The dominant species of natural enemies of Pentatomidae in the peak period

This paper aims to analyse how to effectively protect and scientifically utilize the natural enemies of Pentatomidae in tea plantations in the peak period. In this paper, the spatial, quantitative and temporal relationships between Pentatomidae and its natural enemies in “Pingyangtezao”, “Wuniuzao”, “Huangshandayezhong”, “Anjibaicha”,”Longjing 43″ and “Nongkangzao” tea gardens in Hefei, China were comprehensively compared and analyzed with the methods of geostatistical analysis, gray system analysis and temporal ecotone overlap index analysis. According to the size of the closeness index, the top three natural enemies with the largest sum of spatial, quantitative, and temporal closeness indexes in the six tea gardens were Clubiona japonicola (X₇, 16.514), Oxyopes sertatus (X₅, 16.390) and Xysticus ephippiafus (X₂, 16.270). The size of the ratio between the number of Pentatomidae individuals and natural enemies largely determines whether the natural enemies follow Pentatomidae pests closely or not. The better the growth of tea plantations and the richer the diversity of pest species, the more accurately the predation preference of natural enemies can be reflected. In the control of Pentatomidae, specific analysis should be made according to the occurrence characteristics of target pests in different tea plantations and the basic attributes of tea plantations (species, growth, population characteristics of natural enemies and pests, etc.) in order to scientifically utilize its natural enemies.     

Avian pest control in tea plantations of sub-Himalayan plains of Northeast India: Mixed-species foraging flock matters

This study reports on the biocontrol role birds play in caterpillar pest control of tea plantations of Northeast India. In this area large tracts of tea plantations have been extensively defoliated by the recent invasion of two forest-dwelling geometrid looper caterpillars, Hyposidra spp. and a lymantriid hairy caterpillar, Arctornis submarginata. This exacerbated tea herbivory by two resident pest caterpillars, Biston suppressaria and Eterusia magnifera. Currently there are no identified resident insect predators for any life stage of Hyposidra spp. and A. submarginata. Larvae of these pests drop from tea bushes using salivary thread, allowing caterpillars to escape from insect predators. The study identified 38 native insectivorous bird species in tea plantations, of which four species (Asian-pied starling, Chestnut-tailed starling, Jungle Myna, Red-vented Bulbul) could be potential control agents of looper and hairy caterpillar pests. These species had high population densities. Their cumulative abundances represented a major proportion of the total bird community during both the infested (86.44%) and non-infested phase (75.34%). They foraged in mixed-species flocks in both tea foliage and on the ground. This behavior is suited to capture foliage-living and dropped caterpillars that were flushed from tea bushes by foraging birds. Abundance and species richness of overall tea layer-foraging birds were higher in infested phase when compared to non-infested phase. The predation rate of four bird species of the foraging flock varied significantly. These results suggest that birds should be considered as important biological control agent of caterpillar pests of tea and considered in pest management plans.     

茶园间作不同绿肥对节肢动物群落结构和多样性的影响

【目的】研究在茶园中合理间作绿肥对茶园节肢动物群落结构和多样性的影响。【方法】本文在茶园中分别设间作铺地木兰+罗顿豆、圆叶决明+白三叶、白三叶+平托花生3种不同绿肥组合处理,并设不间作绿肥、常规除草的茶园为对照。【结果】间作不同绿肥均能提高茶园节肢动物群落的物种丰富度和群落多样性,提高茶园捕食性天敌昆虫、蜘蛛和寄生性天敌在茶园冠层群落的比率;不同处理茶园冠层节肢动物Shannon-wiener多样性指数(H)、Simpson指数(D)和均匀度指数变化趋势基本一致;茶冠层的节肢动物群落多样性指数在4类不同处理茶园间差异显著;间作绿肥增加了茶园的生物多样性,4类不同处理茶园茶冠层群落相似性系数在0.741~0.892之间,表明4类不同处理茶园冠层群落在物种组成上有较高的相似性。4类不同处理茶园害虫与天敌两类群功能团的丰盛度之间成显著的正相关,表明天敌对害虫的空间数量跟随效应强,主要表现为二者数量间的相互作用。灰色关联度分析表明在4类不同处理茶园中的群落节肢动物物种数/个体数、天敌物种数/害虫物种数、害虫丰富度与多样性指数和均匀度指数的关联系数较高,反应了群落的多样性和稳定性。【结论】间作增强了茶园群落的生物多样性,提高害虫天敌的种类和个体数,有利有效发挥天敌对有害生物的生态控制。     

