Chromosome number variability in central european members of the<Emphasis Type="Italic">Festuca ovina</Emphasis> and<Emphasis Type="Italic">F. pallens</Emphasis> groups (sect.<Emphasis Type="Italic">Festuca</Emphasis>)

Chromosome numbers for 98 plants ofF. pallens, 19 ofF. psammophila, F. belensis andF. vaginata, and 44 ofF. ovina (originating from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia and Latvia) are given. In addition to theF. ovina andF. pallens groups, chromosome counts for the following taxa are also reported:F. alpestris (2n=14) reported for the first time in this work,F. amethystina subsp.amethystina (2n=28),F. brevipila (2n=42),F. cinerea (2n=28),F. rupicola subsp.rupicola (2n=42) andF. versicolor subsp.versicolor (2n=14).InF. pallens, two ploidy levels (2n=2x=14+0-1B, 2n=4x=28+0-1B) as well as two natural triploid plants (2n=21+0-1B), were found. In addition to the fourF. pallens types that have been distinguished in Austria, one new tetraploid type (F. pallens “scabrifolia”) from the Czech Republic and Germany is reported and its taxonomy is discussed. The distributions of the Oberösterreich-Niederösterreich and Pannonisches-HügellandF. pallens types outside of Austria are documented.Only the diploid chromosome number (2n=14) was found inF. psammophila andF. vaginata. Chromosome numbers forF. psammophila subsp.muellerstollii andF. belensis (both 2n=14) were determined here for the first time. Two ploidy levels, 2n=14+0-5B corresponding toF. ovina subsp.ovina and 2n=28 corresponding toF. ovina subsp.guestphalica andF. cf.duernsteinensis were confirmed inF. ovina. Differences in chromosome structure (simple and multiple secondary constrictions) betweenF. pallens as opposed toF. psammophila andF. vaginata are discussed. A complete survey of published chromosome counts for Central European species from theF. ovina andF. pallens groups is included.     

DNA ploidy levels and intraspecific DNA content variability in Romanian fescues (Festuca, Poaceae) measured in fresh and herbarium material

DNA ploidy level estimates are presented for 11 species and two natural hybrids ofFestuca sampled from 39 locations in Romania. Altogether 48 living samples (22 of them also as one-year-old herbarium specimens) and additional 65 one-year-old herbarium specimens were analyzed using flow cytometry with DAPI staining. The following DNA ploidy levels were assessed:F. callieri (4x),F. ovina (2x),F. pallens (2x),F. polesica (2x),F. pseudodalmatica (2x, 4x, 5x),F. pseudovaginata (2x),F. pseudovina (2x),F. pseudovina ×F. rupicola (4x),F. rupicola (6x),F. vaginata (2x),F. vaginata ×F. valesiaca (2x),F. valesiaca (2x) andF. xanthina (2x).Festuca pseudovaginata is reported for the flora of Romania for the first time. Measurements of one-year-old herbarium specimens produced significantly smaller sample/standard ratios (P<0.001) and higher coefficients of variance (P < 0.001) when compared with fresh plant samples. Several species exhibited marked intraspecific nuclear DNA content variability, documented by non-overlapping double-peaks or bimodal peaks in simultaneous measurements. A maximum difference of about 9.2% in relative DNA contents was observed inF. pallens, 5.5% inF. polesica, 4.2% inF. vaginata, and 3.8% inF. rupicola. DiploidF. xanhina (Festuca sect.Eskia) had 1.39–1.58 times higher monoploid relative DNA content in relation to the species of sectionFestuca.     

