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Soil pollution mitigation strategies encompass diverse methodologies such as biological decomposition emerging as a promising approach due to the effectiveness of microorganisms, particularly natural bacteria. This study delves into the isolation and characterization of herbicide-tolerant bacteria in sugarcane fields during 2023–2024, with an emphasize on Eradicane and Tebuthiuron herbicides. Total number of 26 bacterial strains grown on SSM culture medium containing 3% v/v of herbicide were identified. According to biochemical and molecular assays, 19 bacterial isolates were associated with Tebuthiuron, and seven with Eradicane. The genus Pseudomonas was frequently identified with the species of P. aeruginosa (Schroeter) Migula and P. glycinae (Jia) for Tebuthiuron tolerance, and P. azotoformans Iizuka and Komagata and P. lactis for Eradicane tolerance. The highest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Eradicane was observed for P. azotoformans (220 µL/mL), while the lowest MIC was found for P. lactis (215 µL/mL). Conversely, Tebuthiuron exhibited the highest MIC against P. glycinae (185 µL/mL) and the lowest MIC against P. aeruginosa (150 µL/mL). Analysis of bacterial population growth curves indicated the P. azotoformans efficacy against Eradicane and P. aeruginosa against Tebuthiuron. Glucose utilization showed uniform growth across the bacteria, while P. glycinae exhibited the highest growth containing ammonium nitrate. These findings underscore the potential of herbicide-tolerant bacteria to facilitate bioremediation strategies for soil pollution mitigation in sugarcane fields, offering valuable insights for the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foreign migrant workers from malaria-endemic regions play a critical factor in the transmission of malaria to non-endemic areas, mainly due to their mobility while seeking employment opportunities. This risk is particularly heightened in areas where malaria vectors are present. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the malaria vectors in two sub-districts in Khon Kaen Province, known for their factory areas and the significant presence of Myanmar migrant worker communities. The collection was carried out from June 2020 to May 2021. The black light traps (BLT) operated continuously from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am (12 h) and Kelambu trap (KT) were set up from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with both traps set up once a month. A total of 679 female Anopheles mosquitoes were collected near the workplaces and dormitories of these workers. Subsequently, the collected female mosquitoes underwent morphological identification using Standard Thailand keys and polymerase chain reaction analysis with rDNA ITS2 primers. Results: Morphological identification revealed that 201 (29.6%) belonged to the Barbirostris complex. The remaining Anopheles mosquitoes are in the subgroup Cellia, comprised 437 (64.4%) Anopheles vagus, 39 (5.7%) Anopheles subpictus, and 2 (0.3%) Anopheles annularis. To distinguish the Barbirostris complex, multiplex PCR based on ITS-2 sequences was conducted. Out of the 201 specimens examined, 153 (76.1%) as Anopheles campestris, 36 (17.9%) as Anopheles wejchoochotei, and 12 (6%) as Anopheles dissidens. Additionally, the subgroup Anopheles Cellia was confirmed using specific primers based on ITS-2 sequences. Conclusions: From the obtained results, An. campestris, An. wejchoochotei, An. vagus and An. annularis are reported as the malaria vectors in Thailand. The findings emphasized the important of addressing the presence of Anopheles malaria vectors, especially in the substantial migrant worker population originating from endemic areas. This situation raises concerns regarding the potential transmission of malaria infections to regions not traditionally affected by the disease. Epidemiological studies on malaria vectors should not solely concentrate on endemic regions but also extend to non-endemic areas because of the mobility of migrant workers throughout the country. This broader approach is crucial for implementing an effective malaria surveillance strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Codling moth Cydia pomonella is well established nearly everywhere apples are grown. Due to this almost global distribution, larvae are often intercepted at U.S. ports of entry where immature specimens cannot be identified accurately to species leading to unnecessary quarantine actions. To assist with identifying intercepted C. pomonella from port inspections, we developed a probe-based real-time PCR assay to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region 2 of C. pomonella. The assay was tested for inclusivity using 110 C. pomonella specimens from six continents. Analytical specificity was examined by testing related species intercepted at U.S. ports of entry, as well as non-targets with the same geographic distribution and host species as C. pomonella. The assay developed here identified all C. pomonella individuals correctly and produced appropriately negative results for all non-target species. These results ensure that the assay provides a rapid and accurate tool for unambiguously identifying C. pomonella among material intercepted at U.S. ports of entry. Since C. pomonella is not actionable, the ability to identify all life stages of C. pomonella conclusively will save time, effort, and money while also directing identification efforts towards species of current quarantine concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afforestation projects on saline land, using Eucalyptus trees and ectomycorrhizal fungi, are crucial for restoring affected areas and promoting ecological and economic benefits, particularly in saline-affected areas. This study was conducted to isolate Pisolithus sp. and estimate its potential to improve the growth performance of Eucalyptus globulus seedlings under salt-stress conditions. Pisolithus sp. was isolated from mature sporocarps and identified through 18S rDNA. Pisolithus sp. was evaluated for its response to varying pH values, temperatures, and salinity levels. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the Pisolithus strain's effectiveness in reducing soil salinity's impact on the growth of Eucalyptus globulus seedlings in sandy soil. The identified Pisolithus tinctorius with an accession number of OM125275 revealed the highest mycelium dry weight of 0.09 g/100 ml medium at pH 5.8, 0.08 g/100 ml medium at 28 °C, and 0.12 g/100 ml medium at 4% NaCl. Eucalyptus globulus seedlings inoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius demonstrated significant improvement in most parameters compared to non-mycorrhizal (control) seedlings under salt stress. The seedlings inoculated with Pisolithus tinctorius and irrigated with 6 dS/m saline water revealed the highest shoot height (55.670 cm), root length (42.33 cm), shoot fresh weight (6.44 g/plant), root fresh weight (1.84 g/plant), shoot dry weight (2.37 g/plant), and root dry weight (0.810 g/plant) when compared to all treatments. Our findings suggest that selecting appropriate fungal strains is crucial for improving plant performance in saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) can lead to multiple complications when it occurs during pregnancy, so it is necessary to diagnose it promptly for effective treatment. Traditional methods for identifying Candida spp. are often too time-consuming and have limited specificity and sensitivity. In this work, we evaluated the diagnostic utility of an endpoint PCR assay (Cand PCR) in vaginal swab specimens. Using a cotton swab, 108 vaginal swab samples were taken from pregnant women who consented to participate in the study. The samples were inoculated in Sabouraud agar plates (the gold standard) and subsequently used to extract DNA directly from the exudate. The yeasts isolated from the Sabouraud agar were identified in CHROMagar™ Candida. DNA extracted from vaginal swabs was amplified by Cand PCR. Based on the results of the Cand PCR and the gold standard, sensitivity (S), specificity (E), positive predictive values (PPVs), and negative predictive values (NPVs) were determined. Cand PCR presented an S = 65%, E = 100%, PPV = 100% and NPV = 91%. Cand PCR showed low sensitivity for detecting Candida spp. directly from vaginal swabs, but it was useful for identifying the etiologic agent and reducing the time to obtain the result, which is usually at least 48 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Branch dieback and general decline have been observed in pistachio orchards with trees of different ages in Iran. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize putative pathogens causing the symptoms. Isolations from rotted roots yielded predominantly Fusarium species. The causal agent was identified as Fusarium verticillioides based on morphological characteristics, sequencing of TEF1-α, and resultant symptoms and reisolation of the fungus in a pathogenicity test using 5-month-old pistachio seedlings (cv. Badami-Zarand). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Fusarium verticillioides causing Fusarium wilt on Pistacia vera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA barcoding has proven to be an effective technique for molecular-level identification in plants, including orchids which exhibit a great degree of genetic variability but show almost identical morphological features in closely related genera. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of universal chloroplast gene markers, matK (maturase K gene) and rbcL (ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit) as DNA barcodes to identify Aerides multiflora and Rhynchostylis retusa at species level. The DNA sequences from different genotypes of both the orchid species collected from natural populations were compared with database sequences of orchid species using BLAST and maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree. For A. multiflora samples, the phylogenetic analysis revealed a highest of 99.4% sequence percentage alignment (for matK region) and 99.39% percent identity with sequences belonging to A. multiflora accessions. In the case of R. retusa, the matK region showed a highest sequence percentage alignment of 99.87% with the accessions of R. retusa, while the highest per cent identity for the rbcL region was 100% that matched with accessions of R. retusa, C. peduncularis and A. praemorsa. The study confirms the reliability of matK and rbcL markers for authentication of the two orchid species under the current investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the nutritional value and development potential of Pterocladiella capillacea in the marine environment of Naozhou Island, Zhanjiang, this study conducted species classification and identification, followed by an analysis of key nutritional components. The combination of morphological and molecular results confirmed the identification of the collected samples as P. capillacea. Further analysis showed that P. capillacea in Zhanjiang had a moisture content of 74.9% and a protein content of 24%. In comparison, the fat (0.4%) and carbohydrate (15.4%) contents were relatively low, with moderate ash (14.3%) and crude fiber (9.1%) content. It contains a diverse range of fatty acids, with saturated fatty acids accounting for 51.82% and unsaturated fatty acids accounting for 48.18% of the total. The amino acid composition was also diverse, with essential amino acids comprising 31.58% and flavor-enhancing amino acids constituting 54.85%. The minerals contained four major elements and four trace elements, while heavy metal levels were within safety limits, ensuring their edibility. In conclusion, P. capillacea is a high-protein, low-fat economic seaweed with a favorable amino acid and fatty acid composition, rich in minerals, and with significant nutritional and developmental potential. This study provides important data to support future research and utilization of this seaweed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyalomma ticks are important vectors of pathogens affecting human and animal health. This study aimed to assess the outputs of three molecular markers (16S, 12S rRNA, and COI) for accurate tick species molecular identification, genetic diversity assessment, and phylogenetic positioning of Hyalomma tick specimens from Tunisia. A total of 20 tickspecimens were collected from different hosts including cattle, camels, and turtles in nine Tunisian governorates. Morphological diagnosis confirmed five Hyalomma species: H. scupense, H. marginatum, H. excavatum, H. aegyptium, and H. dromedarii. Molecular analysis confirmed species’ identification and revealed varying levels of genetic diversity within each species. Within the H. scupense and H. aegyptium species, low genetic diversity was observed, with no variable sites detected in the 16 S and 12 S rRNA markers, except for a single site in H. aegyptium’s COI marker. H. marginatum isolates showed moderate diversity, with no variable sites in the 16S and 12S rRNA markers, and four variable sites in the COI marker. In contrast, H. excavatum and H. dromedarii isolates exhibited higher diversity, with variable sites identified in all three markers (16S, 12S rRNA, and COI). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that, with the exception of H. scupense, the COI marker exhibited superior discriminatory power compared to the 16 S and 12 S rRNA markers. This enabled the discernment of distinct genetic clusters within each species. These findings underscore the importance of utilizing multiple molecular markers for confirming morphological diagnosis and specifically highlight the significance of the COI marker in assessing the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Hyalomma ticks. By employing these markers, particularly COI, valuable insights into the evolutionary dynamics and epidemiological significance of Hyalomma ticks can be gained, facilitating targeted control measures against tick-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ticks are prominent vectors of numerous pathogens that adversely affect human and animal health. Monitoring tick population dynamics is key in developing ideal tick-borne disease surveillance systems and critical vector control programmes. This study aimed to conduct the morphological and molecular characterization of ticks infesting domesticated goats in Kerala, India. Methods and Results: A total of 30 goats presented to the small ruminant unit of the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC), Mannuthy were randomly screened for tick infestation, with 22 (73.3%) found to be infested. Morphological identification of different life cycle stages and genera was conducted first, utilizing documented external characteristics such as body size, presence of eyes, and other key morphological traits. A total of 153 tick samples were collected from goats, and their identification revealed that they belonged to the genera Haemaphysalis and Rhipicephalus. This was followed by molecular analysis through sequencing a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) gene, a standard marker for tick identification. The results from molecular and phylogenetic analyses confirmed the tick species as Haemaphysalis bispinosa, H. intermedia, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, and R. sanguineus. The sequenced specimens were deposited in the NCBI GenBank contributing to the global understanding of tick distribution and diversity in goats. The GenBank accession no. (s) of the isolates are PQ433166 (H. bispinosa), PQ433290 (H. intermedia), PQ433525 (R. haemaphysaloides), and PQ433586 (R. sanguineus). Conclusions: The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the tick fauna infesting goats in the region and emphasize the importance of developing research and monitoring plans to address the challenges posed by these ectoparasites. It also highlights a critical area for future study, targeting the vector potential of these arthropods in hemoparasitic diseases and zoonotic disease transmission. Highlights: Ticks belonging to genera Haemaphysalis and Rhipicephalus identified. Molecular identification is easier and more reliable technique in identification of ticks. The risk of cross-species infestation by the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sour meat is a popular traditional fermented product and is a rich source of novel strains with probiotic potential. In this study, we aimed to assess the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from fermented sour meat. Firstly, the microbial diversity of sour meat from four different areas in China was analyzed. The results showed that LAB were predominant in all samples. Subsequently, LAB were isolated from sour meat and a series of in vitro probiotic tests were carried out. A total of 130 bacterial strains with dissolved calcium were obtained and 10 strains showed a range of 89–97% survival in an acidic environment and high tolerance to bile salts. The ranges of hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation of 10 strains were 4.85–80.75% and 1.58–84.2%, respectively. Besides, all 10 strains exhibited high antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity, of which, DZ24 possessed the strongest free radical scavenging (45.1%) and anti-lipid oxidizing ability (90.3%). Furthermore, DZ24 was identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Moreover, the fermentation indexes showed that DZ24 could rapidly reduce the pH to 4.14 and showed high salt and nitrite resistance and antioxidant ability. All the above experimental results indicate that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DZ24 promise a suitable probiotic candidate for future applications in the fermented functional meats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Accurate identification of the leafhopper species Nephotettix cincticeps and N. virescens is necessary because they feed on phloem sap and transmit plant pathogens including viruses that can cause significant damage to rice plants. Initially, we examined their physical traits using a microscope and a specific camera and observed differences between the two species. To further validate these distinctions on a molecular level, we designed primers based on mitochondrial genome sequences obtained from the NCBI database. The primers were effectively used in general PCR and loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests. General PCR was successfully performed at 61°C using NC_mt5117F33 and NC_mt5438B33 primers for N. cincticeps and NV_mt3089F31, NV_mt3360B31 primers for N. virescens. The effectiveness of the selected primers was validated using quantitative PCR (qPCR) on the pooled gDNA samples and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). The best conditions for LAMP were 61°C and time 45 min, resulting in the most favourable amplification outcomes. Additionally, LAMP enables diagnosis at the individual level in the field, and qPCR and ddPCR can be used for relative or absolute quantification, even from pooled gDNA from multiple species. This study emphasises