Differential Responses of <i>NHX1</i> and <i>SOS1</i> Gene Expressions to Salinity in two <i>Miscanthus sinensis</i> Anderss. Accessions with Different Salt Tolerance

The lignocellulosic crop Miscanthus spp. has been identified as a good candidate for biomass production. The responses of Miscanthus sinensis Anderss. to salinity were studied to satisfy the needs for high yields in marginal areas and to avoid competition with food production. The results indicated that the relative advantages of the tolerant accession over the sensitive one under saline conditions were associated with restricted Na⁺ accumulation in shoots. Seedlings of two accessions (salt-tolerant ‘JM0119’ and salt-sensitive ‘JM0099’) were subjected to 0 (control), 100, 200, and 300 mM NaCl stress to better understand the salt-induced biochemical responses of genes involved in Na⁺ accumulation in M. sinensis. The adaptation responses of genes encoding for Na⁺ /H⁺ antiporters, NHX1 and SOS1 to NaCl stress were examined in JM0119 and JM0099.The cDNA sequences of genes examined were highly conserved among the relatives of M. sinensis based on the sequencing on approximate 600 bp-long cDNA fragments obtained from degenerate PCR. These salt-induced variations of gene expression investigated by quantitative real-time PCR provided evidences for insights of the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in M. sinensis. The expression of NHX1 was up-regulated by salt stress in JM0119 shoot and root tissues. However, it was hardly affected in JM0099 shoot tissue except for a significant increase at the 100 mM salt treatment, and it was salt-suppressed in the JM0099 root tissue. In the root tissue, the expression of SOS1 was induced by the high salt treatment in JM0119 but repressed by all salt treatments in JM0099. Thus, the remarkably higher expression of NHX1 and SOS1 were associated with the resistance to Na⁺ toxicity by regulation of the Na⁺ influx, efflux, and sequestration under different salt conditions.     

频振式杀虫灯在茶树害虫测报、防治中的应用

应用佳多频振式杀虫灯进行了茶树害虫的预测预报和防治试验。结果表明,该灯对茶园中的茶细蛾Caloptiliatheivora(walsingham)、茶毛虫EuproctispseudoconspersaStrand、斜纹夜蛾Prodenialitura(Fabricius)等茶树主要害虫有明显的诱集作用;同时,根据害虫成虫诱集时间、数量与面上生育期观察,其动态变化基本一致,可以用于幼虫的发生期、发生量预报,在面上应用频振式杀虫灯对3种的防治试验中取得明显的效果。认为该灯是一种安全、经济、有效、无污染的茶树害虫预测预报和防治工具。     

灰茶尺蠖和茶尺蠖绿色防控技术研究进展

灰茶尺蠖和茶尺蠖作为鳞翅目两个近缘种,是茶园最重要的两种害虫。目前化学农药仍是茶园防治尺蠖的重要手段,容易导致“3R”问题,不利于茶园的可持续发展。本文从农业防治、物理防治、生物防治、化学生态防治和化学防治五个方面就灰茶尺蠖和茶尺蠖的绿色防控进行了综述。强调加强茶园田间管理和尺蠖监测预警,合理布局茶树品种,强化保护利用茶园本土天敌,科学高效地协调使用核型多角体病毒、性诱、灯诱等技术,从而实现对灰茶尺蠖和茶尺蠖的绿色防控技术集成应用,减少其对茶树的危害,为茶园优质安全生产提供强有力的保障。     

Potentiality of actinobacteria to combat against biotic and abiotic stresses in tea [Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze]

