Outbreak of two New Cassava Pests (Mononychellus tanajoa and Phenacoccus manihoti) in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The paper reports the outbreak of two new cassava pests, the mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti and the green spider mite Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar) in Nigeria. Apart from describing the outbreak areas, symptoms, spread and control recommendations are mentioned.     

华南205木薯二倍体及其同源四倍体对朱砂叶螨取食胁迫的生理响应

为明确木薯同源四倍体抗螨的生理机制,以华南205（South China 205,SC205）木薯的二倍体及其同源四倍体为试验材料,分别于朱砂叶螨Tetranychus cinnabarinus取食胁迫前（取食0 d）及取食胁迫后1、4和8 d观察两个倍性植株叶片的受害情况并测量叶片中叶绿素、游离脯氨酸、丙二醛（malondialdehyde,MDA）、次生代谢物质含量和主要保护酶活性的变化。结果显示,朱砂叶螨取食胁迫后SC205四倍体叶片受害情况较SC205二倍体的轻;取食胁迫后1、4和8 d木薯SC205四倍体叶片中叶绿素含量下降幅度比SC205二倍体的小;取食胁迫后1、4和8 d两个倍性木薯叶片中MDA和游离脯氨酸含量均呈上升的趋势,其中SC205四倍体叶片中MDA含量的上升幅度比SC205二倍体的小,而游离脯氨酸含量的上升幅度比SC205二倍体的大;取食胁迫后1、4和8 d两个倍性木薯叶片中过氧化氢酶（catalase,CAT）、超氧化物歧化酶（superoxide dismutase,SOD）、过氧化物酶（peroxidase,POD）活性和单宁、总酚、总黄酮含量较取食胁迫前均显著上升,且SC205四倍体的上升幅度比SC205二倍体的大。表明木薯同源四倍体植株的抗螨性与叶绿素、游离脯氨酸、MDA、保护酶活性及次生代谢物质含量变化有关,它们均参与了木薯对朱砂叶螨取食胁迫的诱导型防御反应。     

Foliar calcium concentration of potato and its relation to genotype lateness and tolerance of cyst nematodes

In field trials during three years respectively 18, 22 and 57 potato genotypes were grown on soils moderately or heavily infested with potato cyst nematodes (Globodera pallida) after soils were fumigated or not. Nematode infection increased leaf calcium contents but genotypes that were relatively tolerant of potato cyst nematodes (Globodera pallida) had lower leaf calcium concentrations on a particular sampling date. Tolerance of potato cyst nematodes was closely linked to genotype lateness and may be related to tolerance of drought. When using the method in plant breeding and screening for genotypes with tolerance, plants may be planted in infected or in uninfected soils, without influencing the outcome. The relationship between tolerance and calcium contents was clearest when sampling took place towards the end of the growing season when the variability was at it highest with a good distinction between newly formed leaves in late maturing genotypes and aged leaves in early maturing cultivars.     

Distribution and accumulation of cassava brown streak viruses within infected cassava (Manihot esculenta) plants

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), caused by Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV), ranks among the top seven biological threats to global food security. The disease poses a significant threat to cassava production in East and Central Africa (ECA). In Uganda, overall CBSD incidence increased by c. 20% since it re‐emerged in 2004, and the disease persistently reduces cassava yields and storage root qualities. The spread of CBSD has been studied spatially in fields in different agroecologies. However, within‐host distribution and accumulation of CBSV and UCBSV in naturally infected cassava plants is unknown. Therefore, within‐host CBSV and UCBSV distribution was studied to correlate CBSD symptoms with virus titre in organs of infected cassava. Leaf, stem and storage root samples, with and without symptoms, were collected from 10 genotypes of field‐grown cassava. Presence of CBSV and UCBSV was detected by RT‐PCR and virus levels determined by qRT‐PCR. CBSV was present in 100% of CBSD samples with symptoms, with 45·3% positive for presence of both CBSV and UCBSV. Tolerant cassava genotypes were infected with CBSV alone and accumulated higher titre in roots than in aerial organs. Susceptible genotypes were co‐infected with CBSV and UCBSV and exhibited variation in virus titre in each organ. Across genotypes, virus titre was lowest in the youngest leaves and highest in mature non‐senescing leaves. This information provides insight into the relationship between CBSV, UCBSV and their cassava host, and is valuable for CBSD resistance breeding, epidemiology studies and CBSD control.     

