Occurrence and correlations of nematodes,Fusarium oxysporum and edaphic factors on banana plantations

Problems caused by nematodes and Fusarium wilt (Panama disease) on banana plantations are responsible for yield losses and are limiting to its cultivation. In the state of Goias, there is little information about the nematode occurence on this crop, and its relation with the incidence of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc). This research had the purpose to identify the occurrence of plant‐parasitic nematodes on banana plantations and to verify its correlation with the Fusarium wilt and with the soil attributes (pH, texture, nutrients). Twelve banana orchards in the state of Goias were sampled in the municipalities of Anapolis, Caiaponia, Goiatuba, Itaguaru, Itumbiara (two areas), Jatai, Morrinhos, Ouro Verde, Palestina, Taquaral and Uruana. All sampled areas, except Morrinhos, revealed contamination with Foc, and all areas had different genera of nematodes either in the soil or in the roots samples. Meloidogyne sp., Helicotylenchus sp. and Rotylenchus sp. were the main genera of plant‐parasitic nematodes found in the samples, with Meloidogyne sp. and Rotylenchus sp. being the most dominant and abundant genera. The presence of Pratylenchus sp. increases the population levels of F. oxysporum. Helicotylenchus sp. is highly correlated with high concentrations of Mn. High population density of Meloidogyne sp. was found in irrigated areas with low concentrations of P, Ca, Mg and soil pH.     

Biomineralization Abilities of Cupriavidus Strain and Bacillus subtilis Strains In Vitro Isolated from Speleothems,Rani Cave,Chhattisgarh, India

In vitro culture experiments using three bacterial strains CSJC1, CSJC2, and CSJC3 isolated from speleothems, Rani cave, Chhattisgarh, India, were studied to examine their biomineralization potential. These speleothems showed high microbial cell enumerations on nutrient agar and iron agar (9 × 10⁴ CFU/g) followed by thiosulfate agar (7 × 10⁴ CFU/g), and 60 diverse strains were isolated. The BLASTn sequence search of 16S rRNA sequences with the NCBI database to establish the identity of CSJC1, CSJC2, and CSJC3 strains yielded similarity scores of ≥99% with the respective organisms, and the strains were identified as CSJC1 – Bacillus sp., CSJC2 – Cupriavidus sp., CSJC3 – Bacillus sp. The phylogenetic analysis of CSJC2 strain suggests that it formed a separate major cluster with Cupriavidus sp. and Cupriavidus necator. The phylogenetic analysis of CSJC1 and CSJC3 strains revealed that it formed a major cluster with several strains of Bacillus sp. and Bacillus subtilis. The biominerals induced by Cupriavidus sp. CSJC2 strain imaged with an ultra high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) were seen as calcified coccoid shells that transformed into calcified dumbbells. FE-SEM imaging of biominerals induced by B. subtilis CSJC1 and CSJC3 tested both on B4 media and sheep blood agar individually showed that the precipitates formed calcified dumbbells that were almost similar but not identical phenotypically, indicating that strain-specific morphologies and crystal formation is easier when Ca is present in the media. This is the first comprehensive report on the possible evidences about the role of Cupriavidus sp. in calcite precipitation isolated from speleothems in the Indian caves. These results allow us to postulate that the identified strains may have a role in the biogenic influences in mineral formations at Rani cave.     

Isolation of biosurfactant producers, optimization and properties of biosurfactant produced by Acinetobacter sp. from petroleum-contaminated soil

