Untersuchungen zur Anfälligkeit und Resistenz von Kopfsalat (Lactuca sativa) gegen falschen Mehltau (Bremia lactucae) III. Peroxydase-, peroxydatische Katalase-und Polyphenoloxydase-Aktivitäten

Investigations on the susceptibility of head lettuce (Lactuca sativa) to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) III. Activities of peroxidase, catalase and polyphenoloxidase Host cell walls in contact with intercellular hyphae of Bremia lactucae stain electron positively in susceptible and incompletely resistant varieties of lettuce after appropriate electron microscopy preparation for peroxidase activity. The outer membranes of the mitochondria of the parasite also stained darkly in susceptible varieties whereas in incompletely resistant plants Bremia innermost mitochondrial membranes and host cell mitochondria were darkly stained. This latter observation suggests increased respiration and could be explained as a resistance reaction. Catalase activity was observed in the microbodies of susceptible, in incompletely resistant and healthy varieties. There were no differences in stain intensity in the three kinds of varieties suggesting that catalase activity is not involved in resistance reactions. Polyphenoloxidase activity was infrequently observed on the host cell wall in susceptible and healthy plants, whereas strong activity in incompletely resistant varieties was observed in vesicles in the haustorial sheath. These vesicles were not surrounded by unit membranes and therefore could not have originated from the unit membranes of the extrahaustorial matrix or from the host plasmalemma. They may have been derived from the host protoplast and involved in inactivation of parasite produced toxins thereby contributing to resistance.     

Untersuchungen zur Anfälligkeit und Resistenz von Kopfsalat (Lactuca sativa) gegen falschen Mehltau (Bremia lactucae): II. Licht- und elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen zur Morphologie des Wirt-Parasit-Verhältnisses

Investigations on the susceptibility and resistance of head lettuce (Lactuca sativa) to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) II. Light and electron microscopic examinations of the host-parasite interface Infected leaves of lettuce varieties susceptible and incompletely resistant to Bremia lactucae were observed by light and electron microscopy. Primary infection structures in the epidermal cells as well as intercellular hyphae with the adjacent haustoria could be seen by differential interference contrast microscopy. The haustoria in host cells of susceptible varieties collapsed before degeneration of the invaded host cell. On the contrary, host cells of incompletely resistant varieties died before the haustoria in these cells showed any sign of degeneration. Electron microscopic investigations confirmed the observations with light microscopy. In incompletely resistant varieties, an electron transparent sheath enveloped the haustorium. In the sheath fragments of membranes are localized. These membrane particles as seen by using the goniometer in electron microscopic work were flat faced. The sheath material consists of transformed host cell wall material and involves fragments of the host plasmalemma as well as fragments of the unit membrane separating the sheath from extrahaustorial matrix. The sheath has an important role as a special filter to prevent the passage of nutrients from the host cell into the haustorium. Thus the incomplete resistance is based not only on an impeded penetration of the parasite into the epidermal cells and their hypersensitive reactions in case of a successful penetration but also on hypersensitivity of mesophyll cells which does not necessarily lead to death of the parasite but does impede the absorption of nutrients.     

Serological detection and immunogold localization of cross-reactive antigens shared by Camellia sinensis and Exobasidium vexans

AIMS: Pathogenicity of Exobasidium vexans, causal agent of blister blight of tea, was studied in 30 commercially cultivated tea varieties by analysing the antigenic patterns of host and pathogen using immunological techniques. METHODS AND RESULTS: Whole plant inoculation of tea varieties with E. vexans showed that T-78 and T-17/1/54 were most susceptible and most resistant respectively. Antigen preparations from tea varieties, pathogen, nonpathogen (Fusarium oxysporum) and of nonhosts (Glycine max, Leucaena leucocephala and Oryza sativa) were compared by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and dot-immunobinding assay using polyclonal antibodies raised against the pathogen, nonpathogen, susceptible and resistant tea varieties. Cross-reactive antigens (CRA) were found among susceptible varieties and E. vexans isolates but not in resistant varieties, nonhosts or nonpathogen. Indirect staining of antibodies using fluorescein isothiocyanate indicated CRA were concentrated mainly around epidermal and mesophyll cells in compatible host (T-78). This was substantiated by ultrastructural studies using gold-labelled antibodies through transmission electron microscopy which showed specific localization in the chloroplasts and host cytoplasm. CONCLUSION: Pathogenicity of E. vexans to different tea varieties is therefore related to the level of antigenic similarity between host and pathogen. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Immunological methods proved to be valuable in screening commercially cultivated tea varieties against E. vexans.     