Contradictions in host plant resistance to pests: spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) behaviour undermines the potential resistance of smooth-leaved cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

BACKGROUND: Two‐spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch) oviposit near leaf veins or in leaf folds on the undersides of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) leaves where the humid boundary layer offers protection from desiccation. The authors predicted that the boundary layer of glabrous cotton leaves should be shallower than that of hairy leaves, providing some resistance to mites. The dynamics of mite populations, leaf damage, leaf gas exchange and crop yield on two leaf hair isolines (smooth versus hairy) in two genetic backgrounds was assessed. RESULTS: Mite colonies developed faster on the hairy leaf isolines, but leaf damage per mite was higher in smooth leaf isolines, indicating more intense damage. A 50% reduction in photosynthesis on the hairy isolines required 1.8 times more mites than smooth leaves. The yield of cotton was reduced in + mite treatments, but the magnitude of reduction was similar for hairy and smooth isolines. CONCLUSION: Paradoxically, the relative inhospitality of glabrous leaves may have induced mites to concentrate in protected leaf sections, causing more localised and more severe damage, negating the yield benefits from fewer mites. These results highlight interactions between leaf microenvironment, pest behaviour and plant productivity that may have implications for other instances of plant resistance. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

The reliability of leaf bioassays for predicting disease resistance on fruit: a case study on grapevine resistance to downy and powdery mildew

This study was designed to assess the reliability of grapevine leaf bioassays for predicting disease resistance on fruit in the field. The efficacy of various grapevine quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for conferring resistance to downy and powdery mildew was evaluated in bioassays and in a 2‐year field experiment for downy mildew. The resistance genes studied were inherited from Muscadinia rotundifolia (Rpv1 and Run1) and from American Vitis species through cv. Regent (QTLRgP and QTLRgD). In bioassays, genotypes carrying Run1 blocked powdery mildew development at early stages. Genotypes combining Run1 with QTLRgP displayed no greater level of resistance. For downy mildew, genotypes carrying Rpv1 and/or QTLRgD were more resistant than the susceptible cv. Merlot, and showed a high level of leaf resistance in the field (<10% severity). Disease levels on bunches were much higher than those on leaves, with a high variability between Rpv1 genotypes (1–48%). A Bayesian decision theory framework predicted that an OIV‐452 threshold of 5 in leaf bioassays allowed accurate selection of grapevine genotypes (P = 0·83) with satisfactory disease severity on bunches. Therefore, this study validates that the use of early bioassays on leaves, as currently performed by grapevine breeders, ensures a satisfactory level of resistance to downy mildew of bunches in the field.     

Breeding Cassava for Resistance to Bacterial Blight

Abstract

It is noted that cassava bacterial blight (CBB) has been reported in several African countries and that heavy infection with CBB can lead to total crop failure as most local varieties are very susceptible. The best control method is through varietal resistance. IITA has made progress in breeding for resistance to both CBB and cassava mosaic disease (CMD) incorporating simultaneously other desirable agronomic qualities. The cassava breeding work at IITA since 1972 is then discussed covering tests on a total of 583 cassava families from CIAT, East Africa and IITA for sources of high resistance to CBB, further tests on 748 IITA clones for CBB resistance in a given ecological setting of high rainfall, sandy and acid soil from which the cultivar 58308 emerged highly resistant. Other aspects of the breeding work treated are conditions affecting varietal selection, namely: genetic mechanism resistance: stability of resistance to CBB over time and in different areas in Africa; high heritability; genetic correlation between resistance to CBB and CMD; correlation of CBB resistance with other characteristics such as tuber yield and leaf defoliation; and finally some factors affecting CBB field scores which are time of planting, age of plant and time of observation.

It is noted that the sources of high resistance to CBB identified have been quickly and successfully incorporated into promising cassava clones.     

