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Nematode damage to coffee poses a serious threat to coffee production all over the world, including Vietnam. Accordingly, the nematode community composition could be a reliable indicator of ecological shifts that affect coffee plants' health. Here, we analysed the nematode communities in the rhizosphere of a monoculture Robusta coffee plantation in Dak Lak of the Central Highlands, Vietnam. We found changes in the community composition of nematodes in an age gradient of replanting coffee plants and revealed distinct patterns of nematode distribution in the soils of healthy and diseased plant groups. Further analyses indicate the impact of intensive farming and inefficient nematode controls, which caused disturbances and a gradual decrease of the nematode fauna diversity in the plantation soil. These results can add to a complete prediction model for plant fitness using nematode community composition.

A modified and expanded definition of the Drepanosticta carmichaeli-group is given. This includes the species: D. annandalei Fraser, 1924, D. brownelli Tinkham, 1938, D. carmichaeli (Laidlaw, 1915), D. emtrai Dow, Kompier & Phan, 2018, D. hongkongensis Wilson, 1997, D. jurzitzai Hämäläinen, 1999, D. sumatrana Sasamoto & Karube, 2007, D. tenella Lieftinck, 1935, D. vietnamica Asahina, 1997 and D. wildermuthi sp. nov.). The species of the group are reviewed and in most cases illustrated, diagnostic notes are given wherever possible. Drepanosticta polychromatica Fraser, 1931 is considered to be a junior synonym of D. carmichaeli and variation in D. carmichaeli is discussed. Drepanosticta wildermuthi sp. nov. from the Central Highlands of Vietnam (holotype male from Bao Loc district, Lam Dong Province) is described. The female of D. jurzitzai Hämäläinen, 1999 is described for the first time. A key to the males of the Drepanosticta carmichaeli-group is provided.

Camellia quynhii is described and illustrated as a new species of section Stereocarpus (Pierre) Sealy from 12th village, Vu Bon Commune, Krong Pak District, Dak Lak Province. C. quynhii resembles C. dormoyana (Pierre) Sealy but differs in several morphological characteristics: sepals 6–7; petals about 12–15; filaments tomentose at the base; style 3(–4), basally united; capsule 3(–4) locular, 2–6 seeds in each locule. Information on its phenology, distribution, ecology, and conservation status is also provided.

In North Shewa potato production is limited due to lack of awareness of potato production and lack of improved potato varieties, low yield of potato and potato devastating by late blight. The field...

Background In 2018, the National Malaria Control Programme in Vietnam switched from prioritizing malaria control to elimination. However, with the ongoing elimination programme, there are still areas where residual malaria transmission persists, including the central highlands. This entomological survey was conducted to evaluate Anopheles diversity and host-seeking activity of Anopheles vectors in two communes with very low malaria transmission in Gia Lai Province. Methods Anopheles species were collected in Ia DReh commune and Ia KDam commune, Gia Lai Province in the central highlands of Vietnam. Collections were conducted using human-baited double net trap, light trap and manual aspiration collections around cattle sheds, in the dry and rainy season. Mosquito specimens were identified morphologically, and members of species complexes were distinguished molecularly. Mosquito night-feeding patterns were investigated during the dry and rainy seasons. Results Overall, 18,835 specimens including 19 taxa were collected in Ia KDam and Ia DReh communes. These included the primary malaria vectors, Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus, and other secondary vector species. Anopheles dirus was observed to be an anthropophilic species, whereas An. minimus and a number of secondary vectors were observed to be zoophilic. Anopheles vagus was the dominant species, followed by Anopheles sinensis and Anopheles peditaeniatus. The majority of specimens were collected in the rainy season due to the relatively large number of An. vagus, while An. peditaeniatus, An. dirus, Anopheles kochi, Anopheles monstrosus and Anopheles tessellatus were collected in greater numbers during the dry season. The peak of host-seeking activity for An. dirus, An. sinensis, and An. vagus was between 18.00 and 19.00 h. Conclusion This study provided information on the diversity, seasonal prevalence and behaviour of Anopheles at the study sites. Identifying the diverse mosquito fauna in the central highlands of Vietnam allows species-specific control measures to be implemented by the National Programme to reduce malaria in areas of very low malaria transmission. The peak Anopheles host-seeking activity observed in this study was between 18.00 and 23.00 h, which highlights the need to better characterize Anopheles behaviour in this region of Vietnam to inform on vector control strategies.

Habitat fragmentation is one of the major types of anthropogenic change, though fragmented landscapes predate human intervention. At present, the Central Highlands of Madagascar are covered by extensive grasslands interspersed with small discrete forest patches of unknown antiquity. Ankafobe, an actively protected site, comprises two such fragments of 12 and 30 ha, respectively, known to harbor three lemur species and other endemic wildlife. At this location, we conducted a survey of resident Goodman’s mouse lemurs, Microcebus lehilahytsara, to determine baseline behavioral and ecological conditions for this isolated population. By studying primates in forest fragments, investigators can characterize the effects of shrinking habitats and decreasing connectivity on species diversity and survival, thus providing a glimpse into the potential resilience of species in the face of anthropogenic disturbance. Investigating the behavioral ecology of Goodman’s mouse lemurs across their geographic range could help us understand their metabolic and ecological flexibility and predict species long-term survival prospects. We conducted night transect walks, using capture techniques and telemetry, to track eight radio-collared individuals. Preliminary density estimates based on a limited number of sightings (n = 18) were 2.19 ind/ha, and home range assessments ranged between 0.22 and 3.67 ha. Mouse lemurs traveled an average of 425 m nightly during the 5-h tracking periods and primarily fed on fruits of the mistletoe Bakerella clavata. The finding that Goodman’s mouse lemurs apparently thrive in the seasonally cold and arid forest fragments in the Central Highlands indicates that they may be among the most tolerant and adaptable lemur species in Madagascar. These results point towards an exciting research program that focuses on ecological tolerance as a mechanism for long-term species survival.

