Insect Pathogen – U.l.v. Combination for Crop Pest Control

Abstract

Two commercial preparations of Bacillus thuringiensis; Thuricide 16B and Thuricide HPC, four nuclear polyhedrosis viruses of; Trichoplusia ni, Spodoptera exigua, Heliothis zea and Autographa californica, and an entomogenous fungus, Paeceliomyces farinosus were tested. They were applied using; a Micro-Gen super model MS2W-15 Unit, on cotton, grapes and pears and a handgun on pears. The use of a u.l.v. sprayer reduces the cost of applying insect pathogens and makes spot treatments practical.     

Herbicides in Cotton—Combinations of Trifluralin with Other Products

Abstract

Results are given of a trial in which trifluralin, incorporated in the soil, at rates of 0.5 and 0.75 kg/ha, was combined with fluometuron at 1.6 kg/ha, and with prometryne at 1.0 kg/ha, both incorporated, pre- and post-em. and with noruron + MSMA (1.0:2.2) at 1.7 kg/ha post-em.

Best results were given by incorporated treatments of trifluralin + fluometuron (0.5 + 1.6) kg/ha, or by trifluralin incorporated at 0.5 or 0.75 kg/ha + fluometuron applied pre-em. at 1.6 kg/ha, or by trifluralin incorported at 0.75 kg/ha + prometryne applied pre-em. at 1.0 kg/ha.

It is recommended that noruron + MSMA (1.0:2.2) at 1.7 kg/ha be applied post-em. as a complementary treatment to trifluralin at 0.5 kg/ha in fields where Cyperus spp. are a problem.     

Nucleotide Sequence of the 3′ -terminal Region of Carnation vein mottle virus RNA

The 2326 nucleotides of the 3′-terminal region of Carnation vein mottle virus (CVMV) RNA, which included part of the nuclear inclusion b gene, the complete coat protein (CP) gene and the entire 3′-noncoding region (3′-NCR) were determined. The region encoding the CP gene is 843 nucleotides long and the deduced protein consists of 280 amino acids. A search of the EMBL and PIR databases showed that the amino acid sequence of CVMV CP most resembled that of Plum pox virus with a similarity of 67.9%. The 3′-NCR of CVMV RNA is 541 nucleotides long, second longest in the genus Potyvirus. These results indicate that CVMV is closely related to Plum pox virus but is a distinct species in the genus Potyvirus. Received 8 October 1999/ Accepted in revised form 9 January 2000     

Molecular identification of a Candidatus phytoplasma (Group16SrV-D) coding partial uvrB gene and degV gene on a new host – mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) – with phyllody and reddening of leaves in India

Mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is an important bast fiber crop. In August 2011, there was an outbreak of a phytoplasma-like disease on H. sabdariffa in different villages of the northern coastal mesta-growing region of Andhra Pradesh, India, covering mainly two districts – Srikakulam and Vijayanagaram. The infected plants showed characteristic symptoms such as phyllody and reddening of leaves. PCR with P1/P7 universal primer pair of 16 S rDNA yielded amplicons of 1850 bp from all symptomatic mesta leaf samples similar to samples of brinjal little leaf (phytoplasma positive reference control). However, asymptomatic samples were not amplified. Multiplex nested-PCR showed simultaneous amplification of DNA fragments with phytoplasma specific primers, viz., P1/P7 universal primer pair of 16 S rDNA, nested primer pair R16F2n/R2, uvrB and DegV gene-specific uvrB-degVF/R primer generating amplicons of 1850 bp, 1200 bp and 1023bp, respectively. However, SecY-map gene specific primer SecY-mapF/R was not amplified. The 1023 bp nucleotide sequence of uvrB and DegV gene of the phytoplasma was deposited in the GenBank (NCBI) with the accession no. JX975061. NCBI BLASTn analysis of the 1023 bp products showed that the phytoplasma strain belonged to elm yellows group (16SrV-D). This is the first report that Hibiscus sabdariffa is infected by a phytoplasma and we named it mesta phyllody disease (MPD).     

Mechanisms of powdery mildew resistance of wheat – a review of molecular breeding

Powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) results in serious economic loss in wheat production. Exploration of plant resistance to wheat powdery mildew over several decades has led to the discovery of a wealth of resistance genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs). We have provided a comprehensive summary of over 200 powdery mildew genes (permanently and temporarily designated genes) and QTLs reported in common bread wheat. This highlights the diverse and rich resistance sources that exist across all 21 chromosomes. To manage different data for breeders, here we also present a bridged mapping result from previously reported powdery mildew resistance genes and QTLs with the application of a published integrated wheat map. This will provide important insights to empower further breeding of powdery mildew resistant wheat via marker-assisted selection (MAS).     

