Search

Recent studies have shown numerous Fusarium spp. are associated with symptomatic conifer seedlings in both bareroot and container nursery systems. Some of these species have been found pathogenic to conifer seedlings (e.g., F. avenaceum, F. commune, F. oxysporum, F. solani, and F. verticillioides), but the mechanisms and shared evolutionary history of these conifer pathogenic species have not been well studied in these pathosystems. We compared whole genomes of 17 Fusarium spp. associated with conifer seedlings to elucidate putative shared pathogenicity/virulence gene profiles presumably expressed for roles in causing damping‐off and/or root disease of conifer seedlings. In addition, this work provides draft genomes of conifer‐associated Fusarium spp. and genomes not previously referenced in public databases (e.g., F. lactis, F. fredkrugeri, F. ipomoeae, and F. flocciferum). We identified pathogenicity/virulence genes associated with Fusarium spp. pathogens of conifers including effectors, the secreted in xylem (SIX) genes 2, 4, 9 and 14 and secondary metabolites, and the mycotoxins fumonisin and deoxynivalenol. We conclude that gene profiles are shared within Fusarium species complexes and among closely related Fusarium species complexes; however, these shared profiles are widely distributed across all Fusarium pathogens. These findings highlight potential targets for detecting and/or identifying Fusarium pathogens of conifers, but multiple methods and/or targets will be required depending on the species complexes and clades. More research is needed to determine the roles of expressed pathogenicity/virulence genes and the downstream metabolic products that result in pathogenesis to conifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calonectria vigiensis sp. nov. (Hypocreales, Nectriaceae) is a newly described species associated with cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in Mérida state, Venezuela. This new species was identified using morphological methods as well as DNA sequencing and multigene phylogenetic analyses. Based on phylogenetic analyses of a combined dataset including translation elongation factor 1-[alpha] (tef1), calmodulin (cmdA), and [beta]-tubulin (btub) genes across closely related species within Calonectria, a new species was identified as Ca. vigiensis within the Calonectria naviculata species complex, but it was determined to be well-separated from genetically close species such as Calonectria multilateralis L. Lombard & Crous, Calonectria multinaviculata R.F. Alfenas, L. Lombard & Crous, and Calonectria naviculata Crous & M.J. Wingf. This work reports 1 previously undescribed fungal species (Ca. vigiensis) that is associated with dieback and sudden-death symptoms in T. cacao plantations in Mérida state, Venezuela. Key words: cacao, Calonectria, Cylindrocladium, Theobroma cacao L., Venezuela. Calonectria vigiensis sp. nov. (Hypocreales, Nectriaceae) est une espèce associée au cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) nouvellement décrite dans l'état de Mérida, au Venezuela. Cette nouvelle espèce a été identifiée à l'aide de méthodes morphologiques ainsi que du séquençage de l'ADN et d'analyses phylogénétiques multi-gènes. Sur la base d'analyses phylogénétiques d'un ensemble de données combinées comprenant les gènes du facteur d'élongation de la traduction 1-[alpha] (tef1), de la calmoduline (cmdA)etde la [beta]-tubuline (btub)sur des espèces proches au sein de Calonectria, une nouvelle espèce a été identifiée comme Ca. vigiensis au sein du complexe d'espèces Calonectria naviculata, mais bien séparée des espèces génétiquement proches qui comprennent Calonectria multilateralis L. Lombard & Crous, Calonectria multinaviculata R.F. Alfenas, L. Lombard & Crous et Calonectria naviculata Crous & M.J. Wingf. Ce travail rapporte l'existence d'une espèce fongique non décrite (Ca. vigiensis) auparavant qui est associée à des symptômes de dépérissement et de mort subite dans les plantations de T. cacao dans l'état de Mérida, au Venezuela. [Traduit par la Rédaction] Mots-clés : cacao, Calonectria, Cylindrocladium, Theobroma cacao L., Venezuela., Introduction The genus Calonectria (Ca.) (Hypocreales, Nectriaceae) was first described in 1867 (Rossman 1979), whereas its asexual morph genus, Cylindrocladium (Cy.), was described 25 years thereafter by Morgan (1892). The [...]

