Nuclear and cytoplasmic contributions from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Erianthus arundinaceus</Emphasis> (Retz.) Jeswiet in a sugarcane hybrid clone confirmed through genomic in situ hybridization and cytoplasmic DNA polymorphism

A hybrid between Erianthus arundinaceus (Retz.) Jeswiet and Saccharum spontaneum L. which are wild related species of sugarcane (Saccharum L., Family Poaceae), was repeatedly crossed as female parent with sugarcane commercial varieties to develop near commercial sugarcane clones. The cytoplasm type of the hybrid derivatives were confirmed to be of E. arundinaceus through the mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA polymorphism of nad 4/3-4 intron segment and psbC–trnS segment, respectively. The E. arundinaceus × S. spontaneum hybrid with somatic chromosome number 2n = 62 was confirmed to have 30 chromosomes from E. arundinaceus through genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). The (E. arundinaceus × S. spontaneum) × sugarcane hybrid (2n = 118) had 24 chromosomes from E. arundinaceus whereas its next generation hybrid with sugarcane (2n = 108) had only 12 Erianthus chromosomes. The commercial sugarcane hybrid Co 15015, which is the third generation hybrid with 2n = 106 was confirmed to have two E. arundinaceus chromosomes through GISH. It is the first report of sugarcane with both alien cytoplasm and chromosome contributions from E. arundinaceus.     

Assessment of the genetic diversity in a collection of Erianthus arundinaceus

Erianthus arundinaceus, a wild relative of sugarcane has a number of traits including tolerance to environmental stresses desired by sugarcane breeders. The value of genetic diversity studies in providing useful information for introgression breeding and germplasm conservation is well known. A previous study reported little genetic diversity in a number of Indonesian E. arundinaceus while Indian E . arundinaceus was more diverse. A small number of Chinese E. arundinaceus was observed as being relatively diverse. However, an assessment of the genetic diversity of E. arundinaceus from the major geographical areas in the world has not been reported before. In this study, 207 E. arundinaceus accessions from China, Indonesia, India, New Guinea, Philippines and Vietnam were sampled for genetic diversity analysis using AFLP markers. Three AFLP primer combinations generated 286 markers in total, with the percentage of polymorphism observed being 99.3%. A dendrogram and PCA diagram were constructed based on the matrix of similarity analyzed with UPGMA method by NTSYS software. The results showed that: (1) a high level of diversity found within the Chinese collection compared with the Indonesian collection and (2) there was a general division amongst clones from China based on those collected from eastern versus western parts of the country, and clones from Yunnan province (western China) were the most diverse.     

The characterization and quantification of methanotrophic bacterial populations in constructed wetland sediments using PCR targeting 16S rRNA gene fragments

Three mesocosms were studied to evaluate the effect of wetland plants on the methanotrophic bacterial populations in the sediments of a full-scale constructed wetland. Cores were collected from two vegetated mesocosms and one unvegetated mesocosm from fall 2002 through summer 2003. Competitive quantitative PCR revealed no significant differences in the quantities of either Type I or Type II methanotrophic bacteria between the vegetated and unvegetated mesocosms. Type I methanotroph-biased nested PCR-DGGE resulted in the detection of 23 different populations related to Methylococcus, Methylomonas, Methylobacter, Methylocaldum, and Methylosarcina spp. Type II methanotroph-biased nested PCR-DGGE resulted in the detection of 5 different populations, more than 90% of which were related to previously uncultivated Type II methanotrophs. While wetland vegetation did not affect the structure of either the Type I or Type II methanotrophic communities, the Type I methanotrophic community structure was observed to vary seasonally. This work suggests that wetland plants neither enhanced nor adversely affected the size or structure of methanotrophic communities in our constructed wetland. Substantial quantities of both Type I and Type II methanotrophic populations were detected in both planted and unplanted mesocosms, suggesting that the constructed wetland had substantial potential for xenobiotic bioremediation whether or not plants were present.     

