Seven-fold exciton splitting of the 810-nm band in bacteriochlorophyll a-proteins from green photosynthetic bacteria

We report comparative absorbance and fourth derivative absorbance spectra of two different bacteriochlorophyll a-proteins at 5 K in each of two different cryogenic solvent mixtures. In previous studies at 5 K each protein was observed in only one of these mixtures (not the same one). For the protein from Prosthecochloris aestuarii strain 2K, whose structure is known, the solvent effect is relatively small; for the protein from Chlorobium limicola f. sp. thiosulfatophilum strain 6230 (Tassajara), the effect is much more pronounced. From these results together with earlier results at 300 K, we conclude there may be slight conformational differences of the Prosthecochloris protein between the crystalline form used for X-ray diffraction studies and that in a cryogenic solvent. By comparing spectral features of the two proteins in the same solvent, we are able for the first time to assign all seven of the expected exciton levels in each protein. These occur at 793, 801, 806, 810, 814, 819, and 825 nm in the Prosthecochloris protein, and at 793, 802, 806, 810, 816, 820, and 823 nm in the Chlorobium protein.     

Derivative absorption spectroscopy from 5—300 K of bacteriochlorophyll a-protein from Prosthecochloris aestuarii

Absorption spectra of the bacteriochlorophyll $\text{a-}\text{protein}$ from Prosthecochloris aestuarii were measured at temperatures from 2.9 to 300 K. Fourth and eight derivatives of the spectra were calculated from the digital data. From an analysis of 34 scans taken from 750 to 850 nm at 5 K, and 130 scans taken from 822 to 838 nm, we find evidence for nine peaks, six of which are probably 0-0 excitonic and three probably higher vibronic features. The major peaks are resolved in the derivative spectra to 300 K, and all shift with temperature by less than 1 nm compared to their 5 K positions, except for the 825 nm peak which shifts about 2 nm. The most prominent fourth derivative peak at 300 K shifts from 812.9 nm in the standard buffer solution to 814.1 nm in the cryogenic solution in which our low temperature measurements were made. We conclude that the conformation of the protein at 5 K is essentially the same as at 300 K.     

Fungal infection dynamics in response to temperature in the lepidopteran insect Galleria mellonella

This study examines how the dynamics of fungus–insect interactions can be modulated by temperature. The wax moth, Galleria mellonella, is a well‐studied and important model insect whose larvae in the wild develop optimally at around 34 °C in beehives. However, surprisingly little research on wax moths has been conducted at relevant temperatures. In this study, the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii inflicted rapid and substantial mortality on wax moth larvae maintained at a constant temperature of 24 °C, but at 34 °C a 10 fold higher dose was required to achieve an equivalent mortality. The cooler temperature favored fungal pathogenicity, with condial adhesion to the cuticle, germination and hemocoel invasion all significantly enhanced at 24 °C, compared with 34 °C. The wax moth larvae immune responses altered with the temperature, and with the infective dose of the fungus. Enzyme‐based immune defenses (lysozyme and phenoloxidase) exhibited enhanced activity at the warmer temperature. A dramatic upregulation in the basal expression of galiomicin and gallerimycin was triggered by cooling, and this was augmented in the presence of the fungus. Profiling of the predominant insect epicuticular fatty acids revealed a 4–7 fold increase in palmetic, oleic and linoleic acids in larvae maintained at 24 °C compared with those at 34 °C, but these failed to exert fungistatic effects on topically applied fungus. This study demonstrates the importance of choosing environmental conditions relevant to the habitat of the insect host when determining the dynamics and outcome of insect/fungus interactions, and has particular significance for the application of entomopathogens as biocontrol agents.     

BIOTECHNOLOGY AND IPM: THE RELEVANCE TO SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN TROPICAL ASIA*

Abstract This paper deals with the relevance of biotechnology and IPM to small scale farmers in South and Southeast Asia. IPM may be defined as the combination and integration of approaches to pest management. which maximizes real profitability and genuine sustainability for the users and farming system and gives due regard to the environment. Alternative and practical pest management options should be developed for small scale farmers who could become experts in crop management and capable of making informed decisions through training in field schools. The latest development of biotechnology includes diagnostics, biological pesticides (either genetically manipulated or not genetically manipulated), transgenic plants and animals (vertebrates and invertebrates) and informatics. The place of biotechnology in rice IPM and vegetable IPM in South and Southeast Asia is discussed. Examples of soybean caterpillar in Brazil and rice blast in Vietnam illustrate the benefits of a strong working partnership between farmers, trainers and researchers in creating new knowledge which promotes sustainable agriculture.     

Trans-carvone oxide,a monoterpene epoxide from the fragrance of Catasetum

A new monoterpene epoxide trans-carvone oxide (1) has been isolated from the floral fragrance of Catasetum maculatum, characterized by spectral data and synthesized.