A bacterial protein targets the BAHD1 chromatin complex to stimulate type III interferon response

Intracellular pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes subvert cellular functions through the interaction of bacterial effectors with host components. Here we found that a secreted listerial virulence factor, LntA, could target the chromatin repressor BAHD1 in the host cell nucleus to activate interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs). IFN-λ expression was induced in response to infection of epithelial cells with bacteria lacking LntA; however, the BAHD1-chromatin associated complex repressed downstream ISGs. In contrast, in cells infected with lntA-expressing bacteria, LntA prevented BAHD1 recruitment to ISGs and stimulated their expression. Murine listeriosis decreased in BAHD1(+/-) mice or when lntA was constitutively expressed. Thus, the LntA-BAHD1 interplay may modulate IFN-λ-mediated immune response to control bacterial colonization of the host.     

Critical point relascope sampling for unbiased volume estimation of downed coarse woody debris

Critical point relascope sampling is developed and shown tobe design-unbiased for the estimation of log volume when usedwith point relascope sampling for downed coarse woody debris.The method is closely related to critical height sampling forstanding trees when trees are first sampled with a wedge prism.Three alternative protocols for determining the critical samplingpoints on a log are presented and simulations are employed tosuggest the most efficient protocol to use in practice.     

Three year performance of international provenance trials of Acacia auriculiformis

The performance of 25 provenances in international trials on seven sites in four countries was assessed for survival and growth at 3 years. Of these provenances, seven were from Queensland, 12 from Northern Territory, Australia, and six from Papua New Guinea. Significant growth differences were found: (a) among provenances at four sites, (b) among the sites, and (c) between provenance regions. The interaction between sites and provenances as well as between sites and provenance regions was also significant. The poorest growth was recorded in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, while the best growth was in Banjarbaru, Indonesia. Stability analyses of the provenance x site interaction revealed eight provenances with high vigour and good tree form that were relatively stable across sites. These included Archer River, South Coen, Coen River and Wenlock River provenances from Queensland; Noogoo Swamp and Mann River provenances from Northern Territory; and North Bensbach and Old Tonda Village provenances from Papua New Guinea.     

In vitro Germination of Early Ripening Sweet Cherry Varieties (Prunus avium L.) at Different Fruit Ripening Stages

In vitro embryo culture enabled satisfactory germination of immature seeds produced in crosses from early ripening sweet cherry varieties (Prunus avium L.). Three varieties —‘Rita’, ‘Bigarreau Burlat’ and ‘Carmen’— were crossed with ‘Early Star’ as male parent. Germination rate was affected by the developmental stage of both fruit and embryo. Fruit ripening stage was a critical factor for culture infection rate that increased with maturity. In-ovule embryo culture on Murashige and Skoog medium without hormones improved the embryo size but did not increase the germination rate due to a further increase in infection rate. Ex-ovule embryo culture on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with BA 1 mg L^?1, NAA 0.5 mg L^?1, 20 g L^?1sucrose, 10 g L^?1 sorbitol and 6 g L^?1agar during the stratification time increased embryo length. Germination was performed on Brooks and Hough medium at the 22?±?1?°C with 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod. The highest germination rate (75?%) was reached in embryos that were 3?4 mm in length, after 30-days stratification at 4?°C. Embryos in fruits at green-yellow stage that were 3?4 mm long were morpho-physiologically developed to produce bipolar seedlings, without combined application of embryo culture and micropropagation.     

Laboratory testing of wood mouse and common vole sensitivity to bromadiolone,sodium selenite,and cellulose

Maintaining the numbers of wood mice and common voles at an acceptable economic level, especially during years of massive outbreaks, is a major challenge in plant protection. Efforts to reduce the negative effects of rodenticides on the environment, to improve the integrated pest control system, and to minimize risks for human and animal health require investigation of the potentials of cellulose, as a natural product, and sodium selenite as rodenticides. The present study was conducted to determine the sensitivity of these rodent species to bromadiolone (a.i. 0.005 %), sodium selenite (a.i. 0.1 and 0.05 %), and cellulose (a.i. 45 %) baits. All experiments were done using no-choice and choice feeding trials. A low acceptance of cellulose baits was found in the choice feeding trial, and the time of first deaths indicate that stress and hunger increase the death rate in both species. The taste had a negative impact on the acceptability of baits containing sodium selenite. Low bait acceptance of cellulose and sodium selenite resulted in lower mortality of both species. The acquired results indicate that bromadiolone remains a more effective solution than cellulose and sodium selenite for control of wood mice and common voles.     

Grapevine rupestris stem pitting virus: a new pathogen of grapevine in Serbia

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (GRSPaV), a member of the genus Foveavirus, is a commonly detected grapevine virus around the world....