Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) associated with tea gardens in north of Iran

Predator mites of Phytoseiidae family are among the most important biocontrol agents in the world. These beneficial mites are considered as natural enemies of many pests and herbivore mites, and can feed on different growth stages of pests (egg, larva or nymph). Five species of Phytoseiidae mites were found during a survey conducted on tea plants, Camellia sinensis (Theaceae), in the Mazandaran and Guilan Provinces in the north of Iran, on the coast of the Caspian Sea, the major tea-growing region of Iran. Some of these species are recorded for the first time in tea gardens of Iran.     

The relationship between soil pH and population level of Pratylenchus loosi in tea plantations of Iran

Tea root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus loosi, is one of the most important crop pests in Iran, which causes loss in quantity and quality of tea. This study was carried out to identify the relationship between soil pH and population level of P. loosi. One hundred and eighty-three soil and root samples were taken randomly from all of the tea plantations in Iran. The nematodes were extracted from root samples with Coolen and d’Herd methods and from soil samples by sieving and centrifugation. Soil pH was measured by two methods: 1:1 dilution of soil:deionised water and 1:1 dilution of soil:dilute calcium chloride 0.01?M (Cacl₂) solution. Range of mean population of P. loosi per gram of root was 0.66–884 and per 100?g of soil was 1–186 in all samples. The highest population of P. loosi was observed at pH 3.5–4.5 as if 71.33% of infested samples were observed at soil pH 3.5–4.5. The results of regression analyses showed that at pH ranges between 3.5 and 4.5, there is a correlation (P???0.05) between soil pH and mean population of nematode per gram of feeder roots. This study demonstrated that the population density and damage potential of this nematode likely increases at pH?<?4.5.     

Status of Haemaphysalis tick infestation in domestic ruminants in Iran

The geographical distribution and ecological preferences of Haemaphysalis in domestic animals in Iran were studied 4 times a year from April 2003 to March 2005. A total of 1,622 ixodid tick specimens were collected from 3 different zones. Among them, 108 (6.7%) Haemaphysalis ticks, consisting of 6 species, were identified; H. punctata (3.4%), H. parva (0.5%), H. sulcata (0.6%), H. choldokovskyi (1.7%), H. concinna (0.06%) and Haemaphysalis sp. (0.6%). H. punctata was the most abundant species, whereas H. concinna was the rarest species collected in humid and sub-humid zones on cattle, sheep and goats. H. choldokovskyi was principally collected from sheep and goats grazed in cold mountainous areas. The infested areas consisted of Caspian Sea (Guilan, Mazandaran, Golestan, and central provinces), mountainous (Azarbaiejan, Ardebil, Kohgilouyeh, and Kordestan) and semi-dessert (Khorasan, Semnan, Kerman, Sistan, and Baluchestan) zones. The Caspian Sea zone (23.6%) was the most highly infested region. The results show that various species of Haemaphysalis ticks infest domestic ruminants in Iran and each tick species show characteristic geographical distributions.     

Pathogenicity of Pochonia species on eggs of Meloidogyne javanica

Among fungi, species of the genus Pochonia Batista & O.M. Fonseca are considered as promising biological control agents with high potential to reduce root-knot nematode (RKN) and nematode populations. In this research we investigated Fars province of Iran for the presence of Pochonia spp., compared pathogenicity of different Pochonia species on eggs of RKN in vitro, and selected the best isolates for further studies. During 2004-2006, 128 soil samples of fields infested with cyst nematodes and 18 soil samples infested with RKN were collected from Fars province of Iran. In vitro pathogenicity tests were carried out on 36 isolates of Pochonia spp. obtained from CBS and IRAN culture collections. The seven best isolates of this experiment were selected for greenhouse test and their ability in controlling RKN was examined in natural soil. In greenhouse test fresh weight of plant’s tops and roots, gall index, nematode multiplication, second-stage juveniles’ population in soil, reproduction rate (P_f/P_i), proportion of infected eggs, control efficacy, root colonization and soil colony forming units were determined. In vitro pathogenicity of Pochonia on RKN eggs varied between 39% and 95% eggs infected. In greenhouse experiment, three isolates are promising for control of RKN and selected isolates are subjected to more extensive testing to determine their effectiveness in a range of conditions before being developed as commercial biological control agents.     

