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The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Moringa olifera on the growth and gut health of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The feed having 30% crude protein was prepared as an experimental diet with 4%, 8% and 10% M. olifera leaf supplementation, respectively. The control diet was devoid of M. olifera leaves. The 10 weeks feeding trial was carried out on 60 fish in aquaria. Fish was fed @ 3% of body weight twice a day. Diet with the high level of inclusion of M. olifera leaves significantly increased the growth rate, Survival Rate (SR), Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE) in all treatment groups compared to the control group. Similarly, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) gradually decreased and found highly-significant. To check the gut health of the Tilapia, random samples were selected and dissected. Nutrient agar was used as culture media to check the growth of bacteria. Pour Plate Method was used for viable colonies count by colony counter. Through staining method, the different bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identify abundantly in the intestine of control diet fish but less number present in treatment diets groups. These results showed that M. olifera leaves up to 10% of dietary protein can be used for Nile tilapia for significant growth and healthy gut microbiota of fish. Resumo O estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito da Moringa olifera no crescimento e saúde intestinal da tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus). A ração com 30% de proteína bruta foi preparada como dieta experimental com 4%, 8% e 10% de suplementação de folhas de M. olifera, respectivamente. A dieta controle foi desprovida de folhas de M. olifera. O ensaio de alimentação de 10 semanas foi realizado em 60 peixes em aquários. O peixe pesava 3% do peso corporal duas vezes ao dia. A dieta com alto nível de inclusão de folhas de M. olifera aumentou significativamente a taxa de crescimento, taxa de sobrevivência (SR), taxa de crescimento de sobrevivência (SGR) e eficiência de conversão alimentar (FCE) em todos os grupos de tratamento em comparação com o grupo de controle. Da mesma forma, a taxa de conversão de alimentação (FCR) diminuiu gradualmente e foi considerada altamente significativa. Para verificar a saúde intestinal da tilápia, amostras aleatórias foram selecionadas e dissecadas. O ágar nutriente foi usado como meio de cultura para verificar o crescimento das bactérias. O método da placa de Verter foi usado para a contagem de colônias viáveis por contador de colônias. Através do método de coloração, diferentes como Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella e Pseudomonas aeruginosa foram identificados abundantemente no intestino de peixes da dieta controle, mas em menor número nos grupos de dieta de tratamento. Esses resultados mostraram que M. olifera deixa até 10% da proteína dietética e pode ser usado para tilápia do Nilo para um crescimento significativo e microbiota intestinal saudável de peixes.

The lower lignin content in plants species with energy potential results in easier cellulose breakdown, making glucose available for ethanol generation. However, higher lignin levels can increase resistance to insect attack. The objective of this work was to evaluate the susceptibility of a bmr-6 biomass sorghum (a mutant genotype with a lower concentration of lignin) to important pests of energy sorghum, Diatraea saccharalis and Spodoptera frugiperda. Experiments were performed in the laboratory and greenhouse to evaluate the development of these pests on the biomass sorghum bmr hybrids BR007, BR008, and TX635 and their respective conventional near-isogenic genotypes (without the bmr gene). The lignin content was higher in non-bmr hybrids, but the evaluated insect variables varied between treatments, not being consistent in just one hybrid or because it is bmr or not. The lowest survival of S. frugiperda was observed in the BR008 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr. The S. frugiperda injury scores on plants in the greenhouse were high (>7) in all treatments. For D. saccharalis, there was no difference in larval survival in the laboratory, but in the greenhouse, the BR007 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr, provided greater survival. Due the need to diversify the energy matrix and the fact that greater susceptibility of the bmr hybrids to either pests was not found in this study, these results hold promise for cultivation of these biomass sorghum hybrids for the production of biofuels. Resumo O menor teor de lignina em espécies de plantas com potencial energético resulta na maior facilidade de quebra da celulose, disponibilizando glicose para geração de etanol. Porém, maiores teores de lignina representa um fator de resistência ao ataque de insetos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar como importantes pragas do sorgo energia, Diatraea saccharalis e Spodoptera frugiperda, se comportam quanto à alimentação e desempenho em sorgo bmr-6, um genótipo mutante com menor concentração de lignina. Foram realizados experimentos em laboratório e casa de vegetação, avaliando o desenvolvimento destas pragas nos híbridos de sorgo biomassa bmr 007, 008, TX635 e seus respectivos genótipos isogênicos convencionais (sem o gene bmr). O teor de lignina foi maior nos híbridos não bmr, mas nos parâmetros avaliados nos insetos, houve variação entre os tratamentos, não sendo consistente em apenas um híbrido e nem por ser ou não bmr. A menor sobrevivência de S. frugiperda foi verificada no híbrido BR008 tanto bmr quanto não bmr. As notas de injúria por S. frugiperda no sorgo em casa de vegetação foram altas (>7) em todos os tratamentos. Para D. saccharalis, não houve diferença significativa para a sobrevivência larval em laboratório, mas em casa de vegetação o híbrido BR007 tanto bmr quanto não bmr proporcionaram maior sobrevivência. Diante da necessidade de diversificar a matriz energética e o fato de que não foi comprovada neste estudo maior suscetibilidade dos híbridos bmr a ambas as pragas, estes resultados são promissores para o cultivo desses híbridos de sorgo biomassa para produção de biocombustíveis.

Root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita is among the biotic factors which has greatly affected both the yield and the quality of the tomato crop. The egg parasitic nematode, Purpureocillium lilacinum (Pl) is considered as one of the most promising agents in controlling and overcoming this plant pathogen. The nematicidal effect of the native isolate Pl AUMC 10149 on second stage juvenile’s survival and egg hatching of M. incognita at different times of exposure was tested in vitro. The obtained data showed that Pl gave a maximum percentage of J2 mortality (97.6%) and egg hatching inhibition (79.8%) after 72 hours of exposure. The potentiality of Pl as well as Bio-Nematon to control M. incognita infecting tomato was conducted using different times of application in vivo. Nine treatments with five replicates were used for such bioagents compared with the nematicide Oxamyl. Each seedling was inoculated with 1000 J2s of nematode/pot and 10 mL of Pl (1x1010 CFU/mL) or Bio-Nematon spore suspension (1x108 CFU/mL) 10mL/pot. The results indicated that the most effective treatments in reducing nematode population, number of galls and egg masses of M. incognita in plant roots was performed with treatment by Pl pre-planting and post-infection with Pl (Rf 1.9) giving a significant enhancement in plant length (64.9%), fresh weight (72.52%) and shoot dry weight (163.41%) without negatively impacting environment. Therefore, the present study confirmed that using P. lilacinum AUMC 10149 can be used as a practical supplement to environmentally friendly disease management of root-knot nematodes in Egypt. Resumo O nematoide-das-galhas Meloidogyne incognita está entre os fatores bióticos que afetaram enormemente a produção e a qualidade da cultura do tomate. O nematoide parasita de ovos, Purpureocillium lilacinum (Pl), é considerado um dos mais promissores agentes no controle e superação desse fitopatógeno. O efeito nematicida do isolado nativo Pl AUMC 10149 na sobrevivência de juvenis de segundo estágio e na eclosão dos ovos de M. incognita em diferentes momentos de exposição foi testado in vitro. Os dados obtidos mostraram que o Pl deu um percentual máximo de mortalidade de J2 (97.6%) e inibição da eclosão dos ovos (79.8%) após 72 horas de exposição. A potencialidade de Pl e de Bio-Nematon para controlar M. incognita infectando tomate foi conduzida em diferentes tempos de aplicação in vivo. Nove tratamentos com cinco repetições foram usados para tais bioagentes em comparação com o nematicida Oxamyl. Cada muda foi inoculada com 1.000 J2s de nematoide / vaso e 10 mL de Pl (1×1010 CFU/mL). Ou suspensão de esporos Bio-Nematon (1×108 CFU/mL) 10mL/pot. Os resultados indicaram que os tratamentos mais eficazes na redução da população de nematoides, número de galhas e desovas de M. incognita nas raízes das plantas foram realizados com Pl pré-plantio e pós-infecção com Pl (Rf 1.9), dando um aumento significativo no comprimento da planta (64.9%), massa fresca (72.52%) e massa seca da parte aérea (163.41%) sem impactar negativamente o meio ambiente. Portanto, o presente estudo confirmou que o uso de P. lilacinum AUMC 10149 pode ser usado como um suplemento prático para o manejo ecologicamente correto de nematoides-das-galhas no Egito.

