Syntrophomonas wolfei subsp. methylbutyratica subsp. nov., and assignment of Syntrophomonas wolfei subsp. saponavida to Syntrophomonas saponavida sp. nov. comb. nov

A spore-forming bacterium strain 4J5(T) was isolated from rice field mud. When co-cultured with Methanobacterium formicicum DSM 1535(T), strain 4J5(T) could syntrophically degrade saturated fatty acids with 4-8 carbon atoms, including 2-methylbutyrate. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene similarity showed that strain 4J5(T) was most closely related to Syntrophomonas wolfei subsp. wolfei DSM 2245(T) (98.9% sequence similarity); however, it differed from the latter in the substrates utilized and its genetic characteristics. Therefore, a new subspecies Syntrophomonas wolfei subsp. methylbutyratica is proposed. The type strain is 4J5(T) (=CGMCC 1.5051(T)=JCM 14075(T)). Furthermore, based on 16S rRNA sequence divergence and substrate utilization, we propose the assignment of Syntrophomonas wolfei subsp. saponavida DSM 4212(T) to Syntrophomonas saponavida sp. nov. comb. nov.     

Panagrellus ceylonensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Cephalobidae)

Panagrellus ceylonensis n. sp. is described from rubber latex in Ceylon. Its long, slender spicules are curved ventrally with a dorsal deflection at two-thirds of their length. The manubrium is thick and hooked, and the shaft is not widened at the shoulder. The terminal bifurcations are wide, with the dorsal one considerably longer and thicker than the ventral. The main ventral element is continuous with the terminal sheath with the ventral bifurcation arising within it.     

Methyloligella halotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. and Methyloligella solikamskensis sp. nov., two non-pigmented halotolerant obligately methylotrophic bacteria isolated from the Ural saline environments

Two newly isolated halotolerant obligately methylotrophic bacteria (strains C2^T and SK12^T) with the serine pathway of C₁ assimilation are described. The isolates are strictly aerobic, Gram negative, asporogenous, non-motile rods, forming rosettes, multiplying by binary fission. Mesophilic and neutrophilic, accumulate intracellularly compatible solute ectoine and poly-β-hydroxybutyrate. The novel strains are able to grow at 0 up to 16% NaCl (w/v), optimally at 3–5% NaCl. The major cellular fatty acids are C_18:1ω7c and C_19:0cyc and the prevailing quinone is Q-10. The predominant phospholipids are phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Assimilate NH₄⁺ by glutamate dehydrogenase and via the glutamate cycle (glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase). The DNA G + C contents of strains C2^T and SK12^T are 60.9 and 60.5 mol% (Tm), respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the two new isolates are 99% but below 94% with other members of the Alphaproteobacteria thus indicating that they can be assigned to a novel genus Methyloligella. Rather low level of DNA–DNA relatedness (53%) between the strains C2^T and SK12^T indicates that they represent two separate species of the new genus, for which the names Methyloligella halotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. and Methyloligella solikamskensis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strain of Methyloligella halotolerans is C2^T (=VKM B-2706^T = CCUG 61687^T = DSM 25045^T) and the type strain of Methyloligella solikamskensis is SK12^T (=VKM B-2707^T = CCUG 61697^T = DSM 25212^T).     

Halorubellus salinus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Halorubellus litoreus sp. nov., novel halophilic archaea isolated from a marine solar saltern

Two extremely halophilic archaeal strains GX3(T) and GX26(T) were isolated from the Gangxi marine solar saltern near the Weihai city of Shandong Province, China. Cells from the two strains were pleomorphic and stained Gram-negative, colonies were red-pigmented. Strains GX3(T) and GX26(T) were able to grow at 25-50 °C (optimum 37 °C), at 1.4-5.1M NaCl (optimum 3.1M), at pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum pH 7.0) and neither strain required Mg(2+) for growth. Cells lyse in distilled water and the minimal NaCl concentration to prevent cell-lysis was 8% (w/v). The major polar lipids of the two strains were PA (phosphatidic acid), PG (phosphatidylglycerol), PGP-Me (phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester) and three major glycolipids (GL1, GL2 & GL3) chromatographically identical to S-TGD-1 (sulfated galactosyl mannosy glucosyl diether), S-DGD-1 (sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether), and DGD-1 (mannosyl glucosyl diether) respectively, an unidentified lipid (GL4) was also detected in strain GX26(T). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) formed a distinct clade with the closest relative, Haladaptatus paucihalophilus (89.9-92.4% and 90.4-92.7, respectively). The rpoB' gene similarities between strains GX3(T) and GX26(T), and between the two strains and the closest relative, Halorussus rarus TBN4(T) are 96.5%, 84.3% and 83.9%, respectively. The DNA G+C contents of strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) are 67.3 mol% and 67.2 mol%, respectively. The DNA-DNA hybridization value between strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) was 44%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that strain GX3(T) and strain GX26(T) represent two novel species in a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, Halorubellus salinus gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain GX3(T)=CGMCC 1.10384(T)=JCM 17115(T)) and Halorubellus litoreus sp. nov. (type strain GX26(T)=CGMCC 1.10386(T)=JCM 17117(T)).     