Levels of common antigens in determining pathogenicity of Curvularia eragrostidis in different tea varieties

AIMS: Pathogenicity of Curvularia eragrostidis, a foliar fungal pathogen of tea was studied in 24 commercially cultivated tea varieties by analysing the antigenic patterns of host and pathogen with the help of immunoserological techniques. METHODS AND RESULTS: Initial testing by cut shoot inoculation technique followed by whole plant inoculation technique showed that among the varieties tested, TV12 was the most susceptible and TV25 most resistant. Antigen preparations from tea varieties, fungal pathogens (C. eragrostidis and Lasiodiplodia theobromae) and a nonpathogen (Gliocladium virens) were compared by immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis and indirect ELISA to detect common antigens shared by host and pathogen. Common antigens were detected by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis only among susceptible varieties and the pathogens. Such antigens were not found between the pathogens and the resistant varieties and also between nonpathogens and tea varieties. However, ELISA revealed the presence of low level of common antigens between all combinations. A certain minimum level of antigens was present for compatible host-pathogen interaction. Indirect labelling of antibodies with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) showed that cross-reactive antigens were found to be concentrated mainly in the epidermal cells and also spread throughout the cortical cells. CONCLUSION: Pathogenicity of C. eragrostidis to different varieties of tea was found to be related to the level of common antigens present between host and pathogen. SIGNIFICANCE AND THE IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Indirect ELISA proved to be valuable in screening commercially cultivated varieties of tea for their susceptibility to C. eragrostidis.     

田间不同品种蔬菜对萝卜蚜种群的影响(英文)

本试验通过利用５个品种蔬菜（萝卜,芥蓝,芥菜,菜芯和白菜）研究萝卜蚜（Ｌｉｐａｐｈｉｓ ｅｒｙｓｉｍｉ）在不同蔬菜上的种群动态以及对寄生于萝卜蚜的菜蚜茧蜂（Ｄｉａｅｒｅｔｉｅｌｌａ　ｒａｐａｅ）种群的影响。研究结果显示,在３０天研究期间,有翅萝卜蚜的平均虫口（蚜虫数／苗）在萝卜、芥蓝、芥菜、菜芯和白菜苗上分别为３．９１８、０．８３１、１．１４９、１．７４３和５．２３头,表明降落在萝卜苗上的有翅蚜数量显著地比在其它蔬菜苗上的高;而无翅萝卜蚜的中均虫口分别为６３．４２１、１０．０４１、２４．９２８、２３．３２３和１１４．３０８头,说明萝卜蚜无翅蚜在白菜上的种群显著地高于其它品种蔬菜上的。由于萝卜蚜在不同品种蔬菜上的种群不同,导致菜蚜茧峰种群在不同品种蔬菜上也不同,其僵蚜虫口分别为１．０５６、０．２５１、０．２７７、０．６５１和１．４４头,显示了在萝卜和白菜上的僵蚜数量显著地比其它蔬菜上的高。分析结果表明,萝卜蚜的种群（ｘ）与菜蚜茧峰的种群（ｙ）呈显著的相关关系：ｙ＝０．１１８８＋０．０１４３ｘ（ｒ＝０．９７３９）。本研究还利用试验结果提出了萝卜蚜无翅蚜种群从蔬菜在田间种植后达到防治指标（５０头／苗）的临界天数（ｃ     

EFFECTS OF HOST PLANTS ON POPULATION DYNAMICS OF LIPAPHIS ERYSIMI (KALT.) IN THE FIELD

Abstract The population dynamics of alates and apterous of turnip aphid (TA) Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) together with the incidence of parasitism by Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh) on five host vegetable varieties in the field were evaluated. The results showed that the average populations of TA apterous on host vegetable varieties turnip, Chinese kale, leaf mustard, flowering cabbage and Chinese cabbage were 63. 425, 10. 041, 24. 928, 23. 323 and 114. 308 aphids/plant, respectively. The 'critical day' was used to estimate the date when TA population density on host vegetable varieties reaches its economic threshold. The relationship between TA apterous population ( x ) and mummy aphids parasitized by parasitoid D. rapae was significant, and the regression formula is y = 0. 1211 + 0. 01431 (r=0. 9739**).     

