bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships Between Community Structure of the Intertidal Macroinfauna and Sandy Beach Characteristics Along the Chilean Coast
Authors: Jaramillo Eduardo , Contreras Heraldo , Duarte Cristian , Quijón Pedro
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Eight sandy beaches were seasonally sampled along the coast of Chile, from ca. 21 to 42° S (about 3000 km) to study the relationship between community structure of the intertidal macroinfauna and beach characteristics. Sediment samples (0.1 m2, 30 cm deep) were collected (July – September 1998 and December 1998 – January 1999) with plastic cylinders at 15 equally spaced levels along three replicated transects extending from above the drift line to the swash zone. The sediment was sieved through a 1 mm mesh and the organisms collected stored in 5 % formalin. To define beach types, Dean’s parameter (Ω) was calculated from wave heights and periods, and fall velocity of sand particles from the swash zone. Crustaceans (mainly peracarids) were the most diverse group with 14 species, followed by polychaetes with 5 species. The talitrid amphipod Orchestoidea tuberculata, the cirolanid isopods Excirolana braziliensis and E. hirsuticauda and the anomuran decapod Emerita analoga were the most widely distributed and common species. Regression analyses between species richness, abundance and biomass of the whole macroinfauna versus sediment characteristics, beach face slopes and morphodynamic beach states showed no significant relationships. Thus, macroinfaunal community characteristics did not increase linearly from lower intermediate to higher intermediate or dissipative beach states as had been found before in Chile or in other coasts. A comparative analysis with data from sandy beaches of other world regions showed that the number of species inhabiting Chilean sandy beaches was generally lower, whereas total population abundances were generally higher compared with values reported elsewhere.
Temporal Dynamics and Biomass Partitioning in Three Adriatic Seagrass Species: Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina
Authors: Guidetti Paolo , Lorenti Maurizio , Buia Maria Cristina , Mazzella Lucia
Published: March 2003

Abstract. The temporal dynamics of three seagrasses, Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa and Zostera marina, was studied in different areas of the Adriatic Sea by analysing phenological parameters and biomass trends in different compartments of seagrass systems. For this purpose, samplings were conducted in 1997 once per season at each station, Otranto (southern Adriatic Sea) and Grado (northern Adriatic Sea). Structural parameters and biomass of plant compartments differed among seagrasses both in absolute values and in seasonal variability. P. oceanica was the largest plant, showing the highest number of leaves per shoot, highest leaf surface, Leaf Area Index and shoot weight. Z. marina was intermediate in size and had the longest leaves, whereas C. nodosa was the smallest seagrass. P. oceanica accounted for the highest total biomass (mean ± SE: 1895.9 ± 180.2 g DW · m–2; CV = coefficient of variation: 19.0 %), considerably more than C. nodosa (mean ± SE: 410.4 ± 88.4 g DW·m–2; CV: 43.1 %) and Z. marina (mean ± SE: 312.1 ± 75.1 g DW · m–2; CV: 48.1 %), although the two latter species displayed a higher seasonal variability. Similarly, other features, such as shoot density, leaf surface, LAI, shoot weight and relative contributions of above‐ and below‐ground compartments, were less variable across seasons in P. oceanica than in the two other seagrasses, while leaf length showed the highest seasonal fluctuation in P. oceanica. As for biomass partitioning, C. nodosa showed a higher proportion of the below‐ground relative to above‐ground biomass (up to 90 %), with a distinct seasonality, whereas in P. oceanica the proportion of below‐ground biomass (around 80 %) was fairly constant during the year. We infer that in P. oceanica the seasonal forcing is probably buffered by the availability of internal resources stored permanently during the year in the below‐ground. In C. nodosa and Z. marina, instead, growth processes seem to be amplified by a greater influence of environmental factors.
Administration of fluconazole in children below 1 year of age
Authors: Schwarze R. , Penk A. , Pittrow L.
Published: March 2003

For this review, 78 studies regarding the use of fluconazole in a total of 726 children below 1 year of age were evaluated. The range of fluconazole dosage was 2–50 mg kg−1 day−1, with 162 days being the maximum duration of treatment. According to current experience, fluconazole seems to be well tolerated and efficacious against systemic candidosis and candidaemia in children below 1 year of age, including neonates and very low‐birthweight infants (VLBWIs). The recommended daily dosage is 6 mg kg−1. (In Germany, fluconazole is approved for children between 1 and 16 years in cases in which there is no therapeutic alternative for treatment of systemic infections caused by Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans in a dosage of 3–6 mg kg−1 day−1 and for superficial Candida infections in a dosage of 1–2 mg kg−1 day−1.) In patients with impaired renal function, the daily dose should be reduced in accordance with the guidelines given for adults. In neonates during the first 2 weeks of life, this dosage should be administered only every 72 h. In weeks 2–4 of life, the same dose should be given every 48 h, following which daily dosing is appropriate. This posology is derived from the age‐related pharmacokinetics of fluconazole, with a higher volume of distribution and a prolonged plasma elimination half‐life, especially during the first month of life. Drug monitoring during treatment should be performed to ensure therapeutic plasma concentrations of fluconazole within a range between 4 and 20 μg ml−1. The benefit of fluconazole should be investigated in prospective studies for treatment of systemic candidosis with administration of higher dosages as well as for early empiric therapy in VLBWIs.
Oropharyngeal candidosis in AIDS patients: an epidemiological study using restriction analysis of Candida albicans total genomic DNA
Authors: Costa María Rosa Elías , Carnovale S. , Relloso M. S.
Published: March 2003

