Effect of antimicrobial activity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on antagonistic potential of Pleurotus species against Trichoderma harzianum in dual culture

Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) essential oil was investigated for its “in vitro” ability to control Trichoderma harzianum, a fungal contaminant that causes extensive losses in the cultivation of Pleurotus species. The antifungal activity of M. alternifolia essential oil and antagonist activities between Pleurotus species against three T. harzianum strains were studied in dual-culture experiments on an agar-based medium in which different concentrations of essential oil were incorporated. M. alternifolia essential oil at a concentration of 0.625 μL/mL, inhibited T. harzianum mycelial growth by 5.9–9.0%, depending on the strain. At the same concentrations P. ferulae and P. nebrodensis stimulated mycelial growth by 5.2–8.1%. All strains of T. harzianum were antagonistic to the Pleurotus species in the control. When essential oil was added to the substrate cultural, the antagonistic activity of T. harzianum against the Pleurotus species was weak (0.0625 μL of essential oil) or non-existent (0.125 μL of essential oil). M. alternifolia essential oil could be an alternative to the synthetic chemicals that are currently used to prevent and control T. harzianum in mushroom cultivation.     

Essential Oils of Micromeria dalmatica Benth., a Balkan Endemic Species of Section Pseudomelissa

The essential oils of 13 Greek populations of Micromeria dalmatica, a Balkan endemic species and member of the section Pseudomelissa, were examined for the first time. Among the studied populations, two main oil types could be distinguished. Type I was found to be rich in β‐pinene, limonene, and germacrene D (accounting for 55.6–70.2% of the total oil), and Type II was characterized by the preponderance of p‐menthane compounds (accounting for 64.2–89.9% of the oil). The latter oil type could be further divided into two subtypes, one comprising oils with predominance of piperitenone and piperitenone oxide and another composed of oils containing high proportions of pulegone, menthone, and isomenthone. The abundance of p‐menthane compounds is a common feature of the oils of all members of the section Pseudomelissa studied to date. However, the existence of oils of Type I has not been previously reported for M. dalmatica, neither for other members of the section Pseudomelissa.     

Chemistry and ethnobotany of commercial incense copals copal blanco, copal oro, and copal negro, of North America

The North American commercial incense copals are derived from species of Bursera, Protium (Burseraceae), and Hymenaea (Caesal-piniaceae) but are also distinguished by the technique of harvesting as well as by species. Sixty-eight compounds were identified in three commercial incense copals. The essential oil of copal bianco (probably from B. bipinnata) is dominated by 14.52 ± 1.28% α-copaene and 13.75 ± 1.06% germacrene D. The essential oil of copal oro (probably from H. courbaril) is dominated by 21.35 ± 5.96% α-pinene and 26.51 ± 1.22% limonene. The essential oil of copal negro (probably from P. copal) is dominated by 17.95 ± 1.35% α-pinene, 12.51 ± 0.08% sabinene, and 16.88 ± 2.02% limonene.

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Química y etnobotánica de los copales comerciales del incienso, copal blanco, copal oro, y copal negro, de norte América

Resumen  Los copales comerciales norteamericanas del incienso se derivan de las especies de Bursera, Protium (Burseraceae),y Hymenaea (Caesalpi-niaceae)pero también son distinguidos por la técnica de cosechar así como por las especies. Sesenta y ocho compuestos fueron identificados en tres copales comerciales del incienso. El aceite esencial del copal bianco (probablemente de B. bipinnata)es dominado por el α-copae-ne (14.52 ± 1.28%)y el germacrene D (13.75 ± 1.06%).El aceite esencial del copal oro (probablemente de H. courbaril)es dominado por el α-pinene (21.35 ± 5.96%)y el limonene (26.51 ± 1.22%).El aceite esencial del copal negro (probablemente de P. copal)es dominado por el a-pinene (17.95 ± 1.35%),el sabinene (12.51 ± 0.08%),y el limonene (16.88 ± 2.02%).

     

Essential oils composition of Eupatorium species growing wild in the Amazon

The essential oils of six Eupatorium species were obtained by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC-MS. The oil of E. macrophyllum was rich in sabinene (46.7%) and limonene (23.3%). The oil of E. laevigatum was mainly constituted by a mixture of aristolone+laevigatin (23.6%), globulol (16.2%) and germacrene D (8.6%). The principal constituents of the oils of the chemotypes A and B of E. squalidum, E. amygdalinum and E. conyzoides were caryophyllene oxide (17.4–30.1%), globulol (25.1%), germacrene D (10.4–21.6%), spathulenol (14.2%) and β-caryophyllene (7.1–12.3%). The oils of the chemotypes A and B of E. marginatum were dominated by α-zingiberene (57.5%), α-gurjunene (19.5%), germacrene D (14.8%), (E)-8-bisabolene (9.7%) and α-selinene (9.0%).     

