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The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High‐risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by plants of hybrids of Prunus cerasus x Prunus canescens imported from Ukraine, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by Ukraine. All pests that may be associated with the hybrids of P. cerasus x P. canescens were evaluated against specific criteria for their relevance for this opinion. None of the pests fulfilled all relevant criteria due to the production method and risk mitigation measures carried out by the nursery; therefore, none were selected for further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to evaluate the probability of entry of pests (likelihood of pest freedom at entry), including both regulated and non‐regulated pests, associated with unrooted cuttings of the genera Petunia and Calibrachoa produced under physical isolation in Costa Rica. The relevance of any pest for this opinion was based on evidence collected according to specific criteria, following the methodology used for high‐risk plants adapted for the specificity of this assessment. Twenty‐two EU regulated pests (beet curly top virus, Bemisia tabaci, Chloridea virescens, Eotetranychus lewisi, Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix tuberis, euphorbia mosaic virus, Helicoverpa zea, Liriomyza huidobrensis, Liriomyza sativae, Liriomyza trifolii, pepper golden mosaic virus, potato spindle tuber viroid, Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, Ralstonia solanacearum, Spodoptera ornithogalli, squash leaf curl virus, Thrips palmi, tomato golden mosaic virus, tomato leaf curl Sinaloa virus, tomato spotted wilt virus, tomato yellow leaf curl virus) and one pest that is not regulated in the EU (Aleurodicus dispersus) fulfilled all relevant criteria and were selected for further evaluation. For these pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Costa Rica were evaluated taking into account possible factors limiting their efficacies. Additionally, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The estimated degree of pest freedom varies among the pests evaluated, with tomato spotted wilt virus being the pest most frequently expected on the imported cuttings. The expert knowledge elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty that between 9927 and 10,000 bags containing unrooted cuttings of Petunia spp. and Calibrachoa spp. per 10,000 would be free of tomato spotted wilt virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by plants of Betula pendula and B. pubescens imported from the United Kingdom (UK) taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the UK. The commodities were grouped in the risk assessment as (a) bundles of 10–20 graftwood/budwood (up to 1‐year‐old), (b) bare root plants which include bundles of 25 or 50 seedlings or transplants (1–2 years‐old), bundles of 5, 10 or 15 whips (1–2 years‐old) and single bare root plants (1–7 years‐old), (c) plants in pots which include bundles of 5 and 10 cell‐grown plants (1–2 years‐old) and rooted plants in pots (1–7 years‐old), and (d) large specimen trees up to 15‐years‐old. All pests associated with the commodities were evaluated against specific criteria for their relevance for this opinion. Two EU quarantine pests i.e. Meloidogyne fallax and Phytophthora ramorum (non‐EU isolates) and two protected zone quarantine pests i.e. Entoleuca mammata and Thaumetopoea processionea fulfilled all relevant criteria and were selected for further evaluation. For the selected pests, the risk mitigation measures described in the technical dossier from the UK were evaluated considering the possible limiting factors. For these pests an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. In the assessment of risk, the age of the plants was considered, as larger trees are more likely to be infested mainly due to longer time grown in the field. In addition, larger canopies and root systems are more difficult to inspect, thereby making the detection of pests more challenging on large trees. The likelihood of pest freedom varies among the pests evaluated, with M. fallax being the pest most frequently expected on the imported plants. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation (EKE) indicated with 95% certainty that between 9735 and 10,000 per 10,000 large specimen trees will be free from M. fallax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The quarantine nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a causative agent of the pine wilt disease. In Europe, the nematode is vectored by Monochamus galloprovincialis which is also a natural vector of the native, nonpathogenic B. mucronatus. Based on the established regulations, long‐term detection surveys of pine wood and vector insects for the presence of B. xylophilus are obligatory in all EU member countries. The main objective of the presented research was to use the real‐time PCR technique for the fast and precise detection, and identification of Bursaphelenchus nematodes associated with M. galloprovincialis ssp. pistor occurring in Poland. The research conducted on beetles collected in forest stands in Poland revealed exclusive presence of the native, nonpathogenic nematode