the importance of combining traditional and molecular techniques in primary pest species diagnostics to ensure precise and timely pest control, which can contribute to improved pest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPanax ginseng (Asian ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) are two important species of genus Panax used commercially in China. The main species of Colletotrichum on P. ginseng have been previously investigated, but Colletotrichum on P. quinquefolius has not been verified in China. In June 2020, August 2021 and September 2022, leaf spots on P. quinquefolius were found in Jilin Province, northeastern China. Eighty Colletotrichum strains were isolated from the diseased leaves and were identified as Colletotrichum panacicola based on morphology and molecular characterization. After inoculation of these strains on detached or attached American ginseng leaves, leaf spots developed after 4 days on detached leaves and after 6 days on attached leaves. A fungus with the same morphology and spores as the inoculated strain was re-isolated from the lesions. This is the first report of leaf spot disease of P. quinquefolius caused by C. panacicola in northeastern China. We also tested this pathogen on 13 other plants and found that it can cause severe symptoms on apricot and crab apple, both members of Rosaceae. This study confirms a new location and additional host range of this fungus and highlights that it is a potential threat to P. quinquefolius cultivation in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractOulema melanopus and Oulema hoffmannseggii have been mistaken for a single species. However, their differentiation has been definitively established through the examination of male genitalia. The analysis revealed that the aedeagus size of O. hoffmannseggii was smaller (1.125 ± 0.007 mm) than to O. melanopus (1.375 ± 0.008 mm). Over a 4-year period, the study of species abundance highlights a significant prevalence of O. hoffmannseggii (77%). Both species were observed to have one generation per year, with the highest emergence of new adults occurring in May; however, no egg-laying was observed until adults declined in June. Notably, the peak number of O. hoffmannseggii pupae was recorded at the end of April. Subsequently, from 86% of collected pupae parasitoids successfully emerged within an average of 10.8 ± 0.8 days, with 93% originating from pupae collected on spikes and 79% from those collected on leaves. Molecular analysis of these parasitoids identified them as belonging to the Ichneumonidae family. Among them, six specimens were classified under the Pimplinae subfamily, closely related to Itoplectis maculator, while five specimens grouped within Cryptininae subfamily, and two specimens were linked to representatives of the Pteromalidae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant extracts are natural sources of bioactive compounds that could be used for crop protection and preserving human health. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of ethanolic extracts of Senna alexandrina leaves and Achillea millefolium flowers on the growth of some filamentous fungi and yeasts isolated from yellow corn and human. Alcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium flowers showed significant inhibitory effects against the filamentous fungi: Aspergillus flavus, A. ustus, Cladosporium oxysporum, Fusarium graminearum and Penicillium citrinum, beside the dermatophytes Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T.rubrum, T. schoenleinii, T. terrestre and T. verrucosum. The superiority of the A. millefolium flower extract over the Senna alexandrina leaves extract the growth of most of the tested fungi. There was a direct relationship between the concentrations of the alcoholic extract of A. millefolium flowers and the inhibition in halo diameters of Candida isolates. High concentrations, including (200, 150, 125, 100) mg/mL inhibited the growth of all Candida isolates, while the 25 mg/mL concentration was ineffective against any of the tested isolates. Candida krusei was the most sensitive to the alcoholic extract of Achillea flowers (inhibition halo=22 mm at a concentration of 200 mg/mL). Candida glabrata was the most resistant. Also direct relationship was recorded between the concentration of the alcoholic extract of S. alexandrina leaves and the diameters of the inhibition halos for Candida isolates. The high concentrations (200, 150, and 125 mg/mL) inhibited the growth of all the tested isolates. Candida albicans (2) was the most sensitive, while C. glabrata, was the most resistant. The present results showed the possible use of the two plant extracts as preventing factors for the growth of fungi in plants and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Chrysodeixis includens and Rachiplusia nu are pests relevant to several crops due to excessive defoliation caused by their larvae leading to a significant reduction in their yield. The accurate identification of these species is crucial for effective pest management and monitoring the efficacy of engineered plants expressing insecticidal proteins and insecticides. However, visual identification is challenging due to the morphological similarities between the larvae of the two species. Molecular identification overcomes these challenges, making identification more accurate and rapid. In this research, we developed a quick and precise molecular tool for differentiating these species based on different amplicon sizes, obtaining a unique genetic profile for each species. This tool can be easily replicated in standard molecular biology laboratories, allowing early characterizations of infestations. Chrysodeixis includens and Rachiplusia nu are two species belonging to the Plusiinae subfamily within the Noctuidae family. Due to their morphological similarity, the identification of their larvae is difficult and time-consuming. A rapid and accurate identification of these two species is essential for their management as these species exhibit differential susceptibilities to insecticides and crops engineered to express Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins, and a molecular tool can easily provide this differentiation. Currently, molecular analysis can identify these species through genetic sequencing, an expensive and time-consuming process. In our study, after sequencing part of the mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene and based on the differences found in the gene of each species, a set of species-specific primers was developed: one reverse primer common to both species and two forward primers, specific to each species, amplifying fragments of 199 base pairs (bp) for C. includens and 299 bp for R. nu. Our results indicate that the primers were specific for these species, enabling the identification of individuals directly through agarose gel. The new methodology proved to be accurate, rapid, and reliable for the correct identification of these two species of loopers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a parasitological survey of tapeworms from Myliobatis goodei Garman, 1885 (Myliobatiformes: Myliobatidae) in coastal waters off Argentina in the Southwestern Atlantic, a new rhinebothriidean cestode species, Anindobothrium danielae sp. nov., is described using morphological and molecular techniques. This species differs from its congeners by a particular combination of features, including the configuration of the bothridia, the number of marginal loculi, and the number and distribution of testes. Additionally, Anindobothrium myliobatidis comb. nov. is proposed based on several morphological traits, including the presence of stalked bothridia with marginal loculi and an apical sucker, euapolytic strobila, and postvaginal testes. The diagnosis of the genus Anindobothrium Marques, Brooks & Lasso, 2001 is amended to include the features exhibited by these two species; two species subsets are suggested based on the configuration of the bothridia. The presence of A. danielae sp. nov. and A. myliobatidis comb. nov. in the studied area not only increases the number of cestodes in M. goodei here from eight to ten but also represents the first report of a rhinebothriidean cestode parasitizing stingrays of the family Myliobatidae in the Southwestern Atlantic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we investigated the antennal morphology and the distribution and typology of sensilla in antennae of male and female Caligo illioneus illioneus Cramer (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), examined by scanning electron microscopy—SEM. The insect was identified by morphological and molecular means, and the COI gene of this subspecies was sequenced and deposited in GenBank. The SEM results showed that antennae of both sexes do not present dimorphism, as they cannot be distinguished from each other in terms of morphology. In addition, the ventral region of the flagellum has longitudinal carinae. In both sexes, seven types of sensilla were identified along the scape, pedicel and flagellum: Böhm's bristles and sensilla auricillica, basiconica, chaetica, coeloconica, squamiformia, and trichodea. Subtypes I and II were characterized for Böhm's bristles and sensilla basiconica and chaetica according to the length, because morphometric result was statistically different among individuals of the same sex. In addition, the flagellum contains the vast majority of sensilla and their subtypes, except for Böhm's bristles, present only in the basal region. This study provides valuable information about the antennal morphology and sensilla typology in C. i. illioneus, contributing with morphological evidence on the sensory system of butterflies, mainly in the genus Caligo, which is helpful to assist behavioral and electrophysiological studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to select promising microorganisms as biological control agents (BCA). Forty-one soil samples were obtained from florihorticultural farms located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Insect trap techniques and soil serial dilutions were used to obtain isolates of entomopathogenic fungi and fungi of genera Trichoderma, respectively. A total of 20 isolates included five Metarhizium and 15 Trichoderma. The isolates were lyophilized and deposited as reference cultures in the Mycological Collection of the Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE). We performed dual culture studies of the isolates collected against the pathogens Botrytis cinerea Pers. (1797) and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (1884). Eleven isolates were selected for growth promotion studies in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The isolates of Metarhizium taii Liang & Liu (1991) CEP-722, CEP-723 Trichoderma afroharzianum Chaverri, Rocha, Degenkolb & Druzhinina (2015) CEP-753 and CEP-754, molecularly identified by amplification of the ITS and TEF1a zones, presented the best results in the dual culture and growth promotion tests. Subsequent studies will evaluate virulence of fungal strains in insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is the largest coffee-producing nation in the world. Over 50% of the national production comes from the Minas Gerais state, with relevant contribution of the region covered by the Cerrado biome. Given the threat posed by root-knot nematodes (RKN, Meloidogyne spp.) to coffee production, we collected plant and soil samples from infested plantations across 16 counties and identified the species of this pathogen. Based on the female perineal patterns, male morphology, esterase phenotypes and SCAR markers, the species found were Meloidogyne exigua, Meloidogyne paranaensis, Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne arenaria. The most prevalent species was M. exigua, occurring in 83.8% of the sampled sites, followed by M. paranaensis (19%) and M. incognita (4.9%). Mixed populations of RKN were observed in 7.7% of the sites, with the highest prevalence of M. exigua + M. paranaensis and M. paranaensis + M. incognita, followed by M. exigua + M. incognita. Meloidogyne arenaria was found in one site, in a mixed population with M. paranaensis + M. exigua. Strategies to prevent the spread of these nematodes to non-infested areas are highly recommended, particularly focusing on the most aggressive species such as M. paranaensis and M. incognita. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The aim of this study is to utilize the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region as a molecular marker in identifying newly developed hybrid and selfing offspring banana progeny, thereby laying the foundation for advancements in banana breeding and genetics research.