Plant Protection Science - In Press
Characterization of strawberry mild yellow edge virus isolates detected for the first time in PolandOriginal Paper
Mirosława Cieślińska, Ewa Hennig
SMYEV was detected in 116 samples out of 423 collected from strawberry plants grown in commercial and experimental plantations located in seven provinces of Poland. The nucleotide sequence similarity of coat protein (CP) gene of 26 selected SMYEV isolates ranged from 84.8% to 100%, and 81.4–99.5% identity were found to be between these isolates and 48 SMYEV strains from different countries. The phylogenetic analysis of CP region showed that the majority of isolates from Poland clustered within group I (type D74), while Talis and 3233CL isolates represented group III (type MY18), and San isolate was clustered in group V (type ABY1-01). Recombination analysis of the CP gene sequences detected two possible recombination events. One of them was noticed in Argentinian strain 53 formed group III together with isolates from Chile, and Polish isolates Talis and 3233CL. Another was identified in Chinese strain sy02 sequence with evidence of the same recombination event in Canadian strains, and Polish isolate San (V group). Leaf epinasty, mottling and yellowing of the young leaves and dieback of the older leaves were observed on ‘Alpine’ and ‘EMC’ indicator plants grafted with leaves of strawberry plants co-infected with SMYEV and SMoV. Single infection with SMYEV induced milder symptoms on these indicators.
Using thermal time to predict the timing of flight activity in Noctuidae (Lepidoptera) species: Calculation and verification of forecast methodsOriginal Paper
Alois Honěk, Zdenka Martinková, Ivo Novak, Terezia Jauschová, Lenka Sarvašová, Miroslav Saniga, Milada Holecová, Ján Kulfan, Peter Zach
From 1967-1995, we observed the flight activity of 25 monovoltine species of moths (Noctuidae, Lepidoptera) via a light trap located in Prague (50.09 N, 14.30 E). For each species, the the day when half of the individuals were caught (peak of flight activity PFA) was specified each year. This study addresses a method of predicting the calendar date of the PFA via thermal time. We determined a base temperature of +6 °C, at which the differences between the predicted and actual dates of the PFA were minimal. For each species and each year, the sum of the degree days exceeding the base temperature from January 1 to the date of the PFA (SumT) was determined, and the average SumT over the period of study was calculated. Each year was then determined the predicted date of the PFA, the date when the average SumT was achieved. Sixty-five percent of the predicted PFA dates fell within ±5 days from the actual date of the PFA. Shifts in the magnitude and direction of the difference between the actual and predicted PFAs affecting concurrently all species were caused by thermal conditions of the year.
An insights into the morphometric and molecular characterization of ber fruit fly (Carpomyia vesuviana Costa) infesting jujube (Ber) (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.)Original Paper
Kavin P, Usharani B, Kamala Jayanthi PD, Suresh K, Sandeep Singh, Richard Kennady N, Mini M L, Chelvi Rames SH
Carpomyia vesuviana Costa, a fruit fly species, is a major pest affecting jujube (Ber). This monophagous insect pest causing significant economic losses in regions where jujube is being cultivated. Hence the present study was conducted for detailed morphometric and molecular analysis of C. vesuviana across various Indian regions, specifically Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Morphometric measurements were conducted for various developmental stages, from egg to adult. The overall mean length and width of the egg was 0.61 mm and 0.18 mm respectively and the fully grown maggot measured as 6.19 mm (length ) and 1.91 mm (Width). The length and width of prepupa and pupa was 7.67 and 1.64 mm, and 4.00 and 1.72 mm, respectively. The overall mean length of female whole body and wing expanse measured as 4.74 and 3.92 mm, respectively. The overall mean male whole body length and wing expanse was about 4.19 and 3.56 mm, respectively. The results of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the maggot's length at different stages, pupa length, and egg width were the main contributors to variability, particularly in samples from Rajasthan. Additionally, the adult female fly's morphometric traits, such as wing and thorax measurements, showed regional variations, with PCA highlighting Punjab's alignment with larger head and abdomen traits. Molecular analysis based on PCR and sequencing of the COXI-COXII region confirmed the species identity. The nucleotide sequence of C. vesuviana from Tamil Nadu and Punjab was deposited in GenBank as PQ198003.1 and PQ198005.1 which had nearly 94% genetic similarity with two sequences OQ410281.1(Khalsi, India) and MT533182.1(Ladakh, India) submitted in NCBI database. Phylogenetic analysis further demonstrated that the Tamil Nadu and Punjab populations were closely related to an Iranian sample, while samples from other countries, such as the C. schineri of USA and C. incompleta of Iraq, exhibited higher genetic divergence. The findings underline both morphological and genetic variations within C. vesuviana, reflecting geographical influence on the species development and evolution. Understanding both the morphology and genetic make-up of C. vesuviana is highly essential for developing effective pest control strategies.
