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Biologically synthesized nanoparticles are emerging as attractive alternatives to chemical pesticides due to the ease of their synthesis, safety, and antimicrobial activities in lower possible concentrations. In the present study, we have synthesized copper-based nanoparticles (CuNPs) using the aqueous extract of the citrus peel and tested them against the plant pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas citri, the causative agent of citrus canker, via an in-vitro experiment. Citrus (Kinnow) peel and rag after oven drying were subjected to prepare a peel extract in distilled water and purified by centrifugation. Anhydrous copper sulfate was supplemented to peel extract and CuNPs were synthesized by treating with 0.1 M NaOH/0.05 M H2SO4. The synthesized copper nanoparticles were characterized by techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, the extracts were investigated for total phenolics by Folin Ciocalteu assay, total flavonoids by Aluminum chloride colorimetric assay, and antioxidant activity by DPPH assay, as well as antibacterial potential using the disc diffusion plate method. The results confirmed the synthesis of centered cubic, spherical-shaped, and crystalline nanoparticles using standard characterization techniques. A qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolics (153.14 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (34.2 mg QE/g). Different concentrations (1000 µg/mL to 15.62 µg/mL - 2-fold dilutions) of CuNPs and peel extract (PE) alone, and both in combination (CuNPs-PE), exhibited a differential inhibition of X. citri in a high throughput antibacterial assay. Overall, CuNPs-PE was superior in displaying significant antibacterial activity, followed by CuNPs alone. A remarkable antioxidant potential was observed along with excellent antibacterial activity. The observed antibacterial and antioxidant potential may be attributed to eight phenolic compounds identified in the extract. The citrus peel-extract-induced synthesized CuNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against X. citri, which could be exploited as an effective alternative preparation against citrus canker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus leaf and fruit spot disease, caused by Pseudocercospora angolensis has, since 2010, come about as the most dreadful disease of citrus in Northern Uganda. Over the last few years, feedback from citrus farmers has helped in refining management strategies. In the first years of citrus leaf and fruit spot disease outbreak in Northern Uganda, chemical treatment was promoted as part of a control package, in addition to the destruction of heavily diseased plants and buckthorn to remove inoculum. Buck horning and destruction of diseased plants is labour-intensive and time-consuming, especially when many infected citrus trees have to be taken out, or buck horned. Research findings indicate citrus leaf and fruit spot disease fungus can be weakened with fungicide sprays to the extent that even when disease symptoms are present on leaves, it does not automatically lead to infection of fruits. This gave rise to a new control strategy where only infected plants in an orchard are pruned, and all the citrus trees in the orchard are treated with fungicides. The pruning of visibly infected plants in an orchard will lessen the inoculum load, and the fungicide sprays will stop pathogen replication. This method is not labour intensive and takes less time when equated to severe buck horning of all the trees in the orchard. However, pruning and fungicide treatment need to move together with the control of new infections that can happen via unrestricted entry during harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine Penicillium digitatum isolates were isolated from citrus fruits and tested for their pathogenicity on Navel orange fruit (Citrus sinensis L.). In this regard, the isolates exhibited three different levels of virulence. The isolates were identified morphologically using malt extract agar (MEA) and Czapek yeast extract agar (CYA) for colony characteristics, and MEA for microscopic features. Each one of the isolates has the unique features of P. digitatum, especially the largest conidia (6.1-11.9 µm long X 3.2-8 µm width), and phialides (10.1-21.4 µm long X 4-5.1 µm width). In addition, the isolates were identified on a molecular basis using ITS1 and ITS4 primers to confirm morphological identification. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that there was high variance among the isolates, and there were different relations between some of our isolates and other P. digitatum registered strains originating from different countries all over the world. The sequences were submitted to respective GenBank nucleotide databases with accession No. OR198852, OR198853, OR198854, OR198855, OR198856, OR198857, OR198858, OR198859 and OR198860. We also isolated a new P. digitatum (OB15: OR198859) strain with high virulence and rapid sporulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granulation, a physiological disorder of citrus is manifested by shriveled juice sacs and internal dryness. Extractable juice in granulated tissue is drastically reduced as a consequence of gelatinization and secondary epidermis formation. Since, the defect cannot be detected externally it leads to consumer dissatisfaction and poor returns to farmers. Processing industry also faces huge economic loss due to reduction in the juice recovery from granulated fruit. In this context, here, we studied the possibility of developing an image processing algorithm through MATLAB software to detect granulation with advancement of maturity via X-ray micrographs. Fruit of eight citrus cultivars comprising of granulation susceptible and tolerant varieties harvested at four different intervals were exposed to X-rays. Voltage of 46 kV and current of 6.5 mA given to fruit for an exposure time of 320 mAs gave the best X-ray image contrasts. The developed algorithm could effectively distinguish the healthy and granulated fruit with an accuracy of 90% as validated by subsequent destructive analysis when estimated for four different harvesting dates. The imaging technique can be employed by the processors to determine the severity of granulation and to sort out fruit online which will help in saving economic losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Education & Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Citrus species, including sweet oranges, grapefruits, pomelos, and lemons, are the most widely cultivated trees and consumed fruits worldwide. In citrus orchard management, the control of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease and its insect vector Diaphorina citri (Asian citrus psyllid, ACP) represents a major global challenge. Consumers have been increasingly pushing the citrus production chain toward a more sustainable system, including stringent measures to prevent the use of chemical pesticides. In recent years, biotechnological advances have offered safe and environmentally friendly alternatives for crop production. Technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing have emerged as innovative tools for agricultural pest management. Here, we provide an overview of RNAi as a promising approach for ACP control and discuss the associated challenges. Despite the availability of specific silencing sequences aimed at a target gene of the insect pest, the uptake of double-stranded RNA is limited in hemipteran insects. In this context, improved delivery methods, stability maintenance, and RNAi response are considered the factors contributing to the increased effectiveness of exogenous RNAi against hemipteran pests. These approaches can serve as potential tools for efficient ACP control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was carried out to investigate the population dynamics of black scale insect Chrysomphalus aonidum L. on leaves and fruits of Navel and Balady orange at Tukh and Qalub districts in Qalubia governorate during two successive years from September 2015 to August 2017. The obtained data show that, the highest numbers of C. aonidum were recorded in October with total numbers 185 & 195 adult on Navel and Balady orange at average temperature 23.7 C° and relative humidity 74.4% in the first year and 196 & 213 insect in the second year when average temperature and relative humidity were 23.1 C° and 75.