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Black elder, Sambucus nigra, is a non-native but now partly naturalized shrub in Sweden; it has been cultivated here at least since the Middle Ages. Previously, this plant was associated with a supernatural being to whom sacrifices were made, and its fruits were used in folk medicine and wood for fuel and crafts. Traditional economic uses vanished with industrialization and urbanization and black elder was mostly planted as an ornamental shrub in urban parks. At the end of the 1970s, however, it made a sudden comeback: city dwellers started to gather flowers to make a refreshing non-alcoholic cordial. This diachronic study of Sambucus nigra spanning over a millennium reflects various attitudes and uses within the context of a changing human society. In addition to the simple but popular cordial, side dishes and desserts made of its fragrant flowers are becoming increasingly popular in modern Swedish cuisine. Globally it has also been (re)discovered and the utilization of this plant is growing: its flowers are used to add flavor to soft drinks, salads, desserts and various dishes; berries are used for medicine and in cooking, especially with meats, and its future uses seem to be limited only by human imagination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Phragmites australis is a common foundation species found in inland and brackish estuarine ecosystems. P. australis stands provide a wide range of habitats for wetland organisms and perform essential functions, such as nutrient cycling, pollutant filtration, wave energy reduction, and soil stabilization. However, excessive growth of P. australis can degrade the quality of wetland habitats, thereby reducing the functions of restored wetlands. Methods In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of vegetation management techniques, such as aboveground cutting and temporal inundation with varying depth and periodicity, in controlling the growth performance of P. australis and adjacent vegetation, Bolboschoenus planiculmis. Differences in growth responses to manipulated inundation stress between P. australis and B. planiculmis were measured. Results Inundation stress of 10–50 cm caused significantly greater inhibition of growth performance in B. planiculmis compared to P. australis. The combination of aboveground-cutting and inundation treatments resulted in a significant inhibitory effect on the growth performance and survival rate of P. australis. The growth performance of P. australis, including stem volume and biomass, decreased and its mortality rate increased. Our manipulated experiment suggests a combined treatment approach of moderate inundation, such as 5–10 cm for 20–30 days, and aboveground cutting to manage the overgrowth of P. australis in restored brackish wetlands.

AISI 304L stainless steel is widely used in the processing equipment and food and beverage handling industries due to its corrosion resistance, hygienic properties, and cost-effectiveness. However, it is prone to pitting and crevice corrosion phenomena, the development of which can be influenced by factors such as chloride concentration, temperature, humidity, and bacterial presence. Surface treatments, including roughness levels and residual tensile stress, can significantly affect the corrosion behavior and resistance of the material. This study aims to evaluate the impact of three different surface treatments on the durability of AISI 304L steel. The correlation between surface roughness resulting from pre-treatment and pitting potential values will be examined. Additionally, the influence of different concentrations of biocide additives on surface durability will be assessed to determine the maximum effective concentration for preventing pitting phenomena. Passivation processes will also be evaluated as a potential solution for improving the pitting potential and overall durability of the components. By optimizing surface treatments and biocide concentrations, improved corrosion resistance and durability can be achieved, ensuring the long-term performance and reliability of AISI 304L steel components in critical applications such as food processing and beverage handling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black elder, Sambucus nigra, is a non-native but now partly naturalized shrub in Sweden; it has been cultivated here at least since the Middle Ages. Previously, this plant was associated with a supernatural being to whom sacrifices were made, and its fruits were used in folk medicine and wood for fuel and crafts. Traditional economic uses vanished with industrialization and urbanization and black elder was mostly planted as an ornamental shrub in urban parks. At the end of the 1970s, however, it made a sudden comeback: city dwellers started to gather flowers to make a refreshing non-alcoholic cordial. This diachronic study of Sambucus nigra spanning over a millennium reflects various attitudes and uses within the context of a changing human society. In addition to the simple but popular cordial, side dishes and desserts made of its fragrant flowers are becoming increasingly popular in modern Swedish cuisine. Globally it has also been (re)discovered and the utilization of this plant is growing: its flowers are used to add flavor to soft drinks, salads, desserts and various dishes; berries are used for medicine and in cooking, especially with meats, and its future uses seem to be limited only by human imagination.

