A new species ofEncarsia [Hym.: Aphelinidae] parasitizingBemisia tabaci[Hom.: Aleyrodidae]

Encarsia deserti n.sp., a parasite ofBemisia tabaci Gennadius is described. It resemblesE. formosa Gahan, but has a light brown head and thorax, is smaller, and is biparental. This species was found in Southern California and Arizona parasitizingB. tabaci and was introduced into Israel for the control of this pest.     

Flash Glucose Monitoring in Israel: Understanding Real-World Associations between Self-Monitoring Frequency and Metrics of Glycemic Control

ObjectiveFlash glucose monitoring has been widely used in Israel for diabetes treatment and since 2018, the cost is reimbursed for all people with type 1 diabetes nationally. In the current study, we present the daily scanning behavior for FreeStyle Libre users in Israel and how this was associated with a range of metrics for glycemic assessment.MethodsDeidentified data from FreeStyle Libre readers were collected between September 2014 and October 2020. Scan-rate data from Israel was extracted and sorted into 10 equal-sized groups based on scan frequency. The glucose parameters derived for each group were: estimated HbA1c (eA1c), time in range (TIR) between 70 and 180 mg/dL, and time with glucose levels of <70 mg/dL, <54 mg/dL, and >180 mg/dL.ResultsThe data set for Israel included 12 370 readers, with data from 131 639 separate glucose sensors representing 152 million automatically recorded individual glucose readings. Users performed an average of 15 daily glucose scans, ranging from a mean of 4.1 scans per day (lowest, 10%), rising to a mean of 38.7 scans/day (highest, 10%) (median, 12; IQR, 8-18 for all readers). As the scan rates increased, the eA1c decreased from 7.6% to 6.7% (P < .001). Mean TIR increased from 56.9% to 70.0% with increasing scan rates (P < .001). Concordantly, time with glucose levels of >180 mg/dL and <54 mg/dL decreased from 37.2% to 23.6% (P < .001) and from 2.23% to 1.99%, respectively, as scan frequency increased.ConclusionIn Israel, people with diabetes under real-world conditions record higher rates of FreeStyle Libre scanning. These are associated with improvements in TIR, eA1c, and reduced time with glucose levels of >180 mg/dL or <54 mg/dL.     

Characterization of Colletotrichum acutatum Causing Anthracnose of Anemone (Anemone coronaria L.)

Anthracnose, or leaf-curl disease of anemone, caused by Colletotrichum sp., has been reported to occur in Australia, western Europe, and Japan. Symptoms include tissue necrosis, corm rot, leaf crinkles, and characteristic spiral twisting of floral peduncles. Three epidemics of the disease have been recorded in Israel: in 1978, in 1990 to 1993, and in 1996 to 1998. We characterized 92 Colletotrichum isolates associated with anthracnose of anemone (Anemone coronaria L.) for vegetative compatibility (72 isolates) and for molecular genotype (92 isolates) and virulence (4 isolates). Eighty-six of the isolates represented the three epidemics in Israel, one isolate was from Australia, and five isolates originated from western Europe. We divided these isolates into three vegetative-compatibility groups (VCGs). One VCG (ANE-A) included all 10 isolates from the first and second epidemics, and 13 of 62 examined isolates from the third epidemic in Israel, along with the isolate from Australia and 4 of 5 isolates from Europe. Another VCG (ANE-F) included most of the examined isolates (49 of the 62) from the third epidemic, as well as Colletotrichum acutatum from strawberry, in Israel. Based on PCR amplification with species-specific primers, all of the anemone isolates were identified as C. acutatum. Anemone and strawberry isolates of the two VCGs were genotypically similar and indistinguishable when compared by arbitrarily primed PCR of genomic DNA. Only isolate NL-12 from The Netherlands, confirmed as C. acutatum but not compatible with either VCG, had a distinct genotype; this isolate represents a third VCG of C. acutatum. Isolates from anemone and strawberry could infect both plant species in artificial inoculations. VCG ANE-F was recovered from natural infections of both anemone and strawberry, but VCG ANE-A was recovered only from anemone. This study of C. acutatum from anemone illustrates the potential of VCG analysis to reveal distinct subspecific groups within a pathogen population which appears to be genotypically homogeneous by molecular assays.     