Introduction: Soil-borne pathogens cause considerable crop losses and food insecurity in smallholder systems of sub-Saharan Africa. Soil and crop testing is critical for estimating pathogen inoculum levels and potential for disease development, understanding pathogen interactions with soil nutrient and water limitations, as well as for developing informed soil health and disease management decisions. However, formal laboratory analyses and diagnostic services for pathogens are often out of reach for smallholder farmers due to the high cost of testing and a lack of local laboratories. Methods: To address this challenge, we assessed the performance of a suite of simplified soil bioassays to screen for plant parasitic nematodes (e.g., Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus) and other key soil-borne pathogens (Pythium and Fusarium). We sampled soils from on-farm trials in western Kenya examining the impact of distinct nutrient inputs (organic vs. synthetic) on bean production. Key soil health parameters and common soil-borne pathogens were evaluated using both simple bioassays and formal laboratory methods across eleven farms, each with three nutrient input treatments (66 samples in total). Results and Discussion: The soil bioassays, which involved counting galls on lettuce roots and lesions on soybean were well correlated with the abundance of gall forming (Meloidogyne) and root lesion nematodes (e.g., Pratylenchus) recovered in standard laboratory-based extractions. Effectiveness of a Fusarium bioassay, involving the counting of lesions on buried bean stems, was verified via sequencing and a pathogenicity test of cultured Fusariumstrains. Finally, a Pythium soil bioassay using selective media clearly distinguished pathogen infestation of soils and infected seeds. When examining management impact on nematode communities, soils amended with manure had fewer plant parasites and considerably more bacterivore and fungivore nematodes compared to soils amended with synthetic N and P. Similarly, Pythium presence was 35% lower in soils amended with manure, while the Fusarium assays indicated 23% higher Fusarium infection in plots with amended manure. Our findings suggest that relatively simple bioassays can be used to help farmers assess soil-borne pathogens in a timely manner, with minimal costs, thus enabling them to make informed decisions on soil health and pathogen management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Areca ipot, a Philippine endemic species, is categorized as endangered primarily due to habitat loss. A severe outbreak of a new leaf spot disease was observed on A. ipot seedlings in a nursery. Morphological and molecular features of isolates from diseased samples were identified as Neopestalotiopsis sp. and Calonectria sp. The pathogenicity of the isolates was confirmed by fulfilling Koch's postulates. This is the first report of Neopestalotiopsis sp. and Calonectria sp. causing leaf spot on A. ipot in the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symbiotic fungi associated with tree-killing bark beetles can alter host-tree physiology with consequences for tree survival, and symbiont genetic variation and environmental variability may impact these interactions. Here, we test whether multiple genetically distinct isolates of a symbiotic fungus (Leptographium abietinum (Peck) M.J. Wingf.) associated with North American spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis (Kirby, 1837)) vary in their ability to manifest defensive responses consistent with disease symptoms in seedlings of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.), a primary host-tree species for the beetle-fungus complex in North America. Our experiments incorporate variation in both host-tree water availability and host defenses (phloem monoterpene concentration). Three central findings emerged: (i) isolates varied considerably in their effects on host trees--inoculation with L. abietinum isolates from Colorado caused significantly larger phloem lesions than isolates from Wyoming, though all isolates caused phloem oxidation; (ii) neither water availability nor spruce phloem monoterpene concentrations impacted lesion formation; and (iii) both inoculation with L. abietinum and water deficit inhibited the formation of callus tissue at wound sites. We conclude that L. abietinum isolates vary in their virulence and that inoculation is not lethal but may benefit beetles by altering tree defensive responses. Key words: Dendroctonus, ophiostomatoid fungi, phytopathogen, symbiosis. Les champignons symbiotiques associes aux scolytes qui causent la mort des arbres peuvent modifier la physiologie de l'arbre hote, ce qui a des repercussions sur la survie des arbres, et la variation genetique des symbiotes ainsi que la variabilite environnementale peuvent avoir un impact sur ces interactions. Dans cette etude, nous avons teste si de multiples isolats genetiquement distincts du champignon symbiotique (Leptographium abietinum (Peck) M.J. Wingf.) associe au dendroctone nordamericain de l'epinette (Dendroctonus rupipennis (Kirby, 1837)) varient quant a leur capacite a susciter des reactions de defenses consistantes avec les symptomes de maladie chez des semis d'epinette d'Engelmann (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.), une des principales especes d'arbre hote du complexe scolyte-champignon en Amerique du Nord. Nos experiences incorporent a la fois la variation de la disponibilite de l'eau pour l'arbre hote et celle des defenses de l'arbre hote (concentration des monoterpenes dans le phloeme). Trois resultats principaux ressortent : (i) les isolats variaient considerablement quant a leurs effets sur les arbres hotes; l'inoculation avec des isolats de L. abietinum provenant du Colorado a cause des lesions significativement plus importantes dans le phloeme que les isolats provenant du Wyoming, quoique tous les isolats aient cause l'oxydation du phloeme, (ii) cependant, ni la disponibilite de l'eau, ni la concentration des monoterpenes dans le phloeme de l'epinette n'ont eu d'impact sur la formation des lesions, (iii) tant l'inoculation avec L. abietinum qu'un deficit hydrique ont inhibe la formation de tissus calleux a l'endroit de la blessure. Nous concluons que les isolats de L. abietinum varient quant a leur virulence et que l'inoculation n'est pas letale mais peut etre benefique pour les scolytes en alterant les reactions de defense de l'arbre. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : Dendroctonus, champignons ophiostomatoides, phytopathogene, symbiose., Introduction Over the past decade, significant decline of spruce-fir forest has been documented across the western United States; much of this decline is attributed to North American spruce beetle (Dendroctonus [...]