Eastern Cottontail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sylvilagus Floridanus)</Emphasis> as Carrier of Dermatophyte Fungi

Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus, fam. Leporidae), introduced into Piedmont (Italy) in the 1960s, was studied as carrier of dermatophyte fungi. Of 216 hair samples collected from animals culled between September 1999 and July 2000 in the Province of Alessandria (Piedmont, Italy) during a pest control project, 57 (26.4%) yielded dermatophyte colonies. As two different species of dermatophytes grew from two samples, a total of 59 fungal isolates (26.5%) were obtained. Six dermatophyte species both geophilic (M. gypseum, M. cookei, Trichophyton ajelloi, T. terrestre) and zoophilic (M. canis, T. mentagrophytes) were identified. No sex-related differences were found but season-related differences were observed. The highest prevalence of dermatophyte-positive samples was recorded in May–September, due to the geophilic fungi whose prevalence decreased during colder and increased during warmer months ( p < 0.001). The presence of zoophilic dermatophytes, T. mentagrophytes, commonly associated with rodents, small mammals and lagomorphs and M. canis, usually correlated with domestic environment, did not change the whole year round. As Eastern cottontail has been showed to be a carrier of dermatophytes transmissible to man (M. canis, T. mentagrophytes and M. gypseum), it may represent a source of infection for gamekeepers, hunters and veterinarians.     

Muscodor albus, a potential biocontrol agent against plant-parasitic nematodes of economically important vegetable crops in Washington State, USA

The fungus, Muscodor albus, was tested for nematicidal and nematostatic potential against four plant-parasitic nematode species with three different feeding modes on economically important vegetable crops in the Pacific Northwest. Meloidogyne chitwoodi, Meloidogyne hapla, Paratrichodorus allius, and Pratylenchus penetrans were exposed for 72 h to volatiles generated by M. albus cultured on rye grain in sealed chambers at 24 °C in the laboratory. In addition, the nematodes were inoculated into soil fumigated with M. albus, and incubated for 7 days prior to the introduction of host plants under greenhouse conditions. The mean percent mortality of nematodes exposed to M. albus in the chamber was 82.7% for P. allius, 82.1% for P. penetrans, and 95% for M. chitwoodi; mortality in the nontreated controls was 5.8%, 7%, and 3.9%, respectively. Only 21.6% of M. hapla juveniles died in comparison to 8.9% in controls. However, 69.5% of the treated juveniles displayed reduced motility and lower response to physical stimulus by probing, in comparison to the control juveniles. This is evidence of nematostasis due to M. albus exposure. The greenhouse study showed that M. albus caused significant reduction to all nematode species in host roots and in rhizosphere soil. The percent mortality caused by M. albus applied at 0.5% and 1.0% w/w in comparison to the controls was as follows: 91% and 100% for P. allius in the soil; 100% for P. penetrans in bean roots and soil; 85% and 95% for M. chitwoodi in potato roots, and 56% and 100% in the soil; 100% for M. hapla both in pepper roots and soil. In this study, M. albus has shown both nematostatic and nematicidal properties.     

Foreign exploration for Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and associated natural enemies on avocado (Persea americana Miller)

Scirtothrips perseae Nakahara was discovered attacking avocados in California, USA, in 1996. Host plant surveys in California indicated that S. perseae has a highly restricted host range with larvae being found only on avocados, while adults were collected from 11 different plant species. As part of a management program for this pest, a “classical” biological control program was initiated and foreign exploration was conducted to delineate the home range of S. perseae, to survey for associated natural enemies and inventory other species of phytophagous thrips on avocados grown in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, and Brazil. Foreign exploration efforts indicate that S. perseae occurs on avocados grown at high altitudes (>1500 m) from Uruapan in Mexico south to areas around Guatemala City in Guatemala. In Costa Rica, S. perseae is replaced by an undescribed congener as the dominant phytophagous thrips on avocados grown at high altitudes (>1300 m). No species of Scirtothrips were found on avocados in the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, or Brazil. In total, 2136 phytophagous thrips were collected and identified, representing over 47 identified species from at least 19 genera. The significance of these species records is discussed. Of collected material 4% were potential thrips biological control agents. Natural enemies were dominated by six genera of predatory thrips (Aeolothrips, Aleurodothrips, Franklinothrips, Leptothrips, Scolothrips, and Karnyothrips). One genus each of parasitoid (Ceranisus) and predatory mite (Balaustium) were found. Based on the results of our sampling techniques, prospects for the importation of thrips natural enemies for use in a “classical” biological control program in California against S. perseae are not promising.     

