Specific features of ecology of chars of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvelinus</Emphasis> (Salmonidae) from the basin of Lake Kronotskoe (Kamchatka) according to parasitological data

A parasitological study was performed of chars of the genus Salvelinus inhabiting Lake Kronotskoe (Kamchatka Peninsula)—S. malma, S. albus, S. schmidtii, and S. kronocius, as well as of juvenile Salvelinus spp. Twenty-three species of parasites, including six species new for the lake, Hennequya zschokkei, Protteocephalus longicollis, Diphyllobothrium dendriticum, Crepidostomum sp., Echinorhynchus salmonis, and Paracanthobdella livanowi, were found. With consideration of published data, in chars of this water body, 28 species of parasites were recorded, including seven species (N. cf. pungitius, B. luciopercae, Crepidostomum sp., Cr. fausti, Cr. cf. cooperi, Eubothrium crassium, and Proteocephalus sp.), whose presence or species identification in the lake ecosystem need confirmation. Two species (N. rutili and Diphyllobothrium sp.) are removed from the list. Parasites common for all species of chars were revealed. They include Myxobolus arcticus, E. salvelini, D. ditretum, Crepidostotum sp., Cr. farionis, Cr. metoecus, Cystidicola farionis, Cucullanus truttae, Philonema oncorhynchi, and Salmincola carpionis. Cluster analysis of the fauna of parasites of different species of chars demonstrated considerable differences in infestation, which indicates differences between them in preference for food items and occupied biotopes and thereby supports the ecological differentiation of chars in the basin of Lake Kronotskoe. S. albus and S. kronocius are most similar in parasitofauna, which is determined by their predation; S. malma as a benthophage is infected by the same species of parasites, but considerably less intensively. Extremely high indices of population numbers of some parasite species are considered as a manifestation of the Krebs cycle in parasites under the conditions of an isolated lake.     

Age-Specific Functional Response of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphidius matricariae</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Praon volucre</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myzus persicae</Emphasis> (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), is one of the most important aphid pests on pepper. Aphidius matricariae Haliday and Praon volucre (Haliday) are known as biological control agents for aphids in vegetable crops. In this research, age-specific functional responses of these two parasitoids were evaluated on different densities of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 green peach aphids. Type of functional response varied from type II to type III for different ages of A. matricariae, but type of functional response was not affected by female age for P. volucre. The functional response of P. volucre was determined as type II in the whole parasitoid lifetime. The searching efficiency (a), b, and handling time (T _h ) were estimated using the Rogers equations. The highest searching efficiency (a) and lowest handling time were observed during the first half of lifetime of A. matricariae and P. volucre. Aphidius matricariae and P. volucre caused reasonable mortality of the green peach aphid by parasitism of 52.17 and 47.05 host aphids, respectively, in 24 h. Therefore, they are suggested as suitable candidates for control of M. persicae in pepper greenhouses.     

Review of the Western Palaearctic ichneumon-flies of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhorus</Emphasis> Förster, 1869 (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae: Ctenopelmatinae). Part IV. The species with the reddish metasoma and black face (Addendum)

Seven new species of the ichneumon-fly genus Rhorus Förster, 1869 are described for the Western Palaearctic Region based on the material from Zoologische Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates, München (Germany): Rhorus amauronemati sp. n., Rh. auberti sp. n., Rh. blennocampae sp. n., Rh. dineurae sp. n., Rh. hinzi sp. n., Rh. idari sp. n., and Rh. montanus sp. n. A key to the new and closely related species is given to supplement that published in the third part of the revision (Kasparyan, 2015). The other 25 species of the genus Rhorus from the collection of the München Museum is given; some of the species are recorded for the first time for France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Moldova, and Armenia.     

