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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.

Routine blood culture is used for the detection of bloodstream infections by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and by common pathogenic yeasts. A retrospective study was conducted in a public hospital in Maceió-AL, by collecting data of all medical records with positive blood cultures. Out of the 2,107 blood cultures performed, 17% were positive with Staphylococcus coagulase negative (51.14%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (11.21%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.32%). Gram-positive bacteria predominated among positive blood cultures, highlighting the group of Staphylococcus coagulase-negative. While Gram-negative bacteria had a higher number of species among positive blood cultures. Resumo A cultura sanguínea de rotina é usada para a detecção de infecções na corrente sanguínea por bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias e por leveduras patogênicas comuns. Estudo retrospectivo realizado em hospital público de Maceió-AL, por meio da coleta de dados de todos os prontuários com culturas sanguíneas positivas. Das 2.107 culturas sanguíneas realizadas, 17% foram positivas com Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (51,14%), seguido por Staphylococcus aureus (11,21%) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (6,32%). As bactérias Gram-positiva predominaram entre as culturas de sangue positivas, destacando-se o grupo das Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo. Enquanto as bactérias Gram-negativas apresentaram um número maior de espécies entre as culturas de sangue positivas.

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.

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.

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.

Understanding how individual differences arise and how their effects propagate through groups are fundamental issues in biology. Individual differences can arise from indirect genetic effects (IGE): genetically based variation in the conspecifics with which an individual interacts. Using a clonal species, the Amazon molly ( Poecilia formosa ), we test the hypothesis that IGE can propagate to influence phenotypes of the individuals that do not experience them firsthand. We tested this by exposing genetically identical Amazon mollies to conspecific social partners of different clonal lineages, and then moving these focal individuals to new social groups in which they were the only member to have experienced the IGE. We found that genetically different social environments resulted in the focal animals experiencing different levels of aggression, and that these IGE carried over into new social groups to influence the behaviour of naive individuals. These data reveal that IGE can cascade beyond the individuals that experience them. Opportunity for cascading IGE is ubiquitous, especially in species with long-distance dispersal or fission–fusion group dynamics. Cascades could amplify (or mitigate) the effects of IGE on trait variation and on evolutionary trajectories. Expansion of the IGE framework to include cascading and other types of carry-over effects will therefore improve understanding of individual variation and social evolution and allow more accurate prediction of population response to changing environments.

Parameters of the autumn migration stopover of the chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita (Vieillot, 1817) in the taiga zone of the Eastern Russian plain were estimated. The studies were carried out in 2015–2019, a total of 1,634 birds were included in our analysis. It has been established that migrating chiffchaffs can be conditionally divided into two groups. The first group consists of transit individuals leaving their stopover just on the day of arrival, without delay. The other group includes individuals who make stopovers for a longer period (4.87 days on average). For the birds of both groups, changes in their body weight and fat accumulation rate were revealed during one day and throughout the entire migration stopover. During an average migration stopover, birds retain their energy reserves at a certain level. In general, they accumulate no more than 5% of the average body weight in the population during the average stop period. A smaller proportion of migrants make multi-day stops when the fat accumulation rate is low. Every day of staying at a migration stopover leads to temporary surges and losses in body weight, with no increase in body fat. Birds, at the end of their migration season, spend more time and energy for looking for food. The part of migratory birds deciding to stop finds themselves in the most optimal conditions. This small group is the main reserve for preserving the population during the difficult period of migration.

This study explored the variations in oxidative stress markers in Parasitized and non- Parasitized Amietophrynus regularis in diverse conditions such as OCP-exposed, unexposed, parasitized, and unparasitized conditions. The toad specimens were collected from natural habitats and dumpsites of three (3) major areas of Lagos. 15g wet weight of the liver, intestine, and parasites were prepared and analysed for oxidative stress parameters including; SOD, CAT, GSH, and MDA activities according to well established protocols. Based on stations, there were significant differences in the SOD and MDA levels in the liver and intestine of uninfected toads obtained at the habitat and the dumpsite. Only SOD had a significant difference in the infected toads. Also, the concentration of SOD in the parasites recovered from the toads at the dumpsite was very much significantly higher than the concentration in those recovered from the toads at the natural habitat (p

Telmatobius atacamensis, anuro microendémico de la Puna salteña, tiene hábitos exclusivamente acuáticos. Está categorizado como especie en peligro crítico a nivel global y como amenazada a nivel nacional. El conocimiento de la ecología trófica es útil para mejorar manejo y conservación de una especie y, debido a que esta información es escasa, el objetivo fue describir y analizar su dieta. Mediante la técnica de lavado estomacal se obtuvieron 37 contenidos de individuos recolectados en los ríos San Antonio y Los Patos durante un ciclo anual (2018), una vez al mes. Se registraron 724 presas, pertenecientes a diez órdenes; dípteros, coleópteros y hemípteros fueron los más importantes. No hubo correlación significativa entre el tamaño depredador-presa. Tampoco hubo diferencias significativas entre hembras, machos y juveniles y el número y volumen de presas consumidas. El índice de diversidad de la dieta fue de 1,05 y la amplitud del nicho trófico estandarizado fue de 0,09. La superposición de nicho entre las categorías fue de Ojk = 0,80. De acuerdo con el índice de similitud de Jaccard, las dietas de hembras y juveniles fueron más semejantes (71 %). Presentaron una predominancia al consumo de invertebrados de hábitos bentónicos y, si bien se encontraron presas de hábitos terrestres, podría deberse a un consumo accidental. Este consumo desproporcionado de fauna bentónica estaría directamente relacionado con los hábitos de vida de la especie. Por otro lado, la composición de la dieta no varía significativamente entre las categorías consideradas, sin registrar diferencias en la cantidad y volumen de presas.