Background and objectives: Knowing the habitat and life cycle of pests forms the basis of the knowledge of pest population control, and its application in pest control operations brings favorable environmental and economic achievements for society. In the years when the climatic conditions are favorable, an optimal opportunity is provided for the vegetation and the population of herbivorous insects to try to increase their population and spread their species more widely. A survey conducted in the central Alborz mountains in Tehran province, specifically in the Imamzadeh Hashem and Shamshak areas, from 1380 to 1400 revealed that the pasture species Ferula ovina grows in these regions. The most significant pest of this plant is the moth Malacosoma castrensis, whose larval stages feed on it. Female moths typically lay their eggs in groups, forming rings on the surface around the stems and branches of the host plant. Methodology: The outbreak of M. castrensis species in the plant habitats of the southern Alborz slopes, in particular, in two F. ovina habitats located in the mountain slopes in the Emamzade Hashem and Shemshek regions, was observed and investigated. To carry out this research, the population of larvae was estimated using a systematic-random sampling method. The working method was as follows: in three imaginary parallel strips, 50 meters apart and 300 meters long, in a regular random style with a distance of 10 meters, the larvae of M. castrensis were counted on the selected host plant. After taking photos and combining the density of this plant per surface unit, which was the dominant species of the two investigated habitats, the larval population of this species was estimated. Results: The conclusion is that the most important pest of the F. ovina plant is moth larvae with the scientific name M. castrensis. It lives at an altitude of 2000 to 3200 meters, and the percentage of slope and the direction of the slope do not create a limit for the presence of this type of moth. The average population of these larvae was 1,171,600 per hectare in the Emamzadeh Hashem region and 691,200 in the Shemshak region. Since the observations of the feeding behavior of the larvae were the same in the two regions, and the Ferula ovina plant was their exclusive food, the percentage of coverage and density of the host plant was evaluated as the same in the two regions. Conclusion: The abundance of food cannot be the reason for the difference in the population of Malacosma larvae in the two regions. Due to the similarity of the ambrothermic diagrams in the two regions, the macro weather indicators were also evaluated the same in both areas. Field observations in the two regions showed that snow melting occurs seven to ten days earlier in the Emamzade Hashem region compared to Shemshek. According to this event, the population difference in the two regions can be attributed to the micro-temperature differences during day and night, as well as the duration of the freezing period in spring. It is concluded that controlling the population of the moth M. castrensis through parasitoids is feasible. By providing the necessary knowledge and methods that do not involve poisons, the damage caused by this species can be managed. Therefore, further research on ecosystem-related and climatic factors is needed to develop integrated management methods for this moth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submission of material that only uses printed books, printed pictures, and power points as well as limited infrastructure hinders student learning experiences. Augmented reality (AR) interactive media is one of the innovations to make it easier to guide material to make it more interesting and interactive. So this study aims to describe the feasibility of interactive multimedia augmented reality of food plants as a support for learning biodiversity in 10th grade of senior high school. The augmented reality system was created using Vuforia and Unity 3D software, and involved curriculum analysis, storyboard design, data collection, marker creation, and 2D object design of food plants, followed by AR media creation. This research used a quantitative descriptive method, data collection is carried out using validation instruments of material experts and media experts. Validators consist of 3 material experts and 3 media experts. The validation obtained an average total validation (RTVtk) of material experts at 3.83 and media experts at 3.80. This assessment is considered valid because it meets the validity standard, namely 3≤mRTVtk≤4. Thus, interactive multimedia augmented reality is suitable to be used as a learning medium in the sub-material of utilizing biodiversity as food plants in 10th grade of high school.