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has a language and culture that is its own. For professionals, it is a place of intense and constant attention to microdetails and cautious optimism. For parents, it is a foreign place with a new and unique language and culture. It is also the setting in which they are introduced to their child and parenthood for this child. This combination has been referred to as an emotional cauldron. The neonatal ethics literature mainly examines complex ethical dilemmas about withholding/drawing life sustaining interventions for fragile children. Rarely are everyday ethics or mundane ethics discussed. Microethics describe the mundane, discrete moments that occur between patients/families and clinicians. A key piece of these microethics is the language used to discuss patient care. Perception of prognoses, particularly around long-term neurodevelopmental outcome, is shaped with the language used. Despite this, clinicians in the NICU often have no specific training in the long-term neurodevelopment outcomes that they discuss. This paper focuses on the microethics of language used to discuss long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, the developmental neuroscience behind language processing, and offers recommendations for more accurate and improved communication around long-term outcomes with families with critically ill neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Needle diseases caused by pathogens within Rhytismataceae are increasing in frequency globally where pines are either a predominate species or are grown commercially, and yet remain poorly understood. Here, we provide background information on the current knowledge and management strategies of needle pathogens in the Rhytismataceae and discuss research opportunities using molecular tools to fill knowledge gaps. Many of the aggressive needle pathogens within this group lack morphological features to delimit species and are difficult to grow in axenic cultures, which complicates scientific investigations. Molecular research has greatly advanced knowledge of this unique group of pathogens. Nucleotide sequences from multiple gene loci identified greater diversity within this group of pathogens than previously thought, as new and cryptic species are being discovered in broader geographic regions. High throughput sequencing and analyses revealed that an endophytic lifestyle is a common trait among fastidious if not obligate needle pathogens within Rhytismataceae. Further, molecular analyses showed the impact these pathogens have on the diversity of endophytic microbiota is underestimated. Early detection in healthy‐looking needles using PCR‐based markers greatly improves capabilities for disease diagnosis and monitoring. Despite growing number of molecular studies on Rhytismataceae needle pathogens, fundamental questions on the taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology and pathology of many Rhytismataceae needle pathogens remain unanswered. Nonetheless, with the projected changes in the occurrence and severity of Rhytismataceae pathogens, increased accessibility to molecular tools vastly expands the potential to gain more insights into understudied needle pathosystems to help define and address its impact under changing environments and consequently inform forest disease management more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptographium wageneri is a native fungal pathogen in western North America that causes black stain root disease (BSRD) of conifers. Three host-specialized varieties of this pathogen were previously described: L. wageneri var. wageneri on pinyon pines (Pinus monophylla and P. edulis); L. wageneri var. ponderosum, primarily on hard pines (e.g., P. ponderosa, P. jeffreyi); and L. wageneri var. pseudotsugae on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Morphological, physiological, and ecological differences among the three pathogen varieties have been previously determined; however, DNA-based characterization and analyses are needed to determine the genetic relationships among these varieties. The objective of this study was to use DNA sequences of 10 gene regions to assess phylogenetic relationships among L. wageneri isolates collected from different hosts. The multigene phylogenetic analyses, based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference, strongly supported species-level separation of the three L. wageneri varieties. These results, in conjunction with previously established phenotypic differences, support the elevation of L. wageneri var. ponderosum and L. wageneri var. pseudotsugae to the species level as L. ponderosum comb. nov. and L. pseudotsugae comb. nov., respectively, while maintaining L. wageneri var. wageneri as Leptographium wageneri. Characterization of the three Leptographium species, each with distinct host ranges, provides a baseline to further understand the ecological interactions and evolutionary relationships of these forest pathogens, which informs management of black stain root disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: individual host plants. Lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe is an important parasite in forests of the western USA that causes reductions to productivity and is thought to alter wildland fuel [...]