DNA ploidy level variability of some fescues (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Festuca</Emphasis> subg. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Festuca</Emphasis>, Poaceae) from Central and Southern Europe measured in fresh plants and herbarium specimens

Using flow cytometry in fresh plants and herbarium vouchers, DNA ploidy levels for 411 individuals of 44 taxa of the genus Festuca, including 4 natural hybrids, originating from 237 sites in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland were estimated. The following taxa and DNA ploidy levels are reported: F. airoides (2n ≈ 2x), F. alpestris (2n ≈ 2x), F. alpina s.l. (2n ≈ 2x), F. amethystina subsp. amethystina (2n ≈ 4x), F. bosniaca subsp. bosniaca (2n ≈ 2x), F. brevipila (2n ≈ 6x), F. bucegiensis (2n ≈ 2x), F. carnuntina (2n ≈ 6x), F. csikhegyensis (2n ≈ 4x), F. csikhegyensis × F. eggleri (2n ≈ 4x), F. dalmatica (2n ≈ 4x), F. duvalii (2n ≈ 4x), F. eggleri (2n ≈ 2x, 4x), F. filiformis (2n ≈ 2x), F. glauca (2n ≈ 6x), F. heterophylla (2n ≈ 4x), F. inops (2n ≈ 2x), F. laevigata (2n ≈ 8x), F. laxa (2n ≈ 4x), F. lemanii (2n ≈ 6x), F. norica (2n ≈ 2x), F. ovina subsp. ovina (2n ≈ 2x), F. ovina subsp. guesfalica (2n ≈ 4x), F. ovina × F. pallens (2n ≈ 4x), F. pallens (2n ≈ 2x, 3x), F. pallens × F. pseudodalmatica (2n ≈ 3x, 4x), F. pirinica (2n ≈ 2x), F. polesica (2n ≈ 2x), F. psammophila subsp. dominii (2n ≈ 2x), F. pseudodalmatica (2n ≈ 4x), F. pseudovina (2n ≈ 2x), F. quadriflora (2n ≈ 4x), F. rupicola (2n ≈ 6x), F. rupicola × F. vaginata (2n ≈ 3x, 4x), F. saxatilis (2n ≈ 6x), F. stricta subsp. bauzanina (2n ≈ 8x), F. supina (2n ≈ 4x), F. tatrae (2n ≈ 2x), F. valesiaca (2n ≈ 2x), F. versicolor subsp. pallidula (2n ≈ 2x), F. versicolor subsp. versicolor (2n ≈ 2x), F. violacea subsp. puccinellii (2n ≈ 2x), F. wagneri (2n ≈ 4x), F. xanthina (2n ≈ 2x). In F. pallens, up to 12-year-old herbarium specimens were proved to be suitable for DNA ploidy level measurements with flow cytometry. DNA ploidy levels of F. bucegiensis, F. bosniaca, and F. versicolor subsp. pallidula are reported here for the first time. The taxonomy of some polyploid complexes and several records of mixed ploidy level populations are briefly discussed. Festuca pseudodalmatica and its hybrid F. × krizoviensis were first recognised as native to the Czech Republic, and F. brevipila as native to Hungary. Also some new records of F. filiformis, F. brevipila, and F. wagneri from Slovakia are reported.     

Cloning and Expression of Two Crystal Protein Genes, cry30Ba1 and cry44Aa1, Obtained from a Highly Mosquitocidal Strain, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. entomocidus INA288

Two novel crystal protein genes, cry30Ba and cry44Aa, were cloned from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. entomocidus INA288 and expressed in an acrystalliferous strain. Cry44Aa crystals were highly toxic to second-instar Culex pipiens pallens (50% mortality concentration [LC₅₀] = 6 ng/ml) and Aedes aegypti (LC₅₀ = 12 ng/ml); however, Cry30Ba crystals were not toxic.     