This study investigates the epidemiology of Candida albicans strains isolated from oral and rectal swabs obtained before and after treatment with antifungal drugs in hospitalized AIDS patients. Twenty‐one health care workers from the hospital unit were also studied. Samples were obtained from the oral cavity and hands. The molecular fingerprinting restriction endonuclease‐digested genomic DNA technique was used. A total of 94 C. albicans strains were isolated: 76 from patients and 18 from the health care workers. Each sample was digested independently with EcoRI and HinfI restriction enzymes, electrophoresed on 0.8% agarose gels and stained with ethidium bromide. The strains were sorted into groups according to patterns. Analysis of the different restriction patterns suggests that most of the infective strains had an endogenous source, whereas the recurrences of candidosis, after antifungal therapy, could be considered as persistence or reinfection by a different strain. Our data show that horizontal transmission by strains carried by health care workers does not play an important role in the overall epidemiology of candidosis.
Case Report. Eumycetoma due to Curvularia lunata
Authors: Janaki  , Sentamilselvi  , Janaki  , Devesh Saraswath , Ajithados
Published: March 2003

Eumycetoma caused by Curvularia lunata affecting the right foot is described in a 27‐year‐old farmer with the mycological and mycopathological features. The patient was being treated with oral ketoconazole 200 mg daily for 2 months and followed.
Efficacy and tolerability of terbinafine 1% topical solution used for 1 week compared with 4 weeks clotrimazole 1% topical solution in the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis: a randomized, double‐blind, multi‐centre, 8‐week clinical trial
Authors: Schopf R. , Hettler O. , Bräutigam M. , Weidinger G. , Kaben U. , Mayser P. , Resl V.
Published: March 2003

In this double‐blind clinical trial 429 patients (217 terbinafine and 212 clotrimazole) were randomized to receive twice daily terbinafine 1% topical solution for 1 week followed by a vehicle application for 3 weeks, or 1% clotrimazole solution for 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated clinically and mycologically at baseline and then at weeks one, two, four (end of treatment), and eight (end of follow‐up). To be evaluable the patient needed to have a positive culture for a dermatophyte and positive KOH microscopy and a clinical diagnosis of tinea pedis (interdigital type) at baseline. Effective treatment of tinea pedis was recorded in 181 of 217 (83%) of patients treated for 1 week with terbinafine 1% solution and 174 of 212 (82%) of patients treated for 4 weeks with clotrimazole 1% solution. Mycological cure and disappearance of signs and symptoms were similar at each assessment visit in the two groups. In the subgroup of patients without any protocol violation the mycological cure rate was 95% (164 of 173) with terbinafine solution and 91% (159 of 174) with clotrimazole solution (P=0.05). Adverse events believed to be drug‐related occurred in 13 patients in the terbinafine group and 11 in the clotrimazole group (4 to 5% in each group). The events were primarily local skin reactions of mild to moderate intensity. It can be concluded that terbinafine 1% solution used for 1 week to treat tinea pedis is well tolerated and at least as effective as clotrimazole 1% solution used for 4 weeks.
A polymerase chain reaction ‘PCR’ for a quick diagnosis of aspergillosis
Authors: Gabal M. A. , El‐Sherif A. M. , Enany M. S. , Soliman Sohier S.
Published: March 2003

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed from sequencing data generated from a specific target band that is unique for Aspergillus fumigatus DNA digested with EcoR1. The target band was detected through Southern blot hybridization of a non‐radioactive probe labelled with DIG‐dUTP and DNAs of different aspergilli. The DNA of the target band was purified, concentrated and subjected to sequencing. The size of the sequenced band was approximately 445 bp. One pair of primers was designed and synthesized from the sequencing data of the band. The oligonucleotide primers were specific in amplifying an identical band of A. fumigatus in a population mix containing DNAs of different Aspergillus spp.; Pencillium spp.; yeasts; bacterial and viral organisms that are commonly encountered in clinical specimens of respiratory origin. The reaction proved highly sensitive and as little as 0.0001 μg of A. fumigatus DNA was detected in the reaction.
Differentiation of Candida strains by lectin‐mediated agglutination kinetics
Authors: Nenoff P. , Süß Katrin , Flemming C. , Haustein U.‐F.
Published: March 2003

The lectin‐mediated agglutination kinetics of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida kefyr, and Candida parapsilosis strains isolated from immunocompromised patients was investigated. The rate of the lectin‐induced cell agglutination depends on the physiological state of the yeast cell population. Therefore, the Candida strains have to be cultivated and investigated under identical conditions. Lentil lectin (prepared from Lens culinaris), castor lectin, and concanavalin A were used. Different yeast species showed different agglutination behaviour. Furthermore, the lectin‐mediated rate of agglutination is a strain‐specific property which makes it possible to distinguish between different yeast strains of the same species. It is concluded that the lectin‐mediated agglutination kinetics allows reproducible differentiation of yeast strains of the same species.
Changes of virulence factors accompanying the phenomenon of induced fluconazole resistance in Candida albicans
Authors: Fekete‐Forgács K. , Gyüre L. , Lenkey B.
Published: March 2003

