Genetic and physical localization of the root-knot nematode resistance locus Mi in tomato

As part of a map-based cloning strategy designed to isolate the root-knot nematode resistance gene Mi, tomato F2 populations were analyzed in order to identify recombination points close to this economically important gene. A total of 21 089 F2 progeny plants were screened using morphological markers. An additional 1887 F2 were screened using PCR-based flanking markers. Fine-structure mapping of recombinants with newly developed AFLP markers, and RFLP markers derived from physically mapped cosmid subclones, localized Mi to a genomic region of about 550 kb. The low frequency of recombinants indicated that recombination was generally suppressed in these crosses and that crossovers were restricted to particular regions. To circumvent this problem, a population of Lycopersicon peruvianum, the species from which Mi was originally introgressed, that was segregating for resistance was developed. Screening of this population with PCR, RFLP and AFLP markers identified several plants with crossovers near Mi. Recombination frequency was approximately eight-fold higher in the Mi region of the L. peruvianum cross. However, even within the wild species cross, recombination sites were not uniformly distributed in the region. By combining data from the L. esculentum and L. peruvianum recombinant analyses, it was possible to localize Mi to a region of the genome spanning less than 65 kb. Received: 15 July 1997 / Accepted: 1 October 1997     

Survival and proliferation of alginate encapsulated Trichoderma spp. in Egyptian soil in comparison with allyl alcohol soil fumigation

Conidia of Trichoderma harzianum and T. pseudokoningii (Rifai) were formulated to make alginate pellets withor without 10% cellulose as a food-base material. The formulations were compared for their ability for survival and proliferation of Trichoderma spp. in clay-loamy soil (50% moisture content)with allyl alcohol fumigation (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 ml/1000 ml space). Trichoderma medium E (TME) containing 100 g/ml pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) was valuable for isolation and counting of Trichoderma spp. from the tested soil than the Glucose-Czapek's agar medium containing 1:15000 Rose-bengal. The promotive effect of Trichoderma by different doses of allyl alcohol fumigationstill enhanced after two-month incubation period. Conidia entrapped in alginate with or without cellulose and introduced into the soil survived better than conidia added directly to the same soil after three months incubation period. Sterile soil provided a more favorable environment for the proliferation and survival of immobilized conidia than the non-sterile soil, and the addition of 10% cellulose increased the survival of the entrapped conidia more than those prepared without cellulose. Soil fumigation inhibited the occurrence of other fungal species; however, inoculation of the soil with alginate immobilized conidia or conidial suspension had such inhibitory effect but in a less extent.This revised version was published online in October 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

Fungi native to agricultural soils that colonized commercially available biodegradable mulch (BDM) films were isolated and assessed for potential to degrade plastics. Typically, when formulations of plastics are known and a source of the feedstock is available, powdered plastic can be suspended in agar-based media and degradation determined by visualization of clearing zones. However, this approach poorly mimics in situ degradation of BDMs. First, BDMs are not dispersed as small particles throughout the soil matrix. Secondly, BDMs are not sold commercially as pure polymers, but rather as films containing additives (e.g. fillers, plasticizers and dyes) that may affect microbial growth. The procedures described herein were used for isolates acquired from soil-buried mulch films. Fungal isolates acquired from excavated BDMs were tested individually for growth on pieces of new, disinfested BDMs laid atop defined medium containing no carbon source except agar. Isolates that grew on BDMs were further tested in liquid medium where BDMs were the sole added carbon source. After approximately ten weeks, fungal colonization and BDM degradation were assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Isolates were identified via analysis of ribosomal RNA gene sequences. This report describes methods for fungal isolation, but bacteria also were isolated using these methods by substituting media appropriate for bacteria. Our methodology should prove useful for studies investigating breakdown of intact plastic films or products for which plastic feedstocks are either unknown or not available. However our approach does not provide a quantitative method for comparing rates of BDM degradation.     