We report an epidemic of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the remote valley of Bamian [altitude 2250 m-2400 m] in the central high l and s of Afghanistan. A team of malaria experts from the World Health Organization and HealthNet International carried out the investigation. A total of 215 peripheral blood smears were obtained and 63 cases of malaria [90.5% P. falciparum, the remainder P. vivax] were confirmed. The study revealed that areas vulnerable to malaria in Afghanistan are more widespread than previously recognized. The area had been malaria-free until recently, when the disease appears to have been introduced as a consequence of protracted conflict and resultant population movement, and transmitted locally during the short summer months. The outbreak led to severe morbidity and high mortality in a province having only a few poorly-provisioned health care facilities

Taenia hydatigena is a globally distributed canine tapeworm. The canine tapeworm results in economic impacts for farmers owing to organ condemnation. T. hydatigena utilizes dogs and other carnivores as definitive hosts while swine and ruminants serve as intermediate hosts. T. hydatigena is endemic in Vietnam; however, information on the prevalence and risk factors associated with infection is scarce. This cross-sectional study aims to identify the prevalence of T. hydatigena taeniasis in dogs and T. hydatigena cysticercosis in pigs and cattle. The risk factors associated with taeniasis in dogs were identified using a fixed effects logistic regression model and quantified using population attributable fractions. The prevalence of T. hydatigena taeniasis in dogs and T. hydatigena cysticercosis in pigs and cattle was 10.31% (95% CI 8.21 to 12.84%), 7.60% (95% CI 6.34 to 9.08%), and 11.11% (95% CI 7.63 to 11.81%), respectively; these levels were lower than those reported in other regions of Vietnam. The population attributable fraction of risk factors associated with T. hydatigena taeniasis in dogs for dogs living in proximity of an abattoir, those having access to raw pork or beef viscera, and those living in multi-dog households were 80%, 19%, and 7%, respectively. This current study identified and quantified the risk factors for taeniasis in dogs thus advocating for targeted community intervention programs to break the lifecycle of T. hydatigena in Dak Lak province.

Studying the dietary flexibility of primates that live in human‐modified environments is crucial for understanding their ecological adaptations as well as developing management and conservation plans. Southern gelada (Theropithecus gelada obscurus) is an endemic little‐known subspecies of gelada that inhabits human‐modified landscapes in the northern central highlands of Ethiopia. During an 18‐month period, we conducted this intensive study in an unprotected area of a human‐modified landscape at Kosheme in Wollo to investigate the feeding ecology of southern geladas and their dietary responses to seasonal variations. We quantified the monthly and seasonal diet data from a band of southern geladas using instantaneous scan sampling method at 15‐min intervals, and green grass phenology and availability using visual inspection from the randomly selected permanent plots. The overall average diet of southern geladas at Kosheme constituted grass blades 55.4%, grass undergrounds 13.2%, grass bulbs 5.6%, grass seeds 5.4%, herb leaves 4.0, fruits 7.3%, and cereal crops 5.6%. Grass blade consumption increased with increasing green grass availability, while underground food consumption increased with decreasing green grass availability, and vice versa. Southern geladas spent significantly more time feeding on the grass blades and herb leaves and significantly less time on bulbs during the wet season than the dry season. Underground grass items (rhizomes and corms) were not consumed during the wet season, but made up 22.3% of the dry season diet. Thus, although grass blades are staple diet items for geladas, underground diet items are important “fallback foods” at Kosheme. Our result shows insights into the dietary flexibility southern geladas adopt to cope with human‐modified landscapes of the north‐central Ethiopian Highlands. Thus, the study contributes to a better understanding of how changing environments shape primate ecology and evolution.

Rungia gialaiensis, a new species endemic to Gia Lai Province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically allied to R. daklakensis and R. khasiana, but differs from both in its stoloniferous branches growing from leaf axils.

The Central Highlands (Tay Nguyen) possesses suitable resources for the cultivation of valuable industrial plants. The region also enjoys favourable conditions, which are highland topography, sub-tropical climate, and abundant flora, for the flourishment of essential oil resources. The authors conducted surveys and assessments in five provinces: Lam Dong, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Dak Nong. As a result, there were 248 plants with sufficient essential oil contents were identified. Besides, the authors also conducted research on the contents, chemical compositions, bioactivities, and recognised several species with considerable potentials for pharmaceutical use, due to their high concentration and quality of oils such as some in the genera Gaultheria, Magnolia, etc..

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is widely grown in the world and contributes significantly not only to food security but to nutritional security. It is a vegetable crop characterized by a shallow and superficial root system and has been shown to be a heavier nutrient feeder taking up nutrition until maturity. The underground portion of the stem has buds which give rise to lateral slender underground stems called Stolons. It is the Stolons which enlarge to form tubers.Four hundred seventy Rhizoctonia solani isolates from different leguminous hosts originating from 16 agro-ecological regions of India covering 21 states and 72 districts were collected. The disease incidence caused by R. solani varied from 6.8 to 22.2% in the areas surveyed. Deccan plateau and central highlands, hot sub-humid eco-region followed by northern plain and central highlands and hot semi-arid eco-region showed the highest disease incidence. R. solani isolates were highly variable in growth diameter, number, size and pattern of sclerotia formation as well as hyphal width.

Increased availability of recently collected beetle material from Vietnam has stimulated numerous taxonomic studies. Several specimens representing new species of the genus Paratrichius Janson, 1881, were discovered among this material. These are described here as Paratrichius bartolozzii sp. nov., P. caobangi sp. nov., P. dangvanboi sp. nov., P. parvolaetus sp. nov. , P. saetosus sp. nov. , P. triguttatus sp. nov., P. inexpectatus sp. nov. and P. variiscoloratus sp. nov., thereby bringing the total number of known Vietnamese species to 29. The distribution of the species highlights three major areas of endemism for the genus within the country: northern provinces, Central Highlands and southern provinces. To date, no species has been found to inhabit more than one of these areas. Further research in intermediate areas is needed to better clarify boundaries between these areas of endemism.