Here we report two cases of defensive behavior known as “stiff-legged”, unprecedented for the species Rhinella bergi and R. mirandaribeiroi. We registered the behavior at localities in Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais states, Brazil. With our records, there are now five species from open areas that exhibit this behavior. We assume that the species that inhabit these areas exhibit this avoiding predation behavior simulating a dead body on the ground, behavior known as “death feigning”, unlike forest species, which use this strategy to camouflage themselves between the leaves.

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.

Cinchona micrantha, conocida comúnmente como árbol de la quina, es una especie con alto valor medicinal que se popularizó por su uso antimalárico y propiedades febrífugas y que en la actualidad se encuentra catalogada como especie amenazada. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar el comportamiento fenológico de C. micrantha en un bosque húmedo de la comunidad La Cascarilla, Jaén, Perú, de enero a diciembre de 2018. Para ello se eligieron al azar 35 árboles. La caracterización fenológica se realizó mensualmente, se registraron datos de las variables biológicas vegetativas como hojas nuevas, hojas maduras y abscisión foliar, y reproductivas como floración, presencia de frutos inmaduros, frutos maduros y frutos dehiscentes, y se correlacionaron con datos de precipitación, temperatura y fotoperiodo de la zona de estudio. Se evidenciaron hojas nuevas, hojas maduras y abscisión foliar todo el año. Existe una correlación negativa entre las fenofases de floración y de fruto inmaduro con el fotoperiodo (rs= -0,85, P= 0,02 y rs= -0,91, P= 0,01 respectivamente), y una correlación negativa entre la fenofase de fruto maduro con la precipitación y temperatura mínima (rs= -0,61, P=0,04 y rs= -0,60, P=0,05 respectivamente). Los resultados sugieren que la temperatura, precipitación y fotoperiodo podrían determinar la fenología reproductiva de C. micrantha, sin embargo, este patrón no se observó en la fenología vegetativa debido a que es una especie perennifolia. Estas variaciones fenológicas son relevantes para la conservación de la especie.

Amphisbaena mertensii is a worm lizard species from South America. Because of its subterranean lifestyle,data on its biology are scarce. In this paper, we present the first record of A. mertensii as prey of a bird, the wood rail Aramides cajaneus. We also review the geographic range of this species, reporting it for 114 localities from west-central Brazil to northeastern Argentina. We update the range of precloacal pores in A. mertensii from 5–8 to 4–8, and report the largest individual of this species with a 458 mm snout-vent length.

En un ecosistema degradado, que actualmente es objeto de restauración, analizar de manera detallada la estructura de la vegetación y describir su relación con especies de aves es muy relevante para su manejo. El análisis de la arquitectura de las plantas es un método visual para describir la estructura de la vegetación como resultado de su estrategia de crecimiento. Por medio de este método se analizó la oferta de hábitat de las aves insectívoras Myrmeciza longipes (hormiguero ventriblanco), Thamnophilus doliatus (batará rayado) y Synallaxis albescens (pijuí pechiblanco) como parte de un estudio poblacional y de calidad de hábitat en un remanente de bosque seco tropical de 11 079 hectáreas, en Huila, Colombia. Por medio de conteos y también con la información secundaria recopilada, se estableció cómo estas especies usan los diferentes estratos de la vegetación. Teniendo en cuenta que árboles con más perchas incrementan el forrajeo de aves insectívoras, que más perchas significan mayor refugio para las aves, y también que mayor cruce de perchas posibilitan la aparición de horquetas para el anclaje de nidos de estas especies, en 186 parcelas se determinó que la zona está dominada por siete modelos arquitectónicos, divididos en tres grupos según su oferta potencial de recursos del hábitat para las tres especies: 1) modelos arquitectónicos Roux, Petit y Prevost con una calidad alta; 2) modelos arquitectónicos Koriba y Nozerán con una calidad intermedia; y 3) modelos arquitectónicos McClure y Holttum con una calidad muy baja.

The phenology of Arctic plants is an important determinant of the pattern of carbon uptake and may be highly sensitive to continued rapid climate change. Eriophorum vaginatum L. (Cyperaceae) has a disproportionate influence over ecosystem processes in moist acidic tundra, but it is unclear whether its growth and phenology will remain competitive in the future. We investigated whether northern tundra ecotypes of E. vaginatum could extend their growing season in response to direct warming and transplanting into southern ecosystems. At the same time, we examined whether southern ecotypes could adjust their growth patterns in order to thrive further north, should they disperse quickly enough. Detailed phenology measurements across three reciprocal transplant gardens over a 2-year period showed that some northern ecotypes were capable of growing for longer when conditions were favourable, but their biomass and growing season length was still shorter than those of the southern ecotype. Southern ecotypes retained large leaf length when transplanted north and mirrored the growing season length better than the others, mainly owing to immediate green-up after snowmelt. All ecotypes retained the same senescence timing, regardless of environment, indicating a strong genetic control. Eriophorum vaginatum may remain competitive in a warming world if southern ecotypes can migrate north.