In-vitro anti-<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vibrio</Emphasis> spp. activity and chemical composition of some Tunisian aromatic plants

The chemical composition of five aromatic plants (Mentha longifolia, M. pulegium, Eugenia caryophyllata, Thymus vulgaris and Rosmarinus officinalis) frequently used in food preparation in Tunisia was analysed by GC-MS. The antimicrobial effect of the essential oils obtained from these plants was tested against Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio fluvialis strains. Thyme oil exhibited a high level of antimicrobial activities against Vibrio spp. strains. The diameter of the zones of growth inhibition for V. parahaemolyticus species was interestingly high (ranging from 14.66 to 28 mm). The MIC and MBC values were interestingly low for thyme oil (MIC 0.078–0.156 mg/ml) and (MBC >0.31–1.25 mg/ml). These results showed that these plants especially thyme and clove, can be to be used for seafood preparation to protect against contamination by Vibrio spp. strains. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Essential oils of four Myrtaceae species from the Brazilian southeast

The essential oils of the leaves of Eugenia acutata, Eugenia candolleana, Eugenia copacabanensis and Myrcia splendens (Myrtaceae) from Brazil’s southeastern Atlantic Forest were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC–MS. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes were predominant in E. copacabanensis (54.3%) and E. candolleana (50.9%) whilst hydrocarbon species predominated in E. acutata (83.4%) and M. splendens (94.5%). trans-Caryophyllene was the most abundant component in E. acutata. Isomers of guaiol and cadinol alcohols, followed by δ-elemene and viridiflorene, were the major components of the essential oil of the leaves of E. candolleana. Hydrocarbons and alcohols of the cadinane-type predominated in E. copacabanensis the most abundant being epi-cubenol (14%). M. splendens had 80% α-bisabolene in the leaf oil along with <5% β-farnesene. Additionally, E. copacabanensis exhibited 13.7% monoterpenes. Whereas the bisabolene-rich M. splendens oil is highly similar to that of other Myrcia species reported elsewhere, the Eugenia species oils corroborated the complex array and differing abundances of terpene classes within this genus. This study generated data which may provide further comprehension of the phylogenetic relationships between Myrtaceae genera and species.     

Chemotaxonomy of Hypericum genus from Portugal: Geographical distribution and essential oils composition of Hypericum perfoliatum, Hypericum humifusum, Hypericum linarifolium and Hypericum pulchrum

The geographical distribution and analysis of the essential oils of species from three sections of Hypericum L. (Guttiferae/Clusiaceae/Hypericaceae) from Portugal are presented. Hypericum perfoliatum (section Drosocarpium) grows wild in the centre and south of Portugal; Hypericum humifusum and Hypericum linarifolium are both from section Oligostema, the former occurring throughout the country, while the second is distributed mainly in the north and centre; Hypericum pulchrum (section Taeniocarpium) is confined to the littoral north of Portugal. The essential oils were obtained by distillation–extraction, hydrodistillation and distillation in a modified Marcusson apparatus from the dried aerial parts of the different populations and were analysed by GC and GC–MS. Monoterpene hydrocarbons constituted the main fraction in all oils (43–69%, 53–85%, 28–45% and 48–65% for H. perfoliatum, H. humifusum, H. linarifolium and H. pulchrum, respectively). Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (2–13%, 6–18%, 21–27% and 16–18%, respectively) and a third fraction of non-terpenic compounds (20–29%, 3–16%, 2–14% and 5–11%, respectively) from the four species attained relatively high amounts in all oils. Within each species, no major differences were detected in the essential oil composition, despite the fact that different locations, phenological phases and extraction methodologies were used. Notwithstanding the dominance of α-pinene in all four species' oils, cluster and principal components analysis on the identified components showed that the range of α-pinene, β-pinene and n-nonane supported a separation of the four species. The essential oil composition of the four species showed some qualitative resemblances, which correlate well with the taxonomical classification based on morphological characters.     

