bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Identification of Entomopathogenic Nematode Isolates from the Philippines and their Biological Control Potential Against Lepidopteran Pests of Corn
Authors: Caoili Barbara L. , Latina Romnick A. , Sandoval Regina Faye C. , Orajay Joey I. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
In search for local entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species as a biological control agent of lepidopterous insect pests of corn, a survey for EPN in the major islands in the Philippines was conducted. Seven EPN populations from 279 soil samples were isolated using Ostrinia furnacalis, the key target insect pest of corn in the country, as bait. Analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA sequence revealed the presence of Steinernema abbasi, Steinernema minutum, Steinernema tami, and Heterorhabditis indica. The pathogenicity of these EPN was tested in Ostrinia furnacalis, Spodoptera litura, and Helicoverpa armigera larvae under laboratory conditions. All the EPN isolates were pathogenic to the lepidopteran species with, H. indica PBCB and S. abbasi MBLB exhibiting the highest virulence (88%–99.33% and 90%–100% mortality, respectively) at 48 hr post infection (HPI) and thus, further studies were done on these two EPN. The highest penetration rate at 48 HPI was observed in H. armigera infected with S. abbasi MBLB (28.15%), while the lowest was in O. furnacalis infected with H. indica PBCB (14.25%). Nonetheless, based on LC50 at 48 HPI, H. indica PBCB was most virulent to S. litura (8.89 IJ per larva), but not significantly different from O. furnacalis (10.52 IJ per larva). Steinernema abbasi MBLB was most virulent to O. furnacalis (10.98 IJ per larva), but not significantly different to S. litura (17.08 IJ per larva). LT50 estimates showed that O. furnacalis was significantly the most susceptible to H. indica PBCB (21.90 hr) and S. abbasi (21.18 hr). Our results suggest that H. indica PBCB and S. abbasi MBLB are good candidates as biological control agents against these insect pests of corn. Moreover, O. furnacalis as alternative bait for EPN was discussed. To date, this is the most extensive research on Philippine EPN, comprised of wide sampling coverage, molecular identification and bioefficacy assays.
Description of Xiphinema parachambersi sp. n. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Imported Ornamental Plants in Japan with a Key to Xiphinema Species in Group 1
Authors: Maria Munawar , Ye Weimin , Yu Qing , Gu Jianfeng 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Xiphinema parachambersi n. sp. recovered in Ningbo, China, from the rhizosphere of ornamental plants (Gardenia jasminoides and Euonymus hamiltonianus) imported from Japan is described. The new species is characterized by a long female body 1,830 to 2,109 μm long, odontostyle 105 to 116 μm long, reproductive system mono-opisthodelphic, vulva located anteriorly at 25.2 to 27.7% of total body, long ovary 119 to 292 μm with simple uterus and Z-organ absent, female tail elongated conoid with a rounded terminus. Only two juvenile stages were available to study and no male was found. The polytomous identification codes for this new species are A1, B4, C2, D23, E1, F2, G2, H2, I2, J2, K?, L1 and it belongs to the morphospecies group 1. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S, ITS1 and 28S D2/D3 sequences of the new species showed close relationships with X. chambersi. Morphologically, the new species is similar to X. chambersi, X. hangzhouense, and X. winotoi but can be differentiated by morphological characters and DNA sequences. To help identify the species, a diagnostic key to the group 1 species is presented.