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Human movements via migrations facilitate the transport of plants and knowledge. Migrations were always present in our human history, but conflicts and environmental changes are contributing to the increase in people's movements to and from different parts of the world. In this literature review, our focus is on the ethnobotany of food plants and migrations, and the adaptations following this process. We analyzed 58 studies dealing with human migrations and food plants, including both internal migrations and international ones, over a wide period from several centuries to the present but with the predominance of migrations since the second half of the twentieth century. Most studies reported migrations between countries or regions (80%) in which people search for better economic opportunities. Other reasons for migrations were refugees, mandatory displacements, and slavery. The studies included cultivated plants, gathered plants (foraged), and food plants purchased on markets or obtained via exchanges or importation. We discuss the identitarian role of food plants in the processes of maintenance, abandonment, replacement, and incorporation of plants; although the evidences of abandonment are the most difficult to track. After the migration, the maintenance of a food identity will depend on several variables, including how important it is to keep a distinct identity, the plant resources available, the people's agency of the plant resources, and also the reasons for each migratory movement. Finally, we discuss the implications of this ethnobotanical knowledge and practices related to food plants for sustainability. Plain English Summary: Throughout history, people moving from one place to another have played an important role in transporting plants and knowledge worldwide. Recently, the increase in global conflicts and environmental changes has led to more people moving to different places. Our literature review focuses on the relationship between migrations and food plants, and how people adapt to new environments. We analyzed 58 studies covering different periods, with an emphasis on migrations since the 1950s. Most of the studies looked at migrations between countries or regions, driven by the search for better economic opportunities. Other reasons for migration included refugees, forced displacements, and slavery. The food plants in these studies could be cultivated, gathered from the wild, bought at markets, or acquired through trade or exchanges. Food plants are important in shaping cultural identity and migrations can affect the maintenance, abandonment, replacement, and incorporation of these plants. However, it is challenging to track evidence of plant abandonment. After migrating, the ability to maintain a food identity associated with specific plants depends on factors like the importance of keeping a distinct identity, the availability of plant resources, people's access to these resources, and the reasons behind the migration. Finally, we discuss the implications of this knowledge about food plants and related practices for sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Usage of wrapping or packaging is very significant in food processing to protect, secure, and provide a specific image of the food contained. Around 10,000 years ago, food wrappers were developed by our ancestors using natural substances such as animal skins, tree stems, and leaves. There is limited information on food wrappers based on Sarawak's natural resources. However, among the older Sarawak communities, such knowledge is present and valuable. Unfortunately, this information is on the verge of extinction due to a lack of documentary. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify and document the plant-based food wrappers used by the communities in Sarawak. An ethnobotanical study was conducted using face-to-face interviews with 384 respondents. The study was conducted in a semi-structured manner from December 2021 until May 2022. A total of 21 species of plants from 11 different families has been identified as food wrapper by the community in Bintulu, Sarawak. The community dominantly used leaves as food wrappers because they can be handled easily and enhance the aroma of the food. Some plant-based food wrapper gives a distinct flavor and aroma to the food when applied with heat. Plantbased food wrappers also had huge potential as more than 90% of respondents were satisfied with the usage and suggested that these wrappers be developed into ready-made form. Locals also informed that plant-based food wrappers can help to expand their economic profit, especially for sellers. Therefore, this study was able to discover the indigenous plant species utilized as traditional food wrappers that have been forgotten. However, further study about the nutritional composition, fiber structure, antibacterial ability, and volatile compound of the species can be conducted to provide a full record of the plants, especially as food aroma enhancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patterns of larval food plant use and immature stage morphology help clarify Neotropical butterfly species diversity, and, in many cases, lineages identified with molecular data are corroborated by morphology and ecology of immature stages. Here, we investigate cryptic species in Adelpha butterflies (Nymphalidae), a group known for challenging adult wing similarity coupled with mimicry, and for its remarkably wide larval food plant breadth. We focus on the Adelpha serpa‐group and in particular Adelpha serpa celerio, whose immatures have been documented feeding on 11 plant families. Our analyses of A. serpa, and among serpa‐group species across the Neotropics, revealed evidence of cryptic species, but the pattern within A. serpa celerio showed relatively weak mtDNA and morphological differences, and no differentiation in food plant use. We conclude that A. serpa should be revised and recognize A. serpa to include the nominate subspecies and recognize A. celerio (revised status) as a geographically widespread species and a larval food plant generalist that contains A. c. celerio (revised status), A. c. duiliae (revised status) and A. c. diadochus (revised status). Four additional species within the serpa‐group show strong evidence of harbouring allopatric cryptic species, and further research should be done to clarify their species limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional knowledge explains the sustainable use and management of natural resources that are critical for the long-term of ecosystems and food security one of the challenges in maintaining traditional knowledge is urbanization. This study aims to identify the diversity of food plants used by the Gayo Lut community and describe the effect of urbanization on changes in traditional knowledge. Data collection methods include freelisting and field observation. This research involved 3 groups of 16 elders, 16 non-urban, and 16 Urban. The respondents were asked to freelist by mentioning 25 of Gayo Lut traditional common food plants and interviews related to food terminology, including the food plants used. Data were analyzed with Salience Index using Anthropac, and Jaccard index to see the similarity knowledge. This study found a total 188 of food plants and 224 dishes. The effect of urbanization on food plants knowledge is significantly seen for urban community. In contrast to cuisines knowledge, urban people tend to have more knowledge, and modified recipes as a form of adaptation but still maintained distinctive flavors. This study also reveals that there is a close relationship between traditional cuisine and food plants, which can be an alternative for food plant conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tolumnia immaculata Distant, 1900 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomoidea: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae) is redescribed based on the study of primary types and additional specimens from India and Sri Lanka. This species is found to not be congeneric with the rest of Tolumnia Stål, 1868, including the type species. This verifies the original opinion of BREDDIN(1909), which was subsequently rejected by DISTANT (1918) but without argumentation. As a result, the monotypic genus Mormoschema Breddin, 1909, stat. restit., is removed from synonymy with Tolumnia, and the combination Mormoschema immaculatum (Distant, 1900) is restituted. The male and female genitalia of Mormoschema immaculatum are described in detail. The tribal placement of Mormoschema is discussed; the genus is excluded from Cappaeini and transferred to Eysarcorini. Buddleja asiatica and Scrophularia sp. (Scrophulariaceae) are recorded as feeding plants for M. immaculatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baiku Yao community in China has traditionally used the Lindera pulcherrima var. attenuate (LPA) leaves as a staple food source, diverging from the common reliance on grains and plant roots worldwide. This study comprehensively analyzes LPA’s nutritional composition and local usage practices through field observations and laboratory testing. Our results show that LPA contains significant levels of starch, protein, and dietary fiber and is rich in trace elements, vitamin E, and flavonoids. These findings not only support the community’s traditional knowledge of LPA as a valuable food and feed source but also highlight its potential as a sustainable and innovative ingredient for new food and feed products. By filling a gap in our scientific understanding of LPA, this study may contribute to developing novel and eco-friendly agricultural practices and promote regional economic growth.