Insect injection and artificial feeding bioassays to test the vector specificity of flavescence dorée phytoplasma

ABSTRACT The specificity of vector transmission of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma (FDP) was tested by injecting FDP, extracted from laboratory-reared infective Euscelidius variegatus, into specimens of 15 other hemipteran insect species collected in European vineyards. Concentrations of viable phytoplasma extracts and latency in vectors were monitored by injection of healthy-reared E. variegatus leafhoppers. Based on these preliminary results, insects were injected by using phytoplasma extracts that ensured the highest rate of FDP acquisition and transmission by E. variegatus. Transmission into an artificial diet through a Parafilm membrane about 3 weeks after insect injection was attempted. FDP-injected insects that belonged to 15 hemipteran species were confined in cages and fed through the membrane for a 4- to 5-day inoculation access period. FDP DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the feeding buffer fed upon by Anoplotettix fuscovenosus, Aphrodes makarovi,E. variegatus, and Euscelis incisus. PCR amplification with specific primers detected FDP DNA in injected insects of all test insect species. Band intensity was positively correlated with the transmissibility of FDP. Transmission of FDP to plants by feeding was confirmed for Anoplotettix fuscovenosus, E. variegatus, and Euscelis incisus, but not for Aphrodes makarovi. Our results suggest that vector competency of FDP is restricted to specimens belonging to the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae.     

Detection and characterization of a phytoplasma associated with witches’-broom disease of Salvadora persica in India

Salvadora persica trees with symptoms of witches’-broom, little leaf and severe leaf curling were observed in the Biodiversity Park, North Delhi (India) during February 2010. Using a nested-PCR assay targeting two phytoplasma specific loci (16S ribosomal RNA and the ribosomal protein gene) and sequence analysis of the amplified products, we identified the associated phytopathogen as a phytoplasma of group 16SrI. RFLP-mediated characterization revealed that the phytoplasma belongs to subgroup 16SrI-B. Phylogenetic reconstruction also grouped the phytoplasma within group 16SrI. The study reports a new host of phytoplasma in India and worldwide.     

Variations of precipitation characteristics during the period 1960–2014 in the Source Region of the Yellow River,China

Precipitation, a natural feature of weather systems in the Earth, is vitally important for the environment of any region. Under global climate change condition, the characteristics of precipitation have changed as a consequence of enhanced global hydrological cycle. The source region of the Yellow River(SRYR), locating within the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is sensitive to the global climate change due to its complex orography and fragile ecosystem. To understand the precipitation characteristics and its impacts on the environment in the region, we studied the characteristics of rainy days and precipitation amount of different precipitation classes, such as light(0–5 and 5–10 mm), moderate(10–15, 15–20 and 20–25 mm) and heavy(≥25 mm) rains by analyzing the precipitation data of typical meteorological stations in the SRYR during the period 1961–2014, as well as the trends of persistent rainfall events and drought events. Results showed that annual average precipitation in this area had a non-significant(P>0.05) increasing trend, and 82.5% of the precipitation occurred from May to September. Rainy days of the 0–5 mm precipitation class significantly decreased, whereas the rainy days of 5–10, 10–15, and 20–25 mm precipitation classes increased and that of ≥25 mm precipitation class decreased insignificantly. The persistent rainfall events of 1-or 2-day and more than 2-day showed an increasing trend, with the 1-or 2-day events being more frequent. Meanwhile, the number of short drought periods(≤10 days) increased while long drought periods(>10 days) decreased. Since the 0–5 mm precipitation class had a huge impact on the grasslands productivity; the 5–10, 10–15, and 20–25 mm precipitation classes had positive effects on vegetation which rely on the deep soil water through moving nutrients and water into the root zone of these vegetation or through the plant-microbe interactions; the ≥25 mm precipitation class contributed to the floods; and more persistent rainfall events and fewer long drought events inferred positive effects on agriculture. Thus, these results indicate grassland degradation, less risk of floods, and the upgrading impact of climate change on agriculture. This study may provide scientific knowledge for policymakers to sustain the eco-environmental resources in the SYSR.     

Investigations on avian pests of oil palm,Elaeis guineensis Jacq. in India†

Abstract

The common myna Acridotheres tristis Linn., the jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchus Wagner and the house crow Corvus splendens Viellot are the major pests of oil palm in India. Other birds like crow pheasant Centropus sinensis Stresmann, parrot Loriculus sp. and pariah kite Milvus migrans Sykes also feed on oil palm fruits. These birds feed on the fleshy mesocarp of the ripe fruits resulting in heavy fruit loss, significantly reducing oil yield. Gizzard and intestinal content analysis indicated that oil palm fruits are the major source of food for these birds. Observations on 1657 oil palm fruit bunches during 1985–86 revealed that 76% of the ripe bunches and 5.6% of the unripe bunches were damaged by birds. The damage by birds was either ‘partial’ or ‘complete’, where 40–50% and 80–100% respectively, of the individual fruit weight was lost. The partial fruit damage was more common in 130–160 day‐old bunches and the complete fruit damage increased after 150 days of fruit set. Fruit loss due to bird damage was higher in palms in the border area of the plantation (2.3 kg/bunch) than in the interior (1.3 kg/bunch). It is estimated that around 2.8 tonnes of fresh fruits/ha/yr, equivalent to 420 kg of palm oil, are lost due to bird damage.     