Spodoptera frugiperda is a new invasive pest in Indonesia and its severity in maize ranges from 26.50 to 100%. However, information on the strains or genetic diversity of the S. frugiperda in Indonesia is still very limited. This research aimed to identify the genetic diversity of S. frugiperda from South Sumatra and determine its damage in maize. Surveys from January to June 2021 were carried out from the lowlands to highlands of South Sumatra. The field scouting was performed to calculate the incidence of damage and to estimate the severity caused by S. frugiperda larvae. The severity was assessed using a visual rating scale from 1 (no damage) to 5 (plant stunting and funnel damaged severely). The S. frugiperda larvae was identified based on morphological characters and molecular techniques using sequence analysis of Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. All larvae collected from South Sumatra showed identical morphological characteristics identified as S. frugiperda. The sequence analysis results showed that the 6 isolates of S. frugiperda shared 100% of sameness as the rice strain haplotype 1, S. frugiperda isolate from Lampung Province. The other 3 isolates of S. frugiperda shared 100% sameness as the corn strain haplotype I and IS 1 (obtained from sugarcane in Japan). All isolates have been deposited in the GenBank. This study confirmed the presence of rice and corn strains of Spodoptera frugiperda and this is the first report of the occurrence of both strains in South Sumatra. We also found that outbreaks of S. frugiperda have occured in the South Sumatra. The incidence and severity of S. frugiperda reached 100% and 65% respectively. Comprehensive further study should be performed to confirm the presence of both strains and their damage in all corn producing areas in Indonesia.

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, is a significant disease of wheat in all wheat-growing areas. In this study, we screened a total of 344 yeast epiphytes isolated from cereal and weed plants against F. graminearum in vitro. Twelve potential antagonists were selected and subjected to in planta screening trials. In the in vitro bioassay trials, the highest average percentage inhibition of 64.31% (Isolate MGO2) was observed. The in vivo evaluation of the best 12 isolates showed a reduction in FHB severity and deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration of up to 15.62% (Isolate WL3) and 28.96% (Isolate SCH7), respectively. We observed a positive correlation between Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) and percentage seed infection. The 100-seed weight, however, was negatively correlated to both the AUDPC and the percentage seed infection. The best three yeast antagonists were selected based on AUDPC units, percentage seed infection, and 100-seed weight parameters and were identified as Papiliotrema flavescens (Isolates WL3 and WL6) and Pseudozyma sp. (Isolate MGO1) using 16S rRNA sequence analysis. These three yeast antagonists showed biocontrol efficacy against F. graminearum, and their incorporation in an integrated management programme could provide enhanced FHB control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of yeast epiphytes isolated from Panicum maximum, and Ophiopogon japonicus tested as potential biological control agents against F. graminearum.

We measured community-level traits of vascular plants, lichens, and bryophytes in an alpine Dryas octopetala L. heath in Finse, Norway, after nearly two decades of experimental warming by open-top chambers. We hypothesized that under warming (1) vascular plant traits would shift from resource conservative towards more resource acquisitive, and (2) lichen and bryophyte traits would shift to those associated with drier conditions, due to increased evapotranspiration. Both hypotheses were not supported, as vascular plant nitrogen concentration decreased, whereas carbon to nitrogen ratio increased with warming, indicative of a less resource acquisitive strategy, and lichen specific thallus area and water holding capacity were unresponsive. Bryophyte specific shoot length increased, and carbon concentration and water holding capacity tended to decrease under warming, concurrent with increased vegetation height and litter cover indicating stronger competition from vascular plants. Intraspecific variation was most important for vascular plant and lichen traits, whereas species turnover was the main driver of bryophyte trait variation. This indicates that bryophytes may be affected more strongly by future warming than vascular plants and lichens in our study system. We highlight the importance of studying traits of different primary producer groups simultaneously, as they may respond differently to the same environmental changes.

Low temperature studies with winter-dormant buds are severely limited by the lack of a rapid,non-destructive assay for their viability. Investigations involving the winter harvest of ecodormant buds of woody subjects, including cryopreservation, are restricted if viability cannot be assessed until dormancy is broken. If post-treatment grafting indicates low survival of the harvested population then further collection and study has to be delayed until the next winter season. This study trials the use of a portable gas exchange system able to discriminate between live and dead buds rapidly, with the assay confirmed as non-destructive by subsequent micropropagation. Active respiration was recorded for 85% of a winter-dormant Malus domestica buds population that showed 91% viability when grafted (n = 45). Lethally stressed material gave no false positive results. When micropropagated after respiratory measurement, a population viability of 76% was recorded. There was a significant, positive correlation between respiration and fresh weight for buds of mass >10 mg, from a population with a mean fresh weight of 17 mg.