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid profiles in Crotalaria species from Brazil: Chemotaxonomic significance

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of seeds from 28 species of Crotalaria from Brazil (sections Calycinae, Crotalaria, Chrysocalycinae and Hedriocarpae) showed that pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are important as chemotaxonomic markers at the infrageneric level. The sections Calycinae and Crotalaria were characterized by 11-membered macrocyclic monocrotaline-type PAs. In the section Chrysocalycinae, a single species in the subsection Incanae, C. incana, showed integerrimine, a 12-membered macrocyclic senecionine-type, as main PA. The group close to the subsection Stipulosae (C. micans and C. maypurensis) showed distinctive PA patterns: C. micans presented mainly the 12-membered macrocyclic integerrimine, and C. maypurensis the unusual 7-hydroxy-1-methylene-8-pyrrolizidine. In the group close to the subsection Glaucae, the PAs with otonecine as the necine base were the main alkaloids, except in C. rufipila which showed an assamicadine-like PA (monocrotaline-type). The section Hedriocarpae showed main 12-membered macrocyclic senecionine-type PAs.     

Cyanobacterial blooms and water quality in Greek waterbodies

The cyanobacterial species composition of nine Greek waterbodies of different type and trophic status was examined during the warm period of the year (May–October). Cyanobacterial water blooms were observed in all waterbodies. Forty-six cyanobacterial taxa were identified, 11 of which are known to be toxic. Eighteen species are reported for the first time in these waterbodies, 8 of which are known to produce toxins. Toxin producing species were found in all of the waterbodies and were primarily dominant in bloom formations (e.g., Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena flos-aquae, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii). Cosmopolitan species (e.g., M. aeruginosa), pantropic (e.g., Anabaenopsis tanganyikae) and holarctic species (e.g., Anabaena flos-aquae) were encountered. Shallow, eutrophic waterbodies had blooms dominated by Microcystis species and were characterized by phytoplankton association M. Anabaena and Aphanizomenon species of association H were dominant in waterbodies with low dissolved inorganic nitrogen and thermal stratification in the summer. Total cyanobacterial biovolumes (CBV) ranged from 7 to 9,507 cm³ m⁻³ and were higher than Alert Level 2 and Guidance Level 2 (10 cm³ m⁻³; World Health Organization; WHO) in seven of the waterbodies. Chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 6 to 90,000 mg m⁻³ and were higher than Alert Level 2 and Guidance Level 2 (50 mg m⁻³; WHO) in eight of the waterbodies. There is also an elevated risk of acute toxicosis (Guidance Level 3; WHO) in five waterbodies. Water of an undesirable quality, hazardous to humans and animals occurs in several Greek waterbodies.     

Pleosporales in Japan (4). The genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Massariosphaeria</Emphasis>

Six species of the genus Massariosphaeria collected from northern Japan are described and illustrated. Massariosphaeria moricola (on dead twigs of Morus australis) and M. megaspora (on submerged dead twigs of an unknown woody plant) are reported as new species. A new combination of M. clavispora (basionym: Hysterium clavispora) is proposed. Three species, M. typhicola, M. roumeguerei, and M. grandispora, are newly added to the mycoflora of Japan.     

Adaptive photosynthetic strategies of the Mediterranean maquis species according to their origin

In consideration of their origin the adaptive strategies of the evergreen species of the Mediterranean maquis were analysed. Rosmarinus officinalis L., Erica arborea L., and Erica multiflora L. had the lowest net photosynthetic rate (P_N) in the favourable period [7.8±0.6 mol(CO₂) m^–2s^–1, mean value], the highest P_N decrease (on an average 86 % of the maximum) but the highest recovery capacity (>70 % of the maximum) at the first rainfall in September. Cistus incanus L. and Arbutus unedo L. had the highest P_N during the favourable period [15.5±5.2 mol(CO₂) m^–2s^–1, mean value], 79 % decrease during drought, and a lower recovery capacity (on an average 54 %). Quercus ilex L., Phillyrea latifolia L., and Pistacia lentiscus L. had an intermediate P_N in the favourable period [9.2±1.3 mol(CO2) m^–2s^–1, mean value], a lower reduction during drought (on an average 63 %), and a range from 62 % (Q. ilex and P. latifolia) to 39 % (P. lentiscus) of recovery capacity. The Mediterranean species had higher decrease in P_N and stomatal conductance during drought and a higher recovery capacity than the pre-Mediterranean species. Among the pre-Mediterranean species, P. latifoliahad the best adaptation to long drought periods also by its higher leaf mass per area (LMA) which lowered leaf temperature thus decreasing transpiration rate during drought. Moreover, its leaf longevity determined a more stable leaf biomass during the year. Among the Mediteranean species, R. officinalis was the best adapted species to short drought periods by its ability to rapidly recover. Nevertheless, R. officinalis had the lowest tolerance to high temperatures by its P_N dropping below half its maximum value when leaf temperature was over 33.6°C. R. officinalismay be used as a bioindicator species of global change.This revised version was published online in March 2005 with corrections to the page numbers.     