Effects of chicken manure and summer ploughing on root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) management in cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis)

Abstract

A 2-year trial was performed in two regions of Ardestan (Iran, Isfahan province) to investigate effects of chicken manure and summer ploughing on root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) in two infested cantaloupe fields. Before planting cantaloupe, summer ploughing and chicken manure (3, 6 and 9?T/ha) separately and combination of these treatments were applied in nematode-infested fields. At the harvest time, the number of galls, egg masses, gall and egg mass indices and multiplication rate were determined. Also, quantitative and qualitative parameters of cantaloupes in different treatments were evaluated. The results revealed that double summer ploughing in combination with 6?T/ha chicken manure treatments had the best effects on the control of M. javanica. By applying this treatment, reduction of the egg mass number, gall number, total population in root and soil and reproduction factor were observed 17, 6.75, 8591?g/root and 3.37?g/root, respectively (compared to control: 132.5, 36.87, 45037?g/root and 23.13, respectively). It also had positive effect on fruit weigh (28 vs. 18.25?kg) and root dry weight (3.8 vs. 2.08?g). According to the results, it seems that decrease in growth parameters and yield reduction due to root-knot nematode could be overcome by incorporation of summer ploughing and applying the chicken manure with the most efficacy in increasing the quantity and quality of the yield.     

Assessment of yield loss of wheat cultivars caused by Heterodera filipjevi under field conditions

Among the cereal cyst nematodes, Heterodera filipjevi is the dominant species of Cereal cyst nematodes (CCNs) in most cereal growing areas of Iran. To evaluate the impact of H. filipjevi on wheat cultivars, a field trial was performed in two infested fields in Isfahan province, Iran 2014 and 2015. The trials were conducted in a factorial experiment based on the complete randomized block design. The treatments consisted of three winter wheat cultivars (Back‐cross Rowshan, Pishtaz and Parsi) which were planted with and without applying nematicide aldicarb Each cultivar was planted in 6 m² (2 × 3 m) plots which were replicated five times. The nematode reproduction factor was calculated after determining the initial and final population of H. filipjevi in each plot before sowing the seeds and after harvesting. The grain yields and growth parameters were recorded and the variables of 2 years experiment evaluated by linear regression analysis. Cultivar × nematicide treatment combinations in the first and second years showed that H. filipjevi significantly affected grain yield and growth parameters in all three cultivars. The results revealed significant reduction of grain yield by 24.8%, 24.8% and 20.4% in Back‐cross Rowshan, Pishtaz and Parsi cultivars, respectively. The nematode reproduction factor ranged from 0.32 to 1.76 in plots plus and minus nematicide application, respectively. The analysis showed linear inverse relationships between the initial population (Pi) and the yields of wheat cultivars in check plots without aldicarb application.     

Fertility status and distribution of mating type alleles of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe grisea in northern Iran

This study was carried out using 155 monoconidial isolates collected from different areas of two major rice growing provinces in northern Iran, including 94 isolates from Guilan and 59 isolates from Mazandaran. Among 94 isolates from Guilan, 92 and two isolates recovered from rice and crabgrass (Digitaria sp.), respectively. All 61 rested isolates from Mazandaran were recovered from rice. All isolates were evaluated for in vitro sexual fertility and mating type status by pairing with Mat 1-1 and Mat 1-2 fertile standard hermaphrodite isolates including Br48 and Th12 (Mat 1-1) and KA9 and TH16 (Mat 1-2). Of 155 isolates, 98 (63.2%) were fertile and 57 (36.8%) were infertile and produced no perithecium when mated with standard isolates. Among 98 fertile isolates, 96 isolates were identified as Mat 1-1 and two isolates as Mat 1-2. All Mat 1-1 isolates were obtained from rice and two Mat 1-2 isolates obtained from crab grass. No Mat 1-2 isolate was identified from rice in this study. Both mating types were found in Guilan but all isolates recovered from Mazandaran were identified as Mat 1-1. Male fertility predominated in fertile Mat 1-1 and Mat 1-2 isolates from all sampling sites in northern Iran, and no female fertility was detected. This is the first report of existence of Mat 1-2 allele in Magnaporthe grisea population in Iran.     