NMR Analysis Reveals a Wealth of Metabolites in Root-Knot Nematode Resistant Roots of Citrullus amarus Watermelon Plants
Authors: Kantor Mihail , Levi Amnon , Thies Judith , Guner Nihat , Kantor Camelia , Parnham Stuart , Boroujerdi Arezue 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Citrullus amarus (CA) (previously known as Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) accessions collected in southern Africa are known to have resistance to root-knot nematodes (RKN) and are suitable rootstocks for grafted watermelon. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative metabolomics analysis and identify unique metabolites in roots of CA accessions versus roots of watermelon cultivars (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai var. lanatus; CL). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze and compare metabolic profiles of seven CA accessions resistant to RKN along with two RKN-susceptible watermelon cultivars (Charleston Gray and Crimson Sweet). Calculation of the Mahalanobis distance revealed that the CA United States Plant Introduction (PI) 189225 (Line number 1832) and PI 482324 (1849) have the most distinct metabolic profiles compared with the watermelon cultivars Charleston Gray and Crimson Sweet, respectively. Several amino acids identified in the CA accessions were reported in previous studies to have a nematicidal effect. The results in this study indicate that roots of watermelon accessions collected in the wild are rich in metabolic compounds. These metabolic compounds may have been diminished in watermelon cultivars as a consequence of many years of cultivation and selection for desirable fruit qualities.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Labrys filiformis n. sp. (Rhabditida: Tylenchidae) from Iran
Authors: Panahandeh Yousef , Abolafia Joaquín , Pourjam Ebrahim , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Afshar Farahnaz Jahanshahi , Pedram Majid 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Labrys filiformis n. sp., the second species of the rare genus Labrys, was recovered from natural forests of Gilan province and is described based upon morphological and molecular characters. The new species is characterized by its smooth cuticle under light microscopy, lateral field with two incisures forming a single plain band, lip region continuous with body contour, dorso-ventrally flattened and forming four poorly prominent lobes, having a dorso-ventrally narrower protuberant labial plate laterally extended to the amphidial margins, oral area (oral plate) dorso-ventrally elongated and embedded in the labial plate with six small labial sensilla surrounding the slightly prominent oral aperture, amphidial apertures as longitudinally lemniscatic slits bordered by the labial plate extensions which are overlapped at the middle length of amphids, stylet delicate, 6 to 7 µm long, elongate weakly developed fusiform median bulb with weak valve, wide excretory pore with long and heavily sclerotized duct, offset spermatheca filled with small spheroid sperm cells, 106 to 127 µm long elongate-conoid tail with filiform distal region and finely rounded tip. Molecular phylogenetic analyses were performed using a near-full length fragment of the 18S rDNA and the D2–D3 expansion segments of the 28S rDNA using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. In the inferred phylogenetic tree with 18S rDNA, the new species has a close affinity with several isolates of the type species, Labrys chinensis. The reconstructed phylogenetic tree using partial 28S rDNA, revealed the new species is nested inside the putative monophyletic group of several populations of L. chinensis.
Description of Aphelenchoides giblindavisi n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), and Proposal for a New Combination
Authors: Aliramaji Farzad , Pourjam Ebrahim , Álvarez-Ortega Sergio , Afshar Farahnaz Jahanshahi , Pedram Majid 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
One new and one known species of the genus Aphelenchoides from Iran are studied. Aphelenchoides giblindavisi n. sp. is mainly characterized by having five lines in the lateral fields at mid-body, and a single mucro with several tiny nodular protuberances, giving a warty appearance to it, as revealed by detailed scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies. The new species is further characterized by having a body length of 546 to 795 μm in females and 523 to 679 μm in males, rounded lip region separated from the rest body by a shallow depression, 10 to 11 μm long stylet with small basal swellings, its conus shorter than the shaft (m = 36–43), 52 to 69 µm long postvulval uterine sac (PUS), males with 16 to 18 μm long arcuate spicules, and three pairs of caudal papillae. The new species was morphologically compared with two species of the genus having five lines in the lateral fields namely A. paramonovi and A. shamimi and species having a warty-surfaced mucro at tail end and similar morphometric data ranges. The morphological features and morphometrics of the second studied species, A. helicus, agreed well with the data given for the type population. However, detailed study of fresh females revealed it has three drop-shaped stylet knobs and long PUS, making it typologically similar to the genus Robustodorus, meriting its taxonomic revision, i.e., transferring to it. In molecular phylogenetic analyses using partial small and large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU and LSU rDNA) sequences, the new species formed a clade with A. heidelbergi in both SSU and LSU D2-D3 trees. The species A. helicus, however, clustered inside a well-supported clade of the genus Robustodorus in both trees, corroborating its newly proposed taxonomic placement as Robustodorus helicus n. comb.