Protein Quality and Physical Characteristics of Kisra (Fermented Sorghum Pancake‐like Flatbread) Made from Tannin and Non‐Tannin Sorghum Cultivars

Kisra is a naturally lactic acid bacteria‐ and yeast‐fermented sorghum thin pancake‐like flatbread produced in Sudan. Kisra has considerable potential as the basis for development of a gluten‐free sandwich wrap. To help direct cultivar selection for commercial production of these products, two white, tan plant non‐tannin Type I, one white Type II tannin, and one red Type III tannin sorghum cultivars were evaluated with respect to kisra protein quality and physical characteristics. Kisra from the non‐tannin sorghums were flexible and had an open‐textured structure with many regular gas cells, whereas those from the tannin sorghums were more brittle, denser in structure, and contained far fewer and smaller gas cells. Kisra from the tannin sorghums had the lowest reactive lysine content, in vitro protein digestibility, and Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Score (PDCAAS), with values being lowest for the Type III sorghum. PDCAAS of kisra from the Type III sorghum was only 0.12, less than half of that from the Type I sorghums. As the tannins in tannin sorghums adversely affect kisra protein quality and physical characteristics, white tan plant, non‐tannin sorghum cultivars are most suitable for kisra production and for development of wrap‐type sorghum‐based baked goods.     

Polyphasic characterization of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) rhizobia from different geographical regions of China

Polyphasic characterization of 54 indigenous mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) rhizobia from different geographic regions of China was determined by analyzing the variability of 16S rRNA gene RFLP, 16S–23S rRNA gene Intergenetic Spacer (IGS) RFLP, G-C rich RAPD and phenotype assays. Based on these characteristics, mung bean rhizobia were clustered into four groups. Group I comprised 16 slow-growing isolates from a variety of geographic regions. This group was genetically distinct from Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium liaoningense, and may represent a new species. Group II was composed of 18 isolates, which could be sub-divided into two sub-groups that were respectively related to B. japonicum and B. liaoningense. Group III comprised 12 isolates from South China and clustered together with Bradyrhizobium elkanii. Group IV formed a miscellany of 8 fast-growing isolates variously related to the genera Sinorhizobium, Rhizobium and Mesorhizobium.     

Etude des diphenol oxydases extraites d'une litiere de foret

Study of diphenol oxidases extracted from beech litter. Lyophilized neutral sterile extract from the fermentation (F) layer of beech litter (NALF Extract) exhibited the chemical characteristics of humic acids. It possessed diphenol oxidase activities. The specific activities (sp. act.), given in parentheses, are expressed in nmoles O₂ absorbed mg C^?1 min^?1: p-crcsol (19.5); catechol (0.6); dl-3(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)alanine (5.7); d(+) catechine (4.8) and p-phenylenediamine (7.1). The NALF Extract was polydispersed by G100 Sephadex column chromatography. The firsi peak kd ~ 0.05 (fraction I), the intermediate band (fractions II + III) and the second peak k_d ~ 1.02 and 1.38 (fractions IV + V). Diphenol oxidases were localized in fractions I, II and III. Electrophoretic studies have shown that the fractions I, II and III are heterogeneous. Chromatography on DEAE cellulose of fraction I permitted the separation of 30 per cent of the laccase activity in a form which is free from humic material.     