Dodder is a parasitic weed that causes a lot of damage to citrus production in the south of Kerman province, Iran. Introducing cultivars which tolerant to this parasite can be considered a very effective step in controlling it. Therefore, to evaluate the tolerance of seven important citrus species to dodder, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates in greenhouse conditions for two years (2016-2017). In this experiment, the reaction of orange, local, and Kara tangerine, grapefruit, Valencia orange, local orange, and lemon seedlings to dodder infestation was investigated. The infestation was done artificially by placing 10 dodder’s thallus on the seedlings of each of the mentioned species. After the successful establishment of the parasite (during 4 months), chlorophyll content, number of stems on citrus species shoots, number of capsules in infested seedlings, and seed weight on each seedling were measured and recorded. The results of this study revealed that different species of citrus showed very different reactions to the presence of dodder so that these species can be based on the success rate of its attachment to them into tolerant and sensitive species. According to the results, Valencia oranges and Bitter orange were tolerant to dodder, but lemon and tangerines (local and Kara) showed high sensitivity. A cross-sectional of plant tissues showed that concerning anatomic view, there was no difference in haustorium penetration between the different citrus species. As a result, it is recommended to use physiological, genetical, and biochemical analysis to distinguish the differences.

Glyphosate has been used as the main tool for weed control in an oil palm plantation for about four decades. In the last five years, in an oil palm plantation of PTP Nusantara III, a population of Eleusine indica was reported to have been difficult to control using glyphosate. The objectives of this study were first, to confirm whether the population of E. indica in the oil palm plantation has evolved resistance to glyphosate. Secondly, to evaluate post-emergent alternative herbicides, premixed 39.5% MSMA+7.8% diuron, glufosinate ammonium, topramezone and glyphosate as a comparison, which were all of them applied at field rates of 1975g+390g, 450g, 41,25g, and 1080g a.i. ha-1, respectively. While pre-emergent herbicides, indaziflam, diuron, and flumoxiazin were applied 75, 1500, and 160 g a.i ha-1, respectively. The results showed that the suspected glyphosate-resistant E. indica population has been confirmed to have developed resistance to glyphosate. The population is highly resistant with level of resistance 28-fold of the susceptible population. No resistant plant was killed at the rate of 4320 g. a.e. ha-1 glyphosate (four-fold field rate for E. indica control) whereas the susceptible plant was killed 77,5%. Alternative herbicides tested effectively suppressed glyphosate-resistant E. indica population when applied at field rate. The alternative herbicides could be used to overcome glyphosate-resistance in the oil palm plantation.

Heavy metals have much concern for communities with overpopulations due to their lack of biodegradability, which becomes contaminated to agricultural soil and agricultural products. This research employed Polyogon monospeliensis and Phalaris minor for cleanup Pb, Cd, and Co metals in farmland soils to assess their biological properties as natural accumulators. The total uptake by weed biomass ranged from 0.23 to16.86 (Pb), 0.11 to 9.31 (Cd) and 0.18 to 9.76 (Co) µg kg -1 for P. minor and 0.38 to 29.29 (Pb), 0.14 to 0.19.22 (Cd) and 0.23 to 20.76 (Co) µg kg−1 for P. monospensis respectively. These findings suggest that the concentration of heavy metals steadily increased in weed biomass with increasing pollution of the soil. The metals accumulation by weeds has a varied response to the weed species, metal type and the used concentration. The ordered sequence of tested metals remediation was ranked as follows; Pb > Cd > Co for metals. Based on bioconcentration factor (BCF) and contamination index (Ci), P. monospensis is a hyper-accumulator with appropriate growth and P. minor is a medium accumulator with negatively affected growth in a higher concentration of metals. The spreading of these weeds is widely in the winter of Egypt, thus they could be used to remediate polluted soil and protect the ecosystem with good efficiency.

In recent decades, phytochemicals in plant extracts have been recognized as having insecticidal activity against insect pests. They have also been described as an alternative method to synthetic chemicals. The present study is a contribution on the insecticidal activity, under semi-natural conditions, of extracts of Nerium oleander L. on viviparous females of Chaitophorus leucomelas. Two extraction methods were performed with polar solvent to obtain two extracts used to carry out the insecticide tests. To identify the highest number of metabolites present in the plant three approaches were performed using supercritical fluid, ultrasound and enzymatic methods. Thirty-eight bioactive molecules were identified by GC/MS, some of which could be responsible for the insecticidal activity on viviparous females of C. leucomelas. The enzymatic extraction showed a very high monoterpene content of 34.62%, while the supercritical fluid extraction gave a content of 71.91% of oxygenated terpenic compounds. The results relating to the temporal estimation of insecticidal activity of the three studied concentrations of pure methanol and methanol-water extracts were found to be effective in terms of toxicity to viviparous females of C. leucomelas. A 100% mortality rate was observed 4 days after treatment at a concentration of 5.15g/m2