New data on pathotype distribution of Plasmopara halstedii in one of the most important Italian areas dedicated to sunflower cultivationShort Communication
Andrea Del Gatto, Mauro Dal Pra', Ilaria Alberti
Downy mildew of sunflower is caused by the oomycete Plasmopara halstedii Novot. Italy has seen an increase in mildew infections in parallel with the spread of the crop. In the present situation there is a substantial lack of information that can help farmers and researchers in the control of the disease. The most relevant one seems to be the pathogenetic variability of P. halstedii. To overcome the problem, we conducted a preliminary test to collect the first data about this variability.
The Cultural control of some important pests in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) using companion plantsReview
Monica Novljan, Tanja Bohinc, Stanislav Trdan
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) are two of the most important vegetables in the world, and many insect pests are a problem in their production. Currently, especially in Europe, restrictions on the use of pesticides are increasingly being encouraged so the need to find and use alternative methods is increasingly urgent. Cultural control of insect pests using companion plants, including the use of cover crops, intercrops, and trap crops has been proven to help manage these insect pests. Companion plants reduce plant insects primarily by disrupting host-seeking activity, disrupting oviposition, increasing the plant's natural enemies, or luring the pests to alternative food sources. This review outlines successful examples from around the world of the use of companion crops in controlling insect pests, with a focus on the main pests of cabbage and onions in Europe. Details regarding the working mechanism of each of the three companion plants are discussed further in this article. We concluded that these tree forms of companion plants are effective in reducing the number of both generalist and specialist plant pests attacking cabbage and onion.
Revealing the challenges and prospects of Asian rice gall midge resistance in riceReview
S Sathish Kumar, L Arul, S Manonmani, Sheela Venugopal, Jegadeesan Ramalingam
The Asian rice gall midge (Orseolia oryzae) (Wood-Mason) is a major pest of rice, significantly reducing yields and challenging sustainable rice production. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biology, lifecycle and geographical distribution of the rice gall midge, along with the damage symptoms it causes in rice crops. The interactions between rice and gall midge, pest’s mechanism of infestation and the plant’s defensive responses are also explored. Various management strategies are discussed in detail, including the use of insecticides, cultural practices and resistant varieties. The review emphasizes that breeding for resistance, especially through the pyramiding of resistance genes, along with integrated pest management approaches, shows the most promise for long-term control. Advances in crop improvement through breeding methods such as genotyping, phenotyping, field and greenhouse screening and the pyramiding of resistance genes are highlighted. The review emphasizes the importance of monitoring virulence in gall midge populations to guide breeding efforts. The genetic basis of resistance is examined through studies of resistance genes, QTL mapping and marker-assisted breeding. Furthermore, molecular approaches, including metabolomic regulations, microarray analysis and biotechnological strategies are reviewed for their potential in developing durable gall midge resistant rice varieties. This article synthesized the current knowledge and highlights specific future research directions, such as identifying novel resistance genes, improving molecular breeding techniques, and developing integrated pest management strategies that combines genetic resistance with eco-friendly controls.
Occurrence of the white cochineal Parlatoria blanchardi in the fur of the black rat and potential risks for its spread to the date palm standsOriginal Paper
MLIK Randa, Yasmina KHERBOUCHE, Salim MEDDOUR, Abdallah AOUADI, Makhlouf SEKOUR, Khawaja G. RASOOL, Abdulrahman Saad ALDAWOOD
The parasitic interactions between arthropods and animals differ according to the parasite and host. For the first time, these interactions between the date palm scale (Parlatoria blanchardi) and the black rats (Rattus rattus) were recorded. P. blanchardi was found among the ectoparasites that black rats carried, enabling us to investigate for a year whether R. rattus may serve as a contributor to guarantee the survival of P. blanchardi. This allowed us to record a prevalence rate of P. blanchardi on R. rattus equal to 5.79% during the year, unlike in the five months was 100%. Furthermore, the mean intensity was 3.39 during the year and 2.54 during the five months. Statistics revealed that there was a very highly significant difference (chi-squared = 62.067, df = 24, p = 3.244e-05) between the three age classes of P. blanchardi recorded in different age categories of R. rattus. In addition, the age classes of rats differ significantly in terms of P. blanchardi numbers (chi-squared = 18.246, df = 3, p = < 0.001). The results of the Negative Binomial Mixed Model indicated a significant positive effect of Temperature (GLMM: z = 3.13, p < 0.01) and sex (Male) (GLMM: z = 2.22, p < 0.001) on insect abundance. One potential new reservoir for date palm scale survival could be the black rat.