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest number of Ch. aonidum at Qalub district was recorded in October with total number 160 and 169 adult on Navel and Balady orange at average temperature 25.8 C° and relative humidity 60.1% in the first year while, in the second year, the total numbers of C. aonidum were 174 & 192 adult on Navel and Balady orange at average temperature 25.4 C° and relative humidity 62.4%. Also, data revealed that the population of black scale insect, Ch.aonidium on Navel and Balady orange trees was positively significant with average of temperture and nonsignificantly negatively with relative hummidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant rhizosphere microbiome is known to play a vital role in plant health by competing with pathogens or inducing plant resistance. This study aims to investigate rhizosphere microorganisms responsive to a devastating citrus disease caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas) infection, by using 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenome technologies. The results show that 30 rhizosphere and 14 root bacterial genera were significantly affected by CLas infection, including 9 plant resistance-associated bacterial genera. Among these, Amycolatopsis, Sphingopyxis, Chryseobacterium, Flavobacterium, Ralstonia, Stenotrophomonas, Duganella, and Streptacidiphilus were considerably enriched in CLas-infected roots, while Rhizobium was significantly decreased. Metagenome analysis revealed that the abundance of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, such as glycolysis, starch and sucrose metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, was significantly reduced in the CLas-infected citrus rhizosphere microbial community. Likewise, the abundance of genes involved in phosphoinositide signaling and phosphoinositide metabolism, which play important roles in energy metabolism (such as carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism), was also decreased in the CLas-infected samples. Taken together, our results indicate that CLas infection could affect the resistance potential and energy metabolism of the citrus rhizosphere microbial community, which may help us to understand the rhizosphere responses to plant disease and thus facilitate the development and application of antagonistic microorganism products in citrus industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus leprosis (CL) is a severe disease that affects citrus orchards mainly in Latin America. It is caused by Brevipalpus-transmitted viruses from genera Cilevirus and Dichorhavirus. Currently, no reports have explored the movement machinery for the cilevirus. Here, we have performed a detailed functional study of the p32 movement protein (MP) of two cileviruses. Citrus leprosis-associated viruses are not able to move systemically in neither their natural nor experimental host plants. However, here we show that cilevirus MPs are able to allow the cell-to-cell and long-distance transport of movement-defective alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV). Several features related with the viral transport were explored, including: (i) the ability of cilevirus MPs to facilitate virus movement on a nucleocapsid assembly independent-manner; (ii) the generation of tubular structures from transient expression in protoplast; (iii) the capability of the N- and C- terminus of MP to interact with the cognate capsid protein (p29) and; (iv) the role of the C-terminus of p32 in the cell-to-cell and long-distance transport, tubule formation and the MP-plasmodesmata co-localization. The MP was able to direct the p29 to the plasmodesmata, whereby the C-terminus of MP is independently responsible to recruit the p29 to the cell periphery. Furthermore, we report that MP possess the capacity to enter the nucleolus and to bind to a major nucleolar protein, the fibrillarin. Based on our findings, we provide a model for the role of the p32 in the intra- and intercellular viral spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colletotrichum spp. are important pathogens of citrus that cause dieback of branches and postharvest disease. Globally, several species of Colletotrichum have been identified as causing anthracnose of citrus. One hundred and sixty-eight Colletotrichum isolates were collected from anthracnose symptoms on citrus stems, leaves, and fruit from Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, and from State herbaria in Australia. Colletotrichum australianum sp. nov., C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, C. karstii, C. siamense, and C. theobromicola were identified using multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on seven genomic loci (ITS, gapdh, act, tub2, ApMat, gs, and chs-1) in the gloeosporioides complex and five genomic loci (ITS, tub2, act, chs-1, and his3) in the boninense complex, as well as morphological characters. Several isolates pathogenic to chili (Capsicum annuum), previously identified as C. queenslandicum, formed a clade with the citrus isolates described here as C. australianum sp. nov. The spore shape and culture characteristics of the chili and citrus isolates of C. australianum were similar and differed from those of C. queenslandicum. This is the first report of C. theobromicola isolated from citrus and the first detection of C. karstii and C. siamense associated with citrus anthracnose in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis , is the most economically important pest of cotton in Brazil. Pest management programs focused on A. grandis are based mostly on the use of chemical insecticides, which may cause serious ecological impacts. Furthermore, A. grandis has developed resistance to some insecticides after their long-term use. Therefore, alternative control approaches that are more sustainable and have reduced environmental impacts are highly desirable to protect cotton crops from this destructive pest. RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable reverse genetics tool for the investigation of gene function and has been explored for the development of strategies to control agricultural insect pests. This study aimed to evaluate the biological role of the Laccase2 (AgraLac2) gene in A. grandis and its potential as an RNAi target for the control of this insect pest. We found that AgraLac2 is expressed throughout the development of A. grandis with significantly higher expression in pupal and adult developmental stages. In addition, the immunolocalization of the AgraLac2 protein in third-instar larvae using specific antibodies revealed that AgraLac2 is distributed throughout the epithelial tissue, the cuticle and the tracheal system. We also verified that the knockdown of AgraLac2 in A. grandis resulted in an altered cuticle tanning process, molting defects and arrested development. Remarkably, insects injected with ds AgraLac2 exhibited defects in cuticle hardening and pigmentation. As a consequence, the development of ds AgraLac2 -treated insects was compromised, and in cases of severe phenotypic defects, the insects subsequently died. On the contrary, insects subjected to control treatments did not show any visible phenotypic defects in cuticle formation and successfully molted to the pupal and adult stages. Taken together, our data indicate that AgraLac2 is involved in the cuticle tanning process in A. grandis and may be a promising target for the development of RNAi-based technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in the world. However, no effective pharmacological treatment for this condition has been found. Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of a nutraceutical containing bioactive components from Bergamot citrus and wild cardoon as a treatment for individuals with fatty liver disease. The primary outcome measure was the change in liver fat content. Methods: A total of 102 patients with liver steatosis were enrolled in a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. The intervention group received a nutraceutical containing a Bergamot polyphenol fraction and Cynara Cardunculus extract, 300 mg/day for 12 weeks. The control group received a placebo daily. Liver fat content, by transient elastography, serum transaminases, lipids and glucose were measured at the baseline and the end of the study. Results: We found a greater liver fat content reduction in the participants taking the nutraceutical rather than placebo (−48.2 ± 39 vs. −26.9 ± 43 dB/m, p = 0.02); The percentage CAP score reduction was statistically significant in those with android obesity, overweight/obesity as well as in women. However, after adjustment for weight change, the percentage CAP score reduction was statistically significant only in those over 50 years (44 vs. 78% in placebo and nutraceutical, respectively, p = 0.007). Conclusions: This specific nutraceutical containing bioactive components from Bergamot and wild cardoon reduced the liver fat content during 12 weeks in individuals with liver steatosis over 50 years. If confirmed, this nutraceutical could become the cornerstone treatment of patients affected by liver steatosis. Clinical Trial Registration: www.isrctn.com, identifier ISRCTN12833814. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of certain new acaricide molecules against citrus leaf mite Panonychus citri McGregor at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during December to March 2019. Among these, fenpyroximate 5EC @1.0 ml/ l led to 85.9% reduction of mites, closely followed by spiromesifen 22.9SC @0.75 ml/ l (83.2 % reduction) and propargite 57EC @ 2.0 ml/ l (79.4% reduction). These treatments also gave higher fruit yield (14.7 t/ ha, 13.9 t/ha, 11.6 t/ha) and increased cost benefit ratio (1:2.8, 1:2.6, 1:2.2), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From these findings, we speculate that LP0132 may have an immunological effect, other than inducing the expansion of Treg cells, which may contribute to the alleviation of JCPsis symptoms in the early phase. In this trial, the specific subtypes of Treg cells induced by LP0132 to alleviate JCPsis symptoms were not examined. In summary, citrus juice fermented with LP0132 alleviated JCPsis symptoms in the early season and suppressed reduction in circulating Treg cells in the peak season. [Extracted from the article]

Nipeacoccus viridis (Newstead), is an invasive, polyphagous mealybug pest recently found causing damage in citrus production fields in several counties in Florida, United States. In this short communication, we document the finding of this pest, its associated damage in citrus groves, and provide basic diagnostic and scouting information. Nipaecoccus viridis is a pest of concern, necessitating the quick development of management tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary fiber, with intake of soluble fibers in particular, has been reported to lower the risk for developing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This is at least partly attributable to the fermentation of dietary fiber by the colonic microbiota to produce short chain fatty acids. Pectin, a widely consumed soluble fiber, is known to exert a protective effect in murine models of IBD, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Apart from having a prebiotic effect, it has been suggested that pectin direct influences host cells by modulating the inflammatory response in a manner dependent on its neutral sugar side chains. Here we examined the effect of the side chain content of pectin on the pathogenesis of experimental colitis in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a pectin-free diet, or a diet supplemented with characteristically high (5% orange pectin) or low (5% citrus pectin) side chain content for 10–14 days, and then administered 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid or dextran sulfate sodium to induce colitis. We found that the clinical symptoms and tissue damage in the colon were ameliorated in mice that were pre-fed with orange pectin, but not in those pre-fed with citrus pectin. Although the population of CD4+Foxp+ regulatory T cells and CD4+RORγt+ inflammatory T cells in the colon were comparable between citrus and orange pectin-fed mice, colonic interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels in orange pectin-fed mice were significantly decreased. The fecal concentration of propionic acid in orange pectin-fed mice was slightly but significantly higher than that in control and citrus pectin-fed mice but the cecal concentration of propionic acid after the induction of TNBS colitis was comparable between orange and citrus pectin-fed mice. Furthermore, the protective effect of orange pectin against colitis was observed even in mice treated with antibiotics. IL-6 production from RAW264.7 cells stimulated with the toll-like receptor agonist Pam3CSK4 or lipopolysaccharide was suppressed by pre-treatment with orange pectin in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest that the side chains of pectin not only augment prebiotic effects but also directly regulate IL-6 production from intestinal host cells in a microbiota-independent fashion to attenuate colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Penicillium digitatum major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter (PdMFS1) was identified and functionally characterized in order to shed more light on the mechanisms underlying fungicide resistance. PdMFS1 can play an important role in the intensification of resistance to fungicides normally used in P. digitatum postharvest treatments. In the PdMFS1 disrupted mutants, a slight effect in response to chemical fungicides was observed, but fungicide sensitivity was highly affected in the overexpression mutants which became resistant to wide range of chemical fungicides. Moreover, P. digitatum knock-out mutants exhibited a lower rate of fungal virulence when infected oranges were stored at 20 °C. Disease symptoms were higher in the PdMFS1 overexpression mutants coming from the low-virulent P. digitatum parental strain. In addition, the gene expression analysis showed an induction of PdMFS1 transcription in all overexpression mutants regardless from which progenitor came from, and four-time intensification of the parental wild type strain during citrus infection reinforcing PdMFS1 role in fungal virulence. The P. digitatum MFS transporter PdMFS1 contributes not only to the acquisition of wide range of fungicide resistance but also in fungal virulence during citrus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autoimmune blistering diseases are a group of severe mucocutaneous conditions that typically require the use of prolonged corticosteroids and immunosuppression. Properly managing associated comorbidities is an integral part of these patients' care. The frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients, is not known. Likewise, the effect of diet on disease is unknown. Objective: To determine the incidence of gastrointestinal comorbidities and the role of diet in patients with autoimmune blistering disease. Methods: We distributed an e‐survey to patients with autoimmune blistering disease utilizing the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation's listserv. The incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms and gastrointestinal bleeding were recorded, as were foods avoided and those noted to be beneficial in patients' disease. Historical incidences in the general population were used as controls. Results: A total of 200 responses were collected. 