Melanaspis corticosa: a new insect pest of olive trees in Europe

The presence of the South African Obscure Scale, Melanaspis corticosa (Brain) (Hemiptera, Diaspididae), was detected infesting olive trees, in Portugal. The identity of the scale insect was confirmed based on both morphological and molecular studies. Until now, this species was only known in a few African countries, including Guinea, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. This is the first record of this species in Europe and in the Palearctic region. The scale was observed in 15 different locations, in the Algarve, since its first detection at the end of 2016. Samples were collected between 21 December 2016 and 10 March 2022, covering all seasonal periods. Most of the sampling sites resulted from private requests from farmers and proprietaries received by the Plant Protection Division of the Regional Directorate of Agriculture. Although it is considered a polyphagous species, it was not observed in other plant species, besides olive trees. The actual dispersion in the region suggests that M. corticosa became established and has been expanded its distribution since its arrival. This scale insect is a potential injurious pest of olive trees and needs to be studied to clarify its pest status and develop effective pest management strategies.

     

Computed tomographic analysis of the effects of two inspired oxygen concentrations on pulmonary aeration in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of 2 concentrations of oxygen in inspired gas (fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO(2)] 1.0 or 0.4) on pulmonary aeration and gas exchange in dogs during inhalation anesthesia. ANIMALS: 20 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES: Following administration of acepromazine and morphine, anesthesia was induced in each dog with thiopental and maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen (100% group; n = 10) or a mixture of 40% oxygen and air (40% group; 10). Dogs were placed in dorsal recumbency and were mechanically ventilated. After surgery, spiral computed tomography (CT) of the thorax was performed and PaO(2), PaCO(2), and the alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference (P([A-a])O(2)) were assessed. The lung CT images were analyzed, and the extent of hyperinflated (-1,000 to -901 Hounsfield units [HUs]), normally aerated (-900 to -501 HUs), poorly aerated (-500 to -101 HUs), or nonaerated (-100 to +100 HUs) areas was determined. RESULTS: Compared with the 100% oxygen group, the normally aerated lung area was significantly greater and the poorly aerated and nonaerated areas were significantly smaller in the 40% oxygen group. The time to CT (duration of surgery) was similar in both groups. Although PaCO(2) was similar in both groups, PaO(2) and P((A-a))O(2) were significantly higher in the 100% oxygen group. In both groups, pulmonary atelectasis developed preferentially in caudal lung fields. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In isoflurane-anesthetized dogs, mechanical ventilation with 40% oxygen appeared to maintain significantly better lung aeration and gas exchange than ventilation with 100% oxygen.     

Sensitivity of Chlamydia suis to cathelicidin peptides

Nine Chlamydia suis isolates, obtained from pigs with conjunctivitis, were molecularly characterized by ompA sequencing and their in vitro susceptibility to six cathelicidin peptides (SMAP-29, BAC-7, BMAP-27, BMAP-27, BMAP-28, PG-1, LL-37) determined in cell culture. SMAP-29 was the most active peptide, reducing the intracellular inclusion number by > or =50% at a concentration of 10 microg/ml (3 microM) in six of the nine isolates tested. Three molecularly identical isolates were insensitive at a concentration as high as 80 microg/ml (25 microM). Of the remaining cathelicidin peptides tested, BAC-7 and BMAP-27 were active against six C. suis isolates at a concentration of 80 microg/ml (25 and 26 microM, respectively). Cathelicidins LL-37 and PG-1 did not show any anti-chlamydial activity at 80 microg/ml.     