Currently, most rice farmers in the central highlands of Madagascar do not apply mineral fertilizer in their fields and we investigated whether a fertilizer micro-dose applied to the seedling nursery could serve as an entry point for intensification. Effects of nursery applications of a micro-dose of mineral (P and NPK) or locally produced sources of fertilizers (Guanomad, Vermicompost) on seedling vigour were evaluated, as was final grain yield after transplanting to main fields that were either not fertilized (farmers’ practice) or received combinations of mineral N, P and K fertilizer. Applying only P to the nursery had minor effects and we conclude that early seedling vigor is more limited by N than P, while grain yield in the main field was more limited by P than N. Carry-over effects of the nursery application of NPK and of guano on final grain yield were observed under farmers’ practice and when only urea was applied. The nursery NPK application significantly increased agronomic nitrogen use efficiency of urea application. We conclude that the low cost of micro-dosing NPK in the nursery makes this a profitable option for small-scale farmers cultivating rice on poor-fertility soils. Sole urea application in the main field is not a profitable option but would at least need additional nursery NPK application as an insurance against losing investments in N fertilization. Longer-term sustainability would require direct nutrient inputs into the main plot and additional low-cost nutrient management options should therefore be considered.

The absence of pines from tropical forests is a puzzling biogeographical oddity potentially explained by traits of shade intolerance. Pinus krempfii (Lecomte), a flat-leaved pine endemic to the Central Highlands of Vietnam, provides a notable exception as it seems to compete successfully with shade-tolerant tropical species. Here, we test the hypothesis that successful conifer performance at the juvenile stage depends on physiological traits of shade tolerance by comparing the physiological characteristics of P. krempfii to coexisting species from two taxa: the genus Pinus, and a relatively abundant and shade-tolerant conifer family found in pantropical forests, the Podocarpaceae. We examined leaf photosynthetic, respiratory and biochemical traits. Additionally, we compiled attainable maximum photosynthesis, maximum RuBP carboxylation (Vcmax) and maximum electron transport (Jmax) values for Pinus and Podocarpaceae species from the literature. In our literature compilation, P. krempfii was intermediate between Pinus and Podocarpaceae in its maximum photosynthesis and its Vcmax. Pinus exhibited a higher Vcmax than Podocarpaceae, resulting in a less steep slope in the linear relationship between Jmax and Vcmax. These results suggest that Pinus may be more shade intolerant than Podocarpaceae, with P. krempfii falling between the two taxa. However, in contrast, Vietnamese conifers’ leaf mass per areas and biochemical traits did not highlight the same intermediate nature of P. krempfii. Furthermore, regardless of leaf morphology or family assignation, all species demonstrated a common and extremely high carbon gain efficiency. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of shade-tolerant photosynthetic traits for conifer survival in tropical forests. However, they also demonstrate a diversity of shade tolerance strategies, all of which lead to the persistence of Vietnamese juvenile conifers in low-light tropical understories.

The genus Octarrhena (Orchidaceae) is distributed predominantly in Malesia and Papuasia. Its presence in eastern Indochina was uncovered as recently as in 2015 simultaneously with a description of O. minuscula from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Here, we describe two more species of the genus, O. emarginata and O. perpusilla, also endemic to this mountain system. All three Vietnamese species of Octarrhena are local endemics with very limited allopatric distribution. We summarize the current knowledge on the genus in Vietnam and present a key for their identification, and a map with location of all known populations. Finally, we briefly discuss modern views on the worldwide species diversity of Octarrhena.

Herein, we describe a new agamid species of the genus Acanthosaura from Central Highlands of Vietnam: Gia Lai Province, Kon Chu Rang NR, and Kon Tum Province: Kon Plong and Ngoc Linh Mountain based on morphological and molecular data. Acanthosaura prasina sp. nov. is distinguished from all congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters. Acanthosaura prasina sp. nov. differs from A. capra , A. murphyi , and A. nataliae by the presence of a short spine on each side of the neck and a smaller body size. From the known species of « lepidogaster » complex and A. coronata it differs in the arrangement of dorsal crests with a distinct double row of vertebral scales, from A. brachypoda in a smaller body size, longer tail and limbs, fewer supra- and infralabials and coloration patterns with a white area on lips and shoulders; from A. lepidogaster by lacking a dark marking on the nape and the absence of a distinct diastema; from A. phongdienensis by lacking a dark marking on the nape. We provide a cyt b -based estimation of diversity of the genus Acanthosaura . A. prasina sp. nov. differs from A. phongdiensis , A. coronata , A. lepidogaster , A. armata , A. crucigera , A. nataliae , A. phuketensis , and Acanthosaura sp. SK in p -distances of 15.4, 24.5, 14.7, 14.6, 16.3, 14.6, 15.4, and 24.4%, respectively. The new species currently known from three localities from Central Highlands was recorded from 800 to 1700 m a.s.l. in the evergreen polydominant forests in the mountainous regions of Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces. This is the 16th species of Acanthosaura and the ninth species of the genus from Vietnam.

A new species, Lasianthus konchurangensis V.S.Dang, T.B.Tran & T.D.Ha (sect. Lasianthus), is described and illustrated from Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, Gia Lai Province, the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Lasianthus konchurangensis resembles L. foetidissimus but differs in having larger leaves, more secondary veins, larger calyx and purple corolla. Photographs, vernacular name, preliminary conservation assessment, and a table comparing L. konchurangensis with L. foetidissimus are provided.