The impact of antibiotics on growth, cocoon production was assessed in addition to isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut of infected larvae. Larval rearing was maintained at recommended conditions of temperature and humidity. Silkworm larvae showing abnormal symptoms were collected from the control group and dissected for gut collection. Bacteria were isolated from the gut content by spreading on agar plates and incubated at 37 °C for 48 hrs. Bacterial identification and phylogenetic analysis were carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated bacteria were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test (disc diffusion methods) by using Penicillin (10 µg/mL), Tetracycline (30 µg/mL), Amoxicillin (25 µg/mL), Ampicillin (10 µg/mL), and Erythromycin (15 µg/mL). All isolated strains showed positive results for the catalase test. We isolated and identified bacterial strains (n = 06) from the gut of healthy and diseased silkworm larvae. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, isolated bacteria showed close relation with Serratia, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas spp. Notably, 83.3% of strains were resistant to Penicillin, Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Erythromycin but 16.6% showed antibiotic susceptibility to the above-mentioned commonly used antibiotics. Silkworm larvae fed on penicillin-treated leaves showed significant improvement in larval weight, larval length, and cocoon production. Significantly higher larval weight (6.88g), larval length (5.84cm), and cocoon weight (1.33g) were recorded for larvae fed on leaves treated with penicillin as compared to other antibiotics. Isolated bacterial strains showed close relation with Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of different levels of protein on the growth, body composition, amino acid profile and serology of Channa marulius fingerlings. The experiment was conducted in ten happas installed in earthen ponds, each stocked with 10 fishes for 90 days. Four commercial fish feeds having 25%, 30%, 32% and 40% crude protein (CP) levels were fed to fish at 3% of their wet body weight three times a day. The results of the study revealed that highest weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival rate were observed in 30% protein feed. Meanwhile, moisture content was higher in fish fed with 30% CP feed while highest crude protein was recorded in 40% CP fed fish. Lowest fat content was observed in 32% CP feed. Amino acid profile of fish revealed better results in 30% CP feed. Total protein, glucose and globulin were also highest in fish feeding 30% CP feed, while albumin was highest in 40% CP feed. It is concluded that 30% CP feed showed better results in terms of growth, amino acid profile and serological parameters without effecting fish body composition. Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar o efeito de diferentes níveis de proteína sobre o crescimento, composição corporal, perfil de aminoácidos e sorologia de alevinos de Channa marulius. O experimento foi conduzido em dez happas instalados em tanques de terra, cada um abastecido com 10 peixes, por 90 dias. Quatro alimentos para peixes comerciais com níveis de 25%, 30%, 32% e 40% de proteína bruta (PB) foram dados aos peixes com 3% de seu peso corporal úmido três vezes ao dia. Os resultados do estudo revelaram que maior ganho de peso, taxa de conversão alimentar e taxa de sobrevivência foram observados em 30% de proteína alimentar. Enquanto isso, o conteúdo de umidade foi maior em peixes alimentados com 30% de PB, enquanto a proteína bruta mais alta foi registrada em peixes alimentados com 40% de PB. O menor conteúdo de gordura foi observado em rações com 32% de PB. O perfil de aminoácidos dos peixes revelou melhores resultados na ração com 30% de PB. Proteína total, glicose e globulina também foram maiores em peixes alimentados com ração com 30% de PB, enquanto a albumina foi mais alta com 40% de PB. Conclui-se que a ração com 30% de PB apresentou melhores resultados em termos de crescimento, perfil de aminoácidos e parâmetros sorológicos sem afetar a composição corporal dos peixes.

Several species of Cichla successfully colonized lakes and reservoirs of Brazil, since the 1960’s, causing serious damage to local wildlife. In this study, 135 peacock bass were collected in a reservoir complex in order to identify if they represented a single dominant species or multiple ones, as several Cichla species have been reported in the basin. Specimens were identified by color pattern, morphometric and meristic data, and using mitochondrial markers COI, 16S rDNA and Control Region (CR). Overlapping morphological data and similar coloration patterns prevented their identification using the taxonomic keys to species identification available in the literature. However, Bayesian and maximum likelihood from sequencing data demonstrated the occurrence of a single species, Cichla kelberi. A single haplotype was observed for the 16S and CR, while three were detected for COI, with a dominant haplotype present in 98.5% of the samples. The extreme low diversity of the transplanted C. kelberi evidenced a limited number of founding maternal lineages. The success of this colonization seems to rely mainly on abiotic factors, such as increased water transparency of lentic environments that favor visual predators that along with the absence of predators, have made C. kelberi a successful invader of these reservoirs. Resumo Muitas espécies de Cichla colonizaram com sucesso lagos e reservatórios do Brasil desde os anos 1960, causando graves prejuízos à vida selvagem nesses locais. Neste estudo, 135 tucunarés foram coletados em um complexo de reservatórios a fim de identificar se representavam uma espécie dominante ou múltiplas espécies, uma vez que diversas espécies de Cichla foram registradas na bacia. Os espécimes foram identificados com base na coloração, dados morfométricos e merísticos, e por marcadores mitocondriais COI, 16S rDNA e Região Controle (RC). A sobreposição dos dados morfométricos e o padrão similar de coloração impediram a identificação utilizando as chaves de identificação disponíveis na literatura. Entretanto, as análises bayesiana e de máxima verossimilhança de dados moleculares demonstraram a ocorrência de uma única espécie, Cichla kelberi. Um único haplótipo foi observado para o 16S e RC, enquanto três foram detectados para o COI, com um haplótipo dominante presente em 98,5% das amostras. A baixa diversidade nos exemplares introduzidos de C. kelberi evidenciou um número limitado de linhagens maternas fundadoras. O sucesso da invasão parece depender de fatores abióticos, como a maior transparência da água de ambientes lênticos que favorece predadores visuais que, atrelado à ausência de predadores, fez do C. kelberi um invasor bem-sucedido nesses reservatórios.

