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Insects are an integral part of an agroecosystem. Some of them are pestiferous, while some are beneficial like- natural enemies and pollinators. Therefore, it is very important to identify and manage them timely. With the rapid development of convolutional neural networks, automatic detection techniques for identifying insects using digital images have shown impressive performances in agriculture. In this study, we propose a deep learning approach using YOLOv5-based single-stage object detection model for the identification of agriculturally important insects of crucifers and some of their damage symptoms. A total of 2,730 images were captured from different fields and polyhouses using different smartphones and an SLR camera. The specimens were taxonomically identified by experts and the images were curated, annotated, resized, augmented, split, and trained, validated and tested through five variants of YOLOv5 viz. nano (n), small (s), medium (m), large (l), and extra-large (x). After all the experiments, YOLOv5l was found to be the best-performing model, acquiring an average accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-Score of 99.5%, 92.0%, 83.0%, and 0.873, respectively in the test images. The inference time and computational complexity of YOLOv5l are also significantly lower than those of YOLOv5x. Therefore, to strike a balance between complexity and performance, YOLOv5l has emerged as the most viable option to integrate with AI-based insect identification applications. Our findings reveals that deep learning is reliable for quick detection of insects under complex backgrounds. Further, we demonstrate that use of damage symptoms produced by insects will also be explored for pest detection. Integration of present model with mobile application will help the farmers and stake holders in detection of insects and suggesting effective management.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a serious health problem, and its prevalence is expected to increase worldwide in the years ahead. Cruciferous vegetables such as Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. (green cabbage) and Raphanus sativus L. (radish) have therapeutic properties that can be used to support the treatment of T2D. This study evaluated the effect of B. oleracea (BAE) and R. sativus (RAE) aqueous extracts on zoometric parameters, glycemic profiles, and pancreas and liver in prediabetic rats induced by a high-sucrose diet (HSD). BAE and RAE were administered to male HSD-induced Wistar rats (n = 35) at 5 and 10 mg/kg doses for 5 weeks. Zoometric and biochemical changes were measured, and then the pancreas and liver histological preparations were analyzed to observe the protective effect. BAE decreased feed intake and weight gain. Both extracts decreased fasting glucose and insulin levels compared with control (not treated), although not significantly (P >.05). The extracts significantly (P <.05) reduced homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function, and glucose intolerance, similar to metformin control. In addition, minor damage occurred in the pancreas and liver. The results indicated that BAE and RAE decreased weight gain, improved glucose regulation, and protected the pancreas and liver in HSD rats. Therefore, they have multiple therapeutical properties and may be helpful in the prevention of T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterodera schachtii (Schmidt, 1871) (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) is one of the most widespread plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) associated with cabbages, which cause severe yield losses in cruciferous vegetables. This study aimed to improve the current understanding of the prevalence and detection of H. schachtii in the cabbage-growing areas of Niğde Province, Türkiye. Field surveys were conducted between November and December 2021, and 100 soil samples were collected immediately after cabbage harvesting. Heterodera schachtii populations were identified by morphological and morphometric methods along with Internal Transcribed Spacer of the ribosomal region (ITS-rDNA) and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit (COI-mtDNA) sequencing. The mean body length of H. schachtii was 463 ± 7 μm, while stylet and hyaline length ranged between 20.7–27.8 μm and 20.1–32.1 μm, respectively. Nearly half of the surveyed areas were infested with H. schachtii with a 41% incidence rate. However, the Merkez District had the highest proportion of infested fields with an over 51% incidence rate. The population density was determined in 41 samples with a mean of 79.5 cysts per 250 g of soil. These results will help to determine the control and management strategies of H. schachtii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Hairy roots constitute a valuable tissue culture system for species that are difficult to propagate through conventional seed-based methods. Moreover, the generation of transgenic plants derived from hairy roots can be facilitated by employing carefully designed hormone-containing media. Results We initiated hairy root formation in the rare crucifer species Asperuginoides axillaris via an injection-based protocol using the Agrobacterium strain C58C1 harboring a hairy root-inducing (Ri) plasmid and successfully regenerated plants from established hairy root lines. Our study confirms the genetic stability of both hairy roots and their derived regenerants and highlights their utility as a permanent source of mitotic chromosomes for cytogenetic investigations. Additionally, we have developed an effective embryo rescue protocol to circumvent seed dormancy issues in A. axillaris seeds. By using inflorescence primary stems of Arabidopsis thaliana and Cardamine hirsuta as starting material, we also established hairy root lines that were subsequently used for regeneration studies. Conclusion We developed efficient hairy root transformation and regeneration protocols for various crucifers, namely A. axillaris, A. thaliana, and C. hirsuta. Hairy roots and derived regenerants can serve as a continuous source of plant material for molecular and cytogenetic analyses.