Allelopathic potential of Turnera subulata leaf extract on choisum via untargeted metabolomicsOriginal Paper
Nor Atirah Mohd Aridi, Nornasuha Yusoff, Muhd Arif Shaffiq Sahrir, Kamalrul Azlan Azizan
Allelopathic plants release phytotoxic compounds that contribute to their invasiveness by suppressing nearby species. However, it remains unclear that exact mechanism of action (MOA) underlie the allelopathy. This study explores the allelopathic mechanisms of T. subulata on the recipient indicator plant choisum using metabolomics approach. Briefly, T. subulata leaf aqueous extracts (LAE) at different concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 10, 50, and 100 mg/mL) were sprayed at 100 mL/m2 on choisum seedlings at the two to three leaves stage. After 21 days, the Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values and photosynthetic pigments of exposed choisum were measured, and their metabolites were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis. The results revealed a 25% decrease in SPAD, a reduction of 65% (chl a) and 71% (chl b), and 45% reduction in stomatal length at 100 mg/mL. A total of 11 significant metabolites (P < 0.05) with variable important for projection score exceeding 1 (VIP > 1) were selected as important biomarkers. These metabolites were identified as amino acids, carbohydrates, and fatty acids. The findings reveal the allelopathic potential of T. subulata and provide insights into the response of choisum in response to the allelopathic activity of T. subulata LAE.
Isolation and characterization of pathogenic and endophytic fungi associated with avocado plants showing dieback symptoms in IndonesiaOriginal Paper
Riska Amril, Tri Budiyanti, Jumjunidang Jumjunidang, Sri Hadiati, Raden Heru Praptana, Mizu Istianto, Nurmansyah Nurmansyah, Herwita Idris
Avocado (Persea americana Mill) is a high value fruit crop in Indonesia. This exotic commodity is affected by dieback disease, an unrecorded disease that threatens production. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the pathogen and endophytic fungi associated with dieback disease of avocado plants. Fungal isolates were collected from branches of avocado showing dieback symptom in Standard and Instrument Tropical Fruit Applied Institute (SITFAI) experimental orchards during 2022–2023. A total of 17 fungal isolates selected from 73 fungal isolates recovered from three location were characterized morphologically, molecularly, phylogenetically, and by pathogenicity tests. Identification of fungal species were done on morphological characteristic and molecular analysis obtained from internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 28S region of ribosomal DNA, and trans elongation factor 1 (TEF1). The fungal isolates were tested for their pathogenicity to avocado local variety test with two stages. First step was mechanical inoculation of all the fungal isolates with one avocado seedling and three slashed stems as replication. Second step was mechanical inoculation of four selected isolates (the isolate caused necrosis symptom to avocado seedling) to avocado local variety seedling with three seedlings and three slashed stems as replications. The result revealed that fungal species such as Neofusicoccum parvum, Colletotrichum tropicale, C. fruticola, Neopestalotiopsis sp. Pestalotiopsis sp., Pseudofusicoccum ardesiacum, Nigrospora sphaerica, Nemania bipapillata, Neoroussoella leucaenae, Penicillium citrinum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, L. krabiensis, Lasiodiplodia sp. were obtained from avocado plant showing dieback symptom. The most frequently genus isolated were fast growing, Botryspaeriaceae (58,9%), followed by Penicilium spp. (20.5%), Pestalotiopsis spp. (15.1%) and Colletotrichum spp. (5.4%). Artificial inoculation of a L. theobromae isolate induced necrosis symptom on local avocado seedling.
Molecular Characterization and Screening for Cry Genes of Native Bacillus thuringiensis Strains from KazakhstanOriginal Paper
Alnura Tursunova, Ainura Adilkhankyzy, Shyryn Turbekova, Ulzhalgas Abylayeva, Ainaz Balabek, Alibek Uspanov, Bakhytzhan Duisembekov
The current study aimed to characterize indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains for their potential use in broad-spectrum pest control in agriculture. Twenty-nine (29) Bt strains were isolated from soil in southeastern Kazakhstan. All isolates were Gram-positive and formed endospores. Species identification was conducted by sequencing the gyrase B (gyrB) gene. The nucleotide sequences of the amplified gyrB gene regions were compared with those in the NCBI database, confirming that the isolates were native Bt strains with high homology to known Bt strains (99–100%). In addition, the strains were screened for the presence of genes encoding 11 different crystalline endotoxins using PCR with universal primer pairs. The PCR results showed the distribution frequencies of cry, cyt, and vip genes among the strains: cry1 100%, vip3 100%, cry2 83.3%, cry4 20%, and cyt1 30%. PCR revealed diverse gene profiles among the Bt strains, with 5 distinct profiles identified. In terms of insecticidal activity, strains Bt8, Bt11, Bt26, and Bt28 demonstrated high pathogenicity, with mortality rates ranging from 97 to 100% against codling moth caterpillars, outperforming other Bt isolates.