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) is one of the major rice diseases in Malaysia. This disease causes substantial yield loss as high as 70%. Development of rice varieties which inherited BLB resistant traits is a crucial approach to promote and sustain rice industry in Malaysia. Hence, this study aims were to enhance BLB disease resistant characters of high yielding commercial variety MR219 through backcross breeding approach with supporting tool of marker-assisted selection (MAS). Broad spectrum BLB resistance gene, Xa7 from donor parent IRBB7 were introgressed into the susceptible MR219 (recurrent parent) using two flanking markers ID7 and ID15. At BC3F4, we managed to generate 19 introgressed lines with homozygous Xa7 gene and showed resistant characteristics as donor parent when it was challenged with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae through artificial inoculation. Recurrent parent MR219 and control variety, MR263 were found to be severely infected by the disease. The improved lines exhibited similar morphological and yield performance characters as to the elite variety, MR219. Two lines, PB-2-107 and PB-2-34 were chosen to be potential lines because of their outstanding performances compared to parent, MR219. This study demonstrates a success story of MAS application in development of improved disease resistance lines of rice against BLB disease. Resumo A mancha bacteriana das folhas (BLB) é uma das principais doenças do arroz na Malásia. Essa doença causa perdas substanciais de rendimento de até 70%. O desenvolvimento de variedades de arroz que herdaram características de resistência ao BLB é uma abordagem crucial para promover e sustentar a indústria do arroz na Malásia. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi aumentar os caracteres BLB resistentes a doenças da variedade comercial MR219 de alto rendimento por meio de uma abordagem de cruzamento retrocruzamento com ferramenta de apoio de seleção assistida por marcador (MAS). O gene de resistência a BLB de amplo espectro, Xa7 do pai doador IRBB7, foi introgressado no MR219 suscetível (pai recorrente) usando dois marcadores flanqueadores ID7 e ID15. No BC3F4, conseguimos gerar 19 linhagens introgressadas com o gene Xa7 homozigoto e apresentamos características de resistência como genitor doador quando desafiado com Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae por inoculação artificial. O pai recorrente MR219 e a variedade controle, MR263, estavam gravemente infectados pela doença. As linhas melhoradas exibiram características morfológicas e de desempenho de rendimento semelhantes às da variedade elite, MR219. Duas linhas, PB-2-107 e PB-2-34, foram escolhidas como linhas potenciais por causa de seus desempenhos excelentes em comparação com a mãe, MR219. Este estudo demonstra uma história de sucesso de aplicação de MAS no desenvolvimento de linhas de arroz melhoradas com resistência a doenças contra a doença BLB.

Field survey study was conducted season (2017). Soybeans and weeds were weekly sampled randomly. Thrips adults were identified and counted. Detection of the virus isolate and the natural incidence was determined using; Mechanical transmission, host range, DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR. The natural incidence thrips individuals was detected depending on the SVNV% in thrips individuals and weeds hosts. Ten thrips species were associated with soybean plants in the field. The most abundant species was T. tabaci, average 256.5 average no.of individuals, followed by F. occidentalis (142.5 average no. of individuals), then N. variabilis (86.6/ average no. of individuals). Fourteen thrips species occurred on 5 legumes field crops and 41 weed plant species within soybean field. The highest average number 40.6.of individuals were recorded on Ammi majus. While the lowest one 3.3 average no. of individuals were on Urtica urens. Only 21diagnostic plant species were susceptible to infection with SVNV. G. max and Vigna radiate, were the highest percentage of infection 80% followed by V. unguilata & N. benthamiana, 75%. Egyptian isolate of Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV) in this study showed a high degree of similarity and it is closely related to TSWV from Egypt (DQ479968) and TCSV from USA (KY820965) with nucleotide sequence identity of 78%. Four thrips species transmitted SVNV (F. fusca 4.0%, F. schultzei 4.3%, F. tritici 3.3% and N. variabilis 68.0% transmission). Both C. phaseoli and M. sjostedti can acquire the virus but unable to transmit it. The following species; T. tabaci, F. occidentalis, S. dorsallis and T. palmi cannot acquire or transmit SVNV. The incidence of SVNV in the field started by the end of July then increased gradualy from 12.7 to 71.3% by the end of the season. In conclusion, few thrips individuals invaded soybean crops are enough to transmit high rate of SVNV within the crop. Furthermore, several vector species are also abundant on weeds, which are the major sources of soybean viruses transmitted to the crops. This information might be important for control and reduce the incidence of SVNV infection.

Soybean meal is an inexpensive plant origin protein which has been used in practical diets as a replacement of animal protein such as fish meal or chicken meal, due to the uneconomical price of animal protein diets. Consequently, a research study was conducted on some commercial species of Indian major carps i.e. Catla (Cattla cattla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Mrigala (Cirhinus mrigala) (Hamilton, 1822) to estimate optimum dietary protein requirement of soy bean meal in diet in an intensive polyculture. Three different diets (SBM I, SBM II and SBM III) were formulated by 80%, 50% and 20% replacement of fish meal with soybean meal from a 45% fish meal diet (control).Highest monthly mean weight gain was obtained by SBM II (with 35% CP and about 50% substitution of fish meal), while SBM III (45% Crude Protein and about 20% substitution of fish meal) was stood second. All tested diets respond enormously by producing high yield as compare to control diet, though SBM II generated highest yield among all. On the bases of the following research, it was revealed that the SBM can surrogate even50% fish meal without any augmentation of other amino acids in the diet of Indian major carps. Resumo O farelo de soja é uma proteína de origem vegetal de baixo custo que tem sido usada em dietas práticas como um substituto da proteína animal, como farinha de peixe ou farinha de frango, devido ao preço não econômico das dietas com proteína animal. Consequentemente, um estudo/pesquisa foi realizado com algumas espécies comerciais de carpas principais indianas, ou seja, Catla (Cattla cattla), Rohu (Labeo rohita) e Mrigala (Cirhinus mrigala) (Hamilton, 1822), para estimar a necessidade ideal de proteína dietética de farelo de soja na dieta em uma policultura intensiva. Três dietas diferentes (SBM I, SBM II e SBM III) foram formuladas por 80%, 50% e 20% de substituição de farinha de peixe por farelo de soja de uma dieta de 45% de farinha de peixe (controle). O maior ganho de peso médio mensal foi obtido por SBM II (com 35% PB e cerca de 50% de substituição de farinha de peixe), enquanto SBM III (45% de proteína bruta e cerca de 20% de substituição de farinha de peixe) ficou em segundo lugar. Todas as dietas testadas respondem enormemente produzindo alto rendimento em comparação com a dieta controle, embora SBM II tenha gerado o maior rendimento entre todas. Com base na pesquisa a seguir, foi revelado que o SBM pode substituir até 50% da farinha de peixe sem qualquer aumento de outros aminoácidos na dieta das carpas principais indianas.

Blood and fecal samples of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), albino pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were analyzed to check parasitic prevalence. To record parasites these five avian species were placed kept in separate cages at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife an Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. 100 fecal and 100 blood samples for each bird species were inspected to analyze internal parasites. During present study, 17 species of endoparasites 14 from fecal samples and three from blood were examined. Two species of ectoparasites i.e. mite Dermanyssus gallinae 42% and fowl ticks Args persicus 41%were studied. Blood parasites included Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond having parasitic prevalence 40%, and Aegyptinella pullorum having parasitic prevalence of 40%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 60%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% and Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 50% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% were also documented from fecal avian samples . Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 72% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having parasitic prevalence of 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% and Histomonas meleagridis 18% were documented during corpological analysis. In our recommendation, proper sanitation, medication and vaccination of bird’s enclousres are suggested to avoid parasites. RESUMO Amostras de sangue e fezes de perdiz chukar (Alectoris chukar), faisão-albino (Phasianus colchicus), faisão-prateado (Lophura nycthemera), periquito-de-rosa (Psittacula krameri) e perus (Meleagris gallopavo) foram analisadas para verificar a prevalência de parasitas. Para registrar os parasitas, essas cinco espécies de aves foram colocadas em gaiolas separadas no Centro de Conservação e Pesquisa de Aves, Departamento de Vida Selvagem e Ecologia, Universidade de Veterinária e Ciências Animais, Lahore, Paquistão. Cem amostras fecais e 100 amostras de sangue para cada espécie de ave foram inspecionadas para analisar os parasitas internos. Durante o presente estudo, foram examinadas 17 espécies de endoparasitas, 14 de amostras fecais e 3 de sangue. Foram estudadas duas espécies de ectoparasitas, ou seja, o ácaro Dermanyssus gallinae 42% e o carrapato aviário Args persicus 41%. Os parasitas sanguíneos incluíram Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond com prevalência parasitária de 40% e Aegyptinella pullorum com prevalência parasitária de 40%. As espécies parasitas registradas em amostras fecais incluíram 6 espécies de nematoides viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%, Syngamus traqueia com prevalência parasitária de 60%, Capillaria annulata 37,5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% e Heterakis gallinarum 28,3%. Da mesma forma, duas espécies de trematódeos viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus com prevalência parasitária de 50% e Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% também foram documentados em amostras fecais de aves. Espécies de cestoide único Raillietina echinobothrida com prevalência parasitária de 72% e 3 espécies de protozoários, isto é, Eimeria maxima com prevalência parasitária de 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% e Histomonas meleagridis 18% foram documentadas durante a análise corpológica. Em nossa recomendação, o saneamento adequado, medicação e vacinação de invólucros de pássaros são sugeridos para evitar parasitas.