Assessment of Bacterial and Fungal Aerosol in Different Residential Settings

The concentration and size distribution of bacterial and fungal aerosol was studied in 15 houses. The houses were categorized into three types, based on occupant density and number of rooms: single room in shared accommodation (type I), single bedroom flat in three storey buildings (type II) and two or three bedroomed houses (type III). Sampling was undertaken with an Anderson six-stage impactor during the summer of 2007 in the living rooms of all the residential settings. The maximum mean geometric concentration of bacterial (5,036 CFU/m³, ± 2.5, n?=?5) and fungal (2,124 CFU/m³, ± 1.38, n?=?5) aerosol were in housing type III. The minimum levels of indoor culturable bacteria (1,557 CFU/m³, ±1.5, n?=?5) and fungal (925 CFU/m³, ±2.9, n?=?5) spores were observed in housing type I. The differences in terms of total bacterial and fungal concentration were less obvious between housing types I and II as compared to type III. With reference to size distribution, the dominant stages for culturable bacteria in housing types I, II and III were stage 3 (3.3–4.7 μm), stage 1 (7 μm and above) and stage 5 (1.1–2.1 μm), respectively. Whereas the maximum numbers of culturable fungal spores were recovered from stage 2 (4.7–7 µm), in housing type I, and from stage 4 (2.1–3.3 μm) in both type II and III houses. The average geometric mean diameter of bacterial aerosol was largest in type I (4.7 μm), followed by type II (3.89 μm) and III (1.96 μm). Similarly, for fungal spores, type I houses had the highest average mean geometric diameter (4.5 μm), while in types II and III the mean geometric diameter was 3.57 and 3.92 μm, respectively. The results indicate a wide variation in total concentration and size of bioaerosols among different residential settings. The observed differences in the size distributions and concentrations reflect their variable airborne behaviour and, as a result, different risks of respiratory exposure of the occupants to bioaerosols in various residential settings.     

Genetic diversity assessment for Eugenia uniflora L., E. pyriformis Cambess., E. brasiliensis Lam. and E. francavilleana O. Berg neotropical tree species (Myrtaceae) with heterologous SSR markers

In this study, a set of nuclear microsatellite markers were transferred and characterized from two Myrtaceae sub-families to four neotropical Eugenia fruit tree species (E. uniflora L., E. pyriformis Cambess., E. brasiliensis Lam. and E. francavilleana O. Berg), which are neglected and underutilized foods of great ecological and potential economic value found in the Atlantic forest regions of South America. Leaf samples of mature E. uniflora, E. pyriformis, E. brasiliensis and E. francavilleana trees, which are popularly termed “pitanga”, “uvaia”, “grumixama” and “guamirim”, respectively, were collected from two areas greatly impacted by the agricultural practices of the sugar cane industry in the state of São Paulo in the southeastern region of Brazil. A total of 19 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from the Myrtaceae sub-families Leptospermoideae and Myrtoideae were tested, and 15 polymorphic heterologous SSR markers were identified. The expected heterozygosities for E. uniflora, E. pyriformis, E. brasiliensis and E. francavilleana were 0.64, 0.75, 0.54 and 0.71, respectively. These results suggest that these SSR markers may be useful for population genetic studies. A total of 4, 9, 11 and 4 heterologous SSR polymorphic markers for E. uniflora, E. pyriformis, E. brasiliensis and E. francavilleana, respectively, are now available for genetic diversity, gene flow and mating system analyses in these species.     

Characterization of Intergeneric Hybrids of Saccharum using Molecular Markers

The potential use of RAPD markers in identifying genuine intergeneric hybrids of Saccharum was examined in 12 hybrids of Saccharum with Erianthus spp., Sorghum bicolor and Zea mays. In the three groups of hybrids examined, RAPD markers could precisely identify the true hybrids of Saccharum officinarum × Sorghum bicolor and Saccharum officinarum × Zea mays. Though Erianthus had a very distinct RAPD profile and as many as 107 Erianthus-specific bands were identified, a decisive profile that can identify all the hybrids could not be obtained. The strong molecular differentiation between S.officinarum and Erianthus was not adequately resolved in the RAPD profiles of their hybrid progenies which suggest that more refined molecular techniques will be required for the characterization of Saccharum–Erianthus hybrids.     