Background: Phragmites australis is a common foundation species found in inland and brackish estuarine ecosystems. P. australis stands provide a wide range of habitats for wetland organisms and perform essential functions, such as nutrient cycling, pollutant filtration, wave energy reduction, and soil stabilization. However, excessive growth of P. australis can degrade the quality of wetland habitats, thereby reducing the functions of restored wetlands., Methods: In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of vegetation management techniques, such as aboveground cutting and temporal inundation with varying depth and periodicity, in controlling the growth performance of P. australis and adjacent vegetation, Bolboschoenus planiculmis . Differences in growth responses to manipulated inundation stress between P. australis and B. planiculmis were measured., Results: Inundation stress of 10-50 cm caused significantly greater inhibition of growth performance in B. planiculmis compared to P. australis . The combination of aboveground-cutting and inundation treatments resulted in a significant inhibitory effect on the growth performance and survival rate of P. australis . The growth performance of P. australis , including stem volume and biomass, decreased and its mortality rate increased. Our manipulated experiment suggests a combined treatment approach of moderate inundation, such as 5-10 cm for 20-30 days, and aboveground cutting to manage the overgrowth of P. australis in restored brackish wetlands., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2024 Park et al.)

The distribution and abundance of Boloria selene (small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly, SPBF) declined over recent decades in many parts of the UK. Availability of food plants, especially marsh violet (Viola palustris), for the caterpillars of the SPBF has been identified as one of the major causes of this decline. To achieve augmentation of existing colonies and develop new populations of SPBF large numbers of marsh violet propagules were required specifically to feed the larvae. The main objectives of the study were to produce thousands of good quality marsh violet propagules to restore selected habitats in the Heart of Durham, Northern England, using in vitro methods. Preliminary trials showed that in vitro multiplication of seedlings from wild collected seeds through conventional agar-based cultures was lengthy, expensive and turned out to be a non-viable route to achieve the objectives. This study explored the potential of bioreactor-based cloning and cost-effective one step rooting and weaning. Robust propagules, ready for transplantation following rapid propagation and one step rooting and weaning in vitro, were raised in a plug system for transplantation and establishment under field conditions. This was achieved by using simple and cost-effective methods to support the large-scale restoration exercise using 14,000 propagules. Application of high throughput micropropagation and low cost one step weaning systems for time-bound conservation and restoration projects are discussed in detail. This research highlights the important role of in vitro methods to support integrated biodiversity conservation of a native larval host plant and threatened butterfly.