Further studies of the encapsulation of eggs ofMetaphycus spp. (Hym.: Encyrtidae) by the pyriform scale,Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Hom.: Coccidae)

The encapsulation of eggs ofMetaphycus swirskii Annecke &; Mynhardt (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) by the pyriform scale,Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell) (Homoptera: Coccidae), collected in the coastal plain of Israel, was determined during April 1986 to May 1987. The rates of encapsulation were low in November (13.0%) and relatively high in April, May, August and September (32.0–89.0%). The seasonal variations in the encapsulation of eggs ofM. stanleyi Compere and/orM. swirskii byP. pyriformis infesting avocado (Persea americana) and jambolan (Syzygium cumini) were studied at Miqwe Yisra'el (coastal plain) during October 1986 to February 1988. Encapsulation rates were similar in scales infesting either of the two host plants. They were highest during July to August (49.0–75.0%) and lowest during December to February (0.9–10.0%). Encapsulation incidence at Miqwe Yisra'el was correlated with the ambient temperatures (r=0.89). The rate of encapsulation of parasitoid eggs (M. stanleyi and/orM. galbus Annecke) recorded inP. pyriformis sent to Israel from Spain in September 1987 was 42.2%. The high rates of encapsulation ofMetaphycus spp. eggs byP. pyriformis during the summer, may interfere with efficient biological control of the pest.     

Biodiversity of Lactuca aculeata germplasm assessed by SSR and AFLP markers,and resistance variation to Bremia lactucae

In total, seventy two Lactuca aculeata and three Lactuca serriola samples originating from natural populations of these species in Turkey, Jordan, and Israel were analysed by eight microsatellite and 287 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Neighbor–Network and Bayesian clustering were used for visualisation of the differences among the analysed L. aculeata and L. serriola samples, and to confirm hybrid origin (L. aculeata × L. serriola) of three samples (343-8A, 343-8B, 54/07) previously indicated by their morphological traits. Molecular data reflect the geographical origin, i.e., the clustering of samples according to their country of origin. Samples from neighbouring parts of Jordan and Israel expressed similar genetic characteristics, indicating the possibility of migration or artificial introduction of plant material. Forty-one L. aculeata samples were screened for their response to five Bremia lactucae races (Bl: 17, Bl: 18, Bl: 24, Bl: 27, and Bl: 28). Susceptible reactions of L. aculeata prevailed. L. aculeata samples were most frequently susceptible to races Bl: 18, Bl: 24, Bl: 27, Bl: 28; and least susceptible to Bl: 17. No highly efficient source of resistance was detected; however, race-specific reaction patterns were frequently recorded, indicating the possible presence of some race-specific resistance factors/genes in the studied samples of L. aculeata. Conservation and exploitation of this material in lettuce breeding is discussed.     

A new species ofAphidius [Hymenoptera] attacking the pea aphid,Acyrthosiphon pisum

Aphidius staryi Chen & Luhman n. sp. is described. The species was collected and introduced into California from Israel and Turkey byD. González. The new species is morphologically most similar toAphidius smithi, and keys toEady's urticae group.     