Methyl benzoate fumigation for control of post-harvest pests and its effects on apple quality

Methyl benzoate is a newly discovered natural insecticide. In this study, we evaluated methyl benzoate as a potential fumigant for controlling four pests including western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis, lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri, rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, and bulb mites, Rhizoglyphus spp., at different temperatures and effects on post-harvest quality of apples. Methyl benzoate fumigations were effective against all four pests. Complete control of WFT and lettuce aphid was both achieved in 8, 16 and 24 hr at 25, 13 and 2°C, respectively. For rice weevil, complete control was achieved in 16 and 72 hr with and without rice at 25°C, respectively. Complete control of bulb mites was achieved in 64 hr at 25°C on peanut. In addition, a 24 hr methyl benzoate fumigation at 2°C had complete control of WFT but had no negative impact on visual quality of apples of three varieties 4 weeks after fumigation. These results suggest that methyl benzoate fumigation has potential to be an alternative treatment to methyl bromide fumigation, which has been phased out, for post-harvest pest control for stored products and may also have potential to control other pests on fresh products.     

蔬菜无土栽培营养液中的氮素及其调控

综述了蔬菜无土栽培营养液配方中氮素形态、浓度对蔬菜生长发育的影响,以及环境条件对不同形态氮素吸收的影响。经分析认为：蔬菜对氮素形态的吸收因作物种类、基质、pH值等条件而异。多数人认为：不使用或部分使用NH4^ —N有利于蔬菜生长发育,其适宜配比因蔬菜种类、气候等条件而异。在低温弱光下,部分使用NH4^ —N有利于蔬菜生长发育;在高温强光下,使用NH4^ —N不利于蔬菜生长发育。蔬菜作物营养液的氮素浓度大部分在100～250mg／L,在其适宜范围内,增加氮素浓度有利于作物高产。     

RAPD and SCAR markers linked to the Ma1 root-knot nematode resistance gene in Myrobalan plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehr.)

 The Myrobalan plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a self-incompatible species in which the clones P.2175, P.1079 and P.2980 are highly resistant to all root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne spp. Each clone bears a single major dominant gene, designated Ma1, Ma2 and Ma3 respectively, that controls a high and wide-spectrum resistance. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis were both performed to detect markers linked to the Ma1 gene using three segregating progenies from P.2175 (Ma1 ma1) crossed by three host parents (ma1 ma1). Four dominant coupling-phase markers were identified from a total of 660 10-base primers tested. The resulting linkage map spans 14.7 cM and comprises three markers located on the same side of Ma1 and one marker located on the other side. The nearest markers (OPAL19₇₂₀ and OPA16₁₄₀₀) are located at 3.7 and 6.7 cM, respectively, on each side of the gene. Among the three markers that could be successfully converted into sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers, two of them (SCAL19₆₉₀ and SCAN12₆₂₀) were scored as dominant markers whereas the third (SCAO19₇₇₀) failed to produce any polymorphism. SCAL19, and to a lesser extent SCAN12, can be used reliably in the marker-assisted selection of Prunus rootstocks. These markers are adequate to identify the Ma1 RKN resistance gene in intraspecific segregating progenies and will be suitable for the creation of interspecific rootstocks involving Myrobalan plum. Some of the RAPD and SCAR markers for Ma1 were also recovered in clones P.1079 and P.2980, but not in additional host clones, suggesting that Ma1, Ma2 and Ma3 are either allelic or at least closely linked. Received: 22 September 1998 / Accepted: 19 December 1998     

Potential for Site-specific Management of Meloidogyne incognita in Cotton Using Soil Textural Zones