We investigated a fluconazole‐sensitive (MICflu = 5 μg ml−1) clinical isolate and a fluconazole‐resistant (MICflu >80 μg ml−1) laboratory mutant Candida albicans strain developed from the sensitive one. We studied putative virulence factors including germination, adherence ability to either buccal epithelial cells or acrylate surface, the secreted aspartic proteinase, and the extracellular phospholipase activity of the two strains as well as their growth. The fluconazole‐resistant strain proved to be superior to the original strain in all the virulence traits tested. The higher virulence of the fluconazole‐resistant strain was also supported by a mouse model. These results suggest that the development of fluconazole resistance can be accompanied by serious morphological and physiological changes: several putative virulence traits, moreover the in vivo virulence can increase simultaneously.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of reference strains of the genus Aspergillus
Authors: Rath P.‐M.
Published: March 2003

Summary. Twenty‐five culture collection strains from four Aspergillus species (A. fumigatus n = 8, A. flavus n = 8, A. niger n= 4, A. nidulans n = 5) were characterized by four methods: (i) determination of patterns in an assimilation assay; (ii) protein pattern of whole mycelial cell lysates in the sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE); (iii) reactivity of a pool serum obtained from cystic fibrosis patients with mycelial lysates in the immunoblot; and (iv) random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) with eight primers having arbitrary or repetitive sequences. In the assimilation assay the A. fumigatus strains showed identical patterns in contrast to the strains of the species A. flavus, A. niger, and A. nidulans, which each showed four patterns. In the SDS‐PAGE no differences in the band patterns in the A. fumigatus strains were found, in contrast to the A. flavus (three patterns), A. nidulans (five patterns) and A. niger strains (two patterns). The immunoblot patterns were characteristic for each species with bands at 62 and 17/18 kDa in the A. fumigatus strains, at 51 and 18 kDa in the A. flavus strains, at 51 kDa in the A. niger strains, and at 51, 40 and 17/18 kDa in the A. nidulans strains allowing, however, no intraspecies typing. In the RAPD assay four out of eight primers gave interpretable patterns with 3–20 bands. None of the primers showed sufficient discriminatory power when used alone. However, when combining the results of two of the primers (5′‐GTA TTG CCC T‐3′ and 5′‐GAT AGA TAG ATA GAT A‐3′) all strains except two A. fumigatus strains could be clearly separated from each other. It is concluded that the the RAPD assay showed the most discriminatory power in all Aspergillus species investigated. In contrast to the phenotypically similar A. fumigatus strains, the strains of the species A. flavus, A. nidulans and A. niger differed in their phenotypic characteristics. The presented data of strains from international culture collections may serve as basis for interlaboratory standardization of typing methods.
Case report. Disseminated cutaneous cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent host
Authors: Vijaya D. , Kumar B. H. Anand , Nagarathnamma T.
Published: March 2003

Summary. A 50‐year‐old Indian housewife presented with multiple cutaneous lesions over the upper back, thigh and both the extremities, which first appeared 5 months previously. The diagnosis of disseminated cutaneous cryptococcosis was made on the basis of the demonstration and isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans from the aspirated pus and skin biopsy. A serological test for HIV antibodies was negative. The patient responded to itraconazole treatment.
First isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii from a native jungle tree in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest
Authors: Fortes Silvana T. , Lazéra Maria S. , Nishikawa M. M. , Macedo R. C. L. , Wanke B.
Published: March 2003