30.3% of patients experienced gastroesophageal reflux following treatment of their autoimmune blistering disease, with 51.7% utilizing some form of gastrointestinal symptomatic treatment. The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding following an autoimmune blistering diagnosis was 2.1%, which remained significant despite correction for non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory use (NSAID), but not corticosteroid use. 65.2% of patients reported dietary limitations because of their autoimmune blistering disease. Significant intolerances after correction for multiple comparisons included alcohol, citrus and spicy foods. Greater than 10% of patients reported improvements in their disease with vegetables and dairy. Conclusions: Gastrointestinal comorbidities are common in patients with autoimmune blistering diseases, with gastrointestinal bleeding occurring in 2.1% of patients following a diagnosis of autoimmune blistering disease. While further work is needed to determine the relative risk of routine gastrointestinal prophylaxis in this population, gastrointestinal bleeding prophylaxis should be considered in patients receiving corticosteroids, particularly those taking NSAIDs. Dietary limitations are additionally frequent in this population. Patients should be cautious of alcohol, citrus and spicy foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 60 clinical samples have been collected (40 of both sexes from Al Hussein Educational Hospital in Dhi-Qar and 20 UTI students). Also 40 samples from of patients with skin fungal infections (including skin scraps, nail clippings, and parts of hair). The morphological and microscopic results of the isolates revealed that 21 isolates were Candida spp (Candida spp.), while the rest of the isolates were isolated at different rates and less frequently in the citrus samples. The skin samples showed 5 fungal species causing represented in 9 species involve AspergillusflavusAspergillusfumigatus, Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, Miccrosporiumgypseum, M.nanum, M.canis, Trichophytonspp, Epidermatophyton spp. The study also nails are the areas that mostly are infected according other areas, this may be because of their ability to produce some enzymes such as Phospholipase which plays an important role in breaking through the host issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-radioactive dot-blot nucleic acid hybridization method was evaluated for detecting citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV, Flexiviridae: Citrivirus) in total RNA extracts from kumquat trees. DNA fragments partially encompassing the open reading frames encoding the polymerase (RdRp) and the movement (MP coat (CP) proteins of CLBV were used to generate digoxigenin (DIG-11-dUTP) probes by PCR. Probes were individually generated using cloned DNA fragments of the Cuban CLBV isolate as templates. In the assays, several working conditions, including the use of different membranes, hybridization and washing buffers were tested. The method detected up to 40 pg of a plasmid containing the complete CLBV genome, as well as viral genomic sequences in RNA extracts of naturally infected trees of 'Nagami' kumquat (Fortunella margarita) and 'Round' kumquat (F. japonica). Results support considering the method developed an appropriated tool to be used after its validation by the programs of sanitation, quarantine, and certification of citrus propagation materials in Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The citrus brown mite (CBM), Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein, 1936) is a key pest of citrus, date palm, filed crops and ornamentals. Development time, reproduction and life table parameters of E. orientalis were studied on leaves of six host plants: castor bean, date palm, Indian laburnum, mulberry, plum and sweet potato under laboratory conditions of 25 and 30±2°C; 65±5% R.H. and photoperiod of 16L: 8D. Results indicated that the highest life cycle was 19.95& 9.38 and 19.31& 9.8 days for male and female on date palm at 25 and 30°C, while, the lowest value of this period was obtained on castor bean were 16.45& 16.75 days for male and female at 25°C, and 6.31& 8.43days for male and female at 30°C on Indian laburnum, respectively. Mean longevity of female E. orientalis ranged from 13.53 to 15.13 days at 25ºC, and from 9.9 to 16.9 days at 30ºC. The highest mean total fecundity was 19.45 and 14.1 eggs/female on Indian laburnum and castor bean at 25 and 30°C, respectively. The sex ratio % (female/total) ranged from 65 to 76%. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was 0.143 on Indian laburnum at 25ºC and 0.138 (individuals/female/day) on castor bean at 30 ºC. The individuals had the ability to double with the shortest time at 30ºC (4.81 days) on Indian laburnum and the longest time at 25 ºC (12.38 days) on date palm. The mean generation time (T) and generation doubling time (DT) values decreased with temperature increase. This mite favored high temperature; castor bean and Indian laburnum were more favorable hosts than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips are serious pests of crops, vegetables and fruiting trees. Various species of thrips infest citrus at fruit formation as well as the new leaves sprouts. Their presence and damage ultimately reduce the export value of fruits, therefore, field studies were carried out to check the biodiversity of citrus thrips on a citrus cultivar fruiter early in experimental and commercial orchards of Faisalabad for pest abundance. Studies were focused on the population of thrips with particular reference to temperature and humidity population, ring spots formation on fruits and thus observe the causes of citrus blemishes in orchards in relation to insect pests. The species collected were identified with the help of available literature. Determining the relationship of citrus blemishes with respect to thrips showed that the temperature and relative humidity have a direct relation to the population of thrips. Results revealed that female and male thrips show significant relation to temperature and humidity on flowers, branches, fruits and leaves. Rainfall was significantly negatively correlated while highly significant in negative correlation on flowers, branches and leaves. Effect of humidity on the population of thrips was found significantly negatively correlated while the temperature was positively correlated with the different life stages of the population of thrips at different plant parts. It was conclusive from the study that the population of thrips was positively correlated with blemishes and ring spot formation of fruiter early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the winter and spring of 2014-2015, typical anthracnose symptoms were detected on different citrus varieties in Cap-Bon and Morneg-Tunis regions of Northern Tunisia. Surveys were conducted to determine the casual agents of these symptoms. A total of seven monosporic isolates were obtained from dark lesions on fruits, flowers, leaves and twigs of citrus from six orchards. One Colletotrichum karstii (from the C. boninense species complex) and six C. gloeosporioides isolates were identified through morphological analysis and sequencing of their ITS rDNA sequences. Pathogenicity tests with the seven isolates were performed on symptomless, detached citrus fruits (Valencia orange and Eureka lemon). All tested isolates caused anthracnose lesions after 1 week of incubation. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by re-isolation of pathogens from the inoculated fruits. This report elucidates the diversity of anthracnose pathogens in Tunisia. This is the first report of C. karstii from citrus in Tunisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), remains the most economically important and difficult to manage pest in citrus throughout Florida. To improve existing control methods, the potential for Asian citrus psyllid to evade insecticide sprays and engage in shortterm dispersal was investigated. Dispersal was evaluated to better understand responses of Asian citrus psyllid to citrus grove management, and how these factors affect population dynamics when citrus flush is scarce. To determine the impact of insecticide applications and other abiotic factors on Asian citrus psyllid movement, psyllid captures were measured on yellow sticky-card traps placed along the citrus grove borders. Additional suction trap and citrus grove stem-tap samples were collected and compared with sticky card catches, then correlated with data taken from the Florida Automated Weather Network. More Asian citrus psyllids were caught after than directly before insecticide sprays (t = 3.096; df = 27; P = 0.005), with the highest catches occurring from Mar to May. Both solar radiation and wind direction were positively correlated with Asian citrus psyllid dispersal, whereas humidity was negatively correlated across all sampling methods. Significant psyllid catches in suction traps located 500 m from a citrus grove provide additional evidence that Asian citrus psyllids tend to migrate when host conditions are unfavorable, returning to previous or neighboring groves after dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is the most detrimental insect pest of citrus crops due to its role as a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), the bacterial causal agent of huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening disease. Trees infected with Las decline rapidly and fruit production decreases until eventual tree death. Few treatment options for infected trees are available for disease management. A technique called "thermotherapy" is under development to reduce bacterial titers in infected trees; however, the effect of these treatments on the transmission cycle of Las is not known. Field and laboratory assays were conducted to determine whether thermotherapy treatment reduced Las acquisition by D. citri. Trees in the field were treated with a mobile heat treatment system. Potted trees in the laboratory were treated in a steam chamber. We monitored acquisition rates in D. citri following thermal treatment of Las-positive Citrus sinensis (L.) (Rutaceae). Psyllid acquisition and Las titer in thermotherapy-treated trees were compared with untreated Las-positive and untreated Las-negative trees. Our results confirmed the efficacy of whole-tree thermotherapy on Las in potted citrus trees. In contrast, thermotherapy did not significantly reduce plant Las titers or acquisition of Las by D. citri under field conditions. These results suggest that further development of field application methods is needed to determine the utility of thermotherapy as a tool for huanglongbing management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Slovenica is the property of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: We report a case of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to lemon seed. We demonstrate for the first time a pattern of cross-sensitisation between seeds of citrus hybrid species from similar ancestral species origins. Case report: Described is a case of a 26-year-old female with recurrent anaphylaxis on exposure to lemon seed with sensitisation shown on prick to prick testing. Prick to prick testing was also performed to a variety of citrus fruit seeds and edible foods from additional notable families of the Sapindale order. Conclusion: In cases of unexplained or recurrent anaphylaxis in adult patients, citrus seed allergy should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most devastating citrus diseases worldwide. Sensitive and accurate assays are vital for efficient prevention of the spread of HLB-associated “Candidatus Liberibacter spp”. “Candidatus Liberibacter spp” that infect Citrus includes “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (Las), “Candidatus Liberibacter africanus” (Laf) and “Candidatus Liberibacter americanus” (Lam). Of them, Las is the most widespread species. In this study, a set of nested PCR primer pairs were screened to diagnose Las, and the nested PCR method greatly enhanced the sensitivity to detect Las up to 10 times and 100 times compared to qPCR and conventional PCR, respectively. Totally, 1112 samples from 5 different citrus cultivars in 39 different counties and cities were assayed by nested PCR. The results show that 384 samples were HLB-infected; the highest positive detection rate was 79.7% from the lopsided fruit samples, and the lowest positive detection rate was 16.3% from the apical dieback samples. The results indicate that the designed nested PCR primer pairs can detect Las from different symptomatic tissues, different citrus cultivars and different geographic regions. The set of nested PCR primers designed in the present study will provide a very useful supplementation to the current approaches for Las detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elemental compositions of healthy and infested leaves of three species of lemon trees (Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus aurantium and Citrus medica) were compared to determine the impact of herbivorous insects on their uptake potentials. Systematically higher in the infested leaves than in the healthy, the total contents of major elements confirm a stress effect. The total amount of up-taken elements is increased by 8.2% in C. aurantium and by up to 30.9% in C. medica. Nutritive elements such as P and K decreased in C. aurantium, while they increased in the two other species by 5.3%, which is not representative analytically, and 61%. These notably different uptakes were obtained for two tree species infested by the same type of insect, demonstrating in turn that the type of insects does not determine the tree behavior. In turn, the elemental uptake by C. aurantium is almost systematically to the opposite of those of the two other species, which confirms that the defense process of the trees studied here is not insect specific but plant dependent. The different uptakes observed under defense stress do not suggest a standard behavior, reflecting a heterogeneous distribution of the major elements in the tree leaves. This interpretation is supported by the distribution of the