Molecular basis of diverse responses to acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides in sulfonylurea-resistant biotypes of Schoenoplectus juncoides

Sulfonylurea-resistant biotypes of Schoenoplectus juncoides were collected from Nakafurano, Shiwa, Matsuyama, and Yurihonjyo in Japan. All of the four biotypes showed resistance to bensulfuron-methyl and thifensulfuron-methyl in whole-plant experiments. The growth of the Nakafurano, Shiwa, and Matsuyama biotypes was inhibited by imazaquin-ammonium and bispyribac-sodium, whereas the Yurihonjyo biotype grew normally after treatment with these herbicides. The herbicide concentration required to inhibit the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme by 50% (I₅₀), obtained using in vivo ALS assays, indicated that the four biotypes were > 10-fold more resistant to thifensulfuron-methyl than a susceptible biotype. The Nakafurano, Shiwa, and Matsuyama biotypes exhibited no or little resistance to imazaquin-ammonium, whereas the Yurihonjyo biotype exhibited 6700-fold resistance to the herbicide. The Nakafurano and Shiwa biotypes exhibited no resistance to bispyribac-sodium, but the Matsuyama biotype exhibited 21-fold resistance and the Yurihonjyo biotype exhibited 260-fold resistance to the herbicide. Two S. juncoides ALS genes (ALS1 and ALS2) were isolated and each was found to contain one intron and to encode an ALS protein of 645 amino acids. Sequencing of the ALS genes revealed an amino acid substitution at Pro₁₉₇ in either encoded protein (ALS1 or ALS2) in the biotypes from Nakafurano (Pro₁₉₇ → Ser₁₉₇), Shiwa (Pro₁₉₇ → His₁₉₇), and Matsuyama (Pro₁₉₇ → Leu₁₉₇). The ALS2 of the biotype from Yurihonjyo was found to contain a Trp₅₇₄ → Leu₅₇₄ substitution. The relationships between the responses to ALS-inhibiting herbicides and the amino acid substitutions, which are consistent with previous reports in other plants, indicate that the substitutions at Pro₁₉₇ and Trp₅₇₄ are the basis of the resistance to sulfonylureas in these S. juncoides biotypes.     

Fluid dynamic resistance for the trolling depressor

ABSTRACT: The mechanism of deciding a posture of the trolling depressor in the towing was investigated. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the trolling depressor, which has been widely used by Japanese coastal fishermen, were investigated using models with a 394.5 cm² plane form area in different shapes and cambers. These models were rigged for an attack angle from −10° to 90°. The lift, drag and moment were measured by a three-component load cell in the circulating water tank. The difference in the shape of the trolling depressor did not affect the drag coefficient. Superior efficiency of the trolling depressor is considered to be due to the effect of camber. The position of the pressure center very near the front edge makes the trolling depressor move downward. Disagreement of points between the towing point and the pressure center accelerated the swinging movement of the trolling depressor.     

Distribution and abundance of resting cysts of the toxic Alexandrium spp. (Dinophyceae) in sediments of the western Seto Inland Sea, Japan

Sediment samples were collected from 135 stations in the western part of the Seto Inland Sea (Iyo Nada, Suo Nada, Beppu Bay, Tokuyama Bay, Hiroshima Bay, Aki Nada, Hiuchi Nada and Bingo Nada) to determine the horizontal distribution and abundance of resting cysts of Alexandrium spp. ( A. tamarense  +  A. catenella ). Enumeration of the cysts was performed using the primuline-staining direct count method. Cysts of Alexandrium spp. were rarely found in Iyo Nada, Suo Nada and Beppu Bay, but were widely distributed in Tokuyama Bay, Hiroshima Bay, Aki Nada, Hiuchi Nada and Bingo Nada. Cyst concentrations ranged from not detected (ND) to 14, ND to 17, ND to 4, 93 to 8137, 8 to 4454, ND to 6, ND to 18 and 4–29 cysts/cm³ wet sediment in Iyo Nada, Suo Nada, Beppu Bay, Tokuyama Bay, Hiroshima Bay, Aki Nada, Hiuchi Nada and Bingo Nada, respectively. The majority of cysts occurred in Tokuyama Bay and Hiroshima Bay, where higher densities were observed in the inner bay and along the coastal margin. Relatively higher cyst concentrations were observed at stations with a higher mud content. The abundance of Alexandrium spp. cysts in western Seto Inland Sea is lower than in the eastern Seto Inland Sea, except for Tokuyama Bay and Hiroshima Bay. However, because sporadic blooms of Alexandrium have been observed, continuing monitoring is necessary to prevent paralytic shellfish poisoning outbreaks in this area.