Summary. Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii was isolated for the first time from decaying wood in a hollow of a native jungle tree Guettarda acreana, in a wild area of an Amazon rainforest island, in Brazil. The presence of this variety in a virgin environment without either anthropic action or introduced vegetation is discussed with regard to the common knowledge of Cr. neoformans ecology.
Candida africana sp. nov., a new human pathogen or a variant of Candida albicans?
Authors: Tietz H.‐J. , Hopp M. , Schmalreck A. , Sterry W. , Czaika V.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Atypical Candida strains were isolated from patients in Madagascar, Angola and Germany. These isolates were slow growing and were unable to produce chlamydospores. They had atypical carbohydrate assimilation profiles. All strains were unable to assimilate the amino sugars N‐acteylglucosamine and glucosamine as well as the disaccharide trehalose and the organic acid dl‐lactate. They were germ‐tube‐positive in serum, but only some of these organisms produced pseudohyphae after a long incubation. As shown by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy the atypical Candida isolates clustered as a monophyletic group different from C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. All strains belonged to C. albicans serotype B. Considering all data presented here, this group of Candida strains differs from any other known member of the genus Candida. Therefore, it is suggested to represent a new species within the genus Candida for which the name Candida africana is proposed.
Candida albicans and the principle of opportunism. An essay
Authors: Niewerth M. , Korting H. C.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  The terms ‘opportunism’ and ‘opportunist’ have been used for many years in various fields encompassing politics, social science, economics, and life sciences. However these terms are still ill‐defined. The inter‐relationship between the various meanings in different given contexts is discussed under the special aspect of micro‐organisms, and in particular Candida albicans, which together with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is most often addressed as an opportunist or suspected of opportunism.
In vitro studies on the activity of amphotericin B and lipid‐based amphotericin B formulations against Aspergillus conidia and hyphae
Authors: Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Nagl M. , Gunsilius E. , Speth C. , Ulmer H. , Würzner R.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B and lipid‐based amphotericin B formulations against isolates of Aspergillus spp. were tested using a broth microdilution method. Twelve isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus, eight of Aspergillus flavus, six of Aspergillus niger and seven of Aspergillus terreus were examined. In addition, an assay for hyphae of Aspergillus spp. was performed since the invasive form is manifested by the appearance of hyphal structures. MICs of hyphae against lipid‐based amphotericin B formulations were within three dilutions higher than those against conidia for almost all isolates of Aspergillus spp. (P < 0.01). In contrast, the differences in the in vitro efficacies of amphotericin B were the lowest for Aspergillus spp. This study demonstrates the importance of the type of inoculum used to test antifungal susceptibilities of Aspergillus spp. The significance of these results for in vivo outcome needs to be determined.
Deep‐seated mycosis as a complication in bone marrow transplantation patients
Authors: Wakayama M. , Shibuya K. , Ando T. , Oharaseki T. , Takahashi K. , Naoe S. , Coulson W. F.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Achieving control of opportunistic fungal infections which occur during the course of immunosuppressive therapy is one of the key factors deciding the success or failure of bone marrow transplantation (BMT). A review was conducted of autopsied patients who had undergone BMT at the University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center in the USA between 1985 and 1994. The incidence of complication by deep‐seated mycoses was determined, and the causative fungal species and invaded organs were elucidated. Deep fungal infections were found to have occurred in 31.5% (47/149 cases) of the BMT patients, and disseminated disease was found in approximately one‐quarter of the infected cases. The findings suggest that BMT patients, who require the use of potent immunosuppressive agents, show increased susceptibility to the development of more serious, and widespread diffuse fungal infections. The most commonly detected causative fungi were Aspergillus species and Candida species. In addition, it was found that the incidence of candidosis had decreased markedly in recent years; conversely, aspergillosis had increased. It was surmised that these findings reflect the development of antifungal agents which are effective against candidosis and have enabled a reduction in the incidence of this disease even in BMT patients, whereas aspergillosis remains difficult to treat. In consideration of these findings regarding the manifestation of deep‐seated mycosis in BMT patients, we conclude that in order to increase the success rate of BMT it will be essential to establish safe and effective methods for the prevention and treatment of aspergillosis.
Comparison of seven Blastomyces dermatitidis antigens for the detection of antibodies in humans with occupationally acquired blastomycosis
Authors: Roomiany P. L. , Axtell R. C. , Scalarone G. M.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Yeast phase lysate antigens, prepared from seven isolates of Blastomyces dermatitidis (dogs, T‐58, M‐98; human, Le; soil, S; sea lion, SL; polar bear, PB; cat, C) were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies in human sera. The sera were from individuals potentially exposed to B. dermatitidis while working on a prairie dog relocation project in Colorado. All antigens exhibited greatest reactivity with three specimens in two separate assays. Absorbance values ranged from 0.370 (M‐98) to 0.427 (LE) (Trial 1) and from 0.579 (M‐98) to 0.714 (PB) (Trial 2) with serum 2; from 0.368 (C) to 0.453 (LE) (Trial 1) and from 0.565 (SL) to 0.694 (S) (Trial 2) with serum 3 and from 0.392 (M‐98) to 0.506 (LE) (Trial 1) and from 0.557 (SL) to 0.758 (T‐58) (Trial 2) with serum 6. The greatest reactivity was observed with sera from two persons (2 and 3 from the same individual and serum 6) who became ill with symptoms of pulmonary disease and sought medical care. Both patients were subsequently diagnosed with blastomycosis by microscopic and culture methods. The study indicated that all of the lysate antigens, regardless of source, could be used to reliably diagnose blastomycosis.
Did earthworms contribute to the parasitic evolution of dermatophytes?
Authors: Shankar S. G. , Ranganathan S. , Ranjith M. S. , Vijayalakshmi G. S.
Published: March 2003

Summary. The survival of dermatophyte species in the gut of four species of earthworms was studied by feeding the fungi to the earthworms. Recovery of the dermatophyte species in culture from the guts was only possible for Microsporum gypseum and Chrysosporium keratinophilum. In the light of these findings, we presume that earthworms could have influenced the parasitic evolution of certain dermatophytes.
Case Report. Maxillary sinus infection due to Emericella nidulans
Authors: Horré R , Schumacher G. , Marklein G. , Krömer B. , Wardelmann E. , Gilges S. , De Hoog G. S. , Wahl G. , Schaal K. P.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  Fungal infections of the maxillary sinus are frequently caused by Aspergillus species, particularly A. fumigatus. In otherwise healthy persons there is an association with overfilling of dental root canals, when zinc‐containing filling materials were used. Below, a maxillary sinus aspergilloma is reported in a young immunocompetent female patient caused by Aspergillus (Emericella) nidulans.
Primary cutaneous aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Romano Clara , Miracco Clelia
Published: March 2003