Guava Decline: A Complex Disease Involving Meloidogyne mayaguensis and Fusarium solani

In Brazil, Meloidogyne mayaguensis has become a threat to guava production. Approximately a third of the cultivated area is infested, leading almost inevitably to the decimation of the orchards. Because parasitized trees develop rotten roots as the disease progresses, the possibility that a soil‐borne pathogen could be involved was investigated. From several nematode‐free or nematode‐infested orchards, nearly 2000 root fragments were tested for bacteria and fungi. Positive isolations were obtained from nematode‐infested areas only and were predominantly identified as Fusarium sp. In a 5‐month microplot experiment, guava seedlings were uninoculated (control) or were inoculated with M. mayaguensis only or with this nematode and 21 days later with one of 11 Fusarium sp. isolates. A Scott–Knot analysis of several vegetative variables and of the extent of root rot allowed the generation of a dissimilarity dendrogram that indicated that four Fusarium sp. isolates were particularly associated with damage to the seedlings. Upon identification of these isolates as Fusarium solani, a 6‐month microplot experiment was set up, in which guava seedlings were uninoculated or were inoculated with one of the following: (i) M. mayaguensis only, (ii) four F. solani isolates, separately, (iii) four F. solani isolates separately, combined with physical injury of the roots with a knife, (iv) M. mayaguensis, and 21 days later with four F. solani isolates, separately. No root rot and virtually no effect on all variables were observed in the seedlings inoculated with the fungus isolates, with or without physical injury. Major root rot and a negative effect on all variables were observed in the seedlings inoculated with M. mayaguensis and all four F. solani isolates. This characterizes guava decline as a complex disease caused by the synergistic effect of these organisms, in which parasitism by the nematode predisposes the plants to root decay caused by the fungus.     

云南省古茶树资源调查与分析

为更好地保护和开发利用古茶树资源,2010-2017年对云南省12个地区58个县/市的古茶树资源进行了全面普查,依据《Flora of China》英文修订版分类确立了古茶树资源物种名录,建立初步的古茶树资源数据信息库。以此为基础,利用地理信息系统和统计学分析了云南古茶树资源种类组成、地理分布特征、生境类型及形态多样性。结果表明:云南古茶树种类多,调查共获得古茶树资源分布点474个,记录样本植株2570份,隶属7种6变种;古茶树资源分布广而不均,主要分布于滇西、滇南、滇东南及滇中哀牢山山脉,滇东南是古茶树物种多样性的分布中心,滇西是特有种的分化中心,云南古茶树资源的地理分布可能存在滇西-大理茶(Camellia taliensis(W.W.Sm.)Melch.)、滇南-普洱茶(C.sinensis var.assamica(J.W.Mast.)Kitam.)和滇东南-厚轴茶(C.crassicolumna H.T.Chang)3个现有分布中心;古茶树资源生境复杂多样,可大致分为原生林、次生林和高山旱地等3类,不同生境分布的古茶树种类及其生长状况有差异;古茶树资源具有丰富的形态多样性,其描述型性状多样性指数为0.58~1.48,数值型性状变异系数为4.37%~51.03%,总体上营养器官的变异性高于花部器官。本工作为进一步探讨云南地区古茶树资源的系统演化、多样性保护及合理利用提供了重要的本底资料。此外,根据古茶树资源现状,初步提出了一些保护利用建议。     

Elevated Concentrations of Pesticides and PCBs in Soils at the Southern Caspian Sea (Iran) are Related to Land Use

Soil contamination by organochlorine pesticides or PCBs is almost undocumented for Iran. Here we report a soil survey in Mazandaran and Guilan provinces that hold >30% of the agricultural areas of Iran where pesticide use is widespread. Concentration of DDTs, HCHs, cyclodienes, and PCBs were measured in 45 soil samples from different agricultural land uses and forest land. The average concentrations of ∑DDT (37 μg kg^?1) and ∑HCH (21 μg kg^?1) in agricultural soils are among the largest ever reported and exceed international soil screening standards. All residues were larger in agricultural than in forest soil. Within agricultural land, ∑DDT were largest for tea gardens, lindane was largest in rice fields, and cyclodiens largest in citrus orchards. The ratio of (DDD + DDE)/DDT is an index of the extent of DDT degradation in soil and was lower in tea gardens than in other soils (0.7 versus 2–5), indicating either ongoing DDT input or lower degradation rate in the tea gardens that are more acid than the other soils (pH 4.5 versus 6.5–7.0). The o,p′–DDT/p,p′–DDT ratio was about 3 in forest soils, suggesting that DDT is derived from dicofol application and not from technical DDT as in agricultural soils. The PCB 28, 180, and 138 showed the highest mean concentration compared with other PCB congeners in all land uses. This survey is the first of this kind for Iran and illustrates that concentrations of organochlorine pesticide in soil are relatively large.     