Cuscuta campestris Yunck. is a stem holoparasitic flowering plant, wide-spread and currently considered invasive worldwide. It has both ecological and agricultural significance. However, little is known on how the conditions of the environment, and abiotic stresses in particular, could affect the success of this parasite. A total of 22 potential host plants, belonging to 10 species and 4 families, were tested as C. campestris hosts under different saline regimes. The changes in survival rate (number of successful infections) and growth (as cm day−1) of the parasite were studied. Salinity did significantly change the survival and growth rate of C. campestris, which effect was species- and cultivar-dependent. While generally the survival of the parasite decreased with increasing salinization, the opposite effect was observed on several host plants. However, survival rate did not always coincide with higher growth rate. This suggests that salinity produces different effects on the parasite depending on the host plant and these depend strongly not only on the species, but also on the cultivar. These results strongly suggest that under salt stress the suitability of various crop plants as hosts for C. campestris may change significantly, thus affecting the overall success of the parasite. In the light of the increased salinization of soils, this may have a significant effect on the spread of C. campestris and its agricultural impact.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of maize intercropping with Eucalyptus urophylla at agroforestry system in two triple row distance (alleys) at different sampling distances and positions in relation to the eucalyptus external row (transect), and three positions in relation to the cardinal points: east side, west side and middle. Eucalyptus (E. urophylla) seedlings were planted with spacing of 1.5 m between plants and 3.0 m between rows (triple rows) and two triple row distances: 16.5 and 37.1 m apart, with the spatial exposure of the rows towards north and south, ranging from 888 to 464 plants ha-1. It was observed that treatments differed in relation to the number of ears ha-1 and grain yield in both seasons. In addition, in relation to the final plant density ha-1, in the 2014/2015 season, the maize at 4.2 m distance from eucalyptus at 16.5 m triple row distance had lower number of ears ha-1 and grain yield, and maize at 8.2 m from eucalyptus at 37.1 m triple row distance had greater number of ears and grain yield. The cardinal positions (W/E) in relation to the eucalyptus did not influence the agronomic characteristics of the maize. Key words: Cropping systems, integrated systems, Zea mays.

Rhodothamnus sessilifolius is a species of the Ericaceae family endemic to the Artvin province in NE Turkey. This is in the critically endangered species list and current populations are decreasing, therefore, it requires protection and reproduction. Thus the present study aimed to investigate the effect of various gibberellic acid (GA3) applications on germination of the R. sessilifolius seeds. The effects of various GA3 concentrations on final germination percentage, mean germination time, germination value, and germination rate were analyzed in a growth cabinet. The study demonstrated that gibberellic acid application positively affected germination. Seed percentages of germination were 2.22 %, 18.89 %, 17.78 %, and 15.56 % in the control group for 100, 500 and 1000 ppm GA3 concentrations, respectively. First germination was observed in seeds treated with GA3 after 11 days. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) between all measured germination properties. These results are promising for future conservation strategies.

El estudio de las redes de interacción mutualista es fundamental porque permite conocer las especies que se relacionan al considerar los análisis de sus dietas y al evaluar el efecto de las perturbaciones de un ecosistema. Para una reserva es importante reconocer estos fenómenos, pues evidencian si los esfuerzos de conservación han sido efectivos. Este trabajo se desarrolló en los años 2014 y 2017 en la vereda Playa Güío del municipio de San José el Guaviare, Colombia. Para conocer la amplitud del nicho y el solapamiento de dietas se calculó el índice de Levins y el índice de Morisita respectivamente. Usando la modularidad, la robustez y el anidamiento (NODF), se analizaron las redes de interacción. Se registraron 18 especies de murciélagos frugívoros y 20 especies de plantas pertenecientes a las familias Piperaceae, Urticaceae, Moraceae, Hypericaceae y Solanaceae. El índice de Levins demostró que las especies de murciélagos prefieren un recurso, mientras que el índice de Morisita evidencia un traslape en las especies frugívoras nómadas y las sedentarias. El anidamiento y la robustez disminuyeron en 2017 ya que aumentó el número de especies, mientras que la modularidad aumentó. La vereda Playa Güío mantiene una red de interacción con especies generalistas asociadas a procesos de regeneración natural importantes para los objetivos de conservación de la reserva, además, las métricas calculadas indican que esta red de interacción mutualista es estable y se puede mantener en el tiempo.

Complex courtships have been described for neotropical frogs, but detailed quantifications of calls emitted during this behavior are still rare. Herein, we describe the courtship call of Bokermannohyla ibitiguara, a gladiator tree frog from the Brazilian Cerrado, as well as the female behavior during courtship, and the clutch characteristics. Moreover, we statistically compare the acoustic parameters of the advertisement and courtship calls. We observed that the female also touches the male during courtship and that the courtship call is overall similar to the long note of the advertisement call. However, we uncovered significant differences in frequencies and pulses between these two call types emitted by the same male. This ability to modify call parameters is consistent with previous results in aggressive contexts and reinforces sexual selection as a strong mechanism shaping call variation in this species. This is the third courtship call described for the genus and we emphasize that the description of rare behaviors, even in artificial conditions, is important to advance the field of behavioral ecology across taxa.

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.