Plasmodiophora brassicae Woronin, an obligate biotrophic soil-borne pathogen, poses a significant threat to cruciferous crops worldwide by causing the devastating disease known as clubroot. Pathogenic variability in P. brassicae populations has been recognized since the 1930s based on its interactions with Brassica species. Over time, numerous sets of differential hosts have been developed and used worldwide to explore the pathogenic variability within P. brassicae populations. These sets encompass a range of systems, including the Williams system, the European Clubroot Differential set (ECD), the Brassica napus set, the Japanese Clubroot Differential Set, the Canadian Clubroot Differential Set (CCS), the Korean Clubroot Differential Set, and the Chinese Sinitic Clubroot Differential set (SCD). However, all existing systems possess both advantages as well as limitations regarding the detection of pathotypes from various Brassica species and their corresponding virulence pattern on Brassica genotypes. This comprehensive review aims to compare the main differential systems utilized in classifying P. brassicae pathotypes worldwide. Their strengths, limitations, and implications are evaluated, thereby enhancing our understanding of pathogenic variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hairy roots constitute a valuable tissue culture system for species that are difficult to propagate through conventional seed-based methods. Moreover, the generation of transgenic plants derived from hairy roots can be facilitated by employing carefully designed hormone-containing media. Results: We initiated hairy root formation in the rare crucifer species Asperuginoides axillaris via an injection-based protocol using the Agrobacterium strain C58C1 harboring a hairy root-inducing (Ri) plasmid and successfully regenerated plants from established hairy root lines. Our study confirms the genetic stability of both hairy roots and their derived regenerants and highlights their utility as a permanent source of mitotic chromosomes for cytogenetic investigations. Additionally, we have developed an effective embryo rescue protocol to circumvent seed dormancy issues in A. axillaris seeds. By using inflorescence primary stems of Arabidopsis thaliana and Cardamine hirsuta as starting material, we also established hairy root lines that were subsequently used for regeneration studies. Conclusion: We developed efficient hairy root transformation and regeneration protocols for various crucifers, namely A. axillaris, A. thaliana, and C. hirsuta. Hairy roots and derived regenerants can serve as a continuous source of plant material for molecular and cytogenetic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clubroot is a disaster in the cultivation of crops of the Cruciferae family, caused by an obligate fungus, (Plasmodiophora brassicae). This pathogen survives in soil and crop debris for a long time in the form of a double-walled resting spore which is sub spherical to spherical in shape with 3 µm in diameter. Its severity is highest at a pH of 5.7, a cool temperature, and excess moisture. The biotic factors in its severity include the spore count in the soil and its virulence. Its dominant resting spore germinates to produce primary plasmodia. The primary plasmodia infect root cells, producing zoospores, which infect cortical cells and cause hypertrophy. This causes formation of typical club shaped galls in the roots. For its management, an integrated management system of agronomic, biological, and chemical approaches is required. Agronomic strategies include liming to raise pH, Boron application, crop rotation, cultivating resistant varieties, soil solarization, and sanitation. Similarly, biological strategies include use of microbial organisms like Trichoderma spp., Gliocladium catenulatum, Streptomyces sp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and endophytes like Acremonium alternatum and Heteroconium chaetospira. Finally, chemical approach includes the use of fungicides like cyazofamid, Penta Chloro Nitro Benzene (PCNB), Nano Silver Hydrogen Peroxide, NF 48, thiophanate methyl, benomyl, and flusulfamide.

Heterodera schachtii (Schmidt, 1871) (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) is one of the most widespread plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) associated with cabbages, which cause severe yield losses in cruciferous vegetables. This study aimed to improve the current understanding of the prevalence and detection of H. schachtii in the cabbage-growing areas of Niğde Province, Türkiye. Field surveys were conducted between November and December 2021, and 100 soil samples were collected immediately after cabbage harvesting. Heterodera schachtii populations were identified by morphological and morphometric methods along with Internal Transcribed Spacer of the ribosomal region (ITS-rDNA) and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit (COI-mtDNA) sequencing. The mean body length of H. schachtii was 463 ± 7 μm, while stylet and hyaline length ranged between 20.7–27.8 μm and 20.1–32.1 μm, respectively. Nearly half of the surveyed areas were infested with H. schachtii with a 41% incidence rate. However, the Merkez District had the highest proportion of infested fields with an over 51% incidence rate. The population density was determined in 41 samples with a mean of 79.5 cysts per 250 g of soil. These results will help to determine the control and management strategies of H. schachtii.