Dynamics of lipid chain attached fluorophore 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl (NBD) in negatively charged membranes determined by NMR spectroscopy

We have determined the average location and dynamic reorientation of the fluorophore 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl (NBD) attached to a C12 sn-2 chain of a phosphatidylserine (PS) analogue (C12-NBD-PS) in zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine (PC) and negatively charged phosphatidylserine (PS) host membranes. (1)H magic angle spinning nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy indicates a highly dynamic reorientation of the aromatic molecule in the membrane. The average location of NBD is characterized by a broad distribution function along the membrane director with a maximum indicating the location of the probe in the lipid/water interface of the lipid membrane. This behavior can be explained by a backfolding of the sn-2 chain towards the aqueous phase. Small differences in the distribution profiles of the NBD group along the membrane normal between PC and PS host membranes were found: in a PC host membrane, the NBD distribution has its maximum in the glycerol region; in a PS host membrane, NBD resides mostly in the upper chain region. These differences may be accounted for by packing differences in the PC versus PS host membranes. As seen by (2)H NMR order parameters, PS bilayers show a much higher packing density compared to PC membranes. Consequently, backfolding of the sn-2 chain with the NBD group attached causes a larger decrease of molecular order of the sn-1 chain in PS than in PC membranes. The broad distributions obtained for lipid chain attached NBD molecules reflect the motional freedom and molecular disorder in the liquid-crystalline lipid membrane.     

Mechanisms underlying host plant selection by Holcocerus hippophaecolus adults

We determined the mechanisms underlying host selection by adults of the seabuckthorn carpenterworm, Holcocerus hippophaecolus Hua, Chou, Fang et Chen. Four sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) subspecies (varieties) with different degrees of resistance to H. hippophaecolus were chosen for artificial insect infection in cages. The results showed that olfactory and visual cues are very important for the selection of host plants by H. hippophaecolus, but that olfactory stimuli play a more vital role in this process. The relative abundance of branches and leaves had no effect on the likelihood that adults landed on plants from four subspecies (varieties), but did influence landing rates within the same subspecies (varieties). When considering only the most resistant sea buckthorn subspecies (varieties), the presence of luxuriant branches and leaves led to lower landing rates. These results provide a theoretical basis for the understanding of H. hippophaecolus damage to sea buckthorn and the means to implement effective measures of control.     

Cellular origin and ultrastructure of membranes induced during poliovirus infection.

Poliovirus RNA replicative complexes are associated with cytoplasmic membranous structures that accumulate during viral infection. These membranes were immunoisolated by using a monoclonal antibody against the viral nonstructural protein 2C. Biochemical analysis of the isolated membranes revealed that several organelles of the host cell (lysosomes, trans-Golgi stack and trans-Golgi network, and endoplasmic reticulum) contributed to the virus-induced membranous structures. Electron microscopy of infected cells preserved by high-pressure freezing revealed that the virus-induced membranes contain double lipid bilayers that surround apparently cytosolic material. Immunolabeling experiments showed that poliovirus proteins 2C and 3D were localized to the same membranes as the cellular markers tested. The morphological and biochemical data are consistent with the hypothesis that autophagy or a similar host process is involved in the formation of the poliovirus-induced membranes.     

Proteomic analysis of symbiosome membranes in Cnidaria–dinoflagellate endosymbiosis

Symbiosomes are specific intracellular membrane‐bound vacuoles containing microalgae in a mutualistic Cnidaria (host)–dinoflagellate (symbiont) association. The symbiosome membrane is originally derived from host plasma membranes during phagocytosis of the symbiont; however, its molecular components and functions are not clear. In order to investigate the protein components of the symbiosome membranes, homogenous symbiosomes were isolated from the sea anemone Aiptasia pulchella and their purities and membrane intactness examined by Western blot analysis for host contaminants and microscopic analysis using various fluorescent probes, respectively. Pure and intact symbiosomes were then subjected to biotinylation by a cell impermeant agent (Biotin‐XX sulfosuccinimidyl ester) to label membrane surface proteins. The biotinylated proteins, both Triton X‐100 soluble and insoluble fractions, were subjected to 2‐D SDS‐PAGE and identified by MS using an LC‐nano‐ESI‐MS/MS. A total of 17 proteins were identified. Based on their different subcellular origins and functional categories, it indicates that symbiosome membranes serve as the interface for interaction between host and symbiont by fulfilling several crucial cellular functions such as those of membrane receptors/cell recognition, cytoskeletal remodeling, ATP synthesis/proton homeostasis, transporters, stress responses/chaperones, and anti‐apoptosis. The results of proteomic analysis not only indicate the molecular identity of the symbiosome membrane, but also provide insight into the possible role of symbiosome membranes during the endosymbiotic association.     