The effect of various edaphic factors on Meloidogyne incognita population densities and cotton yield were evaluated from 2001 to 2003 in a commercial cotton field in southeastern Arkansas. The 6.07-ha field was subdivided into 512 plots (30.5 m × 3.9 m), and each plot was sampled for M. incognita prior to fumigation (Ppre), at planting (Pi), at peak bloom (Pm) and at harvest (Pf) each year. Soil texture (percent sand fraction) and the pre-plant soil fertility levels each year were determined from each plot. To ensure that a range of nematode population densities was available for study, 1,3-dichloropropene was applied in strips (3.9-m wide) at rates of 14.1, 29.2 and 42.2 liter/ha (128 plots each) each year 2 wk prior to planting. Data were evaluated using both stepwise and multiple regression analyses to determine relationships among edaphic factors, nematode population densities and yield. Although Pi and the percent sand fraction of the soil were the most important factors in explaining the variation in cotton yield, regression models only accounted for <26% of the variation in yield. When the same data were evaluated on a more homogeneous large-scale platform based on similar geographic locations, soil types and nematicide treatments, regression models that included both Pi and sand content explained 65%, 86% and 83% of the variability in yield for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. Prediction profiles of the combined effects also demonstrated that damage potential for M. incognita on cotton in this study varied by soil texture.     

中国水果和蔬菜昆虫授粉的经济价值评估

水果和蔬菜是二大类最主要的虫媒作物, 在农业生产中占据十分重要的地位, 但是近几十年来授粉昆虫在多国出现了不同程度的下降, 影响了农业生产的经济效益。为了明确中国主要授粉昆虫的现状以及昆虫授粉在中国水果和蔬菜生产中的经济地位, 本文分析了1961-2009年间中国主要授粉昆虫蜜蜂的数量动态以及水果和蔬菜种植的变化特征; 并以2008年种植的与人类食品密切相关的44种水果和蔬菜为研究对象, 引入农作物对昆虫授粉的依赖性参数, 应用生物经济学的方法评估了昆虫授粉对中国水果和蔬菜产生的经济价值。结果表明: 1961-2009年的49年之间, 中国主要授粉昆虫蜜蜂蜂群数量增加了161%, 水果和蔬菜种植面积增加了472%, 产量增加了833%。中国水果和蔬菜中虫媒作物产量的提高, 与作物种植面积的增长密切相关（r=0.995, P<0.01）, 也与主要授粉昆虫蜜蜂蜂群数量增加有关（r=0.804, P<0.01）。2008年昆虫授粉对中国水果和蔬菜产生的经济价值为521.7亿美元, 占44种水果和蔬菜总产值的25.5%。水果类对昆虫授粉的依赖程度较高, 授粉产生的经济价值大于蔬菜类。在昆虫授粉的贡献中, 苹果、西瓜、梨、芒果和李占据前5位。昆虫授粉对中国水果和蔬菜产生的经济价值十分巨大, 中国水果和蔬菜对昆虫授粉的依赖程度超过15.9%的全球平均水平。随着中国水果和蔬菜种植面积的持续增长, 中国需要更多的授粉昆虫为其提供授粉服务。     

Advances in coffee tissue culture and its practical applications

Genetic improvement of coffee, an important commercial crop, through classical breeding is slow and cumbersome. Biotechnology offers alternative strategies for generating new and improved coffee varieties, including those resistances to environmental extremes, pests, and diseases, low in caffeine, and with uniform fruit maturation. Large improvements in somatic embryogenesis, development of haploids, and scale-up of micropropagation have been accomplished in the last 5 yr. The recent identification of expressed sequence tags (EST) that are differentially expressed during the infestation of coffee plants by coffee leaf miners and the isolation and cloning of the promoter for the N-methyltransferase gene associated with caffeine production open up the possibility of producing varieties of coffee with new traits. This review provides a summary of in vitro biological advances and directions as to how they could be applied to improve the production and quality of coffee.     

Efficacy of Ethoprop on Meloidogyne hapla and M. chitwoodi and Enhanced Biodegradation in Soil

Responses of egg masses, free eggs, and second-stage juveniles (J2) ofMeloidogyne hapla and M. chitwoodi to ethoprop were evaluated. The results indicated that J2 were the most sensitive, followed by free eggs and egg masses. In general, M. chitwoodi was more susceptible to ethoprop than M. hapla. Ethoprop at 7.2 μg a.i./g soil protected tomato roots from upward migrating M. chitwoodi for 5 weeks. The zone of protection was extended to 10 and 20 cm below the root zone when 3.6 and 7.2 cm water were applied over 8 days. Ethoprop at 1.8, 3.6, and 7.2 μg a.i./g soil degraded faster and killed fewer M. chitwoodi J2 in potato field soil previously exposed to ethoprop than in unexposed soil or sterilized exposed soil. The enhanced biodegradation property of the exposed soil lasted 17 months after the last application of ethoprop. The limited downward movement of ethoprop in the soil, migration of M. chitwoodi J2 into the treated zone, presence of resistant life stage(s) at the time of application, and loss of efficacy due to enhanced biodegradation may have a significant effect on the performance of ethoprop.     