This study is about the estimation of the consumption of cruciferous vegetables, and the search for a possible relationship between the ingestion of glucosinolates provided by these foods and the emergence of endemic goiter. A prospective cohort survey was carried out on 1098 subjects residing in the district of EL-MILIA (Algeria) where endemic goiter is known to estimate the consumption of crucifers. Total glucosinolates levels in cruciferous vegetables, cabbage, cauliflower, fresh and cooked turnip and radish were determined by the glucose release method. The goiter was detected by clinical investigation. Both various fresh and cooked cruciferous vegetables have the same total glucosinolates levels as reported in other studies. The prevalence of endemic goiter was 17.5 %. The average consumption of crucifers was 380.30 g per person a week, i.e. 54.32 g per person a day, and the weekly ingestion of glucosinolates per person was 369.4 µmoles, or 52.7 µmoles per day. No dependence was observed between the consumption of glucosinolates and the disease in general. However, isolated stage 2 and 3 of goiter were dependent on the consumption of glucosinolates, stage 1 was not related to the disease. Despite the current consumption, at ELMILIA, we estimate that glucosinolate's ingestion does not cause goiter, but may worsen the condition of subjects already affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a global pest of crucifer crops, mainly controlled with insecticides. However, this moth has shown populations from different geographical regions that are resistant to various synthetic insecticides, including organophosphates, pyrethroids, new molecules, and microbial-derived pesticides owing to repeated applications of these insecticides. This review is an effort to explore reported cases of insecticide resistance and mechanisms involved in P. xylostella throughout the world. It also includes a comprehensive overview of the mode of inheritance and fitness costs associated with the resistance of P. xylostella to different insecticides. Data from 20 research papers about field and laboratory resistance to various organochlorines and pyrethroids, and 54 papers on resistance to new chemical and microbial insecticides, showed the varying resistance levels in P. xylostella from different parts of the world. Cross-resistance results were also presented in 17 published papers. Moreover, the collected data of 25 research publications about resistance inheritance to various insecticides revealed that 84% of the published papers confirmed autosomal resistance, while sex-linked inheritance was confirmed in only 16% of the published literature. An association of high fitness costs with disadvantageous biological characteristics was evident from the summarized data of eight different studies. Studies about resistance mechanisms were presented in 32 published papers which depicted that metabolic resistance was prevalent over target sites. This effort will contribute to developing an effective management program to mitigate the resistance of P. xylostella to the main pest control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organisms are often exposed to various stresses such as heat. The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is a serious pest of cruciferous crops in Iran and the world. The effect of short-term temperature stress on egg stage of P. xylostella and its demographic parameters were studied under laboratory conditions. Diamondback moth eggs were exposed to 30, 35 and 40 °C for durations of 2, 4, 6, 8 h and then returned to normal temperature condition (25 °C). The results showed that P. xylostella eggs successfully developed to adulthood at short-term (2, 4, 6 and 8 h) high temperatures stress. The ovipositional period was significantly longer at 30 °C for 8 h, 35 °C for 2 h and 40 °C for 4 h than for other periods of stress. There is a significant difference in the net reproduction rate (R0) among the short-term high temperature stresses treatments. The highest and lowest R0 was obtained at 30 °C for 8 and 4 h, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was also found to be significantly affected by stress temperatures. The rm-value ranged from 0.15 ± 0.009 (30 °C for 4 h) to 0.22 ± 0.004 (35 °C for 8 h). Knowledge of the effect of temperature on demographic parameters of P. xylostella could be useful in the integrated pest management for forecasting the population dynamics of this economic pest of brassicas, thereby reducing insecticide inputs, negative environmental impacts and saving hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Various members of the family Brassicaceae are economically important and traditionally used to treat many disorders. Among the family members, Enarthrocarpus strangulatus Boissier is a common Egyptian species that was rarely studied. Consequently, the current study aims to characterize its phytochemical composition and assess its potential bioactivity comprehensively. A metabolomics approach integrating UPLC-HRMS/MS-based molecular networking enabled the dereplication of 91 metabolites, including primary (i. e. organic acids, amino acids, fatty acids, and phospholipids) and secondary metabolites (i. e. glucosinolates, phenolic acids, and flavonoids). Among the 91 annotated features, 13 major metabolites were fully characterized following their isolation and purification. Exclusive of only three flavonoids, all the detected metabolites are described for the first time within this species. Furthermore, the crude extract and four major isolated flavonoids were subjected to in vitro biological screening, including antioxidant, radical scavenging, anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer's, and anti-inflammatory activities. It was noticed that nobiletin (61) exhibited the highest antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer's activities. At the same time, isorhamnetin 3-O-glucose (51) showed the highest anti-diabetic activity compared to the other isolated flavonoids and the total extract itself. Regarding the anti-inflammatory activity, no obvious differences were detected numerically among all studied flavonoids., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Hyaloperonospora brassicae causes downy mildew, a major disease of Brassicaceae species. We sequenced the genomes of two H. brassicae isolates of high (Sample B) and low (Sample C) virulence. Sequencing reads were first assembled de novo with software's SOAPdenovo2, ABySS V2.1 and Velvet V1.1 and later combined to create meta-assemblies with genome sizes of 72.762 and 76.950Mb and predicted gene densities of 1628 and 1644 /Mb, respectively. We could annotate 12.255 and 13,030 genes with high proportions (91-92%) of complete BUSCOs for Sample B and C, respectively. Comparative analysis revealed conserved and varied molecular machinery underlying the physiological specialisation and infection capabilities. BLAST analysis against PHI gene database suggested a relatively higher loss of genes for virulence and pathogenicity in Sample C compared to Sample B, reflecting pathogen evolution through differential rates of mutation and selection. These studies will enable identification and monitoring of H. brassicae virulence factors prevailing in-field.

