains of OFV were detected via combinations of conventional RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, Sanger sequencing, and high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Amplicons shared 98% nucleotide identity with OFV-Orc1 and OFV-Orc2 RNA2 genome sequences available in NCBI GenBank. Coinfections were detected in each county, but single strains of OFV-Orc were detected in L. muscari (Alachua, OFV-Orc2) and A. elatior (Leon, OFV-Orc1). Three potential mite vectors were identified via cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM): B. californicus sensu lato , B. obovatus Donnadieu, and B. confusus Baker. In conclusion, OFV orchid strains are present in northern Florida, representing a risk for susceptible plants in the southeastern United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tarsonemidae (Acari: Prostigmata) exhibit a high diversity of feeding habits and morphological structures, which allow them to live in a diversity of habitats. Tarsonemus is the largest genus, with more than 280 described species belonging to three subgenera: Tarsonemus sensu stricto, Chaetotarsonemus and Schaarschmidtia. Eight species of the genus have been reported from Brazil. In addition, there are two new species, Tarsonemus cacaosp. nov. from Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae) branches, and Tarsonemus bahiensissp. nov. from Passiflora foetida L. (Passifloraceae) and Etlingera elatior Jack (Zingiberaceae) leaves. Both new species were collected in a cabruca agroforest, a traditional cacao cultivation system in the southern coast region of Bahia state. The new Tarsonemidae are described and illustrated here. Pharyngeal and gnathosomal structures of the new species are compared to other Tarsonemus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptoms of beech leaf disease (BLD), first reported in Ohio in 2012, include interveinal greening, thickening and often chlorosis in leaves, canopy thinning and mortality. Nematodes from diseased leaves of American beech (Fagus grandifolia) sent by the Ohio Department of Agriculture to the USDA, Beltsville, MD in autumn 2017 were identified as the first recorded North American population of Litylenchus crenatae (Nematology, 21, 2019, 5), originally described from Japan. This and other populations from Ohio, Pennsylvania and the neighbouring province of Ontario, Canada showed some differences in morphometric averages among females compared to the Japanese population. Ribosomal DNA marker sequences were nearly identical to the population from Japan. A sequence for the COI marker was also generated, although it was not available from the Japanese population. The nematode was not encountered in Fagus crenata (its host in Japan) living among nematode‐infested Fagus grandifolia in the Holden Arboretum, nor has L. crenatae been reported in American beech in Japan. The morphological and host range differences in North American populations are nomenclaturally distinguished as L. crenatae mccannii ssp. n. from the population in Japan. Low‐temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT‐SEM) demonstrated five lip annules and a highly flexible cuticle. Females, juveniles and eggs were imaged within buds with a Hirox Digital microscope and an LT‐SEM. Nematodes swarmed to the tips of freshly cut beech buds, but explants could not be maintained. Inoculation of fresh nematodes from infested leaves or buds to buds or leaves of F. grandifolia seedlings resulted in BLD leaf symptoms. Injuring dormant buds prior to nematode application, in fall or spring, promoted the most reliable symptom expression. The biogeography and physiology of anguinid nematode leaf galling, and potential co‐factors and transmission are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of Cryptosporidium parvum persistence in fresh produce is analyzed by conducting a study by using spinach plants grown either hydroponically or in soil. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) facilitated by application of fuorescein-labeled monoclonal antibodies against Cryptosporidium oocysts is used for examining the plants for the presence of oocysts on leaves and roots after exposure to waterborne oocysts and after washing of harvested plants.