Nothacrobeles,n. gen., with Descriptions of Four New Species (Nematoda: Cephalobidae)

A new nematode genus, Nothacrobeles, is proposed in the subfamily Acrobelinae. Four new species are described and one new combination made. The five species exhibit a progression from short-to-long, bifurcate, elaborately fringed labial probolae, the longest probolae resembling those of species of Acrobeles.     

Morphometrics of Globodera tabacum tabacum,G. t. virginiae,and G. t. solanacearum (Nemata: Heteroderinae)

A morphometric evaluation of second-stage juveniles (J2), males, females, cysts, and eggs of several isolates of the tobacco cyst nematode (TCN) complex, Globodera tabacum tabacum (GTT), G. t. virginiae (GTV), and G. t. solanacearum (GTS) is presented. Morphometrics of eggs, J2, and males are considerably less variable than of females and cysts. No measurements of eggs and J2 are useful for identification of the three subspecies. Distance from the median bulb and excretory pore to the head end in J2 and males is quite stable. Stylet knob width of males is useful for identifying GTV isolates and tail length in separating males of GTT isolates from GTV and GTS. Body length/width (L/W) ratio of females and cysts discriminates GTT from GTV and GTS; stylet knob width is an auxiliary character for identifying GTV. This subspecies complex has a continuum of values for the other characters. Data suggest a close relationship between GTV and GTS, which also occur in close proximity in Virginia.     

Biochemical activities of Iranian Mentha piperita L. and Myrtus communis L. essential oils

GC-MS analysis of essential oils of Iranian Mentha piperita and Myrtus communis extracted by hydrodistillation lead to identification of 26 and 32 compounds, respectively. The oils had good to excellent antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans with the oil of M. piperita being more active. The findings suggest feasibility of application of M. piperita oil in treatment of the infections caused by C. albicans and E. coli. D-values on exposure to M. piperita and Myrtus communis oils were (2.14 and 2.8min), (1.4 and 12.8min) and (4.3 and 8.6min) for E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans , respectively. The oils were screened for their possible antioxidant activities by two complementary test systems, namely DPPH free radical scavenging and beta-carotene/linoleic acid systems. M. piperirta oil exerted greater antioxidant activity than that of M. communis. Phytochemical and phytobiological characteristics of these oils may lead to extraction and production of active compounds in single or combined forms with useful applications.     

Descriptions of Deladenus albizicus n. sp. and D. processus n. sp. (Nematoda: Hexatylina) from Haryana,India

Two different nematodes were isolated from the bark of Albizia lebbeck trees; one from insect infested and another from noninfested, healthy tree. Based on the biological, morphological, and molecular evidences, the nematodes are described as Deladenus albizicus n. sp. and D. processus n. sp. (Nematoda: Hexatylina). Deladenus albizicus n. sp., isolated from insect-infested tree, multiplied on the fungus Nigrospora oryzae. Myceliophagous females of this nematode reproduced by parthenogenesis and spermathecae were indistinct. Infective females, readily produced in the cultures, are dorsally curved. Only one type of males containing small-sized sperms in their genital tracts were produced in the culture. Myceliophagous females: L = 0.75 to 1.71 mm, a = 32.3 to 50.8, b = 9.3 to 11.2, b’ = 5.2 to 7.3, c = 27.2 to 35.6, V = 91.0 to 93.3, c’ = 2.0 to 2.9, stylet = 11 to 12 µm, excretory pore in the region of median pharyngeal bulb, 43 to 47 µm anterior to hemizonid. Deladenus processus n. sp., isolated from bark of healthy A. lebbeck tree, was cultured on Alternaria alternata. Myceliophagous females reproduced by amphimixis and their spermathecae contained rounded sperms. Infective females were never produced, even in old cultures. Myceliophagous females: L = 0.76 to 0.99 mm, a = 34 to 49, b = 13.3 to 17.7, b’ = 3.8 to 5.8, c = 19.6 to 22.8, V = 92.2 to 93.5, c’ = 2.7 to 3.5, stylet = 6 to 7 µm, excretory pore in the proximity of hemizonid, tail conoid, tapering from both sides to a long pointed central process. It is proposed to classify Deladenus species in three groups: durus, siricidicola, and laricis groups based on female and spermatogonia dimorphism, mode of reproduction, and insect parasitism.     

