Devastation of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) crops in different agroclimatic zones of India by genetically diverse subgroups of phytoplasma

The sesame crop is highly susceptible to infection by phytoplasmas, a class of cell wall-less plant pathogenic bacteria (Mollicutes), which is responsible for widespread loss of sesame crops in both North and South India in recent years. Therefore, characterizing the pathogen population is required before the control measures can be devised and implemented. With molecular tools based on nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, sequencing, restriction profiling, and phylogenetic analysis, phyllody-affected sesame plants collected from nine different states of India were found to be infected by phytoplasmas belonging to two 16Sr groups, namely 16SrI and II. Two subgroups of phytoplasma −16SrI-B and 16SrII-D— were prevalent in symptomatic sesame samples collected from North India, whereas phytoplasma of only the 16SrII group was found in South India. However, the latter samples were diverse, belonging to three different subgroups (16SrII-A, II-C, and II-D). In addition, yearly phyllody-affected sesame samples from Delhi for 4 consecutive years (2007–2010) showed variation in the infecting phytoplasma: the subgroup 16SrII-D was detected in samples collected in 2007, and 16SrI-B was predominantly found in the samples collected in the subsequent years. The study also provides molecular evidence for the association between 16SrI-B phytoplasma and different symptoms in sesame crops such as fasciation, little leaf, and stunting. This is the first study to report the association of the phytoplasma subgroups 16SrII-A and II-D with sesame crops in India. This study provides a baseline for designing specific detection and molecular analysis strategies for quarantine purposes. It also highlights the need for examining the dynamics of seasonal or location-specific variation in vector populations to determine the pattern of infection outbreaks.     

Estimating spatial mean soil water contents of sloping jujube orchards using temporal stability

Estimating spatial mean soil water contents from point-scale measurements is important to improve soil water management in sloping land of semiarid areas. Temporal stability analysis, as a statistical technique to estimate soil water content, is an effective tool in terms of facilitating the upscaling estimation of mean values. The objective of this study was to examine temporal stability of soil water profiles (0–20, 20–40, 40–60 and 0–60 cm) in sloping jujube (Zizyphus jujuba) orchards and to estimate field mean root-zone soil water based on temporal stability analysis in the Yuanzegou catchment of the Chinese Loess Plateau, using soil water observations under both dry and wet soil conditions. The results showed that different time-stable locations were identified for different depths and the temporal stability of soil water content in 20–40 cm was significantly (P < 0.05) weaker than that in other depths. Moreover, these time-stable locations had relatively high clay contents, relatively mild slopes and relatively planar surfaces compared to the corresponding field means. Statistical analysis revealed that the temporal stability of root zone soil water (0–60 cm) was higher in either dry or wet season than that including both, and soil water exhibited very low temporal stability during the transition period from dry to wet. Based on the temporal stability analysis, field mean soil water contents were estimated reasonably (R² from 0.9560 to 0.9873) from the point measurements of these time-stable locations. Since the terrains in this study are typical in the hilly regions of the Loess Plateau, the results presented here should improve soil water management in sloping orchards in the Loess Plateau.     

Effect of initial hermetic sealing on quality of ‘Kyoho’ grapes during storage

Experiments of initial hermetic sealing using high barrier film were carried out on ‘Kyoho’ grapes (Vitis vinifera L. × V. Labrusca L. cv. Kyoho) in the 2008 and 2009 fruit seasons, to investigate their potential to enhance quality and extend storage life of the fruit. In the 2008 season, grapes were packaged in high barrier film bags for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks, and a modified atmosphere (MA) of low oxygen and high carbon dioxide was formed after sealing. After packaging, fruit were removed from bags and stored in air for up to 90 d at 0 °C. In the 2009 season, grapes were packaged in perforated bags, or in high barrier film bags for 2 weeks and subsequently perforated bags to avoid further anoxia and excessive CO₂ accumulation. After treatment, fruit were stored for up to 90 d at 0 °C, followed by shelf-life at 20 °C for 7 d. Non-packaging air storage was used as a control in both seasons. Fruit quality attributes including soluble solids, titratable acidity, stem browning, berry drop and decay incidence were measured. The results indicated that short-term initial MAP (≤2 weeks) had potential for improving appearance of bunches and maintaining the quality of berries during long-term storage, and significantly reduced quality deterioration. Stems were greener and berry drop and decay incidence were more effectively controlled when fruit were sealed in high barrier film bags for 2 weeks and the bags were subsequently perforated.     