B. mucronatus. At the beginning of the beetle flight season (June–July), the use of the real‐time PCR allowed detection of B. mucronatus, in the case of its physical presence in the body of the dissected M. galloprovincialis. However, at the end of the flight season (September–October), the DNA of B. mucronatus was also found in some beetles with no physical presence of nematodes in tracheas or under elytra. The univoltine biology of the beetle, gradual decline in dispersal juveniles to zero in/on the beetle body, and positive results of real‐time PCR reaction could indicate that in some of the beetles earlier loaded with nematodes, at the end of the season, only their remains were left after the live nematodes' departure during the vector's maturation feeding and/or egg laying. The obtained results confirm extremely high sensitivity of the real‐time PCR method used in detection and identification of both nematode species which may simultaneously occur in M. galloprovincialis beetles. It allows for precise detection of the nematodes based on their remains left in/on the vector insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) offer unique insights into ongoing biochemical processes in healthy and diseased humans. Yet, their diagnostic use is hampered by the limited understanding of their biochemical or cellular origin and their frequently unclear link to the underlying diseases. Major advancements are expected from the analyses of human primary cells, cell lines and cultures of microorganisms. In this review, a database of 125 reliably identified VOCs previously reported for human healthy and diseased cells was assembled and their potential origin is discussed. The majority of them have also been observed in studies with other human matrices (breath, urine, saliva, feces, blood, skin emanations). Moreover, continuing improvements of qualitative and quantitative analyses, based on the recommendations of the ISO-11843 guidelines, are suggested for the necessary standardization of analytical procedures and better comparability of results. The data provided contribute to arriving at a more complete human volatilome and suggest potential volatile biomarkers for future validation. Dedication:This review is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Dr. Anton Amann, who sadly passed away on January 6, 2015. He was motivator and motor for the field of breath research.

Bursaphelenchus mucronatus Mamiya & Enda, 1979 is a wood nematode widely distributed over Palearctic coniferous forests. It has two subspecies, that is, B. mucronatus mucronatus and B. mucronatus kolymensis, which present molecularly different East Asian and European genotypes, respectively. The European subspecies is found mainly in Europe and Siberia, while the East Asian subspecies occupies mostly Eastern regions of Asia. However, local isolates of both subspecies have been occasionally reported from various localities in Europe and Asia. Our field isolation and molecular (DNA ITS‐RFLP) identification of 21 recently collected populations of B. mucronatus revealed only 4 isolates representing clearly East Asian or European genotypes, while the remaining 17 isolates showed intermediate genotypes with electrophoretic band characters of both the above types. Further individual crossbreeding, in vitro, of nematodes representing European, East Asian, and intermediate genotypes provided experimental evidence for the process of intraspecific hybridization between both subspecies, spontaneously taking place in the forest. Such a widening of the B. mucronatus genetic variation may have its effect on a range of reported in the literature direct interactions between this native, nonpathogenic nematode species and the genetically similar, causative agent of the pine wilt disease B. xylophilus which can colonize the same host trees, use the same insect vectors, compete, and crossbreed inter‐specifically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD). This nematode is considered to be an indigenous to North America and was introduced to Japan in the late 19th century. Subsequently, it has spread throughout Japan and in many other countries, China, Taiwan, and South Korea. In 1999, B. xylophilus was discovered in Portugal, and in 2008 in Spain. So far the studies have revealed that the pathogenicity of B. xylophilus varies between different isolates. The conducted study compared the pathogenicity of five isolates of B. xylophilus, originating from different parts of Japan, to 3-year-old Pinus sylvestris, and their ability to reproduce in the seedlings. The results revealed diverse virulence of B. xylophilus resulting in plant mortality. Three isolates S10, Ka4, and T4 caused 100% mortality of plants within three months while at the same time, the other two isolates, C14-5 and OKD-1 did not cause any disease symptoms on plants. After seven months, some dieback occurred on two seedlings, but similar symptoms were also found on the control plant. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between nematode virulence and the number of nematodes reproducing on pine seedlings.

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Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection 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.)