Relationship of in vitro and in planta screening: improving the selection process for biological control agents against Fusarium root rot in row crops

Fusarium root rot in row crops is typically managed by cultural practices and fungicide seed treatments. Biological control using microbial agents is another option but needs further development for improved disease management. Screening to identify biocontrol agents are crucial. However, relationships among the steps and how to improve the screening process are unresolved questions. Strains of Burkholderia (4), Bacillus (5) and Trichoderma (26) were studied in vitro against six Fusarium pathogens. All the bacteria and five selected Trichoderma strains were tested in planta in the greenhouse against diseases of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium oxysporum. Burkholderia ambifaria C628, Bacillus simplex R180, and all Trichoderma isolates showed high reduction in disease levels in corn, soybean and wheat, ranging from 16 to 63%. Responses of the biocontrol agents during in vitro and in planta screening did not always correlate. In vitro and in planta tests should be considered independently in selecting biocontrol candidates.     

辽宁东部山区土壤污染状况与防治对策研究

采用灰色聚类法与综合污染指数法对辽宁省东部山区3个县区土壤污染现状进行了调查和评价．结果表明,岫岩县土壤主要污染物是Mg、B、Pb和As．宽甸县土壤重金属主要污染物是B、Mg和Pb等;而凤城市境内除发现较为严重的Ph、Mg污染,凤城镇的Hg污染也达到重度污染水平。系统分析了当地土壤污染的主要污染物类型及其原因．提出了Mg、B的污染防治对策．     

Environmentally safe substances for controlling the root-knot nematode,Meloidogyne arenaria infested potato and their influence on yield and alkaloidal content in Egypt

The nematicidal action of three seed mill wastes from cress (Eruca sativa Mill.), castor (Ricinus communis L.) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) as soil additives were tested at three rates (on base lower rate, recommended rate and higher rate), under field conditions at the research and production station of the National Research Centre, El-Nubaria district, El-Beheira governorate, Western Nile Delta region, Egypt, to study the physiological influence of these substances on potato yield, their role against Meloidogyne arenaria infection and the alkaloidal content. All the evaluated treatments significantly (p???0.05 and/or 0.01) reduced the numbers of juveniles in soil and in roots, number of galls, egg masses, gall and egg mass indices and consequently rate of nematode build-up as compared to untreated plants(control). Statistical differences in the nematode stages were found within and between treatments. The percentage of reduction in the nematode stages was comparatively more with using of Linseed mill wastes followed by castor seed mill wastes, then cress seed mill wastes. Regarding to the potato yield, all the evaluated amendments achieved significantly (p???0.05 and/or 0.01) increased, total contents of alkaloidal content as compared to untreated plants. On the other hand, all the evaluated amendments achieved significantly (p???0.05 and/or 0.01) decreased the solanine values as compared to untreated plants. These results indicate that some natural compounds may be used as natural nematicides in controlling M. arenaria nematode and improving the quality and yield of potato plants.     