Endophytic fungi live inside plant tissues and increase their resistance to abiotic and biotic factors. Our work is concerned with interannual variations of mycoendophyte diversity of leaves of Pistacia atlantica Desf. of dayate Aiat, in the region of Laghouat (Algeria) and this for the spring of 2013 and 2016. The morphological identification revealed the presence of 26 fungal genera. The difference in diversity is very significant between the two years of sampling, according to calculated Shannon Weaver indices. Based on principal component analysis, the distribution of these leaf microorganisms is influenced by the climatic conditions of the study area. Aspergillus and Epicoccum are dominant for 2013. In 2016, Aspergillus and Cladosporium dominate. The persistence of Aspergillus gives it an important role in the fight against the stress suffered by the leaf of Pistacia atlantica.

Los acahuales (i.e. selvas secundarias) de zonas tropicales secas o estacionales, suelen ser pobres en especies arbóreas y dominados por unas cuantas especies de arbustos y árboles pioneros, usualmente dispersados por viento, siendo notable la ausencia de plantas arbóreas del dosel cuyas semillas relativamente grandes dependen de vectores animales para su dispersión. Varios estudios han encontrado que la siembra directa de especies arbóreas zoócoras con semillas grandes, en pastizales abandonados puede ser una práctica exitosa para enriquecer y acelerar la sucesión secundaria. Sin embargo, todavía no se conocen cabalmente las condiciones de hábitat o etapa sucesional óptima para realizar la siembra directa de semillas de árboles de fases sucesionales tardías. En este estudio seleccionamos dos especies arbóreas con semillas zoócoras relativamente grandes, que suelen formar parte del dosel de las selvas sub-caducifolias del centro de Veracruz: Brosimum alicastrum y Enterolobium cyclocarpum. Las sembramos en siete hábitats; seis de ellos representando un gradiente de menor a mayor complejidad estructural o desarrollo sucesional, desde pastizal activo hasta acahual de 10 años y el hábitat restante fue selva mediana sub-caducifolia bien conservada. Evaluamos experimentalmente la importancia de la depredación de semillas, protegiendo la mitad de ellas sembradas dentro de jaulas diseñadas para excluir a vertebrados granívoros. Durante un año monitoreamos la emergencia, supervivencia y crecimiento de plántulas, marcando a las que sobrevivieron su primer año, para ser registradas cuatro años y medio después. Un porcentaje relativamente alto de plántulas emergió de las semillas sembradas (75% en Brosimum, 60% Enterolobium). No detectamos diferencias significativas en la emergencia de plántulas entre los siete hábitats, ni entre los dos tratamientos de exposición a granívoros (dentro vs. fuera de exclusorios). Ninguna de las semillas sembradas fue removida por granívoros. La supervivencia y crecimiento deEnterolobium durante el primer año fue mayor en hábitats abiertos sin cobertura de plantas leñosas (ca. 60%) que en los sombreados por arbustos y árboles (80%) que en hábitats abiertos (0%). Nuestros resultados muestran que los pastizales abandonados y los acahuales pobres en especies arbóreas, pueden ser enriquecidos mediante la siembra directa de árboles de fases sucesionales tardías con baja capacidad de dispersión, siempre y cuando se elija cuidadosamente el hábitat (o etapa sucesional) óptimo para la siembra de semillas, con base en la ecología del establecimiento de plántulas de las especies involucradas. En el centro de Veracruz se puede acelerar la recuperación de la selva, sembrando semillas de Enterolobium desde el momento del abandono del pastizal, siempre y cuando se controle el crecimiento de los pastos durante los primeros dos a tres años de crecimiento de las plántulas. A su vez las semillas de Brosimum deberán sembrarse hasta que los arbustos o árboles pioneros hayan colonizado el sitio y sombreado a los pastos.

Spirulina is a filamentous, multi-cellular and autotrophic cyanobacterium having distinct features of helical shape filaments (i.e. trichomes). An investigation is to isolate a marine, Spirulina subsalsa from Vellar estuary, South East Coast zone of India. The isolated strain sub-cultured in Zarrouk medium with optimum conditions for sustaining growth. Pure cultures were examined in a research microscope for morphometric studies through 16S rRNA sequencing and the sequence was submitted to NCBI-GENBANK, the accession number is MW037197 which displays the maximum similarity as 100% with a diverse sequence in databank i.e. LC 215280. The investigation is the first record for the existence of Spirulina subsalsa in Vellar Estuary, South East Coast, Tamil Nadu (India) as affirmed by a molecular nucleotide sequence.

Cucumber is one of the most widely consumed vegetables worldwide, and the fruit spine is an important fruit quality trait. Expansins play critical roles in fruit development; however, the regulation of expansins in cucumber fruit spine development has not been reported. In this study, 33 expansin genes were identified in the cucumber genome V3; additionally, expansin genes in Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo, Cucurbita maxima, Lagenaria siceraria, and Benincasa hispida were also identified. Phylogenetic analysis of expansin proteins in Cucurbitaceae and Arabidopsis showed that they evolved separately in each plant species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. maxima was derived earlier than the other five Cucurbitaceae species. The expression of CsEXPA2, CsEXPA14, and CsEXLA3 varied in cucumber lines with different fruit spine densities. A yeast two-hybrid assay showed that a putative auxin transporter encoded by numerous spine gene (ns) interacts with CsEXLA2, which may be involved in the development of the numerous spines in cucumber. These results provide novel insights into the expansins related to plant development and fruit spine development in cucumber.

Quillaja saponaria is a sclerophyllus evergreen tree species distributed from 30° to 38° S in Central Chile. In this wide distribution it is expected that the species exhibits phenotypic plasticity in the morphology of leaves associated to climate variation; however, the information on this topic is still scarce. We studied leaf phenotypic variation and its relationship with temperature, precipitation, and aridity in 85 stands of Q. saponaria throughout the natural distribution of the species. The results show that the basal diameter of petiole, the number of secondary veins, and the basal diameter of the principal vein increased with precipitation and decreased with aridity, while the length, basal diameter and the relative length of the petiole decreased with temperature. This confirms that phenotypic variation for foliar characters in Q. saponaria is related to climatic variables indicating an adapting capability of the species to the wide range of environmental conditions in which grows.

Mycobionts make up most of the genetic diversity of underground life. Despite their abundance, their impact on terrestrial ecosystem processes is still poorly understood. Estimates suggest that 95% of plant species rely entirely on microbial symbiotes for growth and survival, underlining their importance in soil as a regulator of plant species richness and diversity. In this study, we explore an inventory of the fungal rhizobiome of two populations of Atlas pistachio in Laghouat (Algeria), a typical hot and arid region. Six healthy trees of different age classes were randomly sampled from each site during April 2016. In spite of the arid climate in our study area, microscopic identification revealed important fungal richness belonging to four phyla: Ascomycota, Glomeromycota and Basidiomycota with the exclusive presence of Mucoromycota in dayate Saadi. The fungal strains recorded indicate a high abundance of the Acaulospora sp. and Glomus sp. genera for the Glomeromycota phylum and Fusarium sp. genus for the other phyla. Shannon-Wiener diversity and evenness indices proved to be the highest at dayate Saadi. Dayate El Gouffa, however, is the least disturbed. Most of the strains recorded correspond to genera with a strong affinity for environments rich in organic matter, with high levels of total limestone, basic pH, and high levels of clay and fine silts as shown in the dayate Saadi soils. As for the dayate El Gouffa soils, they show a low organic matter content. They are less calcareous, with a very basic pH and predominance of coarse silts and coarse sands. The high rate of these granulometric fractions could explain the presence of Gigaspora sp. only in this daya. Our results indicated the strong impact of soils proprities on the rhizobiome community composition and might be explained by differences in the degree of fungi selectivity for each sampled site.