Abstract Background The routinely used microbiological diagnosis of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is time consuming and often requires invasive methods for collection of human specimens (e.g. bronchoscopy). Therefore, it is of utmost interest to develop a non-invasive method for the early detection of bacterial infection in ventilated patients, preferably allowing the identification of the specific pathogens. The present work is an attempt to identify pathogen-derived volatile biomarkers in breath that can be used for early and non- invasive diagnosis of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). For this purpose, in vitro experiments with bacteria most frequently found in VAP patients, i.e. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were performed to investigate the release or consumption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Results Headspace samples were collected and preconcentrated on multibed sorption tubes at different time points and subsequently analyzed with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). As many as 32 and 37 volatile metabolites were released by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Distinct differences in the bacteria-specific VOC profiles were found, especially with regard to aldehydes (e.g. acetaldehyde, 3-methylbutanal), which were taken up only by P. aeruginosa but released by S. aureus. Differences in concentration profiles were also found for acids (e.g. isovaleric acid), ketones (e.g. acetoin, 2-nonanone), hydrocarbons (e.g. 2-butene, 1,10-undecadiene), alcohols (e.g. 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-butanol), esters (e.g. ethyl formate, methyl 2-methylbutyrate), volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs, e.g. dimethylsulfide) and volatile nitrogen compounds (VNCs, e.g. 3-methylpyrrole). Importantly, a significant VOC release was found already 1.5 hours after culture start, corresponding to cell numbers of ~8*106 [CFUs/ml]. Conclusions The results obtained provide strong evidence that the detection and perhaps even identification of bacteria could be achieved by determination of characteristic volatile metabolites, supporting the clinical use of breath-gas analysis as non-invasive method for early detection of bacterial lung infections.

The process of inter‐specific hybridization between the invasive, highly pathogenic pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and the Eurasian‐native, relatively harmless B. mucronatus has been examined with the aid of the B. xylophilus Roller (Bxy‐rol(tom3) mutation (Tomalak & Filipiak, 2019) as a morphological marker, in the breeding protocol. Validity of the morphologically based selection of the inter‐specific hybrids has been confirmed by examination of individual nematodes with the multiplex PCR technique with specific primers (Filipiak et al., 2017). The research showed that hybridization between both species was possible in F1 and to some extent in subsequent offspring generations. In the general body plan, the hybrids resembled the wild‐type parental species but differed in various morphological/anatomical details. The changes ranged from seemingly indistinct to heavily distorted or occasional missing of particular structures. The most affected were spicules, female tails, the development of gonads and the position of the excretory pore. The hybridization led to various distortions of mating, gametogenesis, embryogenesis and juvenile viability, and development in F1, F2 and subsequent generation offspring, which severely affected the nematode reproductive potential. Potential consequences of the spontaneous inter‐specific hybridization between both species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about urban forests in Poland is still limited, as it is primarily based on aggregate, formal data relating to the general area, ignoring the spatial dimension and informal green areas. This article describes and analyses spatio-temporal changes in the actual urban forest resources in Wrocław in 1944–2017, which covers the first period of the city’s rebuilding after its destruction during World War II and its development during the nationalised, centrally-planned socialist economy, as well as the second period of intensive and only partly controlled growth under conditions of market economy. The study is based on current and historical orthophotomaps, which were confronted with cartographic data, as well as planning documents. We found that between 1944 and 2017, the percentage contribution of informal woodlands increased tenfold (from 0.5 to 4.9% of the present total area of the city). The area occupied by such forests has grown particularly during the most recent years of the city’s intensive development. However, the forests have been increasingly fragmented. During the first period, new forest areas were also created in the immediate vicinity of the city centre, while during the second one, only in its peripheral sections. The post-war plans regarding the urban green spaces (UGS), including the current plan, are very conservative in nature. On the one hand, this means no interference with the oldest, biggest, and most valuable forest complexes, but on the other hand, insufficient consideration of the intensive built-up area expansion on former agriculture areas. Only to a limited extent did the above-mentioned plans take into account the informal woodlands, which provide an opportunity for strengthening the functional connectivity of landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The first spontaneous morphological/anatomical and behavioural mutation Bxy-rol (tom3) has been identified and characterised in the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. The mutation is recessive to its wild-type counterpart. The mutant phenotype designated as Roller (Rol) is distinctive for the helical twist of the whole body around its longitudinal axis. The twist of the nematode body wall cuticle is followed by a similar twist of hypodermis, muscles and other organs and cuticular structures. These morphological and anatomical changes are responsible for the altered pattern of the nematode movement. Besides these changes, the Bxy-rol (tom3) mutation does not visibly affect any other essential character or function of B. xylophilus. Both wild-type and Rol nematodes present similar morphometrics, life cycle length, and reproductive potential. The Rol mutant easily cross-bred with individuals from any other tested strains/isolates of B. xylophilus and produced viable intra-specific hybrid offspring in vitro , on B. cinerea /potato dextrose agar plates. The mutants also seem to be well adapted to the nematode's natural environment in pine wood. They dispersed inside pine seedlings, successfully mated, produced stable and fully viable offspring in this environment, and were as pathogenic to the host tree as the wild-type B. xylophilus. Potential of the characterised mutation as a marker for direct comparative study on strain/species reproductive compatibility, competition for space, food and vector insect, and for intra- and inter-specific hybridisation of B. xylophilus and B. mucronatus , is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bursaphelenchus michalskii sp. n. is described from the bark of the European white elm, Ulmus laevis. All propagative stages of the nematode were found in larval galleries of the large elm bark beetle, Scolytus scolytus , and in overlapping gallery systems of this species and the small European elm bark beetle, S. multistriatus. Dauer juveniles of the new nematode are transmitted to new breeding trees under elytra of adult S. scolytus. Bursaphelenchus michalskii sp. n. is characterised by the female body length of 953 (838-1108) μ m and male body length of 893 (811-971) μ m, very slender body (a = 53.9 (46.1-58.5) and 60.9 (52.2-72.0) in female and male, respectively), lateral fields with three incisures (two bands), excretory pore usually located anterior to the median bulb, lack of vulval flap, long post-uterine sac, relatively small spicules 12.3 (10.8-13.3) μ m long with no cucullus and with distinct, somewhat thorn-like, dorsally bent or reflexed condylus and a conical or digitate rostrum, and the arrangement of the seven male caudal papillae (i.e. , a single precloacal ventromedian papilla (P1), one pair of adcloacal ventrosublateral papillae (P2) at or just anterior to cloacal slit, one ventrosublateral, postcloacal pair (P3) located at ca 60% of the tail length, posterior to cloacal slit, and one pair (P4) of ventrosublateral papillae located near the base of the bursa). The newly described species shares most of the key morphological characters with members of the eremus- group (sensu Braasch et al. , 2009). However, B. michalskii sp. n. is unique amongst Bursaphelenchus species by a combination of female tail and spicule shape, excretory pore position, and other morphometric characters. These findings were confirmed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 18S and 28S rDNA regions and by the unique molecular profile of the ITS region (ITS-RFLP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similarly as in other parts of Europe, also in Poland three species of elm (Ulmus glabra, U. laevis, and U. minor) have been destroyed by Dutch elm disease (DED) - a fungal disease that appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. It is generally acknowledged that this fact is associated with a significant reduction in the number of all elm trees. To determine how strong this reduction is and to assess the state of elms resources, studies have been conducted in various parts of Poland since 2013. In this article we present data on the Baltic Natural Forest Region. In order to determine the number of elm stands, their participation in the tree stands and the age structure forest documentation was thoroughly analysed. In order to determine the share of particular species, their habitat preferences and the degree of damage by DED field studies were conducted on 158 localities. The presented data show that all the 3 native elms are still found in the entire ranges of their distribution reported earlier, but their role as forest-forming species has changed. In comparison to published data, the contribution of U. minor has markedly decreased, while an increased contribution was observed in the case of U. laevis, a species which in the past was predominantly located out of woodland and was rarely cultivated. In comparison with the previously analysed Wielkopolska-Pomeranian region, a significant increase of U. glabra localities was noted in the studied area. This elm species very clearly prefers forest sites located on hill slopes. Symptoms of DED have been recorded throughout the Baltic Natural Forest Region, but mass die-back was recorded only in the case of two localities: one of U. glabra and one of U. minor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ACTA Scientiarum Polonorum Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria is the property of Poznan University of Life Sciences Press 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.)

Differentiation between Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and other related, non-pathogenic species can be ambiguous when based exclusively on morphological characters. The morphology of B. mucronatus and B. fraudulentus most closely resembles that of B. xylophilus. Moreover, all of these nematodes are found in both Asia and Europe and can colonise various species of pine. Therefore, for phytosanitary purposes it is necessary to identify the three species precisely and rapidly. We report the results of a multiplex PCR that utilises four primers to identify and discriminate the three Bursaphelenchus species simultaneously. The multiplex PCR yielded DNA fragments of 767, 305 and 132 bp, for B. xylophilus, B. mucronatus and B. fraudulentus, respectively. This primer combination has produced reliable results in multiplex PCR assays with a number of different populations of the listed species, and no cross-reactions were observed with other Bursaphelenchus species. The described approach is simple, reliable and cheaper than other molecular methods presently used for simultaneous identification of the above three species within the xylophilus group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection 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.)