Understanding the host-pathogen-environmental interactions in a pathosystem is essential for management of diseases and diminished crop yields. Abiotic stressors such as cold damage, water deficit, and high pH soils can be major limiting factors to tree fruit production. Along with decreased yields, these abiotic factors can have direct implications for disease severity within orchards. Cytospora plurivora is a ubiquitous fungal canker pathogen in western Colorado, USA and is a major focus in integrated pest management strategies. This research evaluated the influence of biotic and abiotic stress factors on peach tree health. Thirteen peach cultivars were placed under abiotic stress and inoculated with C. plurivora in greenhouse and field conditions. Under deficit irrigation, C. plurivora infections were significantly larger and more severe in both the greenhouse and field trials when compared with those under the fullirrigation controls. In controlled greenhouse conditions, a positive correlation between lesion size and water potential was evident, but no trend of cultivar tolerance was observed. Furthermore, increase in irrigation water pH, through additions of sodium carbonate and bicarbonate, in the greenhouse trials resulted in decreased leaf water potentials and increased pathogen necrotic tissue volumes (mm³). In field trials, there was no positive relationship between lesion size and water potential; trees with the most negative water potentials had the smallest lesions sizes that did not correspond to cultivar, suggesting that other abiotic or biotic factors may be shielding water stressed trees from increased pathogen aggression. This research highlights the importance of proper irrigation and soil pH management as tools for the management of Cytospora canker in peach orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive fungal pathogen Cronartium ribicola causes white pine blister rust which is considered one of the most destructive diseases of five‐needle (white) pines in North America. The disease has a life cycle that requires two hosts: white pines and Ribes spp., although other non‐Ribes species, including Castilleja and Pedicularis, have been demonstrated as alternate hosts as well. Detection of this disease can be difficult because of the ephemeral nature of sporulation on pine hosts with ambiguity in other symptoms, and the alternate hosts for C. ribicola can also be an alternate host for other pine rust species. We used the previously published C. ribicola genome and species‐specific real‐time PCR assay to develop a field‐ready loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) specific colorimetric assay for this pathogen. Specificity results across regionally identified pine rust pathogens showed the assay is highly specific to C. ribicola and can detect as little as 40 pg of pathogen DNA. We also developed a simple DNA extraction method that works with several tissue types (bark/phloem, aeciospores, and urediniospores/telia) to prepare the DNA samples for the LAMP assay. The DNA extraction and LAMP assay take ~70 min to complete and require a relatively small investment in equipment. This tool enables quick and efficient detection of white pine blister rust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE. Early diagnosis of periventricular hemorrhagic infarction in premature infants is based on bedside neonatal cranial ultrasonography. Currently, evaluation of its morphology and evolution by cranial ultrasound relies largely on data predating major advances in perinatal care and lacks a consistent classification system for determining severity of injury. The objective of this study was to examine the ultrasonographic morphology and evolution of periventricular hemorrhagic infarction in the modern NICU and to determine the value of a cranial ultrasonography-based severity score for predicting outcome. METHODS. We retrospectively evaluated all cranial ultrasounds and medical records of 58 premature infants with periventricular hemorrhagic infarction. We assigned each subject a severity score based on extent of echodensity, unilateral versus bilateral, and presence or absence of midline shift. A neurologic examination was performed after 12 months adjusted age. RESULTS. The parenchymal echodensity of periventricular hemorrhagic infarction most often involved parietal and frontal territories and evolved into single and/or multiple cysts. One quarter of cases were bilateral, and nearly 70% were extensive. Higher severity scores were significantly associated with pulmonary hemorrhage and low bicarbonate levels and with outcomes of fatality, early neonatal seizures, and motor disability. CONCLUSIONS. Despite advances in perinatal medicine, periventricular hemorrhagic infarction remains an important complication of prematurity. Periventricular hemorrhagic infarction can be graded using a scoring system based on sonographic characteristics. Higher severity scores predict worse outcome. Such severity scoring could improve the clinician's ability to counsel parents regarding management decisions and early intervention strategies. Key Words ultrasonography, periventricular hemorrhagic infarction, grade IV intraventricular hemorrhage, premature infants Abbreviations PVHI--periventricular hemorrhagic infarction GM-IVH--germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage CUS--cranial ultrasonography PVL--periventricular leukomalacia, PERIVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGIC INFARCTION (PVHI) is an acquired brain lesion with major impact on the neurodevelopmental outcome of infants who survive premature birth. PVHI has been considered to be the most [...]