Anisodus tanguticus (Maxim.) Pascher is an important Tibetan folk medicine and the source of tropane alkaloids (TAs) grown in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. There are marked differences in quality of A. tanguticus from geographic areas. The aim of present research was to establish a method for the quantitative analysis of TAs coupled with chemometrics analysis to trace geographical origins. Qualitative analysis of TAs in A. tanguticus was carried out using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and quantitative analysis of TAs in different plant organs from different geographical origin was achieved. Contents of TAs were subjected to the principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis. The contents of the three marker compounds (anisodamine, anisodine and atropine) in the roots and acrial parts of A. tanguticus were positive correlated and varied significantly from different geographical origins. Principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis results showed excellent discrimination between different geographical origin of A. tanguticus. This study could provide comprehensive evaluation and further utilization of A. tanguticus resources.

Introduction: Cannabis plant uses are widespread across human cultures. The current tendency is to classify Cannabis varieties into chemovars upon their chemical fingerprint, mainly cannabinoids an...

Heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) are a serious threat for living organisms due to increased global environmental pollution. Aloe ferox Mill. is a very important species of the genus Aloe, especially from a medical point of view, because it is a source of biologically active substances and it is often used in the traditional medicine. Since the knowledge about the effect of heavy metals, like Cd on growth of Aloe species is scarce, this study showed the effect of Cd on anatomical, morphological and physiological properties of this important medicinal plant species. We found that Cd affected the leaf morphology and decreased biomass of the aboveground plant part. Cd also affected cuticle deposition and increased the number of stomata in the abaxial and adaxial epidermis of leaves. Roots treated with Cd showed lower lignification and decreased level of membrane lipids peroxidation than control roots. Cadmium concentration was the highest in the roots; however, relatively high portion of Cd is being translocated to the leaves. This might be dangerous as Aloe is well known medicinal plant with content of active secondary metabolites mainly in the leaves.

Aloe dhufarensis Lavranos is an important medicinal plant, however, the endophytic microorganisms associated with this plant and their antagonistic activities are not known. In this study, endophytic fungi and bacteria were isolated from the leaf tissues of A. dhufarensis and their antagonistic activity against the plant pathogens Fusarium sp. and Cladosporium sp. were evaluated using a dual culture assay. A total of 3 fungal endophytes and 12 bacterial endophytes were isolated from the leaf tissue segments of A. dhufarensis. Among them, two endophytic fungal isolates designated as SQUCC-F2-2 and SQUCC-F3-1 exhibited inhibitory activity against the phytopathogenic fungi tested. In addition, scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that they induced shriveling, pit formation and disintegration of the hyphae of the phytopathogenic fungi. These two endophytic fungal isolates were identified as Sarocladium kiliense (SQUCC-F2-2) and Penicillium oxalicum (SQUCC-F3-1) on the basis of nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Analysis of the metabolites produced by these endophytes revealed the presence of fatty acids, fatty acid methyl esters, furfuryl alcohol, 1,2-diols and amide, which have been identified in the literature as antimicrobial compounds. P. oxalicum produced 7 compounds, of which 2-Furanmethanol, Dodecanoic acid and Tetradecanoic acid were dominant. S. kiliense produced 8 compounds with 2,3-Butanediol as the main constituent. This is the first report of endophytic fungi of A. dhufarensis with antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi.

This study was conducted to identification and distribution Root-knot nematode species in lavender fields where Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia Emeric ex Loisel. var. Super) was cultivated in an area of about 625 ha in Isparta and Burdur Provinces of Turkey. A total of 60 samples were collected in autumn of 2020. Root knot nematode species molecular identification was determined by species-specific primers from egg masses. The 17 samples taken from cultivated lavender fields were found to be infected with Root knot nematode. As a result of molecular identification, 12 of them were found to be Meloidogyne incognita, while 5 of them were found to be M. arenaria. This the first report of infestation of lavender by M. incognita in Turkey. It was determined that Keçiborlu district in Isparta Province where lavender is most cultivated was infected with Root-knot nematode. While 7 samples of M. incognita were detected in Keçiborlu district, 3 of them were M. arenaria.

La flora del Santuario de Fauna y Flora de Iguaque, única área protegida de la provincia de Ricaurte, Boyacá, Colombia, representa la extraordinaria diversidad vegetal de la Cordillera Oriental colombiana. Nuestro primer objetivo consiste en reportar 88 novedades para esta flora regional, incluidas once especies de Lycophyta y Monilophyta y 77 especies de Angiospermae, con base en trabajo de herbario, de campo y reciente literatura. Sobresalen nuevos registros de Cactaceae, Cleomaceae, Cornaceae, Monimiaceae, Osmundaceae, Phrymaceae, Rosaceae, Woodsiaceae y Xyridaceae. Burmeistera glabrata (Campanulaceae), Cornus peruviana (Cornaceae) y Nothoscordum gracile (Amaryllidaceae) son nuevos reportes para el departamento de Boyacá. Los taxones endémicos Melpomene anazalea (Polypodiaceae), Piper daniel-gonzalezii var. moniquiranum (Piperaceae), Masdevallia aenigma y Stelis boyacensis (Orchidaceae), Espeletia cayetana y E. raquirensis (Asteraceae) presentan evidente grado de amenaza. Nuestro segundo objetivo consiste en actualizar la nomenclatura de 31 binomios, siete de ellos, de las familias Acanthaceae, Asteraceae, Crassulaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Poaceae y Rosaceae, con estatus taxonómico incierto. Nuestro trabajo permitirá actualizar los siguientes taxones en el Herbario Nacional Colombiano y en la catalogación de la Flora de Colombia: a nivel de género, Bartsia, Blechnum, Cheilanthes, Chenopodium, Cleome, Cordia, Diplostephium, Habracanthus, Hyptis, Lycopodium, Schefflera, Terpsichore y Vasquezia; y a nivel de especie, Melpomene anazalea, Opuntia soederstromiana, Rubus alutaceus, Spilotantha amanda, Stelis alleyoop, S. angustifolia, S. boyacensis y S. pleistantha.

Although orchids are the most rich family of the plant kingdom, they make up the most destroyed group. Due to human impact, environmental factors, tourism and settlement, ornamental plants or food collection, the spread areas are getting narrower and endangered every day. Two of these endangered species due to their use in the food industry are Himantoglossum robertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge and Orchis italica Poiret. Both of these sahlep orchids taxa are preferred by collectors in terms of their tuber size and the glucomannan contains and are heavily destroyed. Excessive destruction brings some pollination and fertilization problems. Orchid seeds do not have an endosperm and need a symbiotic relationship to germinate. To germinate in an asymbiotic environment, it is necessary to apply the seeds that break dormancy and keep them in a special medium and environment. The structure of the seed coat is important in eliminating the germination barrier in asymbiotic production. In this study tuber and seed morphological and physiological properties of both species were determined. Morphological features such as plant height, tuber weight and dimensions, seed sizes, seed weight, the number of seeds in 1 g, and physiological features such as seed moisture, shell structure and fullness of seeds were determined. The causes of empty seed formation are interpreted in light of the literature.