A taxonomic survey of the generaPetasites andEndocellion

The paper summarizes all accepted species and subspecies of the generaPetasites andEndocellion, together with important synonyms, type quotations, main diacritical characters, and an outline of their distribution. The new taxa described in this study are as follows: subgen.Capillopetalum, sect.Cricostigma, sect.Schistostigma, sect.Trichostigma, sect.Sceptrostigma, further ser.Japonici, ser.Orientales, ser.Fragrantes, ser.Spurii, ser.Imberbes, ser.Sagittati, and subspeciesPetasites frigidus subsp.sibiricus. New combinations:Petasites radiatus (J. F. Gmel.),P. rubellus (J. F. Gmel.)P. hybridus subsp.georgicus (Manden.),P. nivalis subsp.vitifolius (L. E. Greene),P. nivalis subsp.hyperboreus (Rydb.),P. palmatus subsp.speciosus (Nutt.),Endocellion sibiricum (J. F. Gmel.) andE. glaciale (Ledeb.).     

Phenetic analysis shows conspecificity between Hispaniolan Viola domingensis Urban and North American Viola macloskeyi sensu lato (Violaceae)

Phenetic investigations were undertaken to evaluate differences between the cloud forest endemicViola domingensis of the Dominican Republic and the morphologically similarV. macloskeyi of continental North America. Cluster, principal components (PCA), and canonical variates analyses (CVA) of leaf characters and of ratios derived from them consistently separateV. macloskeyi subsp.macloskeyi of the Pacific states fromV. domingensis and transcontinentalV. macloskeyi subsp.pallens. However, all analyses portray the latter two as extensively intergradient extremes of a continuum, withV. domingensis plants tending to be smaller. Phenetic analyses of capsule and seed features, which are often divergent among other species of subsect.Stolonosae, showV. domingensis to be nested within a broaderV. macloskeyi subsp.pallens. Similarly, floral morphology does not provide observable differences between the pair. Results support the synonymy ofV. domingensis underV. macloskeyi subsp.pallens and reveal that it represents a disjunct outlier of an otherwise continental North American violet.     

Larvalentwicklung und Metamorphose vonPhoronis psammophila (Phoronida,Tentaculata)

The larval development ofPhoronis psammophila Cori is divided into 6 phases (on the basis of increasing pairs of larval tentacles); furthermore an initial and a ripe phase are distinguished. Specific aspects of the development are described: Formation and structure of larval tentacles; anlage of adult tentacles as a thickening in the larval tentacle base; late development of the metasome (larva with 4–6 tentacles); formation of the metasome pouch in the larva with 8 tentacles; enlargement of the apical plate; differentiation of the gut; differentiation of larval nephridia; formation of pigment particles in the larva with 6 tentacles (storage function of pigments and its significance for larval identification); different types of discoflagella in various regions of the body. The larval development shows the following tendencies: Improvement of locomotion; intensification of food filtration; anlage of adult organs in the larva leading to a shortening of metamorphosis duration. The larva ofP. psammophila is compared with those ofP. pallida, P. hippocrepia, andP. vancouverensis. Earlier larval determinations ofP. psammophila (e.g.Actinotrocha sabatieri, A. hatschekii) are shown to have been mistakes. Termination of the postembryonic phase (metamorphosis) can be induced experimentally by bacteria and also by cations. Pure or mixed bacteria cultures must be present at the beginning exponential growth phase. The bacteria density required is 20–94×10⁶ bact.ml^?1 for pure cultures and on the average 28×10⁶ bact. ml^?1 for mixed cultures. Metamorphosis initiation by cations can be induced with CsCl (0.06 M) and RbCl (0.035 M). Metamorphosis ofP. psammophila occurs in 6 phases: larva, ready for metamorphosis; larva, activated by bacteria or ions; evagination of the metasome diverticle, dislocation of gut; losing and swallowing of episphaere and larval tentacles; formation of the youngP. psammophila. All developmental phases are described and compared with those ofP. muelleri; imperfect metamorphosis is characterized and the youngP. psammophila compared with older stages and the adult Phoronis.     