Linseed is one of the most important oil seed crop in the central highlands of Ethiopia for which yield enhancement is the major breeding purposes and genotypic variability is important for selection in any breeding programs. However, shortage of improved varieties' that provides optimum seed yield is one of the major constraints of the crop. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the genetic variability and association among quantitative traits of 36 linseed genotypes. The experiment was conducted in 2018 main cropping season by using simple lattice design. The analysis of variances reveled highly significant difference among the genotype for most of traits considered in present study. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for tiller per plant, harvest index, oil yield (kg ha-1), and seed yield (ton ha-1) number of capsules per plant. High heritability along with genetic advance was observed for seed yield (tones ha-1), oil yield (kg ha-1) harvest index which indicates selection of these traits at early generation would be effective. Oil yield (kg ha-1) harvest index and number of capsules plant -1 showed highly significant positive with seed yield (ton ha-1). Cluster analysis revealed that 36 linseed genotypes were grouped into two clusters and four genotypes remain ungrouped. The maximum inter clusters distance was observed between clusters II and the local check. The data set was reduced into four significant principal components (PCs) that comprise (80%) of the variance. The first PC accounted for 34% of the variances that implies greater proportion of variable information explained by PC1. The traits, which contributed more to PC1, were seed yield per plant, primary branches per plant, secondary branches per plant and plant height showed positive association and had positive direct effect on seed yield. This indicates that any improvement of oil yield and harvest index would result in substantial increase on seed.

Orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) are critical for seed germination and maintaining natural populations of orchids, yet the degree of specificity of most orchids to their mycorrhizal associates remains unknown. Many orchids are at risk of extinction, whether generalists or specialists, but orchid species of narrow fungal specificity are arguably under increased threat due to their requirement for specific fungal symbionts. This study characterises the fungi associated with Aerangis ellisii, a lithophytic orchid from a site in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. Culturable OMF isolated from spontaneous protocorms of this species from the wild were used for seed germination. In vitro germination and seedling development of A. ellisii were achieved with fungi derived from A. ellisii and an isolate from a different Aerangis species 30 km away. The significance of these findings and their importance to conservation strategies for this species and other Aerangis spp. is discussed. These results have important implications for the conservation of A. ellisii populations in Madagascar.

We describe a new species of salamander of Bolitoglossa (Oaxakia) Parra-Olea, García-París and Wake, 2004 from the cloud forests of the central portion of the Sierra Madre del Sur highlands in the Mexican state of Guerrero. Bolitoglossa coaxtlahuacana sp. nov. is currently known only from the type locality and can be differentiated from other members of the group by morphological, coloration, and molecular evidence. With the description of this new taxon, the number of species in the subgenus Oaxakia increases to six.

Vetch is an annual forage legume and accessions of its species performed differently under different soil conditions. Twenty accessions of five vetch species were evaluated for their agronomical differences at Holetta and Ginchi in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The rate of DM accumulation was similar during the initial growth stage. However, after the second sampling (74 DAS), aerial DM accumulation varied widely across the testing sites due to the difference in temperature, rainfall, and soil fertility conditions. The average stretched plant height was higher at Ginchi compared to Holetta, which could be attributed to higher and extended rainfall and favorable growing conditions during the experimental period. In addition to genetic variability, soil fertility and environmental conditions could also contribute to the difference in height. On average, about 10 and 20 more days were required to harvest forage and seed yield, respectively, at Ginchi compared to Holetta. Days to forage harvest ranged from 80.7 to 113.0 and 94.3 to 126.0 days after the emergence of the seedlings at Holetta and Ginchi, respectively. The difference in maturity is an important agronomic trait to select companion crops for maximum production. The higher biomass production rate was recorded at Ginchi than in Holetta. Accessions of early maturing vetch species had a comparatively higher biomass production rate, while late-maturing accessions had lower biomass production rates at both locations. Intermediate-to-late-maturing accessions of vetch species gave relatively better forage DM yield than early maturing accessions at both locations. The highest grain-filling period was recorded for accession 2424 (Vicia villosa) at Holetta and accession 64266 (Vicia sativa) at Ginchi. Vetch accessions showed higher seed yield and thousand seed weight at Ginchi than Holetta. The 20 accessions of vetch species were grouped into three clusters based on major measured parameters.

Landscape change and habitat fragmentation is increasingly affecting forests worldwide. Assessments of patterns of spatial cover in forests over time can be critical as they reveal important information about landscape condition. In this study, we assessed landscape patterns across the Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) and Alpine Ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) forests in the Central Highlands of Victoria between 1999 and 2019. These forests have experienced major disturbance over the past 20 years through a major fire (in 2009) and extensive industrial logging. We found that around 70% and 65% of the Mountain Ash and Alpine Ash forest areas, respectively, were either disturbed or within 200 m of a disturbed area. Inclusion of planned logging increased these disturbance categories to 72% and 70%, respectively. We also found that the isolation of Mountain Ash core areas (patches of undisturbed forest >1000 ha) increased significantly (P

The aim of this research was to analyze the relationship among hygienic behavior (HB), Varroa destructor infestation, and honey production in the central highlands of Ecuador. Overall, 75 honey bee colonies were evaluated before, during, and after production at three altitude levels (2600–2800, 2801–3000, and &gt, 3000 m.a.s.l.). The hygienic behavior percentage of the colonies was determined by the pin-killing method, and the colonies were classified into three groups: high HB (&gt, 85%), mid HB (60.1–85%), and low HB (≤60%). Varroa infestation was diagnosed as well, and honey production was evaluated only during production. HB was high and heterogeneous, averaging 80% ± 9.7%. Its highest expression was observed at lower altitudes. The infestation degree was low (3.47% ± 1.56%), although the mite was detected in all colonies upon sampling. A negative correlation was observed between HB and Varroa infestation in the first sampling (−0.49 **), suggesting that the high- and mid-altitude HB colonies underwent the lowest infestation rates, regardless of sampling. The correlations between HB and production were significant (0.26 *), indicating a positive effect of HB on production, meaning that colonies with high HB obtained the highest honey production (25.08 ± 4.82 kg/hive). The HB of bees showed an inverse relationship with altitude and it tended to reduce the effect of Varroa infestation, favoring honey production and, thus, suggesting the feasibility of selecting colonies with high HB.