Injection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exo toxins into host cells can be modulated by host factors at the level of translocon assembly and/or activity

Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion apparatus exports and translocates four exotoxins into the cytoplasm of the host cell. The translocation requires two hydrophobic bacterial proteins, PopB and PopD, that are found associated with host cell membranes following infection. In this work we examined the influence of host cell elements on exotoxin translocation efficiency. We developed a quantitative flow cytometry based assay of translocation that used protein fusions between either ExoS or ExoY and the ?-lactamase reporter enzyme. In parallel, association of translocon proteins with host plasma membranes was evaluated by immunodetection of PopB/D following sucrose gradient fractionation of membranes. A pro-myelocytic cell line (HL-60) and a pro-monocytic cell line (U937) were found resistant to toxin injection even though PopB/D associated with host cell plasma membranes. Differentiation of these cells to either macrophage- or neutrophil-like cell lines resulted in injection-sensitive phenotype without significantly changing the level of membrane-inserted translocon proteins. As previous in vitro studies have indicated that the lysis of liposomes by PopB and PopD requires both cholesterol and phosphatidyl-serine, we first examined the role of cholesterol in translocation efficiency. Treatment of sensitive HL-60 cells with methyl-?-cyclodextrine, a cholesterol-depleting agent, resulted in a diminished injection of ExoS-Bla. Moreover, the PopB translocator was found in the membrane fraction, obtained from sucrose-gradient purifications, containing the lipid-raft marker flotillin. Examination of components of signalling pathways influencing the toxin injection was further assayed through a pharmacological approach. A systematic detection of translocon proteins within host membranes showed that, in addition to membrane composition, some general signalling pathways involved in actin polymerization may be critical for the formation of a functional pore. In conclusion, we provide new insights in regulation of translocation process and suggest possible cross-talks between eukaryotic cell and the pathogen at the level of exotoxin translocation.     

Proteins Specified by Herpes Simplex Virus VI. Viral Proteins in the Plasma Membrane

Previous papers in the series have shown that the surface membranes of herpesvirus-infected cells acquire new immunological specificities and that purified infected cell membrane preparations, characterized by their physical properties rather than topology in the cell, contain new glycoproteins genetically determined by the virus. In this study, we prepared purified plasma membrane identified by its 5' nucleotidase, fucose, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-diaphorase content. Analysis of the membrane proteins and glycoproteins by electrophoresis in acrylamide gels indicated the following. (i) Purified plasma membranes from infected cells contained two sets of proteins, i.e., host proteins were present both before and after infection and viral proteins were present only after infection. (ii) After infection, no appreciable selective or nonselective loss of host proteins from membranes was demonstrable. However, no new host proteins were made. (iii) Electropherograms of plasma membrane proteins from infected cells indicated the presence of at least 12 virus-specific proteins ranging in molecular weight from 25 x 10(3) to 126 x 10(3) daltons. Of these, at least nine were glycosylated. Proteins and glycoproteins with similar electrophoretic mobilities but in somewhat different ratios were also present in preparations of highly purified virions.     

A test of fruit varieties on entry rate and development by neonate larvae of the codling moth,Cydia pomonella

The rate of entry by neonate larvae of the frugivorous codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), into fruit material was investigated. We used no‐choice bioassays in climate‐controlled rooms to assay larval entry across four host plant species (apple, pear, quince, walnut) and three varieties within a single fruit species (apple). Larvae successfully entering apples were reared to adulthood, and we collected tissue samples from apples which were successfully colonized in order to determine sucrose concentrations. This information was used to evaluate differences in adult moth size, development time, and pulp sucrose concentration due to apple variety. Four important findings emerged: (1) neonate larvae had the highest frequency of entry (86% of larvae) into apple fruits, compared with pear (78%), quince (56%), and walnut (32%); (2) the frequency of larval entry into immature apples differed across apple varieties, and larval entry rate was highest in variety Golden Delicious (72%), compared with Granny Smith (46%) and Red Delicious (64%); (3) on average, adult moths were larger and development times were shorter on the variety with the highest entry frequency (Golden Delicious); and (4) apple pulp sucrose concentrations were higher for Golden Delicious (17.5 μg mg^?1) than for either Granny Smith (15.9 μg mg^?1) or Red Delicious (15.1 μg mg^?1) varieties, which correlates positively with entry and development data. We conclude that host fruit species and varietals within a species affect the entry rate of neonate codling moth larvae in no‐choice assays. We hypothesize that larval development is influenced by mean sucrose concentrations or other phytochemical differences associated with host fruit varieties.     