Biological activity of Paenibacillus polymyxa GT2 isolate from soil in Japan against anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum orbiculare in CucumberOriginal Paper
Abdul Wali Haqyar, Masatoshi Ino, Naoto Kimura, Takumi Okido, Junichi Kihara, Makoto Ueno
Cucumber anthracnose is a destructive fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum orbiculare. Common control strategies include the use of chemical fungicides. However, this may lead to the development of pathogen resistance over time. Therefore, it is necessary to identify natural compounds or microorganisms for developing new chemicals and the biological control of fungal pathogens. Isolate GT2, a bacterial isolate from soil samples collected in Shimane Prefecture, significantly inhibited the in vitro mycelial growth and conidial germination of C. orbiculare, indicating a fungicidal effect against this pathogen. Furthermore, anthracnose lesion formation was significantly suppressed without phytotoxicity when cucumber leaves were pretreated with a cell culture suspension of the isolate GT2 before inoculation with C. orbiculare. Bioautography detection of the culture filtrate (CF) of isolate GT2 using thin-layer chromatography showed that the inhibitory compound against C. orbiculare growth had an Rf of 0.38. The effective compound in GT2-CF was the ethyl acetate insoluble, heat-stable at less than 121 °C, and a molecular weight of more than 1000 Da. Sequence analysis of the 16S rDNA region of GT2 indicated that it shares 99% similarity with the bacterium Paenibacillus polymyxa. In conclusion, the Paenibacillus polymyxa isolate GT2 demonstrated potential for developing a new fungicide and biological agent against anthracnose disease caused by C. orbiculare.
Monilinia fructigena air detection by two different rotorod samplers combined with quantitative real-time PCROriginal Paper
Miloň Dvořák, Dagmar Stehlíková, Tomáš Litschmann
The brown rot of apple and stone fruits caused by Monilinia fructigena is a widespread disease causing serious losses on fruit production. The most common way of the pathogen’s spread is via airborne conidia. Therefore, effective monitoring of its occurrence can be provided by air samplers. In this study we have conducted a comparative sampling of two cheap air samplers – rotorod spore traps called ROTTRAP 52 and AMETRAP. Samples were evaluated by optimized quantitative real-time PCR assay with hydrolysis probe. 14 concurrent samplings turned out positive in all cases, showing higher spore counts almost in all AMETRAP samples obtained under various weather conditions. The daily maximum air temperature proved to be the only significant meteorological variable positively affecting the recorded spore counts. Both rotorod samplers are an efficient and economic option for horticulturists and researchers for M. fructigena air inoculum monitoring.
An Evaluation of Two Counting Methods to Establish Rodent Densities in Crop fieldsOriginal Paper
Marta Heroldová, Eva Jánová, Jan Zejda, Jan Šipoš, Josef Suchomel
The common vole (Microtus arvalis) is the main pest in agricultural areas of Central Europe. It is especially important to monitor their numbers during spring and if high numbers are detected, some form of pest management should be considered. In the Czech Republic the number of active burrows is monitored using the burrow index, BI, which allows estimating the total number of rodents, saves time and is easy to use. We aimed at assessing the relationship between burrow index and relative abundances of the rodent species examined by snap trapping. Based on these data, it was found that BI has a clear relationship with the abundance of the common vole. The relationship between BI and vole abundance occurred in total sample of all fields and especially in alfalfa, winter wheat and barley. Relationship between BI and the abundance of the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), the second common pest of the area was confirmed only in barley and negative in winter rape. The relationship between BI and the degree of weed cover in crops was confirmed in total sample and for winter rape and the alfalfa, but negative in barley and winter wheat. Contrary, there was no effect of weed cover on both rodents relative abundances in any crops. Presence of the shrubs and forests in the vicinity of the fields reduced BI in total sample and above all in alfalfa. Relative abundance of the voles was not affected by shrubs and forests in the crops vicinity, but positive influence was confirmed in mice abundances in total sample and for the alfalfa. It could be concluded that BI is a reliable indicator of voles abundance, but is not very accurate at low densities and in crop fields rarely used by voles as sunflower and maize.