Morphological Variation in Xiphinema spp. from New York Orchards

Xiphinema specimens were collected from orchards in southeastern, northeastern, and western New York. Total length, distance of vulva from anterior end, spear length (odontostyle plus odontophore), body diameter at vulva, tail length, anal body diameter, and length and diameter of hyaline tail tip were measured on fixed, glycerol-infiltrated adult females. Most specimens were identified as X. americanum or X. rivesi, but one western New York population was identified as X. californicum (a new record for New York). Multivariate analyses indicated that, with one exception, western New York populations of both X. americanum and X. rivesi were smaller and slimmer than their eastern counterparts. Regional differences were generally larger than differences attributed to host species.     

The monoterpenes of Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, Artemisia cana ssp. viscidula and Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis.

Monoterpenes from three different members of the Anthemideae family, Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, Artemisia cana ssp. viscidula and Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis were isolated and their structures determined using spectroscopic techniques. A total of 26 irregular and regular monoterpenes were identified. Among these, 20 had previously been identified in the Anthemideae family. Of the remaining six, four were known, but previously unidentified in this family. 2,2-Dimethyl-6-isopropenyl-2H-pyran, 2,3-dimethyl-6-isopropyl-4H-pyran and 2-isopropenyl-5-methylhexa-trans-3,5-diene-1-ol were isolated from both A. tridentata ssp. vaseyana and A. cana ssp. viscidula. The irregular monoterpene 2,2-dimethyl-6-isopropenyl-2H-pyran has a carbon skeleton analogous to the biologically important triterpene squalene. Two additional irregular monoterpenes, artemisia triene and trans-chrysanthemal were isolated from A. cana ssp. viscidula and lavandulol was isolated from A. tridentata ssp. spiciformis. This is the first time a compound possessing a lavandulyl-skeletal type has been found in the Anthemideae family.     

Meloidogyne polycephannulata n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a root-knot nematode parasitizing carrot in Brazil

Meloidogyne polycephannulata n. sp. is described from specimens collected from an area cultivated with carrot cv. Brasilia, in the city of Rio Paranaíba, in the region of Alto Paranaíba, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The perineal pattern of the female is circular to ovoid with a high dorsal arch that has widely spaced, coarse annulations. The lateral field may have a deep furrow separating the dorsal and ventral arches. The medial lips are short and wide, whereas the lateral lips are large and triangular. The female stylet is 15-16 μm long with wide knobs, distinctly divided by an indentation in the center. Its tip is slightly curved dorsally. The excretory pore opens 34-65 μm from the anterior end. Females retain eggs and second-stage juveniles in their body cavity, similar to that of the cyst-forming nematodes. Males are 1.3-1.7 mm long and have a high head cap that is rounded and slopes posteriorly. The labial disc is fused to the medial lips. The head region has several irregular annulations that are similar in appearance to the first or second body annules that are likewise irregular, making the head region appear to be extremely large. The stylet of the male is 21-24 μm long; it is slender, and has small, rounded knobs, that are distinctly indented medially and appear heart-shaped. The shaft has several tiny projections throughout its length. Mean second-stage juvenile length is 411.7 μm. The juvenile head cap is elevated, the medial lips are small, and the lateral lips are elongate to triangular-shaped. The head region has several short, incomplete and irregular transverse annulations. The juvenile stylet is 14-23 μm long with small, rounded, and sloping knobs. The thin tail ends with a short hyaline portion that is variable in size (16-26 μm) and with a small, rounded tip. Isozyme profiles of esterases from Meloidogyne javanica show 3 strong bands (SB) at Rm 46, 59, and 66; profiles of M. polycephannulata n. sp. show a SB at Rm 47 and a weak band (WB) at Rm 52; M. petuniae has two SB at Rm 44 and 53; M. phaseoli has a SB at 53, 58, and 64 Rm; M. brasilensis has three SB at Rm 40, 58, and 66 and a WB at Rm 71; M. pisi has a SB at Rm 40, 60, and 64 and two WB at 46 and 50 Rm. Data from sequencing the 18S rDNA region of M. polycephannulata n. sp. confirms that it is different from M. arabicida, M. arenaria, M. ethiopica, M. incognita, M. javanica, M. paranaensis, and M. thailandica. Sequence identity among these eight species ranged between 85 to 93.4%. Meloidogyne polycephannulata n. sp. reproduces very well on carrot and tomato; poorly on pepper; and not at all on cotton, peanut, tobacco, watermelon, and sweet corn.     