Arion vulgaris Moquin-Tandon, 1855 is ranked among the hundred most invasive species in Europe. Its native range is not known for certain. For many years, it was believed that the slug came from south-western Europe and began its spread over 40 years ago in the Iberian Peninsula, but recent molecular data suggest that it is native to Central Europe. Here we present a review of its biology, nomenclature, distribution, characteristics, control methods and status. We discuss potential reasons for the great success of A. vulgaris, considering various hypotheses which may explain its invasiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three elm species are native to Poland: wych elm (Scots elm) (Ulmus glabra Huds.), field elm (U. minor Mill.), and European white elm (fluttering elm) (U. laevis Pall.). The epidemic of Dutch elm disease (DED) has led to a decrease in the popularity of elm cultivation. An analysis of forestry data was the first step in the assessment of elm resources. The area of forest stands where elms are dominant has more than doubled since 1978. Lowland alluvial forests rank first in regards to the number of elm localities per unit area of a given forest site type. While this site type is clearly preferred by elms, the majority of elm trees are actually scattered among sites of oak-hornbeam or closely related forests (of the alliance Carpinion betuli). Field research revealed a clear dominance of U. laevis, a species which in the past was predominantly located out of woodland and rarely cultivated. Data analysis indicated that all trees greater than 70 cm in diameter belonged to this species. Data from plots surveyed directly also suggest that the three elm species have slightly different habitat preferences. U. laevis prefers riparian habitats, although the major part of its resources is now on potential sites of oak-hornbeam or closely related forests. U. minor even more often than U. laevis occurs at less humid sites (mostly potential sites of oak-hornbeam or closely related forests), while U. glabra prefers moist slopes. In general, it appears that the impact of DED in the last 20–30 years has been smaller than in the preceding period, however, the disappearance of the disease has not been established. Undoubtedly, U. laevis is the elm species that is least impacted by DED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bursaphelenchus fagi sp. n. is described from the bark of European beech, Fagus silvatica. All propagative stages of the nematode are numerous in larval galleries of the beech bark beetle, Taphrorychus bicolor, while dauer juveniles aggregate in Malpighian tubules of adult beetles. The new species is characterised by the body length of 871 (763-1110) µp\ in female and 852 (718-992) pm in male, very slender body (a = 56.8 (50.4-67.1) and 64.5 (56.5-73.8) in female and male, respectively), and spicules 15.2(14.0-17.0) p.m long. The extended anterior vulval lip in female, lateral fields with four incisures, and number (7) and arrangement of male caudal papillae may indicate that B. fagi sp. n. is closely related to the xylophilus group. It differs from this group by the relatively small, clawlike spicules with narrow capituium, indistinct condylus in almost continuous line with dorsal lamina, and lack of distinct cucullus at the spicule tip. The close relation of B. fagi sp. n. with the xylophilus group has been confirmed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 28S rDNA region. Bursaphelenchus fagi sp. n. most closely resembles B. tokyoensis and B. idius, but can be separated by differences in the arrangement of the male caudal papillae, a unique feature for each species. The taxonomic separation of the new species is also confirmed by the unique molecular profile of the ITS region (ITS-RFLP). The mass presence of dauer juveniles of B. fagi sp. n. in Malpighian tubules of adult T. bicolor leads to degradation of the tubule cellular epithelium and local expansion of its basement membrane. These changes clearly indicate direct pathogenicity of the nematode to its vector insect. In laboratory rearing, B. fagi sp. n. can grow and reproduce on Botryotinia fuckeliana cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bursaphelenchus masseyi sp. n. is described from trunks of unhealthy trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides, affected by sudden aspen decline (SAD) in Colorado, USA. All propagative stages of the nematode were present in larval galleries of a bark beetle, Trypophloeus populi. The dauer juveniles occupy the haemocoel of older larvae, pupae and adult beetles. The characteristic morphology of the male spicules with small but distinct cucullus, extended anterior vulval lip in female, lateral fields with four incisures, and number and arrangement of male caudal papillae, indicate that B. masseyi sp. n. is closely related to the xylophilus group. This relation has been confirmed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 28S rDNA region. The new species is characterised by the body length of 958 (765-1203) pm in female and 874 (691-1122) pm in male, moderately slender body (a = 38.2 (33.5-41.1) and 38.0 (33.1-44.1) in female and male, respectively), and spicules 29.2 (26.2-34.7) ?? long with a small cucullus (1.3-1.5 ?? in diam.) at their tips. Bursaphelenchus masseyi sp. n. can be separated from other species in the xylophilus group by the morphology of spicules which have a short capitulum and unique rostrum that is pointed somewhat anteriorly, relatively thick vulval flap, which is straight, parallel