【Method】DNA of parents and their suspected offspring was extracted, then PCR amplifification and Sanger sequencing were conducted, and sequence alignment was performed using software“DNAMAN”and“SnapGene”to analyze the polymorphism of ITS, thereby determining the hybrid and selfing offspring. The plant was classified as a positive plant when the ITS sequence of the suspected offspring plant showed differences at one or more base sites compared with the parent; conversely, if no such differences were found, the plant was determined to be a false positive plant.【Result】The study encompasses three sets of putative progeny derived from cultivated banana crossed with wild banana (‘Guang Fen No. 1’בTian Ye BB No. 1’), selfed offspring of a cultivated variety (‘Fen Za No.1’), and a cross between two wild bananas (‘Musa acuminata No. 1’בMusa acuminata No. 2’). Applying the established banana ITS Sanger sequencing protocol, the notable disparities linked to the ITS sequences of these candidate offspring compared to their parents were identified. Phenotypic observations further confirmed variances in the offspring plants, suggesting they were positive plants. In the hybrid offspring of‘Guang Fen No.1’and ‘Tian Ye BB No.1’, polymorphisms in the“410 bp region”were observed in the ITS Sanger sequencing profiles, accompanied by distinct changes in bunch characteristics. Among four selfed offspring of‘Fen Za No.1’, polymorphic peaks in the“50 bp”and“410 bp regions”were detected, with two lines exhibiting distinctive leaf traits. For the ten seedlings resulting from the‘Musa acuminata No. 1’בMusa acuminata No. 2’cross, significant differences in the sequencing profiles were noted at“115 bp”“431 bp”and“452 bp”relative to their parents. 【Conclusion】The ITS Sanger sequencing approach emerges as a complementary tool to phenotypic assessments and SSR-based identification methods, facilitating rapid, flexible, and convenient material authenticity confirmation in distinguishing banana hybrid or selfed offspring. This methodology aids breeders and researchers in efficiently confirming their materials accuracy in breeding and genetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green algae have potential applications in various industries, such as biofuels, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, owing to their adaptability and bioactive compounds. However, the taxonomy and phylogenetic understanding of green algae are incomplete because of challenges in morphological differentiation and limited DNA sequencing. In this study, a unicellular green alga designated as Tetraselmis marina MP0060 was axenically isolated from seawater off the Dokdo Islands in Korea. The taxonomic, genetic, physiological, and biochemical properties of this strain were characterized, and its optimal growth conditions were explored. Comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the taxonomic placement of the strain within T. marina. This strain showed robust growth across a wide temperature range (8-30°C) with optimal conditions at 21°C and 88 μmol m-2 s-1 photon flux density. It was rich in palmitic acid (41.84%) and nutritionally important ω-3 fatty acids, including α-linolenic acid (17.49%) and eicosapentaenoic acid (14.04%). This study is the first to report this species in Korea, and its findings suggest that the biomass of T. marina MP0060 can serve as a viable feedstock for biodiesel production and as a valuable source of ω-3 fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcophagidae is a significant Diptera family because several of its species are among the first to visit a corpse, and it helps in minPMI estimation. Sarcophagidae species identification for a layman is difficult due to identical morphological appearance and if the fly is a female. Also, fly specimens get damaged due to improper storage of forensic specimens collected from crime scenes. Thus, in this study, we aimed to check the efficiency of cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) for identifying eleven sarcophagid flies species. Flesh flies were collected from various biogeographic regions of West Bengal. COI barcodes successfully differentiated between species with a very significant K2P interspecific genetic divergence, which ranged between 3.12% and 20.11%, and intraspecific genetic divergences ranged from 0% to 1%. The subgenera Uroxanthisca and Sinonipponia are used in the phylogenetic analysis for the first time in the oriental context. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using a Neighbour Joining (NJ) tree constructed using Kimura two-parameter (K2P) in MEGA X software. Thus, COI barcodes proved to be quite effective as an alternate method of identifying flesh fly species, and future studies should include additional markers for further phylogenetic investigations of the Sarcophagidae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Diaphania indica (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is one of the most important pests infesting many cucurbitaceous vegetables. During the rearing of insect eggs, we observed a fungal infection in these insect eggs which causes the death of pests. Therefore, this work aimed to isolate and identify this fungus by amplifying the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA, as well as evaluating the efficiency of this fungus in control. Aspergillus flavus, 'PP125556', showcased robust pathogenicity against a range of D. indica pests. The results showed that colonies of 'PP125556' cultivated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) exhibited distinctive morphological characteristics, transitioning from pristine white to verdant green. Bioassays demonstrated concentration-dependent mortality rates of D. indica larvae and adults when exposed to varying concentrations of 'PP125556' conidia, with the highest concentration (1 × 109 conidia/mL) inducing significant death, with the highest mortality (53.06% for eggs, 70.57% for larvae, and 86.65% for adults). Furthermore, examination under a stereomicroscope revealed conspicuous external symptoms in infected larvae, including reduced mobility, darkened body pigmentation, and the emergence of white hyphae, indicative of mortality. Additionally, infected eggs exhibited inhibited hatching and the emergence of green hyphae, while infected adults displayed mortality and white hyphae colonization, underscoring the potent biocontrol efficacy of A. flavus 'PP125556' against D. indica across diverse