Beesioside III,a cyclolanostanol xyloside from the rhizomes of Beesia calthaefolia and Souliea vaginata

The chemical constituents of Beesia calthaefolia and Souliea vaginata were examined. From the rhizomes of B. calthaefolia, four new 9,19-cyclolanostanol xylosides, named beesiosides I–IV were isolated. Beesiosides 111 and IV were found also in the rhizomes of S. vaginata. On the basis of chemical and spectral evidence the structure of beesioside III was established as 15α-acetoxy-20ξ₁,24ξ₂-epoxy-9,19-cyclolanostane-3β,12β,16β,25-tetraol-3-O-β-D-xylopyranoside.     

The steam volatile leaf oils of some species of Eucalyptus subseries Strictinae

The volatile leaf oils of Eucalyptus stenostoma, E. fraxinoides, E. triflora, E. dendromorpha, E. burgessiana, E. rupicola, E. approximans subsp. approximans, E. approximans subsp. codonocarpa and E. paliformis were qualitatively very similar to each other but significantly different from the leaf oils of the remaining species of the subseries. Their leaf oils were characterized by high concentrations of p-cymene and by the presence of α- and β-phellandrene, variable amounts of piperitone, trans- and cis-piperitol and trans- and cis-p-menth- 2-en-1-ol. The three last named alcohols have not been previously reported from the Myrtaceae.     

Effect of experimental top soil removal on vegetation of Pannonian salt steppes

Inland saline habitats of the Pannonian Lowland exhibit a specific variety of grasslands determined by a soil salinity gradient. Changes in the hydrological regime and absence of management have resulted in heavy degradation of the vegetation. The impact of topsoil removal on salt steppes was tested by a 3-year small-scale manipulated experiment in SW Slovakia (Kamenínske Slanisko Nature Reserve). Topsoil was removed in three contrasting types of vegetation with different soil salinities, i.e. in different stages of habitat degradation. Data were analysed by multi-way ANOVA and by multivariate methods. Species richness decreased and the proportion of halophytes increased significantly in the two types with the highest soil salinity; however, the total number of halophytes was not influenced by soil removal. The treatment caused inhibition of secondary succession on the plots with the highest salinity. The effect of the soil removal was only short-term in the vegetation with moderate salinity and on heavily degraded and desalinized types it even stimulated further recruitment of ruderal species. Topsoil removal has only limited potential for the restoration of Pannonian salt steppes. It should be applied only in slightly degraded vegetation, where salt accumulation is still present and target species propagules are available.     

Rapid Identification and Differentiation of the Soft Rot Erwinias by 16S-23S Intergenic Transcribed Spacer-PCR and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analyses

Current identification methods for the soft rot erwinias are both imprecise and time-consuming. We have used the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) to aid in their identification. Analysis by ITS-PCR and ITS-restriction fragment length polymorphism was found to be a simple, precise, and rapid method compared to current molecular and phenotypic techniques. The ITS was amplified from Erwinia and other genera using universal PCR primers. After PCR, the banding patterns generated allowed the soft rot erwinias to be differentiated from all other Erwinia and non-Erwinia species and placed into one of three groups (I to III). Group I comprised all Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica and subsp. betavasculorum isolates. Group II comprised all E. carotovora subsp. carotovora, subsp. odorifera, and subsp. wasabiae and E. cacticida isolates, and group III comprised all E. chrysanthemi isolates. To increase the level of discrimination further, the ITS-PCR products were digested with one of two restriction enzymes. Digestion with CfoI identified E. carotovora subsp. atroseptica and subsp. betavasculorum (group I) and E. chrysanthemi (group III) isolates, while digestion with RsaI identified E. carotovora subsp. wasabiae, subsp. carotovora, and subsp. odorifera/carotovora and E. cacticida isolates (group II). In the latter case, it was necessary to distinguish E. carotovora subsp. odorifera and subsp. carotovora using the α-methyl glucoside test. Sixty suspected soft rot erwinia isolates from Australia were identified as E. carotovora subsp. atroseptica, E. chrysanthemi, E. carotovora subsp. carotovora, and non-soft rot species. Ten “atypical” E. carotovora subsp. atroseptica isolates were identified as E. carotovora subsp. atroseptica, subsp. carotovora, and subsp. betavasculorum and non-soft rot species, and two “atypical” E. carotovora subsp. carotovora isolates were identified as E. carotovora subsp. carotovora and subsp. atroseptica.     

Population structure,colonization processes and barriers for dispersal in Polish common hamsters (Cricetus cricetus)

The phylogeographic relationships of common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) populations in Poland were determined by the analysis of three partial mtDNA sequences: control region, cytochrome b and 16S rRNA. A phylogenetic tree as well as parsimony network, consistently separate Polish common hamsters into two groups: E1 being so far specific for the area of Poland, and P3 which clusters inside a Pannonian lineage, previously described from the Carpathian Basin. Polish hamsters do not share any haplotypes with the ‘North’– lineage from Germany and Western Europe, although Poland most likely represents the main migration corridor from the eastern distribution centre to the western boundary of the species range. Fossil and DNA data indicate a very recent appearance of the E1 lineage in the Polish Uplands, probably at the very end of the last glaciation. On the other hand, the Pannonian group entered southern Poland as early as the second stadial of the last glaciation (Middle Vistulian 53.35 ka). The hamster lineages in Poland seem to show different population structures and demographic histories.     

Contrasting hydraulic strategies in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salix psammophila</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caragana korshinskii</Emphasis> in the southern Mu Us Desert,China

Salix psammophila and Caragana korshinskii are two common shrubs in the southern Mu Us Desert, China. Their hydraulic strategies for adapting to this harsh, dry desert environment are not yet clear. This study examined the hydraulic transport efficiency, vulnerability to cavitation, and daily embolism refilling in the leaves and stems of these two shrubs during the dry season. In order to gain insight into water use strategies of whole plants, other related traits were also considered, including daily changes in stomatal conductance, leaf mass per area, leaf pressure–volume parameters, wood density and the Huber value. The leaves and stems of S. psammophila had greater hydraulic efficiency, but were more vulnerable to drought-induced hydraulic dysfunction than C. korshinskii. The difference between leaf and stem water potential at 50 % loss of conductivity was 0.12 MPa for S. psammophila and 0.81 MPa for C. korshinskii. Midday stomatal conductance decreased by 74 % compared to that at 8:30 in S. psammophila, whereas no change occurred in C. korshinskii. Daily embolism and refilling occurred in the stems of S. psammophila and leaves of C. korshinskii. These results suggest that a stricter stomatal regulation, daily embolism repair in stems, and a higher stem water capacitance could be partially compensating for the greater susceptibility to xylem embolism in S. psammophila, whereas higher leaf elastic modulus, greater embolism resistance in stems, larger difference between leaf and stem hydraulic safety, and drought-induced leaf shedding in C. korshinskii were largely responsible for its more extensive distribution in arid and desert steppes.     

Polyploid speciation across a suture zone: phylogeography and species delimitation in S French <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leucanthemum</Emphasis> Mill. representatives (Compositae–Anthemideae)

Chromosome counts suggest that the three varieties of the SE French and NW Italian Leucanthemum vulgare subsp. glaucophyllum (var. glaucophyllum: decaploid; var. esterellense: octoploid; var. subglaucum: hexaploid) deserve acknowledgement as independent species. Here we use AFLP fingerprinting and sequence information from two chloroplast regions (psbA-trnH, rpl16) to gain insight into the evolutionary relationships among those species, along with those with the co-occurring and ecologically similar L. pallens (hexaploid) and the closely related L. ircutianum subsp. leucolepis (tetraploid). Both genetic marker systems reveal a geographical differentiation pattern in L. pallens with the Rhône valley forming a suture zone between the western (SW France, Spain) and eastern (SE France, NW Italy) populations, arguing for the existence of two lineages in the species that may have survived the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in refugia on the Iberian and Apennine Peninsulas. Transgressions of this suture zone are observable in the case of the hexaploid L. subglaucum from the Massif Central, which shows genetic relationships to the more eastern decaploid L. glaucophyllum from the Alps Maritimes, and the octoploid L. esterellense from the Esterel Massif (Côte d´Azur), for which relationships to the more western populations of the hexaploids L. pallens and L. subglaucum are observable. The genetic and cytological survey of a mixed stand of L. pallens and L. glaucophyllum on Monte Bignone (Liguria, NW Italy) reveals patterns of recent hybridisation of these two species with intermediate octoploid and nonaploid cytotypes that are, however, genetically distinct from L. esterellense.     