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze) is a long-duration monoculture crop prone to several biotic (fungal diseases and insect pest) and abiotic (nutrient deficiency, drought and salinity) stress that eventually result in extensive annual crop loss. The specific climatic conditions and the perennial nature of the tea crop favour growth limiting abiotic factors, numerous plant pathogenic fungi (PPF) and insect pests. The review focuses on the susceptibility of tea crops to PPF/pests, drought, salinity and nutrient constraints and the potential role of beneficial actinobacteria in promoting tea crop health. The review also focuses on some of the major PPF associated with tea, such as Exobasidium vexans, Pestalotiopsis theae, Colletotrichum acutatum, and pests (Helopeltis theivora). The phylum actinobacteria own a remarkable place in agriculture due to the biosynthesis of bioactive metabolites that assist plant growth by direct nutrient assimilation, phytohormone production, and by indirect aid in plant defence against PPF and pests. The chemical diversity and bioactive significance of actinobacterial metabolites (antibiotics, siderophore, volatile organic compounds, phytohormones) are valuable in the agro-economy. This review explores the recent history of investigations in the role of actinobacteria and its secondary metabolites as a biocontrol agent and proposes a commercial application in tea cultivation.     

Repellent and Insecticidal Activity of Naphthoquinones from the Heartwood of <i>Tectona grandis</i> on <i>Incisitermes marginipennis</i> (Latreille)

Wood is a lignocellulosic material that, because of its organic nature, is a source of nutrients for bacteria, fungi, and insects. Incisitermes marginipennis (Latreille) is an interesting dry wood-boring termite. Because it is an extremely destructive pest, difficult to control due to its cryptic lifestyle, and for its role in the biogeochemical cycle of carbon and other elements; it is a fundamental organism. The use of less toxic and eco-friendly substances is important for protecting domestic, cultural, and historical heritage made of wood or lignocellulosic materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of various naphthoquinones extracted from the heartwood of T. grandis on I. marginipennis. First, heartwood flour was used for Soxhlet-type extractions to isolate and characterize the heartwood compounds by thin-layer chromatography. To identify the heartwood compounds, nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer were used. The information obtained was supported using the Interactive Spectroscopy software. The identified heartwood compounds were lapachol, tectoquinone, deoxylapachol, dehydro-α-lapachone, tectol and tecomaquinone-I. Using nymphal termites of I. marginipennis as a biological model, the isolated and identified molecules were under three different tests (repellent, insecticide and protective) and their biological activity was individually evaluated. The results showed that the molecules obtained have a repellent-protective effect against I. marginipennis, although not in all cases, these molecules have high percentages of mortality and decreased the weight loss of the treated material exposed to I. marginipennis.     

Bioinformatics Analysis of Disease Resistance Gene <i>PR1</i> and Its Genetic Transformation in Soybeans and Cultivation of Multi-resistant Materials

In agricultural production, a single insect-resistant and disease-resistant variety can no longer meet the demand. In this study, the expression vector pCAMBIA-3301-PR1 containing the disease-resistant gene PR1 was constructed by means of genetic engineering, and the PR1 gene was genetically transformed to contain the PR1 gene through the pollen tube method. In CryAb-8Like transgenic high-generation T₇ receptor soybean, a new material that is resistant to insects and diseases is obtained. For T₂ transformed plants, routine PCR detection, Southern Blot hybridization, fluorescence quantitative PCR detection, indoor and outdoor pest resistance identification and indoor disease resistance identification were performed. The results showed that there were 9 positive plants in the routine PCR test of T₂ generation. In Southern Blot hybridization, both PR1 and CryAb-8Like genes are integrated in soybeans in the form of single copies. Fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression levels of PR1 and CryAb-8Like genes are different in different tissues. The average expression levels of PR1 gene in plant roots, stems, and leaves are 2.88, 1.54, and 5.26, respectively. CryAb-8Like genes are found in roots, stems, and leaves. The average expression levels were 1.36, 1.39, and 4.25, respectively. The insectivorous rate of the CryAb-8Like gene in outdoor plants with positive insect resistance identification was 3.78%. The disc partition method was used indoors for pest resistance identification, and the bud length of transformed plants increased significantly. The average mortality rate of untransformed plants in indoor disease resistance identification was as high as 56.66%, and the average mortality rate of plants transformed with PR1 gene was 10.00%, and disease resistance was significantly improved. Therefore, a new material with resistance to diseases and insects is obtained.     