Among the insect pests that affect crucifer crops in Mexico are Delia planipalpis (Meigen) and D. platura (Stein). They are a threat to the production of these vegetables since the damage they cause directly and indirectly affects yield, quality, and commercialization of these crops. Nevertheless, the existence of natural enemies of these dipterans is still unknown. It is fundamental to determine which parasitoids or predators can be considered possible biological control agents in an integrated pest management program. The sampling sites were located in Guanajuato, Puebla, and the State of Mexico, where plants of Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenk and capitata L., B. napus L., and Raphanus sativus L. infested with Delia spp. were selected. The symptoms observed were wilting, yellowish, flaccid leaves and individuals less developed than the rest of the crop. These plants were extracted with their root and the surrounding soil. Also, wild crucifers were collected, such as Raphanus raphanistrum L., Brassica campestris L., and Sisymbrium irio L. The first records of Aphaereta pallipes Say (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), Trybliographa rapae (Westwood) (Hymenoptera, Figitidae), and Aleochara bimaculata Gravenhorst (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) are reported parasitizing the puparia of these anthomyiid flies on cultivated and wild crucifers. This represents only a starting point for the continuous study of these parasitoids, which is needed to consider them useful for the biological control of D. planipalpis and D. platura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this research study was to examine the possible benefits of using Avena sativa L. (oat), Hordeum vulgare L. (barley), Sinapsis alba L. (yellow mustard), and Rhaphanus rhaphanistrum L. (radish) as green manures to control the incidence of black scurf and stem canker (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) in Diacol Capiro potato. A randomized block design with three replications was used. The incidence of R. solani was determined by observing symptoms associated with late sprouting and foliar curl in the emergence and tuberization stages. The average weight of large and medium tubers per plant was quantified, as well as the commercial yield. The results showed decreases in disease incidence of approximately 5% and increases in commercial potatoes by over 5t. ha-1. It is concluded that all the species, especially barley, that were used as green manure reduced the incidence of the black scurf and stem canker disease and positively influenced tuber yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonnative plant infestations provide unique opportunities to investigate pathogen emergence with evolutionarily recent plant introduction events. The widespread distribution of invasive plants and their proximity to genetically related crops highlights the risks of nonnative plants acting as ancillary hosts and fostering microbial recombination and pathogen selection. Garlic mustard ( Alliaria petiolata ) is a widespread, nonnative cruciferous weed that grows throughout North America and along the forested edges of diverse agricultural fields. The recent identification of a novel Xanthomonas campestris pv. incanae strain isolated from a diseased A. petiolata population led to the current investigation of the distribution and diversity of X. campestris isolates from naturally infected A. petiolata . A total of 14 diseased A. petiolata sites were sampled across three states, leading to the identification of diverse X. campestris pathotypes and genotypes. Pathogenicity assays and multilocus sequence analyses identified pathogenic X. c. pv. incanae and X. c. pv. barbareae strains collected from disparate A. petiolata populations. Moreover, independently collected X. c. pv. incanae strains demonstrated a broad cruciferous host range by infecting cabbage ( Brassica oleracea var. capitata ), garden stock ( Matthiola incana ), and the cover crop yellow mustard ( Guillenia flavescens ). This study highlights the genetic variability and host potential of natural X. campestris populations and the potential risks to Brassica crops via widespread, dense garlic mustard reservoirs., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.

In addition to true cereals (Poaceae) and legumes (Fabaceae), which are most commonly used as cover crops, plant species from the mustard family (Brassicaceae) are increasingly used due to their biological and agronomic characteristics. Crucifers grow fast, develop high biomass, achieve great land coverage (> 80%) and possess high nutrient uptake. These are the reasons that their use as cover crops has a beneficial effect on soil fertility, erosion prevention, weed suppression and groundwater quality protection. Majority of crucifers contain glucosinolates, the enzymatic conversion of which releases biologically active compounds into the soil, which are toxic to soil pathogens, nematodes and some weeds. In this way, crucifers act as soil biofumigants, and this effect is used in the control of harmful organisms within the cover crops technology. Due to different production systems and agroecological conditions, the release of these compounds in the soil is not constant, so the efficiency is not always the same. In this regard, biofumigation as a biological measure should be seen as a part of an integrated pest management strategy. With its flowers, crucifers attract a large number of insects: pollinators, predators and parasitoids, thus positively affecting the biodiversity of beneficial insects and the biocontrol of harmful ones. The most commonly used multipurpose cover crops are: rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), brown mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.), charcoal turnip (Brassica rapa rapifera), fodder radish (Raphanus sativus L.), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleifera) and others.

Determinants of the host ranges of insect herbivores are important from an evolutionary perspective and also have implications for applications such as biological control. Although insect herbivore host ranges typically are phylogenetically constrained, herbivore preference and performance ultimately are determined by plant traits, including plant secondary metabolites. Where such traits are phylogenetically labile, insect hervivore host ranges are expected to be phylogenetically disjunct, reflecting phenotypic similarities rather than genetic relatedness among potential hosts. We tested this hypothesis in the laboratory with a Brassicaceae-specialized weevil, Ceutorhynchus cardariae Korotyaev (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), on 13 test plant species differing in their suitability as hosts for the weevil. We compared the associations between feeding by C. cardariae and either phenotypic similarity (secondary chemistry—glucosinolate profile) or genetic similarity (sequence of the chloroplast gene ndhF) using two methods—simple correlations or strengths of association between feeding by each species, and dendrograms based on either glucosinolates or ndhF sequence (i.e., a phylogram). For comparison, we performed a similar test with the oligophagous Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) using the same plant species. We found using either method that phenotypic similarity was more strongly associated with feeding intensity by C. cardariae than genetic similarity. In contrast, neither genetic nor phenotypic similarity was significantly associated with feeding intensity on the test species by P. xylostella. The result indicates that phenotypic traits can be more reliable indicators of the feeding preference of a specialist than phylogenetic relatedness of its potential hosts. This has implications for the evolution and maintenance of host ranges and host specialization in phytophagous insects. It also has implications for identifying plant species at risk of nontarget attack by potential weed biological control agents and hence the approach to prerelease testing.