Dissection of Francisella-Host Cell Interactions in Dictyostelium discoideum

Francisella bacteria cause severe disease in both vertebrates and invertebrates and include one of the most infectious human pathogens. Mammalian cell lines have mainly been used to study the mechanisms by which Francisella manipulates its host to replicate within a large variety of hosts and cell types, including macrophages. Here, we describe the establishment of a genetically and biochemically tractable infection model: the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum combined with the fish pathogen Francisella noatunensis subsp. noatunensis. Phagocytosed F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis interacts with the endosomal pathway and escapes further phagosomal maturation by translocating into the host cell cytosol. F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis lacking IglC, a known virulence determinant required for Francisella intracellular replication, follows the normal phagosomal maturation and does not grow in Dictyostelium. The attenuation of the F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis ΔiglC mutant was confirmed in a zebrafish embryo model, where growth of F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis ΔiglC was restricted. In Dictyostelium, F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis interacts with the autophagic machinery. The intracellular bacteria colocalize with autophagic markers, and when autophagy is impaired (Dictyostelium Δatg1), F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis accumulates within Dictyostelium cells. Altogether, the Dictyostelium-F. noatunensis subsp. noatunensis infection model recapitulates the course of infection described in other host systems. The genetic and biochemical tractability of the system allows new approaches to elucidate the dynamic interactions between pathogenic Francisella and its host organism.     

Phylogenetic studies in the polyploid complex of the genus Leucanthemum Mill. (Compositae, Anthemideae) based on cpDNA sequence variation

To reconstruct the evolutionary history of the polyploid southern and central European genus Leucanthemum, comprising 41 species with ploidy levels ranging from 2x to 22x, we analysed chloroplast DNA sequence variation (psbA-trnH and trnL-trnF intergenic spacer regions) of 106 representatives belonging to 30 species and 41 taxa. In an unrooted haplotype network, which shows internal (ancestral) haplotypes that are mainly represented by diploid taxa (L. gallaecicum, L. gracilicaule, L. halleri, L. laciniatum, L. lithopolitanicum, L. rotundifolium, and L. tridactylites), we identified three major haplotype groups (HTGs) containing diploid and polyploid species. Whereas HTG?I contains most of the polyploid taxa of the genus, with a single diploid species from the SW Alps (L. virgatum), HTG?II consists of four diploid (L. burnatii, L. gaudinii, L. graminifolium, and L. vulgare) and six polyploid species, and HTG?III comprises one diploid (L. pluriflorum) and three polyploid species endemic to the NW part of the Iberian Peninsula. We also further found evidence for recurrent formation of at least three polyploid taxa (i.e., L. delabrei, L. ircutianum subsp. cantabricum, and L. pallens).     

The Allerød/Younger Dryas transition in Wolin Island, northwest Poland, as reflected by pollen, macrofossils, and chemical content of an organic layer separating two aeolian series

A palaeoecological study including pollen, macrofossils, and chemical analyses of an organic sediment separating two series of aeolian cover sands has enabled us to reconstruct environmental changes during the Allerød/Younger Dryas transition in Wolin Island, northwest Poland. The Allerød woodland dominated by Pinus sylvestris became more open at the beginning of the Younger Dryas, when aeolian (wind) activity resulted in instability of the soil. During the early phase of the Younger Dryas the water level in the local basin distinctly raised, indicating a change to a wetter climate. This short-lasting phase was followed by an increased frequency and intensity of aeolian processes. However, the main aeolian event took place before the major expansion of Juniperus, not later than 10,780±120 b.p. Frequent woodland fires, probably due to the activities of Palaeolithic people, have been documented both for the Allerød and the Younger Dryas periods. Macrofossils of Alnus sp. found in the Allerød layer are of special interest in showing the presence of alder trees in northwest Poland as early as the Late-glacial.     