Summary A case of primary cutaneous aspergillosis in a 39‐year‐old woman with apparently normal immune status is reported. The woman had an occasionally suppurating nodular lesion which developed in the site of a trauma on the back of the right wrist. Diagnosis was based on histological and mycological examination. Systemic involvement was not found. Surgical excision led to clinical and mycological recovery, confirmed at follow‐up 18 months later.
Paecilomyces variotii central nervous system infection in a patient with cancer
Authors: Kantarcıoğlu A. S. , Hatemi G. , Yücel A. , De Hoog G. S. , Mandel N. M.
Published: March 2003

Paecilomyces variotii was isolated from two subsequent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens of a cancer patient. Identification was confirmed through β‐tubulin and rDNA ITS sequencing. MICs were determined for seven antifungal agents; the isolate was found to be susceptible to amphotericin B (AMB), itraconazole (ITZ), ketaconazole (KTZ) and 5‐fluorocytosine (5FC) but resistant to fluconazole (FLZ) and miconazole (MCZ). Despite antimycotic therapy, the infection proved to be fatal.
Somaclonal variation in cell suspension culture‐derived regenerants of Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats var. motia
Authors: Patnaik J. , Sahoo S. , Debata B. K.
Published: March 2003

Plants regenerated from cell suspension cultures of palmarosa grass, Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats, were analysed for somaclonal variation in five clonal generations. A wide range of variation in important quantitative traits, e.g. plant yield, height, tiller number, oil content and qualitative changes in essential oil constituents—geraniol, geranyl acetate, geranyl formate and linalool—were observed among the 120 somaclones screened. Eight somaclones were selected on the basis of high herb and oil yield over the donor line and high geraniol content in the oil. Based on performance in the field trials, three superior lines were selected, and maintained for five clonal generations. The superior lines exhibited a reasonable degree of stability in the traits selected.
Gene‐for‐gene relationship for resistance in wheat to isolates of Karnal bunt, Neovossia indica
Authors: Datta R. , Harjit‐Singh  , Gupta V. S. , Ranjekar P. K. , Dhaliwal H. S.
Published: March 2003

Reactions to eight isolates of Karnal bunt, Neovossia indica, collected from seven different locations in northern India were studied on 13 host lines, including cultivars and breeding lines of Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum and Triticosecale in all possible combinations. The incidence of Karnal bunt varied from zero in PBW 34 and PBW 248 with isolates Ni8 and Ni2, respectively, to as high as 66.8% in a highly susceptible cultivar WL 711 with isolate Ni5. The differences in disease incidence among cultivars and isolates were highly significant. All the isolates could be distinguished on the basis of differential reactions on one or more of the host lines. Even the most resistant lines of durum (PDW 215), triticale (TL 1210) and wheat (HD 29) could be distinguished by the differential disease reaction with one or more of the eight isolates. The cultivar‐isolate interaction for disease score was highly significant, indicating the probable existence of a gene‐for‐gene relationship in this host‐pathogen system.
Identification of a novel source of resistance to angular leaf spot disease of common bean within the secondary gene pool
Authors: Busogoro J. P. , Jijakli M. H. , Lepoivre P.
Published: March 2003

Phaeoisariopsis griseola (Sacc.) Ferr., the agent of angular leaf spot disease of common bean, is a highly variable pathogen for which resistance gene diversification is required. This study analysed genetic resistance to this disease within genotypes of three Phaseolus species. Twenty‐nine genotypes of Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus and Phaseolus polyanthus were inoculated with 54 isolates of Phaeoisariopsis griseola. The genetic resistance was estimated according to the symptom intensity observed for each plant genotype‐pathogen isolate combination. Globally, genotypes of the common bean secondary gene pool were resistant to a higher number of isolates than common bean varieties. Interactions between plant genotypes and pathogen isolates suggested vertical resistance genes within P. vulgaris, as well as within P. coccineus and P. polyanthus. The ‘NI666’accession (P. coccineus) showed resistance to all the fungal isolates inoculated while the variety ‘Aroana’(P. vulgaris) was susceptible to most of the isolates. Interspecific hybridization between these two genotypes gave F1 hybrid plants which showed resistance to angular leaf spot disease.
Pure line selection for improved yield, oil content and different fatty acid composition of sesame, Sesamum indicum
Authors: Baydar H. , Marquard R. , Turgut I.
Published: March 2003

The aims of this study were estimation of the variability of seed yield, oil content, oleic acid and linoleic acid content in single plant progenies and lines derived from Turkish sesame populations, and the improvement of different type lines with regard to high seed yield, high oil content and specific fatty acid composition. Different types of lines were developed—i.e. lines which yielded over 1000 kg seeds/ha from the yield type progenies and lines which yielded over 63% of oil content from oil type progenies—but it was not possible to improve lines where fatty acid composition differed dramatically from that of oleic and linoleic type progenies.
Use of multiparental inbred populations to determine allelic relationships of molecular markers
Authors: Enjalbert J. , Boeuf C. , Belcram H. , Leroy P.
Published: March 2003