Determinants of the host ranges of insect herbivores are important from an evolutionary perspective and also have implications for applications such as biological control. Although insect herbivore host ranges typically are phylogenetically constrained, herbivore preference and performance ultimately are determined by plant traits, including plant secondary metabolites. Where such traits are phylogenetically labile, insect hervivore host ranges are expected to be phylogenetically disjunct, reflecting phenotypic similarities rather than genetic relatedness among potential hosts. We tested this hypothesis in the laboratory with a Brassicaceae-specialized weevil, Ceutorhynchus cardariae Korotyaev (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), on 13 test plant species differing in their suitability as hosts for the weevil. We compared the associations between feeding by C. cardariae and either phenotypic similarity (secondary chemistry—glucosinolate profile) or genetic similarity (sequence of the chloroplast gene ndhF) using two methods—simple correlations or strengths of association between feeding by each species, and dendrograms based on either glucosinolates or ndhF sequence (i.e., a phylogram). For comparison, we performed a similar test with the oligophagous Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) using the same plant species. We found using either method that phenotypic similarity was more strongly associated with feeding intensity by C. cardariae than genetic similarity. In contrast, neither genetic nor phenotypic similarity was significantly associated with feeding intensity on the test species by P. xylostella. The result indicates that phenotypic traits can be more reliable indicators of the feeding preference of a specialist than phylogenetic relatedness of its potential hosts. This has implications for the evolution and maintenance of host ranges and host specialization in phytophagous insects. It also has implications for identifying plant species at risk of nontarget attack by potential weed biological control agents and hence the approach to prerelease testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a seedborne bacterium that causes black rot of crucifers. A real-time PCR assay based on a dual-labeled hydrolysis TaqMan® probe has been developed for the rapid and sensitive detection of Xcc and related pathovars that affect mainly Brassicaceae crops and ornamentals. Primers were designed to specifically amplify a 152 bp fragment of the Zur gene from X. campestris. To confirm the specificity of the detection, primers targeting the Zur and hrpF genes were used for standard and real-time PCR with DNA samples from 13 Xcc strains, seven Xanthomonas species and pathovars and five different bacterial endophytes including Bacillus, Erwinia, Klebsiella, Pantoea and Pseudomonas, previously isolated from tissues of crucifers. PCR products amplified with Zur and hrpF primers were sequenced to assess the genetic diversity of these genes in the tested isolates. The real-time PCR protocol was optimized to allow the detection at the level of ten copies of Zur PCR fragment per one microliter of DNA. Although the real-time based on detection of Zur also detected X. campestris pvs raphani, armoraciae, incanae and a strain of X. hortorum pv. carotae, it improved the specificity in relation to the previously published hrpF based real-time method. A multiplex assay for Zur and hrpF genes further improved the specificity by excluding X. hortorum pv. carotae. Tests of brassica tissues and seeds artificially inoculated with Xcc showed that the real-time PCR based on detection of Zur is an efficient and robust assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gryon gonikopalense (GG) is a new identified egg parasitoid on Bagrada bug. • On average, adults developed in 25.07 days and when fed with honey live 66.42 days. • GG produced 59.23 offspring on average. • Live Bagrada eggs from 1 to 4 days old were suitable for parasitoid oviposition. • GG is a promising BCA with a high reproductive rate and fecundity pattern. The pentatomid bug Bagrada hilaris is a severe invasive alien pest of Brassicaceae crops, which first appeared in California in 2008 and is expanding to several southern U.S. states and South America. To answer the demand of growers for sustainable management methods, a biological control program started in 2015. The egg parasitoid Gryon gonikopalense Sharma was collected in Pakistan, and after morphological identification here described, is being evaluated as a candidate for classical biological control against B. hilaris. Basic life history studies were performed in climatic chambers (22 ± 0.5 °C, RH 50 ± 5%, L/D 12:12). On average, Gryon gonikopalense developed in 25.1 ± 1.4 (mean ± sd) days and live 66.4 ± 30.7 days. Allowing females to oviposit reduced their lifespan by 52%, and food deprivation reduced it by 87%. During their life, females produced 59.2 ± 22.3 offspring on average with a maximum fecundity during the first week of their life. Mean progeny sex ratio was 46.3% female. Live host eggs from 1 to 4 days old were suitable for parasitoid oviposition, but eggs stored at −80 °C were not. Hence, the parasitoid could attack bagrada eggs for most of their development in the field but storage of bagrada eggs at very low temperature for later use in rearing or as sentinel eggs in the field is not recommended. These data provide a baseline for designing host specificity tests to help determine whether G. gonikopalense is suitable to use as a biocontrol agent of Bagrada hilaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the most important cases of trap crops and insectary plants in the order Brassicales. Most trap crops in the order Brassicales target insects that are specialist in plants belonging to this order, such as the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), the pollen beetle, Meligethes aeneus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), and flea beetles in the genera Phyllotreta and Psylliodes (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In most cases, the mode of action of these trap crops is the