Observed prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in domestic animals in Sicily, Italy during 2003-2005

The objective of this study was to characterize the observed prevalence of tick-borne pathogens (TBP) in domestic animals in Sicily, Italy during 2003-2005. Serological (competitive ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence antibody, n = 3299) and DNA tests (polymerase chain reaction and reverse line blot, n = 2565) were conducted on horse, donkey, cattle, sheep, goat, pig and dog samples. Pathogens analysed included Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Babesia and Theileria species, and Coxiella burnetii. The most prevalent TBP were Anaplasma and Babesia species. The results reported herein suggested that cattle could serve as the major reservoir for Babesia and Theileria spp. while for Anaplasma spp. cattle, dogs, sheep and goats may be the most important reservoir species. These results expanded our knowledge about the prevalence of TBP in Sicily and provided information to understand the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases and may help to implement measures to diagnose, treat and control transmission to humans and animals in this region.     

Organic Carbon and Alkalinity Increase in Topsoil After Rangeland Restoration Through Atriplex nummularia Plantation

This research studied the impact of fodder shrub plantations (Atriplex nummularia Lindl.) on topsoil properties, with particular reference to organic carbon, nitrogen, and soluble salts, in the Marrakech region (central Morocco). The studied plantation interventions were carried out to rehabilitate degraded rangeland and to mitigate desertification. The field experiment was conducted by drawing seventeen 50‐m‐long transects designed according to the ecological patch–interpatch approach defined by the Landscape Function Analysis. The top soil (0–5 cm) was sampled in 134 microsites, covering the main patch and interpatch types in plantation and control plots. The following variables were determined: pH, carbonates, organic carbon, total nitrogen, electrical conductivity, and soluble ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻ and PO₄³⁻). Statistical analyses were carried out to analyse changes between sites and between patch types. Most of the studied properties were strongly affected by the spatial pattern defined by the plantation, particularly when the sites with higher biomass production were considered. Organic carbon increased by around 63% and 117% when the under canopy patches were compared, respectively, to the between‐plants interpatches and to the control plots, a strong positive effect considering the aridity of the study area. On the other hand, a stronger increase was detected under canopy for most soluble salts and sodium adsorption rate. On average, the latter increased by 350% and up to 450% under the best developed plants, a stronger impact than observed in previous research, highlighting the very strong plant effect on the soil surface alkalinity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Integrated approach of multiple environmental datasets for the assessment of sediment contamination in marine areas affected by long-lasting industrial activity: the case study of Bagnoli (southern Italy)

Purpose

The Bagnoli’s brownfield site (southern Italy) is an environmental priority for the Italian Government and is currently considered as a case study for the definition and application of innovative approaches to ecosystem recovery after a prolonged pollution history and eventual steel plant decommissioning.

Materials and methods

Here, we analyse high-quality datasets that constrain the distribution patterns and sources of contaminants in the coastal zone facing the site where the steel plant operated for almost one century. Innovative statistical approaches provide new insights into the temporal and spatial distribution of anthropogenic impacts, documented over the last 30 years, following lines of evidence emerging from investigations on grain size, TOC, heavy metals, PAHs, PCBs and high-resolution morpho-bathymetric information.

Results and discussion

The results derived from statistical analysis, referred also to the seafloor morphological variability, highlighted the presence of recent disposal of highly contaminated sediments and their potential pathways of dispersion to wider and deeper water zones.

Conclusions

The adopted multidisciplinary approach yields fundamental information towards an effective and proper ecosystem recovery of highly contaminated marine coastal areas and provides at the same time, a sound base for the refitting of decommissioned industrial plants.

     

Evaluation of Chlorophyll Content and Fluorescence Parameters as Indicators of Drought Tolerance in Barley

Drought is a major abiotic stress that severely affects food production worldwide. Agronomic and physiological traits associated with drought tolerance are suitable indicators for selection of drought tolerance genotypes to reduce the impact of water deficit on crop yield in breeding program. The objective of this study was to identify indicators related to drought tolerance through analysis of photosynthetic traits in barley （Hordeum vulgare L.）. These traits included chlorophyll content, initial fluorescence （Fo）, maximum primary yield of photochemistry of photosystem Ⅱ （Fv /Fo） and maximum quantum yield of photosystem Ⅱ （Fv/Fm）. Four genotypes （Tadmor, Arta, Morocco9-75 and WI2291） variable in drought tolerance were used to investigate the correlation between these traits and drought tolerance. The results reflected that all of these traits were affected negatively in the four genotypes at different levels of post-anthesis drought stress, but the decrease in drought tolerant genotypes was much less than that of drought sensitive genotypes. The results further revealed that the components of the photosynthetic apparatus could be damaged significantly in drought sensitive genotypes, while drought tolerant genotypes were relatively less affected. On the other hand, the values of chlorophyll content, Fo, Fv/Fo and Fv/Fm in drought tolerance genotypes were significantly higher than those in drought sensitive genotypes under drought stress. It was concluded that chlorophyll content, Fo, Fv/Fo and Fv/Fm could be considered as reliable indicators in screening barley germplasm for drought tolerance.     