Effects of the estuarine dinoflagellate Pfiesteria shumwayae (Dinophyceae) on survival and grazing activity of several shellfish species

A series of experiments was conducted to examine effects of four strains of the estuarine dinoflagellate, Pfiesteria shumwayae, on the behavior and survival of larval and adult shellfish (bay scallop, Argopecten irradians; eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica; northern quahogs, Mercenaria mercenaria; green mussels, Perna viridis [adults only]). In separate trials with larvae of A. irradians, C. virginica, and M. mercenaria, an aggressive predatory response of three strains of algal- and fish-fed P. shumwayae was observed (exception, algal-fed strain 1024C). Larval mortality resulted primarily from damage inflicted by physical attack of the flagellated cells, and secondarily from Pfiesteria toxin, as demonstrated in larval C. virginica exposed to P. shumwayae with versus without direct physical contact. Survival of adult shellfish and grazing activity depended upon the species and the cell density, strain, and nutritional history of P. shumwayae. No mortality of the four shellfish species was noted after 24 h of exposure to algal- or fish-fed P. shumwayae (strains 1024C, 1048C, and CCMP2089) in separate trials at ≤5 × 10³ cells ml⁻¹, whereas higher densities of fish-fed, but not algal-fed, populations (>7–8 × 10³ cells ml⁻¹) induced low (≤15%) but significant mortality. Adults of all four shellfish species sustained >90% mortality when exposed to fish-fed strain 270A1 (8 × 10³ cells ml⁻¹). In contrast, adult M. mercenaria and P. viridis exposed to a similar density of fish-fed strain 2172C sustained <15% mortality, and there was no mortality of A. irradians and C. virginica exposed to that strain. In mouse bioassays with tissue homogenates (adductor muscle, mantle, and whole animals) of A. irradians and M. mercenaria that had been exposed to P. shumwayae (three strains, separate trials), mice experienced several minutes of disorientation followed by recovery. Mice injected with tissue extracts from control animals fed cryptomonads showed no response. Grazing rates of adult shellfish on P. shumwayae (mean cell length ±1 standard error [S.E.], 9 ± 1 μm) generally were significantly lower when fed fish-fed (toxic) populations than when fed populations that previously had been maintained on algal prey, and grazing rates were highest with the nontoxic cryptomonad, Storeatula major (cell length 7 ± 1 μm). Abundant cysts of P. shumwayae were found in fecal strands of all shellfish species tested, and ≤45% of the feces produced viable flagellated cells when placed into favorable culture conditions. These findings were supported by a field study wherein fecal strands collected from field-collected adult shellfish (C. virginica, M. mercenaria, and ribbed mussels, Geukensia demissa) were confirmed to contain cysts of P. shumwayae, and these cysts produced fish-killing flagellated populations in standardized fish bioassays. Thus, predatory feeding by flagellated cells of P. shumwayae can adversely affect survival of larval bivalve molluscs, and grazing can be depressed when adult shellfish are fed P. shumwayae. The data suggest that P. shumwayae could affect recruitment of larval shellfish in estuaries and aquaculture facilities; shellfish can be adversely affected via reduced filtration rates; and adult shellfish may be vectors of toxic P. shumwayae when shellfish are transported from one geographic location to another.     

Suitability of different media for in vitro cultivation of the ruminal protozoa species Entodinium caudatum, Eudiplodinium maggii, and Epidinium ecaudatum

Three protozoal cultivation media were tested to determine the medium which best facilitated growth and viability of key B-type ciliates isolated from the sheep rumen. Entodinium caudatum and Eudiplodinium maggii were grown anaerobically in 50-ml flasks for 32 days in Caudatum-type (C), Kisidayova (K) or Dehority (M) medium. On day 32, in media K and M, E. caudatum cell counts were high with 5.6 × 10³ and 7.8 × 10³ mL⁻¹, respectively, and the proportion of dead cells was low with 0.6 and 1.4%, respectively. E. maggii concentrations when grown in medium M and C were 2.7 × 10³ and 2.4 × 10³ mL⁻¹, respectively, with 3.9 and 14.1% dead cells. Medium M, which favoured growth of both protozoa species, was tested again and Epidinium ecaudatum was included. Protozoa were grown for a 4-month period and samples were taken in the last two months on days 1, 7, 35 and 57. Average cell concentrations were 10.0, 0.8 and 0.5 × 10³ mL⁻¹ for E. caudatum, E. maggii, and E. ecaudatum, respectively. In conclusion, medium M would appear to be the best choice for cultivating these three species in one medium.     

