Declining Wild Mushroom Recognition and Usage in Burkina Faso

Declining Wild Mushroom Recognition and Usage in Burkina Faso. Ethnomycological investigation was carried out in Burkina Faso, West Africa, using standardized interviews focused on 40 representative mushroom species assembled in a traveling herbarium (photographs plus preserved specimens). A total of 540 informants from 18 localities representing three main ethnic groups—Mòosé, Bobo, and Gouin—were interviewed, though the bulk of those interviewed were Mòosé (or Mossi) from the more populous central region of the country. Among the study species, as many as 24 were considered edible by the different ethnic groups; a few medicinal uses also were noted. The edibility of a common Chlorophyllum species is confirmed for the three ethnic groups. Mushroom nomenclature is not well developed in any of the three groups as evidenced by the fact that many mushrooms, including some common edible species, do not appear to have specific local names, but are instead simply referred to by a general term for “mushroom.” Preliminary observations about inter–ethnic variation in recognition, naming, and appreciation of mushrooms are noted. Older people recognized many more mushroom species than did younger people, and women appeared to be slightly more knowledgeable about mushrooms than men. The most important finding is that the gathering and consumption of wild edible mushrooms seems to be dying out in Burkina Faso, especially in the central part of the country, apparently because of declining mushroom populations resulting from disappearing forest habitats. NOTE TO VENDOR: In place of the corresponding author, send proof to this paper’s editor, David Aroro, maxfun @cruzio.com     

Efficacy,prey stage preference and optimum predator–prey ratio of the predatory mite,Neoseiulus longispinosus Evans (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to control the red spider mite,Oligonychus coffeae Nietner (Acari: Tetranychidae) infesting tea

The predatory mite, N. longispinosus preys up on red spider mite, O. coffeae infesting tea in south India. An attempt has been made to determine the predatory potential, prey stage preference and optimum predator–prey ratio of N. longispinosus under laboratory and green house conditions. When 50 adult female O. coffeae were given, the number of adults reduced by eight days along with an increase in the number of predators. The larvae hatched from the eggs laid by O. coffeae were fed by predatory mite. N. longispinosus preyed up on all life stages with a preference to larvae and nymphs of red spider mite. Predator–prey ratios of 1:33 and 1:50 were effective in lab, and 1:25 was found to be effective in green house. These results revealed that N. longispinosus could be used as a successful biocontrol candidate of O. coffeae in tea through augmentation or mass rearing and field release.     

Novel approaches on identification of conserved miRNAs for broad-spectrum Potyvirus control measures

Molecular Biology Reports - Potyviridae comprises more than 200 ssRNA viruses, many of which have a broad host range and geographical distributions. Potyvirids (members of Potyviridae) infect...     

Phytochemical constituents of cultured cells of Eucalyptus tereticornis SM

Callus induced from shoot explants of Eucalyptus tereticornis was maintained for eight months on a defined MS medium. The lipid composition of the callus of E. tereticornis were -sitosterol, stigmasterol and cholesterol. In addition, we report the presence of a flavanoidal glycoside, aglycon identified as Kaempferol. Further, the presence of 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid was established from the methanol fraction.List of Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - Kn Kinetin - NAA 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid - IAA Indole-3-acetic acid - BA 6-Benzylaminopurine     

Cryptosin — a new cardenolide in tissue culture and intact plants of Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. & Schult

A steroidal glycoside of the digoxin type was isolated from fresh leaves and cultured cells of Cryptolepis buchanani Roem & Schult (Asclepiadaceae). Cultures were raised from leaf and shoot. Explants were cultured on MS medium containing 2,4-D, NAA, BA and coconut milk. Metabolically active calluses were proliferated and maintained on Gamborg's B₅ medium with 2,4-D and Kn. The new compound, named cryptosin, was characterised by infrared nmr and mass spectroscopy. Cryptosin was also screened for its pharmacological properties and its cardiotonic action was established.Abbreviations PVP Polyvinylpyrrolidone - 2,4-D 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA Naphthaleneacetic acid - BA Benzyl adenine - Kn Kinetin - MS Murashige & Skoog - Na,K-ATPase Sodium, potassium — sensitive adenosine triphosphate