Lettuce plants were grown in a greenhouse affected by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum to test the effects on plant metabolomics by different organic treatments. Three foliar application treatments were applied: a commercial compost tea made of aerobically fermented plant organic matter, a pure lyophilized microalga Artrospira platensis, commonly named spirulina, and the same microalga previously exposed during its culture to a natural uptake from medium enriched with F. oxysporum fragmented DNA (NAT). The experiment is the first attempt to observe in field conditions, the use and effects of a natural microbial library as a carrier of pathogenic fungal DNA for disease control. Untargeted NMR metabolomics and chemometrics showed that foliar organic application significantly reduced fumaric and formic acids, aromatic amino acids, and nucleosides, while increasing ethanolamine. A strong decrease in phenolic acids and an increase in citric acid and glutamine were specifically observed in the NAT treatment. It is noteworthy that the exposure of a known biostimulant microalga to fungal DNA in its culture medium was sufficient to induce detectable changes in the metabolomic profiles of the fertilized plants. These findings deserve further investigation to assess the potential relevance of the presented approach in the field of crop biostimulation and biocontrol of plant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae), commonly known as laurel, is an evergreen and edible tree that possess biological properties positively correlated with human health. It is a very popular plant known since ancient times in traditional medicine and considered a symbol of peace and sign of victory in military and sport competitions. Laurel is used as flavoring agent in kitchen for meat, fish, broths, and vegetables. The plant shows a rich content of metabolites including proteins, free sugars, organic acids, PUFA and tocopherols and exhibit a biological potential with a wide range of bioactivity including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This review is aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the plant by providing a critical overview of the botanic characteristics, the traditional uses, the plant chemistry and the biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven species of Arthrotus are recognized and redescribed: A. abdominalis (Chûjô, 1962), A. gressitti Kimoto, 1969, A. hirashimai Kimoto, 1969, A. fulvus Chûjô, 1938, A. saigusai Kimoto, 1969, A. tricolor (Chûjô, 1965), and A. testaceus Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963. Also, two new species are described: A. yuae sp. nov. and A. yangi sp. nov. Three new synonyms are proposed: Proegmena taiwana Takizawa, 1978 syn. nov., Dercetina nakanei Kimoto, 1969 syn. nov. and A. shibatai Kimoto, 1984 syn. nov. Lectotypes are designated for A. fulvus Chûjô, 1938 and Dercestra abdominalis Chûjô, 1962. Color polymorphism of each species is delimited base on more than 1800 specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivorous insects represent a major fraction of global biodiversity and the relationships they have established with their food plants range from strict specialists to broad generalists. Our knowledge of these relationships is of primary importance to basic (e.g. the study of insect ecology and evolution) and applied biology (e.g. monitoring of pest or invasive species), and yet remains very fragmentary and understudied. In Lepidoptera, caterpillars of families Saturniidae and Sphingidae are rather well known and considered to have adopted contrasting preferences in their use of food plants. The former are regarded as being rather generalist feeders, whereas the latter are more specialist.To assemble and synthesize the vast amount of existing data on food plants of Lepidoptera families Saturniidae and Sphingidae, we combined three major existing databases to produce a dataset collating more than 26,000 records for 1256 species (25% of all species) in 121 (67%) and 167 (81%) genera of Saturniidae and Sphingidae, respectively. This dataset is used here to document the level of polyphagy of each of these genera using summary statistics as well as the calculation of a polyphagy score derived from the analysis of Phylogenetic Diversity of the food plants used by the species in each genus.

At the end of 2019, the coronavirus virus COVID-19 has brought the whole world a serious disaster. During this special time, some rural communities were least affected by the epidemic, mainly reflected on the rational utilization of natural biological resources, including edible and medicinal plants and the management of the home gardens. This paper deconstructed the self-responses of rural communities during the pandemic time and tried to provide some suggestions for local government on policymaking. In the end, the future development of ethnobiology in China has been discussed.

Despite a rich diversity of native Brazilian Ficus spp. (Moraceae) in the Amazon and the Atlantic forests, there are numerous non-native Ficus species that are raised or grown in public and private gardens that are consumed by phytophagous insects as host plants. These exotic plants can contribute to the persistence of native insect communities which are adapting to intensely modified environments. This study reports the exotic tree Ficus benjamina L. as the first host plant record for larvae of tiger moths of the Eucereon sylvius (Stoll, 1790) group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yunnaniata Lopatin, 2009 is regarded as a junior synonym of Furusawaia Chûjô, 1962 syn. nov. Yunnaniata konstantinovi Lopatin, 2009 comb. nov. is transferred to the genus Furusawaia Chûjô and redescribed. Furusawaia continentalis Lopatin, 2008 and F. yosonis Chûjô are recognized as valid species and redescribed. Four new species are described from Taiwan: F. jungchani sp. nov., F. lui sp. nov., F. tahsiangi sp. nov., and F. tsoui sp. nov. A key to Taiwanese and Chinese species of Furusawaia is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) is listed as an endangered mammal in IUCN Red List. It is also listed in CITES Appendix I and in the Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. In the present work the status and distribution of Western hoolock gibbons in Cachar district of Assam, India was explored by conducting field studies from September 2012 to August 2013 using line transect and call count methods. Group composition, group size and adult sex ratio of nine gibbon groups and one solitary male were recorded. Groups comprised 36 % adult males, 32 % adult females, 10 % sub‑adult males, 11 % juveniles and 11 % infants and the encounter rate was 0.17. Group size ranged from 2 to 5 and mean group size was 2.8 ± 1.1. Nutritional status of food plants consumed by Western hoolock gibbons were analyzed and chemical composition was determined. Proximate analysis revealed that the mean value of crude protein (9.73 ± 0.4), crude fibre (16.1 ± 0.6), ether extract (1.07 ± 0.06), NFE (66.24 ± 0.43) and ash (7.03 ± 0.27) in plant samples. A moderate positive correlation was noted between higher protein content and higher crude fibre content in food plants (r = 0.48), which is likely to influence food selection and feeding pattern. Timber felling, fuel‑wood collection, agriculture and expansion of tea estates were identified as major threats to conservation of Western hoolock gibbons. The present study recommends taking up awareness programmes and formulation of policy interventions involving the local communities to arrive at a participatory biodiversity conservation plan at local levels particularly involving the village councils (gram panchayats).