Effects of plant chemicals on the Cotton Bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner): A multi-generation study

We studied the effects of feeding on different cotton cultivars with different gossypol contents on the development, reproduction and food plant utilization of three successive generations of Cotton Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). Significantly higher larval survival rates were observed in three successive generations of H. armigera fed on cotton cultivar “ZMS13”compared with cultivars “M9101” and “HZ401”. There was a significant decrease in fecundity in the first generation compared with the second and third generations of cotton bollworms fed on “M9101” and “ZMS13”. Cotton bollworm generation significantly influenced mean relative growth rate, relative growth rate and relative consumption rate. The relative growth rate significantly decreased in three successive generations of H. armigera fed on the high-gossypol cultivar “M9101” compared with those fed on low-gossypol cultivar “ZMS13”. However, a significantly higher relative growth rate was recorded in the third generation than in the first generation fed on “M9101”. Measurements of development and food utilization at the individual and population levels over more than one generation ought to provide a more meaningful prediction of long-term and population dynamics of the cotton bollworm.     

Herbicide resistant Phalaris minor in India—history of evolution,present status and its management

Phytoparasitica - The introduction and large scale cultivation of wheat cultivars which are semi-dwarf and high yielding in the north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGPs) of India has led to the...     

The dynamics of Phytophthora infestans populations in the major potato-growing regions of Asia – A review

Asia is now the largest potato-producing region of the world and late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is the most important pathogen limiting production. This review documents, in both the historical and the current context, the population structure of P. infestans in the major areas of potato production in Asia. Information from diverse sources regarding the stated or inferred clonal pathogen lineages present, population changes, and possible migration routes of the pathogen into the countries of this region have been reviewed to aid researchers and those involved in managing late blight in Asia. The single most important factor for population change and resultant epidemics in this region has been found to be migration of pathogen genotypes from Europe and the Americas. Reducing the impact of such migration in the future will necessitate putting in place improved phytosanitary measures. To achieve this, data sharing using global networks such as AsiaBlight and EuroBlight is imperative.     

Effect of Cotton leaf curl virus infected plants on the biology of the whitefly,Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): Vector–virus mutualism

Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) (Geminiviridae : Begomovirus), the causative agent of leaf curl disease in cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum), is exclusively transmitted by whitefly species Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). CLCuV transmission occurs in Sriganganagar (Rajasthan), an area endemic with cotton leaf curl disease. The relationships between plant viruses, their herbivore vectors and host plants can be beneficial, neutral, or antagonistic, depending on the species involved. To further understand these relationships, fecundity and life history parameters of an indigenous non- b (Asia II genetic group) biotype whitefly, B. tabaci, were compared on 10, 25, and 40 days post-inoculation (DPI), in CLCuV-infected and healthy cotton plants to determine the effect of virus on its vector. The development time of the immature stages of whiteflies was significantly reduced on CLCuV-infected plants. The development time of the immature stages did not change with severity of symptoms at 25 and 40 DPI (45- and 60-d-old plants). Cotton leaf curl virus infection increased percent egg viability of B. tabaci. Whiteflies deposited significantly fewer eggs on virus-infected plants than on healthy plants. Whiteflies had better egg viability on younger plants than older plants, whereas plant age did not affect the fecundity. Male and female whiteflies had shorter longevity on CLCuV-infected plants than on healthy plants.     

Translocation of apple proliferation phytoplasma via natural root grafts – a case study

Apple proliferation (AP), a phytoplasma-induced disease of apple trees, was proven to be transmitted through infected grafting material and sap-sucking insects. To date there are little firm data on disease propagation in the field via natural root grafts. This question was thus addressed in the present case study by investigating trees of a 24-year old commercial apple orchard (‘Red Chief’ on MM 111), where the existence of root connections was discovered accidentally. After having displayed specific AP symptoms, nine trees were cut down and the stubs were infiltrated or brushed with glyphosate. Herbicide injury, however, remained not only restricted to the treated stubs, but also spread to approximately 50 neighbouring trees. Surprisingly, none of the pollinators (‘Granny Smith’ on M 9) growing interjacently and alternating between herbicide-damaged main crop trees was affected. Respective to the position of the nine AP-infected and glyphosate-treated cut stumps, four sections in the orchard were defined, from which a total of 122 trees was sampled and analysed using qualitative real-time PCR for detection of AP phytoplasma. The pathogen was found in 71.4% of ‘Red Chief’ trees with severe herbicide damage and 18.8% of trees with partial herbicide damage. None of the 31 investigated pollinators was AP-infected. Our data indicate that root connections seem to play a role for the spread of AP phytoplasma at least in older orchards and between trees on vigorous rootstocks.