The dynamics of spatial and temporal population genetic structure of weedy rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> f. <Emphasis Type="Italic">spontanea</Emphasis> Baker)

Weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea Baker) is one of the most serious weeds in direct-seeded rice production; adversely affecting rice areas and yield in Thailand. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the level of morphological and agronomical variation and the level and pattern of genetic diversity and population structure of weedy rice populations in Thailand. Sixty-three weedy rice populations collected from three rice production areas of Thailand were sampled over four rice cultivation seasons to study phenotypic characteristics, genetic diversity and population structure. All analysis included comparison with seven cultivated rice varieties and seven local common wild rice populations. The results demonstrated considerable genetic and morphological variation, population structure, and changing dynamics of Thai weedy rice populations, both within and between regions and growing seasons. Phenotypic and genotypic variations and population structure of weedy rice populations changed temporally, with a trend over five years toward greater similarity to companion crop rice varieties. The ongoing gene flow, combined with ecological conditions created by farmers’ selection and agronomic practices, may enhance fitness and adaptability of weedy rice populations and stimulate the evolution of invasiveness in weedy rice plants. The adaptive evolution of weedy rice tended to parallel cultivated rice for high adaptation to the agronomic practices, possibly including selection for crop mimicry, which has led to the convergence of weedy populations phenotypically and genetically with the companion crop rice.     

Molecular diversity of restriction enzyme sites, Indels and upstream open reading frames (uORFs) of 5′ untransalted regions (UTRs) of Waxy genes in Triticum L. and Aegilops L. species

5′ Untransalted regions (UTR) sequences of Waxy genes were amplified from all 81 Triticum L. and Aegilops L. species by PCR with specific primers. It was found that the sequence length at 7D loci was longer than that 7B and 7A. These sequences contained 170 singleton variable sites and 484 polymorphic sites and that the average length of Indels was 8.5?bp. There were abundant regions of restriction enzyme sites and two regions of simple sequence repeat, “GAA” and “CTGA”, in all sequences. A total of 65 uORFs were detected and classed into 37 types, with the variation in uORFs mainly due to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and also to the presence of Indels. All sequences in tetraploids and hexaploids could be grouped into Types A, B, I, II, GI and GII based on sequence variation. Restriction enzyme sites, Indel polymorphisms and the classes of uORFs present together indicated that Type I was more similar to Ae. tauschii whereas Type II was more similar to Type B, and both more similar to Ae. longissima; Type A was more similar to Ae. speltoides. Population analysis was performed and Neighbour-joining trees derived from different species, types and accessions further confirmed that the ancestors of T. urartu, Ae. speltoides, Ae. longissima and Ae. tauschii were involved to the evolution of common wheat, and also implied that Ae. longissima might have participated later than Ae. speltoides. 5′ UTRs of Waxy genes in tetraploid and hexaploid species conserved characters from their respective progenitors when compared with diploid. For the first time, we are able to conclude there is abundant variation in SNPs, Indels and uORFs between 5′ UTRs of Waxy genes from different species related to common wheat, and suggest that further research could help to understand Waxy gene function more deeply and hence improve wheat breeding. Our results also show that three hexaploid species in China have unique diversity in the 5′ UTR of their Waxy gene.     

Classification and Characteristic of Maturity Groups of Chinese Landraces of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]

To link Chinese soybean classification with the world soybean maturity group system suggested by American researchers, 264 soybean landraces from China and 48 varieties of 13 soybean maturity groups from the United States (US) were tested under the natural and extended day-length at Nanjing, China. Based on comparing Chinese with the US soybeans in days to maturity, Chinese soybean landraces were classified into maturity group (MG) 000, 00, 0, I, II,..., IX, which only MG X might not exist in China. Chinese soybean landraces in each of MG 0, I, II and III revealed large variation in days to flowering and were almost grown in all eco-regions in China. These four maturity groups were further divided into eight sub-groups according to the variation in days to flowering and geographical distribution of soybeans of the same maturity group. The geographic distribution of soybean maturity groups in China was also presented in this paper. This study should be significant for soybean researchers in the world to understand the whole feature of Chinese soybean landraces germplasm.     