Nematotoxic coumarins from Angelica pubescens Maxim. f. biserrata Shan et Yuan roots and their physiological effects on Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Guo Qun-Qun , Du Gui-Cai , Li Yong-Xing , Liang Chen-Yan , Wang Chao , Zhang Ya-Nan , Li Rong-Gui 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The ethanol extracts from the roots of Angelica pubescens Maxim. f. biserrata Shan et Yuan was toxic against the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. The ethyl acetate-soluble fraction derived from this extract increased its potency with a mortality of 95.25% in 72 hr at 1.0 mg/mL. Four nematotoxic coumarins were obtained from the ethyl acetate extract by bioassay-guided isolation. These were identified as osthole
1
, columbianadin
2
, bergapten
3
and xanthotoxin 4 by mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data analysis. The LC50 values against B. xylophilus in 72 hr were 489.17, 406.74, 430.08, and 435.66 μM, respectively. These compounds also altered the smooth morphology of the B. xylophilus exoskeleton to a rough and pitted appearance as visualized by electron microscopy. The coumarins
1-4
possessed significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities but had negligible effects on amylase and cellulase. This research provides additional clues to the nematotoxic mechanism of coumarins against the pine wood nematode B. xylophilus. This work will assist in the development of coumarin nematicides with enhanced activity using molecular modifications of the core coumarin structure.
Enhanced entomopathogenic nematode yield and fitness via addition of pulverized insect powder to solid media
Authors: Zhen Shiyu , Li Yang , Hou Yanli , Gu Xinghui , Zhang Limeng , Ruan Weibin , Shapiro-Ilan David 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Beneficial nematodes are used as biological control agents. Low-cost mass production of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) is an important prerequisite toward their successful commercialization. EPNs can be grown via in vivo methods or in sold or liquid fermentation. For solid and liquid approaches, media optimization is paramount to maximizing EPN yield and quality. In solid media, the authors investigated the effects of incorporating pulverized insect powder from larvae of three insects (Galleria mellonella, Tenebrio molitor, and Lucillia sericata) at three dose levels (1, 3, and 5%). The impact of insect powder was assessed on infective juvenile (IJ) yield in solid media. Additionally, IJs produced in solid culture were subsequently assessed for virulence, and progeny production in a target insect, Spodoptera litura. The dose level of larval powder had a significant effect on IJ yield in both trials, whereas insect type had significant effect on IJ yield in trial 1 but not in trial 2. The maximum solid culture yield was observed in T. molitor powder at the highest dose in both trials. Moreover, the time-to-death in S. litura was substantially shortened in trial 1 and in trial 2 when IJs from the T. molitor powder treatment were applied. There was no significant effect of combining two insect powders relative to addition of powder from a single insect species. These findings indicate that addition of insect powder to solid media leads to high mass production yields, and the fitness of the IJs produced (e.g., in virulence and reproductive capacity) can be enhanced as well.
Improved 18S small subunit rDNA primers for problematic nematode amplification
Authors: Carta L. K. , Li S. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The 18S small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA sequence is one of the most useful molecular loci for identification and phylogeny reconstruction of agriculturally important nematodes. Various pairs of universal primers have been developed in the past to amplify short and long nematode sequences. However, certain nematode taxa were not readily amplified and/or sequenced with the existing primer tools. Frequently, the center region of a roughly 1,000 nucleotide segment would be lost. Therefore new primers were developed based on a very large 276 taxon alignment of 124 agriculturally important nematode species, and tested on problematic nematode taxa such as Aphelenchoides, Bursaphelenchus, Ditylenchus, and Panagrolaimus. New primers and protocols are provided for successful generation of sequences useful in future investigations of nematode systematics.
First report of Bursaphelenchus antoniae from Pinus strobus in the U.S.