The article continues the series of publications devoted to the boletoid fungi of Vietnam. It summarizes the results of the observation of their diversity in three nature protected areas of the Central Highlands (Tây Nguyên) – Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Kon Chu Rang (Kon Chư Răng) Nature Reserve and Kon Plong Protected Forest, where middle-mountain evergreen broad-leaved and coniferous-deciduous forests prevail at altitudes of 900–1500 m. An annotated list of 22 revealed species is presented. Of these, two species (Fistulinella aurantioflava and Tylopilus subotsuensis) have been recently described from this territory as new to science. Hortiboletus rupicapreus is reported “ad interim”. Information on eight species (Aureoboletus sinobadius, Hourangia nigropunctata, Ionosporus longipes, Neoboletus multipunctatus, Phylloporus luxiensis, Pulveroboletus subrufus, Tylopilus atripurpureus, T. atroviolaceobrunneus) is published for the first time for Vietnam. Strobilomyces aff. echinocephalus, S. aff.glabriceps, and Tylopilus aff. balloui (two different lines) are close to known species but genetically not identical. Six more specimens are identified only to the genus, and they probably represent species new to science. The color photographs of new to Vietnam and noteworthy species are presented. The nucleotide sequences obtained during the study were deposited in NCBI GenBank., Статья продолжает серию работ, посвященных болетовым грибам Вьетнама. Здесь обобщены результаты изучения разнообразия этой группы грибов трех охраняемых природных территорий Центрального нагорья (Тэйнгуэн) – национального парка Конкакинь, природного заповедника Контьыранг и охраняемого лесного массива Конплонг, где на высотах 900–1500 м преобладают среднегорные широколиственные и хвойно-широколиственные леса. Приводится аннотированный список 22 идентифицированных видов. Из них два недавно описаны с этой территории как новые для науки виды (Fistulinella aurantioflava и Tylopilus subotsuensis). Hortiboletus rupicapreusприводится “ad interim”. Информация о восьми видах (Aureoboletus sinobadius, Hourangia nigropunctata, Ionosporus longipes, Neoboletusmultipunctatus, Phylloporus luxiensis, Pulveroboletus subrufus, Tylopilus atripurpureus, T.atroviolaceobrunneus) публикуется впервые для Вьетнама. Strobilomyces aff. echinocephalus, S. aff. glabriceps и Tylopilus aff. balloui незначительно отличаются генетически от соответствующих известных видов. Еще шесть образцов определены только до рода и, вероятно, представляют новые для науки виды. Приводятся цветные фотографии новых для Вьетнама и редких видов. Нуклеотидные последовательности, полученные в ходе исследования, депонированы в GenBank NCBI.

Plague is a re-emerging zoonotic disease and a major public health concern in several portions of the world, especially in Madagascar. We report on the presence of different subtypes of Yersinia pestis co-occurring in the same locality. After confirmation of a human plague case in Ambohitromby Commune (Ankazobe District) via isolation of Y. pestis, we undertook small mammal trapping to identify the circulation of Y. pestis amongst rodents in this locality; blood samples were collected from rodents for seroprevalence analysis. Of the 60 individuals of Rattus rattus captured, one yielded an isolate of Y. pestis, 13 others were positive for F1 antigen of Y. pestis using a rapid diagnostic test, and 4 were PCR positive targeting the caf1 and pla genes; 28/60 (46.7%) of the captured R. rattus were seropositive for Y. pestis. Whole-genome SNP analyses revealed that the two isolates obtained from the human case, and the R. rattus belonged to two different subtypes of Y. pestis (s05 and s13, respectively) that were circulating concurrently in Ambohitromby in 2016. Three Y. pestis subtypes (s03, s05 and s13) have now been isolated from Ambohitromby. Subtype s05 had been persisting there for >10 years but one or both of the other subtypes may have been introduced from the Central Highlands region as they were not observed in previous years (s13) or only observed once previously (s03). High seroprevalence against Y. pestis in R. rattus suggests that a portion of the local murine population may have acquired resistance to Y. pestis. Future research should focus on genomically characterizing Y. pestis strains circulating in Ankazobe District and other plague-endemic regions of Madagascar to better understand the overall phylogeography of Y. pestis.

12 p.-6 fig.-2 tab., Potato yellow vein virus (PYVV) was detected in potatoes grown in the Central highlands, north of Bogotá (~3000 m altitude),Colombia. At this altitude viral whitefly vectors are largely absent, but infection persists because of the use of uncertified tubers.Plants with typical PYVV-induced yellowing symptoms, as well as with atypical yellowing or non-symptomatic symptoms were sampled at three separate geographical locations. PYVV presence was assessed by RT-PCR,and several plants were subjected to high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of their small RNA (sRNA) populations. Complete or almost complete sequences of four PYVV isolates were thus reconstructed, all from symptomatic plants. Three viral isolates infected plants singly, while the fourth co-infected the plant together with a potyvirus. Relative proportions of sRNAs to each of the three crinivirus genomic RNAs were found to remain comparable among the four infections. Genomic regions were identified as hotspots of sRNA formation,or as regions that poorly induced sRNAs. Furthermore, PYVV titres in the mixed versus single infections remained comparable,indicating an absence of synergistic/antagonistic effects of the potyvirus on the accumulation of PYVV. Daughter plants raised in the greenhouse from tubers of the infected, field-sampled plants displayed mild PYVV infection symptoms that disappeared with time, demonstrating the occurrence of recovery and asymptomatic infection phenotypes in this pathosystem., This work was funded by Grants PID2019-109304RB-I00 and COOPB20310 from the 2019 and 2017 calls by the Ministry of Science and Innovation of the Government of Spain, and the Spanish Council for Scientific Research; and by Grant CIAS 2742 from the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Colombia.