Aims: To screen and identify biosurfactant producers from petroleum‐contaminated soil; to use response surface methodology (RSM) for medium optimization to enhance biosurfactant production; and to study the properties of the newly obtained biosurfactant towards pH, temperature and salinity. Methods and Results: We successfully isolated three biosurfactant producers from petroleum‐contaminated soil and identified them through 16S rRNA sequence analysis, which exhibit the highest similarities to Acinetobacter beijerinckii (100%), Kocuria marina (99%) and Kineococcus marinus (99%), respectively. A quadratic response model was constructed through RSM designs, leading to a 57·5% increase of the growth‐associated biosurfactant production by Acinetobacter sp. YC‐X 2 with an optimized medium: beef extract 3·12 g l^?1; peptone 20·87 g l^?1; NaCl 1·04 g l^?1; and n‐hexadecane 1·86 g l^?1. Biosurfactant produced by Acinetobacter sp. YC‐X 2 retained its properties during exposure to a wide range of pH values (5–11), high temperatures (up to 121°C) and high salinities [up to 18% (w/v) Na⁺ and Ca²⁺], which was more sensitive to Ca²⁺ than Na⁺. Conclusions: Two novel biosurfactant producers were isolated from petroleum‐contaminated soil. Biosurfactant from Acinetobacter sp. YC‐X 2 has good properties to a wide range of pH, high temperature and high salinity, and its production was optimized successfully through RSM. Significance and Impact of the Study: The fact, an increasing demand of high‐quality surfactants and the lack of cost‐competitive bioprocesses of biosurfactants for commercial utilization, motivates researchers to develop cost‐effective strategies for biosurfactant production through isolating new biosurfactant producers with special surface‐active properties and optimizing their cultural conditions. Two novel biosurfactant producers in this study will widen our knowledge about this kind of micro‐organism. This work is the first application of RSM designs for cultural optimization of biosurfactant produced by Acinetobacter genus and the first report that biosurfactant may be more sensitive to Ca²⁺ than Na⁺.     

壳聚糖酶生产菌的筛选、鉴定及其产酶培养条件的研究

从土样中分离到60株分泌胞外壳聚糖酶的菌株,经过筛选,其中有1株细菌产酶能力较高.生理生化试验鉴定该细菌为假单胞菌(Pseudomonas sp.).对假单胞菌产酶的培养条件研究结果表明:最适培养基组分为(g/L):壳聚糖5,氨基葡萄糖2,硝酸氨2,MgSO4·7H2O 0.5,KH2PO4 0.4,KCL 0.5,FeSO4·7H2O 0.01,起始pH 6.5;适宜培养条件是:接种量2.0×107个/50ml培养液,28℃,120 r/min振荡培养3d.     

The Larva and Pupa of Pseudoneureclipsis lusitanicus Malicky, 1980 (Trichoptera: Hydropsychoidea): Description,Ecological Data and Taxonomical Considerations

Pseudoneureclipsis lusitanicus Malicky, 1980, is reported from a large tributary of the Loire River, the first record of this genus and species from France. In Europe, this genus was previously known from Portugal. Larval and pupal characters suggest that the genus does not belong to the family Polycentropodidae, as currently classified.     

DAY AND NIGHT KINETICS OF GROWTH RATE IN GREEN,BROWN, AND RED SEAWEEDS1

Growth rates in terms of area increase per 30 min were measured in flat thalli of several seaweed, species by means of computer-assisted image analysis, at 12 h light per day and a photon fluence rate of 20 μmol · m^-2· s^?1. Light fields included white fluorescent, imitated underwater, blue, green, and red light. In the green alga Ulva pseudocurvata Koeman et Hoek, blue light caused an immediate reduction of thallus area and growth rate after the onset of light, whereas green light and red light resulted in an initial peak in growth rate followed by inhibition 60 min after the onset of light. More growth was observed in darkness than in blue light in U. pseudocurvata. All brown and red algae tested, with Laminaria saccharina (L.) Lamour. and Palmaria palmata Stackh. as the main investigated species, grew faster during the day than during the night, irrespective of light quality during the main light phase. The upper intertidal red alga Porphyra umbilicalis (L.) J. Ag. achieved most of its thallus expansion per 24 h during the first 3 h of the light phase, with maximum growth rates of 2–3% increase in area per hour. Maximal growth rates were 0.7% for juvenile laminarian sporophytes and were lower than this in Palmaria palmata and other perennial red algae. The temporary growth inhibition by light in Ulva pseudocurvata suggests photomorphogenetic events, similar to the kinetics of stem elongation in higher plant seedlings after blue or red light pulses in darkness.     

