Showing papers by "CABI published in 1992"

Plant Evolution and the Origin of Crop Species

Abstract: Part 1: Evolutionary Processes 1: Chromosome Structure and Genetic Variability 2: Assortment of Genetic Variability 3: The Multifactoral Genome 4: Polyploidy and Gene Duplication 5: Speciation Part 2: Agricultural Origins and Crop Evolution 6: Origins of Agriculture 7: The Dynamics of Plant Domestication 8: Cereal Grains 9: Protein Plants 10: Starchy Staples and Sugars 11: Fruits, Vegetables, Oils and Fibers 12: Postscript: Germplasm Resources a: Ex situ conservation b: In situ conservation

Pneumocystis carinii shows DNA homology with the ustomycetous red yeast fungi.

Abstract: Pneumocystis carinii causes life-threatening pneumonia in T-lymphocyte-immunodeficient subjects in transplant and oncology units or with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Recent DNA homology studies show P. carinii to be a fungus. To investigate the biology and epidemiology of this parasite further, we elected to determine for it a more precise taxonomic assignment within the fungal kingdom. We screened a wide range of organisms representing the major orders of fungi using DNA amplification and subsequently sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial gene encoding the large subunit ribosomal RNA. Our data show that the opportunistic pulmonary pathogen P. carinii is closely related to the ustomycetous red yeast fungi, a group which includes organisms that are extensively distributed throughout the environment and which release many widely dispersed airborne spores.

New species and combinations in the lichen flora of Great Britain and Ireland

Abstract: In support of the Lichen Flora of Great Britain and Ireland, 22 new combinations are made, and the following new species are described: Bacidia subcircumspecta Coppins, B. viridifarinosa Coppins & P. James, Coccotrema citrinescens P. James & Coppins, Eopyrenula avellanae Coppins, E. grandicula Coppins, E. septemseptata Coppins, Fuscidea hibernica P. James & Poelt, Graphis alboscripta Coppins & P. James, Lecidea doliiformis Coppins & P. James, Melaspilea atroides Coppins, Opegrapha fumosa Coppins & P. James, and O. multipuncta Coppins & P. James.

How relevant are house dust mite-fungal interactions in laboratory culture to the natural dust system?

Abstract: Both house dust and house dust mitesDermatophagoides pteronyssinus contained a wider range of fungi than laboratory mite cultures. In total, nine species of fungi were isolated fromD. pteronyssinus in house dust, and these included three xerophilic species (Eurotium amstelodami, Aspergillus penicillioides andWallemia sebi) commonly found in laboratory cultures ofD. pteronyssinus. It is concluded that mites do interact with a similar range of fungi in natural dust and in laboratory culture, but that the diversity of fungal species in the laboratory is reduced and the density of individual fungal species in culture exceeds that of house dust. In a second experiment, dust samples were incubated at room temperature with 75% relative humidity. The diversity of fungi invariably declined from up to 13 genera to the few species recorded in laboratory culture. This suggests that the dominance of xerophilic fungi in laboratory mite rearings is mediated primarily by low relative humidity, and the exclusion of air-borne spores.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the toxic gas hypothesis: microbiological studies of cot mattresses.

Abstract: 1. Fifty infants' mattresses were studied to investigate the occurrence of viable fungal and bacterial propagules, with particular reference to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis which had been suggested to be implicated in SIDS cases. A total of 19 SIDS cases mattresses, 1 non-SIDS death, 20 used controls, and 10 new unused controls were examined. 2. Differences were found between SIDS and used controls in the variety of fungal species isolated and the numbers isolated from fillings; bacterial numbers were similar. 3. S. brevicaulis was isolated from only four mattresses, three of which were SIDS cases. It was not found in most of those on which death had occurred. 4. A number of potentially pathogenic or allergenic fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus, were isolated more frequently from SIDS cases mattresses than new or used controls. 5. Scanning electron microscopy of mattress covers and fillings showed microbial 'biofilms' in the head areas of all SIDS cases examined. This was not seen on other samples. 6. The limited number of mattresses studied and the use of unmatched controls precludes the drawing of any general conclusions as to the significance of the biofilms or other fungi isolated. 7. Reports of the existence of a dimorphism in general growth forms of S. brevicaulis were investigated by growing and transferring authentic strains between a variety of growth media. 8. No 'slimy' state of this fungus was observed and dimorphism was not confirmed.

First record of Phytophthora inflata in the United Kingdom

Abstract: The occurrence of Phytophthora inflata on Sambucus tenuifolium and Syringa vulgaris at a plant nursery in Suffolk, UK is reported. This is the first record of P. inflata since its description in the USA in 1949.

Upgrading of Waste Cereal Straws

Abstract: The UK Government has banned the burning of waste straw after the 1992 harvest. This adds weight to the increasing financial and environmental pressures on farmers to find useful alternatives for d...

First record of Peronospora sparsa on Prunus laurocerasus

Abstract: Peronospora sparsa Berkeley was identified on cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) which was being propagated in four nurseries across England and Wales in 1987. This is the first record of a downy mildew on Prunus laurocerasus.