Effect of soil management on Heterorhabditis bacteriophora GPS11 persistence and biological control in a vegetable production system

Soil habitat conditions that promote abundance and persistence of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) might be encouraged by reduced tillage and compost amendments. We hypothesized that altered soil management with reduced tillage, cover crops (clover and barley), and compost (100 kg of N/ha), would increase survival and biocontrol services of EPNs, compared with conventional management. Field trials were conducted at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center Muck Crops Research Station, Huron County, OH in 2010 and 2011. Plots were planted with carrots. EPNs, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora GPS11, were released and their survival was compared between the two soil management regimes by sampling over a period of 8 weeks using in situ bait traps containing Galleria mellonella. Repeated measures analysis of variance did not show significant differences between the two soil management regimes in the pattern of H. bacteriophora survival over time or during any evaluation in either year, except 2 weeks after cadaver application in 2010 when the EPN population was significantly greater in the conventional than in the alternative soil management regime. Although treatment effects were generally not significant, statistically significant increase in nematode population densities between the 2 years of the study, despite generally poor weather conditions following EPN release in the second year, provide encouraging evidence that populations of these biological control agents could increase in vegetable production fields. However, longer periods may be required for clearly distinguishable increase in EPN population density, persistence, and biological control services in the alternative soil management treatments.     

覆膜对春小麦农田微生物数量和土壤养分的影响

研究了黄绵土区不同覆膜时期对旱作麦田土壤微生物数量及其与土壤碳、氮、磷含量的关系。丰水的 1 999年 ,土壤微生物数量增长早 ,延续时间长 ,覆膜 60 d微生物数量最高 (3 3 .93 8× 1 0 6 /g dry soil) ,其次为全程覆膜 (3 2 .2 5 9× 1 0 6 ) ;干旱的 2 0 0 0年微生物平均数量只有 1 999年的 3 6.5 % ,在后期有一定降水后微生物数量才出现高峰 ,以全程覆膜数量最高(1 4.83 6× 1 0 6 ) ,覆膜 60 d次之 (1 1 .5 2 9× 1 0 6 )。 1 999年各类群微生物数量同土壤有机碳之间均呈显著或极显著负相关。2 0 0 0年相关系数几乎全面下降 ,氨化细菌、硝化细菌和反硝化细菌 ,甚至微生物总量同土壤有机碳之间都已不再显著相关。 1 999年土壤全氮同氨化细菌、硝化细菌、亚硝化细菌、解磷细菌及微生物总量均呈显著或极显著负相关 ,2 0 0 0年只与氨化细菌、亚硝化细菌、微生物总数显著负相关。土壤速效磷含量在 1 999年与解磷细菌显著负相关 ,而在 2 0 0 0年相关已不再显著。两年试验结束后 ,全程覆膜处理有机质下降 2 1 .2 % ,覆膜 60 d处理下降 1 7.2 % ,覆膜 3 0 d和不覆膜处理下降相对较小 (4 .3 %和 6.7% )。由于施用化肥 ,土壤全氮有明显升高。速效磷在 1 999生长季和随后的休闲期都有升高 ,在干旱的 2 0 0 0     

Breeding for nematode and virus resistance in potato via anther culture

Summary In Solanum tuberosum the production by parthenogenesis of 2x plants with 24 chromosomes, and the regeneration of microspores of such dihaploids to yield monohaploid (1x) plants is reproducibly possible, at least for some specific genotypes. Experiments are described using tissue culture techniques in an applied breeding program with the main aim of increasing the level of resistance to the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida (Stone) and to the potato viruses X, Y and leaf roll. These resistances follow quantitative as well as qualitative modes of inheritance. Using anther culture it is demonstrated that doubled monohaploid clones can be produced which possess the resistance in the homozygous condition. In both ways of inheritance the ratio of resistant clones is rather high. The genotype of the anther donor plant has, however, a strong influence on the total number of androgenetic plants which can be regenerated. Therefore, experiments were initiated with the aim of integrating this capacity for regeneration (tissue culture ability) into valuable genotypes. The results show that the potentiality for regeneration is under genetic control and can be utilized by combination breeding. Its inheritance and physiological basis, as well as the behaviour of complete homozygous clones, is discussed.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Joseph Straub on the occasion of his 70. birthday     

Trap cropping to control Delia radicum populations in cruciferous crops: first results and future applications