Development and Evaluation of an in vitro Detached Leaf Assay forc Pre-Screening Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat

An in vitro detached leaf assay, involving the inoculation of detached leaves with Microdochium nivale, was further developed and used to compare with whole plant resistance ratings to Fusarium head blight (FHB) of 22 commercial cultivars and published information on 21 wheat genotypes, identified as potential sources for FHB resistance. An incubation temperature of 10 °C and isolates of M. nivale var. majus of intermediate pathogenicity were found to be the most suitable for the differential expression of several components of partial disease resistance (PDR), namely incubation period, latent period and lesion length, in wheat genotypes used in the detached leaf assay. There were highly significant differences (P < 0.001) for each component of PDR within commercial cultivars and CIMMYT genotypes. Positive correlations were found between incubation period and latent period (r = 0.606; P < 0.001 and r = 0.498; P < 0.001, respectively, for commercial cultivars and CIMMYT genotypes), inverse correlations between incubation period and lesion length (r = -0.466; P < 0.01 and r = –0.685; P < 0.001, respectively) and latent period and lesion length (r = –0.825; P < 0.001 and r = –0.848; P < 0.001, respectively). Spearman rank correlations between individual PDR components and UK 2003 recommended list ratings were significant for incubation period (r_s = 0.53; P < 0.05) and latent period (r_s = 0.70; P < 0.01) but not for lesion length (r _s = –0.26). Commercial cultivars identified with high resistances across all three PDR components in the detached leaf assay also had high whole plant FHB resistance ratings, with the exception of cv. Tanker which is more susceptible than the results of the detached leaf assay suggested, indicating an additional susceptibility factor could be present. Agreement between resistances found in the detached leaf assay and resistance to FHB suggests resistances detected in detached leaves are under the same genetic control as much of the resistances expressed in the wheat head of the commercial cultivars evaluated. In contrast, high resistances in each of the PDR components were associated with higher susceptibility across 19 CIMMYT genotypes previously evaluated as potential breeding sources of FHB resistance (incubation period: r = 0.52; P < 0.01, latent period: r = 0.53; P < 0.01, lesion length: r = –0.49; P < 0.01). In particular, the CIMMYT genotypes E2 and E12 together with Summai #3, known to have high levels of whole plant FHB resistance, showed low levels of resistance in each PDR component in the detached leaf assay. Such whole plant resistances, which are highly effective and not detected by the detached leaf assay, do not appear to be present in Irish and UK commercial cultivars. The most resistant Irish and UK commercial cultivars were comparable to the genotype Frontana and the most resistant CIMMYT germplasm evaluated in the leaf assay.     

Resistance to carmine spider mite in watermelon

Resistance of 37Citrullus lanatus L. lines to the carmine spider mite,Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval), was evaluated in three laboratory experiments, each including seven plants per line. Infestation with ten adult female mites per leaf, of each plant, was done at the three-leaf stage. In experiment A, average counts 10 days after infestation of three leaves ranged from 42 to 144 mites per leaf. In experiment B, average counts 8 days after infestation of two leaves ranged from 40 to 286 mites per leaf. In experiment C, average counts 8 days after infestation of two leaves ranged from 15 to 196 mites per leaf. The results suggest that a definite variation in resistance against mite infestation exists among watermelon lines. Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization. No. 1082-E, 1993 series.     

Development of an effective screening method for partial resistance to Alternaria brassicicola (dark leaf spot) in Brassica rapa