Authors: Carta Lynn K. , Wick R. L. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Juvenile, female and male nematodes were discovered in wood chips of white pine Pinus strobus from Ashley Falls, MA. Initial observations suggested these nematodes might be PWN, but closer morphological and molecular characterization proved otherwise. Comparison of measured features with those in the literature indicated this nematode population had some unique characteristics. The specimens were identified as Bursaphelenchus antoniae Penas et al., 2006 based on 18S rDNA molecular sequence vs only 95% similarity with PWN B. xylophilus. Compared to the previously described Portuguese population of B. antoniae, the sequences generated for the MA population were 98.3% similar in the ITS1, 2 rDNA and 99.9% similar for 28S rDNA. There was 99.2% similarity between the COI sequences of the US and Portuguese isolates of B. antoniae. This population has morphology consistent with that of Penas et al., 2006; however, the female tail on this MA pine population is mucronate and more attenuated than in B. antoniae from Portuguese P. pinaster found in association with Hylobius sp. Ecological associations of both populations of B. antoniae are discussed.
Five life stage-specific transcriptome assemblies for the reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford & Oliveira
Authors: Showmaker Kurt C. , Sanders William S. , den Akker Sebastian Eves-van , Martin Brigitte E. , Callahan Franklin E. , Peterson Daniel G. , Wubben Martin J. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford and Oliveira) is a semi-endoparasitic nematode that is a pathogen of numerous major crops such as cotton and soybean. Here, the authors present transcriptome assemblies of the egg, second-stage juvenile (J2), J3, vermiform adult, and sedentary female life stages of this important plant pathogen.
Effector gene vap1 based DGGE fingerprinting to assess variation within and among Heterodera schachtii populations
Authors: Nuaima Rasha Haj , Roeb Johannes , Hallmann Johannes , Daub Matthias , Otte Sandra , Heuer Holger 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Populations of beet cyst nematodes Heterodera schachtii vary in aggressiveness and virulence toward sugar beet varieties, but also in traits like host range, or decline rate in the field. Diversity of their essential pathogenicity gene vap1 is shaped by diversifying selection and gene flow. The authors developed a technique to study inter-population variation and intra-population diversity and dynamics of H. schachtii based on the gene vap1. Degenerate primers were designed to amplify, clone, and sequence this gene from diverse species and populations of cyst nematodes. This resulted in a high diversity of sequences for H. schachtii, and allowed to design non-degenerated primers to amplify a fragment suitable for sequence dependent separation of gene variants in denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The developed primers span a highly variable intron and part of a slightly variable exon. A marker comprised of the 14 mostly detected gene variants was established for gel-to-gel comparisons. For individual juveniles up to six gene variants were resolved and substantial variation within and among cysts was observed. A fast and easy DNA extraction procedure for 20 pooled cysts was established, which provided DGGE patterns with high similarity among replicate samples from field populations. Permutation tests on pairwise similarities within and among populations showed significant differences among vap1 patterns of field populations of H. schachtii. Similarly, gene diversity as expressed by the Shannon index was statistically different among field populations. In conclusion, the DGGE technique is a fast and – compared to sequencing approaches – inexpensive tool to compare populations of H. schachtii and link observed biological characteristics to genetic pattern.
First report of Pratylenchus vulnus associated with apple in Tunisia
Authors: Chihani-Hammas Noura , Hajji-Hedfi Lobna , Regaieg Hajer , Larayedh Asma , Badiss Ahmed , Qing Yu , Najet Horrigue-Raouani 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
The root-lesion nematode of the genus Pratylenchus Filipjev (1936) has a worldwide distribution and cause severe production constraints on numerous important crops. In 2013-14, during a survey of the apple nurseries and orchards in center of Tunisia (Kairouan, Zaghouan, Monastir and Kasserine), 70 different roots and soil samples were collected. The populations of root-lesion nematode were identified on the basis of their morphological and morphometric characters, and by molecular methods. Microscopic observation of females and males demonstrated the occurrence of Pratylenchusd vulnus on apple trees. The ribosomal DNA D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA and of the Pratylenchus populations were PCR amplified and sequenced. The sequences were compared with those of Pratylenchus species in the GenBank database with high similarity (99%). This comparison reconfirmed the morphological identifications. Phylogenetic studies placed those populations with P. vulnus. This is the first report of P. vulnus infecting apple in Tunisia.