Nickel-tolerant Brevibacillus brevis and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus can reduce metal acquisition and nickel toxicity effects in plant growing in nickel supplemented soil

The growth of clover (Trifolium repens ) and its uptake of N, P and Ni were studied following inoculation of soil with Rhizobium trifolii, and combinations of two Ni-adapted indigenous bacterial isolates (one of them was Brevibacillus brevis) and an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus (Glomus mosseae). Plant growth was measured in a pot experiment containing soil spiked with 30 (Ni I), 90 (Ni II) or 270 (Ni III) mg kg⁻¹ Ni-sulphate (corresponding to 11.7, 27.6 and 65.8 mg kg⁻¹ available Ni on a dry soil basis). Single inoculation with the most Ni-tolerant bacterial isolate (Brevibacillus brevis) was particularly effective in increasing shoot and root biomass at the three levels of Ni contamination in comparison with the other indigenous bacterial inoculated or control plants. Single colonisation of G. mosseae enhanced by 3 fold (Ni I), by 2.4 fold (Ni II) and by 2.2 fold (Ni III) T. repens dry weight and P-content of the shoots increased by 9.8 fold (Ni I), by 9.9 fold (Ni II) and by 5.1 fold (Ni III) concomitantly with a reduction in Ni concentration in the shoot compared with non-treated plants. Coinoculation of G. mosseae and the Ni-tolerant bacterial strain (B. brevis) achieved the highest plant dry biomass (shoot and root) and N and P content and the lowest Ni shoot concentration. Dual inoculation with the most Ni-tolerant autochthonous microorganisms (B. brevis and G. mosseae) increased shoot and root plant biomass and subtantially reduced the specific absorption rate (defined as the amount of metal absorbed per unit of root biomass) for nickel in comparison with plants grown in soil inoculated only with G. mosseae. B. brevis increased nodule number that was highly depressed in Ni I added soil or supressed in Ni II and Ni III supplemented soil. These results suggest that selected bacterial inoculation improved the mycorrhizal benefit in nutrients uptake and in decreasing Ni toxicity. Inoculation of adapted beneficial microorganisms (as autochthonous B. brevis and G. mosseae) may be used as a tool to enhance plant performance in soil contaminated with Ni.     

Evidence for the Accumulation and Steady-State Persistence of E. coli in Subtropical Drainage Basin Sediments

While the presence of fecal indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli in urban stormwater has been widely documented, their occurrence and persistence in sediments are not as well understood. Recent investigations suggest that E. coli can accumulate in drainage basin sediments and act as a fecal bacterial reservoir within a watershed. We investigate the prevalence of E. coli populations in a tidal creek stormwater catchment and examine their interaction with overlying stormwater under wet and dry weather conditions. Two rain events are sampled more intensively with samples collected prior to, during, and after rainfall to profile bacteria in each matrix throughout a storm. Results of profile sampling and estimates of sediment resuspension provide evidence for E. coli accumulation during dry conditions and entrainment in overlying waters during storm conditions. Profile results suggest the occurrence of steady-state E. coli populations in drainage basin sediments.     

Genetic Diversity of the Vigna Germplasm from Thailand and Neighboring Regions Revealed by AFLP Analysis

Thailand is a center of diversity for section Angulares of the Asian Vigna (genus Vigna subgenus Ceratotropis) and 4 Vigna species are cultivated in Thailand. Using newly collected wild and cultivated germplasm of Vigna from Thailand and outgroup accessions AFLP analysis was conducted to clarify genetic diversity and relationships. The results suggest that cultivated V. umbellata and V. mungo evolved from wild relatives in a single domestication event. Vigna umbellata is poorly differentiated from its wild and weedy relatives compared to V. mungo. Results suggest northern Thailand and the neighboring Shan state, Myanmar, is the probable center of domestication for V. umbellata as wild accessions from this area and cultivated rice bean from a wide area in Asia are not greatly diverged. Vigna minima, V. tenuicaulis and V. exilis accessions in Thailand are well differentiated with considerable intra-specific variation. Vigna hirtella consists of two well differentiated subgroups, suggesting taxonomic revision may be necessary. Close genetic relationships between V. radiata and V. grandiflora, and between V. mungo and V. trinervia are confirmed. Naturally growing V. mungo populations in northern Thailand appear to be true wild species as they are well differentiated from Indian wild and Thai cultivated populations. The origin of naturally growing cowpea in Thailand needs to be further studied using a more comprehensive set of materials. This study clarifies inter and intra-specific genetic diversity and inter species relationships of Thai Vigna species.     

