Faba Bean Necrotic Yellows Virus Naturally Infects Phaseolus Bean and Cowpea in the Coastal Area of Syria

In an attempt to identify possible summer hosts of the faba bean necrotic yellows virus (FBNYV), a field survey was conducted in the coastal area of Syria. Using a monoclonal antibody to FBNYV in indirect ELISA, FBNYV was detected in a large number of samples from Phaseolus vulgaris L. and in a few samples from Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. in which it caused severe symptoms. This is the first report of natural infection of P. vulgaris and V. unguiculata with FBNYV.     

Light energy supply in plate-type and light diffusing optical fiber bioreactors

The light distribution profiles of plate-type photobioreactors were investigated. Light reaching individual channels of a plate module is dependent on the orientation of the module to the sun, the position of the channel within a plate and the position of the plate. The highest incident radiation was measured at the south oriented side of the first channel of the front plate. The light intensity decreased from top to ground channels. Different types of light diffusing optical fibers (LDOF) were characterized with respect to their applicability in photobioreactor systems.