In order to develop a method to measure resistance to Alternaria brassicicola (cause of dark leaf spot disease) in Brassica rapa, the effects of inoculum concentration, leaf stage, leaf age and incubation temperature of inoculation on infection were studied under controlled conditions using several B. rapa genotypes. Three inoculation methods (cotyledon, detached leaf and seedling inoculation) were evaluated for this purpose. The detached leaf inoculation test was the most suitable for screening B. rapa genotypes because clear symptoms were observed on the leaves in less than 24 h, and there was a significant positive correlation between the results from the detached leaf inoculation test and the seedling inoculation test, an established method considered to yield reliable results. In addition, it was very easy to screen plants for resistance on a large scale and to maintain standard physical conditions using detached leaves. For successful infection, inoculum concentration should be adjusted to 5 × 10⁴ conidia ml⁻¹, and incubation temperature should be between 20 °C and 25 °C. The 3rd/4th true leaves from 30 day-old plants were optimal for inoculation. In a screening test using 52 cultivars of B. rapa, the detached leaf test effectively discriminated between various levels of partial resistance among cultivars. As a result, we identified two cultivars, viz Saori and Edononatsu, as highly resistant and five cultivars, viz Tokinashi Taisai, Yajima Kabu, Purara, Norin-F₁-Bekana and Tateiwa Kabu, as having borderline resistance.     

First record of the citrus red mite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panonychus citri</Emphasis> in Cyprus

A new phytophagous mite species, Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) (the citrus red mite), was found in Cyprus during spring 2008, infesting citrus plantations. Mites occurred in large numbers, mainly in the canopy of orange, lemon and mandarin trees. The adults and larvae preferred the upper surfaces of mature leaves of the above citrus species, although they occurred on both leaf surfaces. Orange, lemon and mandarin trees were greatly affected by this mite, as its high population densities under hot and dry conditions in the spring caused heavy leaf drop (firing) and twig dieback.     

辣椒品种营养组成和绒毛特征与抗侧多食跗线螨的关系

利用螨量比值法,研究11个辣椒品种叶片茸毛密度和长度、叶绿素含量、可溶性糖含量、可溶性蛋白质含量和游离氨基酸含量与抗侧多食跗线螨Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Bank)的关系,以期阐明辣椒品种对侧多食跗线螨的抗性机制.结果显示,螨量比值与辣椒品种叶片绒毛密度、单位面积叶绿素含量和可溶性糖含量呈显著负相关,相关系数分别为-0.8455、-0.8851和-0.6712;与游离丝氨酸含量呈极显著负相关,相关系数为-0.829;与游离氨基酸总量和可溶性蛋白质含量无显著相关性.研究表明,辣椒品种对侧多食跗线螨的抗性与叶片叶绿素、可溶性糖、游离丝氨酸含量及叶片绒毛密度有关.     

Field evaluation for resistance to the black rot pathogen <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xanthomonas campestris</Emphasis> pv. <Emphasis Type="Italic">campestris</Emphasis> in cabbage (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica oleracea</Emphasis>)

Black rot, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, (Xcc), is one of the most serious diseases of crucifers world-wide. Forty-nine genotypes were evaluated for resistance under field conditions in Tanzania after artificial inoculation with Xcc race 1. Open pollinated white cabbage cultivars were generally susceptible, while Portuguese and pointed cabbages exhibited partial resistance. Some F1 white cabbage cultivars were highly susceptible, whereas others exhibited a high level of partial resistance. The most promising of the hybrid cultivars were T-689 F1, Gianty F1, No. 9690 F1, N 66 F1, and SWR-02 F1. Breeding line Badger I-16 exhibited the highest level of resistance of all genotypes. The genotypes accounted for 72.9–75.5% of the variation of the disease severity when assessed on the leaves, and 71.4% of the variation when assessed as internal black rot in heads at harvest. High correlations (equal to or above 0.7) were found between disease severities assessed on leaves three times during the growing season and also with the amount of internal black rot in heads. Leaf loss also was correlated with disease severity. The high genetic determination of the trait and the high correlations between disease assessments indicate that selection for resistance to black rot will be efficient when field screenings are carried out. Evaluation of genotypes for disease severity on leaves during the growing season combined with evaluations of head resistance in the most promising genotypes may be a simple method to select resistant cultivars.     