preferential attraction of the insect pest for the trap crop located next to the main crop. With one exception, these trap crops in the order Brassicales have been used with brassicaceous crops. Insectary plants in the order Brassicales attract a wide variety of natural enemies, but most studies focus on their effect on aphidofagous hoverflies and parasitoids. The parasitoids benefiting from insectary plants in the order Brassicales target insects pests ranging from specialists, such as P. xylostella , to highly polyfagous, such as the stink bugs Euschistus conspersus Uhler and Thyanta pallidovirens Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). In the order Brassicales, the three most common trap crops are Indian mustard, Brassica juncea (L.) Czern, Chinese cabbage, Brassica rapa L. and yellow rocket, Barbarea vulgaris R. Br. while the three most common insectary plants are sweet alyssum, Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv. white mustard, Sinapis alba L, and B. vulgaris. Except for Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae) and Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. (Capparaceae), the tested trap crops and insectary plants in the order Brassicales belong to the family Brassicaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The Brassicaceae family comprises c. 4000 species including economically important crops and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Despite their importance, the relationships among major lineages in the family remain unresolved, hampering comparative research.Here, we inferred a Brassicaceae phylogeny using newly generated targeted enrichment sequence data of 1827 exons (> 940 000 bases) representing 63 species, as well as sequenced genome data of 16 species, together representing 50 of the 52 currently recognized Brassicaceae tribes. A third of the samples were derived from herbarium material, facilitating broad taxonomic coverage of the family.Six major clades formed successive sister groups to the rest of Brassicaceae. We also recovered strong support for novel relationships among tribes, and resolved the position of 16 taxa previously not assigned to a tribe. The broad utility of these phylogenetic results is illustrated through a comparative investigation of genome‐wide expression signatures that distinguish simple from complex leaves in Brassicaceae.Our study provides an easily extendable dataset for further advances in Brassicaceae systematics and a timely higher‐level phylogenetic framework for a wide range of comparative studies of multiple traits in an intensively investigated group of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a phytopathogenic bacteria, and it is the causative agent of black rot in crucifers. Recent studies have shown that Bacillus species have strong biological control on Xanthomonas. One of the mechanisms of this control is secondary metabolites production. A collection of 257 bacteria isolated from a suppressive soil was evaluated for in vitro antagonistic activity against X. campestris, and 92 isolates (44.6%) were able to inhibit its growth. Among the 92 isolates evaluated in the double‐layer technique, 51 (55.43%) inhibited Xcc growth on the inhibition tests with cell‐free filtrates (CFF) in liquid medium. Thirteen of these isolates presented 50% or more growth inhibition, and five isolates presented 100% growth inhibition of Xcc. The CFF of the isolate TCDT‐08, which belongs to the Paenibacillus genus, was used for in vivo tests with kale crops. The artificial inoculation of kale with Xcc‐629IBSBF pretreated with CFF from the isolate TCDT‐08 demonstrated that the bacterium loses the ability of colonizing kale and of causing black rot. A Paenibacillus sp. isolate has strong inhibitory activity against X. campestris pv. campestris, and further studies can result in the use of this isolate to protect kale from Xcc infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica vegetables, which include broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts, are known for their high glucosinolate content. Glucosinolates and their derived forms namely isothiocyanates are of special interest in the pharmaceutical and food industries due to their antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and anticarcinogenic properties. These compounds are water soluble and heat-sensitive and have been proved to be heavily lost during thermal processing. In addition, previous studies suggested that novel non-thermal technologies such as high pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, or ultraviolet irradiation can affect the glucosinolate content of cruciferous vegetables. The objective of this paper was to review current knowledge about the effects of both thermal and non-thermal processing technologies on the content of glucosinolates and their derived forms in brassica vegetables. This paper also highlights the importance of the incorporation of brassica vegetables into our diet for their health-promoting properties beyond their anticarcinogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Alternaria species are common pathogens of fruit and vegetables able to produce secondary metabolites potentially affecting human health. Twenty-nine isolates obtained from cabbage, cauliflower, wild and cultivated rocket were characterized and identified based on sporulation pattern and virulence; the phylogenetic analysis was based on the β-tubulin gene. Isolates were identified as A. alternata, A. tenuissima, A. arborescens, A. brassicicola and A. japonica. Pathogenicity was evaluated on plants under greenhouse conditions. Two isolates showed low level of virulence on cultivated rocket while the other isolates showed medium or high level of virulence. Isolates were also characterized for their mycotoxin production on a modified Czapek-Dox medium. Production of the five Alternaria toxins, tenuazonic acid, alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, altenuene and tentoxin were evaluated. Under these conditions, about 80% of the isolates showed the ability to produce at least one mycotoxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the arms race between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies, specialized herbivores may use plant defenses for their own benefit, and variation in plant traits may affect the benefits that herbivores derive from these defenses. Pieris brassicae is a specialist herbivore of plants containing glucosinolates, a specific class of defensive secondary metabolites. Caterpillars of P. brassicae are known to actively spit on attacking natural enemies, including their main parasitoid, the braconid wasp Cotesia glomerata. Here, we tested the hypothesis that variation in the secondary metabolites of host plants affects the efficacy of caterpillar regurgitant as an anti-predator defense. Using a total of 10 host plants with different glucosinolate profiles, we first studied natural regurgitation events of caterpillars on parasitoids. We then studied manual applications of water or regurgitant on parasitoids during parasitization events. Results from natural regurgitation events revealed that parasitoids spent more time grooming after attack when foraging on radish and nasturtium than on Brassica spp., and when the regurgitant came in contact with the wings rather than any other body part. Results from manual applications of regurgitant showed that all parameters of parasitoid behavior (initial attack duration, attack interruption, grooming time, and likelihood of a second attack) were more affected when regurgitant was applied rather than water. The proportion of parasitoids re-attacking a caterpillar within 15 min was the lowest when regurgitant originated from radish-fed caterpillars. However, we found no correlation between glucosinolate content and regurgitant effects, and parasitoid behavior was equally affected when regurgitant originated from a glucosinolate-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana mutant line. In conclusion, host plant affects to a certain extent the efficacy of spit from P. brassicae caterpillars as a defense against parasitoids, but this is not due to glucosinolate content. The nature of the defensive compounds present in the spit remains to be determined, and the ecological relevance of this anti-predator defense needs to be further evaluated in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressed cake from rapeseed ( Brassica napus L.) is a promising plant protein source not yet utilised for human consumption due to the presence of antinutrients such as glucosinolates. Protein solubility is a crucial parameter influencing the functionality and thereby the applicability of proteins as food ingredients. A novel cruciferin-rich rapeseed protein product was produced by an aqueous processing method in pilot plant scale. Intact glucosinolates were conserved by this procedure and largely removed from the protein products. Protein solubility in this product was examined when dispersed in 50 m m phosphate buffer, pH 8.0 with varying NaCl concentration (0-500 m m). Unexpectedly, a salting-out effect was observed of the globulin proteins, as 15.9 ± 0.6% protein was in solution at 500 m m added NaCl, whereas 21.5 ± 1.1% was solubilised without added NaCl; whether the observed effects originates from lipid and fibre constituents in the product remains to be resolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternaria leaf blight and head rot is an important disease of broccoli and other cole crops. With no resistant host varieties, fungicides are utilized to manage this disease. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that, in southeastern U.S. broccoli-producing states, there is a loss of disease control through the use of quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides. To understand why there is a reduced sensitivity to QoI fungicides in these states, we isolated Alternaria spp. from symptomatic lesions on cole crops from Georgia and Virginia (two states with observations of loss of fungicide sensitivity) as well as New York (a state with no observations of loss of fungicide sensitivity). Using multilocus sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, we identified two species, Alternaria brassicicola and A. japonica . Whereas A. brassicicola was isolated in all states, A. japonica was only isolated in Georgia. Next, we wanted to determine the sensitivity of these isolates to azoxystrobin-an active ingredient in some QoI fungicides-by estimating the effective concentration at which only 50% of spores germinate (EC 50 ). The EC 50 of A. brassicicola ranged from 0.01 to 0.17 ppm, whereas that of A. japonica was 8.1 to 28.1 ppm. None of the known target-site mutations that confer resistance to QoI fungicides were identified during screening of either species. A. japonica was first reported on the east coast of the United States in 2020 in South Carolina. The substantially higher EC 50 value suggests that its emergence in the southeastern United States may play at least a part in the observed loss of disease control. However, further in planta and field studies are needed to thoroughly test this hypothesis., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is causal agent of black rot disease in crucifers. Genetic diversity, 28 isolates of Xcc collected from cole crops (cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and knol khol), turnip, brown and yellow mustard crops from northern region of India was performed by using rep-PCR fingerprinting (BOX, REP and ERIC) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Five DNA type groups were formed by using rep-PCR fingerprinting. In RAPD study, six primers showed monomorphic bands and remaining six primers (OPB-10, OPB- 15, UBC-245, D-11, UBC-220 and OPA-11) exhibited polymorphic amplified product in all isolates of Xcc. Xcc- C281 and Xcc-C261 and Xcc-C268 were formed separate group as DNA types, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. Genetic variability was found among the isolates of Xcc based on their hosts. They were categorized into eight groups at DNA typing at ~50% similarity coefficient and formed 8 DNA type groups at ~ 50% similarity coefficient. Eighteen isolates of Xcc were grouped under DNA type 7, whereas in DNA type 8 (4 isolates).

Indole phytoalexins from crucifers have been shown to exhibit significant anti-cancer, chemopreventive, and antiproliferative activity. Phytoalexins are natural low molecular antimicrobial compounds that are synthesized and accumulated in plants after their exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. Most interestingly, crucifers appear to be the only plant family producing sulfur-containing indole phytoalexins. The mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer properties are unknown. Isolation from cruciferous plants does not provide sufficient quantities of indole phytoalexins and, for biological screening, they are usually obtainable through synthesis. Understanding the molecular mechanism of the action of these substances and their structure-activity relationships is quite important in the development of new analogs with a more favorable profile of biological activities. In this review, we present the key features of indole phytoalexins, mainly their antiproliferative ativities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black rot, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv . campestris (Xcc) is a disease of crucifer crops. The objective of this study was to characterize races of Xcc, their distribution and genetic diversity in India. Two hundred and seventeen isolates of bacteria were obtained from 12 different black rot-infected crucifer crops from 19 states of India; these were identified as Xcc based on morphology, hrpF gene and 16S rRNA gene based molecular markers and pathogenicity tests. Characterization of races was performed by using a set of seven differential crucifer hosts, comprising two cultivars of turnip ( Brassica rapa var. rapa) and cultivars of Indian mustard ( B. juncea), Ethiopian mustard ( B. carinata), rapeseed mustard ( B. napus), cauliflower ( B. oleracea) and Savoy cabbage ( B. oleracea var. sabauda). Races 1, 4 and 6 of Xcc were identified and, among these races, race 1 followed by race 4 dominated most of the states of India. Genetic diversity of the Indian isolates of Xcc was analysed using repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep- PCR) including primers for REP (repetitive extragenic palindromic), ERIC (enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus) and BOX (amplifying with BOX A1 R primer) repetitive elements. This method of fingerprinting grouped the isolates into 56 different DNA types (clusters) with a 75% similarity coefficient. Among these clusters, DNA types 22 and 53 contained two different races 1 and 4, whereas DNA type 12 contained races 1, 4 and 6. However, no clear relationship was observed between fingerprints and races, hosts or geographical origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field surveys were conducted in Pothwar region during January 2012-December 2013 to find out the pierids pests on cultivated and non-cultivated cruciferous plants, the known cultivated hosts such as Raphnus sativus Eruca sativa Brassica napus B. oleraceae B. oleracea var. italica and B. campestris were attacked by Pieris brassicae P. canidia and Pontia daplidice. Among above reported Pieridae species P. rapae is reported for the first time however, Pontia daplidice is also a new record from districts Rawalpindi and Chakwal and P. canidia from Jhelum, Rawalpindi and Chakwal. However, the non-cultivated host plants in the region were Caspsella bursa-postoris, Coronopus didymus, Lepidium pinnatifidium, Arabidopsis thaliana and B. officinalis. Among noncultivated hosts L. pinnatifidium was the new host for P. daplidice. C. didymus was found common host for P. brassicae, P. canidia and P. daplidice from the study area. Among non-cultivated host plants P. daplidice from the study area. Among non-cultivated host plants A. thaliana was found for P. canidia and B. officinalis for P. brassicae and P. daplidice. All the non-cultivated host plants were new records from Pakistan however, L. pinnatifidium was new host of P. daplidice from the world, which was not reported earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron(Fe) deficiency is a widespread nutritional disorder affecting human health and interest is therefore growing in producing plants enriched with this element as a dietary source of Fe. Owing to high nutritional value and improved bioaccessibility of essential elements, sprouts are promising targets for enrichment. In this study an attempt was made to evaluate the effects of enriching vegetable sprouts with Fe on: (i) the concentration of Fe and other ions, (ii) biomass accumulation, (iii) the levels of ROS and (iv) the activity/content of the constituent elements of enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidative systems. The germination of sprouts in the presence of Fe generated a considerable increase in the concentration of this element, especially in alfalfa (2.3-fold increase). Sprouts enriched with Fe were not depleted of other valuable ions, but their biomass accumulation generally slightly decreased, which was particularly pronounced in the sprouts of crucifers. A higher Fe concentration promoted generation of ROS and simultaneously increased activity of antioxidative enzymes (APX, CAT and GR), and greater contents of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid. These new findings demonstrate that in the elaboration of enrichment technology, attention must be paid to the possibly elevated levels of ROS in the food products obtained. Of the sprouts tested, radish and alfalfa grown in the presence of Fe in concentrations 12 and 24 mg/L proved to be the most suitable for enrichment with Fe as they accumulated considerable amounts of Fe at still acceptable levels of accumulated biomass and relatively low generation of ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma Stål, is a major pest of cruciferous vegetable crops in organic production systems. Very few organically acceptable management options are currently available for this pest. Field studies were conducted at a research station in Alabama and at a commercial organic vegetable farm in Florida to investigate the effectiveness of turnip, Brassica rapa rapa, as a trap crop for M. ochroloma. In the research station trial with cabbage planted as the cash crop, perimeter planting of turnip as a trap crop effectively reduced beetle numbers and crop damage below levels recorded in the control. During the first season of our on-farm trial, with napa cabbage and mustard as the cash crops, using turnip as a trap crop effectively reduced both beetle numbers and cash crop damage below levels found in the control plots, but economic damage was still high. In the second season, beetle populations were too low for significant differences in damage levels to occur between the trap crop and control plots. Together, these results suggest that turnip planted as a trap crop can be an effective control tactic for cruciferous crops, like cabbage, that are much less attractive to M. ochroloma than turnip. In crops, like mustard and napa cabbage, that are equally or only slightly less attractive than turnip, planting turnip as a trap crop would have to be used in combination with other tactics to manage M. ochroloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tolerance to herbivory is an adaptation that promotes regrowth and maintains fitness in plants after herbivore damage. Here, we hypothesized that the effect of competition on tolerance can be different for different genotypes within a species and we tested how tolerance is affected by competitive regime and damage type. We inflicted apical or leaf damage in siblings of 29 families of an annual plant Raphanus raphanistrum (Brassicaceae) grown at high or low competition. There was a negative correlation of family tolerance levels between competition treatments: plant families with high tolerance to apical damage in the low competition treatment had low tolerance to apical damage in the high competition treatment and vice versa. We found no costs of tolerance, in terms of a trade-off between tolerance to apical and leaf damage or between tolerance and competitive ability, or an allocation cost in terms of reduced fitness of highly tolerant families in the undamaged state. High tolerance bound to a specific competitive regime may entail a cost in terms of low tolerance if competitive regime changes. This could act as a factor maintaining genetic variation for tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]