Lettuce plants were grown in a greenhouse affected by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum to test the effects on plant metabolomics by different organic treatments. Three foliar application treatments were applied: a commercial compost tea made of aerobically fermented plant organic matter, a pure lyophilized microalga Artrospira platensis, commonly named spirulina, and the same microalga previously exposed during its culture to a natural uptake from medium enriched with F. oxysporum fragmented DNA (NAT). The experiment is the first attempt to observe in field conditions, the use and effects of a natural microbial library as a carrier of pathogenic fungal DNA for disease control. Untargeted NMR metabolomics and chemometrics showed that foliar organic application significantly reduced fumaric and formic acids, aromatic amino acids, and nucleosides, while increasing ethanolamine. A strong decrease in phenolic acids and an increase in citric acid and glutamine were specifically observed in the NAT treatment. It is noteworthy that the exposure of a known biostimulant microalga to fungal DNA in its culture medium was sufficient to induce detectable changes in the metabolomic profiles of the fertilized plants. These findings deserve further investigation to assess the potential relevance of the presented approach in the field of crop biostimulation and biocontrol of plant pathogens.

Introduction: Hamadryas feronia feronia, which mimics the bark of trees and often makes attention-grabbing sounds when flying, has good potential for bio-business (export, handicrafts and tourist breeding centers). However, its biological aspects are still unknown, which hinder its captive breeding. Objectives: To determine the biological aspects of feeding, oviposition behavior, life cycle and natural enemies of Hamadryas feronia feronia L. in San Rafael-Indiana, Loreto, Peru. Methods: Sampling was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019 in the community of San Rafael, Amazon River. Adults were observed during the day, their food plants, oviposition behavior, biological cycle and natural enemies were recorded. The life cycle was evaluated in the laboratory, using 20 eggs recently deposited on the leaves of their host plant. Results: The larvae of H. feronia feronia feed on the leaves of Dalechampia juruana and the adults feed on the bark sap of Cedrela odorata, Spondias mombin, Uncaria guianensis and the fermented fruits of Syzygium malaccense and Pouteria caimito. Adults fly on sunny days, males emit a loud sound when flying. Females prior to oviposition flit irregularly around their host plant between 8.00 and 14.00 h and deposit their eggs on the upper and underside of leaves in isolation, most frequently on the underside. The duration of the cycle from egg to adult was 28.24 days. The average egg period was 3.75 ± 0.40 days. The larvae passed through five larval instars: the first instar 3.21 ± 1.03 days, the second 2.78 ± 0.73 days, the third 2.67 ± 0.77 days, the fourth 3.22 ± 0.81 days, and the fifth 4.61 ± 0.70 days. The prepupal period lasted 1.33 ± 0.49 days and the pupal period 6.67 ± 0.80 days; the adults hatched between 10:00 to 11:00 h. Adult males lived on average 31.80 ± 3.29 days, the female 42.00 ± 2.14 days and their eggs were parasitized by a microhymenopteran (Scelionidae). Conclusions: This study allowed to know the biological aspects of H. feronia feronia identifying its food plants of both larvae and adults, its oviposition behavior, as well as it has been determined that it has a relatively short biological cycle with a period of less than one month and its eggs are consumed by a small Hymenoptera that can hinder its production. This work provides necessary information to develop the breeding of H. feronia feronia, oriented to its conservation, environmental education and biotrade (tourism and handicrafts) in the Peruvian Amazon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lizard beetles (Erotylidae, Languriinae, Languriini) are known as stem borers of plants and contain agricultural pests and endangered species, but their species-host plant associations have been poorly documented. Here we investigated the larval host plants of two species of the genus Tetraphala Strum, T. collaris (Crotch) and Tetraphala sp. occurring in Taiwan. Females of T. collaris excavated living leafstalks and stems of the herbaceous dicot, Sambucus chinensis (Adoxaceae) using their mandibles for oviposition. We observed the eggs and early-instar larvae inside and nearby oviposition holes and late-instar larvae inside stems, suggesting that T. collaris uses living leafstalks and stems of S. chinensis as oviposition substrate and the larvae tunnel into stems with feeding on the tissues. Similarly, females of Tetraphala sp. excavated living leafstalks of the fern, Pteris wallichiana (Pteridaceae) using their mandibles for oviposition. We observed the eggs and early-instar larvae inside and nearby oviposition holes. When reared in laboratory, a larva reached adulthood inside the leafstalk. These results indicated that