Genetic analyses of resistance to the peach root-knot nematode (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne floridensis</Emphasis>) using microsatellite markers

Most commercially important rootstocks for peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] had been selected for resistance to one or more of the root-knot nematode (RKN) species: Meloidogyne incognita, M. arenaria, and M. javanica. The peach root-knot nematode, M. floridensis (MF), is a relatively newly discovered threat to peach and is not controlled by resistance genes in “Nemared,” “Nemaguard,” and “Okinawa.” The “Flordaguard” peach seedling rootstock, conventionally bred to provide resistance to MF, has solely been used for low-chill peach production in Florida for over 20 years and has already shown signs of resistance breakdown. A source of high resistance to the pathogenic MF isolate (“MFGnv14”) was identified from wild peach Prunus kansuensis Rehder (Kansu peach), thereby suggesting the potential for broadening spectrum and increasing durability of resistance in peach rootstocks through interspecific hybridization with P. kansuensis. Using 12 F₂ and BC₁F₁ populations derived from crosses between Okinawa or Flordaguard peach and P. kansuensis populations, we examined the genetic control for MF resistance by identifying associated microsatellite markers and determining genomic location of the resistance locus. One microsatellite marker (UDP98-025) showed strong and consistent association with resistance based on root-galling index. The resistance locus was mapped on the subtelomeric region of linkage group 2, co-localizing with other previously reported RKN resistance genes in Prunus. Segregation of gall-index-based resistance observed in F₂ and BC₁F₁ populations is compatible with the involvement of a multiallelic locus wherein a dominant (Mf₁) or recessive (mf₃) resistance allele is inherited from P. kansuensis, and susceptibility alleles (mf₂) from peach.     

Chromosome numbers of some North American Salix

Chromosome numbers are reported for 19 species of North AmericanSalix, one natural hybrid, and one introduced species. The following 17 species are here examined cytologically for the first time:Salix amygdaloides Anderss.,S. arbusculoides Anderss.,S. brachycarpa Nutt.,S. Candida Willd.,S. discolor Muhl.,S. exigua Nutt.,S. kumilis Marsh.,S. interior Rowlee,S. lutea Nutt.,S. maccalliana Rowlee,S. monticola Rydb.,S. myrtillifolia Anderss.,S. pellita Anderss.,S. petiolaris J. E. Sm,S. scouleriana Barr.,S. silicicola Raup, andS. subcoerulea Piper. Of the 19 native North American species 11 are diploid, four are tetraploid, one is triploid, one hexaploid, one dodecaploid, and one exhibits more than one ploidal level.     

The principal cotton pests and their economic thresholds in the Kilikien Plain in Southern Turkey

Agrotis ypsilon, Tetranychus cinnabarinus, Bemisia tabaci, Heliothis armigera, Platyedra gossypiella, Earias insulana, Spodoptera littoralis are the major pests of cotton in the Kilikien Plain in Southern Turkey;Aphis gossypii, Spodoptera exigua, Empoasca spp. are occasional pests andThrips tabaci, Nezara viridula, Lygus spp.,Oxycarenus hyalinipennis are of little importance. Pest control is improved if the exact time of appearance and the biology and ecology of these insect pests are known.A. ypsilon can be controlled effectively and economically by seed treatment. Seed sterilization and the destruction of crop residues significantly reduce the offspring and infestation ofP. gossypiella andE. insulana. The number of chemical treatments forT. cinnabarinus, B. tabaci, H. armigera, S. littoralis can be reduced by the application of economic thresholds.     

Immune defenses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agriotes lineatus</Emphasis> larvae against entomopathogenic nematodes