Evaluation of Dry Ice as a Potential Cryonematicide for Meloidogyne incognita in Soil

Solid CO₂ (dry ice) was added to pots containing soil that was infested either with eggs of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, or with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum ''Rutgers'') root fragments that were infected with various stages of the nematode. Two hours after dry ice was added, thermocouples in the soil recorded temperatures ranging from -15 °C to -59 °C. One day after treatment with the dry ice, the temperature of the soil was allowed to equilibrate with that of the greenhouse, and susceptible tomato seedlings were planted in pots containing infested soil treated or untreated (controls) with dry ice. After 5 weeks, roots were removed from the pots and nematode eggs were extracted and counted. Plants grown in soil infested with eggs and receiving dry ice treatment had less than 1% of the eggs found in the controls; plants from soil infested with root fragments and receiving dry ice treatment had less than 4% of the eggs found in controls. Dry ice used to lower soil temperature may have potential as a cryonematicide.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Linaria khalkhalensis</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Linaria</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Linaria</Emphasis>, Scrophulariaceae), a new species from Iran

Summary   Linaria khalkhalensis Hamdi & Assadi is described as a new species from Azerbaijan and Guilan provinces (northern Iran), belonging to Linaria sect. Linaria. It is close to Linaria lineolata Boiss. and L. elymaitica (Boiss.) Kuprian., which it resembles in habit and vegetative features. However, floral and seed characters together with a distinctive geographical distribution, warrant recognition at the species rank. An illustration of the new species, a distribution map, scanning electron micrographs of seed and capsule surfaces, and an identification key are also included.     

The Flora of Siahrud e Rudbar Protected Area,Northern Iran

The vascular flora of the Siahrud e Rudbar protected area was investigated in the years 2007 and 2008. It is a sylvatic area in the Guilan province with a total area of approximately 28289 hectares. A total of 711 plant specimens were collected and 616 species, subspecies, and varieties, belonging to 373 genera and 101 families were identified. Of these, 14 species (23%) are endemic to Iran. The documented flora exhibited many typically Hyrcanian species, including Hyrcanian endemics. The global phytogeographical affinities of the species were as follows: Euro Siberian 212%, Iran Turanian & Euro Siberian 168%, Pluriregional 117%, Iran Turanian 106%, and Cosmopolite 55%.     

Relationship Between Paratrichadorus sp. Density, and Growth of Wheat in Pots

The effect of a Paratrichodorus sp. (close to P. tunisiensis) on the growth of wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) was investigated in pots containing different nematode densities and maintained in a growth chamber at 20 C for 40 days. The relation between fresh weight of tops and initial nematode density was according to the equation y = m + (1 - m)z^P⁻T. This suggests a tolerance limit of 1.4 nematodes/cm³ of soil under the conditions of the experiment; taking into account the effect of the great nematode mortality, it is estimated to be between 0.15 and 0.35 nematodes/cm³ soil. Models of the growth of the plants and the multiplication of the nematodes (assuming a constant mortality of the nematodes in the absence of roots) which explain the relation between initial and tinal nematodes densities at initial densities greater than 1 nematode/cm³ soil are described in an appendix. Sections of nematode infested roots showed disorganization of root structure clue to abnormal proliferation of lateral roots. Nematode feeding on the root cap and apical meristem caused cessation of root elongation and induced abnormal production of lateral root primordia.     