rare earth elements of the infested leaves relative to that of the healthy equivalents. The varied patterns of the rare earth elements confirm that the trees do not develop a unique defense reaction. They display: (1) a flat distribution in C. medica without any fractionation induced by the insects, (2) a distribution characterized by an increased content in heavy rare earth elements in Citrus aurantifolia and (3) a pattern with a partially flat distribution but a significant decrease in the Ce content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to know if any protein encoded by citrus vein enation virus (CVEV) might act as an RNA silencing suppressor (RSS), five open reading frames (ORF) of CVEV, including the coat protein (CP) gene, were individually cloned into the binary expression vector pBI121. The silencing suppression ability of the five ORFs was tested by 'viral minireplicon infectivity assays' based on a beet yellows virus (BYV) minireplicon carrying a reporter gene (BYVminiR-GFP). GFP imaging and microscopic analyses were used to observe whether RNA silencing suppression occurred or not. In addition, real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to quantify the mRNA expression of GFP in the injected region. The fluorescence intensity of leaves with CP expression was stronger than that of the empty vector negative control, but it was weaker than that of the positive control HC-Pro of tobacco etch virus (TEV), indicating that the CP of CVEV partly inhibited the GFP gene silencing. Co-expression of each of the other four ORFs with BYVminiR-GFP showed an almost complete quenching of GFP fluorescence in infiltrated areas, similar to that of the negative control. The amount of GFP mRNA in the leaves co-expressed with CP was nearly twice as much as that of either the negative control or other ORFs. These results suggest that CP of CVEV is a weak gene silencing suppressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is the causal agent of the most important viral disease of citrus. Symptoms that may affect the productive potential of citrus plants are observed in Uruguayan orchards even though resistant rootstocks are used. CTV is fully eliminated in propagative materials by the National Sanitation and Certification Program, but since the virus and its vector are widespread in the country, the risk of infection in the field persists. In this situation, using mild CTV strains in a cross-protection program would be a useful alternative to attempt to increase yield and quality of the local citrus industry. To this aim, this study assessed the biological and molecular characteristics of 32 local CTV isolates. Bioassays were conducted in a greenhouse with controlled conditions. Each isolate was graft-inoculated on Mexican lime, sweet orange, sour orange and Duncan grapefruit indicator plants. Symptoms and their intensity were evaluated. Molecular characterization was carried out by RT-PCR amplification, using primers for the p25, p20 and p23 genes. PCR products were sequenced, nucleotide sequences were aligned with international reference strains and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Results of the biological and molecular analysis showed the prevalence of severe CTV isolates with a high genetic variability. Two out of 32 characterized isolates were selected as mild CTV isolates to be tested as candidates for future cross-protection experiments. The survey showed a complex scenario for the management of CTV in Uruguay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a major insect pest of greenhouse-grown horticultural crops. Applications of systemic insecticides as drenches to the growing medium are typically used by greenhouse producers to prevent or suppress citrus mealybug populations. A comprehensive study was conducted that included 11 experimental trials designed to assess the effects of growing medium applications of six systemic insecticides (azadirachtin, dinotefuran, flonicamid, imidacloprid, spirotetramat, and thiamethoxam) in preventing the establishment of and suppressing citrus mealybug populations on different plant species. The experimental trials included four plant species: Solenostemon scutellarioides, Gerbera jamesonii, Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum, and Salvia splendens, with six different cultivars grown in research greenhouses similar to those used in greenhouse production systems. In addition, feeding location (plant stem, leaf top, and leaf bottom) of citrus mealybugs on the various plants was also recorded. Overall, percent citrus mealybug mortality was consistently <50% (n = 255 to 1,598) for any treatment or rate of application; regardless if the systemic insecticides were applied preventatively or curatively. Percent citrus mealybug mortality did reach 78% (n = 36) for thiamethoxam at 8 times the label rate when plants were treated preventatively. Furthermore, none of the treatments prevented development of citrus mealybug F1 individuals to F2 generation egg-laying females on S. scutellarioides or G. jamesonii plants. Citrus mealybugs varied in their spatial distribution on the plant stem, leaf top, and leaf bottom with no noticeable trends. Therefore, based on the results of the study, systemic insecticides are not effective against the citrus mealybug in greenhouse production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), can cause direct damage to citrus trees and is the main vector for the devastating disease, citrus greening disease or huanglongbing. Most molecular studies on this important insect pest use real-time reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to quantify gene expression, including analyzing molecular basis for insecticide resistance in field populations. One critical factor to cause inaccuracy in RT-qPCR results is the lack of appropriate internal reference genes for optimal data normalization. In this study, the expression levels of 10 selected reference genes were evaluated in different tissue samples of psyllid adults and in the insects treated with different temperatures and insecticides. Data were analyzed using different computational algorithms, including Delta Ct, BestKeeper, NormFinder, geNorm, and RefFinder. According to our results, at least two reference genes should be used for the normalization of RT-qPCR data in this insect. The best choices of reference genes for different samples are as follows: ACT1 and Ferritin for different tissue samples, RPS20 and Ferritin for samples treated with different temperatures, TBP and EF1α for samples treated with imidacloprid, and Ferritin and TBP for samples treated with beta-cypermethrin. The reference genes identified in this study should be useful for future studies to analyze the expression patterns of target genes, especially for genes linked with temperature adaptability and insecticide resistance in this insect species in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huanglongbing is an economically devastating disease of citrus in Florida and around the world. This study was undertaken to assess two grower-used therapies, heat treatment, and foliar anti-bacterial application. Specifically, there was an industry claim that heat treatment improved subsequent systemic uptake of foliar-applied anti-bacterial compounds. We hypothesized that new vegetative growth induced by heat treatment could lead to increased foliar delivery because of a greater number of new leaves in which cuticles would be more permeable. The study included two factors (1) heat treatment (with or without) and (2) pruning, in which all new leaves, all mature leaves, or no leaves were removed. A commercial formulation of oxytetracycline (OTC) was applied to plants with a non-ionic penetrant surfactant, but one branch on each tree was covered to assess direct versus systemic delivery. The study was repeated twice, destructively assessing whole-plant leaf area and dry weights, as well as OTC content in directly applied and covered leaves. Heat treatment and defoliation treatments reduced growth, but did not affect systemic delivery of OTC. OTC was detected in nearly all covered leaf samples in both repetitions, though at lower concentrations than in directly applied leaves. We conclude that neither heat treatment nor leaf age strongly affect systemic OTC delivery. Implications of this study for leaf age effects on foliar delivery and for phloem delivery of foreign compounds through foliar application are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2009, a new citrus viral disease caused by Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) was first discovered in China and now CYVCV is widely distributed in the field. CYVCV is transmissible by grafting and is spread by aphids from lemon to bean, and from bean to bean. However, until now, no vector has been shown to transmit CYVCV from citrus to citrus. In this study, after a 24-h acquisition access period (AAP), CYVCV was tested for in Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead), Panonychus citri McGregor, and Aphis citricidus (Kirkaldy) by quantitative RT-PCR. After an AAP of 48 h, groups of adults of D. citri, P. citri, and A. citricidus were given a 48 h nioculation access period on cultivar Daidai sour orange seedlings. Three, 6, and 12 months post-transmission by D. citri, CYVCV was detected in the receptor plants, and the mean incidence of infected trees was 31.9, 39.1, and 39.1 %, respectively. CYVCV was not transmitted to citrus by P. citri or A. citricidus. This is the first report of the ability of D. citri to transmit CYVCV from infected to healthy citrus under laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) is the causal agent of exocortis disease, the economically important viroid disease of citrus. In this research, CEVd copy number was quantified in sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) and citrange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf. × Citrus sinensis L.) seedlings by absolute real-time PCR. A full-length in vitro transcript of a single-sequence CEVd-S1 variant was synthesized and mechanically inoculated into sour orange and Troyer citrange seedlings as tolerant and sensitive hosts, respectively. CEVd copy number was subsequently monitored at different times after inoculation in the green bark of infected seedlings for up to 16 weeks post inoculation (wpi). CEVd was detected at 3 wpi and totally increased up to 16 wpi. The copy number of CEVd per milligram of bark tissue in both host species was in the range of 103 to 104 at the third and sixth weeks post inoculation, without any significant differences. Although the viroid titer was remarkably higher in citrange (sensitive host) than in sour orange (tolerant host) at 10–16 wpi, we demonstrated that CEVd titer differed in citrus species depending on the time of sampling and host plant species. Highlights • An in vitro transcription assay for obtaining pure and infectious viroid was developed. • RT-qPCR was found to be an efficient method in viroid detection and absolute quantitation. • CEVd titer depended on time and host plant species. • There were statistical differences in CEVd titer between sensitive and tolerant host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the primary vector of the phloem‐inhabiting bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus putatively responsible for citrus greening (huanglongbing), a devastating citrus disease. Infestations of D. citri frequently develop on Citrus and other genera within the Rutaceae subfamily Aurantioideae including Murraya and Bergera. The genotype Poncirus trifoliata is also a member of the Aurantioideae and readily hybridizes with Citrus spp., but colonization by D. citri is reduced on this genotype. RESULTS: Working with young potted seedlings grown in a greenhouse, we found that the development of D. citri immatures on four P. trifoliata cultivars, especially 'Kryder 55‐5', was slower compared with the development of immatures on the susceptible Citrus macrophylla. In choice assays, adult psyllids exhibited antixenotic behavior towards accessions of P. trifoliata and laid fewer eggs on this genotype compared with C. macrophylla. CONCLUSIONS: Based on reduced oviposition and delays in development, P. trifoliata exhibits a combination of antixenosis and antibiosis host‐plant resistance to D. citri. A companion plant assay showed that the presence of C. macrophylla stimulated higher oviposition rates on P. trifoliata, but nymph development remained retarded on P. trifoliata. Here, we show that the antixenosis associated with trifoliate accessions can be overcome to some extent by the presence of a preferred susceptible host plant; but in combination with antibiosis P. trifoliata remains an inferior host plant. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry Asian citrus psyllids are the primary vectors of the bacterium responsible for citrus greening disease in Florida and worldwide. This paper discusses the effects of different types of host‐plant resistance exhibited by Poncirus trifoliata (trifoliate citrus) on oviposition and nymphal development of citrus psyllids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-throughput sequencing of two trees with apple decline revealed the presence of three bunya-like viruses: apple rubbery wood-associated viruses 1 and 2 (ARWaV-1, ARWaV-2) and citrus concave gum-associated virus (CCGaV), which previously had only been observed in citrus trees. The apple and citrus CCGaV isolates shared over 97% sequence identity. A global collection of apple trees was screened by RT-PCR for these viruses. Twenty-seven of 30 trees were infected with one or more bunya-like virus. Sequence data revealed some diversity among isolates but no geographic grouping. Additional work will be needed to determine if any of these viruses contribute to apple decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commonness of citrus fruits as food products and additives for cosmetics and cleaning products contribute to the increase of the number of people suffering from citrus allergy. Citrus allergens can cause gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin symptoms. Citrus allergens are cross-reactive with many allergens from different sources. This makes diagnostics of citrus allergy problematical and determination of the allergen responsible for allergy symptoms is difficult. The purpose of this article is systematization of information available in literature on citrus allergens, clinical symptoms of citrus allergy, its diagnostics and diagnostics-related problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus grove colonization by the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) starts from border trees. This behaviour can be exploited by placing barriers along grove borders to prevent psyllid incursion and thwart population establishment and growth. We tested the effects of psyllid‐resistant mesh fencing along grove borders for season‐long control of D. citri populations. Deployment of sticky cards at different heights revealed that most D. citri (>99%) were collected on traps placed at or below 3.7 m along grove border. Thus, psyllid‐resistant mesh fencing (3.7 m in height) was installed along the eastern and southern borders of a 3‐year‐old grapefruit