Plants secondary metabolites undergoes qualitative and quantitative variation due to environmental and growth factors. It is a crucial factor to select the proper time for collection of medicinal plants to assure maximum content of active components reflected as maximum efficacy. Olive leaves (Olea europaea L.) are known traditionally for their antidiabetic effect. The secoiridoid glycoside oleuropein is the main active component of Olive leaves responsible for the biological activity. The current study was conducted to monitor the seasonal variation of oleuropein in Olives leaves collected from the same location. To achieve this goal a validated HPLC method following the ICH guidelines was established. Separation was conducted using RP18 column and a mobile phase consisted of ultrapure water containing 20% acetonitrile and 1% acetic acid. Detection was performed at 254 nm with 1 mL/min flow rate. The method was simple, linear, accurate, precise, specific and robust. The analyses revealed considerable variations in the level of oleuropein throughout the year. This variation cannot be explained by temperature variation during the year. Two points of high levels of oleuropein were detected prior to flowering stage and ripening of the fruits. The levels of growth regulators most likely is responsible for the increased production of oleuropein. It is recommended that leaves intended for medicinal use to be collected during the fruiting stage prior to fruit ripening.

Pistachio bushy top syndrome (PBTS) is a serious problem for pistachio growers in the western United States, but the cause of this disorder remains controversial. Recently, it was proposed that the Rhodococcus species R. fascians and R. corynebacterioides caused PBTS outbreaks in 2011 and 2015. To investigate the association of Rhodococcus spp. with PBTS in California's pistachio-growing region, Rhodococcus-like isolates were collected from diverse hosts and environments, including pistachio nurseries and orchards. Whole genome sequence analysis of 231 isolates revealed their evolutionary relationships and identified six Rhodococcus species. Combined with data on geography and host of origin, the data reveal that Rhodococcus generally, and R. fascians specifically, is ubiquitous in nature, frequently occurring in both symptomatic and asymptomatic pistachio trees and on other woody and native species. Core gene and single nucleotide polymorphism-based phylogenies and pangenome analyses differentiate R. fascians into distinct genotypes. Although we found examples of common genotypes shared between nurseries and orchards, the observed patterns are most consistent with an environmental source of strains and do not support a scenario in which individual nurseries are point sources of Rhodococcus. Moreover, none of the collected strains harbored known virulence genes, calling into question the role of these common environmental bacteria in causing PBTS. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Brassica crops, which are of worldwide importance, provide various oil, vegetable and ornamental products, as well as feedstocks for animal husbandry and biofuel industry. Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR) is the entry point to the lignin pathway and a crucial locus in manipulation of associated traits, but CCR-associated metabolism and traits in Brassica crops have remained largely unstudied except in Arabidopsis thaliana. We report the identification of 16 CCR genes from Brassica napus and its parental species B. rapa and B. oleracea. The BnCCR1 and BnCCR2 subfamilies displayed divergent organ-specificity and participation in the yellow-seed trait. Their functions were dissected via overexpression of representative paralogs in B. napus. BnCCR1 was expressed preferentially in G- and H-lignin biosynthesis and vascular development, while BnCCR2 was expressed in S-lignin biosynthesis and interfascicular fiber development. BnCCR1 showed stronger effects on lignification-related development, lodging resistance, phenylpropanoid flux control, and seed coat pigmentation, whereas BnCCR2 showed a stronger effect on sinapate biosynthesis. BnCCR1 upregulation delayed bolting and flowering time, while BnCCR2 upregulation weakened the leaf vascular system in consequence of suppressed G-lignin accumulation. BnCCR1 and BnCCR2 were closely but almost oppositely linked with glucosinolate metabolism via inter-pathway crosstalk. We conclude that BnCCR1 and BnCCR2 subfamilies offer great but differing potential for manipulating traits associated with phenylpropanoids and glucosinolates. This study reveals the CCR1–CCR2 divergence in Brassicaceae and offers a resource for rapeseed breeding for lodging resistance, yellow-seed traits, and glucosinolate traits.

A narrow genetic base has hindered improvement of Brassica juncea (AjAjBjBj). In this study, large-scale genomic components were introduced from diploid ancestor species into modern B. juncea using a digenomic hexaploid strategy. The hexaploids AjAjArArBjBj and AjAjBjBjBnBn were first developed from B. juncea × B. rapa (ArAr) and B. juncea × B. nigra (BnBn), and then crossed with dozens of B. nigra and B. rapa, respectively. Both types of hexaploid showed high pollen fertility and moderate seed set throughout the S1 to S3 generations, and could be crossed with diploid progenitor species under field conditions, in particular for the combination of AjAjBjBjBnBn × B. rapa. Thirty AjAr Bn Bj-type and 31 Aj Ar BnBj-type B. juncea resources were generated, of which the AjAr Bn Bj type showed higher fertility. Of these new-type B. juncea resources, 97 individual plants were genotyped with 42 simple sequence repeat markers, together with 16 current B. juncea accessions and 30 hexaploid plants. Based on 180 polymorphic loci, the new-type B. juncea resources and current B. juncea were separated clearly into distinct groups, with large genetic distance between the new-type B. juncea resources and current B. juncea. Our study provides a novel approach to introducing large-scale genomic components from diploid ancestor species into B. juncea.

A previously unknown association between Plasmopara viticola, the causal pathogen of grape downy mildew, and the mycoparasite strain F2 is described in this paper. F2 could be consistently isolated from the mildew of diseased spots on grape leaves of Kyoho ( Vitis labrusca × V. vinifera cv. Kyoho) infected with P. viticola but not from the surfaces of healthy grape leaves or within lesions of other diseases. It was observed that strain F2 was capable of coiling around sporangiophores and sporangia of P. viticola under a microscope, causing hyphae deformation, decreasing the pathogen growth, and reducing the number of sporangia. This fungal strain was identified as Simplicillium lanosoniveum on the basis of morphological characterizations and 28S rDNA sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. lanosoniveum with hyperparasitic characteristics on P. viticola, and the hyperparasite has potential application in the control of grape downy mildew. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik, shepherd’s purse, is a cosmopolitan summer or winter annual weed species distributed throughout temperate and subtropical regions of the world and is considered one of the most common plants on earth. It is an opportunistic annual that colonizes newly disturbed, open or dry environments and is ubiquitous in cultivated lands in Canada. In annual crops in western Canada, C. bursa-pastoris has been among the 20 most abundant weeds since the first weed surveys in 1970. It is most easily distinguished by its small white four-petalled flowers and its heart-shaped seed-pods, but exhibits considerable variation in leaf shape and flowering time. It has been used for food and medicine by numerous cultures. Its golden-brown seeds are produced in large numbers predominantly through self-pollination and can form a substantial seed bank, with reported values ranging to several hundred thousand seeds m−2. While seeds usually disperse near the mother plant, long-distance dispersal by attaching to vehicles, people and other vectors may be facilitated by its mucilaginous coat. Capsella bursa-pastoris does not produce fertile hybrids with other species of economic or ecological significance. It is generally well controlled by soil-applied and foliar (post-emergence) herbicides although its presence in agricultural fields may result in substantial yield loss, as documented in cole crops in North America and grain crops in Europe. The species can host a wide range of insect, nematode, fungal, viral, and bacterial pests that may damage crop species.