Haplotype diversity of mt<Emphasis Type="Italic">COI</Emphasis> in the fall webworm <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hyphantria cunea</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) in introduced regions in China,Iran, Japan,Korea, and its homeland,the United States

Hyphantria cunea (Drury) has colonized many countries outside its native range of North America and has become a model species for studies of the colonization and subsequent adaptation of agricultural pests. Molecular genetic analyses can clarify the origin and subsequent adaptations to non-native habitats. Using the mitochondrial COI gene, we examined the genetic relationships between invasive populations (China, Iran, Japan, and Korea) and native populations (i.e., the United States). The Jilin (China) and Guilan (Iran) populations showed nine previously unknown haplotypes that differed from those found in the south–central United States, suggesting multiple colonization events and different regions of invasion. A dominant mtDNA haplotype in populations in the United States was shared by all of the populations investigated, suggesting that H. cunea with that haplotype have successfully colonized China, Iran, Japan, and Korea.     

A nematode,fungus, and aphid interact via a shared host plant: implications for soybean management

Soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill (Fabaceae), is an introduced crop to America and initially benefited from a small number of pests threatening its production. Since its rapid expansion in production beginning in the 1930s, several pests have been introduced from the native range of soybean. Our knowledge of how these pests interact and the implications for management is limited. We examined how three common economic soybean pests, the nematode Heterodera glycines Ichinohe (Nematoda: Heteroderidae), the fungus Cadophora gregata Harrington & McNew (Incertae sedis), and the aphid Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), interact on soybean cyst nematode‐susceptible (SCN‐S) and soybean cyst nematode‐resistant cultivars carrying the PI 88788 resistance source (SCN‐R). From 2008 to 2010, six soybean cultivars were infested with either a single pest or all three pests in combination in a micro‐plot field experiment. Pest performance was measured in a ‘single pest’ treatment and compared with pest performance in the ‘multiple pest’ treatment, allowing us to measure the impact of SCN resistance and the presence of other soybean pests on each pest’s performance. Performance of H. glycines (80% reduction in reproduction) and A. glycines (19.8% reduction in plant exposure) was reduced on SCN‐R cultivars. Regardless of cultivar, the presence of multiple pests significantly decreased the performance of A. glycines, but significantly increased H. glycines performance. The presence of multiple pests decreased the performance of C. gregata on SCN‐S soybean cultivars (20.6% reduction in disease rating).     

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

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

The cereals root eelworm,Heterodera major (O. Schmidt) Franklin,in North Wales

The cereals root eelworm Heterodera major (O. Schmidt) is shown to be locally distributed in North Wales, the most heavily infested centres being in the arable districts of the eastern counties of the province. The most severe attacks occurred on oats where the crop had been grown too frequently; wheat and barley were apparently unaffected at the cyst populations encountered.     

Dual inoculation of Fusarium oxysporum endophytes in banana: effect on plant colonization,growth and control of the root burrowing nematode and the banana weevil

The burrowing nematode (Radopholus similis (Cobb) Thorne) and the banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar, Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are major pests of banana (Musa spp.) in the Lake Victoria basin region of Uganda. Among biological options to control the two pests is the use of non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl.: Fries endophytes of banana. We investigated the ability of endophytic F. oxysporum isolates Emb2.4o and V5w2 to control the banana weevil and the burrowing nematode, alone and in combination. Plant colonization by the endophytes was determined by inoculating their chemical-resistant mutants separately and in combination, onto banana roots. Plant growth promotion was determined by measuring plant height, girth, number of live roots and fresh root weight at harvest, and control of the nematode and weevil was determined by challenging endophyte-inoculated plants with the pests 8 weeks after endophyte inoculation. Endophytic root colonization was highest in plants inoculated with both endophytes, compared with those inoculated with only one of the endophytes. Root colonization was better for isolate V5w2 than Emb2.4o. Dually inoculated plants showed a significant increase in height, girth, fresh root weight and number of functional roots following nematode challenge. Nematode numbers in roots were reduced 12 weeks after challenge of 8-week-old endophyte-inoculated plants. Significant reductions in weevil damage were observed in the rhizome periphery, inner and outer rhizomes, compared with endophyte non-inoculated controls. We conclude that dual inoculation of bananas with endophytic isolates Emb2.4o and V5w2 increases root colonization by the endophytes, reduces nematode numbers and weevil damage, and enhances plant growth in the presence of nematode infestation.