Mycosphaerella musicola, M. fijiensis and M. eumusae are known to cause banana yellow Sigatoka, black Sigatoka and Eumusae leaf spot diseases respectively. However, differentiating the causative species has been challenging and the responses of banana landraces to this pathogen were little known. Purposive sampling surveys were conducted in different agro-climatic zones of Kerala state, India, to collect the leaf samples with Sigatoka leaf spot-like symptoms, to document the symptom expression on different landraces and to confirm the identity of the pathogen at species level. Fields surveyed during the post-monsoon period had 100% disease incidence with highest per cent disease severity of 43.90% in nine-month old cv. Palayankodan, while lowest PDS of 3.33% was observed in three-month old cv. Njalipoovan, during a pre-monsoon survey. Initial symptoms were small brown streaks, later developing into oval or elliptical brown spots with greyish centre and subsequently coalescing for leaf necrosis. Symptoms in different landraces varied across the zones. Sequencing and analysis of the ITS region from 50 isolates collected during the survey showed 99–100% homology with M. eumusae. Phylogenetic analyses further proved the species identity of the local isolates. Comparing the ITS barcodes of the three species of Mycosphaerella along with the local isolates confirmed that the pathogen inciting Sigatoka leaf spot in Kerala state, India, is Mycosphaerella eumusae.

The wood apple (Limonia acidissima) fruit is an underutilized fruit having extensive therapeutic and functional properties. The engineering properties (physical, frictional, thermal, textural, and mechanical) of the wood apple fruit aids in the assessment of the internal and external structure of the fruit. The mean principle dimensions of fruit are 7.79 cm, 7.60 cm, and 7.44 cm for longest dimension, intermediate dimension and short dimension axes, respectively whereas the mass of fruit ranges from 169 to 308.8 g. The wood apple fruit has similar average geometric and equivalent diameters i.e., 7.613 cm while fruit is considered to be spherical-shaped fruit having sphericity (0.97). The fruit has less coefficient of friction on galvanized steel (0.17) and angle of repose is measured to be 55.16. The mechanical compression test revealed that less rupture force (472.86 N) is required to break the fruit towards SD orientation at freezing treatment while in textural properties, less force (5.9 KN) is required to rupture the pulp. The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) thermal properties observed glass transition temperature Tg at 88.10 °C. The mass and fruit fraction regression models are developed by correlating physical properties with respective mass by using Linear, Quadratic, power, and S curve models for mass-based grading of fruits and value-added products development in industries as it is effective, convenient, and time-saving than size-grading and indirect methods. The quadratic model is resulted to be most suitable regression model having a greater R2 value to establish correlation. This research work on engineering properties conveys a broad area of information on wood apple fruit that can be positively recommended for design of processing equipment, storage structures, thermal processers, graders etc., and product development, beneficial to promote commercialization.

Olive anthracnose (OA) caused by Colletotrichum spp. and olive leaf spot (OLS) caused by Ventuaria oleaginea are two of the most important diseases affecting olive trees. OA mainly affects mature olive drupes while OLS is typically known as a defoliating pathogen. Field treatments with a pomegranate peel extract (PGE) at 3, 6 or 12 g/l seven days before the expected full bloom prevented the colonization of flowers by Colletotrichum spp. and reduced latent infections in small olive drupes over the summer period by 53-100%. The same treatments significantly reduced or completely prevented the latent infections of V. oleaginea in olive leaves. Interestingly, PGE at the higher concentration (12 g/l) proved always more effective that Flint Max, a chemical formulate recently registered in Europe on olive. On plants sprayed with PGE, the lower quantity of over-summering inoculum of Colletotrichum spp. effectively delayed the disease outbreak in autumn of approximately ten days. In particular, PGE at 12 g/l reduced the incidence of anthracnose by 84.5% as compared to the untreated control. Treatments also reduced the premature defoliation of plants. Similar results to those described for a single PGE treatment made before the full bloom where achieved with two applications made before and after flowering. Overall, the present study highlighted the importance of controlling the establishment of latent infections of both Colletotrichum spp. and V.oleaginea to effectively protect olive trees. These results together with previous reports suggest the possible use of PGE as a key natural antifungal preparation to control the olive diseases affecting aerial plant organs.

In this study, to evaluate the effect of isolates of different species of Trichoderma on some morphological traits of canola and to obtain suitable antagonist isolates for biological control of canola crown rot disease, the effect of 71 Trichoderma isolates on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was investigated in the laboratory by volatile compound and non-volatile metabolite methods. In the volatile metabolite assay, the isolate ARCTr281 (T. harzianum) was more efficient than the other isolates with a 20% reduction in hyphae density and non-formation of S. sclerotiorum sclerotia. In the non-volatile metabolite assay, ARCTr272 (T. harzianum) with 73.7 and 62.22 at 25 and 15% concentrations and T. viride isolate ARCTr432 (20.37%) at 5% concentration were successful in inhibiting S. sclerotiorum mycelia growth. Six superior isolates were selected for greenhouse studies. Using two-stage Trichoderma isolates in the greenhouse, height, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, number of pods, pod length, pod diameter and number of seeds per pod in the presence of pathogen all increased. The results of principal component analysis showed that the first two components accounted for 86% of the total variation among the data. The results showed that for the first component, the traits of total grain weight, pod diameter, branch number, shoot dry weight and fresh weight of root were the most important traits in grouping the isolates. In the trait second component, plant height and number of seeds per pod were important traits. Mean comparisons were performed using an LSD test and showed significant differences between the fungi used in non-volatile metabolite and greenhouse studies. According to the results of this research, the fungal isolates of T. harzianum (ARCTr281, ARCTr272 and ARCTr418) were the most effective antagonists in improving plant traits and controlling canola rot disease in both the laboratory and the greenhouse.

Biologically inspired synthesis of nanoparticles was found to be more attractive in metal nanoparticle synthesis. The present study reported an in-situ biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Solanum trilobatum aqueous leaf extract. On this basis, the aqueous leaf extract of S. trilobatum acted as a reducing agent and stabilizing agent to synthesize highly stable AgNPs at ambient temperature. Eventually, the synthesized and stabilized AgNPs surface plasmon resonance was near 430 nm through a UV–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometer. Here, the stability of the silver colloids monitored through zeta potential and mean particle size was evaluated through diffraction light scattering (DLF). Further, the average particle size was found to be 27.6 nm and spherical, confirmed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also, colloidal AgNPs and aqueous extract are found to be rich sources of antioxidants and exhibit higher free radical scavenging ability. Thus, efficient inhibition with COX1 and COX2 enzymes and the protective effect with human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stability showed significant results. These features, suggesting the possibility of the AgNPs useful to disease-modifying for treating inflammatory disorders and associated complications.

Potato plants and their tubers in Egypt are affected by one of the most renowned soil-borne pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum, that caused brown rot in potato tubers and wilt in plants. There is no efficient therapeutic bactericide so; control of bacterial wilt is very rough. The study investigated three different concentrations of seven essential plant oils under in vitro and in vivo conditions as a result of their effects on Ralstonia solanacearum growth and their possibility use as potato seed pieces dressing for controlling bacterial wilt disease incidence. In vitro, anise oil at the three tested different concentrations (0.04, 0.07, and 0.14% vol/vol) was the most effective one inhibiting the growth of T4 and W9 isolates of Ralstonia solanacearum then pursued by thyme, lemongrass, and clove oils. On the other hand, rocket oil at the tested concentration was the least effective one followed by fennel oil. However, wheat germ oil was not completely effective. In vivo, experiment revealed that anise oil at the three concentrations significantly reduced disease incidence and severity in sponta and hermes potato cultivars and their effect was associated with increase of peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, phenols and the foliar fresh weight of treated plants as well as the weight of tubers/plant followed by thyme and lemongrass oils compared to the infected untreated control. Morphological differences in bacterial cell structure have been observed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Anise oil at higher concentration caused of cell wall rupture and degraded cellular components.

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is considered a nitrogen (N) intensive plant with high nitrate (NO3-) accumulation in its leaves. The current study via a two-year field trial introduced an approach by combining N fertilization from different sources (e.g., ammonium nitrate; 33.5% N, and urea; 48% N) at different rates (180, and 360 kg N ha-1) with the foliar spraying of molybdenum (Mo) as sodium molybdate, and/or manganese (Mn) as manganese sulphate at rates of 50 and 100 mgL-1 of each or with a mixture of Mo and Mn at rates of 50 and 50 mg L-1, respectively on growth, chemical constituents, and NO3- accumulation in leaves. Our findings revealed that the highest rate of N fertilization (360 kg N ha-1) significantly increased most of the measured parameters e.g., plant length, fresh and dry weight plant-1, number of leaves plant-1, leaf area plant-1, leaf pigments (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids), nutrients (N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn), total soluble carbohydrates, protein content, net assimilation rate, and NO3- accumulation, but decreased leaf area ratio and relative growth rate. Moreover, plants received urea-N fertilizer gave the highest values of all previous attributes when compared with ammonium nitrate –N fertilizers, and the lowest values of NO3- accumulation. The co-fertilization of N-Mo-Mn gave the highest values in all studied attributes and the lowest NO3- accumulation. The best treatment was recorded under the treatment of 360 kg N-urea ha-1 in parallel with the combined foliar application of Mo and Mn (50+50mg L-1). Our findings proposed that the co-fertilization of N-Mo-Mn could enhance spinach yield and its quality, while reducing NO3- accumulation in leaves, resulting agronomical, environmental and economic benefits.