In order to test the systematic position of archaeocyaths, a group of Cambrian, exclusively marine fossils of unclear biological affinity, currently ascribed mostly to sponges (Porifera), we present an alternative explanation supporting the early idea of siphonous green algal affinity of archaeocyaths. The new arguments are based on a study of the morphology, microstructure, and microtaphonomy of early Cambrian (Tommotian and Atdabanian) archaeocyathan specimens from northeastern Siberia. Light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations revealed that in many specimens the outer, often microlaminated, skeletal fabric grades continuously into the microfabric similar to that of microbial bush-like and dendritic microfossils such as Angulocellularia and Renalcis. The polyhedral to subglobular units characterizing the skeletal microfabric of the studied archaeocyaths and their microbial outgrowths are most similar to recent and fossil mineralized (calcified) colonies of benthic coccoidal cyanobacteria. This means that what had heretofore been interpreted as skeletons secreted by archaeocyathan organisms represent calcareous crusts precipitated by epibiontic cyanobacteria-like microbes, probably associated with a variety of other bacteria, colonizing surfaces and internal spaces of soft-bodied archaeocyathan organisms. Our study shows that a number of the morphological traits of archaeocyaths conserved by the mineralized microbial cover are similar to those of of modern siphonous green algae, like the marine genus Codium Stackhouse (Bryopsidales). Identifiable in well-preserved archaeocyaths are remains of such traits characteristic for Codium species as utricles, medullary threads, juvenile stages (primordia), and coalescence structures. The taxonomic and palaeoenvironmental implications of the recognition of archaeocyaths as possible consortia of siphonous green seaweeds (Chlorophyta) and cyanobacteria-like microbes are briefly discussed.

Delimiting species requires multiple sources of evidence. Here, we delimited two varieties of Halenia elliptica (Gentianaceae) using several lines of evidence, including morphological traits and mating system in a sympatric population, phylogenetic relationships based on nrITS and cpDNA (rpl16) data, and complete chloroplast genome sequences. Comparative analysis of 21 morphological traits clearly separates the two varieties of H. elliptica. Examination of the flowering process and pollination treatments indicate that H. elliptica var. grandiflora produces seeds via outcrossing, whereas H. elliptica var. elliptica produces seeds via mixed mating. Furthermore, hand-pollinated hybridization of the two varieties produced no seeds. Observations of pollinators showed that when bees began a pollination bout on H. elliptica var. grandiflora they preferred to continue pollinating this variety; however, when they began a pollination bout on H. elliptica var. elliptica, they showed no preference for either variety. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of H. elliptica, which was further divided into two monophyletic clades corresponding to the two varieties. A large number of variants from the chloroplast genomes reflected remarkable genetic dissimilarities between the two varieties of H. elliptica. We recommend that the two varieties of H. elliptica should be revised as two species (H. elliptica and Halenia grandiflora). Our findings indicate that H. elliptica varieties may have split into two separate species due to a shift in mating system, changes in flowering phenology and/or post-pollination reproductive isolation.

Understanding how natural hybridization and polyploidizations originate in plants requires identifying potential diploid ancestors. However, cryptic plant species are widespread, particularly in Ceratopteris (Pteridaceae). Identifying Ceratopteris cryptic species with different polyploidy levels is a challenge because Ceratopteris spp exhibit high degrees of phenotypic plasticity. Here, two new cryptic species of Ceratopteris, Ceratopteris chunii and C. chingii, are described and illustrated. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that each of the new species form a well-supported clade. Ceratopteris chunii and C. chingii are similar to C. gaudichaudii var. vulgaris and C. pteridoides, respectively, but distinct from their relatives in the stipe, basal pinna of the sterile leaf or subelliptic shape of the fertile leaf, as well as the spore surface. In addition, chromosome studies indicate that Ceratopteris chunii and C. chingii are both diploid. These findings will help us further understand the origin of Ceratopteris polyploids in Asia.

Endophytic fungi are now recognized as an excellent source of widely occurring natural products. Fungi are wonderful producers of natural products, mostly secondary metabolites. The vital use of these fungi may provide benefit to current demand for novel biomolecules in agriculture, medical and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, endophytic fungi Aspergillus terreus, Cephalosporium sp., Chaetomium sp., Curvularia lunata, Curvularia hawaiiensis, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium solani, Talaromyces assiutensis and Talaromyces trachyspermus isolated from healthy plants and evaluated for nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne javanica, a root-knot nematode. In vitro culture filtrates of these fungi showed strong nematicidal activity by killing juveniles of nematode to varying degree, where F.solani caused 100% mortality after 48 hours. n- Hexane fraction of culture filtrate and n-hexane extract of mycelium of F. solani were subjected to GC-MS analysis, resulted in the identification of several compounds and some are not reported before from this fungus. Metabolites from endophytic F. solani could be used in the development of antimicrobial agents that can be used in medicine or agrochemicals. The use of fungal based products offers a unique opportunity to discover novel therapeutic agents to combat various infectious agents and agricultural pests.

All native North American white pines are highly susceptible to white pine blister rust (WPBR) caused by Cronartium ribicola. Understanding genomic diversity and molecular mechanisms underlying genetic resistance to WPBR remains one of the great challenges in improvement of white pines. To compare major gene resistance (MGR) present in two species, southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis) Cr3 and limber pine (P. flexilis) Cr4, we performed association analyses of Cr3-controlled resistant traits using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays designed with Cr4-linked polymorphic genes. We found that ∼70% of P. flexilis SNPs were transferable to P. strobiformis. Furthermore, several Cr4-linked SNPs were significantly associated with the Cr3-controlled traits in P. strobiformis families. The most significantly associated SNP (M326511_1126R) almost colocalized with Cr4 on the Pinus consensus linkage group 8, suggesting that Cr3 and Cr4 might be the same R locus, or have localizations very close to each other in the syntenic region of the P. strobiformis and P. flexilis genomes. M326511_1126R was identified as a nonsynonymous SNP, causing amino acid change (Val376Ile) in a putative pectin acetylesterase, with coding sequences identical between the two species. Moreover, top Cr3-associated SNPs were further developed as TaqMan genotyping assays, suggesting their usefulness as marker-assisted selection (MAS) tools to distinguish genotypes between quantitative resistance and MGR. This work demonstrates the successful transferability of SNP markers between two closely related white pine species in the hybrid zone, and the possibility for deployment of MAS tools to facilitate long-term WPBR management in P. strobiformis breeding and conservation.

Described are two new species in the southern African subtribe Strumariinae (Amaryllidaceae: Amaryllideae). In Hessea the new species H. pallida (subg. Hessea) from Toringberg, Western Cape, on the westernmost edge of the southern Namaqualand Hardeveld, is known on the edges of a seasonal pan within Namaqualand Granite Renosterveld. The whitish to pale pink flowers have crisped tepal edges in common with three species known exclusively from fire-prone fynbos in the Core Cape Floristic Region. Hessea pallida is inferred to be most closely related to H. monticola. The two species differ in the size, colouring and markings of the flowers, shape of the tepals and flowering habit. Hessea monticola is a fire obligate whereas H. pallida flowers regularly in a habitat free of fire. The recognition of Toringberg as a minor refugium for core Cape plants is briefly discussed. In Strumaria the new species S. crystallina (subg. Strumaria) is described from the Nama shales of the Skaaprivier gorge on the northern Namaqualand Escarpment. The widely campanulate flowers have sculptured stamens and style like those of S. bidentata, but S. crystallina stands out in having soft, narrow leaves unlike the firm, upright leaves spread into a flattened fan as in most other species in the subgenus, apart from S. prolifera in northern Namaqualand. Both new species are known only from the type locality.

