Use of lichen secondary metabolites as antifeedants to protect higher plants from damage caused by slug feeding

Extracts of 15 species of lichen were tested for antifeedant properties against the field slug Deroceras reticulation (Müller) (Mollusca: Pulmonata). All but three showed some activity and two of these were from endolithic species. The most effective extract was from Letharia vulpina. The major active compound from this species, vulpinic acid, was tested for dose response, applied as a foliar spray to turnip plants and as a dressing to wheat seeds in laboratory experiments. It provided effective protection against slug feeding under these conditions.     

A System of Partial Sterility in the Tomato

A partially sterile condition of the tomato Tiny Tim resultsin smaller-than-normal pollen, high pollen abortion, reducedfruit and seed set, and small seeds of low viability. Pollenabortion is initiated after break-up of the tetrads. In crosses.tothe fertile variety Atom, reduced fruit and seed set is partiallydominant, and apparently-multigenically controlled. Seed sizeis influenced by both cytoplasmic and genic factors. Such partialsterility is suspected to be common, and could result in disturbedsegregation ratios of genes.     

Multiplication In Vitro of Limonium estevei Fdez. Casas

Plantlets of Limonium estevei Fdez. Casas, an endangered Spanishspecies, were successfully regenerated from nodal segments excisedfrom young seedlings. Initiation of multiple adventitious budswere obtained in MS modified medium plus 1 mg l^–1 IBAand 0·1 mg l^–1 BAP. Rooting was achieved by transferof the isolated shoots to fresh MS medium without plant growthregulators. Fully grown plants were established in a pottingmix and are growing well in a greenhouse. Limonium estevei, in vitro multiplication, adventitious regeneration