我国北方40个高产春玉米品种的磷素利用特性

【目的】探明我国北方目前主推高产春玉米品种的磷素利用特性,揭示不同玉米品种磷素积累和转运差异,为磷高效品种的选育提供理论依据。【方法】选用东北区40个不同熟期的高产春玉米品种,在同一环境条件下采用盆栽试验,按照大田60000 plants/hm2种植密度进行摆放。在开花期和生理成熟期,每个品种取样3株,分成根、茎秆、叶片和子粒4部分,测定干物质重;采用钼锑抗比色法测定植株各器官磷含量;依据磷素子粒生产效率(PEPG)划分不同玉米品种的磷效率类型,计算磷素利用特性的相关参数;分析磷素利用特性相关参数与磷素子粒生产效率的关系。【结果】依据磷素子粒生产效率将供试玉米品种划分为4个类型,即磷高效型(Ⅰ)、磷中效型(Ⅱ)、磷低效型(Ⅲ)及磷超低效型(Ⅳ )。其中,Ⅲ型品种最多(45%),Ⅳ型品种最少(5%),Ⅱ型和Ⅰ型品种分别为27.5%和22.5%。在开花前4个类型品种的磷含量及磷素分配比例差异不显著,开花后是产生差异的关键时期。开花期,Ⅳ型品种茎秆的磷素积累量最高(P0.05),Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ型品种根、茎秆和叶片的磷素积累量差异不显著(P0.05)。成熟期,各器官的磷含量以Ⅳ型品种最高(P0.05);Ⅱ和Ⅲ型品种的子粒磷含量高于Ⅰ型品种(P0.05),但Ⅱ和Ⅲ型品种的子粒磷含量差异不显著(P0.05)。Ⅳ型品种根、茎秆和叶片的磷素积累量和分配比例较高(P0.05),而Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ型品种子粒的磷素积累量和分配比例较高(P0.05),Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ型品种根、茎秆、叶片和子粒的磷素积累量和分配比例无明显差异(P0.05)。4个类型品种中,Ⅳ型品种的磷干物质生产效率(PDMPE)、磷收获指数(PHI)、磷偏生产力(PFP)、磷转移量(PTA)、磷转移效率(PTE)及磷贡献率(PCR)最低(P0.05),Ⅰ和Ⅱ型品种的PFP、PHI、PTA及PTE显著高于Ⅲ型品种(P0.05),但Ⅰ和Ⅱ型品种的差异不显著(P0.05);4个类型品种的磷素吸收效率(PUp E)和磷素农艺效率(PAE)无显著差异(P0.05)。相关和通径分析表明,磷素干物质生产效率和粒重与磷素子粒生产效率呈显著正相关。【结论】我国北方目前主推的大部分高产春玉米为磷低效型品种;磷高效型品种在生育后期向子粒分配的磷素比例较多,而磷超低效型品种向根、茎秆和叶片分配的磷素比例较多;较高粒重和磷素干物质生产效率是磷高效型品种的基本特征。     

Development and evaluation of a kinetic model to describe phosphate sorption by hydrous ferric oxide gel

Isotherms for the sorption of inorganic phosphate (P) by hydrous ferric oxide gel (Fe gel) were described by a three-equation Langmuir sorption model. Each equation described sorption within a distinct concentration range or region (I, II, and III) of the overall isotherm. Regions I and II involved chemisorption, whereas region III involved a more physical sorption type. With increasing sorption time between 0.7 and 28.7 days, the extent of sorption in region I increased by more than 30%. In contrast, the extent of sorption in regions II and III remained essentially constant. An equation was developed, based on the change in the sorption maximum of region I (b_I) with increasing sorption time, which described the change in solution P concentration with time. The increase in b_I with time, evaluated by the closeness of fit of this relationship to experimental data, was found to depend on two factors: first, the extent to which P was chemisorbed, and this was affected by pH and ionic strength; second, the batch of Fe gel used. For two different levels of P addition, the proportion of sorbed P which remained extractable in 0.1M NaOH, decreased with increasing sorption time. After 30 days only 88% of the sorbed P remained NaOH-extractable. The data obtained indicated that the increasing chemisorption of P with increasing sorption time involves the diffusion of sorbed P into the bulk of the Fe gel particles. This concept is discussed in relation to mechanisms proposed by previous workers to explain the time-dependence of P sorption.     