一株纤维素降解真菌的筛选、鉴定及酶学性质分析

通过对富含枯枝败叶的土壤样品进行富集培养,利用刚果红纤维素培养基初筛和酶活测定复筛得到产纤维素酶的一株真菌,将其命名为GC2-2,并对该菌株进行鉴定及酶学性质研究。结果表明该菌株是一株耐高温、碱性纤维素酶的真菌GC2-2。通过18S rDNA分子克隆测定,该菌为球孢枝孢菌,其滤纸酶的活力优于CMC酶的活力。该菌所产酶的最适反应条件为温度35°C,最适pH值7.5。     

抑氨菌筛选鉴定、培养条件优化及在鸡粪除臭中的应用

目的筛选能抑制鸡粪中恶臭气体NH3释放的亚硝化、硝化细菌菌株。方法以亚硝化、硝化细菌培养基为筛选培养基筛选菌株,然后将菌株分别以10%(v/m,下同)的接种量接种到鸡粪中,测定其对鸡粪中NH3释放量的影响,从中筛选出可减少NH3释放的菌株。根据菌株的形态特征和16S rDNA序列分析对其进行鉴定。通过自动发酵系统对菌株培养温度、pH、通气量及转速四个因素进行正交优化。结果通过筛选得到两株细菌YF1和YS2,经鉴定分别为假单胞菌属(Pseudomonas sp.)和中华根瘤菌属(Sinorhizobium sp.)。菌株YF1最适培养条件为温度28℃,pH 7.0,通气量5 L/min,转速200 r/min;菌株YS2最适培养条件为温度30℃,pH6.5,通气量5 L/min,转速300 r/min。温度、pH、接种量和通气量对YF1、YS2影响均极显著(P0.01)。YF1和YS2单独按10%剂量接种分别使鸡粪中NH3的释放量降低26.0%和28.4%,而两菌1∶1混合接种可使NH3释放量降低75.6%。结论 YF1和YS2是抑制鸡粪中NH3释放的优良菌株。     

New data on the genus Chrysotoxum Meigen (Diptera: Syrphidae) from North-East Turkey,Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran including descriptions of three new species

New data and records of the genus Chrysotoxum Meigen, 1803 are reported, arising from taxonomic and faunistic examination of adult specimens collected from 1920 to 2011 from four northeastern provinces of Turkey (Erzurum, Bayburt, Kars, and Artvin), and from the neighboring countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran. Three new species are described: Chrysotoxum antennalis Vuji?, Nedeljkovi? &; Hayat sp. n., C. clausseni Vuji?, Nedeljkovi? &; Hayat sp. n. and C. persicum Vuji?, Nedeljkovi? &; Hayat sp. n. The first two are known only from northeastern Turkey, and the third also occurs in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran. These new species have in common an antenna with the basoflagellomere being shorter than the scape and pedicel together.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:4C264678-8E47-4DE0-AC7D-91DABC597BCD     

氯嘧磺隆降解菌的分离鉴定及其降解特性

利用富集培养技术从长期施用氯嘧磺隆的土壤中分离得到1株能够降解氯嘧磺隆的细菌L-7。通过生理生化特性和16SrRNA序列分析,初步鉴定L-7为寡养单胞菌属(Stenotrophomonas sp.)。并分析了氯嘧磺隆的初始浓度、接种量、温度和pH值对L-7菌株降解氯嘧磺隆效果的影响,确定了最佳降解条件。结果表明,该菌在氯嘧磺隆浓度为100mg/L、接种量为5%、pH4.0、温度30°C条件下,接种5d后对氯嘧磺隆的降解效率达到80%以上。     