Detection and Discrimination of Tea Plant Stresses Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Technique at a Canopy Level

Tea plant stresses threaten the quality of tea seriously. The technology corresponding to the fast detection and differentiation of stresses is of great significance for plant protection in tea plantation. In recent years, hyperspectral imaging technology has shown great potential in detecting and differentiating plant diseases, pests and some other stresses at the leaf level. However, the lack of studies at canopy level hampers the detection of tea plant stresses at a larger scale. In this study, based on the canopy-level hyperspectral imaging data, the methods for identifying and differentiating the three commonly occurred tea stresses (i.e., the tea leafhopper, anthrax and sun burn) were studied. To account for the complexity of the canopy scenario, a stepwise detecting strategy was proposed that includes the process of background removal, identification of damaged areas and discrimination of stresses. Firstly, combining the successive projection algorithm (SPA) spectral analysis and K-means cluster analysis, the background and overexposed non-plant regions were removed from the image. Then, a rigorous sensitivity analysis and optimization were performed on various forms of spectral features, which yielded optimal features for detecting damaged areas (i.e., YSV, Area, GI, CARI and NBNDVI) and optimal features for stresses discrimination (i.e., MCARI, CI, LCI, RARS, TCI and VOG). Based on this information, the models for identifying damaged areas and those models for discriminating different stresses were established using K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Random Forest (RF) and Fisher discriminant analysis. The identification model achieved an accuracy over 95%, and the discrimination model achieved an accuracy over 93% for all stresses. The results suggested the feasibility of stress detection and differentiation using canopy-level hyperspectral imaging techniques, and indicated the potential for its extension over large areas.     

茶树诱导抗虫性的研究进展

为了抵御植食性昆虫的为害,植物在进化过程中形成了包括组成抗性和诱导抗性在内的复杂防御体系.在通过受体识别茶树害虫为害后,茶树会启动早期信号事件,继而激活茉莉酸、水杨酸、乙烯和赤霉素等植物激素信号通路,从而引起次生代谢物的积累,最终对害虫产生直接和间接抗性.基于近年来茶树害虫为害诱导的茶树防御反应及其相关调控机理的研究进...     

Design and selection of trap color for capture of the tea leafhopper,Empoasca vitis,by orthogonal optimization

The tea leafhopper, Empoasca vitis (Göthe) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a major pest of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (Theaceae). In this study, the RGB color model was used to describe the colors of sticky traps. The most effective color for attraction of E. vitis was investigated by orthogonal optimization. The selected color was verified in tea gardens and the most effective height for positioning of color sticky traps for capturing tea leafhoppers was investigated. After the determination of the effect of the three color parameters and their interactions by orthogonal optimization, the color gold (RGB: 255, 215, 0) was selected as the most effective color to trap tea leafhoppers. In tea gardens, more leafhoppers were captured using gold sticky traps (RGB: 226, 204, 4) than using commercially available yellow sticky traps. The most effective height of gold sticky traps for trapping leafhoppers was 40–60 cm above the tea canopy. Few lady beetles were captured at this height. We conclude that the orthogonal optimization method is a convenient and efficient method to screen digitally generated colors for attracting and trapping of pests.     

Morphological and Phylogenetic Resolution of <i>Diplodia neojuniperi</i> Emerging <i>Diplodia</i> Top Dieback of <i>Pinus thunbergii</i> Parl. in China

In Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, China, top dieback symptoms were found on many pine trees (Pinus thunbergii Parl). The tips of old needles first turned grayish-green and then developed into brown bands in the field. Phylogenetic analysis of concatenated ITS and EF1-α indicated the pathogen of this dieback disease as Diplodia neojuniperi. Additionally, effects of temperature, pH and medium on the mycelial growth were also characterized. The most favorable temperature and pH level for mycelial growth are 25°C and 8, respectively. The optimal medium for mycelial growth is PDA medium. To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. neojuniperi causes Diplodia top dieback on Pinus thunbergii. Our results provide fundamental information for monitoring and preventing such disease in the future.     