Mild Drought Stress‐Induced Changes in Yield,Physiological Processes and Chemical Composition in Festuca,Lolium and Festulolium

The impact of mild drought stress (3 weeks at 40 % field water capacity) on yield, physiological processes, accumulation of proline and phenolic compounds and forage quality parameters in forage grasses was evaluated in pot experiments. During four different growing periods, the effects of water deficit were assessed in nine varieties from five species (Lolium perenne, Lolium multiflorum, Festuca pratensis, Festuca arundinacea and Festulolium braunii). All measured parameters were affected by drought stress in the different cuts. Photosynthesis, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and dry matter yield were significantly lower in drought stress than under well‐watered conditions in all varieties. Higher water‐use efficiency was only observed during the first and fourth drought period, while this was not the case in the second and third. Mild drought stress significantly increased the content of proline, phenolic acid, flavonoids, water‐soluble carbohydrates and protein. All tested grasses showed also an increase of organic matter digestibility and cell wall digestibility under drought stress conditions.     

Drought Stress in Grain Legumes during Reproduction and Grain Filling

Water scarcity is a major constraint limiting grain legume production particularly in the arid and semi‐arid tropics. Different climate models have predicted changes in rainfall distribution and frequent drought spells for the future. Although drought impedes the productivity of grain legumes at all growth stages, its occurrence during reproductive and grain development stages (terminal drought) is more critical and usually results in significant loss in grain yield. However, the extent of yield loss depends on the duration and intensity of the stress. A reduction in the rate of net photosynthesis, and poor grain set and grain development are the principal reasons for terminal drought‐induced loss in grain yield. Insight into the impact and resistance mechanism of terminal drought is required for effective crop improvement programmes aiming to improve resistance to terminal drought in grain legumes. In this article, the impact of terminal drought on leaf development and senescence, light harvesting and carbon fixation, and grain development and grain composition is discussed. The mechanisms of resistance, management options, and innovative breeding and functional genomics strategies to improve resistance to terminal drought in grain legumes are also discussed.     

Assessing the deposition and canopy penetration of nozzles with different spray qualities in an oat (Avena sativa L.) canopy

Consistent spray coverage that is evenly distributed throughout the canopy is necessary to control pest populations that can negatively affect yield. As applicators are switching to Coarser spray quality nozzles to reduce risk and liability of pesticide spray drift, concerns about efficacy loss are growing. Previous research has indicated that small droplets are the most effective at penetrating through crop canopies, but newer nozzle technologies have improved the effectiveness of larger droplet or Coarser sprays. Research was conducted to assess the canopy penetration of nozzles that produce Coarse, Very-Coarse and Extremely-Coarse spray qualities compared to nozzles that produce Fine and Medium spray qualities. Kromekote collectors were positioned in four configurations in an oat (Avena sativa L.) var. ‘Yarran’ (AusWest Seeds, Forbes, NSW, Australia) crop to quantify the coverage and droplet number densities (droplets cm⁻²) across three application carrier volume rates: 50, 75 and 100 L ha⁻¹. Applications were made in the field in 30 cm tall, tillering oats, with collectors arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications. The entire study was repeated on the following day. Results showed that droplet number densities were inversely related to the droplet size produced by the nozzles, yet coverage was increased more by application volume rate than droplet size. Thus, both spray drift reduction and improved canopy penetration can be achieved with proper nozzle selection and operation parameters for the control of agronomic pests.     

Analyzing isolate variability of Macrophomina phaseolina from a regional perspective

Sexton, Z.S., Hughes, T.J., and Wise, K.A. 20XX. Analyzing isolate variability of Macrophomina phaseolina from a regional perspective. Crop Protection. XX:XXXX. Charcoal rot of soybean (Glycine max L.), caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, has been reported more frequently in the north–central United States in recent years. Growth of isolates collected from the northern and southern U.S. was compared in vitro under various incubation temperatures, and isolate pathogenicity was assessed on cultivars adapted to each region. Results indicate that northern isolates had increased growth at 15 °C compared to isolates from southern states, while southern isolates grew 23% more at 40°C compared to northern isolates. Isolates from both regions were pathogenic on charcoal rot resistant and susceptible cultivars adapted for each region. This is the first research to suggest the importance of screening germplasm under regional environmental conditions and with local or regionally adapted isolates when evaluating cultivar resistance to charcoal rot.     