to the body long axis and bent towards the body wall at its distal end, and other morphological and morphometric characters. The new species most closely resembles B. trypophloei, but differs by the morphology of spicules (short but distinct condylus vs condylus in a continuous line with dorsal lamina, and smaller cucullus). The taxonomic separation of the new species is also confirmed by the unique molecular profile of the ITS region (ITS-RFLP). Diallelic cross-breeding in vitro revealed also that B. masseyi sp. n. and B. trypophloei are reproductively incompatible. The new species showed poor ability to develop and reproduce on Botrytis cinerea cultures, although it grew vigorously on laboratory cultures of Polish and Colorado isolates of Cytospora chrysosperma, the fungus naturally associated with galleries of the nematode vector, T. populi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. is a fungal pathogen causing annosum root rot – one of the most economically important diseases in coniferous stands. The major aim of this study was to compare the resistance of the offspring of Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) from seed orchards and the offspring of trees that were naturally reproduced in old foci of the disease. In experiments conducted in vitro, we used 960 seedlings which were grown from seeds collected from 60 trees in 6 old foci of the disease and 640 seedlings grown from seeds collected in 4 seed orchards. The offspring of trees from seed orchards after inoculation with H. annosum had nearly twofold higher mortality rate than the seedlings developed from the seeds collected in old foci of the disease. This suggests that the offspring of self-sown trees in old foci of the disease has a greater, genetically conditioned resistance to annosum root rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. is a fungal pathogen causing root rot - one of the most economically important diseases in coniferous stands in Europe, Asia and North America. A major objective of this study was to determine if the offspring of self-sown trees from natural regeneration in old foci of root rot is more resistant to infection by this pathogen than the offspring of plus trees. In experiments conducted in the greenhouse above 700 seedlings grown from seeds collected from 60 trees in 6 old foci of the disease (research plots) and 480 seedlings grown from seeds collected in 4 seed orchards were used. The pathogen was represented by 7 different fungal strains. Plus trees, whose grafts are used to establish seed orchards, were the selected elite of forest trees, but their offspring after inoculation with H. annosum had significantly worse results than the seedlings developed from the seeds collected in old foci of the disease (research plots). The greatest differences were observed in seedling dry weight. In inoculated seedlings from seed orchards it was 14% lower than in the control, while the dry weight of inoculated seedlings from research plots did not differ significantly from that of non-inoculated seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bursaphelenchus trypophloei sp. n. is described from weakened and dead twigs of living or recently fallen aspen trees, Populus tremula, in Poland. All propagative stages of the nematode were present in larval galleries of a bark beetle, Trypophloeus asperatus, and its dauer juveniles could be found in the haemocoel of older larvae, pupae and adult beetles. Characteristic morphology of the male spicules with distinct cucullus, extended anterior vulval lip, lateral fields with four incisures, and number and arrangement of male caudal papillae indicate that B. trypophloei sp. n. is closely related to the xylophilus group. This relation has been further confirmed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 28S and ITS-1 rDNA region. Bursaphelenchus trypophloei sp. n. can be separated from other species in the xylophilus group by the morphology of spicules which have a shorter capitulum and unique rostrum which is pointed somewhat anteriorly, relatively thick vulval flap, which is straight, parallel to the body long axis or bent towards the body wall at its distal end, and other morphological and morphometric characters, i.e., shape of female tail, position of excretory pore at or posterior to nerve ring, spicule length of 25.7 (23.1-28.0) μm (as measured along arc) and shape, moderate length, i.e., L = 702 (603-946) μm in females and L = 679 (543-828) μm in males, and slender body (a = 39.2 (33.0-45.2) and 40.9 (32.0-46.4) in female and male, respectively). The taxonomic separation of the new species is also confirmed by the unique molecular profile of the ITS region (ITS-RFLP). Full reproductive incompatibility of B. trypophloei sp. n. with B. xylophilus, B. mucronatus, B. fraudulentus, B. populi and B. doui has been demonstrated in in vitro diallelic cross-breeding. The newly described nematode revealed limited ability to develop and reproduce on Botrytis cinerea cultures although it produced large populations on laboratory cultures of Cytospora chrysosperma - a fungus naturally associated with galleries of the nematode vector, T. asperatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bursaphelenchus populi sp. n. is described from dying and dead aspen trees, Populus tremula, in Poland. The nematode was found in trees infested with a long-horn beetle, Saperda perforata, and is vectored in the insect haemocoel. The characteristic morphology of male spicules, extended anterior vulval lip, lateral fields