环境氟迁移与茶叶氟富集的关系

选择３种类型茶场进行大气氟污染与茶叶氟富集的现场监测与研究,对苏南茶区１１个茶场的土壤总氟、水溶性氟和茶叶氟富集量进行了测定。结果表明：茶叶氟富集量与来自砖瓦窑厂的大气氟污染浓度呈现高度的正相关,与土壤含氟量不呈现相关;茶树是高富集氟的植物,富集能力远高于一般植物,氟富集量可达每千克数十至数百毫克。茶叶的氟富集与氟污染应引起重视     

Efficient Evergreen Plant Regeneration of <i>Cinnamomum japonicum</i> Sieb. through <i>in vitro</i> Organogenesis

Cinnamomum japonicum Sieb. is an excellent roadside tree and medicinal tree species with considerable ornamental and economic value. In this study, we successfully developed a large-scale micropropagation protocol for C. japonicum for the first time. Sterilized shoots were excised and used as explants for shoot induction on several basal media, supplemented with different concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs), such as Thidiazuron (TDZ), N⁶ -Benzyladenine (6-benzylaminopurine) (BA), α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and Gibberellic acid (GA₃). After comparison, the most efficient medium for shoot regeneration was 1/2 Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 0.5 mg L^–1 BA, 0.05 mg L^–1 NAA and 0.2 mg L^–1 GA₃, which resulted in an average number of induced shoots per explant and shoot length of 5.2 and 1.62 cm at 28 d, respectively. Then, elongated adventitious shoots were transferred to induce roots. 86.7% of shoots was able to root on 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L^–1 NAA and 0.1 mg L^–1 BA. The earliest rooting time observed was after 21 d and the average root length was up to 3.3 cm after 28 d. Our study shows that C. japonicum can be successfully regenerated through de novo organogenesis, which lays a foundation for future transformation research on this tree.     

Genome-Wide Identification,Evolution and Expression Analyses of <i>GA2ox</i> Gene Family in <i>Brassica napus</i> L.

Gibberellin 2-oxidases (GA2ox) are important enzymes that maintain the balance of bioactive GAs in plants. GA2ox genes have been identified and characterized in many plants, but these genes were not investigated in Brassica napus. Here, we identified 31 GA2ox genes in B. napus and 15 of these BnaGA2ox genes were distributed in the A and C subgenomes. Subcellular localization predictions suggested that all BnaGA2ox proteins were localized in the cytoplasm, and gene structure analysis showed that the BnaGA2ox genes contained 2–4 exons. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that BnGA2ox family proteins in monocotyledons and dicotyledons can be divided into four groups, including two C₁₉-GA2ox and two C₂₀-GA2ox clades. Group 4 is a C₂₀-GA2ox Class discovered recently. Most BnaGA2ox genes had a syntenic relationship with AtGA2ox genes. BnaGA2ox genes in the C subgenome had experienced stronger selection pressure than genes in the A subgenome. BnaGA2ox genes were highly expressed in specific tissues such as those involved in growth and development, and most of them were mainly involved in abiotic responses, regulation of phytohormones and growth and development. Our study provided a valuable evolutionary analysis of GA2ox genes in monocotyledons and dicotyledons, as well as an insight into the biological functions of GA2ox family genes in B. napus.     

茶园害虫生态控制若干问题的探讨

茶园害虫生态控制是一种较新的控制有害生物的策略。本文讨论了茶园害虫生态控制的特点、原理和方法,认为茶园害虫生态控制是在深入了解茶园生态系统内有关因素的特性、动态、以及相关联系的情况下,运用有效的技术和手段,创造不利于害虫而有利于茶叶生产的条件,充分发挥生态系统中各种害虫调控因子的作用,使茶园害虫种群密度在生态系统内长期处在不足以引起经济损失的水平,使整个茶园生态系统高效、低耗和持续发展。同时详细分析了茶园各种生态因子在生态控制中的作用,并提出了今后茶园害虫生态控制的研究方向和工作重点。