Social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) on carcasses of Rattus norvegicus (Mammalia: Muridae) in the Central Amazonia,Brazil: possible forensic implications

We evaluated the occurrence of social wasps in the decomposition process in tropical rainforest in central Amazonia (Ducke Reserve, Manaus, Brazil), using cadavers of rats as attractants, exposed in suspended cages. Ten species, in three genera, of social wasps were collected only in the initial stages of decay (fresh and bloated). Five species were collected, mainly in the fresh stage, feeding on flesh: Agelaia angulata, Agelaia constructor, Agelaia fulvofasciata, Agelaia pallipes and Angiopolybia pallens. Five species were collected, mainly in the bloated stage, feeding on flesh and eggs and first instar larvae of dipteran: Agelaia testacea, Angiopolybia obidensis, Apoica arborea, Apoica pallens and Apoica thoracica. Due to the aspect of the injuries caused by the wasps to the carcass, they may be mistaken as skin ulcers, burns or abrasions, which may mislead a forensic investigation.     

Application of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Fingerprinting for Taxonomy and Identification of the Soft Rot Bacteria Erwinia carotovora and Erwinia chrysanthemi

The soft rot bacteria Erwinia carotovora and Erwinia chrysanthemi are important pathogens of potato and other crops. However, the taxonomy of these pathogens, particularly at subspecies level, is unclear. An investigation using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting was undertaken to determine the taxonomic relationships within this group based on their genetic relatedness. Following cluster analysis on the similarity matrices derived from the AFLP gels, four clusters (clusters 1 to 4) resulted. Cluster 1 contained Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora (subclusters 1a and 1b) and Erwinia carotovora subsp. odorifera (subcluster 1c) strains, while cluster 2 contained Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica (subcluster 2a) and Erwinia carotovora subsp. betavasculorum (subcluster 2b) strains. Clusters 3 and 4 contained Erwinia carotovora subsp. wasabiae and E. chrysanthemi strains, respectively. While E. carotovora subsp. carotovora and E. chrysanthemi showed a high level of molecular diversity (23 to 38% mean similarity), E. carotovora subsp. odorifera, E. carotovora subsp. betavasculorum, E. carotovora subsp. atroseptica, and E. carotovora subsp. wasabiae showed considerably less (56 to 76% mean similarity), which may reflect their limited geographical distributions and/or host ranges. The species- and subspecies-specific banding profiles generated from the AFLPs allowed rapid identification of unknown isolates and the potential for future development of diagnostics. AFLP fingerprinting was also found to be more differentiating than other techniques for typing the soft rot erwinias and was applicable to all strain types, including different serogroups.     

Comparison of Acyrthosiphon pisum (Homoptera: Aphididae) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) as prey for the development and survival of Chrysopa pallens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

The effects of two different prey species on the pre-imaginal development and survival of the green lacewing, Chrysopa pallens were determined under laboratory conditions. The developmental duration from first instar to adult emergence was shorter when larvae were fed on Acyrthosiphon pisum (22.56 ± 0.39 d) than on Frankliniella occidentalis (29 ± 0.45 d). The survival rate of lacewings from first instar to adult emergence was 22.6% higher when they were fed on A. pisum than when fed on F. occidentalis. The possible implications of these findings are applicable to mass-rearing of C. pallens and for understanding predator's biology and survival capacity in the presence of prey species evaluated and could be used in the development of an effective biological control program.