Preharvest aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatments reduce internal browning and prolong the shelf-life of early ripening pears

The effect of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on internal browning (IB) and keeping quality of early maturing European pears cv ‘Camusina di Genova’ and ‘Camusina di Bonarcado’ was examined over 10 days of storage at 18 °C. AVG was applied at 125 or 250 mg/L 2 weeks before harvest. At harvest fruit treated with AVG was less ripe than control fruit, being significantly firmer and experiencing lower values of maturity stage (based on ground color), maturity index (calculated value) and IB, depending on the AVG dose and cultivar. During storage, there was no treatment-dependent difference in titratable acidity and total soluble solids of juice, while both treatments reduced ethylene and respiration rates, delayed the ripening process and lowered the incidence of IB and the loss of firmness, especially when applied at 250 mg/L. In addition, AVG treatment significantly reduced decay development in both cultivars, mainly when it was applied at 250 mg/L. This effect was related to the delay of ripen and to possible inhibition of ethylene production by the pathogens and/or infected tissues.     

The calcium store sensor, STIM1, reciprocally controls Orai and CaV1.2 channels

Calcium signals, pivotal in controlling cell function, can be generated by calcium entry channels activated by plasma membrane depolarization or depletion of internal calcium stores. We reveal a regulatory link between these two channel subtypes mediated by the ubiquitous calcium-sensing STIM proteins. STIM1 activation by store depletion or mutational modification strongly suppresses voltage-operated calcium (Ca(V)1.2) channels while activating store-operated Orai channels. Both actions are mediated by the short STIM-Orai activating region (SOAR) of STIM1. STIM1 interacts with Ca(V)1.2 channels and localizes within discrete endoplasmic reticulum/plasma membrane junctions containing both Ca(V)1.2 and Orai1 channels. Hence, STIM1 interacts with and reciprocally controls two major calcium channels hitherto thought to operate independently. Such coordinated control of the widely expressed Ca(V)1.2 and Orai channels has major implications for Ca(2+) signal generation in excitable and nonexcitable cells.     

Differential Selection on Rhynchosporium secalis During Parasitic and Saprophytic Phases in the Barley Scald Disease Cycle

ABSTRACT Competition among eight Rhynchosporium secalis isolates was assessed during parasitic and saprophytic phases of the disease cycle in field experiments conducted at two locations and over two growing seasons. The eight isolates were inoculated onto six barley populations exhibiting varying degrees of resistance. Microsatellite analysis of 2,866 isolates recovered from the field experiments showed significant, and sometimes opposite, changes in the frequencies of R. secalis genotypes during the growing season (parasitic phase) and between growing seasons (saprophytic phase). Isolates that showed the most complex virulence in greenhouse seedling assays had the lowest fitness in the field experiment. Significant differences in isolate fitness were found on different host populations and in different environments. Selection coefficients were large, indicating that evolution can occur rapidly in field populations. Although inoculated isolates had the lowest overall fitness on the moderately resistant landrace cv. Arabi Aswad, some isolates were more virulent and consistently increased in frequency on this landrace, suggesting a risk of directional selection and possible erosion of the resistance following its widespread deployment in monoculture. These results provide the first direct evidence that R. secalis pathogen genotypes differ in their saprophytic ability and parasitic fitness under field conditions.