The bitterling Tanakia lanceolata is a primary freshwater fish with wide distribution range in Japan; therefore, analysis of this species will yield much information on the formation of Japanese freshwater fish fauna. However, populations of this species are threatened by several human activities. To reveal the genetic population structure of T. lanceolata and the process of its formation, as well as its genetic status, we conducted phylogenetic analyses and estimated divergence times based on partial sequences of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene, using specimens collected across the distribution range. The results of the analysis showed that Japanese T. lanceolata is monophyletic and consists of seven local population groups that diverged from the Late Pliocene to the Middle Pleistocene. The population structure in western Japan was similar to that of other freshwater fishes (e.g., separation by the Suzuka Mountains), although there were several differences in population boundaries and the presence/absence of a secondary contact zone. The Central Highlands in central Honshu are the primary, or at least the most effective, geological barrier responsible for population divergence in Japanese freshwater fish species. However, the small genetic differentiation of the T. lanceolata population between the western and eastern sides of the Central Highlands suggested recent dispersal and gene flow across the region after uplift of the highlands. The genetic population structure indicated extensive genetic disturbance in the Kanto Region. Our results provide information on the formation process of the Japanese freshwater fish fauna, which could aid conservation efforts toward T. lanceolata.

This study examines the roles of forest fragments in providing provisioning services to local communities in two study sites in Ethiopia. Nine Peasant Associations (PAs) from Jibat district and six PAs from Dendi district were purposively selected for Chillimo. A total of 490 household heads in and around the forest boundaries of Jiabt and Chillimo were interviewed to determine the amounts of services they are obtaining from the forests. It was found that firewood, construction material, charcoal and bamboo were the dominant forest provisioning services that the local community obtained from the forests. About 78.9% of the total income from forest provisioning services was derived from firewood followed by charcoal (14.4%); whereas the least is obtained from bamboo. The local communities consume much of the forest products; and sell only limited amounts to the market. The overall income generated from forest provisioning services on an annual basis was found to be 7569.04 birr (US$ 398/yr/HH) from these forest products. Juniperus procera and Prunus africana are woody plant species ranked first in relation to their frequently of uses by community around Chillimo and Jibat. This finding illuminated the need to take into account the significant roles played by forests in sustaining the livelihoods of local communities which was usually neglected in national accounting system and rural development planning.

Protosticta binhi sp. n. is described from the Central Highlands of Vietnam (holotype male: Vietnam, Gia Lai Province, K’Bang District, Dak Roong Commune, Dak Hro village, 14.36611° N, 108.4103° E,...

Rhynchostylis gigantea is a wild orchid species commonly grown. Flowering at the traditional Tet holiday, the flower season always blooms in December of the lunar calendar. The flower has a faint aroma, so it is called Nghinh spring and is a kind of orchid with a national soul and national essence. Rhynchostylis gigantea is found in many areas in Vietnam as it is distributed in the South Central Highlands, especially the areas bordering Laos and Cambodia at low altitudes

This paper describes a new subspecies of Amphidromus Albers, 1850 from Krong Pac District, Dak Lak Province in the Central Highlands, Vietnam. Shell coloration and reduced pattern easily separate it from its nearest relatives Amphidromus hongdaoae Thach, 2017 and A. davidmonsecouri Thach, 2018.

A new species of Billolivia is described from Central Highlands, Vietnam. The new species shows similarities with its congener B. cadamensis and B. poilanei but differs in several vegetative and re...

Background The Guatemalan Highlands is a region of great but so far poorly known mycological diversity. People living in this area have long used wild fungi as a source of food and income. However, our knowledge of the ethnomycological practices of the Mayan peoples of Guatemala is still rudimental, especially if compared with information reported for the neighboring region of Mexico. Among the main indigenous groups of the Maya people inhabiting the highlands of Central Guatemala, stand the Kaqchikel, accounting for nearly 8% of the entire Guatemalan population. The main aim of this study was to record the traditional knowledge and use of edible wild mushrooms by inhabitants of the municipality of San Juan Sacatepéquez that lies at the heart of the Kaqchikel area in the central highlands of Guatemala, also describing the relevant selling practices and dynamics. A secondary aim was to compare the diversity and composition of the mushroom assemblage offered at the market with the macrofungal diversity of woods in the area. Methodology This study is the result of 4 years of ethnomycological research, conducted through continuous visits to the municipal market and focused interviews with collectors and vendors. Field sampling in pine-oak forested areas surrounding San Juan Sacatepéquez, from where the mushrooms sold at the market are foraged, were also conducted, in the presence of local collectors. Results The results show a significant richness of species sold in the market, a network of commerce of purchase, sale, and resale of several species, with relatively stable prices, and knowledge about edible and inedible species that is transmitted mainly within the family nucleus. The business of selling mushrooms in the market is an exclusive activity of women, who are supplied by collectors or by other vendors. Fungi are sold and bought only as food, while no consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms or medicinal mushrooms was recorded. Several species of Amanita, Cantharellus, Boletus, Lactarius, and Russula were those most commercialized in the 4 years of the study, but we also spotted fungi never reported before as consumed in the country, including Gastropila aff. fumosa (= Calvatia fumosa) and several species of Cortinarius. Field sampling in nearby pine-oak forests confirmed an elevated local macrofungal diversity. Conclusion Our study unveiled the contemporary wealth of Kaqchikel culture for what concerns mushrooms, demonstrating that mushrooms continue to be culturally and economically important for these communities despite the erosion of traditional knowledge. Our results also confirmed the need to investigate in greater detail the Guatemalan mycodiversity that is vast and poorly known. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13002-019-0310-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