The present work describes the immune response of wireworm larvae, Agriotes lineatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Elateridae) when challenged with two species of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (Strongyloidea: Steinernematidae) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar) (Rhabiditoidea: Heterorhabditidae). Two main immunological processes including cellular and humoral reactions have been addressed. Total haemocyte counts after infection with H. bacteriophora increased quickly in initial times, but decreased over time post-injection (at 12 and 16 h). Instead, haemocyte numbers after infection with S. feltiae was unchanged in the early stage, but significantly decreased until 16 h post-injection. Plasmatocytes and granulocytes showed more significant changes compared to other haemocytes. The encapsulation response to parasites was significantly different against two nematode species. Particularly, S. feltiae was almost unrecognized by host haemocytes (5.85 % of encapsulated parasites). Assays with H. bacteriophora showed 23.5 % of encapsulated nematodes. From 8 to 12 h after H. bacteriophora infection, an increase in phenoloxidase activity was detected, while in the larvae injected with S. feltiae the enzymatic activity decreased gradually reaching the lowest level 16 h post-injection. This is the first report on the modulation of immune response of wireworm larvae after infection with entomopathogenic nematodes.     

Parasites of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Harmonia axyridis</Emphasis>: current research and perspectives

Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) has been introduced widely for biological control of agricultural pests. Harmonia axyridis has established in four continents outside of its native range in Asia and it is considered an invasive alien species (IAS). Despite a large body of work on invasion ecology, establishment mechanisms of IAS and their interactions with natural enemies remain open questions. Parasites, defined as multicellular organisms that do not directly kill the host, could potentially play an important role in regulating host populations. This study presents a review of the parasites of H. axyridis, discussing their distributions and effects on host populations across the host’s native and invasive range. These parasites are: Hesperomyces virescens Thaxt. fungi, Coccipolipus hippodamiae (McDaniel and Morrill) mites, and Parasitylenchus bifurcatus Poinar and Steenberg nematodes.     

Extrafloral nectaries of four varieties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chamaecrista ramosa</Emphasis> (Vogel) H.S.Irwin &amp; Barneby (Fabaceae): anatomy,chemical nature,mechanisms of nectar secretion,and elimination

Considering the importance of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) in Fabaceae, the objectives of this research were to analyze (1) the anatomical and histochemical characteristics of the EFNs of Chamaecrista ramosa var. ramosa, C. ramosa var. curvifoliola, C. ramosa var. parvifoliola, and C. ramosa var. lucida and (2) the ultrastructure of the EFNs of C. ramosa var. ramosa. Standard techniques in plant anatomy and transmission electron microscopy were used. The anatomical analyses confirmed the characteristics described for extrafloral nectaries, evidencing three well-defined regions: epidermis, nectariferous, and subnectariferous parenchymas. Carbohydrates, proteins, pectins/mucilages, and lipids were detected by histochemical analyzes in all varieties. The ultrastructure of the EFNs of C. ramosa var. ramosa allowed the observation of microchannels at the external periclinal cell walls of the epidermis covering the secretory region. The nectariferous and subnectariferous parenchyma cells have periplasmic spaces, large plastids containing starch grains and plastoglobules, mitochondria, developed endoplasmic reticulum, large vacuoles with electron-dense contents, and membrane residues may be associated with the vacuole, suggesting the occurrence of autophagic processes. The anatomical, histochemical, and ultrastructural patterns revealed characteristics that confirm the glands of C. ramosa as extrafloral nectaries and suggest the eccrine mechanism of secretion.     

Exploring almond genetic variability useful for peach improvement: mapping major genes and QTLs in two interspecific almond × peach populations

Genetic analysis of a diverse set of 42 traits for flower (5), phenology (9), fruit quality (19), leaf (8) and disease resistance (1) was carried out in two interspecific almond × peach populations, an F₂ (T × E) and a BC₁ (T1E), from the cross between ‘Texas’ almond and ‘Earlygold’ peach. Traits related to flower, phenology, fruit quality, leaf morphology and resistance to powdery mildew were phenotyped over 3 years in two locations and studied for co-segregation with a large set of SNP and SSR markers. Three maps were used, one for the T × E and two for the T1E (T1E and E) population. Nine major genes were identified and mapped: anther color (Ag/ag and Ag2/ag2), flower color (Fc2/fc2), maturity date (MD/md), almond fruit type (almond vs. peach; Alf/alf), juiciness (Jui/jui), blood flesh (DBF2/dbf2), powdery mildew resistance (Vr3) and flower type (showy/non-showy; Sh/sh). These genes were often located in genome positions different from those for major genes for similar traits mapped before. Two of them explain fundamental aspects that define the fruit of peach with respect to that of almond: Alf and Jui, for its thick and juicy mesocarp, respectively. The genetics of quantitative traits was studied, and 32 QTLs were detected, with consistent behavior over the years. New alleles identified from almond for important traits such as red skin color, blood flesh, fruit weight and powdery mildew resistance may prove useful for the introduction of new variability into the peach gene pool used in commercial breeding programs.     