with four incisures, and number and arrangement of male caudal papillae, place B. populi sp. n. in the xylophilus group. Bursaphelenchus populi sp. n. can be separated from all other species in that group by the distinctive vulval flap, which is always bent with its distal half sunken in a conspicuous, sharp depression posterior to the vulva, and other morphological and morphometric characters, i.e., female tail shape, excretory pore position, spicule length (32.1 (25.7-37.0) μm (as measured along arc) and shape, and a relatively long (i.e., L,= 1020 (909-1111) μm in females), and L = 850 (756-1055) μm in males), and slender body (a = 45.4 (40.2-52.4) and 42.0 (36.1-49.3) in female and male, respectively). The status of the new species is confirmed by the unique molecular profile of the ITS region (ITS-RFLP). DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 28S rDNA region placed the new species close to B. fraudulentus in the xylophilus group. In vitro cross-breeding of the new nematode with B. xylophilus, B. mucronatus, B. fraudulentus and B. doui revealed full reproductive incompatibility between these species. In laboratory experiments on 2-year-old seedlings B. populi sp. n. was specific to aspen. It did not develop on pine or oak and reproduced only in weakened or dead aspen seedlings. No pathogenicity to the tree host or vector insect was observed. In Botrytis cinerea PDA cultures, body dimensions were significantly altered in both sexes and female tail morphology differed when compared to individuals extracted from aspen wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the sensitivity of the species-specific polymerase chain reaction primers for Bursaphelenchus fraudulentus. Results of the DNA sequencing showed that the amplified fragment of Bursaphelenchus fraudulentus DNA has complete regions of ITS-1, 5.8S and ITS-2, along with parts of the 18S and 28S regions. Researchers found that Bursaphelenchus fraudulentus-specific primer was not redycd when using a combination of Bursaphelenchus fraudulentus, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Bursaphelenchus mucronatus DNA samples.

The article discusses a study on the lung cancer cell line A549 to confirm the existence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that may be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis of lung cancer. The VOCs are detected in cell cultures and in the transformation of cells, following thermodesorption and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. A variety of aldehydes and acetates may be seen in the headspace of transformed cells than in A549 cells.

Until recently, the level of industrial air pollution in the Sudetes (a mountain range extending on the Czech Republic and Poland border) was very high. This caused a large-scale forest decline, especially in the western part of the Polish Sudetes: in the Izerskie and Karkonosze Mts. An analysis of data on fir defoliation in that area, collected directly after the period of heavy industrial pollution, showed a clear dependence of the degree of defoliation of the primary crown on canopy density: the lower the density, the higher the degree of defoliation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A few extraction methods for the reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) determination of alkylphenolic compounds in fish tissues were examined. The best results of the isolation of 4-nonylphenol (4-n-NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) from Rainbow trout were obtained using soxhlet extraction; the recoveries reached 64.64 ± 7.26% and 65.26 ± 5.29%, respectively. The subsequent solid phase extraction (SPE) cleanup process of fish extract was optimized using four different sorbents and the highest recoveries of the analytes were obtained for aminopropyl silica cartridges. Their biological concentration factors (BCF) expressing the ratio between the concentration in Rainbow trout and in water were determined for two temperatures, 15 and 20°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver fir is one of the longest living and tallest trees in Europe, it has major commercial importance and may be found in various communities predominantly connected with lower mountainous locations in Central Europe. One of the northernmost ranges in the region is the Sudetes. Currently, the once numerous fir is greatly dispersed, with just several specimens to be found together at one site on average. This drastic reduction in the number of specimens is mainly attributable to intensive forest management, based on the artificial cultivation of fir, conducted in the 19th and 20th centuries, and high industrial air pollution (mainly in the 20th c.). Because practically no firs have been cultivated for the last 200 years, the remaining sites of the species that are remnants of its bigger populations should be regarded as natural. This paper compares fir locations with areas of potential natural vegetation. The obtained results indicate that firs may grow in various types of habitats, with the preferred one being fertile beech woods and richer variants of oak-hornbeam forests. In our opinion, the presented findings are of great importance for the knowledge of the ecology of the species in question and for providing appropriate forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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From among the 35–40 elm species existing around the world, three are native to Europe: the wych elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.), the