An experiment was conducted at Chefe Donsa naturally infested field with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lentis in order to evaluate the effect of lentil genotypes and seedbed types as components of integrated management option. A factorial experiment including lentil variety and seedbed type, each at four levels, was carried out in a split-plot design with three replications. The four lentil genotypes were ILL-590 (susceptible check), Alemaya, Derash and Denbi and four seedbed types were flat bed, open raised bed, tie-raised bed and farmer’s practice. Raised seedbed exhibited relatively lower disease incidence than among the seedbed types. Interaction of the used varieties and seedbed types was significant in wilt reduction. The highest wilt incidence (ca. 67.5%) was recorded on ILL-590, susceptible lentil line, planted on flat bed, whereas, the lowest (ca. 8.8%) Fusarium wilt incidence was noted on cultivar Derash planted in raised bed. A combination of cultivar Derash and raised bed resulted significantly (P

From the family Athericidae, only three species (Atherix ibis, Ibisia marginata, Atrichops crassipes) are widespread in Central and Western Europe. Although predatory larvae of these species are an important component of many benthic communities, little is known about their distribution and ecological preferences. Aiming to fill these gaps, the distribution and ecological preferences of these species were studied in three ecoregions of central Europe (Central highlands, The Carpathians, Hungarian lowlands). We found that A. ibis was present in the most streams in all of the studied ecoregions. I marginata clearly preferred the streams of the Carpathians ecoregion, whilst A. crassipes was more frequent in the Central highlands and Hungarian lowlands and it occasionally inhabited streams in the Carpathian ecoregion. The occurrence of the species was explained by the physico-chemical parameters of water (explained variability = 18.6%), site characteristics (3.8%), as well as catchment characteristics (3.3%). Four environmental variables (temperature, conductivity, percentage of agricultural land, catchment area) from three defined groups represented significant gradients, which explained species distribution in running waters of Central Europe. For the Central European streams, a correction of the saprobic index of the species was made, and the altitudinal, temperature, current and pH preferences for each species were also calculated. These values can be used for completion of the “ freshwaterecology.info ” database, which includes several biological and ecological traits of most European benthic species.

The dry dipterocarp forest (DDF) is a major and unique forest type in Asia providing both protection and production functions. DDF's role as a carbon sink is important in Asia, but there is a deficiency in existing biomass models for these forests. This study aimed to develop simultaneous modeling systems to estimate tree above-ground biomass (AGB) and its components for mixed species, dominant family, genera, and species. Twenty-eight 0.25 ha plots in the Central highlands and one 1 ha plot in the Southeast ecoregion in Viet Nam were measured. A total of 329 trees were destructively sampled to obtain a dataset of the dry biomass of the stem (Bst), branches (Bbr), leaves (Ble), bark (Bba), and AGB. Using K-fold cross validation, we compared AGB predictions from independently developed AGB equation and from a system of biomass equations that estimated component biomass and AGB simultaneously. The estimation methods for independent equation was weighted nonlinear regression fit by maximum likelihood and for simultaneous system it was weighted nonlinear seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) fit by generalized least squares. We also examined different modeling systems for different plant classification at taxonomic levels. The selected form of taxon-specific modeling systems were AGB = a1 × Db11 × Hb12 × WDb13 + a2 × Db21 + a3 × Db31 + a4 × Db41 for mixed species and dominant Dipterocarpaceae family and AGB = a1 × Db11 + a2 × Db21 + a3 × Db31 + a4 × Db41 for dominant genera of Dipterocarpus and Shorea. The predictors of D, H, and WD are diameter at breast height, tree height and wood density, respectively. Compared to the mixed species modeling system, genus-specific modeling systems improved the reliability of AGB estimation substantially and will reduce the cost of application because the only predictor required for measurement is D. The pantropical genus-specific modeling systems are more reliable than pantropical mixed species models.

Inconsistent yield between seasons for table grape cultivars grown in subtropical climates in Australia presents a challenge to the industry in terms of marketing and economic sustainability. The pattern of this yield inconsistency has not been described. Marketable fruit yields of three cultivars (Red Globe (RG), Menindee Seedless (MS) and Flame Seedless (FS)) were acquired over 14 seasons, and individual vine yields of MS were collected for a four-season period from a vineyard in the Central Highlands of Queensland, Australia. Cultivars FS and RG did not show an alternate bearing pattern. Yields of MS varied up to four-fold in consecutive seasons. An alternate yielding pattern as measured by the indicators of an alternate bearing index (I) and associated probability calculated using a resampling process was evident in 7 (2009–2015) of the 14 monitored seasons. Individual vine yield over the four-season period 2014–2017 was irregular and 90% variation in vine yields was due to the variation in the number of bunches per vine. The seasonal yield variation of MS was partly explained (R2 = 0.31, P

Coeliccia schorri sp. n. is described based on both sexes (holotype male from Dak Roong Commune, K’bang district, Gia Lai province, central highlands of Vietnam). The combination of the characters ...

Essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. leaf is widely used in folk medicine. Extraction yeild, compositions and antioxidant activity of clove basil essential oils could be affected by several factors including drying temperature and storage conditions. The present work evaluated the influence of storage conditions and drying temperature different of Ocimum gratissimum leaves on essential oils from Central Highlands, Vietnam. In this research, fresh leaves were preserved at 4°C for 10 days and dried and then stored at room temperature. Essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. was extracted by hydrodistillation and steam distillation methods. The composition of essential oil was determined by using GC-MS, antioxidation activities were conducted by the DPPH method. Drying the material at 45°C only 1% Decrease extraction yield, the extraction yield of essential oil at 45°C is still high (2.5%); the color of the oil when the material is fresh in yellow, characteristic odor, drying at 45°C is pale yellow, mild characteristic odor; Antioxidation resistance change is negligible; Drying the material at 45°C, the content of eugenol (77.389%) increased 3 fold compared with fresh material (24.84%), while the drying loss of some components small proportion in oil.