High-throughput sequencing of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus ferganensis</Emphasis> indicates that it is a geographical population of <Emphasis Type="Italic">P. persica</Emphasis>

Peach belongs to the genus Prunus, which includes Prunus persica and its relative species, P. mira, P. davidiana, P. kansuensis, and P. ferganensis. Of these, P. ferganensis have been classified as a species, subspecies, or geographical population of P. persica. To explore the genetic difference between P. ferganensis and P. persica, high-throughput sequencing was used in different peach accessions belonging to different species. First, low-depth sequencing data of peach accessions belonging to four categories revealed that similarity between P. ferganensis and P. persica was similar to that between P. persica accessions from different geographical populations. Then, to further detect the genomic variation in P. ferganensis, the P. ferganensis accession “Xinjiang Pan Tao 1” and the P. persica accession “Xia Miao 1” were sequenced with high depth, and sequence reads were assembled. The results showed that the collinearity of “Xinjiang Pan Tao 1” with the reference genome “Lovell” was higher than that of “Xia Miao 1” and “Lovell” peach. Additionally, the number of genetic variants, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), structural variations (SVs), and the specific genes annotated from unmapped sequence in “Xia Miao 1” was higher than that in “Xinjiang Pan Tao 1” peach. The data showed that there was a close distance between “Xinjiang Pan Tao 1” (P. ferganensis) and reference genome which belong to P. persica, comparing “Xia Miao 1” (P. persica) and reference ones. The results accompany with phylogenetic tree and structure analysis confirmed that P. ferganensis should be considered as a geographic population of P. persica rather than a subspecies or a distinct species. Furthermore, gene ontology analysis was performed using the gene comprising large-effect variation to understand the phenotypic difference between two accessions. The result revealed that the pathways of gene function affected by SVs but SNPs and insertion-deletions markedly differed between the two peach accessions.     

Behavior of Metals,Pathogen Parasites,and Indicator Bacteria in Sewage Effluents During Biological Treatment by Activated Sludge

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the behavior of metals, pathogen parasites, and indicator bacteria in sewage effluents during biological treatment by activated sludge in a wastewater treatment plant in Ribeirão Preto (WTP-RP), Sao Paulo, Brazil. The evaluation was done during a period of 1 year. Results showed that metal concentrations in treated effluents decreased, reaching concentrations according to those established by national regulations. The activated sludge process at the WTP-RP promoted a partial removal of parasites considered as possible indicators according to the WHO guidelines. Reduction factors varied between 18.2% and 100% for agents such as Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba hystolitica, Giardia sp., Ancylostoma sp., Ascaris sp., Fasciola hepatica, and Strongyloides stercoralis. A removal was also observed in total and fecal coliforms quantification. The present study represents an initial evaluation of the chemical and microbiological removal capacity of the WTP-RP. The results should be of interest for the authorities responsible for the environmental health at municipal, regional, national, and international levels.     