Seven New Eimeria spp. (Protozoa,Coccidia) from Freshwater Fishes of Canada*

Seven new species of Eimeria are described and figured from the freshwater fishes of Ontario and Quebec, Canada. They are Eimeria catostomi sp. n. and E. fernandoae sp. n. from Catostomus commersoni (Lacépède), E. etheostomae sp. n. from Etheostoma exile (Girard), E. hoffmani sp. n. from Umbra limi (Kirtland), E. micropteri sp. n. from Micropterus dolomieui Lacépède E. pungitii sp. n. from Pungitius pungitius (Linnaeus), and E. salvelini sp. n. from Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill). Furthermore, 2 new host records and 2 new distribution records for North America are reported for E. anguillae Léger & Hollande, 1922 and E. truttae Léger & Hesse, 1919 respectively. Finally, morphologically similar oocysts found in various cyprinids are regarded as belonging to E. iroquoina Molnar & Fernando, 1974.     

Isolation and characterization of bacterial strains with the ability to utilize high concentrations of levulinic acid,a platform chemical from inedible biomass

Nineteen levulinic acid (LA)-utilizing bacteria were isolated from environmental samples. Following examination of the use of 80 g/L LA by some isolated strains, Brevibacterium epidermidis LA39–2 consumed 62.6 g/L LA following 8 days incubation. The strain also utilized both 90 and 100 g/L LA, with consumption ratio of 84.3 and 53.3%, respectively, after 10 days incubation.     

Ciliate Protozoa in the Rumen of Brazilian Water Buffalo,Bubalus bubalis Linnaeus*

SYNOPSIS Total numbers and distribution of genera, subgenera and species were determined for the ciliate protozoa in rumen contents of 4 Brazilian water buffalo Bubalus bubalis Linnaeus. The fauna of one animal, housed in close proximity to European and zebu-type cattle, differed considerably from that of the remaining animals, which were somewhat isolated on a large ranch. Several of the protozoan species observed in the semi-isolated animals were first described in rumen contents from humped Indian cattle, and their subsequent occurrence in other hosts and geographic locations has been limited or absent. In all, 49 different species of protozoa were found, 8 of which have not been previously described. Three of the new species belong to the genus Entodinium: E. ciculum sp. n., E. spinonucleatum sp. n. and E. triangulum sp. n.: 4 to Diplodinium (Ostracodinium): D. (O.) brazili sp. n., D. (O.) esalqum sp. n., D. (O.) nucleolobum sp. n., and D. (O.) tiete sp. n.; and one to Diplodinium (Eudiplodinium): D. (E.) bubalus sp. n.     

Eimeria clethrionomyis sp. n., Eimeria gallatii sp. n., Eimeria pileata sp. n. and Eimeria marconii sp. n. from the Red-Backed Vole Clethrionomys gapperi Vigors,from Pennsylvania§

SYNOPSIS Four new eimerian species are described from red-backed voles. Clethrionomys gapperi in Pennsylvania. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria clethrionomyis sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 18.8 (16.5–21.5) × 14.9 (14.0–16.5) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 10.6 (9.5–12.0) × 6.1 (5.5–7.0). The oocyst wall is smooth, with 2 layers, and thins, with terminal cap at one or both ends. Polar granules, dark Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. The occyst residuum is absent. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria gallatii sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 27.7 (21–32) × 19.3 (17–24) with ovoid sporocysts, 13.5 (12–15) × 8.8 (8–10). The oocyst wall is smooth, 2-layered, with a micropyle and thin wall at the end opposite the micropyle. Polar granules. Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. The oocyst residuum is atypical, of cobwebby material. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria pileata sp. n. are subspherical to spherical, 25.2 (20.5–29.5) × 22.5(19.5–25.5) with ellipsoidal sporocysts, 13.4(10.5–15.0) × 8.4 (7.5–9.5). The oocyst wall is rough, pitted, striated, 2-layered, with no micropyle. Polar granules, oocyst and sporocyst residuum. Stieda body and stiedal cap are present. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria marconii sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 13.0 (10.5–15.0) × 10.6 (9.5–12.0) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 7.7 (7.0–8.5) × 4.2 (3.0–4.5). The oocyst wall is smooth, single-layered, with no micropyle. Polar granules, dark Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. There is no oocyst residuum.     