grove to protect against D. citri infestations, while the west and north edges were left unprotected. A similar adjacent grove with no border fencing served as untreated control. A reduction of 55%–98% of D. citri numbers was observed in the grove with border fences relative to the untreated control. D. citri density reductions were more pronounced on the sides with border fences suggesting that the observed effects were due to the mesh fencing. Thus, border mesh fencing as a standalone approach or coupled with other management strategies, such as border sprays, could be an effective psyllid management strategy. The season‐long benefits of border fences are not limited to D. citri population control, but also significant reductions of insecticide input and nontarget effects, thus substantially mitigating the risks of secondary pest outbreaks and ensuring the sustainability of D. citri management in citrus groves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asiatic huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening or yellow shoot disease, is a serious disease putatively caused by the bacterium ' Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' Jagoueix et al. (Rhizobiales: Rhizobiaceae) (CLas) transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae)). Plant resistance to CLas holds promise as a strategy for reducing the economic impact of HLB; thus, citrus breeders are developing new varieties and cultivars and evaluating these for resistance/tolerance to CLas. A high-throughput inoculation program was established to expedite testing of germplasm. Colonies of Asian citrus psyllid maintained on CLas-infected plants are used for the inoculations. The primary inoculation step is to cage a healthy citrus seedling with new leaf growth for a 2-wk inoculation feeding period by 20 adult Asian citrus psyllids (no regard to sex or age) from these colonies. The adults are removed after the inoculation period, and the plants are then treated with a pesticide to eliminate any adults missed or infestation of immatures. The objective here was to evaluate inoculation rates under this procedure. Ten sets of 20 healthy citrus seedlings were subjected to the procedure, one set a month, and the percentage of seedlings successfully inoculated based on testing by quantitative polymerase chain reaction were determined 6 mo after each 2-wk inoculation period. The results indicated a 77% mean transmission rate (percent infected seedlings), with rates ranging from 40 to 100%. Transmission rates were positively correlated with the percentage of Asian citrus psyllid that tested positive for CLas but not correlated with titers of CLas in these psyllids. Possible reasons for variability in transmission rates are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delottococcus aberiae (De Lotto) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is the most recent species of mealybug introduced to Spain that is affecting citrus. The feeding behavior of D. aberiae causes severe direct damage to citrus fruits, distorting their shape and/or causing reduction in size. There is no information available regarding its distribution within the citrus trees. The main objective of this study was to describe the seasonal distribution of D. aberiae within citrus trees and its migration patterns on the plants. Ten citrus orchards from eastern Spain were periodically sampled during 3 yr. In each orchard, the mealybug was sampled in different infested strata (canopy, trunk, and soil) and canopy structures (flower, fruit, leaf, and twig). Results showed that, within the sampled strata, D. aberiae was mostly in the canopy. Within the canopy, the feeding location of D. aberiae changed throughout the year. D. aberiae overwintered in the twigs and moved to the flowers and fruits in spring. Once there, its populations started to increase exponentially until August. From February to September, 5–30% of the mealybugs migrated to the trunk and soil. These results will facilitate an early detection of the pest in the areas where it is spreading and improve sampling protocols and pesticide applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rind of matured fruits of Citrus jambhiri Lush was hydro-distilled to obtain essential oil (EO) which was subjected to Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The EO was evaluated for fumigant toxicity (at 27- 107μL/L air) and repellence against maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky). Area preference methodology was used to evaluate the repellence of the EO at 0.15-0.9 μL/cm2, while isopropanol served as control for both bioassays. The experiments were set up in a completely randomized design and data were subjected to analysis of variance and probit analysis. Fifty-two compounds were identified in the EO with the predominant compounds being α-terpineol (8.03%), citral (7.00%), 4-terpineol (6.52%), caryophellene (4.58%), cis-geraniol (4.44%), citronellal (4.38%), β-bisabolene (4.01%) and n-hexadecanoic acid (4.70%). Others were α- bergamotene (3.74%), lemonol (3.23%), precocene I (3.33%) and β-copaene (3.09%). Toxicity progressed with EO dose and exposure period and application of EO at 80 and 107μL/L air caused significantly higher mortality (33.75-100.00%) than isopropanol (0.00-22.50%). Lethal time for 50% assayed weevil (LT50) for the EO application at 107 μL/L air {7.51 (6.95-8.13) h} was significantly lower than the values obtained for 27 and 53 μL/L air {44.78 (27.49-312.61) and 21.87 (11.91-45.96) h, respectively}. EO caused significantly higher repellence (75.00-90.00%) than control (15.00%) at 24 hours after treatment. The results indicate that C. jambhiri rind EO has prospects as effective biorational formulation for control of maize weevil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mexico, the presence of Huanglongbing (HLB) in the producing areas of Mexican lemon, has been manifested in a reduction in production that, in the case of the Colima production area, has been estimated at 66.8% in the last 10 years. The effect of the disease on the quality of the fruits has been little studied, the reduction in size being reported. The objective was to evaluate the organoleptic and nutritive quality, related to the postharvest behavior of Mexican lemon fruits from trees with HLB and asymptomatic. Fruits were harvested from trees with and without symptoms of HLB from the INIFAP Fruit Experimental Field, Tecoman Colima, Mexico. Four treatments were established considering the origin of the fruits (trees with symptoms of HLB and asymptomatic) and two temperatures (environment: 22 ±2 ºC per 4 and 8 days, refrigeration: 9 ±1 ºC per 2 weeks plus 4 and 8 days to the environment). After each period, the following variables were evaluated: SST, titratable acidity, technological index, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), weight loss, color index and damages by cold. Regarding these variables, no significant differences were observed, at the time of harvest, between fruits of trees with symptoms of HLB and asymptomatic. The post-harvest behavior was similar during the two storage conditions and no differences in the variables were observed; however, the losses of weight, ascorbic acid and green color were greater in fruits from trees with HLB, in addition to having a higher incidence of cold damage. It is concluded that the quality, evaluated by the mentioned variables, of the fruits from trees with symptoms of HLB and asymptomatic is not significantly affected, except that the fruits harvested from trees with HLB are more sensitive to cold damage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]