Fifteen alfalfa populations were tested for resistance to the seedling damping-off disease sourced by

Cucurbita moschata D. seed oil contains approximately 75% unsaturated fatty acids, with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E and carotenoid, constituting a promising food in nutritional terms. Associated to this, the Brazilian germplasm of C. moschata exhibits remarkable variability, representing an important source for the genetic breeding of this vegetable and other cucurbits. In this context, the present study evaluated the productivity and profile of the seed oil of 91 C. moschata accessions from different regions of Brazil and maintained in the Vegetable Germplasm Bank of the Federal University of Viçosa (BGH-UFV). A field experiment was conducted between January and July 2016. The tested C. moschata accessions showed high genetic variability in terms of characteristics related to seed oil productivity (SOP), such as the mass of seeds per fruit and productivity of seeds, providing predicted selection gains of 29.39 g and 0.26 t ha-1, respectively. Based on the phenotypic and genotypic correlations, greater SOP can be achieved while maintaining high oleic acid content and low linoleic acid content, providing oil of better nutritional and chemical quality. In variability analysis, the accessions were clustered into five groups, which presented different averages for SOP and fatty acid content of seed oil; approach that will guide the use of appropriate germplasm in programs aimed at genetic breeding for SOP and seed oil profile. Per se analysis identified BGH-4610, BGH-5485A, BGH-6590, BGH-5556A, BGH-5472A, and BGH-5544A as the most promising accessions in terms of SOP, with average (μ+g) of approximately 0.20 t ha-1. The most promising accessions for higher oleic acid content of seed oil were BGH-5456A, BGH-3333A, BGH-5361A, BGH-5472A, BGH-5544A, BGH-5453A, and BGH-1749, with average (μ+g) of approximately 30%, and almost all of these accessions were also the most promising in terms of lower linoleic acid content of seed oil, with average (μ+g) of approximately 45%. Overall, part of the C. moschata accessions evaluated in the present study can serve as a promising resource in genetic breeding programs for SOP and fatty acid profile, aiming at the production of oil with better nutritional and physicochemical quality.

Bacterial wilt is one of the main diseases of Solanum spp., which caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (RS), formerly known as Pseudomonas solanacearum. Different concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles have been evaluated as one of the alternative methods of disease management in vitro and in vivo to reduce the risks of pesticide residues. Results in vitro experiment indicated that RS5 isolate was the most virulence one compared to RS1 and RS3. Increasing concentration of nano-chitosan, lead to increase inhibition zone, and this was observed at higher concentrations (100 and 200 µg/ml). In vivo results showed the highest concentration of spraying chitosan nanoparticles increase percentage reduction of disease incidence and severity, in effected potato and tomato plants. Recorded data of disease incidence and severity in treated potato plants were 78.93 % and 71.85 %, while on tomato plants were 81.64 % and 77.63 %, respectively compared to untreated infected potato plants were recorded 15.38 %, 20.87 %, and tomato plants were 20.98 % and 28.64 %. Results also revealed that 100 µg/ml of chitosan nanoparticles the lowest treatments used as soil amended curative treatments led to incease percentage reduction of disease incidence and severity, respectively on potato and tomato plants, but less than preventive treatment. The results registered that on potato plant were 54.93 % and 52.65 %, whilst recorded on tomato plants were 59.93 % and 56.74 %. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrpgraphs illustrated that morphological of healthy R. solanacearum cells were undesirably stained with uranyl. The electron-dense uranyl acetate dye was limited to the cell surface slightly than the cytoplasm, which designated the integrity of the cell film of healthy cells. While bacterial cells treated with nano-chitosan, showed modification in the external shape, such as lysis of the cell wall and loss of cell flagella. Also, the result of using Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR observed that differences in treated Ralstonia solanancearum genotype by nano-chitosan compared to the genotype of the same untreated isolate.

Salinity stress reduces crop growth and agricultural productions around the world. The effects of salinity stress on seed germination, some morphological, physiological and biochemistry traits, and expression of four genes at seedling stage in salt contrasting barley genotypes were investigated in the current study. Seed germination percentage and morphological traits were analyzed based on a factorial randomized complete design which ANOVA results showed that interaction between salinity (150 and 250 mM NaCl) and genotype (Afzal and Sahand (salt tolerant), and Fajr and Reyhan (sensitive)) was significat (p

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) belongs to family Cucurbitaceae, and is a popular vegetable crop in the tropical and sub-tropical countries. It is an annually grown herbaceous vine that requires warm climate for growth. The leaves, stem and roots of bitter gourd contains a lot of bio-active components having nutritional and medicinal importance. Alternaria leaf blight (Alternaria cucumerina Ellis & Everh.) is a fungus which causes leaf blight on bitter gourd and leads to significant crop damage. The present study investigated the efficacy of five different fungicides against Alternaria leaf blight (ALB) of bitter gourd under in vivo and in vitro conditions. The single hyphal tip method was used to isolate and purify the fungal pathogen from the ALB infected leaves of bitter gourd. Five commercially available fungicides (1. Melody duo 66.8% WP, 2. Polyram DF 70%, 3. Score 250 EC, 4. Tilt 250 EC, 5. Flumax 60% EC) were evaluated at concentrations of 50 ppm and 100 ppm for effective ALB diseased control. Among tested fungicides, maximum inhibition (90 %) of fungal growth was given by Melody duo @ 100 ppm concentration followed by Polyram (81 %), Score (77 %) and Tilt (70 %), whereas Flumax resulted in minimum (45 %) fungal inhibition under in vivo. Melody duo revealed minimum disease incidence (15.67 %) compared to disease incidence recorded in polyram (17.83 %), Score (20.50 %) and Tilt (22.33 %) treated crop. Flumax was not tested in vitro because it gave minimum disease control in in vitro experiments. The control plants showed high disease incidence (56%).