Population genetics of Leishmania infantum in Israel and the Palestinian Authority through microsatellite analysis

Multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) was used to investigate the genetic variation among 44 Israeli and Palestinian strains of L. infantum isolated from infected dogs and human cases to determine their population structure and to compare them with strains isolated from different European countries. Most of the Israeli and Palestinian strains had their own individual MLMT profiles; a few shared the same profile. A Bayesian model-based approach and phylogenetic reconstructions based on genetic distances inferred two main populations that were significantly different from the European strains: population A, containing 16 strains from places in the West Bank and 11 strains from central Israel; and population B, containing 7 strains from northern Israel, 9 from central Israel, and one Palestinian strain from the Jenin District. Geographically distributed sub-populations were detected within population B. These results demonstrate similar disease dynamics in Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The re-emergence of VL in the case of population A is more likely owing to increased dog and human contact with sylvatic cycles of parasitic infection rather than to recent introduction from the older foci of northern Israel. The latter scenario could be true for population B found in few foci of Central Israel.     

Wood remains from Tel Nami,a middle bronze IIa and late bronze IIb port,local exploitation of trees and levantine cedar trade

Thirteen Middle Bronze Age IIa and four Late Bronze Age IIb (ca. 1950-1750 B.C. and thirteenth century, B.C., respectively)pieces of charcoal or water logged wood were found in the recent excavations of Tel Nami, a small port on the coast near Mount Carmel, Israel. These includedCedrus libani (cedar of Lebanon) (three samples), and local tree species that still grow today in the vicinity of the site—Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine) (one sample),Olea europaea (olive tree) (five samples),Quercus calliprinos (kermes oak) (three samples),Quercus ithaburensis (Mt. Tabor oak) (four samples), andQuercus sp. (one sample). The discovery of Cedrus libani in a Middle Bronze Age IIa port is one of the earliest published examples of cedar wood from Israel. Together with other artifactual evidence for maritime trade from Tel Nami, this find suggests that a maritime trade in cedar wood existed along the Levantine coast.     

Obligate feed requirement of Fusarium sp. nov., an avocado wilting agent, by the ambrosia beetle Euwallacea aff. fornicata

The ambrosia beetle, Euwallacea aff. fornicata Eichhoff was first recorded in Israel in 2009. The symbiotic fungus Fusarium sp. nov., carried in the mandibular mycangia of the beetle, is responsible for typical wilt and dieback symptoms inflicted on avocado (Persea americana Miller) trees. The beetle-fungus complex has become a serious threat to the future of the avocado industry in Israel and elsewhere. When reared on Petri dishes, inoculated with 7-day-old cultures of the symbiotic Fusarium sp. nov., the beetle successfully completed its lifecycle and developed from egg to fertile adults in approximately 60 days. Galleries that were produced in the PDA medium by the adults, resembled those excavated in host plant xylem under natural host colonization conditions. Euwallacea aff. fornicata from avocado in Israel was not able to survive when fed with F. ambrosium but resulted in approximately 25 % mortality when fed on F. solani; both isolates originated from infected tea. Likewise, the larvae of E. fornicatus from tea in Sri Lanka, were not able to survive or complete their lifecycle when supplied with a feed of the Fusarium sp. nov. isolated from avocado in Israel. Isolates of two other Fusaria, F. mangiferae from mango and F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis from melon, were not able to support development or survival of the beetle larvae from avocado from Israel, using the same Petri dish rearing method. This indicates that the Fusarium sp. nov. isolate from avocado is obligately required for the survival and development of Euwallacea aff. fornicata currently occurring in Israel, affecting this crop and additional hosts. The usefulness of the Petri dish assay to study the interactions between ambrosia beetles and their fungal symbionts is discussed.     

Laboratory studies on the feeding habits,post-embryonic survival and oviposition of the predaceous mitesAmblyseius chilenensis Dosse andAmblyseius hibisci Chant [Acarina: Phytoseiidae on various kinds of food substances

The predaceous mitesAmblyseius chilenensis Dosse andAmblyseius hibisci Chant were introduced to Israel from Riverside, California. In the laboratory studies were conducted on the feeding, post-embryonic survival and oviposition rate of these mites on 17 kinds of food substances, such as mites, insects and pollen.     