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

Emerging plant pathogens have been increasing exponentially over the last century. To address this issue, it is critical to determine whether these pathogens are native to ecosystems or have been recently introduced. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes fostering emergence can help to manage their spread and predict epidemics/epiphytotics. Using restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing data, we studied genetic relationships, pathways of spread and the evolutionary history of Phellinus noxius, an emerging root‐rotting fungus of unknown origin, in eastern Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. We analysed patterns of genetic variation using Bayesian inference, maximum‐likelihood phylogeny, population splits and mixtures measuring correlations in allele frequencies and genetic drift, and finally applied coalescent‐based theory using Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) with supervised machine learning. Population structure analyses revealed five genetic groups with signatures of complex recent and ancient migration histories. The most probable scenario of ancient pathogen spread is movement from an unsampled population to Malaysia and the Pacific Islands, with subsequent spread to Taiwan and Australia. Furthermore, ABC analyses indicate P. noxius spread occurred thousands of generations ago, contradicting previous assumptions that this pathogen was recently introduced to multiple geographical regions. Our results suggest that recent emergence of P. noxius in eastern Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands has probably been driven by anthropogenic and natural disturbances, such as deforestation, land‐use change, severe weather events and/or introduction of exotic plants. This study provides a novel example of applying genome‐wide allele frequency data to unravel the dynamics of pathogen emergence under changing ecosystem conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GLO:1CYG/01oct22:ndr212131-fig-0001.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): 1 Cacao fruits with anthracnose symptoms in Theobroma cacao plantations in Mérida state, Venezuela gl For isolation of the pathogen, fruits were cut into c. 5 mm SP 2 sp sections at the healthy and diseased margin. Keywords: Cocoa; Mérida state; Malvaceae EN Cocoa Mérida state Malvaceae 1 3 3 12/29/22 20221001 NES 221001 Cacao ( I Theobroma cacao i ) plantations are spread throughout Venezuela, but the cultivar "Sweet cacao" or "Criollo (= Creole)" is concentrated in the states of Mérida, Táchira, and Zulia (Palma, [3]). [Extracted from the article]

Fusarium spp. comprise diverse plant pathogens, which affect both agriculturally and ecologically important plant species, and harmless saprobes. Fusarium spp. inhabit widely ranging, geographic regions across the globe and can be found in soil or plant tissue in every climate type, ranging from tropical to polar regions. In their native habitats, Fusarium spp. are typically innocuous and ubiquitous soil saprophytes; however, Fusarium spp. can become devastating pathogens, especially after introduction into novel environments, where hosts are not adapted to Fusarium infection. Hawaiʽi is among the most isolated regions on Earth. Due to this isolation, many of Hawaiʽi's native plant species are not well adapted to cope with introductions of novel flora, fauna and pathogens. Pathogens, including Fusarium spp., have had a major impact on Acacia koa (koa), an iconic tree species in Hawaiʽi's forests. Multiple Fusarium spp. have been identified in association with koa, some of which have been screened for pathogenicity to koa. This study identified new associations of Fusarium spp. with koa root samples including F. verticillioides, F. redolens, F. anthophilum, F. babinda, F. commune, F. fujikuroi and F. lactis and suggests that a complex of Fusarium spp. may contribute to disease severity. Potential spread of putative pathogens across the Hawaiian Islands is suggested on the basis of haplotype network analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increasing population growth and declining arable land on Earth, astroagriculture will be vital to terraform Martian regolith for settlement. Nodulating plants and their N-fixing symbionts may play a role in increasing Martian soil fertility. On Earth, clover (Melilotus officinalis) forms a symbiotic relationship with the N-fixing bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti; clover has been previously grown in simulated regolith yet without bacterial inoculation. In this study, we inoculated clover with S. meliloti grown in potting soil and regolith to test the hypothesis that plants grown in regolith can form the same symbiotic associations as in soils and to determine if greater plant biomass occurs in the presence of S. meliloti regardless of growth media. We also examined soil NH4 concentrations to evaluate soil augmentation properties of nodulating plants and symbionts. Greater biomass occurred in inoculated compared to uninoculated groups; the inoculated average biomass in potting mix and regolith (2.23 and 0.29 g, respectively) was greater than the uninoculated group (0.11 and 0.01 g, respectively). However, no significant differences existed in NH4 