Investigation of rice blast development in susceptible and resistant rice cultivars using a gfp‐expressing Magnaporthe oryzae isolate

In this study, an isolate of Magnaporthe oryzae expressing the green fluorescent protein gene (gfp) was used to monitor early events in the interaction of M. oryzae with resistant rice cultivars harbouring a blast resistance (R) gene. In the resistant cultivars Saber and TeQing (Pib gene), M. oryzae spores germinated normally on the leaf surface but produced morphologically abnormal germ tubes. Germling growth and development were markedly and adversely affected in leaves of these resistant cultivars. Penetration of host cells was never seen, supporting the idea that disruption of germling development on the leaf surface might be one of the resistance mechanisms associated with Pib function. Thus, this particular R gene appeared to function in the absence of host penetration by the fungal pathogen. Confocal laser scanning microscopy of M. oryzae‐infected susceptible rice cultivars showed the dimorphic growth pattern that is typically observed during the biotrophic and necrotrophic stages of leaf colonization in susceptible cultivars. The suitability of the gfp‐expressing M. oryzae isolate for further research on R‐gene function and identification of resistant genotypes in rice germplasm collections is discussed.     

Expression of defence‐related genes in stems and leaves of resistant and susceptible field pea (Pisum sativum) during infection by Phoma koolunga

The differential expression of 13 defence‐related genes during Phoma koolunga infection of stems and leaves of susceptible versus resistant field pea (Pisum sativum) was determined using qRT‐PCR. Expression, in terms of relative mRNA level ratios, of genes encoding ferredoxin NADP oxidoreductase, 6a‐hydroxymaackiain methyltransferase (hmm6), chalcone synthase (PSCHS3) and ascorbate peroxidase in leaves and stems differed during 6–72 hours post‐inoculation (hpi) and reflected known host resistance levels in leaves versus stems. In comparison to the susceptible genotype, at 24, 48 and 72 hpi, two genes, hmm6 (122.43‐, 206.99‐ and 32.25‐fold, respectively) and PSCHS3 (175.00‐, 250.13‐ and 216.24‐fold, respectively), were strongly up‐regulated in leaves of the resistant genotype, highlighting that resistance against P. koolunga in field pea is governed by the early synthesis of pisatin. At 24 hpi, leaves infected by P. koolunga showed clear differences in expression of target genes. For example, the gene encoding a precursor of the defensin ‘disease resistance response protein 39’ was substantially down‐regulated in leaves of both the susceptible and the resistant genotypes inoculated with P. koolunga. This contrasts with other studies on another pea black spot pathogen, Didymella pinodes, where this same gene is strongly up‐regulated in leaves of resistant and susceptible genotypes. The current study provides the first understanding of defence‐related genes involved in the resistance against P. koolunga, opening novel avenues to engineer new field pea cultivars with improved leaf and stem black spot disease resistance as the basis for developing more effective and sustainable management strategies.     

南京裂爪螨生活习性及防治研究

南京裂爪螨在福建主要危害毛竹，７～８月高温干燥季节危害最重，造成毛竹大量落叶，直到枯死。该螨于１１月上旬进入休眠，翌年２月下旬出蛰，３月上旬开始产卵，世代重叠，雌雄比为１３．１１。应用５０％甲胺磷、４０％氧乐果、２０％杀灭菊酯、２０％灭扫利、２０％快灵、５％抑太保１０和３０倍稀释液竹腔注射防治该虫，３０ｄ后校正死亡率达９４．９７％。     

Spectral separability and mapping potential of cassava leaf damage symptoms caused by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci)

BACKGROUND

This study examines whether leaf spectra can be used to measure damage to cassava plants from whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), and the potential to translate measurements from leaf to landscape scale in eastern Africa. Symptoms of the cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and cassava mosaic disease (CMD) viruses, and sooty mould (SM) blackening of lower leaves from whiteflies feeding on the upper leaves, were measured at the leaf scale with a high‐resolution spectroradiometer and a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) meter, which retrieves relative chlorophyll concentration. Spectral measurements were compared to the five‐level visual scores used to assess the severity of each of the three damaging agents in the field, and also to leaf chemistry data.

RESULTS

Leaves exhibiting severe CBSD and CMD were spectrally indistinguishable from leaves without any symptoms. Severe SM was spectrally distinctive but is likely to be difficult to map because of its occurrence in the lower crown. SPAD measurements were highly correlated with most foliar chemistry measurements and field scores of disease severity. Regression models between simulated Sentinel 2 bands, field scores and SPAD measurements were strongest using wavelengths with high importance weightings in random forest models.