The assessment of polymorphism exhibited by molecular markers is an arduous but essential task that facilitates the use of molecular tools by breeders and geneticists. For that purpose, the value of a wheat composite population was assessed for characterizing the diversity of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers developed by INRA‐Génoblé. The polymorphism of 13 genomic probes was measured over a set of 80 inbred lines randomly extracted by single‐seed descent from a composite‐cross of 16 wheat lines. The 13 probéenzyme combinations revealed 27 loci with codominant polymorphism. As many bands were so far unmapped, the segregational analysis of the progenies appeared very suitable for complex patterns, both in determining allelic relationships and in revealing linkage between loci. Allelic diversity, band sizes and chromosomal location assessed from nullisomic‐tetrasomic lines are given for the 27 loci.
Optimal allocation of resources in evaluating current sunflower inbred lines for resistance to Sclerotinia
Authors: Degener J. , Melchinger A. E. , Hahn V.
Published: March 2003

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a major limiting factor for sunflower (Helianthus annuus) production. This study was conducted to (1) evaluate a large number of current sunflower lines for their reaction to Sclerotinia, and (2) determine the optimum allocation of resources for their selection. A set of 85 inbred lines was screened under artificial leaf infection in three environments. The test revealed ample variation for all resistance traits in the current germplasm. A line selected from NDBLOS, an oilseed sunflower germplasm poo, and its derivatives were most resistant to Sclerotinia. Lines derived from interspecific crosses with the wild species Helianthus tuberosus and Helianthus argophyllus also showed satisfactory Sclerotinia resistance. The evaluation of five plants per plot in two replications and four environments appears to be a reasonable allocation of resources in order to optimize the selection response.
Genetic variability in foxtail millet, Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.: Identification and classification of lines with RAPD markers
Authors: Schontz D. , Rether B.
Published: March 2003

The DNA of 37 lines of Setaria italica, representative of Eurasian diversity, were used for the detection of polymorphism using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. Four 10‐mer primers, differing from each other by one or two G‐C inversions, were used. Each one gave specific RAPD products. Twenty‐five bands were polymorphic and allowed the identification of 33 different genotypes. A factorial analysis of correspondence was performed on the presenc‐absence data, through which three genetic groups could be identified. These genetic groups were closely related to the geographical origin of the different lines: one central European and two Asiatic groups (the first Asiatic lines originating in latitudes below 35°N and the second comprising the Asiatic lines originating in latitudes above 35° N). The lines originating from western Europe were very variable and were dispersed in the three genetic groups described previously.
Ploidy of broccoli regenerated from microspore culture versus anther culture
Authors: Wang M. , Farnham M. W. , Nannes J. S. P.
Published: March 2003

The use of microspore or anther culture to generate doubled‐haploids (DH) is an important adjunct to broccoli breeding) Regenerated populations from broccoli anther culture are usually mixtures of ploidy. However, ploidy composition of populations derived from microspore culture has not been reported. The purpose of the present study was to characterize regenerants derived from microspore culture, to evaluate factors influencing these characteristics and to compare results with those from anther culture. Eight populations, four from each culture method, were generated simultaneously using the same four F1hybrids as donor parents. The ploidy level of all regenerants was determined by DNA flow cytometry: the majority of them were diploid. As in anther culture, a mixture of ploidy was observed in all populations derived from microspore culture. Ploidy variation was more frequent among clonal families from anther culture (10%) than microspore culture (5%)‘Everest’ was the most productive donor parent with both methods, while ‘Greenbelt’ and ‘Major’ were least productive in anther and microspore culture, respectively. Genotype specificity for the total number of regenerated plants and ploidy composition occurred in both culture methods.
Inheritance of zeins: The catalogue of zein alleles of three multigenic loci and its potential for maize breeding
Authors: Zayakina G. V. , Sozinov A. A.
Published: March 2003

Inheritance of zein components in maize has been studied by a highresolution system of acidic continuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This method revealed extraordinarily high polymorphism of zeins. Previously, three multigenic loci, Zep1, Zep2 and Zep3, encoding most zein polypeptides were identified. Four other loci control the synthesis of some minor components. Single F2 grains from 16 hybrid combinations involving 19 inbred lines were analysed. Correspondingly, 12 and 14 alleles of the Zep1 and the Zep2 loci were identified for 19 inbreds. Six alleles of the Zep3 locus were identified in five crosses. All 32 alleles of three multigenic loci were included in the catalogue of zein alleles. Genetic nomenclature for the alleles designation is proposed. Such nomenclature is in good agreement with ‘a standard for maize genetics nomenclature. The catalogue may serve for practical use and as basis for more detailed genetic studies of zeins. Practical application of the catalogue in maize breeding is discussed.
Prediction of barley progeny performance in the presence of genotype environment interaction
Authors: Schut J. W. , Dourleijn C. J.
Published: March 2003