Cochliobolus lunatus (anamorph: Curvularia lunata) is a major pathogenic fungus that causes the Curvularia leaf spot of maize. ClMAT1-1-1 and ClMAT1-2-1, the C. lunatus orthologs of C. heterostrophus ChMAT1-1-1 and ChMAT1-2-1, were investigated in the present study to uncover their functions in C. lunatus. Southern blot analysis showed that these mating-type MAT genes exist in the C. lunatus genome as a single copy. ClMAT1-1-1 and ClMAT1-2-1 were knocked out and complemented to generate ΔClmat1-1-1 and ΔClmat1-2-1 and ΔClmat1-1-1-C and ΔClmat1-2-1-C, respectively. The mutant strains had defective sexual development and failed to produce pseudothecia. There were no significant differences in growth rate or conidia production between the mutant and wild-type strains. However, the aerial mycelia and mycelial dry weight of ΔClmat1-1-1 and ΔClmat1-2-1 were lower than those of wild type, suggesting that MAT genes affect asexual development. ClMAT genes were involved in the responses to cell wall integrity and osmotic adaptation. ΔClmat1-2-1 had a lower conidial germination rate than the wild-type strain CX-3. The virulence of ΔClmat1-2-1 and ΔClmat1-1-1 was also reduced compared with the wild-type. Complementary strains could restore all the phenotypes.

Pavonia is the only genus of the tribe Malvaviscae in the FSA region and is distinguished by the style branches and stigmas being twice as many as the carpels. In this revision, 12 species are recognised, four of which are endemic to the FSA region (P. dentata, P. dregei, P. praemorsa and P. transvaalensis) with P. dregei being classified as Vulnerable in the IUCN red list. The new subspecies, Pavonia elegans subsp. stellata is described and P. gossweileri is taken into synonymy with P. rehmannii. In the present revision, a combination of leaf, epicalyx, calyx and mericarp characters are used to distinguish the species of Pavonia. We include correct nomenclature, typification, descriptions, geographical distributions, and a key to the species.

Ditylenchus gallaeformans is a plant parasitic nematode that induces galls on aboveground parts of Melastomataceae plants. It differs from most gall-inducing nematodes in that it is not an endoparasite and has been considered as a possible biological control agent against invasive species of Miconia. Little is known about D. gallaeformans biology, genetic differences among populations, and host preferences. This study examined the genetic differences among D. gallaeformans populations from different locations and host species and the phylogenetic relationships among them. Nematodes were collected from galls in plants from Costa Rica, Dominica, and Trinidad. The Cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) region was sequenced from a total of 33 individual nematodes isolated from 33 different plant individuals, representing 21 species of Melastomataceae. Phylogenetic reconstructions, haplotype networks, and analysis of molecular variance showed that the species is monophyletic and has three major clades, which were mostly consistent with geographic location but not with host species. The first clade was composed by two subclades, one with individuals from Costa Rica and one with individuals from Dominica. The second and third clades comprised nematodes only from Trinidad. Overall, there is no evidence of host–species specialization in D. gallaeformans. Biocontrol efforts using the nematode against invasive Miconia could focus on geographical location matching but likely will not need to match host species.

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is the causal agent of Colletotrichum crown rot of strawberry in the southern United States. Recent multigene studies defined C. gloeosporioides as a complex species comprised of 37 species. In our study, we phylogenetically characterized C. gloeosporioides isolates from strawberry and other noncultivated plants around strawberry fields. One hundred fifteen strawberry isolates and 38 isolates from noncultivated hosts were sequenced for five genomic regions: internal transcribed spacer, actin, calmodulin, chitin synthase, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods, based on partition-specific models, revealed that most of the isolates in Florida (86%) were closely related to C. siamense, whereas 14 isolates were closely related to C. theobromicola (syn. C. fragariae), four isolates were C. fructicola, and three isolates were C. clidemiae. However, only the first three species were pathogenic to strawberry. Morphological characteristics evaluated show that mycelial growth of all species is approximately 5 mm/day, but colony morphology varies by species and incubation conditions. In vitro mating of the isolates demonstrated that C. fructicola is homothallic whereas C. siamense and C. theobromicola isolates are heterothallic. The biological importance of these different Colletotrichum species is currently being investigated to determine whether different management strategies are needed in strawberry production fields.

Cytospora canker is one of the most important diseases affecting peach production in Colorado, yet previous efforts to characterize Cytospora species diversity in Colorado have relied exclusively on morphological traits. Recently, several new Cytospora species were described from peach orchards within the United States using molecular and morphological data, prompting the need to reexamine Cytospora spp. present on peach trees in Colorado. A total of 137 isolates of Cytospora spp. were collected from eight orchards in western Colorado. Isolates were sequenced at the internal transcribed spacer region and elongation factor 1-α and assessed with reference sequences in phylogenetic analyses. All isolates from western Colorado peach trees resolved with the newly described Cytospora plurivora. In addition to molecular characterization, temperature growth and virulence assays were conducted to assess phenotypic variation among the isolates from western Colorado. Variation across isolates was found both in growth at different temperatures and in virulence. Ancestral state reconstruction analyses resolved the most virulent (and most often collected) haplotypes together in a well-supported clade from which a single monophyletic origin of high virulence can be inferred. Finally, a droplet digital PCR assay was developed for use in ongoing and future studies to detect and quantify C. plurivora from field and laboratory samples.

In many but not all recalcitrant Quercus seeds, water loss during drying only occurs through the scar. Consequently, the embryo axis sitting on the opposite side of the scar is well protected from desiccation. However, whether such a mechanism is common throughout Fagaceae species is unexplored. Similarly, little is known about the desiccation response of other Fagaceae genera. Germination and desiccation tolerance of Castanopsis sclerophylla (Lindl. & Paxton) Schottky (Fagaceae) were studied by drying the seeds with silica gel. Fresh seeds had a moisture content (MC) of 36% and germinated to 92.5% when incubated at 15/20 °C. Drying seeds to 22.5% and 20.7% MC decreased germination to 27% and 5%, respectively, indicating that seeds are recalcitrant. X-ray computed tomography and photomicrographs showed that the embryo axis of C. sclerophylla is located just below the scar. Regardless of drying occurring either through only the scar or the whole pericarp, embryo drying was deemed unavoidable. Nevertheless, germination percentage during drying showed exceptional similarities with the other Fagaceae species.

The timing of germination is a crucial event in a plant’s life cycle. Seed dormancy and germination mechanisms are important factors regulating seedling emergence. Since detailed experimental evidence of the germination pattern of Phoenix canariensis Chabaud colonizing sub-tropical climates is scarce, we investigated seed dormancy and germination ecology of P. canariensis. We found that the embryo is underdeveloped at the time of dispersal and doubles in size before the cotyledonary petiole (CP) protrudes through the operculum. The primary root and plumule emerge from the elongated CP outside the seed. In light/dark cycles of 30/25 °C, the CP emerged from 8% of the diaspores within 30 days and from 76% within 14 weeks. Thus, 8% of the diaspores have morphological dormancy and the others have morphophysiological dormancy. Removal of the pericarp and operculum resulted in 100% germination within five days in a light/dark cycle of 30/25 °C. Cold and warm stratification as well as treatment with GA3significantly increased the germination speed but the final germination percentage was not significantly increased. Seed germination was synchronized in early summer when seed dormancy was released by cold stratification in the soil over winter. A remote-tubular germination type and intricate root system provide an ecological advantage to seedling establishment.

Powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphaceae) are widespread obligate biotrophic plant pathogens. Thus, applying genetic and omics approaches to study these fungi remains a major challenge, particularly for species with hemiendophytic mycelium. These belong to a distinct phylogenetic lineage within the family Erysiphaceae. To date, only a single draft genome assembly is available for this clade, obtained for Leveillula taurica. Here, we generated the first draft genome assemblies of Pleochaeta shiraiana and Phyllactinia moricola, two tree-parasitic powdery mildew species with hemiendophytic mycelium, representing two genera that have not yet been investigated with genomics tools. The Pleochaeta shiraiana assembly was 96,769,103 bp in length and consisted of 14,447 scaffolds, and the Phyllactinia moricola assembly was 180,382,532 bp in length on 45,569 scaffolds. Together with the draft genome of L. taurica, these resources will be pivotal for understanding the molecular basis of the lifestyle of these fungi, which is unique within the family Erysiphaceae.