developmental stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild Iris plants are usually found in spontaneous flora, but due to their ornamental characteristics, they can also be used for ornamental purposes, which means that it is very important to find the perfect conditions for plant growth. This research aimed to evaluate the ornamental value and adaptive behavior of wild Iris aphylla L. in "ex situ" conditions. Plants from wild flora were cultivated experimentally in the Floriculture field at the Faculty of Horticulture, IULS, Iași, Romania. The biometric determinations revealed the significantly higher ornamental value of conserved plants grown in "ex situ" conditions compared to wild plants. In "ex situ" conditions, the plants displayed more vigorous growth (~100%) and had a higher number of flowers per stem (5–9 flowers), whereas, in wild conditions, this species has from two to a maximum of five flowers. Given the absence of anatomical studies in the literature, detailed anatomical investigations of the leaf structure were performed, complemented by analyses of the photosynthetic pigment content to assess the plant's physiological performance. Additionally, the molecular phylogenetic analyses conducted using two plastid markers (rbcL and trnL-F) confirmed the taxonomic classification of the native I. aphylla L. species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the molecular phylogeny of the wild Iridaceae species in Romania. These findings provide insights into the taxonomy, morphology, cultivation potential, and ornamental value of the species, supporting future conservation and horticulture development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Arthropods serve as efficient carriers for various life-threatening infections parasites, viruses and other harmful organisms throughout the world. In this study, Al-Aqiq Governorate of Al-Baha city served as the site where tick burden on camels (Camelus dromedarius) was assessed. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the diversity and prevalence of ticks. A total of 800 ticks, 756 adults and 44 nymphs were gathered and identified. Tick DNA was obtained from camels by utilizing commercially available kits. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done on recovered DNA utilizing 12S rDNA and 16S ribosomal DNA fragments to analyze and identify the ticks. Three species of hard ticks were found in the two genera Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. Hyalomma dromedarii (81.81%) and H. rufipes (17.35%) were the two species with the highest prevalence found on the domestic animal hosts, whereas R. sanguineus (had the lowest prevalence of 0.82%). This is a preliminary report of DNA barcode of tick species of camels (Camelus dormedarius) from Al-Baha in KSA and the Arabian Peninsula, which is a significant step towards broader phylogenetic studies on tick samples from this region. The results of our study provide valuable insights for healthcare administrators and government authorities regarding the frequency of hard ticks on mammalian hosts in Al-Aqiq Governorate of Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia. This can also assist in regulating tick diseases, in particular during the epidemic time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dunaliella salina, a halophilic unicellular chlorophyte, produces bioactive compounds and biofuels applicable to various industries. Despite its industrial significance, comprehensive studies on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of the genus Dunaliella remain challenging. In this study, we characterized an axenically isolated green alga from a salt pond in Taean, Republic of Korea, and assessed its industrially relevant traits. The morphological characteristics were typical of D. salina, and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the SSU, ITS1-5.8S-ITS, LSU regions of rDNA, and rbcL gene confirmed the isolate as D. salina strain DSTA20. The optimal temperature, salinity, and photon flux density required for its growth were determined to be 21 °C, 0.5 M NaCl, and 88 µmol m−2 s−1, respectively. Dried biomass analysis revealed 42.87% total lipids, with major fatty acids, including α-linolenic acid (31.55%) and palmitic acid (21.06%). The alga produced high-value carotenoids, including β-carotene (2.47 mg g−1 dry weight (DW)) and lutein (1.39 mg g−1 DW), with peak levels at 0.25 M salinity. Glucose (195.5 mg g−1 DW) was the predominant monosaccharide. These findings highlight the potential of D. salina DSTA20 for biodiesel production and as a source of ω-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, and glucose. Morphological traits provide insights relevant to the industrial potential of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that foliar fungicides increase the abundance of Diaporthe spp. in mature soybean seeds, thereby reducing seed quality and potentially increasing seedling, stem, and pod disease in subsequent plantings. To mitigate this, we examined a fungicide containing mefentrifluconazole, fluxapyroxad, and pyraclostrobin applied during the R3 growth stage. We compared the seedborne fungal community from soybeans harvested at full maturity and 2 to 3 weeks later to assess fungal colonization. Six trials were conducted in Iowa and South Dakota in 2021 and 2022. Asymptomatic, recently harvested seed was assayed using either an agar-plate or a seed-blotter test, and the results were compared. The agar-plate method involved disinfesting seeds in sodium hypochlorite and ethanol and then transferring them to acidified water agar plates. Fungal isolates were identified using morphology and DNA sequences. This method detected 562 fungal isolates from 25 species and 14 genera. Dry conditions reduced seed infection, but a 2-week delay in harvest increased the likelihood of Alternaria and Cercospora infection in nontreated controls. The seed-blotter test involved disinfesting seeds, placing them on blotter paper, and incubating them. This assay detected higher numbers of fungal infected seed, with Aspergillus as the dominant genus. Storage conditions significantly impacted fungal presence, with more Aspergillus in seeds stored in a shed than in the cooler. Both assay methods showed that the fungicide treatment reduced the number of seeds infected with Alternaria, Cercospora, and Aspergillus. [Figure: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Background: Endophytic fungi live in plant tissues and are usually not harmful to their host plants. One of the host plants for endophytic fungi is bush grape leaves (Cayratia trifolia L.). Objective: The research aimed to determine the molecular characteristics of the endophytic fungi isolates selected IDGG 3 of bush grape leaves. Methods: The test used the polymerase chain reaction method to determine the species-level characteristics using internal transcribed spacers (ITS) 1 and 4. The DNA band was successfully amplified with 500 base pairs with 3000 markers. Results: The fungi isolates selected IDGG 3 of bush grape leaves in molecular identification based on the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis on Genebank NCBI that the IDGG 3 samples of bush grape leaves had a similarity level of 99%, namely Fusarium incarnatum JL5-2, Fusarium incarnatum JL3-4- 1, Fusarium incarnatum CBB-2, Fusarium incarnatum JL3-3, Fusarium incarnatum CBA-3, Fusarium incarnatum CBB-1, Fusarium incarnatum CBA-2, Fusarium chlamydospore, Fusarium cf. Incarnatum, and Fusarium sp. Conclusion: The results of the molecular characteristics of the selected endophytic fungi isolate IDGG 3 galing-galing leaves (Cayratia trifoliata L.) have the closest degree of kinship with the species Fusarium incarnatum JL3-4-1. The importance of the PCR method in the molecular characterization of endophytic fungi, as well as opening opportunities for further exploration of the biotechnological potential of endophytic fungi from Cayratia trifolia L.

Abstract Background Paramphistomids are ruminal trematodes that cause important losses in tropical and subtropical regions. However, their presence in Europe has increased significantly in recent decades. In northwestern Spain, this trend has been confirmed in cattle, but data in sheep are scarce and not updated. Moreover, the paramphistomid species affecting sheep in the area have never been molecularly identified. To evaluate the prevalence of paramphistomid infections in sheep from northwestern Spain, 826 faecal samples from 25 sheep farms were collected and analysed via coproscopic techniques. In addition, the rumens of 85 roe deer from the same area were examined to detect adult paramphistomids. The species present were molecularly identified. Multivariate analyses for identifying the risk factors affecting the prevalence and egg shedding of rumen flukes were also performed. Results Overall, 14% of the animals and 44% of the flocks were positive; the mean egg count was 20.5 eggs per gram of faeces. In contrast, no adult paramphistomids were found in roe deer. Older sheep, those from farms located in the central climatic area, without water throughs available on pastures and using their own manure to fertilize, were considered significantly more susceptible to infection with paramphistomids. With respect to egg shedding, animals from 37 to 72 months of age, farms under semiextensive management, and those coinfected with Fasciola hepatica presented significantly greater egg counts. Molecular identification revealed 100% similarity with Calicophoron daubneyi sequences from other European and Mediterranean countries. Conclusions The present study confirms the increase in the prevalence of paramphistomid infections in sheep in the area with high dissemination of the parasite, as previously reported in cattle, and represents the first molecular identification of C. daubneyi in sheep from Spain. Our results demonstrate that special attention should be given to adult animals since they are the main carriers and are responsible for environmental contamination. In addition, detecting risk areas and applying effective control management measures such as the installation of watering points on pastures seems essential for limiting infections in livestock, especially in sheep, since they are susceptible to developing clinical paramphistomidosis at any time in their lives. The absence of adult flukes in roe deer suggests that they represent less suitable hosts for this trematode than cattle and sheep, although more robust studies monitoring the situation in sympatric areas with domestic ruminants are needed.

Abstract Non–Contact Atomic Force Microscopy with CO–functionalized metal tips (referred to as HR-AFM) provides access to the internal structure of individual molecules adsorbed on a surface with totally unprecedented resolution. Previous works have shown that deep learning (DL) models can retrieve the chemical and structural information encoded in a 3D stack of constant-height HR–AFM images, leading to molecular identification. In this work, we overcome their limitations by using a well-established description of the molecular structure in terms of topological fingerprints, the 1024–bit Extended Connectivity Chemical Fingerprints of radius 2 (ECFP4), that were developed for substructure and similarity searching. ECFPs provide local structural information of the molecule, each bit correlating with a particular substructure within the molecule. Our DL model is able to extract this optimized structural descriptor from the 3D HR–AFM stacks and use it, through virtual screening, to identify molecules from their predicted ECFP4 with a retrieval accuracy on theoretical images of 95.4%. Furthermore, this approach, unlike previous DL models, assigns a confidence score, the Tanimoto similarity, to each of the candidate molecules, thus providing information on the reliability of the identification. By construction, the number of times a certain substructure is present in the molecule is lost during the hashing process, necessary to make them useful for machine learning applications. We show that it is possible to complement the fingerprint-based virtual screening with global information provided by another DL model that predicts from the same HR–AFM stacks the chemical formula, boosting the identification accuracy up to a 97.6%. Finally, we perform a limited test with experimental images, obtaining promising results towards the application of this pipeline under real conditions. Scientific contribution Previous works on molecular identification from AFM images used chemical descriptors that were intuitive for humans but sub–optimal for neural networks. We propose a novel method to extract the ECFP4 from AFM images and identify the molecule via a virtual screening, beating previous state-of-the-art models.