Tetraphala sp. uses living leafstalks of Pt. wallichiana as oviposition substrate and the larvae complete their development within. This study revealed that the genus Tetraphala contains both fern- and dicot-users during larval period. Further study is needed to clarify the evolutionary process of host plant use of languriines. Additionally, the host plant list of Languriini is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Herbivorous insects represent a major fraction of global biodiversity and the relationships they have established with their food plants range from strict specialists to broad generalists. Our knowledge of these relationships is of primary importance to basic (e.g. the study of insect ecology and evolution) and applied biology (e.g. monitoring of pest or invasive species) and yet remains very fragmentary and understudied. In Lepidoptera, caterpillars of families Saturniidae and Sphingidae are rather well known and considered to have adopted contrasting preferences in their use of food plants. The former are regarded as being rather generalist feeders, whereas the latter are more specialist. New information To assemble and synthesise the vast amount of existing data on food plants of Lepidoptera families Saturniidae and Sphingidae, we combined three major existing databases to produce a dataset collating more than 26,000 records for 1256 species (25% of all species) in 121 (67%) and 167 (81%) genera of Saturniidae and Sphingidae, respectively. This dataset is used here to document the level of polyphagy of each of these genera using summary statistics, as well as the calculation of a polyphagy score derived from the analysis of Phylogenetic Diversity of the food plants used by the species in each genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study focuses on a food plant of puff pastry. • A thermal and energy modelling approach was developed. • Industrial own-check data were mainly used. • The thermostat setting temperature can be raised in this application. This study focuses on the experimental and numerical characterization of the food temperature and energy consumption of cold facilities in a food processing plant. An event based framework was used to model the main components of the production line (kneader, conveyor, cooling spiral and cold room). Plant self-control data obtained by measurement in plant were used to inform and validate the model. Different scenarios were tested to evaluate the impact of modified operating conditions (thermostat setting temperature and duration) and refrigerating equipment outages on energy consumption and food temperatures. Up to 18% of energy savings could be achieved by increasing thermostat setting temperature of the process room and the storage room with a limited impact on the product temperature. This methodology can help manufacturers in decision making to optimize operating conditions and reduce energy consumption with a limited impact on food waste and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve selected cultivated or wild solanaceae (Solanum dulcamara, Solanum nigrum, Solanum villosum, Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum muricatum, Solanum melongena, Datura innoxia, Datura metel, Physalis spp., Capsicum annuum, Nicotiana alata, and Petunia spp.) (all species Solanales: Solanaceae) were tested as potential alternative host plants against Solanum tuberosum for a local population of the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (CPB) in Estonia. Some CPB populations in America and southern Europe accept most of these plants. However, geographically isolated populations of beetles can differ in their acceptance of new host plants. Migrants from the southern Europe supplement Estonian beetle population regularly, so individuals may differ in their host plant preferences. S. melongena and S. dulcamara were well accepted by the beetles, Lycopersicum spp. (Solanales: Solanaceae) and N. alata were intermediate, and S. villosum and S. nigrum were least accepted. The beetles rejected S. muricatum , Physalis spp., C. annuum, Petunia spp., and D. metel. First-instar larvae completed a full life cycle only on S. dulcamara, N. alata, S. lycopesicum, S. melongena , although their development rate was slower, mortality was higher and emerging adults were underweight relative to those that fed on S. tuberosum. The fourth-instar larvae were less sensitive in relation to food. We found that S. dulcamara as a native plant could provide resources for CPB during early and late season. At the same time, the cultivated S. melongena would be suitable plant species for further testing as dead-end crop for integrated pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food sovereignty has become a crucial problem for mankind. Sukabumi Regency is one of the regions that has been experienced a food crisis. The people of Nyangkewok Village, Sukabumi Regency have local knowledge in the use of food plants which can be an alternative in overcoming food insecurity. This research aimed to identify and describe the utilization of food plants by