Conidial germination and germ tube elongation of Phomopsis amaranthicola and Microsphaeropsis amaranthi on leaf surfaces of seven Amaranthus species: Implications for biological control

Microsphaeropsis amaranthi and Phomopsis amaranthicola are potential biological control agents for several Amaranthus species. In an effort to understand the initial infection processes with these pathogens, a study was conducted of the conidial germination and germ tube length (μm) on the weed leaf surfaces at 21 °C and 28 °C. Weeds included Amaranthus rudis, A. palmeri, A. powellii, A. retroflexus, A. spinosus, A. hybridus, and A. albus. For P. amaranthicola, conidial germination and germ tube length varied among the seven weed species at both temperatures, while for M. amaranthi the differences in germ tube lengths were significant among weed species only at 21 °C. While the conidia of M. amaranthi and P. amaranthicola germinated on the leaf surfaces of all seven weed species, temperature appeared to impact the number and length of germ tubes on the leaf surfaces. The percentage of germinated conidia and the length of germ tubes at both temperatures were often greater for M. amaranthi than for P. amaranthicola. In order for the fungal pathogen to successfully infect and kill a weedy host, conidia must germinate and form a germ tube, two processes that vary with host species and temperature for M. amaranthi and P. amaranthicola. The extent to which successive infection processes, e.g., penetration, invasion and colonization, contribute to host specificity warrants study.     

Phylogeny of Caragana (Fabaceae) based on DNA sequence data from rbcL, trnS–trnG, and ITS

Phylogenetic relationships of 48 species of Caragana (Fabaceae: tribe Hedysareae) and one representative each of Astragalus, Calophaca, Halimodendron, and Hedysarum are estimated from DNA sequences of the rbcL gene, trnS–trnG intron and spacer, and ITS region. At least one representative of all five sections and 12 series within Caragana are included. Analyses yielded strongly supported clades corresponding to sections Caragana, Bracteolatae, and Frutescentes. The species of section Jubatae are distributed among three strongly supported clades, i.e., one with the species of section Bracteolatae, another with two species of section Spinosae, and a third as sister to section Frutescentes. All but the last of these six clades are corroborated by at least one unambiguously traced morphological character. The placement of the other four species of section Spinosae are not well supported and lack unambiguous morphological synapomorphies, and the samples of Calophaca and Halimodendron nest within Caragana with weak support.     

Monilinia ssiori sp. nov. in the Sclerotiniaceae, causing leaf blight and young fruit rot of Prunus ssiori in Japan

The leaf blight and mummy fruit disease fungus of Prunus ssiori in northern Japan is newly named M. ssiori, as a fourth member in the M. padi group of section Disjunctoriae of the genus Monilinia (Sclerotiniaceae). It has been misidentified with Monilinia kusanoi, but recent studies show it is different from M. kusanoi as well as other related species on prunaceous hosts in respect to host relation, pathogenicity, morphology, and gene analysis.     

Assessment of the essential oil composition of Tornabenea annua, Tornabenea insularis and Tornabenea tenuissima fruits from Cape Verde Islands

The essential oils of Tornabenea annua, Tornabenea insularis and Tornabenea tenuissima herbarium or in vivo fruits, collected in Fogo, Santiago, Santo Antão, São Nicolau and São Vicente Islands, from Cape Verde archipelago, or from plants grown in Lisbon, Portugal, were isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC and GC–MS. The yellowish oils were obtained in variable average yields, lower in herbarium samples [0.05% (v/w)] and higher from in vivo samples [1.3% (v/w)]. Whereas T. annua fruits' oils were all dominated by myristicin (92–100%), most of the T. insularis fruit samples' oils were elemicin rich (82–90%). No clear information could be obtained for T. tenuissima fruits' oils as each of the samples gave different chemical composition. Cluster analysis of the essential oil composition from the fruits' samples studied, confirmed these chemical differences.