CONCLUSION

SPAD measurements are highly correlated to many foliar chemistry parameters, and should be considered for use in mapping disease severity over larger areas. Remaining challenges for mapping relate to the subtle expression of symptoms, the spatial distribution of disease severity within fields, and the small size and complex structure of the cassava fields themselves. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Leaf position,leaf age and plant age affect the expression of downy mildew resistance in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica oleracea</Emphasis>

Downy mildew caused by the oomycete Hyaloperonospora parasitica (formerly Peronospora parasitica) is a worldwide foliar disease of Brassica vegetables, which may cause seedling loss in the nurseries and damage to adult plants in the field. Disease symptoms start from the lower leaves and progress upwards. Three experiments were conducted under controlled environment conditions, using inoculated leaf discs, to determine the influence of leaf position, plant age, and leaf age on the expression of resistance to downy mildew in various Brassica oleracea genotypes. The upper leaves were more resistant than the lower leaves when 7–19 week-old plants of broccoli and Tronchuda cabbage were tested. Broccoli lines ‘PCB21.32’ and ‘OL87123-2’ were fully susceptible at the cotyledon stage, showed a clear resistance increase from lower to upper leaves at 6 weeks and ‘PCB21.32’ was fully resistant 16 weeks after sowing. Immature leaves were more resistant than adjacent fully expanded mature leaves. Susceptibility increased with leaf age when the same leaf was tested at two to 4-week intervals. Leaf age and upper-leaf position on the stem had opposite effects on disease score, since younger leaves collected from lower positions and older leaves collected from upper positions tended to score similarly in compatible interactions. The progression of downy mildew from the base of the plant upwards on B. oleracea in the field could be due to differences in leaf resistance in addition to environmental variation. To maximise the expression of a compatible reaction in adult plants lower leaves of Brassica plants that are at least 12 weeks-old should be used.     

棉花对硃砂叶螨抗性的鉴定和机制研究

1988-1991年进行的棉花抗硃砂叶螨试验表明,海岛棉和二倍体栽培棉(中棉和草棉)对硃砂叶螨具有较高水平的抗性,它们的抗螨性已通过远缘杂交技术转移到了感螨的陆地棉栽培品种中。来自四川省和河南省的一些品种以及来自美国的PD种质系对硃砂叶螨的抗性比湖北省当地品种要差。叶片有毛,无腺体和高含淀粉的棉花,硃砂叶螨为害较重;而叶片具有致密茸毛、棉酚、可溶性糖、叶绿素和类黄酮含量高以及叶片鲜重高的品种抗螨性较强。     

The effect of timing of fungicide applications on control of frogeye leaf spot and grain yield of soybeans

Soybean cultivar Samsoy 1, and the breeding lines TGx 849-313D and TGx 996-26E, grown in a field with a heavy epidemic of frogeye leaf spot caused byCercospora sojina, were treated with double foliar applications of the fungicide benomyl. The treatments were made using four application schedules at six different growth stages, starting from V₃ (fully developed leaves, beginning with trifoliate nodes) to R₅ (beginning seed_, to determine the effect of the fungucide timing on frogeye leaf spot severity, soybean grain yield and grain quality. Generally, applications at R₁ (beginning bloom) and R₃ (beginning pod) significantly (P<-0.05) reduced disease severity in the 2 susceptible genotypes, Samsoy 1 and TGx 849-313D. Plot yields of these genotypes were also significantly greater than the untreated controls when the fungicide applications were made at R₁ and R₃. There was no significant difference in diseave severity or grain yield, between the untreated control and the different times of application, on the resistant genotype TGx 996-26E. Improved seed germination and lower levels of seed infection byC. sojina occurred for all fungicide timings in the susceptible genotypes. The results suggest that fungicide spraying initiated at R₁ and followed up at R₃ is most effective in frogeye leaf spot control and can also result in higher grain yields, than applications made earlier or later in the season. Control of frogeye leaf spot, however, is best achieved by growing resistant cultivars.