A novel phytoplasma associated with witches’ broom disease of Ligustrum ovalifolium in Turkey

California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium Hassk.) plants exhibiting leaf yellowing, witches’ broom, dieback and decline symptoms were observed for two years (2010–2011) in three gardens at Adana region (Turkey). DNA isolated from symptomatic and healthy plants was used to amplify 16S rDNA fragments by direct and nested-PCR. Phytoplasmas were detected in 21 symptomatic plants, out of 30 samples collected, whilst no PCR amplifications were obtained from asymptomatic plants. BLAST analysis of the 16S rDNA showed that the phytoplasma found in L. ovalifolium from Turkey, denoted as Turkish Ligustrum witches’ broom phytoplasma (TuLiWB), most closely resembled members of group 16SrII (peanut witches’ broom group) and shared up to 92 % sequence identity. Based on in silico 16S rDNA RFLP analysis and automated calculation of the pattern similarity coefficient, TuLiWB showed molecular characteristics different from all previously described phytoplasma species to represent a new taxon. Similar indication also emerged from the phylogenetic tree which allocated it in a novel discrete subclade within the phytoplasma clade. This is the first report on the presence of a phytoplasma affecting L. ovalifolium and whether this novel phytoplasma is the same agent reported as a mycoplasma-like organism (MLO) and associated with witches’ broom disease of Ligustrum in Korea (1989) is yet to be determined.     

Population dynamics and biological control of European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana: Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Albania using different strains of Bacillus thuringiensis

This work describes the results of an experiment conducted in a vineyard in Durres, Albania from 2004 to 2006, to study the efficacy of two strains of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, vars kurstaki and aizawai, against the moth Lobesia botrana Denis & Schiffermüleler (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a major pest of grapevines. The experimental results revealed that the two strains were significantly more effective than the control, with var. aizawai being more effective than var. kurstaki. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) provided better protection of the bunches from the second generation compared to the third one showing the short persistence of action of the active ingredient. The high degree of efficacy supported a role for Bt in grapevine moth management. Our study also provided insights into the population dynamics of the European grapevine moth under Albanian climatic conditions. Despite the necessity for the pheromone traps to indicate the start of the flight period, the experiments confirmed the lack of a correlation between the population dynamics and the level of damage by the pest. Pheromone trapping can offer very useful indications regarding the start of the flight period of each generation and its duration but not on the severity and incidence of the pest.     

Gamma-ray flares from the Crab Nebula

A young and energetic pulsar powers the well-known Crab Nebula. Here, we describe two separate gamma-ray (photon energy greater than 100 mega-electron volts) flares from this source detected by the Large Area Telescope on board the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The first flare occurred in February 2009 and lasted approximately 16 days. The second flare was detected in September 2010 and lasted approximately 4 days. During these outbursts, the gamma-ray flux from the nebula increased by factors of four and six, respectively. The brevity of the flares implies that the gamma rays were emitted via synchrotron radiation from peta-electron-volt (10(15) electron volts) electrons in a region smaller than 1.4 × 10(-2) parsecs. These are the highest-energy particles that can be associated with a discrete astronomical source, and they pose challenges to particle acceleration theory.     

Settlement and growth of the mussels (Mytilusgalloprovincialis,Lamarck, 1819) on different collectors suspended from an offshore submerged longline system in the Black Sea

A study of spat settlement of a submerged longline mussel culture system was carried out in Sinop area, Black Sea, between May 2008 and May 2009. The effects of six different types of collectors on spat settlement and growth were investigated. Six different types of spat settlement rope were used as polypropylene ropes with 18 mm diameter, 18 mm diameter timeworn silk rope, 22 mm diameter rope made from old hawser (OSR), 22 mm diameter ropes made from old anchovy net without pegs, 18 mm diameter old used nylon ropes and 18 mm diameter tasselled polypropylene ropes. Monthly temperature, salinity, chlorophyll‐a, total suspended matter, inorganic matter and organic matter were determined during the experimental period. The best settlement was observed on the OSR type when measured per metre (3450.00 ± 125.83 ind m^?1). Consequently, the findings showed that settlement preference of spat occurred according to rope structure, and if ropes are designed to combine numerous well‐fixed tassels, spat settlement can increase. Spat growth was affected by environmental factors and rope structure. In addition, the study revealed a negative relationship between density and growth.     

The effect of varying dietary energy on gonad development at first sexual maturity of the Sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of five isonitrogenous (35% crude protein) diets having different energy contents; 10.85, 11.82, 12.73, 13.69, and 15.06 MJ DE/kg, respectively, on the gonad development and weight gain of Sharptooth catfish fingerlings. Energy contents of the experimental diets were increased with the increasing amount of soy-acid oil (0, 4, 8.5, 13, 18%) and each group of fish was fed on their respective diets (group I was fed diet I) during 180 days. The gonad maturation was significantly affected by dietary energy. In both sexes, the histological inspections of the gonads did reveal differences among the fish fed different energetic diets. Fish fed diets I, II, and III had significantly heavier and more developed gonads compared to those on diets IV and V. Fish fed the higher energetic diets (IV and V) had partially low numbers of yolky oocytes compared to other groups. The mean GSI values of female and male fish fed with diet III was significantly greater than those fed diets with higher dietary energy; however, higher HSI values were recorded for fish fed with the higher energetic diets (IV and V). Also, the best weight gain for both males and females were recorded from the fish fed diet III (12.73 MJ DE/kg). Therefore, on the basis of the present results, among energy levels tested, 12.73 MJ DE/kg was found to be optimal for healthy gonad development and weight gain.