Effect of Partial Replacement of Steam Rolled Corn With Soybean Hulls or Prickly Pear Cactus in the Horse's Diet in the Presence of Live Saccharomyces cerevisiae on In Vitro Fecal Gas Production

The aim of the study was to evaluate the fecal fermentation of partial replacing steam rolled corn with soybean hulls (SH) or prickly pear cactus (PC) as energy source in horse diets, in the presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Steam rolled corn was replaced with SH at 0% (control), 7.5% (SH75), and 15% (SH150) in the first trial, whereas it was replaced with PC at 0% (control; the same of the first trial), 7.5% (PC75), and 15% (PC150) in the second trial. Yeast of S. cerevisiae was added at 0, 2, and 4 mg/g dry matter (DM) of incubated substrates. Fecal inoculum was obtained from four adult English Thoroughbred horses fed on an amount of commercial concentrate and oat hay ad libitum. Interactions observed between PC rations and yeast doses for the asymptotic gas production (GP), the rate of GP and carbon dioxide (CO₂) production during some incubation hours. Moreover, with no effect due to SH rations (P > .05), increased (P < .05) rate of GP was observed with the ration PC75 compared with other rations. Besides, PC75 and PC150 rations with 0 mg yeast/g DM linearly decreased (P < .05) CO₂ production at some incubation hours. However, SH75 and SH150 ration had increased (P = .005) DM degradability (DMD). Yeast addition at 2 mg/g DM increased the asymptotic GP (P = .048) with the SH75 and PC150 rations. The level of 4 mg yeast/g DM increased the asymptotic GP (P = .048) from the SH150 ration. Yeast addition at 2 and 4 mg/g DM increased (P < .05) ​the asymptotic GP from PC75 and PC150 rations, respectively, with increasing DMD with the both doses. Yeast addition increased (P < .05) CO₂ production from SH75, SH150, PC75, and PC150 rations. It could be concluded that SH and PC can replace steam rolled corn at levels of 7.5% to 15% without negative effect of fermentation kinetics and with better fermentation performance in the presence of yeast at 2 mg/g DM of substrates.     

pestMapper—A internet-based software tool for reporting and mapping biological invasions and other geographical and temporal events

An internet-based Google^® Maps application, pestMapper, is developed for sharing biological events such as invasive species and pest distribution over large geographical areas. This data gathering and mapping tool facilitates reporting, viewing, and providing alerts about important pest occurrences and research activities both regionally and globally.This Google^® application provides reported events dynamically to a Google^® Maps interface with detailed information displayed for each event. Users can make use of various built-in options such as region, event, pest, country, or time to display the map selectively. Alerts can be automatically sent to interested parties when system-specified types of events, such as pest outbreaks, occur. The system also generates web-based alerts for certain pre-defined events. A time slider is available for users to view temporal distributions of a biological event.Data are entered using an online data report component. The software can be modified for many other applications, such as species regional or global distribution mapping.     

Quantification of Pythium populations in ginseng soils by culture dependent and real-time PCR methods

Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) is widely cultivated in North America as a medicinal herb. However, yields are often reduced by various root pathogens, including Pythium species, which cause damping-off in young plants. In order to improve the prediction of disease risk, real-time PCR assays were developed and used in conjunction with dilution plating on selective media to quantify populations of Pythium irregulare Buisman and Pythium ultimum Trow directly from soil. The assays were tested on artificially infested soils and then used on a variety of naturally infested, ginseng-cultivated soils in south-western Ontario. Data on P. ultimum DNA concentrations were positively correlated with the number of P. ultimum viable propagules on selective media. However, in the case of P. irregulare, the presence of cryptic species resulted in incongruent relationships between the dilution plate and real-time PCR data. We therefore sequenced the ITS region of a large number of P. irregulare isolates in order to determine the proportion that would be detected by the real-time PCR assay. The ability to quantify pathogen populations directly from soils using real-time PCR (calibrated with data on inoculum potential) will improve disease risk assessment and lead to a reduction in pesticide application.