This study evaluates the efficacy of a new approach to the control of Delia radicum populations. We suggest associating the primary crop with a trap crop that is expected to be more attractive to D. radicum females and to attract and sustain their natural enemies such as Aleochara bilineata and A. bipustulata. Various cruciferous species were compared in terms of their preference for adult D. radicum females, and performance, as estimated by larval survival. Laboratory results were complemented by field experiments in which the selected trap crops were associated with broccoli plants. The following results were obtained. Of the six different cruciferous plant species tested, Delia radicum females showed a strong preference for Chinese cabbage, with turnip also being attractive. Following the laboratory results, turnip was chosen as a trap crop because it was easier to cultivate and presented good preference and performance. In the field experiments, Aleochara adults were present in higher numbers in plots associated with turnips than in pure broccoli plots. The presence of Aleochara adults in plots with turnips improved plant protection; as fewer broccoli plants were attacked, the attacked plants were less severely damaged, and more D. radicum pupae were parasitised than in pure broccoli plots. Delia radicum females did not lay fewer eggs on broccoli plants associated with turnips. Moreover, protection and parasitism were more effective in the rows closest to the central row of turnips, suggesting that Aleochara adults limit their activity to its immediate vicinity.     

Recombinant expression of Garlic virus C (GARV-C) capsid protein in insect cells and its potential for the production of specific antibodies

Garlic cultivars in Brazil are infected by a complex of viruses and for some virus species, such as the allexivirus, purification of the virions is sometimes cumbersume. To overcome this problem, recombinant expression of viral proteins in heterologous systems is an alternative method for producing antibodies. The capsid gene from Garlic virus C (GarV-C), an Allexivirus, was inserted into the genome of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) generating the recombinant virus vSynGarV-C. The recombinant protein expression was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western-blot of extracts from recombinant virus infected insect cells, where a protein band of approximately 32 KDa was observed only in extracts from recombinant infected cells. This protein corresponded to the predicted size of the capsid protein of the GarV-C. A rabbit polyclonal antibody was raised against this protein, shown to be specific for the GarV-C protein in western-blot and dot-Elisa, however with a low titer.     

Strip-tilled Cover Cropping for Managing Nematodes, Soil Mesoarthropods, and Weeds in a Bitter Melon Agroecosystem

A field trial was conducted to examine whether strip-tilled cover cropping followed by living mulch practice could suppress root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and enhance beneficial nematodes and other soil mesofauna, while suppressing weeds throughout two vegetable cropping seasons. Sunn hemp (SH), Crotalaria juncea, and French marigold (MG), Tagetes patula, were grown for three months, strip-tilled, and bitter melon (Momordica charantia) seedlings were transplanted into the tilled strips; the experiment was conducted twice (Season I and II). Strip-tilled cover cropping with SH prolonged M. incognita suppression in Season I but not in Season II where suppression was counteracted with enhanced crop growth. Sunn hemp also consistently enhanced bacterivorous and fungivorous nematode population densities prior to cash crop planting, prolonged enhancement of the Enrichment Index towards the end of both cash crop cycles, and increased numbers of soil mesoarthropods. Strip-tilled cover cropping of SH followed by clipping of the living mulch as surface mulch also reduced broadleaf weed populations up to 3 to 4 weeks after cash crop planting. However, SH failed to reduce soil disturbance as indicated by the Structure Index. Marigold suppressed M. incognita efficiently when planted immediately following a M. incognita-susceptible crop, but did not enhance beneficial soil mesofauna including free-living nematodes and soil mesoarthropods. Strip-tilled cover cropping of MG reduced broadleaf weed populations prior to cash crop planting in Season II, but this weed suppression did not last beyond the initial cash crop cycle.     

辽西低山丘陵地区水平槽防治水土流失的研究

采用野外调查、定位实验和室内分析相结合的方法 ,通过水平槽与鱼磷坑、荒坡防治水土流失的比较 ,研究了水平槽工程及其生物措施防治低山丘陵地带的水土流失所起的作用 .结果表明 ,水平槽工程利用截水埂拦截径流 ,通过增大土壤入渗速率和延长入渗时间 ,蓄积更多的水分 ;结合植树种草减少蒸发 .水平槽在截获径流的同时 ,也使径流携带的有机无机物质沉积在槽内 ,参与土壤的进一步发育 ,改善当地的农业生态环境 .