Trends in major climatic parameters and sensitivity of evapotranspiration to climatic parameters in the eastern Himalayan region of Sikkim, India
Authors: Patle G. T. , Sengdo D. , Tapak M. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
In this study, temporal trends in daily time series data of key climatic parameters were analyzed using Mann–Kendall and Sen's slope estimator. Sensitivity analysis of each climatic parameter on reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was performed to estimate the sensitivity coefficients and to evaluate the impact of global warming on ETo in the eastern Himalayan region of Sikkim, India. Results of trend analysis showed a significant increasing trend for minimum temperature and mean temperature. Mean relative humidity and sunshine duration showed decreasing trends. Reference evapotranspiration also showed a significant decreasing trend by 0.008 mm year–1 in Sikkim state of India. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the seasonal and annual ETo were most sensitive to maximum temperature followed by sunshine hours whereas wind speed, minimum temperature and relative humidity had a fluctuating effect on mean ETo. The sensitivity coefficient indicated that ETo changes positively with maximum and minimum temperature, sunshine hour, and wind speed, while it changes negatively with relative humidity. Analysis indicated that increase in relative humidity would decrease the ETo in the study area. The findings of this study would be useful for sustainable water resources planning and management of agriculture in hilly regions of the state and for development of adaptation strategies in adverse climatic conditions.
The Therapeutic Effect of Nigella sativa Seed on Indomethacin-induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats
Authors: Paseban Maryam , Niazmand Saeed , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Meibodi Naser T. , Abbasnezhad Abbasali , Mousavi Seyed M. , Niazmand Mohammad J. 
Published: January 2019

Background:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to relieve
pain and reduce inflammation. However, gastric complications remain a major problem limiting their
clinical usage. This study was carried out to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Nigella sativa seed
(N. sativa seed) hydroalcoholic extract on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats and its possible
mechanism.

Methods:
This study was carried out on forty-eight male Wistar rats. Gastric ulcer was induced by
indomethacin (35 mg/kg). N. sativa seed extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and ranitidine (50 mg/kg)
was administered orally for five days after ulcer induction. Ulcer index, gastric acid secretion, gastric
mucus content, total thiol, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total hexose, and protein content in gastric
juice were determined.

Results:
The ulcer index in groups of N. sativa seed was significantly lower as compared to indomethacin
group. N. sativa seed significantly decreased MDA and protein content, but increased total
thiol, total hexose, and mucus content as compared to indomethacin group. N. sativa seed did not affect
gastric acid secretion.

Conclusion:
These findings showed that the gastroprotective effect of N. sativa seed against indomethacin-
induced ulcer was mainly exerted by antioxidant activity, stimulation of gastric mucus secretion
and also increased total hexose in the gastric mucosa.
Screening of Actinomycetes For α-amylase Inhibitors Production
Authors: Chandwad Shivabai , Gutte Sudhakar 
Published: January 2019

Background:Diabetes mellitus is the most common and fastest growing disease in the world. One of the therapies to treat diabetes is the inhibition of α-amylase activity by inhibitors from microbial and plant source. Actinomycetes are potential sources of enzyme inhibitors, drugs, amino acids, vitamins etc.Objective:Our work mainly highlights the isolation of actinomycetes from soil samples of different habitats and screening of α -amylase inhibitors.Methods:Actinomycetes were isolated from soil samples of different habitats by different methods; these include a variety of pre-treatment of soil samples in combination with an appropriate supplement medium with selective antibacterial agents. Isolated actinomycetes grown in fermentation condition and metabolites were extracted with Isopropyl alcohol and concentrated to obtain solid material. The extract of each isolate was tested for α -amylase inhibition using starch Iodine plate method and DNS- spectroscopic method.Results:Total 110 actinomycetes strains were isolated from various sources. Among 110 extracts of actinomycetes, eight extracts have shown positive results for α-amylase inhibition in starch Iodine plate assay method. Extracts selected from primary results were used for the confirmation of inhibitory activity using DNS- spectroscopic method. Out of eight extracts, six extracts showed Porcine pancreatic α -amylase inhibitory activity ranging from 40-86%. The actinomycetes strains that produce α -amylase inhibitory activity are A-24, A-29, B-5, B-18, C-15 and D-24.Conclusion:These results show that actinomycetes are a potential source for α -amylase inhibitors, which may lead to valuable novel drugs for diabetic treatment.