Emergence of Distinct Genotypes of Cryptosporidium parvum in Structured Host Populations

Cryptosporidium parvum is an apicomplexan parasite that infects humans and ruminants. C. parvum isolated from cattle in northeastern Turkey and in Israel was genotyped using multiple polymorphic genetic markers, and the two populations were compared to assess the effect of cattle husbandry on the parasite's population structure. Dairy herds in Israel are permanently confined with essentially no opportunity for direct herd-to-herd transmission, whereas in Turkey there are more opportunities for transmission as animals range over wider areas and are frequently traded. A total of 76 C. parvum isolates from 16 locations in Israel and seven farms in the Kars region in northeastern Turkey were genotyped using 16 mini- and microsatellite markers. Significantly, in both countries distinct multilocus genotypes confined to individual farms were detected. The number of genotypes per farm was higher and mixed isolates were more frequent in Turkey than in Israel. As expected from the presence of distinct multilocus genotypes in individual herds, linkage disequilibrium among loci was detected in Israel. Together, these observations show that genetically distinct populations of C. parvum can emerge within a group of hosts in a relatively short time. This may explain the frequent detection of host-specific genotypes with unknown taxonomic status in surface water and the existence of geographically restricted C. hominis genotypes in humans.     

Strain Variation in Mycobacteriummarinum Fish Isolates

A molecular characterization of two Mycobacterium marinum genes, 16S rRNA and hsp65, was carried out with a total of 21 isolates from various species of fish from both marine and freshwater environments of Israel, Europe, and the Far East. The nucleotide sequences of both genes revealed that all M. marinum isolates from fish in Israel belonged to two different strains, one infecting marine (cultured and wild) fish and the other infecting freshwater (cultured) fish. A restriction enzyme map based on the nucleotide sequences of both genes confirmed the divergence of the Israeli marine isolates from the freshwater isolates and differentiated the Israeli isolates from the foreign isolates, with the exception of one of three Greek isolates from marine fish which was identical to the Israeli marine isolates. The second isolate from Greece exhibited a single base alteration in the 16S rRNA sequence, whereas the third isolate was most likely a new Mycobacterium species. Isolates from Denmark and Thailand shared high sequence homology to complete identity with reference strain ATCC 927. Combined analysis of the two gene sequences increased the detection of intraspecific variations and was thus of importance in studying the taxonomy and epidemiology of this aquatic pathogen. Whether the Israeli M. marinum strain infecting marine fish is endemic to the Red Sea and found extremely susceptible hosts in the exotic species imported for aquaculture or rather was accidentally introduced with occasional imports of fingerlings from the Mediterranean Sea could not be determined.     

Renal cell cancer in Israel: Sex and ethnic differences in incidence and mortality, 1980–2004

Background: The causes of renal cell cancer (RCC) remain largely unexplained. While the incidence is generally higher in men than in women, little has been reported on ethnic differences. We examine trends in RCC incidence and mortality rates among Israeli Arab and Jewish populations and compared with the rates in other countries. Methods: Age-adjusted RCC incidence and mortality rates in Israel, during 1980–2004, were calculated by sex and population group, using the National Cancer Registry. They were compared with the United States based on the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results [SEER] program and the IARC database for international comparisons. Results: While RCC incidence rates in Israel are similar to the United States and the European average, the rates are significantly higher among Israeli Jews than Arabs. Men are affected more than women. Incidence rates over the last 24 years have increased among all men and Jewish women, but not among Arab women. Among men, the incidence rate ratio for Jews to Arabs declined from 3.96 in 1980–1982 to 2.34 in 2001–2004, whereas for women there was no change. The mortality rates were higher among Jews than Arab and among men than women. There were no significant change in the mortality rates and rate ratios. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate marked ethnic differences in RCC in Israel. The lower incidence among Arabs stands in contrast to the higher prevalence of potential risk factors for RCC in this population group. Genetic factors, diet and other lifestyle factors could play protective roles.     