Grape variety affects larval performance and also female reproductive performance of the European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

For insect herbivores, the quality of the larval host plant is a key determinant of fitness. Therefore, insect populations are supposed to be positively correlated with the nutritional quality of their host plant. This study aimed to determine if and how different varieties of grapes (including the wild grape Lambrusque) affect both larval and adult performance of the polyphagous European grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller). Significant differences were found in larval development time, but not in pupal mass, adult emergence rate, or sex ratio. Although the fecundity of females is not different among varieties, females fed on some varieties produced eggs of different sizes which are correlated to their fertility. Thus, females adapt resource allocation to eggs depending on their diet as larvae. Using a fitness index, the average reproductive output was found to be highest for females reared on cv. Chardonnay. Females reared on wild grape produced a fitness index identical to the cultivated grapes. However, Lambrusque and Gewurztraminer separate themselves from the cultivated varieties according to our discriminant analyses. It is emphasized, through this study, that cultivars fed on by larvae should be considered in the population dynamics of L. botrana and that egg number is insufficient to determine host plant quality.     

Divergence before the host shift? Prezygotic reproductive isolation among three varieties of a specialist fly on a single host plant

1. Although divergence via host‐plant shifting is a common theme in the speciation of some phytophagous insects, it is not clear whether host shifts are typically initiators of speciation or if they instead contribute to divergence events already in progress. While host shifts appear to be generally associated with speciation events for flies in the genus Strauzia, three sympatric varieties of the sunflower fly [Strauzia longipennis (Wiedemann)] co‐occur on the same host plant in the Midwestern United States and may have evolved reproductive barriers without a host shift. 2. The strength of two prezygotic reproductive barriers was compared among the three S. longipennis varieties: one barrier that is often associated with divergent ecological selection (allochronic isolation), and another that is more likely to be independent of ecological selection (pre‐copulatory sexual isolation). The presence and relative strength of each barrier between fly varieties were evaluated using microsatellites, no choice mating experiments, studies of allochronic isolation, and field collection data. 3. Evidence for both allochronic isolation and pre‐copulatory sexual isolation was detected between the three varieties of S. longipennis. The measure of isolation calculated for each barrier between the three varieties was lower than measures calculated between different species of Strauzia found on different hosts, suggesting that subsequent host shifts may increase the degree of reproductive isolation. For Strauzia and other specialist insects, some reproductive isolation may evolve prior to, and indeed may facilitate, host shifts.     

Observations on the host specificity and biology of Lixus salsolae (Col., Curculionidae), a potential biological control agent of Russian thistle, Salsola tragus (Chenopodiaceae) in North America

Abstract:  No-choice host specificity tests were performed on Lixus salsolae Becker (Col., Curculionidae) in a quarantine green house near Montpellier, France. Several varieties of seven species of economic and ornamental plants from six genera of Chenopodiaceae were tested. Adult feeding was observed on almost all test plants and larvae successfully developed on nine of the eleven species/varieties tested. Sex ratio of field-collected overwintering adults was close to 1 : 1. While no-choice tests may indicate a wider host range under field conditions, we no longer consider L. salsolae as a potential biological control agent of Salsola tragus L. (Chenopodiaceae) in North America.     

Discrimination among host plants (Leucaena species and accessions) by the psyllid pest Heteropsylla cubana and implications for understanding resistance

Abstract 1 The herbivorous bug Heteropsylla cubana Crawford (Homoptera: Psyllidae) is a pest of the cattle fodder crop Leucaena (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae). The interaction between the psyllid and three varieties of its Leucaena host plant was investigated in relation to the apparent resistance of some Leucaena varieties (Leucaena leucocephala, Leucaena pallida and their hybrids) to attack. 2 Field trials demonstrated that adult psyllids distinguished among the different varieties of Leucaena over a distance, and were attracted to L. leucocephala in significantly higher numbers than to L. pallida or to the hybrid. Pesticide treatment increased the attractiveness of Leucaena plants, even of those deemed to be psyllid resistant. Numbers of psyllid eggs and nymphs, sampled in the field, reflect the arrival rates of adults at the three plant varieties. 3 Wavelength reflectance data of the three Leucaena varieties were not significantly different from one another, suggesting that psyllids cannot discriminate among the three plants using brightness or wavelength cues. There was a differential release of caryophyllene among the three varieties. Release of caryophyllene in L. leucocephala and the hybrid appeared to be influenced by environmental conditions. 4 Experiments demonstrated that caryophyllene (at least on its own) did not influence the behaviour of leucaena psyllids in relation to leucaena plants. 5 The results suggest that host plant volatiles cannot be dismissed as significant in the interaction between the leucaena psyllid and its Leucaena host plants. Further avenues for investigation are recommended and these are related to novel ways of understanding resistance in insect plant inter‐relationships.     