Spodoptera exempta nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpexNPV) is a viral pathogen of the African armyworm, Spodoptera exempta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a significant agricultural pest of cereal crops in Africa. SpexNPV has been evaluated as a potential insecticide for control of this pest and has served as the subject of research on baculovirus pathology and transmission. Occlusion bodies (OBs) of SpexNPV isolate 244.1 were examined, and the nucleotide sequence of the genome was determined and characterized. SpexNPV-244.1 OBs consisted of irregular polyhedra with a size and appearance typical for alphabaculoviruses. Virions within the polyhedra contained 1–8 nucleocapsids per unit envelope. The SpexNPV-244.1 genome was comprised of a 129,528 bp circular sequence, in which 139 ORFs were annotated. Five homologous regions (hrs) consisting of a variable number of 28-bp imperfect palindromes were identified in the genome. The genome sequence contained the 38 core genes of family Baculoviridae, as well as three ORFs unique to the SpexNPV sequence and one ORF that was apparently acquired by horizontal gene transfer with a betabaculovirus ancestor. Phylogenetic inference with core gene amino acid sequence alignments placed SpexNPV-244.1 in a lineage containing alphabaculoviruses of Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodopotera exigua which in turn is part of a larger group of alphabaculoviruses from the subfamily Noctuinae in the lepidopteran family Noctuidae. Kimura-2-parameter pairwise nucleotide distances indicated that SpexNPV-244.1 represented a different and previously unlisted species in the genus Alphabaculovirus. Gene parity plots indicated that the gene order of SpexNPV-244.l was extensively collinear with that of Spodoptera exigua NPV (SeMNPV). These plots also revealed a group of 17 core genes whose order was conserved in other alpha- and betabaculoviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cheliceral digits of soil inhabiting Nematalycidae are among the shortest of any chelicerate (≈5 µm long). But Eriophyoidea, which may be nested within Nematalycidae, have relatively long (10-70 µm), styliform cheliceral digits that are enveloped within a subcapitular sheath. Scanning electron microscopy observations on the mouthparts of a nematalycid, Cunliffea cf. strenzkei (Cunliffe), show it has a rudimentary sheath for chelate ("biting") chelicerae. This discovery - presented herein - is the basis for a new hypothesis, which proposes that the stylet sheath of Eriophyoidea could have originated when the chelicerae were still chelate. Accordingly, the sheath would have originally covered the space between the fixed and movable digits, extending the preoral cavity anteriorly. As the digits became increasingly styliform, the sheath would have expanded around them, otherwise the hermetic seal of the preoral cavity would have been compromised. The sheath would have expanded for this reason until it reached its extant form, which completely envelops the digits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pathogen inactivation efficacy is substantially lower on cracks/crevices than on smooth produce surfaces. In this study, an interlocking design of three‐dimensionally printed chip coated with zein‐N,N‐diethyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (DPD) film is developed to study chlorine permeation in simulated cracks. The primary interaction of zein and DPD in film is hydrogen bonding evidenced by the blue shift of the amide II band of zein. The chlorine‐sensing chip exhibits a dose‐dependent magenta color change upon immersion in chlorine solutions. Lab‐scale experiment is performed on chips with full‐depth cracks. At crack widths of 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 mm, respectively. The static chlorine permeation distances are 11.6, 15.3, and 20.0 mm, when the cracks are perpendicular to the liquid level, compared to 0, 3.3, and 4.3 mm when the cracks are parallel to the liquid level. Complete permeation was detected after dynamic washing for 30 s at chlorine solution Re numbers of 12.5 and 125. In a pilot‐industrial scale washer, chlorine‐permeated distance of 20 mm is detected for full‐depth chlorine‐sensing chips, and 0, 9.4, and 20 mm for half‐depth chips at width of 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 mm, respectively. Results demonstrated that gravity and boundary pressure facilitates chlorine permeation. This work provides a potential