Wild Gazelles of the Southern Levant: Genetic Profiling Defines New Conservation Priorities

The mountain gazelle (Gazella gazelle), Dorcas gazelle (Gazella Dorcas) and acacia gazelle (Gazella arabica acacia) were historically abundant in the southern Levant, and more specifically in Israel. Anthropogenic and natural changes have caused a rapid decline in gazelle populations, raising concerns about their conservation status and future survival. The genetic profile of 111 wild gazelles from Israel was determined based on three regions of mitochondrial DNA (control region, Cytochrome b and 12S ribosomal RNA) and nine nuclear microsatellite markers. Genetic analysis of the mountain gazelle population, the largest known population of this rare species, revealed adequate diversity levels and gene flow between subpopulations. Nevertheless, ongoing habitat degradation and other human effects, such as poaching, suggest the need for drastic measures to prevent species extinction. Dorcas gazelles in Israel displayed inbreeding within subpopulations while still maintaining considerable genetic diversity overall. This stable population, represented by a distinctive genetic profile, is fragmented and isolated from its relatives in neighboring localities. Based on the genetic profile of a newly sampled subpopulation in Israel, we provide an alternative hypothesis for the historic dispersal of Dorcas gazelle, from the Southern Levant to northern Africa. The small acacia gazelle population was closest to gazelles from the Farasan Islands of Saudi Arabia, based on mitochondrial markers. The two populations did not share haplotypes, suggesting that these two populations may be the last remnant wild gazelles of this species worldwide. Only a dozen acacia gazelles survive in Israel, and urgent steps are needed to ensure the survival of this genetically distinctive lineage. The genetic assessments of our study recognize new conservation priorities for each gazelle species in the Southern Levant.     

Characterization of reduced susceptibility to chlorhexidine among Gram-negative bacteria

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is one of the most commonly used antiseptic, acting against Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria, yeast and fungi. However, over use may lead to reduced susceptibility of different bacteria to CHG. This study aimed to characterize the CHG susceptibility among Gram-negative strains in Israel, to evaluate factors that may affect this susceptibility, and to compare CHG susceptibility between ESBLs bacteria to strains without these enzymes. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella spp, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii were isolated from clinical samples of 193 patients hospitalized at Padeh–Poriya Medical Center. Phenotypic CHG susceptibility was assessed by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The highest CHG MIC was found among P. mirabilis. The differences between the CHG MIC values among the different strains were statistically significant (p < 0.001). ESBL-positive strains had higher MIC values as compared to ESBL-negative strains (p = 0.030). A significant association was found between CHG susceptibility and sample source (p = 0.015). In conclusion, the information gathered here significantly improves our knowledge on the reduced susceptibility to CHG among Gram-negative bacteria in Israel. Moreover, ESBL-positive bacteria are less susceptible to CHG and finally, bacteria in sputum, wounds, and body fluids are less CHG-susceptible.     

Aphelinidae parasitoids [Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea] of whiteflies [Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae] in Israel,with description of three new species

Fifteen aphelinidae species, belonging to the generaEncarsia Foerter andEretmocerus Haldeman, are recorded as new whiteflies parasitoids from Israel. Three new species are described and recorded for the first time from Israel. A key to the Israeli species is given.     

Mitochondrial DNA variation, but not nuclear DNA, sharply divides morphologically identical chameleons along an ancient geographic barrier