Changes in host cell membrane activities in response to adhesion of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Physiological changes in host cell model membranes (intact human erythrocytes and ghosts) as a consequence of bacterial adhesion were studied with special reference to Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Membrane activities examined were transport of K+, Cl- ions, pyruvate kinase, Na-K-dependent ATPase, and cAMP. We found that K+ and Cl- transport were affected, more so in membranes with attached pilated (P+) organisms than in those with apilated (P-) isogenic strains. In N. gonorrhoeae and in several other species of gram-negative bacteria studied, hemagglutination titres were directly correlated with effects on anion transport, suggesting that perturbations in anion transport are an immediate result of adhesion. Of three P+ gonococcus strains tested, two depressed Na-K-ATPase activity in the membrane, indicating a possible effect on the Na-K pump. Pyruvate kinase activity associated with the membrane appeared to be stimulated by attached gonococci, again by P+ strains to higher levels than P- organisms. Clearly, some enzyme properties of host membranes are intrinsically affected by bacterial adhesion. Human polymorphonuclear neutrophils were also investigated, and with some exceptions, changes observed in leukocyte enzyme activities tended to parallel those in erythrocytes. Since hypochlorous acid production is considered to be an important microbicidal mechanism in neutrophils, interference with Cl- transport could jeopardize their role in host defense.     

Comparative life table statistics of Apoanagyrus lopezi reared on the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti fed on four host plants

The demographic statistics of Apoanagyrus lopezi De Santis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) were studied in the laboratory on its host, the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae), reared on four host plants characterized by different levels of antibiotic resistance to the mealybug: two cassava varieties, Incoza and Zanaga (Manihot esculenta Crantz: Euphorbiaceae), the faux-caoutchouc (hybrid of M. esculenta × M. glaziovii Muel. Arg.) and Talinum (Talinum triangulare Jack:Portulacaceae).Total and daily mean fecundities of female parasitoids were strongly influenced by the host plant but there was no link with antibiotic resistance. The mean duration of the oviposition period was also significantly modified by the host plant and was again not correlated to the level of antibiotic resistance. Net reproduction rates of female parasitoids were nearly 2 times higher on hosts fed on Zanaga and Talinum than on Incoza and Faux-caoutchouc, and were not related to the total fecundities. The generation time was significantly longer on Faux-caoutchouc than on the other three plants. The intrinsic rate of increase varied significantly with host plants and was higher on Talinum and Zanaga than on Incoza and Faux-caoutchouc. With the varieties of cassava, Incoza and Zanaga, it was observed that antibiosis had a significant negative effect on the survival of A. lopezi, which would influence the effectiveness of the parasitoid.     

Trypanosoma cruzi invasion is associated with trogocytosis

Trogocytosis was originally thought to be restricted to the interaction of cells of the immune system with cancer cells. Such membrane exchanges are probably a general process in cell biology, and membrane exchange has been demonstrated to occur between non-immune cells within an organism. Herein, we report that membrane and protein exchange, consistent with trogocytosis, between Trypanosoma cruzi (both the Brazil and Tulahuen strains) and the mammalian cells it infects. Transfer of labeled membrane patches was monitored by labeling of either parasites or host cells, i.e. human foreskin fibroblasts and rat myoblasts. Trypomastigotes and amastigotes transferred specific surface glycoproteins to the host cells along with membranes. Exchange of membranes between the parasite and host cells occurred during successful invasion. Extracellular amastigotes did not transfer membrane patches and were did not transfer either membranes or proteins to the host cells. Membrane exchange was also found to occur between interacting epimastigotes in cell-free culture and may be important in parasite–parasite interactions as well. Further studies should provide new insights into pathogenesis and provide targets for therapeutic intervention.