Mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula L.) biology and management—A review of an emerging global invader

The globally invasive weed, mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula L.) is an annual, bushy, ill-scented herb, originating in Eurasia. It is aggressively weedy in croplands, field-side ditches, wet areas and along roadsides, especially in slightly acidic, nitrogen-rich, clay-loam soils. In addition to interfering with crop growth, the weed causes dermatitis and eye irritation in humans, skin rashes and sour mouth in domesticated mammals, and off-flavours in cow's milk through forage contamination. Although A. cotula may be managed effectively with some broadleaf herbicides in cereal crops, it is much more difficult to manage in broadleaved crops and cover crops. In some regions, aggressive use of relatively few herbicides has selected for acetolactate synthase herbicide resistance in A. cotula. Therefore, A. cotula poses serious ecological and economic challenges in many regions. Despite this threat, the details of A. cotula biology and ecology in the context of environmental change remain relatively unknown. For example, the reason for the invasiveness of A. cotula remains uncertain, but is presumed to be due to abundant seed production, allelochemicals, mycorrhizal associations, minimal herbivory in invaded ranges, ability to attract generalist pollinators through an extended flowering period and adaptive capacity in a wide range of soil types and conditions. In this paper, we comprehensively review the literature and ongoing work on A. cotula and provide a research agenda to improve understanding and management of this species.     

The response of phenolic compounds in grapes of the variety ‘Chardonnay’ (Vitis vinifera L.) to the infection by phytoplasma Bois noir

The study was carried out on phytoplasma susceptible grapevine variety ‘Chardonnay’ (Vitis vinifera L.). The changes in total and individual phenolics, with a focus on hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanols and flavonol contents, were studied in phytoplasma-symptomatic and non-symptomatic berries of Bois noir (BN) infected and uninfected vines. Evident responses to BN infection at veraison have been monitored in a decreased accumulation of caftaric and coutaric acids, p-coumaroyl hexose, procyanidin B1, procyanidin trimer as well as of quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and quercetin-3-O-xyloside. At berry softening BN infection statistically increased the content of total phenolics, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavanols, but decreased the flavonol contents, especially at phytoplasma-symptomatic berry skins. Later, at harvest, the BN infection caused an additional significant decrease of coutaric acid and p-coumaroyl pentose contents, moreover of procyanidin B1 and procyanidin dimmers (1, 2, and 3), trimer, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside and of most identified quercetins, except of quercetin-3-O-xyloside. At harvest, non-symptomatic berries from infected plants showed similar dynamics in the total phenolic content compared to berry skins from uninfected plants, but in total flavanols and flavonols content similarity to those symptomatic was observed. The latter decreases grape quality and its antioxidant potential. The Bois noir disease showed specific, local and growth-phase-induced responses regarding the content of phenolics in berry skins, where in particular the differences between phytoplasma-symptomatic and non-symptomatic grapes have to be underlined.     

Identifying potential novel resistance to the foliar disease ‘Scald’ (Rhynchosporium commune) in a population of Scottish Bere barley landrace (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Barley ‘Scald’ is an economically damaging fungal disease that is a global problem, causing significant yield and economical losses in the UK...     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anagyrus</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) from China,parasitoid of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phenacoccus solani</Emphasis> Ferris (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lycoris radiata</Emphasis> (L’Her.) Herb.

A new species of Anagyrus Howard (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), A. pseudofuscus Zu sp. nov., is described from China as a parasitoid of the mealybug, Phenacoccus solani Ferris (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).