local knowledge of Sundanese Ethnic in Nyangkewok Hamlet, Sukabumi. The research was conducted in March-June 2019 with qualitative and qualitative methods, with data collection techniques by field observations and respondents interview. The results showed that there was a decline trend in the knowledge of using local food, in the lifestyle of the younger generation. Local knowledge tends to decrease from the older generation to the younger generation. There are 101 types of food plants that are utilized by local Sundanese people in Nyangkewok village with the dominant family type is Cucurbitae. There was a traditional ceremony which was "Mitembeyan" as a form of offering ceremony to Dewi Sri (Nyi Pohaci) who is believed to be the giver of crop fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first report of a very rare weevil Altonomus vernalis (Iablokoff-Khnzorian, 1957) 60 years after its description. It is a new record for the Turkish fauna and Cirsium arvense (L.) is a first plant association record. Comparative sexually dimorphic characters, measurements, and digital photographs are presented for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Annamese langur (Trachypithecus margarita) was described in 1909 but its ecology, including its feeding behaviour, is still largely unknown. Based on current knowledge of feeding ecology of many Asian langurs, T. margarita is expected to be a generalist herbivore, with seasonal variation in diet. Feeding behaviour of one habituated group of Annamese langurs at Takou Mountain was studied from October 2009 to September 2011. The dietary pattern of these langurs was found to be similar to other Trachypithecus species, which is characterised by a high amount of leaf consumption (54.4% immature leaves, 7.1% mature leaves) and complemented by fruits (29.9%). The Annamese langurs ate plant parts from 31 species belonging to 20 families on Takou Mountain where 689 plant species were known for the mountain. Moraceae is the most important family in the langur's diet with at least 10 species consumed and accounting for 41.1% of feeding time. Based on the current and previous feeding studies of Trachypithecus species, it could be concluded that the genus is a generalist folivore and the dietary pattern is similar among species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) is listed as an endangered mammal in IUCN Red List. It is also listed in CITES Appendix I and in the Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. In the present work the status and distribution of Western hoolock gibbons in Cachar district of Assam, India was explored by conducting field studies from September 2012 to August 2013 using line transect and call count methods. Group composition, group size and adult sex ratio of nine gibbon groups and one solitary male were recorded. Groups comprised 36 % adult males, 32 % adult females, 10 % sub-adult males, 11 % juveniles and 11 % infants and the encounter rate was 0.17. Group size ranged from 2 to 5 and mean group size was 2.8 ± 1.1. Nutritional status of food plants consumed by Western hoolock gibbons were analyzed and chemical composition was determined. Proximate analysis revealed that the mean value of crude protein (9.73 ± 0.4), crude fibre (16.1 ± 0.6), ether extract (1.07 ± 0.06), NFE (66.24 ± 0.43) and ash (7.03 ± 0.27) in plant samples. A moderate positive correlation was noted between higher protein content and higher crude fibre content in food plants (r = 0.48), which is likely to influence food selection and feeding pattern. Timber felling, fuel-wood collection, agriculture and expansion of tea estates were identified as major threats to conservation of Western hoolock gibbons. The present study recommends taking up awareness programmes and formulation of policy interventions involving the local communities to arrive at a participatory biodiversity conservation plan at local levels particularly involving the village councils (gram panchayats). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the antibacterial and antibiotic potentiating property of Vangueria madagascariensis (VM) (fruit and leaf extracts) against 10 clinical isolates. A microdilution broth susceptibility assay for bacteria was used for the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and associated with antibiotics to evaluate any synergistic effect. VM extracts were found to potentiate the activity of 3 conventional antibiotics. Chloramphenicol and Ciprofloxacin showed no activity against Acinetobacter spp. but when mixed with VM (in a ratio of 50% VM extracts: 30% antibiotic), showed potentiating effect. The methanolic fruit extract at lower concentration of Chloramphenicol (30%) gave better synergistic effect (MIC = 3.75 μg/mL) as compared to 50% (MIC = 12.5 μg/mL). With Gentamicin, no activity was detected with leaf decoction but other extracts (methanolic leaf/fruit extract and fruit decoction) showed enhancement (MIC- 0.47, 7.5 and 15 μg/mL respectively). Interestingly, Chloramphenicol showed no activity against MRSA, but when mixed with VM, produced low MICs (