composition between potting mix and regolith simulant. Linear regression analysis results showed that: i) symbiotic plant-bacteria relationships differed between regolith and potting mix, with plant biomass positively correlated to regolith-bacteria interactions; and, ii) NH4 production was limited to plant uptake yet the relationships in regolith and potting mix were similar. It is promising that plant-legume symbiosis is a possibility for Martian soil colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing prevalence of conifer needle pathogens globally have prompted further studies on pathogen identification and a better understanding of phylogenetic relationships among needle pathogens. Several Lophodermella species can be aggressive pathogens causing needle cast in natural pine forests in the USA and Europe. However, their relationships with other Rhytismataceae species have historically been based on similarities of only limited phenotypic characters. Currently, no molecular studies have been completed to elucidate their relationships with other Lophodermella needle pathogens. This study collected and sequenced three gene loci, namely: internal transcribed spacer, large ribosomal subunit, and translation elongation factor 1-alpha, from five Lophodermella needle pathogens from North America (L. arcuata, L. concolor, L. montivaga) and Europe (L. conjuncta and L. sulcigena) to distinguish phylogeny within Rhytismatacaeae, including Lophophacidium dooksii. Phylogenetic analyses of the three loci revealed that all but L. conjuncta that were sampled in this study consistently clustered in a well-supported clade within Rhytismataceae. The multi-gene phylogeny also confirmed consistent nesting of L. dooksii, a needle pathogen of Pinus strobus, within the clade. Potential synapomorphic characters such as ascomata position and ascospore shape for the distinct clade were also explored. Further, a rhytismataceous species on P. flexilis that was morphologically identified as L. arcuata was found to be unique based on the sequences at the three loci. This study suggests a potential wider range of host species within the genus and the need for genetic characterization of other Lophodermella and Lophophacidium species to provide a higher phylogenetic resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the technical ability for genetic diagnosis continues to improve, an increasing number of diagnoses are made in infancy or as early as the neonatal period. Many of these diagnoses are known to be associated with developmental delay and intellectual disability, features that would not be clinically detectable at the time of diagnosis. Others may be associated with cognitive impairment, but the incidence and severity are yet to be fully described. These neonates and infants with genetic diagnoses therefore represent an emerging group of patients who are at high risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities. Although there are well-established developmental supports for high-risk infants, particularly preterm infants, after discharge from the NICU, programs specifically for infants with genetic diagnoses are rare. And although previous research has demonstrated the positive effect of early developmental interventions on outcomes among preterm infants, the impact of such supports for infants with genetic disorders who may be born term, remains to be understood. We therefore review the literature regarding existing developmental assessment and intervention approaches for children with genetic disorders, evaluating these in the context of current developmental supports postdischarge for preterm infants. Further research into the role of developmental support programs for early assessment and intervention in high-risk neonates diagnosed with rare genetic disorders is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uromyces transversalis, the causal agent of Gladiolus rust, is an invasive plant pathogen in the United States and is regulated as a quarantine pathogen in Europe. The aim of this research was to: (i) determine the origin of introductions of U. transversalis to the United States, (ii) track the movement of genotypes, and (iii) understand the worldwide genetic diversity of the species. To develop molecular markers for genotyping, whole genome sequencing was performed on three isolates collected in the United States. Genomes were assembled de novo and searched for microsatellite regions. Primers were developed and tested on ten isolates from the United States resulting in the identification of 24 polymorphic markers. Among 92 isolates collected from Costa Rica, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States there were polymorphisms within isolates with no genotypic diversity detected among isolates; however, missing data among the New Zealand and Australia isolates due to either poor amplification of degraded DNA or null alleles as a result of genetic differences made it difficult to generate conclusions about these populations. The microsatellite loci and flanking regions showed high diversity and two divergent genomes within dikaryotic individuals, yet no diversity among individuals, suggesting that the invasive U. transversalis populations from North America are strictly clonal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]