Twenty recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations of European two‐row spring barley and their parents were tested in six environments in the Netherlands to investigate the prediction of progeny yield level, yield variance, stability level and stability variance, based on parent information. Progeny yield level is positively correlated with midparent value for average yield. Progeny yield variance is more difficult to predict, but there does appear to be a promising negative correlation between progeny yield variance and Habgood's (1977) parental similarity measure. To quantify yield stability, three statistics were calculated: Finlay and Wilkinson's (1963) regression coefficient bi, Shukla's (1972) stability variance σsi2 and Eberhart and Russell's (1966) mean squared deviation di2. The first stability statistic describes a different aspect of the response pattern to change in environment from the last two. Parents with high bi values appear to have a better average yield, i.e. they react more positively to an improvement in the environment than the other genotypes. The average bi value of the progeny is positively correlated with the midparent value, indicating its heritable nature. There are also indications that di2 and σi2 are heritable but their repeatability is poor. Therefore, it is concluded that only prediction of bi is useful in practical plant breeding. There is a positive correlation between progeny yield variance and progeny variance for bi but we conclude that the inaccuracy of the stability variance estimates is too high for good predictors for progeny stability variance to be found.
Genetic effects of the soft starch (h) and background loci on volume of starch granules in five inbreds of maize
Authors: Wilson J. A. , Glover D. V. , Nyquist W. E.
Published: March 2003

Larger particle volume is beneficial for many aspects of maize starch processing, and may improve the performance of some starch attributes. This study focused on the soft starch (h) locus to identify its potentially influential role in starch particle volume distribution. The objectives were to study the genetic expression of starch particle volume of the h locus in different genetic backgrounds and the gene action conditioning starch particle volume of other loci in both normal‐starch and h‐starch backgrounds. Forty‐five populations (five intra‐inbred F1s, 10 hybrid F1s 10 F2s, 10 BC1F1s to h/h parent, and 10 BC1 to h:h conversion of normal parent) were planted in 1993 at two locations and in 1995 at one location. Selfed heterozygotes (±/h) in all generations provided intra‐ear comparisons of normal and h starch, and F3 and BC1F2 generations provided inter‐ear comparisons. Significant differences were found between normal and h:h genotypes in all intra‐ear and inter‐ear comparisons. In all cases, general combining ability effects were highly significant, suggesting the presence of additive gene effects. Generation mean analysis of normal and h:h starch materials yielded similar results, indicating the predominance of additive and some dominance effects for other loci on starch particle volume. These results indicate the usefulness of the soft starch gene and additional genetic variation among inbreds in the improvement of starch particle volume for increased starch recovery in wet milling.
Early selection for extreme resistance to potato virus Y and tobacco etch virus in potato using a β‐glucuronidase‐tagged virus
Authors: Hinrichs‐Berger J. , Junghans H. , Buchenauer H.
Published: March 2003

The Rysto gene from Solanum stoloniferum introduced into potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum L. ssp. tuberosum) confers resistance to potato virus A, potato virus V and potato virus Y (PVY). In addition to PVY, tobacco etch virus (TEV) and a TEV construct that encodes β‐glucuronidase (TEV‐GUS) were inoculated to determine the inheritance of resistance to these viruses in progenies obtained from potato cultivars containing the Rysto gene. While cultivars ‘Karlena’ and ‘Delikat’ were susceptible, ‘Bettina’ and clone 927eY were resistant to PVY, TEV and TEV‐GUS, as determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, biotest and GUS assay, respectively. The segregation ratios obtained from the progenies of ‘Bettina’×‘Delikat’ and 816eY ×‘Karlena’ indicate that resistances to PVY and TEV are governed by one dominant gene or two genes tightly linked in coupling phase. Evidently, Rysto confers broad spectrum resistance to potyviruses. TEV resistance could be reliably detected 4 days after inoculation with the TEV‐GUS construct by GUS assay. Therefore, the GUS‐tagged TEV construct can be used for early selection for resistances based on the gene Rysto or closely linked genes.
Discriminating durum wheat cultivars using highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat DNA markers
Authors: Dograr N. , Akin‐Yalin S. , Akkaya M. S.
Published: March 2003

The winter type durum wheat varieties of Anatolia used in this study were differentiated for the first time by using simple sequence repeat (SSR) DNA markers or microsatellites. Seven microsatellite markers were used to distinguish four well‐adapted landrace selections, five cultivars and seven recently obtained advancing lines. The loci of seven microsatellites were all homozygous, but the WMS6 locus occurred with two alleles in all the genotypes. The genotypes were all distinguished from each other, with the number of alleles ranging from five to 13. The lowest and highest polymorphism information content (PIC) values were observed to be 0.609 and 0.872, respectively. Three markers alone, WMS6, WMS30 and WMS120, can distinguish all 16 genotypes. UPGMA dendogram, based on a similarity matrix by a simple matching coefficient algorithm, is in accordance with the available pedigree information.
Feasibility of breeding male‐sterile populations for use in developing interpopulation hybrids of pearl millet
Authors: Rai K. N. , Andrews D. J. , Rao A. S.
Published: March 2003

Inter‐population hybrids of pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br., have a substantial grain yield advantage over open‐pollinated varieties that makes them an appropriate and economically viable proposition for many African agricultural situations, provided that stable male‐sterile populations can be developed for use as seed parents. The objective of this research was to examine the feasibility of breeding stable male‐sterile populations, using the d2 dwarf version of Nigerian Composite NCD2 and the A4 cytoplasmic‐nuclear male sterility system as a test case. Results showed that two cycles of recurrent selection for sterility maintenance ability led to the development of a fully effective maintainer version of NCD2. There was no significant difference between the original C0 cycle bulk and the C3 cycle bulk (developed from the third and final cycle of recurrent selection) for grain yield and other agronomic traits. The male‐sterile population at the third backcross stage, developed from the maintainer version of NCD2, had as high a level of stable male sterility as the A1 system commercial inbred male‐sterile line 841A1. Thus, it is concluded that with the use of the A4 cytoplasmic male‐sterile system, it would be possible rapidly to develop a maintainer version of any population without detrimental effects on grain yield and agronomic traits. Male sterility of populations developed from these maintainers will be highly stable, paving the way for their effective utilization as seed parents in breeding inter‐population hybrids.
Genetic diversity in cultivated Osteospermum as revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis
Authors: Faccioli P. , Terzi V. , Pecchioni N. , Berio T. , Giovannini A. , Allavena A.
Published: March 2003