Volatile components from European liverworts Marsupella emarginata,M. aquatica and M. alpina

The hydrodistillation products of the liverworts Marsupella emarginata, M. aquatica and M. alpina were investigated by spectroscopic methods. A number of new compounds could be isolated by preparative gas chromatography (GC) and identified by spectroscopic techniques including GC-mass spectrometry, NMR and chemical correlations in conjunction with enantioselective GC. From M. emarginata, in addition to many known compounds, the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (-)-7-epi-eremophila-1(10),8,11-triene (1) and the sesquiterpene derivatives (-)-4-epi-marsupellol (2), (-)-marsupellol acetate (18), (-)-4-epi-marsupellol acetate (4), (+)-5-hydroxymarsupellol acetate (5) and (-)-9-acetoxygymnomitr-8(12)-ene (24) could be identified. In M. aquatica the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (-)-myltayl-8(12)-ene (7), ent-(+)-amorpha-4,11-diene (8), (-)-amorpha-4,7(11)-diene (9), the sesquiterpene alcohol (+)-9-hydroxyselina-4,11-diene (10) and (-)-2-acetoxyamorpha-4,7(11)-diene (11) were identified. In M. alpina (-)-trans-selina-4(15),11-dien-5-ol (12), (+)-8,9-epoxyselina-4,11-diene (13) and (+)-cis-selina-4(15),11-dien-5-ol (14) were found as new natural products.     

Criconemella spp. in Pennsylvania Peach Orchards with Morphological Observations of C. curvata and C. ornata

Criconemella xenoplax and C. curvata, previously associated with decline of peach trees in other parts of the United States, were found in 20 of 25 Pennsylvania peach orchards. Population densities were high in some samples. Morphometrics of juveniles and adult females of Criconemella curvata and C. ornata, are provided. Cuticular crenations were observed on J2 and J3 stages of C. curvata and J2-J4 stages of C. ornata.     

Emended description of the genus Rhodothalassium Imhoff et al., 1998 and proposal of Rhodothalassiaceae fam. nov. and Rhodothalassiales ord. nov

Five strains (JA325, JA389, JA473, JA563 and JA582) of Gram stain-negative, vibrioid to spiral shaped, phototrophic purple bacteria were isolated from solar salterns of India. All strains contained bacteriochlorophyll-a and carotenoids of the spirilloxanthin series as photosynthetic pigments. C_18:1ω7c, C_18:1ω7c 11-methyl and C_16:0 were the major fatty acids of all strains. Diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), ornithine lipid (OL), an unidentified phospholipid (PL), and an unidentified aminolipid (AL) were the major polar lipids of all the strains. According to 16S rRNA gene sequences, all strains clustered phylogenetically with the only species of the genus Rhodothalassium (99.8–99.3% sequence similarity) but only strains JA325 and JA563 were distinctly related (60 + 1.5% DNA–DNA hybridization [DDH]) to the type strain Rhodothalassium salexigens DSM 2132^T. However, the genotypic data of strains JA325 and JA563 was not supported because of a large number of phenotypic differences compared to the type strain, therefore, it is proposed that all five newly isolated strains were R. salexigens-like strains. In addition, phylogenetically, the Rhodothalassium clade represented a distinct lineage and formed a deep branch with less than 90% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to other orders of the Alphaproteobacteria, and characteristic phenotypic properties also distinguished these bacteria from other purple non-sulfur bacteria. Therefore, the novel family Rhodothalassiaceae fam. nov. and the novel order Rhodothalassiales ord. nov. are proposed for the distinct phyletic line represented by the genus Rhodothalassium.     

Prenylated acetophenones from Melicope obscura and Melicope obtusifolia ssp. obtusifolia var. arborea and their distribution in Rutaceae

Four prenylated acetophenones 2,6-dihydroxy-4-geranyloxyacetophenone (1), 4-geranyloxy-2,6,β-trihydroxyacetophenone (2), 2,6-dihydroxy-4-geranyloxy-3-prenylacetophenone (3), and 4-geranyloxy-3-prenyl-2,6,β-trihydroxyacetophenone (4) have for the first time been isolated from Melicope obscura (1 and 2) and Melicope obtusifolia ssp. obtusifolia var. arborea (3 and 4). The distribution of prenylated acetophenones in Rutaceae is reviewed and the results, including the new records, indicate that prenylated acetophenones are valuable as chemotaxonomic markers for the subfamily Rutoideae, tribe Xanthoxyleae sensu Engler.