一株产右旋糖苷酶海洋细菌的筛选鉴定

【目的】筛选鉴定产右旋糖苷酶的海洋细菌,并对其所产右旋糖苷酶的酶学性质及在变异链球菌牙菌斑生物膜中的应用进行初步研究。【方法】利用平板透明圈法从海洋环境中筛选产右旋糖苷酶的细菌,根据菌株形态特征、生理特征及16S rDNA序列确定其分类学地位,采用体外生物膜模型研究该酶对变异链球菌牙菌斑生物膜形成的抑制作用。【结果】从海泥中筛选出一株产右旋糖苷酶的细菌KQ11,初步鉴定为节杆菌(Arthrobacter sp.)。该菌株的最适生长温度为30°C,最适生长pH 7.5,最适生长NaCl浓度为0.4%。右旋糖苷酶的最适作用温度为45°C,最适作用pH为5.5。该酶能有效地抑制变异链球菌牙菌斑生物膜的形成。【结论】菌株KQ11右旋糖苷酶能够抑制变异链球菌牙菌斑生物膜的形成,可望用于漱口液等口腔护理产品中。     

Systematic revision of the genus Phycodrys (Delesseriaceae,Rhodophyta) from New Zealand,with the descriptions of three new species,P. novae-zelandiae sp. nov., P. franiae sp. nov. and P. adamsiae sp. nov.

Two species of Phycodrys, Phycodrys quercifolia (Bory) Skottsberg and Phycodrys profunda E.Y.Dawson were previously recorded from New Zealand. However, an examination of Phycodrys collections from the New Zealand region showed that all were morphologically different from P. quercifolia (Type locality: the Falkland Islands) and P. profunda (Type locality: CA, USA). RbcL sequence analyses established that the New Zealand Phycodrys species formed a natural assemblage within the genus, consisting of three new species: P. novae-zelandiae sp. nov., P. franiae sp. nov. and P. adamsiae sp. nov. Phycodrys novae-zelandiae is the largest of the three, up to 20 cm in height, with a distinct midrib and multicellular, opposite to subopposite lateral macroscopic veins. It has entirely monostromatic blades except near the midrib and veins, and its procarp contains a three-celled sterile group one (st1) and a one-celled sterile group two (st2). Phycodrys franiae was previously treated as a cryptic species among herbarium collections of P. ‘quercifolia’. It is smaller (4–11 cm high) with weakly developed midribs and veins, the blade is tristromatic throughout, except at the growing margins, and the procarp consists of a four-celled st1 and a two–three-celled st2. Phycodrys adamsiae, previously reported as P. profunda, is a small decumbent or prostrate plant, 1–8 cm long, with a midrib and inconspicuous lateral veins. The blades are tristromatic with serrated margins, two–four-celled surface spines and multicellular marginal holdfasts that differ from those of Californian specimens. The tetrasporangia are borne on marginal bladelets. Phylogenetic analyses place the New Zealand species in a separate group that is distantly removed from most other Phycodrys species.     

Distribution,abundance and diversity of macrozoobenthos in Aiba Reservoir,Iwo, Nigeria

Spatial and seasonal variation in macrozoobenthic composition, abundance and diversity in Aiba Reservoir were investigated bimonthy between June 2004 and April 2005 using a van Veen grab. A depauperate fauna of nine taxa was recorded. Generally, larger numbers of taxa were recorded during the dry season than in the wet season. Melanoides tuberculata and chironomid larvae dominated the macrozoobenthos and showed wide spatial distribution. Diversity and evenness were lower during the wet season than in the dry season, when densities of the major species were low. Melanoides tuberculata and chironomid larvae were recorded from maximum depths of 3.9 m and 2.6 m, respectively. Both taxa were also recorded from all substrate texture types, regardless of the amount of macrophyte material present. The benthic fauna is characterised as being poor in terms of density, taxonomic richness and diversity     