The Levant is an important migration bridge, harboring border-zones between Afrotropical and palearctic species. Accordingly, Chameleo chameleon, a common species throughout the Mediterranean basin, is morphologically divided in the southern Levant (Israel) into two subspecies, Chamaeleo chamaeleon recticrista (CCR) and C. c. musae (CCM). CCR mostly inhabits the Mediterranean climate (northern Israel), while CCM inhabits the sands of the north-western Negev Desert (southern Israel). AFLP analysis of 94 geographically well dispersed specimens indicated moderate genetic differentiation (PhiPT = 0.097), consistent with the classical division into the two subspecies, CCR and CCM. In contrast, sequence analysis of a 637 bp coding mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragment revealed two distinct phylogenetic clusters which were not consistent with the morphological division: one mtDNA cluster consisted of CCR specimens collected in regions northern of the Jezreel Valley and another mtDNA cluster harboring specimens pertaining to both the CCR and CCM subspecies but collected southern of the Jezreel Valley. AMOVA indicated clear mtDNA differentiation between specimens collected northern and southern to the Jezreel Valley (PhiPT = 0.79), which was further supported by a very low coalescent-based estimate of effective migration rates. Whole chameleon mtDNA sequencing (∼17,400 bp) generated from 11 well dispersed geographic locations revealed 325 mutations sharply differentiating the two mtDNA clusters, suggesting a long allopatric history further supported by BEAST. This separation correlated temporally with the existence of an at least 1 million year old marine barrier at the Jezreel Valley exactly where the mtDNA clusters meet. We discuss possible involvement of gender-dependent life history differences in maintaining such mtDNA genetic differentiation and suggest that it reflects (ancient) local adaptation to mitochondrial-related traits.     

Zygospore overwintering and sporulative germination in Triplosporium fresenii (Entomophthoraceae) attacking Aphis spiraecola on citrus in Israel

Triplosporium (Entomophthora) fresenii overwinters on citrus trees in Israel as zygospores which germinate in March and April by means of capillary conidiophores bearing capillispores (anadhesive conidia) in synchronization with spring buildup of Aphis spiraecola populations on citrus. The minimum temperature for zygospore germination in Israel is about 9–10°C. In the zygospore population there is variability regarding time needed to break dormancy and temperature needed for germination, which is gradual, its cumulative curve being sigmoidally shaped. Some evidence suggests that dormancy is of the endogenous type. The variability and the ability to overwinter on trees as resting spores are assumed to give T. fresenii an advantage over other Entomophthoraceae present on the same host in spring.     

Have introduced fish initiated piscivory among the long-fingered bat?

During the winter of 2003–2004 feces were collected from a winter colony of the long-fingered bat (Myotis capaccinii) in the Hazorea cave (north-west Israel). Of the 1913 feces that were examined, 234 contained scales of Gambusia affinis – a small fish that had been introduced to Israel around 1920 in order to control mosquito larvae. The remains of spiders and five insect orders were also represented in the feces. This is the first report of a piscivorous bat in the Middle East and the first finding of fish remains in the feces of M. capaccinii. The findings show that in the north of Israel this species does not hibernate but remains active throughout the winter. It appears that the consumption of G. affinis reflects a change in the diet of these bats from insectivory to semi-piscivory.     

Biological indicators in marine and coastal waters: a statistical and modelling analysis of the MARS campaign

We perform a statistical analysis of ecological data collected in the MARS project from marine environments of the Red and Mediterranean Seas in Israel, and the North Sea in Germany. In the study of fish parasite data, we examine the basic premise that the complex host lifecycles of heteroxenous (h) parasites make them more sensitive to pollution than monoxenous (m) parasites which have only one host. Unlike results from analyses of earlier survey data, we find that the pooled h/m index for a community is not a clear indicator of environmental stress as originally hypothesized. This is due to the relatively large seasonal variability at the sampling sites over the course of the 3-year survey. Other possible indicators for water pollution gradients are checked, including species richness, diversity and prevalence of parasite populations. A theoretical model of host-parasite population dynamics that makes the presence of ecological thresholds transparent is offered to help explain the abrupt transitions prominent in the distributions of parasites at different sites under different pollution loadings. Heavy metal and chlorinated hydrocarbon data collected from fish tissue samples and molluscs of the three seas are assessed as bioindicators for pollution monitoring. The xenobiotic loads and indices of defence system activity and tissue damage are shown to have great potential as monitoring bioindicators.