Summary Chitwoodius coffeae sp. n. is described, including SEM observations and molecular (D2-D3 expansion segment of the rDNA 28S) analysis, from a coffee plantation in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The new species is characterised by its 1.69-2.01 mm long body in females and 1.29-1.51 mm in males, lip region offset by deep constriction and 15-17 μm broad, odontostyle 27-30 μm long, neck 340-473 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 52-54% of total neck length, uterus a simple tube-like structure 68-106 μm long, vulva longitudinal (V = 54-59), tail short and rounded conoid (20-28 μm, c = 54-88, c′ = 0.6-0.8) with a nearly terminal projection of inner cuticle layer, spicules 60-64 μm long, and 7-10 spaced ventromedian supplements without hiatus. SEM pictures, available for the first time for a representative of the genus, show a hexagonal (nearly hexastellate) oral field divided into six sectors by the existence of six deep incisures. Molecular analyses, also presented for the first time for a representative of the genus, results in a narrow evolutionary relationship among Chitwoodius and Tylencholaimus, and supports the monophyly of the Tylencholaimidae. This is the first record of Chitwoodius in Asian Far East territories. Chitwoodius ahmadi sp. n. is proposed for a misattributed population of C. seshadrii.

The red fruit (Pandanus conoideus Lamk) is one of the local bioresources on the Central Highlands Region of Papua. Exploration to reveal the red fruit diversity in this region had been carried out in 2016 and 2017 which covers Kurima, Kurulu, Siepkosi, Wesaput and Kaninmbaga / Bokondini areas. The method used in exploration were interview the local residents, observations of plant morphology, soil, micro-climate, surrounding species, and collection of propagation material. The observed red fruit morphology includes; stem height and diameter, leaf length and width, and number of roots. Observation of fruit development was carried out at the Royal Biological Garden in Wamena (KRBW). The results of the exploration obtained 23 red fruit cultivars in the Central Highlands region of Papua. All cultivars grow in moist environments; the texture of the soil is clay mixed with sand and loam. The development of fruit from young fruit into ripe fruit takes 3-4 months which is divided into 3 stages. Ex-situ red fruit conservation efforts have been carried out at the Royal Biological Garden in Wamena (KRBW). Until now, 141 numbers of red fruits have been conserved in KRBW. The community has also cultivated a number of red fruit cultivars in their yard and garden such as Bergum, Maler, Wona and Wesi cultivars as in situ conservation. The four cultivars are very popular because the fruit is large and the oil content is more than other cultivars. Keywords: Diversity, Red Fruit, Conservation, Royal Biological Garden in Wamena, Central Highlands Region of Papua

Sporotrichosis is a saprozoonotic fungal infection found mostly in tropical and subtropical areas. Few case reports in Madagascar have been published. To document sporotrichosis epidemiology in Madagascar, we conducted a cross-sectional study. During March 2013-June 2017, we recruited from select hospitals in Madagascar patients with chronic cutaneous lesions suggestive of dermatomycosis. Sporotrichosis was diagnosed for 63 (42.5%) of 148 patients. All but 1 patient came from the central highlands, where the prevalence was 0.21 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Frequency was high (64.7%) among patients

Twelve linseed genotypes were evaluated in 13 environments during the main cropping season in central highlands of Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to determine the magnitude and pattern of G × E interaction and yield stability in linseed genotypes. The study was conducted using randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Genotype × environment interaction and yield stability were estimated using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction and site regression genotype plus genotype × environment interaction biplot. Pooled analysis of variance for seed yield showed significant (p ≤ 0.001) differences among the genotypes, environments and G × E interaction effects. This indicated that the genotypes differentially responded to the changes in the test environments or the test environments differentially discriminated the genotypes or both. Environment effect was responsible for the greatest part of the variation, followed by G × E interaction and genotype effects, indicating spatial and temporal replications of linseed yield trials. The first three multiplicative component terms of AMMI were found to be significant. The first two multiplicative component terms sum of squares, with their cumulative degrees of freedom of 44, explained 62.9% of the interaction sum of squares. No single variety showed superior performance in all environments but CI-1525 demonstrated top ranking at six of the thirteen environments. The application of AMMI and GGE biplots facilitated the visual comparison and identification of superior genotypes, thereby supporting decisions on variety selection and recommendation in different environments

About 90% of Cynorkis species are endemic to the biodiversity hotspot of Madagascar. This terrestrial habitat-specific genus received little study for fungal diversity to support conservation. We evaluated the diversity of culturable fungi of 11 species and soil characteristics from six sites spanning a &gt, 40 km radius in and along the region’s inselbergs. Peloton-forming fungi were grown in vitro from root/protocorm slices and positively identified using DNA sequencing. The fungal diversity was then correlated with soil pH, NO3-N, P, and K. All species harbored either putative mycorrhizal associates in the Rhizoctonia complex or Hypocreales fungi. Tulasnella Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were most prevalent in all soil types while Serendipita OTUs were found in species inhabiting granite/rock outcrops in moist soil (seepage areas). Most Cynorkis species were present in soil with low NO3-N and P levels with diversity of mycorrhizal fungi inversely correlated to NO3-N levels. Of the different orchid life stages sampled, only one species (Cynorkis fastigiata) yielded putative mycorrhizal fungi from juvenile stages. As diversity of mycorrhizal fungi of Cynorkis spp. was negatively correlated with NO3-N, and majority of the studied taxa were found in soils with low NO3-N and P contents, reintroduction studies must include analysis of N and P in detail. For the first time, we showed that the assemblage of culturable fungi in the roots of habitat-specific species of Cynorkis (Orchidaceae) are intimately tied to specific soil characteristics.

Plasmodium falciparum resistance to dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine has spread through the Greater Mekong Subregion to southwestern Vietnam. In 2018 to 2019, we collected 127 P. falciparum isolates from Dak Nong (36), Dak Lak (55), Gia Lai (13), and Kon Tum (23) provinces in Vietnam’s Central Highlands and found parasites bearing the Pfkelch13 C580Y mutation and multiple plasmepsin 2/3 genes (mean prevalence, 17.9%; range, 4.3% to 27.8%), conferring resistance to dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine.