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Alternaria brown spot is a leaf disease of annonaceous plants recently assigned to Alternaria alternata, a species in section Alternaria. Given the diversity in Alternaria section Alternaria and the economic importance of annonaceous plants for Brazilian fruit producers, we sought to identify the aetiological agents of Alternaria brown spot in Brazil and evaluate their aggressiveness and host associations. In addition, we compared different methods of species delimitation within section Alternaria. According to several species delimitation methods, the causal agents of Alternaria brown spot in Brazil were assigned A. alternata (clades 2 and 5), A. longipes‐like (A. gossypina and Alternaria sp. [LM 353]), A. tomato‐like (Alternaria sp. [LM 281; LM 295; LM 267], Alternaria sp. [LM 269; LM 294; LM 306] and Alternaria sp. [LM 272]), A. jacinthicola and a new species, A. annonacearum. All lineages were pathogenic to sugar apple and soursop, though less aggressive on the latter, irrespective of the host from which they were isolated. This study brings information that may help both researchers and fruit producers to distinguish Alternaria brown spot from other fungal diseases on annonaceous plants and ultimately develop better management approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New record of carabid species Loxoncus renitens (Bates, 1886) from Indian mainland with additional records of subspecies Idiomelas fulvipes indus Kataev, 1997 from the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with notes on their geographical distribution are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study reports four new records of phytoseiid mites from the Indian subcontinent. Detailed description of all the four species viz., Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski & Amitai), Gynaeseius liturivorus (Ehara), Okiseius subtropicus Ehara, and Phytoseius haroldi Ueckermann & Kreiter is provided in this paper along with illustrations and comparison of specimens collected in the present study with those of the previous reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New record of carabid species Loxoncus renitens (Bates, 1886) from Indian mainland with additional records of subspecies Idiomelas fulvipes indus Kataev, 1997 from the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with notes on their geographical distribution are provided.

Abstract Background Aedes albopictus is catalogued as one of the 100 most dangerous species worldwide. Native to Asia, the species has drastically increased its distribution range, reaching all continents except Antarctica. The presence of Ae. albopictus in Spain was first reported in 2004 in Cataluña (NE Spain), and it is spreading in the country. Methods We conducted an extensive mosquito monitoring study in the natural protected area of the Doñana National Park (SW Spain) in 2023. After identifying the presence of Ae. albopictus, a mosquito control strategy was developed and implemented to eradicate the species in the area. Results Overall, 12,652 mosquito females of 14 different species were captured at nine sites within the park. For the first time, the presence of Ae. albopictus was recorded in the area, despite intensive trapping performed at some localities since 2003. The presence of this invasive species in the park is most likely linked to human activities, potentially facilitated by daily car trips of personnel. Although larvae of Culex, Anopheles, and Culiseta mosquitoes were identified in these containers, the presence of Ae. albopictus larvae was not recorded in those locations. In spite of that, the biological larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) was applied to artificial containers potentially used by Ae. albopictus as breeding sites. Conclusions This work evidences the high capacity of Ae. albopictus to reach highly conserved natural areas far from urban foci. We discuss the implications of the presence of Ae. albopictus in this endangered ecosystem and the potential control measures necessary to prevent its reintroduction. Graphical Abstract

Background: Aedes albopictus is catalogued as one of the 100 most dangerous species worldwide. Native to Asia, the species has drastically increased its distribution range, reaching all continents except Antarctica. The presence of Ae. albopictus in Spain was first reported in 2004 in Cataluña (NE Spain), and it is spreading in the country. Methods: We conducted an extensive mosquito monitoring study in the natural protected area of the Doñana National Park (SW Spain) in 2023. After identifying the presence of Ae. albopictus, a mosquito control strategy was developed and implemented to eradicate the species in the area. Results: Overall, 12,652 mosquito females of 14 different species were captured at nine sites within the park. For the first time, the presence of Ae. albopictus was recorded in the area, despite intensive trapping performed at some localities since 2003. The presence of this invasive species in the park is most likely linked to human activities, potentially facilitated by daily car trips of personnel. Although larvae of Culex, Anopheles, and Culiseta mosquitoes were identified in these containers, the presence of Ae. albopictus larvae was not recorded in those locations. In spite of that, the biological larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) was applied to artificial containers potentially used by Ae. albopictus as breeding sites. Conclusions: This work evidences the high capacity of Ae. albopictus to reach highly conserved natural areas far from urban foci. We discuss the implications of the presence of Ae. albopictus in this endangered ecosystem and the potential control measures necessary to prevent its reintroduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new aphid species infesting apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) was identified for the first time in 2016 in Europe. The invasive aphid was assigned to the species Myzus mumecola (Matsumura, 1917). The species is native to India and East Asia, and it was found to be highly invasive and is currently spreading throughout Europe. Records were confirmed for Italy, Hungary, Serbia, and Germany. For a phylogenetic analysis, wingless (apterae) adults were sampled in spring 2022 in Italy, as well as in Austria and Germany in spring 2023. Our study reports the first record of M. mumecola for Austria. In all three countries, the new pest caused heavy infestations overall in organically managed apricot orchards. Aphids were identified morphologically based on external characteristics, and damages were compared to those reported in the literature. COI and 12S barcoding analyses for aphid samples from Italy, Germany, and Austria were performed to attain a molecular characterization of sampled specimens and to confirm the morphological identification. Only a few COI sequences of M. mumecola were present in NCBI GenBank or BOLD Systems, and no sequences were available for 12S. Therefore, the results provide a deeper insight into the phylogeny of this spreading pest insect. The results of the COI barcoding showed no differences between the sampled populations and other M. mumecola populations from Europe and Japan, while reports from China showed significant differences. All 12S sequences showed no variability between populations from Austria, Germany, and Italy. A phylogenetic analysis of COI and 12S sequences with sequences from other aphid species from NCBI GenBank or sampled in Italy revealed a close relationship of this species with the damson‐hope aphid, Phorodon humuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loquat leaves exhibiting obvious yellowing, blistering, mosaic, leaf upward cupping, crinkle, and leaf narrowing were identified in Panzhihua City, Sichuan Province, China. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) with the ribo-depleted cDNA library was employed to identify the virome in the loquat samples; only tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) were identified in the transcriptome data. The complete genome sequence of ToMV and CEVd were obtained from the loquat leaves. The full-length genome of the ToMV-loquat is 6376 nt and comprises four open reading frames (ORFs) encoding 183 kDa protein, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), movement protein (MP), and coat protein (CP), respectively. A pairwise identity analysis showed that the complete sequence of the ToMV-loquat had a nucleotide identity between 98.5 and 99.3% with other ToMV isolates. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that ToMV-loquat was more closely related to ToMV-IFA9 (GenBank No. ON156781). A CEVd sequence with 361 nt in length was amplified based on the HTS contigs, sequence alignment indicated CEVd-loquat had the highest identity with the strain of CEVd-Balad (GenBank No. PP869624), phylogenetic analysis showed that CEVd-loquat was more closely related to CEVd-lettuce (GenBank No. ON993891). This significant discovery marks the first documentation and characterization of ToMV and CEVd infecting loquat plants, shedding light on potential threats to loquat cultivation and providing insights for disease management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of a phytoplankton and biotoxin monitoring program implemented since 2008 in marine coastal waters of the Buenos Aires Province (Argentina), a gymnodinioid, photosynthetic dinoflagellate was isolated from a sample collected in Santa Teresita, establishing the strain LPCc007. The strain was identified as belonging to the psammophilic genus Togula by light microscopy based on the following distinctive characters: morphology of the cell dorso-ventrally flattened, and course of the cingulum, highly asymmetric, descending, with its ends displaced by about one to two thirds of the total length of the cell and joined by an oblique intercingular groove. The comparative morphological analysis between the motile vegetative cells of the isolated strain and the three species of the genus described to date, did not reveal significant differences that would allow it to be determined at a specific level. Instead, the pattern of development of longitudinal grooves on the hypocone of cells about to undergo mitosis observed in strain LPCc007, perfectly agrees with that described for T. jolla as a differential character. The morphological identification was consistent with LSU rDNA (D1-D2) based phylogeny that showed the sequence aggregation in the T. jolla clade. This is the first report of the genus Togula and the species T. jolla from Argentina and the South-West Atlantic Ocean coastal waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2021 and 2022, a field investigation was conducted in Istria, Croatia, searching for trees exhibiting signs of Botryosphaeria dieback. Samples of symptomatic trees were collected from 26 different locations and analysed. Isolates that morphologically corresponded to species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family were selected, and detailed morphological characterisation and molecular identification of the isolates were conducted. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (TUB2), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) regions, six species of fungi from the Botryosphaeriaceae family were identified: Botryosphaeria dothidea (Moug. ex Fr.) Ces. & De Not.; Diplodia mutila (Fr.) Fr.; Diplodia seriata De Not.; Dothiorella iberica A.J.L. Phillips, J. Luque & A. Alves; Dothiorella sarmentorum (Fr.) A.J.L. Phillips, Alves & Luque; and Neofusicoccum parvum (Pennycook & Samuels) Crous, Slippers & A.J.L. Phillips. This is the first report of D. mutila, Do. sarmentorum, and Do. iberica causing Botryosphaeria dieback on olive trees in Croatia, and the first study investigating the resistance of Croatian olive varieties to species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family. Pathogenicity testing of selected isolates and assessment of variety resistance were conducted on four different olive varieties, namely Buža, Istarska bjelica, Leccino, and Rosinjola, using representative isolates of the mentioned species. The most aggressive species was found to be N. parvum. Olive varieties exhibited differences in susceptibility depending on the fungus they were infected with. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Enteric viruses are the main cause of gastrointestinal disease in dogs. Canine astrovirus (CaAstV) is an enteric virus that causes severe dehydration, diarrhea and vomiting, among other gastrointestinal symptoms. The present study is based on the design, standardization, and execution of a rapid and sensitive qPCR protocol using SYBR Green for the identification of CaAstV in dogs with gastroenteritis in Ecuador as a causative agent of gastrointestinal disease in co-infection with other viruses, such as canine parvovirus. The assay was shown to be repeatable, specific and sensitive based on the tests performed. The method was tested on 221 samples from dogs with gastroenteritis, of which 52.8% showed positivity for CaAstV. Sequencing of a segment of the ORF1b gene of the virus genome was performed to validate the presence of the virus, leading to the identification of two possible lineages of the virus circulating in Ecuador. This is the first report of CaAstV in the country. The present trial demonstrates the need for the application of molecular methods for the diagnosis and monitoring of emerging viruses in animals that could be influencing canine mortality due to gastrointestinal disease. Enteric viruses are responsible for a significant number of gastrointestinal illnesses in dogs globally. One of the main enteric viruses is the canine astrovirus (CaAstV), which causes diarrhea in dogs of various ages. It is linked to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, depression and a significant mortality rate due to gastrointestinal disorders. It is a single-stranded positive RNA virus, with three open reading frames, ORF1a, ORF1b and ORF2, where the last one codes for the virus capsid protein and is the most variable and antigenic region of the virus. The aim of this work is to develop and standardize a quick detection method to enable the diagnosis of this etiological agent in dogs with gastroenteritis in Ecuador in order to provide prompt and suitable treatment. The assay was specific for amplification of the genome of CaAstV, as no amplification was shown for other canine enteric viruses (CPV-2, CCoV and CDV), sensitive by being able to detect up to one copy of viral genetic material, and repeatable with inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation of less than 10% between assays. The standard curve showed an efficiency of 103.9%. For the validation of this method, 221 fecal samples from dogs affected with gastroenteritis of various ages from different provinces of Ecuador were used. From the RT-qPCR protocol, 119 samples were found positive for CaAstV, equivalent to 53.8% of the samples processed. CaAstV was detected in dogs where both the highest virus prevalence in the tested strains and the highest viral loads were seen in the younger canine groups up to 48 weeks; in addition, different strains of the virus were identified based on a sequenced fragment of ORF1b, demonstrating the first report of the presence of CaAstV circulating in the domestic canine population affected by gastroenteritis in Ecuador, which could be associated with the etiology and severity of enteric disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bananas are susceptible to various postharvest diseases caused by a diverse range of pathogens. The present study focused on the identification and characterization of two prevalent banana fruit diseases, anthracnose and speckle, in three provinces of northern Thailand. Symptomatic banana fruits were collected from local markets. Surface-sterilized, infected banana skin segments were used to isolate the associated fungi on potato dextrose agar. Morphologically distinct isolates of Colletotrichum spp. and Corynespora sp. were obtained from the anthracnose lesions and speckles, respectively. Fungal identification was based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses of the ITS, LSU, act, cmdA, tub2, chs-1, and gapdh sequences. Colletotrichum musae and C. siamense were identified as the causal agents of post-harvest anthracnose in the bananas Kluai Namwa (Musa acuminata × M. balbisiana; ABB genomic group; Pisang Awak) and Kluai Khai (M. acuminata; AA genomic group; Sucrier), respectively. Corynespora torulosa was found to cause speckles in Kluai Namwa fruits. Koch's postulates were successfully established by inoculating fresh and unripe banana fruits with the identified strains, and confirmed the pathogenicity. Colletotrichum musae, C. siamense, and C. torulosa were re-isolated from the inoculated fruits and justified with morpho-molecular data. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed occurrence of C. torulosa causing banana fruit speckles in Kluai Namwa in Thailand. In addition, we document the presence of C. siamense, causing post-harvest anthracnose in Kluai Khai. This study contributes to a better understanding of post-harvest banana diseases and addresses the current challenges in the commercial banana industry in northern Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first report of Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly known as the black soldier fly, in Serbia. The discovery comprises two specimens collected in the village of Stari Ledinci, near Novi Sad, captured inside a facility adhered to window glass. Furthermore, we document the presence of black soldier fly specimens in Montenegro, where three individuals were captured using a sweeping net. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the family Calliphoridae, the genus Calliphora Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, includes species of medical, veterinary and forensic relevance. This study reports for the first time the presence of Calliphora rohdendorfi (Grunin, 1966) in the Italian territory, namely in Calabrian Apennines (Southern Italy). The adults of the species were captured by bait bottle and yellow pan traps within a monitoring project of Diptera Brachycera involving Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte (Aspromonte National Park), Parco Nazionale della Sila (Sila National Park) and Parco Naturale Regionale delle Serre (Natural Regional Park of Serre), between 2018 and 2021. Calliphora rohdendorfi was identified on detailed morphological bases of both sexes. This was the first description of the general morphology of the female and its terminalia through digital photographs acquired by stereomicroscopy. The species was captured in pine and beech forests at an altitude between 1010 and 1820 m a.s.l. in shaded mountain areas. Prior to the finding in Southern Italy, this species showed an unusually disjointed distribution in Caucasus, Germany and Poland, thus the presence of C. rohdendorfi in Calabrian Apennines provides new and interesting data that require further investigation, because the species could play a role as flower visitor, pollinator and forensic indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Four criconematid populations were uncovered in three avocado orchards in Homestead region, Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA, with three of them in relatively high densities. Two of the populations were identified as Criconema mutabile (Taylor, 1936) Raski & Luc, 1985 and Mesocriconema basili (Jairajpuri, 1964) Loof & De Grisse, 1989, whereas the other two populations were identified as Criconemoides sp. and Ogma sp. The identification of the nematodes was based on morphological analysis and C. mutabile was also confirmed based on the 28S rRNA gene. The molecular data of M. basili (18S and 28S rRNA genes) are presented for the first time and phylogenetic trees based on the genes are provided illustrating the relationships of M. basili with other criconematid species. This study further reports the presence of C. mutabile and M. basili for the first time in Florida, USA, and the association of the latter species with avocado rhizosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatsia japonica plays an important role as a commonly used plant in urban landscaping. From 2022 to 2023, a root rot infestation was observed that caused extensive wilting of Fatsia japonica without leaf shedding and eventual death of the plant, severely reducing the ornamental qualities of the plant as well as the vigor of its growth. Fusarium species were isolated from the roots of the affected plants, exhibiting abundant and dense yellow mycelial colonies that proliferated radially from the center of the Petri dishes. Morphological examinations revealed the presence of falciform macro- and microconidia consistent with Fusarium, as well as chlamydospores characterized by their thick walls. For further identification, the amplification and sequencing of the ITS, TEF1 alpha, and RPB2 alpha genes were performed. Finally, healthy Fatsia japonica plants were inoculated with a spore suspension of the pathogen, to confirm that the disease symptoms were compatible with naturally occurring infection. Fusarium vanettenii was identified as the causative agent of Fatsia japonica root rot. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of F. vanettenii causing root rot of Fatsia japonica in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the family Calliphoridae, the genus Calliphora Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, includes species of medical, veterinary and forensic relevance. This study reports for the first time the presence of Calliphora rohdendorfi (Grunin, 1966) in the Italian territory, namely in Calabrian Apennines (Southern Italy). The adults of the species were captured by bait bottle and yellow pan traps within a monitoring project of Diptera Brachycera involving Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte (Aspromonte National Park), Parco Nazionale della Sila (Sila National Park) and Parco Naturale Regionale delle Serre (Natural Regional Park of Serre), between 2018 and 2021. Calliphora rohdendorfi was identified on detailed morphological bases of both sexes. This was the first description of the general morphology of the female and its terminalia through digital photographs acquired by stereomicroscopy. The species was captured in pine and beech forests at an altitude between 1010 and 1820 m a.s.l. in shaded mountain areas. Prior to the finding in Southern Italy, this species showed an unusually disjointed distribution in Caucasus, Germany and Poland, thus the presence of C. rohdendorfi in Calabrian Apennines provides new and interesting data that require further investigation, because the species could play a role as flower visitor, pollinator and forensic indicator.

A field investigation of olive trees in Istria, Croatia, revealed branch dieback and cracked bark. Samples of diseased branches were collected from eight different locations and analysed. Additionally, meteorological data from two locations were analysed to determine if there was a connection between climatic changes and the appearance of pathogens in the region. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on olive seedlings. This study provides a description of Biscogniauxia and Sordaria species' morphology and elucidates their phylogeny based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (TUB2) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1- α) regions. This research represents the first documented occurrence of Biscogniauxia mediterranea causing charcoal disease in olive trees in Croatia. Additionally, it is the first report of Biscogniauxia nummularia (Bull.) Kuntze and Sordaria fimicola causing diseases in olive trees anywhere in the world. Furthermore, this study marks one of the initial forays into molecular investigations of these species isolated from olive trees. Considering the potential threat posed by the inherent aggressiveness of Biscogniauxia species, further research is deemed necessary to curb the development of charcoal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacquin) J.F. Macbride, a native of South America, is recorded for the first time from Mechinagar municipality of south-eastern Nepal. This weed has already been in the neighboring north-east region of India since the 1950s and might have recently spread into south-eastern Nepal where it is colonizing riparian habitats. We provide a detailed taxonomic account, as well as the distribution, major habitat, and invasion status of C. carthagenensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study records the first observation of a female Delta dimidiatipenne constructing its nest in Oran (NW-Algeria). The nest construction and developments thereafter were monitored every three days from July to September 2022 (70 days). Ultimately four female wasps were successfully emerged. This first record will be useful for future studies on the distribution, behaviour, ecology and conservation in this semi-arid region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive entomological survey was undertaken in Alipurduar District, West Bengal, from 2018 to 2020 and in 2022. This study was prompted by reported malaria cases and conducted across nine villages, seven Sub-Centres, and three Primary Health Centres (PHCs). Mosquitoes were hand-collected with aspirators and flashlights from human dwellings and cattle sheds during the daytime. Both morphological and molecular techniques were used for species identification. Additionally, mosquitoes were tested for Plasmodium parasites and human blood presence. Mosquito species such as An. barbirostris s.l., An. hyrcanus s.l., An. splendidus, and An. vagus were morphologically identified. For species like An. annularis s.l., An. minimus s.s., An. culicifacies s.l., and An. maculatus s.s., a combination of morphological and molecular techniques was essential. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase gene subunit 1 (CO1) was sequenced for An. annularis s.l., An. maculatus s.s., An. culicifacies s.l., An. vagus, and some damaged samples, revealing the presence of An. pseudowillmori and An. fluviatilis. The major Anopheles species were An. annularis s.l., An. culicifacies s.l., and An. maculatus s.s., especially in Kumargram and Turturi PHCs. Plasmodium positivity was notably high in An. annularis s.l. and An. maculatus s.s. with significant human blood meal positivity across most species. Morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analyses are crucial, especially for archived samples, to accurately identify the mosquito fauna of a region. Notably, this study confirms the first occurrence of An. pseudowillmori and An. sawadwongporni in West Bengal and implicates An. maculatus s.s., An. culicifacies s.l., and An. annularis s.l. as significant vectors in the Alipurduar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Symptoms of severe vein clearing, leaf rolling, and blistering were observed in cassava plants in southwestern Bahia State, Brazil. The plants were collected, vegetatively propagated, and kept in a greenhouse. Leaf samples tested positive for begomovirus infection by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Complete nucleotide sequences of DNA-A and DNA-B of isolate PSLDV-Man04 revealed 99.89 % and 96.2 % identity, respectively, with the bipartite begomovirus passionfruit severe leaf distortion virus (PSLDV) genome. This PSLDV isolate was experimentally transmitted to two and four of the five cassava plants and ten passion fruit plants, respectively, inoculated with Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1). This is the first report of the natural infection of cassava plants by the PSLDV begomovirus in Brazil.

Loquat leaves exhibiting obvious yellowing, blistering, mosaic, leaf upward cupping, crinkle, and leaf narrowing were identified in Panzhihua City, Sichuan Province, China. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) with the ribo-depleted cDNA library was employed to identify the virome in the loquat samples; only tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) and citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) were identified in the transcriptome data. The complete genome sequence of ToMV and CEVd were obtained from the loquat leaves. The full-length genome of the ToMV-loquat is 6376 nt and comprises four open reading frames (ORFs) encoding 183 kDa protein, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), movement protein (MP), and coat protein (CP), respectively. A pairwise identity analysis showed that the complete sequence of the ToMV-loquat had a nucleotide identity between 98.5 and 99.3% with other ToMV isolates. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that ToMV-loquat was more closely related to ToMV-IFA9 (GenBank No. ON156781). A CEVd sequence with 361 nt in length was amplified based on the HTS contigs, sequence alignment indicated CEVd-loquat had the highest identity with the strain of CEVd-Balad (GenBank No. PP869624), phylogenetic analysis showed that CEVd-loquat was more closely related to CEVd-lettuce (GenBank No. ON993891). This significant discovery marks the first documentation and characterization of ToMV and CEVd infecting loquat plants, shedding light on potential threats to loquat cultivation and providing insights for disease management strategies.

Enteric viruses are responsible for a significant number of gastrointestinal illnesses in dogs globally. One of the main enteric viruses is the canine astrovirus (CaAstV), which causes diarrhea in dogs of various ages. It is linked to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, depression and a significant mortality rate due to gastrointestinal disorders. It is a single-stranded positive RNA virus, with three open reading frames, ORF1a, ORF1b and ORF2, where the last one codes for the virus capsid protein and is the most variable and antigenic region of the virus. The aim of this work is to develop and standardize a quick detection method to enable the diagnosis of this etiological agent in dogs with gastroenteritis in Ecuador in order to provide prompt and suitable treatment. The assay was specific for amplification of the genome of CaAstV, as no amplification was shown for other canine enteric viruses (CPV-2, CCoV and CDV), sensitive by being able to detect up to one copy of viral genetic material, and repeatable with inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation of less than 10% between assays. The standard curve showed an efficiency of 103.9%. For the validation of this method, 221 fecal samples from dogs affected with gastroenteritis of various ages from different provinces of Ecuador were used. From the RT-qPCR protocol, 119 samples were found positive for CaAstV, equivalent to 53.8% of the samples processed. CaAstV was detected in dogs where both the highest virus prevalence in the tested strains and the highest viral loads were seen in the younger canine groups up to 48 weeks; in addition, different strains of the virus were identified based on a sequenced fragment of ORF1b, demonstrating the first report of the presence of CaAstV circulating in the domestic canine population affected by gastroenteritis in Ecuador, which could be associated with the etiology and severity of enteric disease.

During 2021 and 2022, a field investigation was conducted in Istria, Croatia, searching for trees exhibiting signs of Botryosphaeria dieback. Samples of symptomatic trees were collected from 26 different locations and analysed. Isolates that morphologically corresponded to species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family were selected, and detailed morphological characterisation and molecular identification of the isolates were conducted. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (TUB2), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) regions, six species of fungi from the Botryosphaeriaceae family were identified: Botryosphaeria dothidea (Moug. ex Fr.) Ces. & De Not.; Diplodia mutila (Fr.) Fr.; Diplodia seriata De Not.; Dothiorella iberica A.J.L. Phillips, J. Luque & A. Alves; Dothiorella sarmentorum (Fr.) A.J.L. Phillips, Alves & Luque; and Neofusicoccum parvum (Pennycook & Samuels) Crous, Slippers & A.J.L. Phillips. This is the first report of D. mutila, Do. sarmentorum, and Do. iberica causing Botryosphaeria dieback on olive trees in Croatia, and the first study investigating the resistance of Croatian olive varieties to species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family. Pathogenicity testing of selected isolates and assessment of variety resistance were conducted on four different olive varieties, namely Buža, Istarska bjelica, Leccino, and Rosinjola, using representative isolates of the mentioned species. The most aggressive species was found to be N. parvum. Olive varieties exhibited differences in susceptibility depending on the fungus they were infected with.

As it concerns the use of Entomology in forensic practice, this paper presents for the first time a case in which Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) was found to be associated with human corpses. The species was collected in Murcia province (SE Spain) from the body of a middle-aged woman in advanced decomposition stage found indoors in unhygienic housing conditions. In addition to such species, specimens belonging to Calliphora vicina, Muscina stabulans, Musca sp. and Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Diptera) were also collected at the scene. These entomological specimens were found to be valuable for estimating the minimum postmortem interval. The occurrence of Linepithema humile reported here for the first time in a forensic case enhances the global list of insects of forensic interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extensive field survey was carried out from December 2021 to January 2022 for the collection of soil samples in the Western Ghat region of the Wayanad district of Kerala, India, to isolate potent novel mosquitocidal bacteria which could be used as efficient formulations to control mosquito vectors. Several bacterial colonies were isolated and screened, for mosquitocidal activity. Toxicity assay showed that only one bacterium isolated from forest loamy soil had promising larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus the lymphatic filariasis vector (LC50: 0.03mg L-1 and LC90: 0.07mg L-1) and moderate activity was shown against the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti (LC50:1.03 mg L-1 and LC90: 1.8 mg L-1). The bacterium was identified as Lysnibacillus fusiformis by a phylogenetic tree constructed using 16S rRNA genome sequencing. This is the first report that L. fusiformis isolated from the forest loamy soil of the Western Ghats, Kerala, which showed proficient mosquitocidal activity against disease-transmitting mosquito vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An outbreak of stem rot in eggplants was observed in Heshuo County, Xinjiang, during winter 2021–2022 in about 12–35% of the eggplants in the region (about 40 hm2). The infected tissues yielded a total of four bacterial strains, which were subsequently subjected to physiological and biochemical assays as well as molecular identification. Based on these analyses, the pathogen was identified as Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliense. The pathogenicity was confirmed through the fulfillment of Koch's postulates. The host range test confirmed the broad spectrum of species susceptible to infection by the strains. This study represents the first case of infection caused by P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense resulting in stem rot in eggplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teak is a very important tropical timber in Ecuador. In 2017, teak samples displaying stem canker symptoms were collected in two provinces of Ecuador. From 11 symptomatic trees, 11 isolates resembling a species of Lasiodiplodia were obtained. All isolates obtained induced stem canker on teak plants after artificial inoculation, confirming them as the cause of the observed canker symptoms. Bayesian inference with concatenated sequences of complete ITS and partial TEF‐α and β‐TUB gene sequences from two representative isolates clustered teak isolates with other sequences of Lasiodiplodia theobromae available in Genbank. This is the first report of L. theobromae causing stem canker on teak plants in Ecuador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaves of purple buckthorn observed with powdery mildew symptoms were collected from the district Abbottabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan during field tours from August to October between 2017 and 2021. Morpho-anatomical features and molecular phylogenetic analysis were used to identify the causal agent as Erysiphe friesii var. dahurica. Pathogenicity was confirmed on healthy leaves of Rhamnus purpurea in a glasshouse at 25°C with 75 to 80% humidity and after inoculation, white powdery colonies appeared after 7 to 10 days. The fungal colonies were checked for the confirmation of pathogen. Erysiphe friesii var. dahurica on R. purpurea is being described here as a new record for Pakistan and Rhamnus purpurea is a new host, reported for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article discusses the morphological characteristics, meristics, distribution and systematics of two ornamental fish species Torquigener brevipinnis (Regan, 1903) (Family: Tetraodontidae) and Sufflamen fraenatum (Latreille, 1804) (Family: Balistidae) belonging to order Tetraodontiformes which were previously not observed from the coastal waters of Odisha state. These two species are mostly coral reef-associated fish species; thus, their occurrence along the Odisha coast is of great importance from a habitat point of view. The current study reports the distribution and their first occurrence in the coastal state of Odisha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study reports the occurrence of Andaman grunt, Pomadasys andamanensis McKay & Satapoomin, 1994 for the first time from Indian waters based on one specimen (standard length 156.27 mm) collected from Great Nicobar Island, Andaman and Nicobar Island. This finding represents a new addition to the grunt fish fauna of Andaman and Nicobar Island, India. The species is distinguished from its congeners by having four separated longitudinal black stripes on the dorsal half of the body. The detailed morphological features of P. andamanensis are provided and compared with its previous records. Description and figures of the species are provided herewith along the morphometric measurements and meristic counts.

This case report describes two cases of unilateral limbal Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in the same family. To our knowledge, these are the first two reported cases of unilateral limbal VKC. VKC is a chronic inflammatory disease that typically affects both eyes, with unilateral cases being rare and previously only reported in the tarsal form. Our first case involved a 12-year-old girl with a history of allergic asthma, who had been experiencing conjunctivitis in her right eye since the age of 7. Upon examination, she was diagnosed with unilateral limbal VKC and treated with 1% cyclosporine eye drops with a significant improvement observed at the one and three-month follow-ups. Her 7-year-old brother was also examined and found to have unilateral limbal VKC in his right eye, although it was milder and not associated with allergic pathogenesis. Therefore, in this case, a treatment with hydrocortisone eye drops was started leading to an immediate reduction of the itching. In both cases an IgE-mediated mechanism is less likely because of the monolateral eye involvement, the complete absence of nasal symptoms, the lack of correlation between symptoms and any pollen season, and the negative prick skin test in one of the two siblings. Both cases suggest that unilateral VKC may occur even in the limbal form and that genetic mechanisms may contribute to the inflammatory reaction in VKC. This report highlights the need for further studies to explain the occurrence of unilateral VKC cases and reminds clinicians to consider the possibility of unilateral limbal VKC in pediatric patients.

Schouwia purpurea is a desert plant which is less explored for biological activities. The literature survey revealed that there are no reports on any pharmacological activities of Schouwia purpurea except one report on its antimicrobial activity and quantification of total phenols, flavonoids and tannins from the ethanolic leaf extract. Based upon our results of antioxidant property and pharmacognostic studies of Schouwia purpurea the present study was undertaken. The THP-1 cells were treated with various extracts or dimethyl sulfoxide concentrations. Cells in the positive control wells were treated with 1 % Triton X-100 solution, and negative control wells cells were incubated in culture media alone. Blank wells contained the corresponding extract concentrations or Triton X-100 solution or media without cells. The lactate dehydrogenase based in vitro toxicology assay kit was used to assay for cytotoxicity following the manufacturer instructions. The cytotoxicity study performed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay suggests that the test compound, ethanolic leaf extract of Schouwia purpurea is moderately cytotoxic in nature against THP-1 cells. Based on the present study report it can be suggested for isolation, characterization and mechanisms of cytotoxicity by in vitro and in vivo studies of the extract of Schouwia purpurea is suggested in order to prove it as a potential anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution records of two dung beetle species, Onthophagus orissanus Arrow, 1931 and O. germanus Gillet, 1927, from south India is provided. O. orissanus is reported for first time from south India and O. germanus is reported for the first time outside the moist south Western Ghats from the Malabar Coast region in Kerala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six species (Platytomus indicus (Balthasar, 1941), P. nathani Pittino & Mariani, 1986, Rhyssemus karnatakaensis Pittino, 1984, R. procerus Petrovitz, 1973, R. loebli Petrovitz, 1975 and Neocalaphodius moestus (Fabricius, 1801)) of the subfamily Aphodiinae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) are first report from Kerala and two first report from south India. Descriptions of species with images are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is commercially grown in Chiang Mai Province of Northern Thailand. Strawberry dieback, whose symptoms include dieback of runners and roots followed by wilt and necrotic discoloration in crowns, was first observed in diseased strawberry cultivated in the greenhouse. Fungi were isolated from infected parts of diseased strawberry and a pathogenicity assay was conducted for confirmation of fungal pathogenesis. Morphological features of fungal isolates were observed using stereo and compound microscopes. For molecular characterization, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit 28S rRNA (LSU) regions were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Based on morphological and molecular identification, the fungi were identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by reisolating the pathogen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of L. theobromae causing dieback of strawberry in Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an ornamental plant, Fatsia japonica has been widely used in gardens. From April 2021 to 2022, a disease that caused the wilting and root rot of F. japonica in a large area was observed, which eventually led to the plants wilting and dying, while the leaves did not fall off. This disease greatly reduced the landscape effect of plants. An oomycete species was isolated from the roots of the infected plants. This colony morphology was slightly radial to stellate, and the aerial mycelium was flocculent. Oval sporangia with papillae, apical chlamydospores and zoospores formed in sporangia were observed. The morphological characteristics were consistent with Phytophthora. For accurate identification, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COXII) and large ribosomal subunit (LSU) genes were amplified and sequenced. The species was identified as Phytophthora nicotianae using phylogenetic analysis. Finally, the disease was reproduced by inoculating healthy F. japonica with a zoospore suspension; the symptoms were consistent with those of natural infections, and the isolate obtained from artificially infected plants had the same morphological characteristics as the inoculated isolate. The results demonstrated that P. nicotianae is the pathogenic factor of root rot. of F. japonica. This is the first report of root rot on F. japonica caused by P. nicotianae in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Portugal, the Cova da Beira region is well-known for the production of Prunus spp. and is considered the main peach production area in the country. In the spring of 2021 and 2022, field surveys in peach and nectarine orchards showed symptoms of decline such as cankers, gummosis, dry branches, abortion of flowers, mummified fruits and the partial or total death of some plants. Brown rot is caused by three species of the genus Monilinia, M. fructigena, M. laxa and M. fructicola, the last is an OEPP/EPPO A2 quarantine organism on peach trees. Brown rot disease had previously been described in the Cova da Beira region, however, the recent high mortality and severity of symptoms raised doubts as to the species involved. Symptomatic plant material was collected from thirteen orchards and used for fungal isolation and molecular detection according to the OEPP/EPPO standard. M. fructicola was confirmed morphologically and molecularly in two orchards, and molecularly (duplex real-time PCR) detected in two others. Whole genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore MinION was also carried out to confirm the identification. Pathogenicity tests were performed on peach, nectarine and sweet cherry fruit according to Koch's postulates. Based on all the results obtained, we report the first detection of M. fructicola in P. persica in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper reports two marine ornamental fishes, Acanthurus xanthopterus Valenciennes, 1835 and Zanclus cornutus (Linnaeus, 1758), for the first time from the coastal waters of West Bengal and Odisha, Northern part of the Bay of Bengal, India. The present study provides detailed taxonomic information on morphometric measurements, species characteristics, and distribution of reported fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thuja occidentalis is a popular and widely planted tree in Russia. However, it is susceptible to arborvitae foliar blight, which can compromise the long‐term health of trees in the landscape and in nursery production. Leaves with arborvitae needle blight were collected in 2019 in the foothill zone of the Republic of Adygea, and two isolates of Phyllosticta sp. were obtained. Multilocus analyses were performed with sequences of the internal transcribed spacer and 28 S rDNA of the ribosomal DNA, partial actin gene, partial RNA‐polymerase II gene, and partial translation elongation factor 1‐alpha. Based on phylogenetic analyses combined with morphological features the isolates were identified as Phyllosticta spinarum. Following inoculation of the original host species both isolates produced symptoms similar to those observed in naturally infected leaves. Koch's postulates were then fulfilled by re‐isolating P. spinarum from the inoculated leaves. These findings represent the first confirmed detection of P. spinarum causing arborvitae needle blight in Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceratocystis wilt and canker disease has severely compromised the profitability of Mangifera indica plantations in the world. In 2022, wilt and sudden death were observed on Mangifera indica. Identification was performed by sequence analysis of the concatenated β-tubulin gene regions. Sequencing of the PCR product confirmed this pathogen was Ceratocystis fimbriata sensu stricto. This is the first report of C. fimbriata causing sudden death disease in M. indica in Indonesia.

A field investigation of olive trees in Istria, Croatia, revealed branch dieback and cracked bark. Samples of diseased branches were collected from eight different locations and analysed. Additionally, meteorological data from two locations were analysed to determine if there was a connection between climatic changes and the appearance of pathogens in the region. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on olive seedlings. This study provides a description of Biscogniauxia and Sordaria species’ morphology and elucidates their phylogeny based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (TUB2) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1- α) regions. This research represents the first documented occurrence of Biscogniauxia mediterranea causing charcoal disease in olive trees in Croatia. Additionally, it is the first report of Biscogniauxia nummularia (Bull.) Kuntze and Sordaria fimicola causing diseases in olive trees anywhere in the world. Furthermore, this study marks one of the initial forays into molecular investigations of these species isolated from olive trees. Considering the potential threat posed by the inherent aggressiveness of Biscogniauxia species, further research is deemed necessary to curb the development of charcoal disease.

A comprehensive entomological survey was undertaken in Alipurduar District, West Bengal, from 2018 to 2020 and in 2022. This study was prompted by reported malaria cases and conducted across nine villages, seven Sub-Centres, and three Primary Health Centres (PHCs). Mosquitoes were hand-collected with aspirators and flashlights from human dwellings and cattle sheds during the daytime. Both morphological and molecular techniques were used for species identification. Additionally, mosquitoes were tested for Plasmodium parasites and human blood presence. Mosquito species such as An. barbirostris s.l., An. hyrcanus s.l., An. splendidus, and An. vagus were morphologically identified. For species like An. annularis s.l., An. minimus s.s., An. culicifacies s.l., and An. maculatus s.s., a combination of morphological and molecular techniques was essential. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase gene subunit 1 (CO1) was sequenced for An. annularis s.l., An. maculatus s.s., An. culicifacies s.l., An. vagus, and some damaged samples, revealing the presence of An. pseudowillmori and An. fluviatilis. The major Anopheles species were An. annularis s.l., An. culicifacies s.l., and An. maculatus s.s., especially in Kumargram and Turturi PHCs. Plasmodium positivity was notably high in An. annularis s.l. and An. maculatus s.s. with significant human blood meal positivity across most species. Morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analyses are crucial, especially for archived samples, to accurately identify the mosquito fauna of a region. Notably, this study confirms the first occurrence of An. pseudowillmori and An. sawadwongporni in West Bengal and implicates An. maculatus s.s., An. culicifacies s.l., and An. annularis s.l. as significant vectors in the Alipurduar region.

Plants of Matricaria chamomilla L. (Asteraceae), well‐known medicinal species, showing root galls, were collected in Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). Based on morphological (perineal patterns and males), morphometric (males) and esterase phenotypes (Est A2), we identified the infecting nematode as the root‐knot nematode M. arenaria. Under greenhouse conditions, four M. chamomilla plants were inoculated with about 1000 specimens obtained from the isolate. We observed about 207 ± 72 nematodes g−1 of roots, confirming its pathogenicity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of M. arenaria parasitizing M. chamomilla in Brazil and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White grubs cause serious yield losses in high-value crops, mainly sugarcane, groundnut, maize and potato, and biological control through entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes is by far the most sustainable management strategy available. In our investigations on the factors causing mortality of white grub larvae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) during rearing, we found an undermined species of the soil-dwelling mite Schizoglyphus sp. associated with the grubs. This is the first report of the occurrence of this mite from India and of its association with scarab larvae. The potential of this mite as a biocontrol agent has to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundCat eye syndrome (CES) is a rare disease with a wide spectrum of phenotypic variability that is observed in 1:150,000 newborns. CES is characterized clinically by the combination of iris coloboma, anal atresia, and preauricular tags and/or pits. Many eye malformations have been reported to be associated with CES, such as iris and chorioretinal coloboma. However, an abnormality of eye movement has not been previously reported.Case presentationWe report on a Chinese family carrying a 22q11.1-q11.21 duplication of 1.7Mb tetrasomy (chr22:16,500,000–18,200,000, hg38) in two generations. Based on the proband and her father’s clinical manifestations, including ophthalmological examination, cytogenetic analysis, FISH, CNV-seq, and WES, the diagnosis of CES with an abnormality of eye movement was made.ConclusionOur findings broadened the symptom spectrum of CES syndrome and laid the foundation for pathogenesis, diagnostic targets, and drug research on the abnormality of eye movement, and were helpful for early diagnosis and intervention of CES.

Cucurbit longicorn Apomecyna saltator (Fab) (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) is an economically important pest of cucurbitaceous vegetables. Salad cucumber, Cucumis sativus L. grown in a polyhouse in Thrissur, Kerala, India was found infested by A. saltator. This is the first report of C. sativus as a new host plant for A. saltator in India. The grub is an internal feeder and causes damage by tunnelling the vines. A brief note on the nature of damage and symptoms are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]