platform for studying the accessibility of sanitizers in narrow gaps under lab‐/industry‐relevant conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A baculovirus isolate from a USDA Forest Service collection was characterized by electron microscopy and analysis of its genome sequence. The isolate, formerly referred to as Pseudoletia (Mythimna) sp. nucleopolyhedrovirus #7 (MyspNPV#7), was determined by barcoding PCR to derive from the host species Mythimna unipuncta (true armyworm) and was renamed Mythimna unipuncta nucleopolyhedrovirus #7 (MyunNPV#7). The occlusion bodies (OBs) and virions exhibited a size and morphology typical for OBs produced by the species of genus Alphabaculovirus, with occlusion-derived virions consisting of 2-5 nucleocapsids within a single envelope. The MyunNPV#7 genome was determined to be 148,482 bp with a 48.58% G+C nucleotide distribution. A total of 159 ORFs of 150 bp or larger were annotated in the genome sequence, including the 38 core genes of family Baculoviridae. The genome contained six homologous repeat regions (hrs) consisting of multiple copies of a 34-bp imperfect palindrome. Phylogenetic inference from concatenated baculovirus core gene amino acid sequence alignments placed MyunNPV#7 with group II alphabaculoviruses isolated from other armyworm and cutworm host species of lepidopteran family Noctuidae. MyunNPV#7 could be distinguished from other viruses in this group on the basis of differences in gene content and order. Pairwise nucleotide distances suggested that MyunNPV#7 represents a distinct species in Alphabaculovirus. The MyunNPV#7 genome was found to contain two copies of the late expression factor-7 (lef-7) gene, a feature not reported for any other baculovirus genome to date. Both copies of lef-7 encoded an F-box domain, which is required for the function of LEF-7 in baculovirus DNA replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuckerella japonica Ehara (Acari: Tetranychoidea: Tuckerellidae) was found on stems of seedling plants of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (Theaceae) in the continental USA. This mite is able to pierce exposed green periderm tissue with its paired stylets on 1- to 3- or 4-year-old stems where the outer bark had split longitudinally. The mite was not found on branches older than 3 or 4 years, where splitting diminished and, eventually, a uniform covering of bark was formed. The mouthparts of T. japonica were examined under scanning electron microscopy and their external morphology was compared with known Tetranychoidea. There were usually one or two feeding holes in an area where the female subsequently deposited one or more eggs. Females were observed defending the areas where their eggs and/or young occurred. This behavior along with potentially limited access to exposed periderm or availability of shoots in the rows of plants may restrict higher populations of T. japonica from becoming established. The potential of T. japonica as an economic pest remains unknown at this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feather mites (Acari: Astigmata) were analysed with low-temperature scanning electron microscopy, including the description of three new species:Plicatalloptes atrichogynussp. nov. (Analgoidea: Alloptidae) from the Neotropical cormorantPhalacrocorax brasilianus(Gmelin) (Pelecaniformes: Phalacrocoracidae),Metapterodectes saturninussp. nov. (Analgoidea; Proctophyllodidae) from the chalk-browed mockingbirdMimus saturninus(Lichtenstein) (Passeriformes: Mimidae), andNeumannella crypturellasp. nov. (Analgoidea: Dermoglyphidae) from the small-billed tinamouCrypturellus parvirostris(Wagler) (Tinamiformes: Tinamidae). In addition, two previously known species are analysed,Oustaletia pegasusTrouessart, 1855 (Pterolichoidea: Vexillariidae) from the bushy-crested hornbillAnorrhinus galeritus(Temminck) (Bucerotiformes: Bucerotidae), andOpisthocomacarus umbellifer(Trouessart, 1899) (Pterolichoidea: Pterolichidae) from the hoatzinOpisthocomus hoazin(Müller) (Opisthocomiformes: Opisthocomidae). The latter two mite species display a rich variety of setal structures.Alloptes umbrettaeGaud, 1960 (Analgoidea: Alloptidae), known fromScopus umbrettaGmelin (Pelecaniformes: Scopidae), is transferred from the genusAlloptesCanestrini toPlicatalloptesDubinin and given a new valid name,Plicatalloptes umbrettae(Gaud, 1960)comb. nov. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5866FF00-1206-4551-9544-8A002ADF7626 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]