A collection of 28 Osteospermum clones and cultivated varieties of different origin were evaluated by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. All the clones were identified by 12 decamers selected from a set of 30. This is the first characterization by molecular markers of the genetic material of Osteospermum. The level of genetic diversity among genotypes was assayed and all the accessions tested were then classified into six groups by UPGMA cluster analysis; the clustering of genotypes using the RAPD data proved to be in accordance with their breeding group origin. RAPD analysis can therefore be a useful tool for evaluating genetic variability in other Osteospermum germplasm collections for breeding purposes and for protecting intellectual property rights of improved varieties.
Inheritance of plant height in the dwarf mutant ‘Enana’ of safflower
Authors: Velasco L. , Pérez‐Vich B. , Muñoz‐Ruz J. , Fernández‐Martínez J.
Published: March 2003

The dwarf safflower mutant ‘Enana’ has been developed from the cultivar ‘Rancho’ by chemical mutagenesis. The objective of the present research was to study the inheritance of plant height in crosses between ‘Enana’ and ‘Rancho’. Plants of both lines were reciprocally crossed and the F1, F2 and F3 generations were obtained. The evaluation of plant height in the F2 generation suggested the presence of a single locus controlling this trait. This was confirmed after the evaluation of 164 F2:3 lines, which revealed an F2 segregation fitting a 1:2:1 (dwarf: intermediate: standard) ratio. The locus was designated Dw. As the mutated allele was partly dominant over the wild‐type allele, the proposed genotype for ‘Rancho’ was dw dw, whereas that for ‘Enana’ was Dw Dw. Furthermore, a partial cytoplasmic effect on plant height was detected, with the heterozygote Dw dw being about 6 cm taller when ‘Rancho’ was used as female.
Genetic control of alfalfa seed yield and its components
Authors: Bolanos‐Aguilar E. D. , Huyghe C. , Djukic D. , Julier B. , Ecalle C.
Published: March 2003

Seed yield is of little agronomic importance in alfalfa (lucerne) but is critical in the marketing of varieties. In order to develop breeding criteria, the quantitative genetics of seed yield components must be studied. The objective of this study was (1) to evaluate combining ability for seed yield and its components and (2) to estimate the genetic control of these same characters. A 7 × 7 diallel mating design, including reciprocals, among parents from different varieties, and a 7 × 7 factorial design within the ‘Flamande’ population were evaluated. In the diallel design, where the progenies were evaluated over two growing seasons, a high genotype effect was found for seed yield and its components while genotype × year interaction was only significant for seed yield per plant. General combining ability (GCA) effects explained most of the variation due to genotype effect. Specific combining ability (SCA) and reciprocal effects were only significant for seed yield per plant. ‘Europe‐1’, ‘Rival‐5’ and ‘Medalfa‐7’ were the most promising parents, conferring the highest GCA for most of the characters evaluated, especially for seed weight per inflorescence. In the factorial design, seed weight per pod was the only character for which the year effect was not significant. Male and female effects were significant for all characters and these effects were larger than the male × female interaction variance for all the characters. These results were stable over the 2 years for most characters. Additive variance was larger than dominance variance, for all traits. This resulted in high narrow‐sense heritabilities, especially for seed yield per plant, seed weight per inflorescence and number of seeds per pod. Seed weight per inflorescence and number of seeds per inflorescence were highly correlated with seed yield per plant among the full‐sib (FS) families, in both experiments. Increase in seed yield potential in alfalfa could be achieved by the use of seed weight per inflorescence as a selection criterion.
Farmers' seed management practices open up new base populations for pearl millet breeding in a semi‐arid zone of India
Authors: Vom Brocke K. , Presterl T. , Christinck A. , Weltzien E. , Geiger R. H. H.
Published: March 2003

Farmers in western Rajasthan (north‐west India) produce and maintain their landrace populations of pearl millet through their own distinct seed management practices. The objective of this study was to characterize morphological and agronomic variability of different traits between and within three farmers' populations using quantitative‐genetic parameters. Populations examined were a typical landrace and two modified landraces, which were generated through farmer introgression of modern varieties with different levels of subsequent selection. From these three populations, 100 random full‐sib progenies were evaluated in field trials at two locations in western Rajasthan over two years. Significant genetic variation existed within the three populations. Estimates of heritability were moderate to high for all observed traits. Predicted selection response for grain yield across environments was 1.6% for the typical landrace and 2.2% for both the modified landraces. Results suggest that the introgression of modern varieties into landraces had increased the genetic diversity. Therefore, farmers' current breeding activities could open up new resources for plant breeding programmes aiming at plant improvement for the semiarid zones of India.