Serological properties and intrinsic antibiotic resistance of soybean bradyrhizobia isolated from Thailand

A group of Bradyrhizobium strains isolated from soybean plants in Thailand did not correspond to any known DNA homology groups of Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium elkanii reported by Hollis et al. (J. Gen. Microbiol., 123, 215–222, 1981). To clarify the phenotypic characteristics of the group, serological properties and intrinsic antibiotic resistance (IAR) profile of 94 Thai strains were compared with those of USDA and Japanese strains. Indirect ELISA tests for each Thai strain were performed agaiIl.st polyclonal antisera prepared against 15 USDA standard serotype strains of B. japonicum and B. elkanii. Among the 94 Thai strains tested, 36 which were previously identified as B. elkanii, with the exception of one strain, were strongly responsive to an antiserum prepared against USDA 31. The remaining 58 strains, with the exception of two strains, showed multiple cross reactions which were peculiar to the Thai strains. These serological reaction patterns did not correspond to any known serogroups labeled as B. japonicum and B. elkanii. In the IAR test, the taxonomically unknown Thai soybean bradyrhizobia exhibited a high level of resistance to neomycin (50 µg/mL), polymyxin (50 µg/mL), nalidixic acid (15 µg/mL), and kanamycin (15 µg/mL). Kanamycin could thus be useful in combination with neomycine and nalidixic acid for distinguishing between the unknown Thai strains and strains of B. japonicum and B. elkanii. Our results demonstrated that the unknown Thai strains were serologically and IAR-phenotypically remote from both B. japonicum and B. elkanii.     

Metal-Metal Interactions in Biological Systems. Part V. Steinernema Carpocapsae (Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora (Heterorhabditidae) Entomopathogenic Nematodes

In spite of a lack of acute toxicity of single metal ions, in 96 hour laboratory tests there was a long term toxicity againstS. carpocapsae andH. bacteriophora nematodes. The 96 hour laboratory tests were carried out in order to prove possible synergistic and antagonistic interactions between pairs of metal ions. Thus, the pairs of ions were arranged from each of Al, Cd, Co(II), Cr(III), Cr(VI), Cu(II), Fe(III), Li, Mo(VI), Ni(II), Sc(IV), V(V) and Zn on one side and Mn(II) and Mg on the other. Mn(II) and Mg ions considerably reduced the nematode mortality and increased their infectivity againstGalleria mellonella caterpillars.     

Haplotype variations of gene Ppd-D1 in Aegilops tauschii and their implications on wheat origin

The Ppd-D1 controlling photoperiod response is an important gene for wheat adaptation since it affects heading time. In the present study, three haplotypes, i.e. haplotype I without deletion, haplotype II with a 24?bp deletion, and haplotype III with two deletions of 24 and 15?bp, were identified in the upstream of the coding region in 80 Ae. tauschii accessions. The haplotype distribution was related to subspecies taxon. All typical ssp. tauschii accessions had haplotype I, whereas all ssp. strangulata had haplotype III. The three haplotypes were observed in Ae. tauschii with morphologically intermediate forms between the two typical subspecies. Present results supported that ssp. strangulata or intermediate form was the D-genome donor of common wheat since only haplotype III were found in wheat. Moreover, a 16?bp deletion in exon 8 of gene Ppd-D1 exists in common wheat. However, none of Ae. tauschii accessions analyzed had the 16?bp deletion.