European white elm, (Ulmus laevis Pall.), and the field elm (Ulmus minor Mill.). The populations of these trees have been greatly reduced as a result of a decrease in the total area of riparian forests. Furthermore, for nearly 100 years, they have been destroyed by Dutch elm disease (DED). The main research problems of this study are: what are the habitat preferences of elms growing in a given area; and whether the occurrence of DED depends on the species of elm and the habitat in which it occurs. The results presented here are based on field studies and observations have been supplemented with data from forest inventories. All of the examined elms are definitely more abundant in habitats that are fertile or very fertile and moist, with a neutral or slightly alkaline soil pH. The preference for moist sites is the most evident in the case of U. laevis and the least evident in the case of U. glabra. A slight shift in habitat preferences of the field elm, compared to the white elm, towards less humid conditions was observed. The predominant species of elm in the studied area is currently U. laevis, which was rarely cultivated in forests in the past. In the examined area, the field elm population is clearly on the decline mainly due to the long-term presence of Dutch elm disease. U. glabra is the rarest species in the examined area and most often found on slopes. The current proportions of individual species should be maintained. This paper discusses factors, including ones not connected with DED, that may be responsible for the current state of populations of particular species of elm in forests of Central Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though on a global scale, for ecological reasons, increased forest cover is universally regarded as positive, on a local scale, the reforestation of arable land may pose threats to cultural landscapes by removing characteristic landscape features. Particularly vulnerable are marginal rural areas, e.g., mountain regions, where most traditional land use systems have survived and which are subject to the most spectacular land use change. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the issue of the management of forest cover in historical cultural landscapes in mountain territories in Poland within the context of widespread land use change in Eastern Europe. Land cover data were obtained from historical and contemporary aerial photographs, as well as topographic maps from five time points between 1824 and 2016. The study was conducted by means of spatio-temporal forest cover trajectory analysis (LCTA), transition and time–depth analysis, and land cover change calculations that were made by means of ArcGIS. Our research indicates that the rate of change has risen considerably in the last two decades, and the current share of forest cover is much bigger than that reflected in the official data. Eight principal forest cover trajectory types were identified. The biggest area is occupied by woodland of long-term stability. Another large group is constituted by forests created on the basis of arable land and grassland as a result of simple conversion at one point in time, mainly in the years 1824–1886 and 1939–1994. At the same time, a sizeable group is made up by areas that have been subject to unplanned cyclical or dynamic changes during various periods. A very important group is comprised new forests that were created in 1994–2016, predominantly as a result of natural succession, that are often not included in official land classifications. The constant expansion of woodlands has led to a shrinking of historical former coppice woodlands. This indicates that the current landscape management mechanisms in Poland are inadequate for protecting the cultural landscape. The barriers include the lack of intersectoral cooperation and the overlooking of the historical context of landscapes. The present situation calls not only for verification of the existing forest policy but also for increasing the role and engagement of local communities, as well as making comprehensive local development plans, all of which may be helped by the findings of our study and of similar research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nearly 600 randomly selected forest stands including elms (Ulmus spp.), we conducted field research to identify them to species level and to find trees showing symptoms of Dutch elm disease (DED). The presented data show that all the 3 native elms (U. glabra, U. laevis, and U. minor) still exist in the whole ranges of their distribution in Poland reported earlier, but their role as forest-forming species has changed. In comparison to published data, the contribution of U. minor has markedly decreased, while an increased contribution was observed in the case of U. laevis, a species which in the past was predominantly located out of woodland and was rarely cultivated. In mountains, where the most frequent is U. glabra, the contribution of elms to forest stands is currently clearly lower than in the lowlands and uplands of Poland. The observed changes most probably result from Dutch elm disease. It cannot be excluded that the changes are at least partly linked with natural correction of forest stand composition modified earlier by human activity (silviculture). In all parts of Poland, trees with symptoms of Dutch elm disease are found, but large-scale decline (of a majority of elm trees) is observed only in about 1.5% of the directly investigated localities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]