Antituberculotic and antiprotozoal activities of primin, a natural benzoquinone: in vitro and in vivo studies

Primin (=2-methoxy-6-pentylcyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione), a natural benzoquinone synthesized in our laboratory, was investigated for its in vitro antiprotozoal, antimycobacterial, and cytotoxic potential. Primin showed very potent activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (IC50 0.144 microM) and Leishmania donovani (IC50 0.711 microM), and revealed low cytotoxicity (IC50 15.4 microM) on mammalian cells. Only moderate inhibitory activity was observed against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Plasmodium falciparum. When tested for in vivo efficacy in a Trypanosoma b. brucei rodent model, primin failed to cure the infection at 20 mg/kg given intraperitoneally. Primin was too toxic in vivo at a higher concentration (30 mg/kg, injected i.p. route) in mice infected with L. donovani. Taken together, primin can serve as a lead compound for the rational design of more potent and less toxic antiprotozoal agents.     

Destructive hydrogen peroxide production in Eucheuma denticulatum (Rhodophyta) during stress caused by elevated pH,high light intensities and competition with other species

Growth of Eucheuma denticulatum was studied in the field and in laboratory experiments. Field co-cultivation of E. denticulatum with the green alga Ulva reticulata or the seagrass Thalassia sp. reduced daily growth rate (DGR) of a Tanzanian and a Philippine strain of E. denticulatum by 10–100% and 10–55%, respectively, depending upon the type of water current: a unidirectional water current produced the best growth. Laboratory co-cultivation of a Tanzanian strain of E. denticulatum with U. reticulata also reduced DGR (to 8% of the control) and nitrate-nitrogen uptake rate (to <30% of the control) of E. denticulatum and, moreover, it increased epiphytism of a red filamentous alga on E. denticulatum. E. denticulatum monoculture at pH 8·6 ± 0·5 or at photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs) higher than its growth optimum (350 ± 50 μmol photons m^-2 s^-1) also increased epiphytism. The lack of a competitive mechanism for inorganic carbon uptake in Eucheuma may have contributed to its reduced growth during co-cultivation. During co-cultivation, elevated pH regimes (pH > 8·5) were created around the Eucheuma thalli as a result of photosynthesis, thus decreasing the concentration of CO₂ in the seawater to values around 1 μmM. As Eucheuma depends mainly on the CO₂ in the seawater for its growth, a higher pH can cause CO₂ limitation by decreasing CO₂ concentration. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production from the Tanzanian strain was also determined by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. H₂O₂ production was found to increase with increased pH and PPFD (probably as a result of oxidative stress). Preincubation of plants with catalase for 5 min before addition of luminol prevented chemiluminescence, confirming H₂O₂ as the substrate of the luminol reaction. We suggest that the inefficiency of E. denticulatum in HCO^- ₃ utilisation contributes to its poor growth during field coexistence with seagrasses or Ulva sp. and that carbon deficiency induces H₂O₂ production in E. denticulatum.     

A revision of the genus Cryptonemia (Halymeniaceae,Rhodophyta) in Bermuda,western Atlantic Ocean,including five new species and C. bermudensis (Collins & M. Howe) comb. nov.

Cryptonemia specimens collected in Bermuda over the past two decades were analysed using gene sequences encoding the large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal DNA and the large subunit of RuBisCO as genetic markers to elucidate their phylogenetic positions. They were additionally subjected to morphological assessment and compared with historical collections from the islands. Six species are presently found in the flora including C. bermudensis comb. nov., based on Halymenia bermudensis, and the following five new species: C. abyssalis, C. antricola, C. atrocostalis, C. lacunicola and C. perparva. Of the eight species known in the western Atlantic flora prior to this study, none is found in Bermuda. Specimens reported in the islands in the 1900s attributed to C. crenulata and C. luxurians are representative of the new species, C. antricola and C. atrocostalis, respectively.