Species- and density-dependent induction of volatile organic compounds by three mite species in cassava and their role in the attraction of a natural enemy

Upon damage by herbivores, plants induce an array of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that mediate ecological interactions involving communication with organisms of the second and third trophic levels. VOC-mediated tritrophic interactions have largely been studied in various systems, including cassava (Manihot esculenta), but little is known about the chemical nature of herbivore-induced VOCs in this crop and the response they evoke in natural enemies. Several tetranychid and predatory mites are associated with cassava. Here, VOC emissions from uninfested plants and plants infested with 200 or 400 Mononychellus tanajoa, a specialist herbivore on cassava, and the generalists Tetranychus urticae and T. gloveri were measured. Dual-choice experiments were also conducted to assess the preference of inexperienced (reared on prey-infested bean plants) and experienced (adapted on prey-infested cassava plants) predatory mites, Neoseiulus idaeus (Phytoseiidae), between odors of uninfested plants versus odors of plants infested with M. tanajoa, T. urticae or T. gloveri. Two hundred individuals significantly increased the emissions of (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, (E)-β-ocimene, β-caryophyllene, alloaromadendrene and (E)-geranyl acetone in T. urticae-infested plants, and (E)-β-ocimene and methyl salicylate (MeSA) in T. gloveri-infested plants. Four hundred individuals significantly increased the emissions of (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, MeSA, α-pinene and D-limonene in M. tanajoa-infested plants. In addition, T. urticae at this density induced (E)-β-ocimene, D-limonene, (E)-geranyl acetone and six compounds that were not detected in other treatments. Tetranychus gloveri-infested plants induced the emissions of (E)-2-hexenal and D-limonene. Regardless of the infesting species, inexperienced N. idaeus did not discriminate between uninfested or infested plants. Upon experience, they discriminated between the odors of uninfested and T. urticae-damaged plants. Our findings reveal that mite infestations in cassava result in density-dependent and species-specific emission of VOCs, and that N. idaeus relies on associative learning to forage for its prey.     

Adaptation of Introduced Entomophages in the Insectarium of the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden

As the result of a many-year experiment on adaptation of introduced entomophages in the specialized insectarium of the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden (PABGI), populations of the following species have been established: Phytoseiulus persimilis Ath.-Henr., Amblyseius mckenziei Schuster et Pritchard, Aphidius matricariae Hal., Aphidius colemani Vier., Encarsia formosa Gahan, and Aphidoletes aphidimyza Rond. These populations have short periods of preimaginal development, are resistant to sharp temperature changes, very voracious and active. These acari- and entomophages can persist for a long time under the specific conditions of the greenhouse ecosystem, effectively control pests, and regulate the biocoenotic complex at the level meeting the phytosanitary requirements. In their ecological characteristics the PABGI cultures surpass the conspecific populations from more southern areas.     

On the biology of anthocorid bugs (Heteroptera,Anthocoridae), predators of grass aphids in the forest-steppe zone of West Siberia

Four species of the heteropteran family Anthocoridae, Orius niger Wolff., O. majusculus Reut., O. minutus L., and Anthocoris confusus Reut., feeding on grass aphids on grains and bird cherry occur in the foreststeppe zone of Western Siberia. Orius niger and O. majusculus possess the greatest population numbers, with 98% of all the bugs collected in 1987 and 1988 belonging to these species. In 1998–2000, O. niger was predominant (97–100%). Data on the bionomics, seasonal abundance, feeding intensity, and role of anthocorids in the control of aphids are reported. Density of Orius bugs on wheat has been shown to be independent of the preceding culture. Permanent wheat is a preferable habitat of the predatory anthocorids. Mass reproduction of Orius bugs on pea-oat and alfalfa has been recorded.     

Suitability of Different Prey Aphids on the Growth,Development and Reproduction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi</Emphasis> (Esben-Petersen) (Chrysopidae: Neuroptera)

The prey preference of polyphagous predator, green lacewing (Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen)) was evaluated against five prey aphids viz., mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi), green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), cabbage aphid (Brevicorynebrassicae), black bean aphid (Aphis craccivora), spirea aphid (Aphis spiraecola) of agriculture importance and compared with eggs of Corcyracephalonica (Stainton). Lacewing larvae preferred Myzus persicae most followed by Brevicorynebrassicae. The highest growth index (8.31), larval survival (94.50 %), larval weight (10.45 mg), pupal weight (8.78 mg), faster multiplication rate (0.051) and fecundity (183.4 per gravid female) of the predator were recorded on M. persicae. However, the chrysopid reared on Corcyra eggs performed best in all biological parameters and fitness, than on aphid preys. This study explores the possibilities of selecting the most suitable prey aphid species for its exploitation as supplement for mass multiplication of chrysopid during off-season or unavailability of Corcyra eggs.     

Species of Monogenoidea infecting the gill lamellae of the common silver-biddy <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gerres oyena</Emphasis> (Forsskål) and the common silver belly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gerres subfasciatus</Emphasis> Cuvier (Perciformes: Gerreidae) in Moreton Bay,Queensland, Australia

As part of a survey of the parasites infecting the fishes of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia, the gill lamellae of two species, the common silver-biddy Gerres oyena (Forsskål) and the common silver belly Gerres subfasciatus Cuvier (both Gerreidae), were found infected with monogenoids as follows: Metahaliotrema filamentosum Venkatanarasaiah, 1981 (Dactylogyridae) was redescribed from G. oyena and recorded from G. subfasciatus (both new host records); Metahaliotrema imparilis n. sp., Protogyrodactylus monacanthus n. sp., Protogyrodactylus vulgaris n. sp. (all Dactylogyridae), Gyrodactylus xynus n. sp. (Gyrodactylidae), and Polylabris gerres (Sanders, 1944) Mamaev & Parukin, 1976 (Microcotylidae) were reported from G. subfasciatus; and Protogyrodactylus scalmophorus n. sp., Protogyrodactylus ichthyocercus n. sp., and Protogyrodactylus similis n. sp. were recorded from G. oyena. The new species are described, and the finding of M. filamentosum and P. gerres from Moreton Bay represent new geographic records. Haliotrema digyroides Zhang, 2001 and Haliotrema subancistroides Zhang, 2001 are transferred to Metahaliotrema Yamaguti, 1953 as Metahaliotrema digyroides (Zhang, 2001) n. comb. and Metahaliotrema subancistroides (Zhang, 2001) n. comb., respectively.     

Cytotaxonomic notes on eleven species of Cirsium native to Mexico

Data on chromosome numbers in eleven species and three forms ofCirsium are presented. The species treated areC. nivale (H.B.K.) Schultz Bip.,C. jorullense (H.B.K.) Spreng.,C. durangense (Greenman) Ownbey,C. ochrocentrum Gray,C. undulatum (Nutt.) Spreng.,C. velatum (Wats.) Petrak,C. mexicanum DC.,C. rhaphilepis (Hemsley) Petrak,C. occidentalis (Nutt.) Jepson subsp.acrolepis Petrak,C. conspicuum (Sweet) Schultz Bip., andC. ehrenbergii Schultz Bip. A case of autotriploidy is reported forC. durangense. Natural hybridization betweenC. durangense and a form ofC. mexicanum is reported. Photomicrographs of the mitotic or meiotic chromosomal configurations of nine species and two forms are reproduced.C. ochrocentrum Gray var.durangense Greenman is raised to species rank.     

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the lipoxygenase gene family during peach fruit ripening under different postharvest treatments

In plants, lipoxygenase (LOX), facilitated by the LOX family genes is closely related to fruit ripening and senescence, but research on LOX in peach fruit is limited. To study the roles of LOX family genes in fruit ripening during storage, a comprehensive overview of the LOX gene family in peach is presented, including their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures and subcellular localizations. Additionally, the fruit quality, including fruit firmness, ethylene production and soluble solids content under different storage conditions, were assessed. Finally, 12 peach genes that encode LOX proteins have been identified, and comparisons of the PpaLOX gene expression levels under different postharvest treatments in peach fruit suggest that PpaLOX2.1, PpaLOX7.1, PpaLOX7.2, and especially PpaLOX2.2, may be required in peach fruit ripening during storage. The results will be useful to further analyze the functions of the LOX family of genes in plants.